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Bird’s eye view of Budapest

© Haragos Pal

Budapest has a unique geographical arrangement, the Pest side is plain, but the Buda side is hilly. There are lots of lookout points where you can enjoy the landscape of the Hungarian capital. Only a few capitals has so excellent panorama as Budapest.

River Danube flows 100 m above sea level. In this article I show you some interesting places where you can find its high above the level of River Danube.

Budapest has not high skyscrapers, the high of buildings are almost unified, and there are 4-5 storey apartment houses in the city centre. Famous buildings would be easily discovering for its characteristic towers and ornaments. River Danube and its bridges help you for orientate. From higher lookout points you can see the whole city as a three dimension living map. The best panoramas are from Buda Hills' natural heights.

Buda side

János-Hill (Elisabeth lookout tower) (427 m)

János-Hill is the highest point of Budapest. The lookout tower (24 m high), it has four circle shape terraces. Frigyes Schulek built it in 1910. In case of good weather you can see up to 75-77 km. Approach: Children Railway or chair-lift

Castle Hill 50-60 m

Terrace of Buda Castle, in front of National Gallery, is above the Danube (45 m). Frigyes Schulek built fishermen's Bastion next to Matthias church in 1902 as well. From the upper terrace (55-60 m) you can see Pest side of Budapest between Árpad bridge (north) and the new National Theatre at Lágymányosi bridge (south). From Toth Árpád promenade on the west side of the Castle Hill visitors can see Déli railway station, Rózsa Hill, and Buda Hills with its forests and houses. Approach: Cable railway, Minibus from Moszkva Square, No 16 bus

Gellert Hill (135 m)

Gellert Hill is situated at the bank of River Danube. Its eastern part is (Danube side) stepp promontory. At the top and on its eastern side are lookout terraces. At the Citadella, which was built in 1851 on the top of Gellert Hill, you can enjoy the Beautiful panorama of city centre and River Danube. I often see tram No 2 how run at the upper quay of Pest side between the Parliament and Petöfi Bridge. Approach: No 27 bus

Hármashatár Hill (390 m)

Harmashatar Hill is in the horth part of Budapest above Obuda. There are many walking pass from Pilis and Hüvösvölgy. When you reach the top of hill, you can find there a full panorama of Budapest. Castle Hill and Gellert Hill are little hillocks and River Danube is a sparkling silver ribbon. When you arrive after sunset you can discover lights of Budapest. In case of good weather visitors can see up to 70 km.