If you’ve ever heard Budapest being described as a ‘fairytale city’ it’s because of this place; Fisherman’s Bastion.
Fisherman’s Bastion is in Budapest’s Castle District located next to Matthias Church on the Buda side of the city. This gorgeous, neo-Gothic viewing platform is dramatically medieval looking and provides one of the best viewing spots in Budapest (read: Best selfie spot in the city!)
Just behind you is Matthias Church – which is just as incredible on the inside as it is from the outside – and not far away is Buda Castle. In front of you is a panoramic view across all of Pest and the Danube River. You can see the famous Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge to link the two cities and create the bond that brought them together. Your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the city’s most famous building, the Hungarian Parliament Building.
And if you ever tire of those views, just walk between the 7 turrets and feel as though you’ve stepped directly into a Disney Film. I was half expecting a handsome prince to come galloping along on his white steed.
Fisherman’s Bastion may have been built in the 19th century but I’m sure it was built with photographers in mind. Elle and I were practically squealing in delight when we arrived and just wanted to take all the photos! Each angle provides a perfect frame over the city and the morning sunlight streams through just like it does in the movies.
Travel Hack Tips for visiting Fisherman’s Bastion
Get there EARLY!
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most visited places in Budapest so get there early to avoid the crowds. It’s open 24/7 so there’s really no such thing as too early. These photos were taken at 7.30am and there wasn’t another tourist in sight. Fast forward 2 hours and it was swamped with snappy happy travellers all battling for the perfect selfie spot while poking eyes out with selfie sticks.
Another benefit of arriving early to Fisherman’s Bastion is that you’ll get that beautiful early morning sunlight. If you’re visiting in the winter you’ll find the skies are often grey and dull so make the most of the magic hours.
Visit Matthius Church
You don’t need to pay to visit Fisherman’s Bastion but you do need to pay to go inside Matthius Church. If it’s a rainy day and you’re a church fan then I’d definitely recommend going inside – it’s beautiful. I’m a big fan of churches, I just love how peaceful they are and I could stare at the ornate décor all day. Plus, it was pouring down with rain the day we visited so it was a nice break from the cold!
Stay nearby
If you’re looking for a hotel near Fisherman’s Bastion then I’d recommend Baltazar Budapest. This luxurious but quirky boutique hotel is less than 10 minutes away (full review coming soon).
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Beautiful photos! When I went to Budapest in March 2013 it was unseasonably snowy and it was foggy & grey, nothing like what you experienced.
Always a pleasure to be in Budapest, amazing city
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I would have loved to be there while there was snow though! It actually was pretty grey a lot of the time we were there too but the early mornings were gorgeous. Well worth getting up for.
Budapest is somewhere I’d really love to go to – I’m looking forward to reading your posts.
You should definitely go there Angie, it’s gorgeous! It’s also really affordable so you can do luxe on a budget!
Budapest is one of my favorite cities in the world! I am happy that to get by train from Bratislava to Budapest is less than 3 hours! I remember many funny & romantic moments from Budapest – this amazing city! I celebrated 25th birthday, New Year’s Eve and 2nd anniversary with my boyfriend. Each time in Budapest is very special! I am happy that you enjoyed your time there! 🙂
You’re so lucky to be so close. It sounds like you’ve had some lovely times there already.
SO beautiful! If we had more time during our trip to Budapest, I definitely would’ve gotten up earlier to beat the rest of the tourists. It was one of the highlights of our time there!
It was a real struggle to get up and go out in the cold at 6.30am but I’m so glad we did!
TAKE ME BACK! It’s so stunning, and the rain just made it all reflecty and beautiful.
Great pics x
OK, let’s go back. Maybe a Travel Hack’s summer trip to Budapest!?
FINE. You’ve twisted my arm. 😉
So so SO gorgeous, beautiful photos!! 🙂 I’ve already told my boyfriend that we’ll be getting up at 6am one day to do this – not sure he’s overly pleased, but I’m sure he’ll love it when he gets there 😉 x
He’ll hate you for it for about 20 minutes and then he’ll see that view and he’ll be so happy he got up early! That’s what we were like anyway 😉
Off there in 2 weeks Monica and haven’t been for nearly a decade so I’m loving the reminder – and I’m definitely not a morning person but might have to set quite a few alarms if it means I can capture these beautiful views without the crowds!
Beautiful pictures! I always remember having a particularly delicious hot chocolate in a cafe at the Fisherman’s Bastion – enjoying those gorgeous views. Would love to get back to Budapest sometime.
Love that city!
And the Matthias Church was recently restored. It’s stunning!
Pics look pretty cool! I’m looking for a romantic place to enjoy this summer, hope i got it.Thanks for sharing the photos, I think Budapest will get into my wishlist.