Budapest Photo Gallery - Fisherman's Bastion

The Castle District has numerous spots where you can see the city and the Danube, but what makes Fisherman's Bastion unique is its elevated platform and shapes that are excellent frames for your social media posts.

Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Neo-Romanesque structure was designed to reflect the time of the first Hungarian king in the year 1000. Its 7 towers represent the 7 Hungarian chiefs who settled in today's Hungary in 895. But it didn't serve a military purpose as by then, the castle area was already not a defensive structure. This was meant to be a viewing terrace for the people.

One theory on why it was named after fishermen was their role in protecting this section of castle walls during medieval times. The guild of fishermen lived in Fishtown, or Watertown, which was located between the castle and the Danube, so when there is battle, they would head uphill to defend the city.

The upper platform requires an admission charge for most of the day. If you go early enough (before 9am) or very late (after 9pm during the summer), it is free to enter.

The views from the lower level, which are free, are just as good and you also get similar views from further down the Castle District near the Hungarian National Gallery as well as from the Citadel.

The scene does turn magical as the lights turn on at around 9pm in mid-June, and it was quite busy despite being a weeknight.

I returned the next morning for another look. If you want to visit during the day, the morning light will shine on the historic structure and grand church next to it, but for the best view of the Pest side, you should go in the afternoon when the sun will be behind you. Perhaps lunch time would be a good compromise?