Posted by: Paul G.
Intro
Home of the mighty Danube river, incredible thermal baths, and some of the best food in Europe, Budapest is truly one of the most magical cities in the world. Budapest is a city steeped in both history and culture, a perfect blend of antiquity and modernity.
During one stroll down the Danube Promenade, you will undoubtedly encounter people from all around the world from all different backgrounds. The people, however, are not the only living and breathing inhabitants of Budapest, the architecture is truly a living part of the city. The architecture in Budapest is like nowhere else in the world and is one of the reasons it’s such a joy to photograph.
Thankfully Budapest's skyline, unlike many other capital cities is unspoiled by skyscrapers and concrete monstrosities, this has allowed the city to maintain its authentic feel and is one of the reasons it feels so magical. One of the special things about Budapest from a photographer’s perspective is its versatility, the city does not have a "golden/blue hour" or a "Peak season" regardless of the time, Budapest always has a special beautiful moment ready to be captured.
Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most iconic monuments in Budapest. The striking UNESCO world heritage site has stood proudly in the centre of the city since the early 19th century, however, the walls upon which it stands are believed to be over 300 years old. The Fisherman Bastion is one of Budapest’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
This awe-inspiring piece of architecture undoubtedly offers the best views available in the city, an absolute treat for any inspiring photographer. When shooting the Fishermans Bastion itself, the prime time is the early hours of the morning. During sunrise at blue hour, at around 5 AM, this allows for the perfect lighting which truly accentuates this beautiful building.
The magic of Budapest
The feeling you get while strolling around Budapest is something you can't put into words. It is not something you can describe, it's something that can only be experienced. One of my favourite things to do in Budapest is to take a walk down the river embankment at sunset. With every step, something else amazing appears on the horizon and as a photographer, this leads to endless opportunities.
On a typical summer evening, you will find groups of both tourists and locals mingling on the banks alongside a variety of picturesque monuments making it the perfect storm for a photographer. I love photographing in Budapest as no matter where or when there's always something beautiful ready to be captured. The vibe in the city, especially in summer, is incredibly relaxed and welcoming, the people are friendly and accommodating, the scenery is beautiful and the food is delicious!
There are not many cities in Europe that have the same variety which Budapest offers, whether night or day there's always a bridge, statue, building or group of people ready to be photographed and that's why, as a photographer, I want to keep on coming back. When photographing in Budapest I recommend getting up early at around sunrise to catch the best lighting. The lighting at this time is truly magical, just like the city itself.
The magnificent Hungarian parliament
The Hungarian parliament is one of the most spectacular buildings in Europe and is the seat of the national assembly of Hungary. Influenced by the Maria vom Siege church in Vienna, this astonishing piece of neo-gothic architecture was eventually completed in 1902. This beautiful building is also one of my favourite things to photograph. The photo above is truly special and like any good thing, it didn’t come easily.
To capture this incredible photo we had to traverse several obstacles, the most prominent being the 20-foot boat blocking my view! Having woken up at 3 AM just to get this shot, we weren't going to let a measly boat get in my way. Subsequently, we decided to sneak onto the boat itself while under the watchful eye of 2 security guards. Once on the boat I managed to capture the image you see above, we did eventually get escorted off the boat, but in my opinion, the photo itself made it worth it!
This image is one of my favourites and is available in high-quality custom framed print on my store if you're looking for a picture to enhance any living or office environment.
Legendary Trams
Budapest's tram network is one of the oldest in the world and has been in operation since 1866. Covering a whopping 174 KM, trams are one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. As well as being incredibly convenient, the trams have become a notorious image and iconic for Budapest itself. The contrast between the stark yellow trams and the traditional industrial background does create some magnificent images.
Underground Stations
Similar to Budapest's notorious tram network, the underground is a great way to get around the city. However, unlike other metropolitan cities, Budapest's underground stations utilise beautiful contemporary architecture. The underground stations in Budapest are like no other in the world, the stations are famous for their use of colourful steel panels, concrete and mosaics that add lots of character and almost make you think you’re at an art gallery rather than an underground station!
Bridges
Beautiful bridges are a common sight in most European cities however in Budapest you are spoilt for choice. In total 8 bridges cross the Danube, each of which has its unique style and character, the eldest being the chain bridge which was built in 1849. The bridges look incredible when photographed both day and night. Despite this, I recommend trying to capture these incredible feats of engineering in the early hours of the morning during sunrise.
