The highlight of the upcoming Hungarian bank holiday, St. Stephen’s Day, is the fireworks. Whether you are averse to them or await them with childlike joy, you are not alone. Either way, they are a yearly tradition that prompts people to travel long distances for viewing. If you belong to this group, read on, as we’ve got some tips for you on where to watch the spectacular display on August 20th.
This year’s fireworks will consist of around 40,000 pyrotechnic effects fired from multiple locations. Under the direction of 50 pyrotechnicians, the fireworks will be set off on 7 boats, 65 pontoons, as well as on the Elizabeth Bridge and the Liberty Bridge. The spectacle will stretch from Margaret Bridge to Petőfi Bridge over the Danube, a distance of about 4.5 km. The experience will be enhanced by 800 drones projecting onto the Parliament, the National Gallery, and Gellért Hill.
Here’s where to watch the spectacle from
Most people will probably gather on Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge, and Petőfi Bridge, but you can expect equally large crowds on the quays. The organisers of St. Stephen’s Day offer five other locations for fireworks watchers. Gül Baba’s Tomb, easily and quickly accessible from the city centre, offers a breathtaking panorama of both the Danube and the city.
The Gellért Hill can be an equally good destination, including the Philosopher’s Garden, where atmospheric live music adds to the brightness of the evening and – to be stylish – the fireworks. On the Pest side, the organisers recommend the park area between the Bálna and Petőfi bridges, the Nehru part. But you can also go a little further afield: the Széchenyi Monument and Lookout on Svábhegy or the Sashegy Visitor Centre, just a stone’s throw away, which is open to disabled people and their accompanying persons only on this evening, subject to prior registration.
Sticking to the Buda hills, there will be equally great views from the Elizabeth Lookout on János Hill and the spherical lookout on the Three Border Mountain. But returning to the city, not far from Gül Baba’s Tomb (mentioned earlier), you’ll find the Mansfeld Péter Park, another perfect viewing area. But there are also several excellent fireworks observation points on Gellért Hill. There are great views from the park on the north side, as well as from the Citadel and its surroundings. Other great spots include the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Pest side of Buda Castle, and the Várkert Bazár below the Castle.
Budapest is slowly becoming a rooftop megalopolis, meaning you can also watch the fireworks from these places. The White Raven Skybar & Lounge, at the top of the Hilton Budapest in Buda Castle, invites you to watch the fireworks while dining. The 360 Bar’s celebration party will feature a DJ from New York. SOLID Budapest in Király Pál Street will also be celebrating on August 20th with champagne and an exclusive menu. There is also a great view of the fireworks from the St. Andrea Wine & Skybar on Váci Street. And for those who want to watch the fireworks while partying, we recommend the A38 Ship, where the Lick The Click! team will host a party in two locations: on the bow terrace and the roof terrace.
