As the crispy morning air is warmed by rays of autumn sun, daytime illumination plays vibrant shades on the Budapest landscape, its changing foliage now dressed in yellow, red and orange hues. During this time, certain city sights are particularly photogenic, from Pest parklands to pretty Margaret Island and the rolling Buda hills. Here are seven of the most mesmerising spots to snap around this season.

Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park

Walk around the City Park lake, taking in its duck population, then proceed towards fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle to get into a real autumn Zen mode. Allow for a few photo stops along this reinvigorating stroll.


Tóth Árpád sétány

Spanning two of Buda Castle’s round bastions, this picturesque promenade is flanked by horse-chestnut and Japanese cherry trees that now add to the majestic vistas.


Margaret Island

Whether you are here for a jog along the island’s rubberised running track or just to get away from the city buzz for a while, this bucolic parkland bisecting the Danube is a beautiful destination to snap year-round. Visit its peaceful Japanese Garden at the island’s northern tip.


Low-tide tip of Margaret Island

Due to sinking water levels in the Danube, rare sights have emerged along the riverbed, including parts of Margaret Island that are usually underwater. This curious phenomenon has recently been appearing in many photographs, including dazzling drone images by Péter Kálló.


ELTE Botanical Garden

While spring is best to admire the blooming Japanese cherry trees, winter the enticingly pleasantly heated palm house, autumn is when the ELTE Botanical Garden shows its multi-coloured side, thanks to the rare plants found around this District VIII hangout.


Danube Promenade

Standing near Elizabeth Bridge on this riverside walkway offers far-reaching vistas over Gellért Hill across the Danube. During autumn, the hill appears as a flamboyant feature, before winter turns this elevated site into bare landscape.


Buda hills