Fisherman's Bastion is one of the best known landmarks of Budapest, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from its neo-Roman terraces. The Bastion looks like it is straight out of a fairytale and has been one of the World Heritage-listed sites of Budapest since 1987.
Designed by architect Frigyes Schulek, the Fisherman's Bastion was built around 1900 to commemorate the fishermen who protected this part of the city in mediaeval times.
The white-stoned structure is a combination of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture and consists of turrets, projections, parapets and climbing stairways. Each of the seven towers symbolises one of the seven Magyar tribes that, in 896 AD, settled in the area now known as Hungary.
The view from Fisherman's Bastion is considered by many to be one of the city's best, topped only by the panoramas on offer at Gellert Hill and Buda Castle. When you're at Fisherman's Bastion, see if you can spot other Budapest landmarks including St Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament building, and the Chain Bridge that connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River.
The main façade of the structure, running parallel to the Danube, is approximately 140 metres long, enabling you to take in the view with a short stroll.
The view from the Bastion is wonderful both in the day and night. Om a summer night, this is one of the most romantic spots in all of Budapest – it's less crowded and the lights of Budapest glow and reflect off the river.
Restaurant, cafe & admission
The Fisherman's Bastion Restaurant is located at the right-hand side of the structure, behind the Matthias Church. It's open year-round from 10am until 10pm and offers a view of the acclaimed Budapest panorama. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace that is open from the spring through to autumn. Every afternoon, guests sit back and relax to the tunes of a Gypsy band playing international and Hungarian favourites.
The lower deck is accessible for free, there is a small fee of 450 Ft (approx. 2 AUD) to access the upper viewing terrace.
