Budapest is a photographer’s dream, with its layers of history and smorgasbord of stunning architecture. Here are some of our top tips for shooting the Hungarian capital, from capturing its iconic landmarks at sunset to discovering lesser-known spots around the city.
Shooting Budapest at the Blue Hour
The most magical time to take photos in any city is during the ‘blue hour’. These moments in the morning and evening when light has a very distinctive soft blue colour are perfect for photographing cityscapes, particularly famous buildings like the Parliament Building or Fisherman’s Bastion. However, this special light is only available for a very short amount of time so it’s best to either pick one spot and stick to it or move around and find a different perspective or angle on the same monument or square.
If you’re looking for a new way to capture the famous buildings of the city, try experimenting with long exposures or tilt-shift photography. These techniques are ideal for bringing out details that would be otherwise difficult to see with the naked eye. It’s also a great opportunity to play with the depth of field and create blurry backgrounds or foregrounds.
Capture Budapest at Night
Once the sun goes down, the city lights up and is transformed into a dazzling display of colours and reflections. The Parliament building, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion look especially beautiful when illuminated, as do many of the streets and squares around the city. Using a tripod and experiment with different settings is essential for capturing sharp and vibrant night shots.
Indulge in Budapest’s Bath Culture
Taking a break from snapping photos of historical sites, why not pause at a local market, join the local Hungarians for their evening stroll or pop into a crowded cafe to capture the authentic spirit of Budapest’s people? By immersing yourself in the local culture, you can capture meaningful photographs that will help your memories of the city last a lifetime.
The Szechenyi Baths are the largest medicinal baths in Europe and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The public baths are open to all genders and age groups and are a place where families, friends and couples come together to relax. Take a guided tour of the baths with an experienced guide to learn more about their history and traditions.
Churchill Shooting Range
For a truly memorable experience, head to the Churchill Shooting range for a day of fun and excitement. The range can accommodate beginners and experts alike and offers a huge selection of weapons, including everything from an Uzi to sniper class weapons. Prices vary depending on which package you choose and all participants will receive safety instruction in English before their session begins.
Budapest has been featured in a number of famous films and TV shows, from the classic ladies-in-love Tyrone Power to the Disney+ original miniseries Lady Dynamite. The following are just a few of the most memorable. shooting Budapest
