The most famous viewpoints are Castle Hill and Gellért Hill (Citadella) .

Citadella
When it went up in 1854, the Citadella was the most despised structure in the city. The Austrians built this fortress on Gellért Hill to keep Budapest under their thumb and prevent a repeat of the 1848 Revolution. When the imperial army withdrew from the fortress, the Hungarians made symbolic breaks in the walls to show that the building was no longer a threat. Rising above the Citadella is the 14m-tall Liberation Monument. The inscription, which once paid tribute to the Soviet Red Army, has been historically sanitised for your protection: it now honours those who laid down their lives for 'Hungary's prosperity' [?]. Admission: 300 Ft

Castle Hill, Royal Palace
Here, in the mid-13th century, a palace was built for the kings of Hungary. It was reconstructed in glorious Renaissance style by King Matthias. But during the Turkish occupation, the building was neglected, and during the siege of 1686 it was completely destroyed. The Habsburg monarchs rebuilt the Royal Palace on this site but never occupied it for long, preferring to remain in Vienna. Between the two world wars the regent, Admiral Horthy, resided in the Palace. It was destroyed in the siege of Budapest and remained in ruins for decades. Today there are no royal residences left to visit: instead, the palace is home to several state museums and the National Library.

Some more places worth visiting are:

The look-out tower on János-hegy

The tower is situated at the highest point over the city, on top of the 529 metre high János-hegy or John Hill. Four platforms, one above the other, encircle the wall of the tower. On an average day visitors can see places 75 kilometres away in all directions, but on especially clear days some have even seen the High Tatra Mountains, 215 kilometres away. The best way to get there is by Bus 190 or the Chairlift.

The terrace of the restaurant Bellevue,

Marriott Hotel (on the bank of the Danube ) The restaurant is on the 10th floor of the hotel. Only for patrons of the restaurant.

The look-out tower on József-hegy

(II. Józsefhegyi út) This small look-out tower, built in brown stone, is neither very well known nor in very good shape. There is a full view of the city with all the bridges, the Danube Bend and all the Buda hills. The easiest way to get there is by Buses 91 or 191. I hope the neo-Nazi graffiti will have gone by the time you get there.

Margit híd - the 'elbow'

At the 'elbow' of the bridge, opposite the island, as close to the river as possible. This is a breathtaking, unusual view, a kind of third panorama of the river. Anglers might obstruct your view in every season.

Martinovics-hegy

(at the top of XII. Gaál József út) From this 259-metre high hill there is an unusual view of the city, especially of Castle Hill. In fact the top of the hill is a nature reserve almost directly above the busy Moszkva tÉr. It is also a favourite rendezvous for dog owners and their dogs. Dusk, when streetlamps are being lit, is an especially pleasant time to walk up here. Fifteen minutes from Moszkva tÉr on foot.

Árpád tower

Best to get there by Bus 11 and then walk up Látó hegyi út from the terminus. A charming spot, unknown to non-Hungarian tourists or travellers. The tower itself has echoes of the rural folk architecture of Transdanubia.

The Dome of Budapest Cathedral

(the 'Basilica') (V. Szent István tÉr) Opened relatively recently, the lower observation deck around the dome is still not known to Budapest people. There are 302 steps (a lift takes the weaklings all along to the top now). Some steps after 200 the scene changes: you climb out of a specially built tube into the inside of the dome, in a wrought iron construction. Then you get to the space between the inside and the outside of the dome ó quite a thrilling experience. The panorama outside will keep you amazed for at least fifteen minutes. Take your time, and try to discover the hidden sights that are always kept secret from ordinary mortals. Don't forget about the Drop on top of the Nationale Nederlanden building, and other delicacies. (For more about the church see 'Walk Two'.-Only from 1 April to 15 October.)