After a carefully planned five-year intervention, this once royal palace opened its doors to welcome the most discerning of travelers, those who won’t just settle with anything other than the best. Boasting scenic views of the iconic Elizabeth Bridge, the Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a destination on its own. To begin with, this exclusive baroque property, the brainchild of Princess Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and glorified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers 111 rooms and 19 suites, all reflecting a classic modern design and the highest standards. To our joy, many also unveil magnificent vistas of the Danube and Buda, just across the river. In line with Budapest’s reputation for thermal baths, a visit to the hotel’s Swan Spa accounts for a reviving experience, particularly welcomed after a long day exploring this imperial city. The final genius stroke takes the signature of Michelin Starred Chef Wolfgang Pack, who oversees all the hotel’s three dining venues. As fans of impressive views, our last word goes to the Elizabeth Bridge-facing The Duchess, the hotel’s private rooftop bar, where signature cocktails are best enjoyed next to one of Europe’s most idyllic cityscapes. The Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is strategically located in the heart of Belváros, directly at Váci utca, Budapest’s ever-busy artery that spoils visitors for choice with its multiple shops, markets, cafés, and restaurants.

HOTEL VIEW: ELIZABETH BRIDGE, DANUBE RIVER, BUDA CASTLE, CITADELLA, BUDAPEST INNER-CITY MOTHER CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION

Address: 1056 Budapest, Váci utca 36

Picture a glorious palace with mesmerizing river views. This combination makes the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest proud, apart from being one of the most desirable properties in Eastern Europe. Romantic souls visiting the Hungarian capital are drawn to this exclusive gem not only to experience being treated like royalty but also for its splendid rooms and suites, many with balconies that allow direct views of the iconic Chain Bridge and the Danube. Perhaps those river views will make you long for a swim? In that case, we’re sure the hotel’s impressive indoor infinity pool will fulfill the desire. Also worth a mention is the hotel’s famous brasserie Kollázs, a gastronomic reference in the city where mouthwatering delicacies range from signature cakes to perfectly cooked meat dishes. The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is ideally located in the city’s affluent District of Lipótváros, within walking distance of many of Budapest’s attractions, such as St. Stephen's Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, CHAIN BRIDGE, BUDA CASTLE

Address: 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6.

Anyone who visits Budapest for the first soon learns this is a city that likes to impress. In that spirit, we are pleased to introduce you to the five-star Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, located in the most prestigious area of Belváros, just across the street from the iconic Matild Palace and moments away from the Danube. Upon entering the premises for the first time, guests can’t stop staring at the sumptuous looks of the hotel, where Moorish, Arabic, and Oriental influences come together to embellish one of Budapest’s architectural gems. In this case, we must admit the interior views outweigh the external ones; still, should you opt to reserve a corner suite, you’ll find yourself in a luxurious suite with romantic views of Budapest buildings, including the Inner-City Church of the Franciscans. Last but not least, we should add that no visit to the hotel is complete without sipping a drink or enjoying a light meal at the on-site Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie.

HOTEL VIEW: PÁRISI PASSAGE, MATILD PALACE, INNER-CITY CHURCH OF THE FRANCISCANS

Address: 1052 Budapest, Petőfi Sándor utca 2-4

Taking full advantage of its elevated position, Hilton Budapest offers one of the best hotel views in the city. When staying at this upscale hotel, visitors will enjoy a direct vista of the beautiful Matthias Church and several other Budapest attractions. Most rooms and suites at Hilton Budapest allow panoramic sights over Budapest and the river from its large windows, providing the perfect opportunity to interact with the city from the privacy of your accommodation. A special mention to this property’s White Raven skybar & lounge, an ideal spot to sip a drink while admiring the city from high above; each sunset here is a daily cause for celebration. The hotel is located in Budavár, the 1st district of Budapest (Buda side), next to the impressive Fisherman's Bastion, moments away from Castle Hill Funicular and within a 15-minute walk from the unmistakable Buda Castle.

HOTEL VIEW: MATTHIAS CHURCH, SZILÁGYI DEZSŐ SQUARE REFORMED CHURCH, DANUBE RIVER, HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Address: 1014 Budapest, Hess Andras ter 1-3

Undisputedly one of the best hotels in Budapest, InterContinental Budapest is a natural choice for those wishing to combine a luxury hotel experience and eye-popping views. The hotel’s riverfront location in Lipótváros is hard to beat and is one of this property’s many highlights. In case a river view room accommodation has been in the back of your mind, rest assured that most of the hotel’s elegant rooms and suites come with this perk. Should your visit include some work to do, head to The Executive Lounge for some snacks, free internet, working space, and - of course - great Budapest views. For a romantic drink with a view, we suggest seating at the refined Corso Bar and Terrace, where the Danube and the magnificent Buda Castle will set the mood for a perfect evening. When you're done with your cultural visits, stroll along the nearby Váci utca and get ready for some serious shopping activity. For the foodie in you, visit the close-by, impressive, dangerously mouth-watering Central Market Hall.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, CHAIN BRIDGE, BUDA CASTLE, FISHERMAN’S BASTION, ELIZABETH BRIDGE

Address: 1052 Budapest, Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14.aczai Csere Janos utca 12-14.

A luxury boutique hotel in Budapest, the Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection displays impressive views over St. Stephen's Basilica from its photogenic rooftop. With that said, there are plenty of reasons to consider this one of the best places to stay in Budapest. At this elegant five-star hotel, music sets the tone for an extraordinary lodging experience (pun intended). On sight, one will encounter a marbled piano, musical art pieces scattered across the hotel’s charming rooms, and, occasionally, a band playing next to an inviting indoor pool. To call a neighbor, the hotel sits next to the impressive St. Stephen's Basilica, which steals the scene with its spectacularly illuminated facade at night. The Basilica’s 5898 organ pipes often come into action during special concerts, which are a heavenly musical gift to enjoy from the hotel’s rooftop.

HOTEL VIEW: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA

Address: 1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás utca 5.

Some hotel brand names are often enough assurance to a fabulous stay - in this case, the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest surely fits that bill. This superb hotel treats its guests with top-notch service, rooms, and suites that reflect the hotel’s contemporary elegance and inspiring views over Budapest’s roofs, Erzsébet Square (Elizabeth Square), and the prominent St. Stephen’s Basilica. Some rooms have balconies with unforgettable views so keep this in mind when securing your accommodation. One of the distinct features of this 5-star hotel is its beautiful glass dome, under which guests can enjoy a legendary breakfast filled with delicacies and plenty of natural light. The hotel’s privileged position in Lipótváros allows easy access to the Castle district through the Chain Bridge, Dohány Street Synagogue, and the upscale Andrássy út, which for many, ranks as Budapest’s most beautiful avenue.

HOTEL VIEW: FERRIS WHEEL OF BUDAPEST, ELIZABETH SQUARE, ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA

Address: 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10.

Modern-looking from the outside, and classic luxury on the inside, we introduce you to Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, among guests’ favorites in the city. Directly located at Elizabeth Square, the hotel is close to the iconic Chain Bridge and St. Stephen’s Basilica - the last can be seen from many of the hotel’s top-end rooms. For the ultimate visual experience, we suggest hopping on the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, located just across the street. When picking Lipótváros as the place to stay in Budapest, visitors who enjoy taking pleasant walks will find many points of interest, such as bars and restaurants. Just behind the hotel, the independently owned Fashion Street, born after the vision of Péter Csipak, acts as the border between Lipótváros and Belváros and impresses passers-by with its beautiful architecture and refined shops. After a long journey exploring the city of Budapest, we can’t think of a better way to end your day than indulging in a spa treatment. Other hotel facilities include a fitness center and sauna.

HOTEL VIEW: FERRIS WHEEL OF BUDAPEST, ELIZABETH SQUARE, ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA

Address: 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Who said business travelers aren’t entitled to some pleasures while away? Perks like a great view will prove rewarding and often inspiring even when work is the main reason for the stay. Next time you find yourself in Budapest with your laptop, consider staying at the riverside Budapest Marriott Hotel, a business-friendly hotel with captivating vistas over Budapest. All the spacious rooms at this luxury hotel were renovated in 2018, are filled with natural light, and often feature awe-inspiring river views. Our favorite ones, we hear you ask? All we have to say is that the corner suites represent an upgrade to the contemplation experience. We also suggest not leaving this hotel without paying a visit to its staggering terrace - Liz and Chain Sky Lounge - a place to take in some of the best views Budapest offers. The list of reasons to stay at the Budapest Marriott Hotel continues: an excellent fitness club and a high-quality Mediterranean restaurant will win guests.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, CHAIN BRIDGE, BUDA CASTLE, FISHERMAN’S BASTION, ELIZABETH BRIDGE

Address: 1052 Budapest, Apaczai Csere Janos u. 4

Just opposite the legendary Four Seasons Gresham Palace, on the other side of Chain Bridge, and next to one of the city’s most beautiful tunnels - Budai Váralagút - lies one of Budapest’s best hotels with a view: Hotel Clark Budapest. Don’t just take our word for it: travelers from all around the globe have been sharing their picture-perfect moments on Instagram and making us green with envy. The hotel’s contemporary rooms feature large windows, allowing for stunning river and castle views; some have balconies with direct vistas of the Chain Bridge. Regarded as one of Budapest’s most spectacular rooftop bars, Leo Budapest is among our favorite hangout places in the city, mainly because of those sublime, panoramic views. Perhaps those inspiring vistas of Buda Castle made you decide to go ahead with a visit? Take the nearby Castle Hill Funicular and travel directly to one of Budapest’s most celebrated landmarks. No doubt in our minds: this is one of Budapest's top hotels with a view - can’t go wrong here.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHAIN BRIDGE, BUDA CASTLE, ELISABETH BRIDGE

Address: 1013 Budapest, Clark Ádám tér 1.

Surrounded by fashion powerhouse brands ranging from A-Z that align up on Andrássy út, the contemporary Hotel Moments Budapest is the epitome of understated luxury. Upon arriving first, guests will notice the charming inner patio, filled with natural light and tastefully decorated. The journey continues on the 5th floor, where the best rooms are found, some with unforgettable St. Stephen’s Basilica vistas. For guests who have booked the Basilica Suite, jackpot, not only is this the most spacious accommodation in the hotel with a private terrace, but it also boasts the best, uninterrupted views of the entire property, perfectly portrayed by beautiful oblique windows. When staying here, venture into the most delicate Hungarian flavors at the hotel’s charming Bistro Fine, ideally before or after enjoying a performance at the nearby State Opera.

HOTEL VIEW: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA

Address: 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 8.

If we were only allowed a punchline when describing the Hotel Rum Budapest, that would be ‘breakfast with a view’! This cosmopolitan design hotel and its 40 rooms have been planned to attract urban explorers who wish to take the most out of Budapest’s creative spirit. Our favorite space at Hotel Rum Budapest is the 7th-floor SOLID Sky Bar, a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s skyline and the prominent twin towers of the Egyetemi Templom (University Church); this is also the venue where breakfast is usually served, and guests experience glorious mornings. At the risk of being omissive, this 5th District hotel is also home to the awarded SALT restaurant, one of Budapest’s finest dining establishments.

HOTEL VIEW: EGYETEMI TEMPLOM, INNER-CITY CHURCH OF THE FRANCISCANS

Address: 1053 Budapest, Királyi Pál utca 4.

The balconies of Park Plaza Budapest have been the idyllic setting for many romantic stories in Budapest - and the reason behind it is very dear to us: the stunning river views over Budapest and some of the city’s most fascinating landmarks. Rooms at this artsy hotel (the whole property features over 600 works from American artist Donald Sultan) are among the largest in town and are known for being extremely comfortable - yes, their beds have quite a reputation. The hotel’s strategic location in Budavár is what every visitor could wish for: steps away from a metro station and a short stroll from one of Budapest’s major attractions: Buda Castle.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHAIN BRIDGE, MATTHIAS CHURCH, FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Address: 1011 Budapest, Bem rakpart 16-19

Before zigzagging around Budapest, wake up to a majestic sunrise view from your “river view” room at Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest - what a way to start a brand new day in Hungary’s most visited city. Before leaving the trendy hotel, say hello to the friendly staff and ask for some insider tips on the best things to do in Budapest; some do not appear in the usual travel guides. Budapest’s most famous crossing, Chain Bridge, is a couple of minutes walk to the right direction south. A particular feature that makes us tick about this Budavár hotel is the complimentary afternoon tea served at the romantic Jenő Hubay Music Hall - a classy touch from this exceptional Budapest boutique hotel.

HOTEL VIEW: DANUBE RIVER, HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHAIN BRIDGE

Address: 1011 Budapest, Bem rakpart 11.