The route: Start from Gellért Hotel, follow marked trail to Citadella. 30 minutes casual pace, moderate difficulty with steep sections. Similar to Sacré-Cœur climb in Paris but better views.

Best times: Sunrise (6:30am summer) or golden hour. Avoid harsh midday lighting.

What you'll see: 360-degree views of Buda and Pest, Parliament, Castle Hill, Danube bridges. Better perspective than any observation deck.

Essentials: Water (especially summer), proper shoes for rocky sections. Café at top is overpriced.

Liberty Statue has interesting Communist history with free museum display.