After graduating from the Institute of Technology in Vienna, Ybl became Mihály Pollack's assistant in 1832 and worked in Henrik Koch's office between 1836 and 1840.

After his return, he entered into partnership with the son of Mihály Pollack, Ágoston; together they refurbished the Ikervár Castle of Count Lajos Batthyány.

[2] His early, large projects were built in Romantic style, influenced by eastern motifs.

Many of his buildings became, and indeed are still today, determinant elements of the cityscape of Budapest: Saint Stephen's Basilica (1867–91), the Rác Thermal Bath, the former Palace of Customs, (1871–74), and the throne room and Krisztinaváros wing of the Royal Palace.

[citation needed] 2014 was named "Ybl Memorial Year" in Hungary.