The outdoor bars and terraces in Budapest provide some much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. However, there are plenty of touristy spots in the city that offer a below-par experience. So to save you the time and stress, we’ve compiled a selection of the very best places in Budapest where you can enjoy an ice-cold Drink and some bites outside, surrounded by good people and vibes.
Pagony
Photo: Pagony
Pagony is a unique restaurant slash bar situated in the now disused children’s pool area of Gellert spa. Today, the pools have no water, replaced by dining and seats placed inside. The former sauna area currently operates as a bar. Open from May till September; it attracts a mostly local crowd who come here to Wine and dine.
Insiders’ Tip: The food here is relatively simple but still quite tasty. To get the best experience, head down in the evening to enjoy a nice glass of fröccs while the gentle breeze kisses your skin and provides some much need relief from the night’s humidity.
Location: Kemenes u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Jardinette
Photo: Jardinette
Situated in the hills of Buda, Jardinette has a real majestic vibe you’d expect from some Parisian fine dining establishment. This contemporary family-run joint offers a terrific dining experience. There is seating inside, but the charming outdoor terrace is the place to be. Littered with intricate ornaments and nicely shaded from the sunlight by the trees above—the perfect place to spend a hot summers day eating and drinking.
Insiders’ Tip: The food here is excellent, with a seasonal menu packed full of delicious dishes, both local and from further afield. However, if you’re not in the mood to munch, it’s also an ideal place to go for a drink with friends. They have a decent selection of wines; however, the signature sips to try here are their cocktails. Be warned though; it’s a favourite local spot, so make sure you book in advance.
Location: Németvölgyi út | Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Paranyi Bisztró
Photo: Parányi
Sashegy Hill offers visitors one of Budapest’s most stunning panoramic views. At the base of this peak is Paranyi Bisztró, a small local joint that has a spacious outdoor terrace. Here, you where you can enjoy a simple menu of tasty feel-good food and drink. Combine this the excellent service, and you have the perfect place to stop by for a bite or sip on a sunny day.
Insiders’ Tip: The ice coffee here is delicious. Yet if you want to grab something to eat, try the tuna salad. Simple, fresh and delicious. If that doesn’t float your boat, then check out their menu, which is packed with a selection of salads, juicy burgers, pastries, cakes and some vegan options as well. To drink they offer quality coffee, soft drinks, smoothies and a variety of boozy beverages.
Location: Hegyalja út | Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 8 PM
Kőleves
Photo: Kőleves
Kőleves is a hip haunt in the heart of Budapest’s buzzing 7th District. With its stylish interior, friendly service, good food and drinks attracting a mixture of locals and tourists. It’s accessible at all times of the year, but especially in the summers when it’s outdoor terrace comes alive. Here you can enjoy some tasty munch or drinks surrounded by colourful seats and intriguing street art, to a backdrop of chilled music.
Insiders’ Tip: Kőleves has a fixed and daily seasonal menu filled with delicious food that fuses Eastern European, Mediterranean and Jewish cuisines. They also have a pretty extensive wine list filled with rose, whites and reds from both Hungarian and international wineries. So a get bottle and enjoy a relaxing drink under the sun.
Location: Kazinczy u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 AM – 11 PM.
Kabin
Photo: Kabin
Kabin is a summer chillout spot that’s slightly more isolated than most run of the mill Budapest bars. Located by the riverbank at the Nepsziget (Peoples Island), this dog-friendly outdoor den offers you the chance to sample some tasty food and tipple, in an exceptional setting. It’s a great place at all times of the day but gets especially lively after 10 PM. So if you’re looking for a quiet drink then get down before dark.
Insiders’ Tip: The food options here are limited, but the drink selection is decent. On offer is a wide variety of wine, beer, shots and non-alcoholic beverages to choose. Try the mango lassi here which is fantastic and some tasty grilled chicken to eat. Once you’ve ordered, take a seat in one of the many colourful sofas or chairs and watch the waters glistening from the scorching sunlight. All to the sounds of electronic and techno tunes.
Location: Zsilip u. | Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: 12PM – 12AM, Thur – Fri: 12PM – 1:00AM, Sat – Sun: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró
Photo: Fellini
Located at Római Part, Fellini offers the closest thing Budapest has to an outdoor beach bar experience. On arrival, you’ll find striped deck chairs lined up with a beautiful view of the river. It’s a slight trek from the city, but an ideal place to escape the noise and relax with an ice-cold drink in a natural setting. The music here is also pretty epic, with a mix of jazz, romantic and alternative tunes on loop.
Insiders’ Tip: There are many great snacks and sips to choose from, but the Italian panini is a must-try. Perfect when paired with an ice-cold beer. It’s a great spot throughout the day but come at sunset to get one of the most breathtaking views in Budapest.
Location: Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart. | Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 12:00 AM, Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 12AM
Figaró Kert
Photo: Figaro Garden
Figaró Kert is a secret garden oasis come cafe nestled behind the trees and bushes in bustling Újlipótváros. The inside space has plenty of plants and seating surrounding the goldfish filled pond that sits in the centre. It’s the ideal place to fuel up, escape the crowds and shade from the scorching sun.
Insiders’ Tip: From coffee, craft beer, smoothies to other mouthwatering treats. The menu isn’t anything special, but whatever they serve is pretty good. Get yourself a tasty tuna sandwich and an ice-cold beer or coffee to wash it all down.
Location: Borbély u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
Csendes Társ – WineBar & Garden
Photo: Csendes Társ
Csendes Társ is a beautiful outdoor wine bar located at the entrance of downtown Budapest’s beloved green oasis, Károlyi Garden. Open from April to October; it’s a spot where locals come to enjoy a refreshing wine spritzer. With the trees above providing shelter from the summer sun. When the sun goes down, gorgeous little lanterns light up the place, creating a cosy ambience.
Insiders’ Tip: If you’re there for brunch, try the Take It Easy sandwich – fresh lettuce, natural hummus and crunchy radish. They also have an extensive wine selection. So you can sample some of the magnificent sips produced by the best Magyar wineries.
Location: Magyar u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Grandio Jungle Bar & Grill
Photo: Grandio
Grandio is a quirky ruin bar and hostel located in the courtyard of an old building in the heart of Budapest’s 7th District. The place has a real festival vibe, with Hammocks, colourful furniture and contemporary art pieces dotted around. It’s a lively spot, especially in the summer, but looks slightly eerie in the winter, when the combination of sneakers hanging from the trees and lousy weather, create a strange but somewhat enchanting ambience. Regardless, it’s a great little spot to stop by for some drinks if you’re in the area.
Insiders’ Tip: The menu here has plenty of tasty feel-good foods. From juicy burger, quesadillas, sandwiches and much more. Super delicious and surprisingly better than you’d expect. Make sure you get a nice cold beer to complete the meal.
Location: Nagy Diófa u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 2 PM – 2 AM
Bálna Terasz
Photo: Bálna Terasz
Bálna Terasz is an epic outdoor bar where you can sip some tasty cocktails and enjoy a delicious meal in a clean and modern setting. What makes Bálna Terasz unique is the stunning panoramic view you get across the Danube. With the liberty bridge, Gellert hill and many more sights visible in the distance. Whether you stop by for a light meal during the day or spend the evening here, you’ll most definitely be satisfied.
Insiders’ Tip: The menu has some decent food and drinks options. Be sure to try the burger with dollar chips and the Nutella Dream Waffles. The cocktails here are also epic, but if you fancy a non-alcoholic drink, try the maracuja lemonade, which is refreshing on a hot summers day.
Location: Fővám tér. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Kadarka Bárka
Photo: Kadarka Bárka
Kadarka Bárka is a much loved outdoor drinking den located in the serenity of Margit-Sziget Island. With its white sand, ample seating and scenery making it a popular summertime drinking destination. So be sure to stop by for a drink and experience Kadarka’s signature vibes, tasty tunes, and excellent service.
Insiders’ Tip: Go with the Must Fröccs, which is the alcohol-free twist on a Hungarian classic, made with freshly crushed grape juice and a sparkling water combo. It’s the tastiest and most refreshing drink on a hot summer evening. Kadarka is a seasonal outdoor terrace of Bárka Bisztro wine bar. So check out some of the classic wines they have here.
Location: Margit-Sziget Island | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 3 PM – 12 AM
Bereg Embassy Bar & Cafe
Photo: Bereg
Bereg is a secret garden cafe and bar where you can escape from the bustling areas in the Buda side of the city. It’s pretty well hidden, with its entrance sign even camouflaged by overgrown branches from the trees inside. From excellent grub and drinks to the friendly staff, homely vibes and a canopy of branches above shading you from the scorching summer sun.
Insiders’ Tip: Try the irresistible Bereg Burger, which has a huge juicy patty and secret Bereg sauce in between soft buns. To drink, try their lemonade or pick a wine from their eclectic selection.
Location: Batthyány u. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Pavillon de Paris
Photo: Pavillon de Paris
Pavillon de Paris is a hidden french eatery located off Budas bustling Fő street. With its elegant outdoor garden terrace providing a fantastic setting for a romantic dinner with that special someone. An old castle wall delimits the garden from the roads, and lively ivy runs around the whole place. The interior is elegant – wrought iron chairs surrounding white-clothed tables and small lampions lighting up the green oasis in the dark.
Insiders’ Tip: Pavillon de Paris offers a menu filled with excellent food and a wide range of wines. An evening spent here feels like you’re in a fairy tale. Try the baby octopus with black tagliolini and parmesan chips – it’s exceptional. Finish off your meal with the classic divine Creme Brule which is divine.
Location: Fő ut. | Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fióka
Photo: Fióka
Fióka is a relaxing restaurant and wine bar located in the slightly more offbeat 12th District (Hegyvidék) of Budapest. They have seating inside, but the spacious outdoor terrace is what draws diners here. Take a seat on the colourful chairs and enjoy the summer breeze while you wine and dine.
Local Tip: Fióka’s terrace is elegant, and the ideal place to go for a nutritious lunch or a light snack during the day. The menu boasts a nice mix of both Hungarian and international cuisine. Try the beef tartare, which is perfectly seasoned and made using top-quality ingredients. If you fancy a hearty Hungarian meal instead, the chicken paprikash with homemade dumplings will hit the spot.
Location: Városmajor u. | Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Zsiráf
Photo: Zsiráf
Opened in 2016, Zsiráf is a lively beer garden that’s relatively new on the Budapest’s food scene. It has a great location – easily accessible by public transport or even by bike. The place is a continuous hive of activity, with something always happening for you to enjoy from outdoor exhibitions, weekend markets, concerts, football screenings, and much more.
Local Tip: The food here is ok, but the drink selection stands out, with a variety of craft beers, wines and cocktails on offer here. If you’re feeling peckish, then order some traditional Hungarian fried dough (Langos) which is decent.
Location: Teréz krt | Opening Hours: Sun- Thur: 4 PM – 12 AM Fri – Sat: 4 PM – 2 AM
Pontoon
Photo: Pontoon
Pontoon is a vibrant outdoor bar located at the foot of the chain bridge on the banks of Danube. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a chilled afternoon drink with a stunning view. Suppose you fancy getting your groove on, then come back in the evening when it morphs into a music-filled party palace. They also organize regular concerts here, so check the calendar to see what’s on.
Local Tip: Come here during the day to cool down with an ice-cold drink while hanging your legs in the water. Or head here at night to get your party on. They gave a good selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer, from beer, wines and spirits, to coffee, lemonades and more. If you’re feeling peckish, then the Grab a pizza from the
