Hungary’s capital features many areas where clusters of eateries and bars offer open-air patio seating for chilling out in summertime, such as buzzing Gozsdu Udvar or vibrant Liszt Ferenc Square. However, beyond such popular patio-dining destinations, there are several semi-hidden zones around town where live music intermingles with friends’ chatter and clinking wine glasses, pleasing city roamers with more laid-back places to congregate. Here are five urban locales where diverse establishments offer fun alfresco, all tucked away on side streets or in out-of-sight squares.
1/5
Hajós Street
Running along the side of the Hungarian State Opera House parallel to buzzing Nagymező Street, this orderly pedestrianized lane is tucked away in the heart of downtown, and features a cross-section of locals like elderly people roaming alongside yuppie couples – here anyone can soak in the tranquil atmosphere at a terrace table of numerous colorful hangouts. Alongside several longstanding cafés and bars, new places continually pop up here like Drop Restaurant, serving gluten-free delights. The recently renovated Balettcipő offers delicious food to an artistic crowd that hangs out on the adjoining patio, while Chagall Café is a nice all-purpose place for alfresco lounging.
2/5
Ráday Street
For a long time this lengthy thoroughfare behind Kálvin Square was blocked from view by construction on the new Metro 4 line, but now that this is completed, Ráday Street is rising and shining again with numerous pubs and restaurants with great terrace spaces lining the way. This remains the site of Hungary’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Costes – and the sleek terrace area here attracts fine diners at dinnertime. Anyone who seeks a traditional Hungarian feast can savor customary meals in the open accompanied by live Gypsy music at Vörös Postakocsi, while Púder Bárszínház is an open cultural hub with regular events organized for the artistic souls. Meanwhile, Rombusz features an open-air festival atmosphere for laid-back chilling.
3/5
Mikszáth Kálmán Square
A couple blocks away from the National Museum, a pleasant outdoor hangout awaits at Mikszáth Kálmán Square and the adjacent side streets in the rapidly developing District VIII, frequented by an easygoing intellectual crowd chatting over glasses of beer, sipping on iced coffees, or devouring a delicious meal. Within a charming courtyard, the eccentric patio of Garzonkert provides shade, delicious nibbles, and regular cultural programs for academic souls. A few steps away on Krúdy Street, anyone with a sweet tooth can enjoy mouthwatering confections amid Vostro Café’s intimate open-air space, while Darshan’s vast rooftop terrace offers a serene Oriental environment.
4/5
Egyetem Square
Pass under the arch of at to traverse a well-maintained street featuring many eateries and pubs, ending at the recently revamped , named after the university building that defines the imposing backdrop of this urban open space. Group of friends chit-chat and giggle, couples’ eyes sparkle on a romantic date, elder people savor delicious meals accompanied by a glass of local wine, and live music emanates from one of the cafés, all blending to create a pleasing audio mix under the heavens. Among the nicest places here, we recommend the delightful ham selection of SonkaArcok, the juicy duck burger of Goodbar Goodburger, or the delicious breakfasts of Café Alibi – all of this and much more can be savored alfresco here.
