A38 Ship
What was once a stone-carrying barge plying Ukrainian waterways is now Budapest’s prime destinationfor all kinds of concerts, regularly featuring bands from around the world representing pop, rock, alternative, progressive and jazz styles. However, this floating funhouse permanently moored near Petőfi Bridge on the Buda side is much more than a music club. During the warmer months, a bow bar androoftop performance areafills with temporary passengers drinking and having fun. Celebrating its 15th year on the Danube, the A38Ship has events every day of the week and if you order cocktails, you get two drinks for the price of one until 7pm. More details
Bálna
Near Liberty Bridge on the Pest side, this whale-shaped glass construction is a slightly off-beat, but all the more popular hangout in the city’s nightlife scene. Its riverfront terrace is lined with restaurants and bars, all offering a front-row view of a quieter stretch of the Danube. Here, one of the most fashionable drinking destinations is Jónás, a beer house pouring a selection of eponymous artisanal suds, including IPA and dark lager, many given witty names. Full sit-down meals are also served. The place welcomes guests every day, but it gets busy for the evening, so make sure you reserve a place. More details
Dunaparty Megálló
Towards Budafok, you can spot a red double decker permanently parked on the riverside and surrounded by a terrace. This is a fun stopover spot for a drink if you’re ever nearby, where you can down beers, pancakes, lemonades and fried fish while throwing stones into the river. More details
Kabin
Kabin kicked off as a chilled-out hangout last year on Népsziget, Budapest’s northernmost islet. Here you can be close to nature and the river while breathing in fresh air and enjoying stunning sunsets over the Danube, all in the company of friends and tasty drinks. Comfortable riverside cabins for two await. Lemonades and spritzers are the stand-out drinks, but food is also available. Bring bug spray and a jumper. More details
Kadarka Bárka
While recommendable bars and restaurants are few on Budapest’s lovely Margaret Island, Kadarka Bárka is a pleasant exception, run by the same ownership as the popular Kadarka wine bar in Budapest’s party central. A real summer-only hangout, it’s found near the Athletics Centre in the middle of the island. Built around a sandy plot, the place is ideal for pairing meaty treats with fine Hungarian wines. More details
Kopaszi-gát
Kopaszi-gát is an idyllic place for picnics and for spending some time away from the buzz of downtown. Found by red Rákóczi Bridge on the Buda side, this little islet makes the river look like a lake as the Danube calmly stands still here. The venue of many rendezvous, proposals, birthday parties and friendly gatherings, Kopaszi-gát is ideal for a whole afternoon’s stay thanks to the many restaurants and bars standing side by side. More details
PONTOON
PONTOON is Budapest’s waterside wonderland, providing a mini festival every day of the summer; people laze around in hammocks, groups of friends gossip, couples canoodle while dangling their legs over the Danube, and when night falls, everybody dancesaround under the open sky. Surrounding all this, the Castle, the Chain Bridge, Fishermen’s Bastion and the Buda skyline provide the city’s most picturesque backdrop. In short, everything you love about summer in Budapest is here in one place at the foot of the Chain Bridge. More details
Római Part
Deckchairs, fried fish and dipping your feet in the water are definitely best at Római part, north of the city in Óbuda. You can take the HÉV suburban train or the public boat here to enjoy drinks at Fellini,Nap bácsi, Két Rombusz or rent canoes, kayaks, play pétanque and enjoy the river close-up. More details
Szent Gellért Grill
Not easy to spot and you may have not even heard about it, but this alternative riverside hangout hides beside Liberty Bridge on the Buda side. This is the spot where warm thermal water from the Gellért Baths are poured into the river. Thanks to a cool pop up structure by young locals, you can even throw a mini downtown BBQ here. More details
Valyo Kikötő
Valyo Kikötő is Budapest’s latest summertime hotspot. A huge riverside space by Budapest’s red Rákóczi Bridge was transformed into an inner-city festival site for the warmer months. Valyo Kikötő hosts art festivals, cultural events, workshops and community attractions by day, as well as family-friendly and sport events. Concerts, film screenings, theatre showsand other cool nocturnal attractions take over come nightfall. This new community hub, a former dock area, can accommodate 300-500 people at any one time. More details
+1 Liberty Bridge
For three more weekends during summer, Budapest’s historic central span, Liberty Bridge, closes to cars to welcome huge crowds with plentiful events directly above the Danube. The bridge has been the setting for many lovely scenes from proposals to an actual wedding, so come with your friends, dog, kids, a blanket, booze and have fun. The bridge is all yours! More details
