If you celebrate New Year's Eve in Budapest, good choice. You'll have a myriad of events to choose from, including a countdown at a turn-of-the-century grand café or on the banks of the Danube with a beautiful view of Budapest complete with a five-course dinner. See our list below.
Spoon the Boat – New Year's Eve on the Danube
Anchored at the foot of the Chain Bridge, Spoon the Boat was completely renovated in 2023 and its panoramic views are incomparable, with spectacular views of Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Várkert Bazár, the illuminated bridges, and the Danube Promenade. The extravagant stationary boat is an unpretentious restaurant combining Hungarian contemporary cuisine with the latest international offerings, and a charming, accessible bistro kitchen. What better way to ring in the New Year than in such a magnificent setting? Spoon prepares for New Year's Eve with a five-course menu, an impressive drinks list, and entertainment, and at midnight invites you to celebrate the New Year with a sumptuous New Year's Eve menu. The lights of the Chain Bridge will make the closing night even more magical, and Spoon is sure to make us fall in love with Budapest in 2024, too!
More details here.
Gundel – Authentic Hungarian cuisine in the City Park
Gundel has always been legendary, its 130-year-old reputation has travelled the world. 2 years ago it was renewed and reopened its doors, and since then the restaurant has once again been reminiscent of the Golden Age. From Queen Elizabeth II to renowned Czech film director Jiří Menzel, and Angelina Jolie, Gundel has hosted many celebrities who have come to taste the restaurant's recipe heritage. These dishes include palócleves (similar to the Goulash soup, made with mutton, pork, or beef), mushroom stew Bakony style, pike steak Kárpáti style (made with crabs or shrimps), foie gras drizzled with the famous dessert wine Tokaji aszú, or the renowned Hungarian dessert, the original Gundel pancakes. Gundel will open its doors on 31 December to offer the best of Hungarian cuisine with a special lunch, unique flavours, and live music. And the real magic of New Year's Eve awaits us during the evening, as it will be made unforgettable by the Budapest Show Band party orchestra.
More details here.
Centrál Grand Café – Dinner, live music, romantic ambience
The 135-year-old café was completely renovated in 2022 after two years of closure, so you can finally relive the atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century grand café in all its glory. The polished, brightly lit interior is a gentle reminder of literary references and Parisian chic, while the menu offers a modern French twist on tradition. In a truly romantic atmosphere, we can bid farewell to 2023 at the Central Café, where dinner will be served from 8 pm with live violin and piano performances, followed by a bohemian dance party from midnight, with a DJ playing the best records. And if you like champagne, the signature drink of New Year's Eve, then the Central is a perfect choice, with a Champagne Bar to toast with some real curiosities.
More details here.
Symbol – Sumptuous dinner and party till dawn
If you're looking for a major party to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024, head to Symbol. The venue's glass-roofed Garden is the place for a special five-course dinner, a sumptuous drinks list, and a rocking party. Luxfunk Radio's funky DJs will set the mood until dawn, featuring the best funky and R'n'B covers from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. A flashing dance floor and confetti cannon will make the celebrations unforgettable.
More details here.
Séf Asztala – New Year's Eve next to the Parliament
Séf Asztala (Chef's Table) is András Wolf's kingdom, where you can taste his take on Hungarian cuisine – and many more, as he added a full bakery and a selection of local bistros to his offer. Gastro Bistro is waiting for us at the foot of the Parliament, but if you don't feel like cooking during the holidays, you can even order the menu for the New Year's Eve dinner or New Year's lunch from them and pick up your holiday feast. Classic lentil stew, confit pork loin, and many other delicacies await you, and you can even order traditional dishes for your house party or intimate dinner on New Year's Eve!
More details here.
