1/6
Gül Baba's Tomb
Gül Baba (The Father of Roses) was an Ottoman Bektashi dervish poet and Sultan Suleiman’s companion. Details about his life have faded into the past, but it is known that he was a well-respected figure. Gül Baba died in Buda in 1541, and, according to the legend, the Sultan himself was among his coffin bearers. After his death, he was declared the patron saint of Budapest, and his tomb, the northernmost site of Islamic pilgrimage in the world, was erected on today’s Rózsadomb (Hill of Roses), near Margit híd (Margaret Bridge) and Széll Kálmán tér (Széll Kálmán Square). Gazing at the illuminated cityscape from Gül Baba's Tomb is a great way to kick off a romantic night, and now that you've read this segment, you can also impress your chosen one with your knowledge of Gül Baba' life.
2/6
Mansfeld Péter Park
Mansfeld Péter Park, named after Péter Mansfeld, an iconic figure of the Revolution of 1956 exectued at the age of 18, is situated on Rózsadomb, in the vicinity of Margit híd (Margaret Bridge) and formerly mentioned Gül Baba's Tomb. The long sets of stairs leading up to the gravelly terrace would be a challange for Lance Armstrong on top of his performance-enhancing drug game, but you know what they say – no pain, no gain. Péter Mansfeld’s statue stands as a reminder of both cruelty and bravery, while the view on the , the Citadel, Buda Castle, and – especially at night - might be more mesmerizing than your date, so remember, eye contact is vital.
3/6
Elisabeth Lookout Tower
Hold on tight, we’re going higher and higher. Standing atop 527-metre-high János Hill, Elisabeth Lookout Tower – named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria – offers the queen of panoramas and free entry all year long. But let’s not be so material, because, as The Beatles would say, money can’t buy you love. The wonders of flora and fauna, the fresh air, and the beautiful scenery will surely impress your date, and even the bus ride that starts on Széll Kálmán tér and ends on János Hill is as romantic as Pretty Woman played backwards.
4/6
Normafa
Normafa, located in the luxorious wilderness of Buda's hills, is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Budapest. You can tune out the city's noise and forget the everyday stress of urban life while wandering around the forest and listening to bird songs - in the company of your date, that is. Normafa's surroundings are sprinkled with spectacular villas and narrow, silent streets, so it couldn't be more romantic even if Hugh Grant was walking behind you playing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You on a mandolin.
5/6
Fecske Presszó
Budapest, VIII. Baross utca 10.
+361 293 19 80
Fecske Presszó, housed by a cellar right next to Szabó Ervin Könyvtár (Szabó Ervin Library), revives the atmosphere of the '70s. Most people frequent Fecske during the sunnier months, when its sizeable terrace providing a view on the university students rushing in and out of the library comes to life; but it’s well worth a visit even when the weather gets bluesy. Vintage posters and old books conjure a homely vibe, the hamburgers are delicious – we suggest you had them without onions -, so it’s not as shocking as a Michael Bolton song that Fecske is a cool spot for a chatty date.
6/6
Púder Bárszínház és Galéria
Púder Bárszínház és Galéria (Powder Bar Theatre and Gallery), situated on busy Ráday utca (Ráday Street), a street famous for its collection of cafés and restaurants, is a citadel of culture and gastronomy. Its progressive, eclectic interior was created by Hungarian wizards of visual arts such as Bertalan Babos Zsili. It’s not a coincidence that the interior resembles a stage set, since Púder’s back room will give home to a studio theatre. The place is full of nooks suited for intimate conversations, the dishes are varied and more than tasty, and Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge) and the Danube Bank are just around the corner in case you'd like to go for a walk with your sweetheart.
