1/8
Andrássy Avenue
Hungary’s grandest boulevard has extra-wide sidewalks that are perfect for patio dining, and even better for observing worldly window shoppers intermingled with local characters. To see dressed-up couples rushing by en route to the Opera House just before show time, take an open-air seat at the bigfish, Ring Café, or Kantín in the early evening. On the other side of Andrássy, the classic Művész Café remains a people-watching hotspot since opening almost 120 years ago, while guests at the terrace of nearby Klassz sip nice wines while viewing random ramblers alongside folks waiting for a table.
2/8
Erzsébet Square
The beating heart of downtown Pest is constantly buzzing with life as the paths of countless pedestrians cross amid this parkland plaza all day and night. Within the square’s central Bauhaus building that once was Budapest’s main bus depot, the modern Terminal Restaurant has a huge patio for savoring regional cuisine while ogling the parade of passersby; next door, the colorful Fröccsterasz is a prime nightlife destination where checking out fellow patrons is as popular as the potent potables. Meanwhile, the huge Akvárium Klub staircase is one of Budapest’s prime lookouts for alluring locals.
3/8
Fashion Street
Lined with world-class shops and luxury hotels, this car-free thoroughfare connects central Pest’s Deák Ferenc Square transport hub with bustling , so thousands of city residents and visitors continually drift along this deluxe shortcut. Overlooking them all, the sprawling terrace of is a spectacular spot for enjoying top-quality Central European cuisine while watching the world go by. A few steps further along, the sidewalk-seating area of LOFT Budapest is an intriguing space where the mingling music of street performers provides the score for snippets of briefly eavesdropped conversations.
4/8
Gozsdu Udvar
Now globally renowned as Budapest’s coolest complex of restaurants and clubs, this rejuvenated city-center nexus is packed with people almost anytime, and many establishments here have front-row seats for the ongoing show of beautiful people passing by. Among the eateries with tasteful terraces that command impressive views of Gozsdu’s ever-progressing patrons, some of the best are kolor, Café Vian, Hummus Market, , and its more nightlife-oriented sister hotspot with Asian flavor, . Every Sunday, the Gouba Bazaar open-air market here draws even more interesting characters.
5/8
Hajós Street
Beginning next to the , this low-key pedestrianized lane is a setting where pensioners wander alongside yuppie couples striding to have a power lunch, and anyone relaxing at one of the many terrace tables can soak in the whole scene. The newly renovated Ballettcipő – serving customers here since 1948 – offers delicious food to the artistic crowd that hangs out on the adjoining patio, while a few meters further down the street the sidewalk seating at Bubble Chic is a pleasant place for cocktails, and the Chagall Café is a nice all-purpose place for alfresco lounging and looking.
6/8
Liszt Ferenc tér
Hosting a miniature forest in the middle of downtown Pest, this urban oasis is lined with diverse dining destinations offering ample sidewalk seating, and often the folks sitting a few tables over are just as much fun to observe as those sauntering by. At , savor refined traditional Hungarian cuisine alfresco; the newly premiered location of Irish pub welcomes everyone to the terrace for pints of Guinness; the pleasant Seasons Wine Bistro offers astounding views over the Art Nouveau ; and between the passing public and the waitresses, people-watching at Budapest’s own Hooters location is doubly enjoyable.
7/8
Lövőház Street
Tucked amid one of Buda’s busiest neighborhoods, this tree-shaded pedestrian lane is quickly becoming one of the city’s hottest hangouts for its great selection of eateries located within a few meters of each other, all having nice terrace tables; this is a popular spot for unplanned dates, and it’s amusing to watch couples peering into restaurant windows while deciding where to eat. Try trendy for freshly fried fish and chips to snack on while peering at passersby, or dine under the neon light of the Bocelli pizzeria while checking out the longtime regulars who are absolutely at home here.
8/8
Ráday Street
This lengthy thoroughfare starts at Kálvin Square and goes on for several blocks, with numerous pubs and restaurants lining the way and plenty of people drifting between them as they barhop the night away. Here fine-dining aficionados can devour Michelin-starred dinners while watching the masses pass by at , but just a few meters away an alternative crowd provides avant-garde eye candy to view amid the open-air festival atmosphere of . A little further down the road, Soul Café is a longtime favorite for friends to catch up while cattily commenting on those walking along around them.
