Not long ago, rooftop bars were almost unknown in Budapest, but fortunately we now know of several high-flying hangouts awaiting all kinds of cool crowds in the Magyar metropolis. From a laid-back open-air locale welcoming everyone for breezy times to a luxurious lounge atop an award-winning hotel to the roof terrace of an underground nightclub, there are several special hangouts where Budapest’s beauty can be admired from soaring perspectives. In this roundup we rate the view, prices, gastronomic wonders, and atmosphere of our five favorite rooftop bars.

1/5

360 Bar

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 39.
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As its name already reveals, 360 Bar boasts a 360° panorama over Budapest, which makes everyone’s jaws drop in awe. To access this awesome terrace, we get into a lift on Andrássy Avenue and make our way to the top of the former Paris Department Store; when the doors open we need a few minutes to admire the dazzling domes of the city that stroke the bottom of the skyline. The only disadvantage we can identify about this place is that 360 Bar is a little too breezy; when the wind pleasantly blows “downstairs” on the street, it often feels like a tornado up at the bar. The lemonades are lovely, the selection of popular cocktails is wide, there are also a few bites to eat, and the panorama is truly unparalleled, especially after the sun goes down behind the Buda Hills. We once watched a thunderstorm from here, which was an especially amazing experience.
View: 5/5
Price category: 3/5
Tip: try to catch a daytime party here

2/5

Corvin Club (Closed)

1085 Budapest, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2.

The rooftop terrace of Corvin Club was probably the first in town that gave us a place to admire the city from an intoxicating high point. Back then this concept wasn’t so trendy yet, but now that it is, this club is cool enough that they aren’t attempting to make the concept anything more than what it wonderfully is. The idea here is just that we can simply go up to the terrace above Blaha Lujza Square to enjoy the height and a few drinks, or even occasional open-air film screenings. Beer is no more expensive than at other bars around downtown, and the unpretentious environment makes this a pleasant atmosphere. There are no showoffs or trendy following here; this rooftop terrace has always been and will always be around. We highly recommend watching a film here under the open sky over the summer.
View: 3/5
Price Category: 2/5

3/5

Intermezzo Roof Terrace

1054 Budapest, Hold utca 3-5.
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Hold Street’s Hotel President has been interesting in the past due to its helicopter landing pad on its roof, but today this space is used for yoga classes, dinners, and bachelorette parties. Upon entering, we get a card at the hotel’s reception, which takes us to the 5th floor. Then we change into another lift and soon find ourselves on the terrace, where cocktails, fröccs, and colorful light garlands await us. We can take a truly close look at the Parliament, and the colorful Zsolnay tiles on the roof of the Hungarian State Treasury from here, which both are a truly lovely sight.
View: 5/5
Price Category: 4/5

4/5

High Note SkyBar

High Note SkyBar is found on the top of Aria Hotel, which was recently chosen on TripAdvisor as the best hotel in the world. It is worthwhile to reserve a table on the top floor of the hotel, as we have been disappointed before when we tried to just pop in for a lemonade and were turned away. The Basilica’s dome is incredibly close, and it is hardly ever seen from this perspective. Quite recently they took a twist on the gastronomical concept, and brought in the professional support of the Gerbeaud Group to bring the cocktail bar and the cuisine into harmony. Their flavors are always open to more extreme ideas.
View: 4/5
Price Category: 4/5
High Note SkyBar
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Address: Budapest 1051, Hercegprímás utca 5. 
Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday + Sunday: 11am - midnight, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 11am – 2am

5/5

St. Andrea Wine & Skybar

We had long been looking forward to the opening of the luxurious downtown terrace of St. Andrea Winery, and fortunately they managed to secure a prime location in District V above Vörösmarty Square. Guests can use two round-shaped terraces here, both providing a breathtaking panorama over Budapest from different angles. One overlooks St. Stephen’s Basilica, while the other provides views to the Citadel and Gellért Hill. The high-quality gastronomy typical of St. Andrea was also transported here, basically in the form of fine-dining bar food. The focus is mainly on the tempting wines and the top-quality cocktail selection. This hangout is best for special occasions, and as it will stay open during winter, too, guests can admire the view to breathtaking Budapest covered in snow from behind a glass wall.
View: 4/5
Price Category: 5/5
St. Andrea Wine & Skybar
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Address: Budapest 1052, Deák Ferenc utca 3-5. VI. emelet (entrance from Vörösmarty Square)
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 11am – midnight (kitchen, noon – 11pm)
Reservations: + 36 30 300 3930