Whether it’s a chic restaurant, a trendy rooftop bar, or a more relaxed beach bar, the fabulous sunsets and glimmering Budapest, the sight of the Danube, Gellért Hill, the city’s most beautiful rooftops and domes are always an eye candy. Here are our favourite panoramic spots for a get-together with friends, a romantic dinner, or even a wedding. From high above and down below, from the riverside and the bustling city... Budapest is magnificent!
1/14
The duchess
The Matild Palace, the Luxury Collection Hotel, is the definition of aristocratic splendour, and fortunately, its restaurants allow you to taste this elegance without having to book a room. The Duchess can be reached by lift, what’s more, the first lift in the city, so even the quick, gentle ascent to the top of Matild Palace has a story to tell. Once you’re up there, it’s more than breathtaking. Even the interior of the perfectly equipped rooftop bar is easy to miss for the stunning view. Let’s start, for example, by taking a closer look at the facade of the Zsolnay House with the elephant motifs, then look into the distance and spy the Gellért Hill like Archduchess Clotilde did at the beginning of the last century when the roof was secretly open as the seat of a mysterious decadent movement. Make sure you visit at least once to experience what it’s like to almost float over the Elizabeth Bridge.
2/14
Robinson
Robinson is a veritable little island of peace at the City Park's Boating Lake. It’s the perfect spot for a rom-com couple’s date, with the beautifully illuminated Vajdahunyad Castle and lush greenery in the background. The restaurant opened in 1989 but is still a crowd favourite. Even though trends have come and gone, it feels eternal. In terms of its professionalism and looks, it has Western, rather American, vibes. Also, it alternates between Hungarian and international dishes and boasts a fairytale-like panorama.
5/14
High
The first visit to the Aria Hotel's rooftop bar is one to remember! We can give you a hint that the Basilica is close, but we can't prepare you for the actual sight that awaits. The dome is magical and almost within reach, so no wonder it became a popular spot for wedding proposals. It is definitely an exclusive experience: we like to visit during the so-called blue hour when the sun is at a significant depth below the horizon, and the remaining sunlight takes on a mostly blue shade. From the High Note SkyBar, you can see the sights through a golden filter: Matthias Church, Buda Castle, and the Parliament, whose dome is at the same height as the Basilica. Take your pick of the signature cocktails, and stay a little longer on a starry night!
7/14
Spoon
Spoon the Boat, an extravagant stationary boat at Vigadó tér is the queen of boat dinners. It has recently been revamped: the brand new cuisine offers sumptuous food, combining cosmopolitan fine dining with traditional Hungarian contemporary cuisine. They also spoil you with fabulous cocktails, a winter garden, and two huge terraces, not to mention views of the capital’s most beautiful locations: Buda Castle, the illuminated bridges, and the Várkert Bazár. Dining here is an impressive experience that will make you fall irresistibly in love with Budapest. It is definitely a bucket list item.
12/14
White Raven
Rarely do you get the chance to view the Zsolnay roof tiles of Matthias Church as closely as from the comfort of the Hilton’s rooftop White Raven Skybar & Lounge? All while sipping cocktails and munching on delicious finger food. From the rooftop, you can see almost the whole of Margaret Island, but also the Buda Hills and even the longest stretch of the Danube. It is easy to lose yourself in the panorama, and it is even better to add some smoked almonds, burgers, and chips with truffle aioli to go with it. If you are more than peckish, try burrata, salmon, and corn chicken, and make sure you don’t miss the desserts, which can be accompanied by almost any drink from the extensive drinks list.