1. Port de Budapest
Downtown Port de Budapest is a fresh addition to the city's riverside bars, and it's here to impress. Opened this spring, it's housed in the former International Pier building near Elizabeth Bridge on the Pest side, just an arm's length from the Danube. The panorama is unbeatable; if you book a table here, you can sip on sumptuous cocktails like Liberty or Lisa with a backdrop of Liberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Gellért Hill – even better if you schedule your visit for sunset. Stay for dinner; the menu includes dips, fish&chips and burgers, or indulge in more drinks with a wide selection of G&Ts available. As night falls, see the city illuminated – did we mention it's the perfect spot for a date? (x)
2. Nap bácsi
Nap bácsi is one of our favourite hangouts at Római-part, a suburban riverside area with a nostalgic feel and a bucket list-worthy charm. The bus ride here might take a while from downtown, but it will be worth it; you could hardly get closer to the Danube (quite literally as you can also swim in the river at a public beach near the bar). At Nap bácsi, you can settle down on bean bags on the pebbled shore, occasionally dipping your feet into the water to cool down. Order a burger, wash it down with a fröccs (Hungarian wine spritzer) or a craft beer, and enjoy the live DJ sets while watching kayakers paddle by.
3. Jónás Craft Beer & Food
Hop on the 10-year-old metro line 4, appreciate the architectural gem that its stations are, then hop off at Bikás park in Újbuda and find Jónás. At this hip craft beer bar, you can relax right next to a pond, with ducks adding to the idyllic scene. Neck tasty brews, order quesadillas, and chill with friends. Or bring along the whole family – children and dogs included – as there's a dog park and playgrounds nearby.
4. Kabin
Kabin is another laid-back spot, but this time we land on Budapest's northernmost islet, Népsziget. This local favourite bar is just a 12-minute walk from metro line 3's Újpest - Városkapu station; you simply need to cross a railway bridge. Once here, you'll be as close to nature as it gets, so pack bug repellent, then take some deep breaths, and appreciate the proximity of the Danube. The place is perfect for gatherings with friends: grab a lemonade or a pint, and sit back.
5. Pontoon
If epic sunsets at the foot of the beautifully revamped Chain Bridge sound like your kind of evening, Pontoon is the place to be! This summer hangout lights up the mood with daily mini festivals: live jams meet sunset discos, and tourists mingle with locals. Surrounding it all, the Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, Fisherman's Bastion and the Buda skyline create the city's most picturesque backdrop.
+1 Viadukt Bar
With pedestrians taking over a part of the lower embankment in downtown Pest on weekends (until October 23rd), cool events are popping up in this car-free section. And among them, bars are making an appearance too: Vidaukt Bar has to have the most unusual terrace in the whole city. It's temporary, so make sure to head there as soon as you can and immerse yourself in this unique setting. Order a drink, explore an exhibition, join a yoga class, and admire the cityscape.
(Cover photo: Norbert Juhász - We Love Budapest)
