Budapest's rooftop bars are perfect lookout points for admiring the city, and they work well for a dazzling date night or a fun outing with friends. Here are six stunning spots where you can soak up the summer sun and sip on delicious cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views.
1. The Duchess
Housed in the luxuriously renovated Matild Palace near Elizabeth Bridge, The Duchess offers timeless elegance and a true dolce vita experience. With panoramic views of the bustling city below, it's perfect for a casual yet stunning date night. Premium drinks, luxurious ambience, and themed evenings like Ladies Night DJ Wednesdays elevate the experience further.
Find out more here.
2. Liz & Chain Rooftop Bar
For those who prioritize sustainability, Liz & Chain Rooftop Bar at the Budapest Marriott Hotel is a fantastic choice. Located 9 floors up, it boasts stunning views of the Buda side, including the Castle District. The bar uses sustainable practices and a zero-waste menu, featuring organic ingredients and innovative techniques that minimise food waste. The modern interior, with its playful use of colours and geometric shapes, brightens up even cloudy days. Here, indulgence and eco-friendliness go hand-in-hand.
Find out more here.
3. White Raven Skybar & Lounge
White Raven Skybar & Lounge, nestled on the top of Hilton Budapest in the Buda Castel, offers unrivalled views of the colourful rooftop of Matthias Church and Pest. Their unique drinks are the perfect complement to the stunning surroundings. White Raven boasts an exclusive selection of Champagne Laurent-Perrier, including some of Budapest's most expensive bottles like Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Les Réserves Itération N° 20. But the cocktails are equally impressive – this year's signature creations are light and visually spectacular, transporting guests to a world of fashion and the galaxy. If you only have one drink, make it the Ajouré with sparkling wine and gin, a blend of light, floral, and fruity flavours. The bar has also expanded its menu to include bar food and small plates alongside its exclusive drinks.
Find out more here.
4. St. Andrea Wine & Skybar
Nestled above the bustling shopping street Váci utca and Vörösmarty tér, St. Andrea Wine & Skybar offers a haven for wine lovers. Here, you can choose from the excellent Eger winery's selection, or indulge in gourmet bar food and top-notch cocktails. The panoramic views are a constant draw, but the covered terrace also provides a comfortable retreat in case of rain. Perfect for capturing that Instagrammable moment, the backdrop features the iconic downtown skyline. This season, a new menu boasts a trio of mini burgers alongside updated cocktails inspired by 90s pop culture. Forget the predictable garnish – these cocktails are deceptively simple yet complex, boasting expertly blended flavours.
Find out more here.
5. High Note SkyBar
For a bird's-eye view of the city and the magnificent Basilica dome, head to the High Note SkyBar atop the Aria Hotel. Their new summer cocktail menu takes inspiration from ‘bottle mail,' transporting you to paradisiacal shipwrecked scenarios with each meticulously crafted drink. High Note's unique concoctions evoke the spirit of seven different films, promising a taste of Robinson Crusoe or Jack Sparrow's adventures through familiar cinematic landscapes. If you're watching your sugar intake, the Skinny Beach vodka and soda range offers a guilt-free indulgence.
Find out more here.
+1. Panoramic Terrace of the Money Museum
For a truly unique rooftop experience, look no further than the Panoramic Terrace of the Money Museum. Housed within the fairytale-like, recently renovated Postapalota (Post Palace) at Széll Kálmán tér, the Money Museum boasts breathtaking views from its corner tower. This previously inaccessible gem now allows visitors to feel like royalty while sipping on frothy coffees, enjoying delicious sandwiches, or indulging in classic cocktails. The entire building's recent public opening adds to the unique charm of this rooftop experience. Best bit? There's no entrance fee.
Find out more here.
(Cover photo: White Raven - Hilton Budapest)
