What’s better in the summertime than enjoying a drink on the beach? Budapest might not have a lake like Balaton, but it does have the Danube, and there are some wonderful riverside bars just waiting for you to relax with a beer or lángos in hand and take in the peaceful gurgle of the water. From funky old London buses retrofitted as bars, to terraces serving traditional meals, to deckchairs parked on the very beach itself, these bars on the Buda side have got it all.
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Fellini
The Római shoreline in north Buda is characterised by lively nightlife, daytime relaxation, and superbly tranquil surroundings. Fellini is one of the best places to enjoy all three! Dozens of deckchairs – in blue, red and green stripes – are set up along the beach, with low tables in between to set your drinks. There’s a swing hanging from the boughs of a nearby tree, and a floating dock with seating for the lucky few who snag it early. Families, teenagers and the elderly all come together to enjoy themselves in this appetising waterfront establishment. Food and ice cream are also available, and card payments are possible.
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Nap bácsi
If Fellini feels a little too crowded to you, it only takes 25 steps up the beach to arrive at Nap bácsi. The seating options here are a little more limited, but if you’re lucky you can snag a large beanbag chair, and probably never want to get up again! Drinks and food are available, and a nearby treehouse beckons kids to come play. The menu changes, but expect mouthwatering options like forest ragout with fresh berries and dumplings, Thai curry chicken with jasmine rice, and grilled goat cheese on a salad bed.
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Két Rombusz
Journeying south, it’s a short walk to Két Rombusz, where a sign points you towards a shaded area dominated by large sycamore trees. Here, two large city buses have been parked and revamped into a bar and seating area, with extra seating on the top! In addition, there are several grills, and traditional Hungarian cook-over-a-fire cauldrons which can be used by anyone. It’s a popular spot for friends to host parties, or workplaces to hold team-building events. (Pre-booking is required, and the venue only asks that you don’t bring your own beverages.) From the top of the buses, the river can be seen sparkling through the foliage. Food and drinks (of course) are available for sale, but do note that everything is cash-only.
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Budapest Garden
The Budapest Garden is much more than just a bar or eatery – its 13,000-square-metre grounds include volleyball courts, giant soccer, inflatable bouncy houses for kids, open-air cinema, a skate park and much more! A road loops through the premises, dotted with bars, so you can have a beer, walk to the next spot and sit, have another beer and move on… There’s lots of bike parking in the front, which is often full, and a terrace at the entrance looks out to the river. This is a place to relax, have fun, or play some sports – or of course, do all three!
View the video here!
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Vakvarjú Beach Bistro - Kopaszi gát
If you’re in the mood for something a little more formal, VakVarjú is the perfect place to get a nice meal, have a drink, and enjoy the water… while seated at a real table. Located on a little peninsula just south of Rákóczi Bridge, VakVarjú overlooks Lágymányosi bay, a peaceful area where rowing teams practise, pedestrians lounge and cyclists enjoy the lack of car traffic. Sailor decorations are the hallmark of VakVarjú, and large fairy lights set a comfortable atmosphere in the evening. Perfect for families and professionals.
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Dunaparty Megálló
Dunaparty is a play on words – Duna is the Hungarian word for the Danube, and parti means the riverbank. Put together, 'Dunaparti' means the Danube bank, but change that i to a y and you’ve got a party on the Danube, instead! Small plum trees hang over the pavement on the walk up to Dunaparty, but the best way to arrive is by cycle, as the bike trail runs right alongside the water. Several old red London buses have been transformed into bar and food stalls, with decorations including Mr Bean cut-outs and a bobblehead figurine of the Queen. Tables and chairs stretch out along a large area of riverbank, and drinks are served in reusable plastic cups. It’s a bit of a trek to get here from the nearest bus stop, but the atmosphere once you arrive makes it well worth the trouble.
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Vasmacskaterasz Étterem
Vasmacska translates literally as “iron cat”, but it’s also the Hungarian word for anchor! Here at the Vasmacskaterasz, an ocean-themed restaurant and terrace welcomes guests with cocktails, dinner and lunch menus, and an expansive riverside view. There is also a playground for kids, and a stage for concerts and events. Like VakVarjú, this is another more traditional eatery, and large enough to host parties and events.
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Kompház Bisztró
Right next door to the Vasmacskaterasz is the delightfully wooded Kompház Bisztró, which is formed by three large, shaded terraces, one of which sits atop of an ivy-laden hill like a medieval motte-and-bailey castle. Food and drinks are served out of a small building at the entrance, and recycling is encouraged with plastic, paper and general waste options all available. The relaxed, soothing atmosphere of the Kompház Bisztró makes it a popular local venue, so it’s encouraged to make reservations in advance for weekends.
