Whether it's a lazy afternoon lemonade, a breezy summer dinner or evening cocktails with a view, Budapest is packed with incredible terrace spots. To help you navigate, we've broken down our favourites by location, starting with the busy Pest side. Let’s dive into the coolest places to eat, drink and enjoy the city al fresco this season.
Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace
Up for a little dolce vita in the heart of the city? Head to the Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace, perched on top of the five-star Mystery Hotel Budapest, right where Podmaniczky and Vörösmarty utca meet. Think Mediterranean dishes, colourful Caribbean-inspired décor, and stunning signature cocktails (or mocktails if you're keeping it light). Vegan, gluten- and lactose-free options are available, and the sunset views over the Buda Hills are pure magic. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend is welcome too.
Mabelle Café
Mabelle Café is a spacious, sunny and laid-back terrace, a hot new meeting spot on Nagymező utca, in the heart of downtown yet still comfortably tucked away from the buzz of the city. Their gin and tonic selection is next level, offering over 50 pairings using premium Belgian and Hungarian gins. Beer lovers are in for a treat, too, as authentic Belgian brews are a house specialty. The classic summer favourite cocktails are also featured, as are homemade dips, beer spritzes, and daily desserts. Mabelle Café opens at noon already, so whether you fancy a midday coffee or a night of gin-fueled laughter, it's always a great choice.
KIOSK Garden
Just steps from the Danube in District V, KIOSK Garden is an absolute go-to for casual drinks, great food, cool vibes and unbeatable people-watching. Grab a Neapolitan pizza straight from the wood-fired oven, or dig into tasty burgers (yes, there’s a veggie option), bar snacks and fresh salads. Pair it with a spritz, beer, lemonade or one of their 'Garden Specials' cocktails like the mouthwatering Frozen Aperol or the mango-lemon-basil 'Love in the Garden.' Kind warning: you’ll probably never want to leave.
Városliget Café
Want to escape the buzz of downtown without actually leaving it? Városliget Café, tucked between Heroes’ Square and the Museum of Ethnography, offers a peaceful terrace with leafy park views. Try anything from the new summer menu, and wash it off with one of their fruity spritzes or mojitos, or sample a unique lemonade—think watermelon-hibiscus or pineapple-rosemary. Iced coffee, ice-creams and pistachio affogato make this place a true summer favourite. From Wednesday to Sunday, live guitar music awaits, while between noon and 4 pm on Sundays, kids’ activities entertain families. Whether you come for a drink, lunch or dinner, Városliget Café is a green oasis, where even time takes a break.
Centrál Grand Café & Bar
For a classic Budapest brunch experience, Centrál Grand Café & Bar is the place to pick. Set in a historic building with a newly renovated terrace, this place takes brunch seriously, which isn't just a meal here, but a moment shared with friends and family. Whether you go for a Centrál Brunch Tower with cheeses, hams and pastries to share, or something classic like shakshuka with fresh tomatoes or eggs Benedict, there’s something for every craving. Don’t miss their tasty coffee selection that holds a few pleasant surprises like cappuccino flavoured with rose water or pistachio and white chocolate. Centrál is also a great place to come back to for lunch or dinner for seasonal springtime flavours.
Spoon the Boat
Fancy a dinner with a view that’ll blow your mind? Spoon The Boat is a permanently docked ship offering sweeping views of the Buda Castle, Chain Bridge and the Danube with its beautiful bridges. Pop by in the afternoon for cocktails and small bites – make sure you stay for a stunning sunset – or join one of their lively daytime boat parties between Wednesdays and Fridays from late May onwards, when DJ music, dancing and creative cocktails like the Spoonstar Martini, the Aperol Margarita or the La Su MGO gin-tonic are all part of the fun. On weekends, they offer a family lunch menu with a bonus: a free boat cruise right from the dock. Whether you come for a meal, a coffee or cocktails, get ready to fall in love with Budapest.
Port de Budapest
Nestled along Belgrád Rakpart with mesmerising views of the Liberty and Elizabeth bridges and Gellért Hill, Port de Budapest is all about chill vibes, sunny terraces and scenic views. By day, sip a coffee or mocktail while you watch the boats lazily drift by. By night, stunning sunsets followed by twinkling city lights take centre stage. Expect fantastic bar food and a cocktail and mocktail list that’s hard to beat. Prefer to sit inside? No worries – the floor-to-ceiling windowsill allows you to enjoy the view.
Baalbek Lebanese Restaurant
Just down the road from Port de Budapest, Baalbek Lebanese Restaurant brings authentic Lebanese flavours to the Danube riverside. With panoramic views and a sun-soaked terrace, this is a dreamy spot for a relaxed lunch or romantic dinner with lovely sunsets. Shareable hot and cold mezze plates, grilled dishes and vibrant vegetarian options await alongside Middle Eastern teas and coffee, lemonades, champagnes and G&Ts. For a true taste of Lebanon with a view, to Baalbek it is!
ARAZ
A few steps away from the buzz of downtown, ARAZ is a refined oasis in the middle of Dohány utca. Its new terrace features a retractable roof, so it’s perfect come rain or shine. Here, Hungarian classics meet international favourites with seasonal flair – expect anything from a hearty goulash to fresh Mediterranean salads. Creative cocktails, homemade lemonades and a top-notch wine list seal the deal. ARAZ is ideal for a quick and affordable lunch, a romantic evening or a relaxed get-together with friends alike.
Séf Asztala
Right by the stunning Parliament, Séf Asztala is a deli–café–bakery where classic Hungarian dishes are delivered authentically and affordably. Whether it’s schnitzel, goulash soup, sourdough sandwiches or sweet pastries you’re after, everything’s quick, high quality and crafted with care here. Their trendy and sleek terrace boasts a breathtaking view of the Parliament, making it an unforgettable spot for breakfast, lunch or just a cup of excellent Italian coffee.
BOHO Bar
With beachy vibes and a jaw-dropping view of the Danube and Liberty Bridge, BOHO Bar is your go-to for chilled-out fun. Their massive terrace hosts everything from daily breakfasts between 10 am and noon and boozy brunches (until 2 pm on Sundays) to daytime parties with DJs every second weekend. The dishes are primarily Mediterranean with breakfast favourites, smoothies and burgers also featuring. Come for the view, stay for the vibes.
Szőnyi Garden
Comfortably tucked away in Zugló, near City Park, Szőnyi Garden is a lush, laid-back garden restaurant that feels like a countryside retreat. Surrounded by native and exotic plants – and home to a lovely lake with water lilies and the occasional ducks – the garden setting is a true idyllic hidden gem. Expect classic Hungarian dishes with a modern twist, plus refreshing drinks, lemonades and Guinness on tap. There’s free parking and a playground for the little ones, so it’s great for a relaxed family weekend as well.
Szakállas Medve
Szakállas Medve (meaning: “The Bearded Bear”) is a quirky spot between the ELTE Botanical Garden and a flower nursery, so expect fresh air and floral scents all around. The terrace is open between 10 am and 10 pm, making it a cosy choice for dates, family strolls or a bite with friends. The menu is simple but satisfying, from juicy burgers to crisp Caesar salads. Ideal for a laid-back lunch complete with a walk around the Botanical Garden, or a relaxed evening outdoors with drinks in hand.
(Cover photo: Port de Budapest)
