If you’re living in Budapest or just visiting in August, you might have heard about the city’s biggest summer festival: SZIGET. Held between August 6-11, it’s a great music and cultural event, but the thing is there’s life beyond SZIGET in Budapest, as well. If you’re looking for daytime activities before heading to the festival in the evening, or not going to SZIGET at all, we’ve got seven really cool and unique things you can do in Budapest in August instead.
Crowne Plaza Budapest: Glam picnic
In August, Crowne Plaza Budapest continues to offer one of the city’s most stylish brunch experiences high above bustling streets, in a lush rooftop garden. As we recently wrote about it, a glam picnic no ordinary picnic. Its name includes glam for good reason. Imagine an elegant, pre-set picnic island and cosy picnic tents filled with truly delicious food and drink and an amazing view of the historic hall of Nyugati Railway Station and the domes of the surrounding buildings. On Crowne Plaza Budapest’s rooftop, you can be in the middle of the city and in a quiet, hidden oasis at the same time. In terms of offerings, glam picnic has everything you could imagine from a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar to espresso-based coffee specialties and light snacks. You have two breakfast options. If you choose buffet breakfast, you can help yourself to a wide range of goodies at the buffet table and order from the à la carte menu. In both cases, the selection is huge, including Hungarian and international dishes, healthy and sweet delicacies, and seasonal dishes. Each picnic island can be booked for 90 minutes, but you can stay on the terrace or head inside and enjoy brunch until 1 pm. You can book your spot every weekend until 13 September. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!
More info here.
Spíler Buda: Marea Daytime parties

One of the best things about summer is that you can party throughout the day. Spíler Buda’s Marea Daytime party series started in mid-July to bring you the pulsating rhythm and constant flow of summer with icy cocktails and a hot vibe in the form of daytime parties. The party series takes its name from the word “marea”, referring to tide, rhythm and movement to express the summer pulse and breeze that never stops, just carries you – like a perfectly caught moment. The Pure Lust team, Daniel Ban and Daniel Santiago, will get the party started and keep the music going from 16 pm until 23 pm. Plus, Spíler Buda’s converted terrace is the perfect setting for a true summer experience: you’ll feel like you’re in a beach bar in the middle of the city. The next Marea Daytime parties will take place on 9 August and 6 September. Mark your calendars now! Entry to both events is free, but if you want to party in style, you can book one of the limited VIP tables for HUF 50.000 for 4 people or HUF 75.000 for 6 people. The full amount is redeemable for food and drinks. (Reservations: krisztian.feher@zsidai.com)
More info here.
Városliget Café: Candle Lake Dinners

If you are looking for a restaurant with a mesmerising view in Budapest, Városliget Café is guaranteed to offer one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Hungarian capital. Located in Városliget, in the majestic Műjégpálya (ice rink) building, the restaurant’s every window offers an amazing glimpse of Vajdahunyad Castle and Városliget Lake. A pleasant lunch, a refreshing lemonade, an afternoon coffee, or even a romantic dinner, are all more special here. The selfie spot in the Tavirózsa room is a true Insta-experience: from here you can take the most beautiful photo of the day, be it of yourself or the scenery. And what’s even better? This August, the lake itself will be decked out in festive decorations, creating a fabulous scene straight out of a fairytale. During the four evenings of the Candle Lake Dinner (6, 11, 12, and 13 August), floating candles will cover the whole surface of the lake. Make sure to book your place in advance, and ask for a table by the window! Városliget Café has everything you need to recharge: flavours, an amazing atmosphere, and a mesmerizing view. This is a place where time stands still – but the moment will surely stay with you forever.
More info here.
Séf asztala: deli, café and bakery where the chef sits at the table

Nestled by the Hungarian Parliament on Kossuth tér, Séf Asztala (Chef’s Table) invites us with a homely atmosphere, not only in its name but also in its ambiance. Sit on the terrace and immerse yourself in a truly unique location with a panoramic view of the Parliament, just above the bank of the River Danube. At Séf Asztala, there’s no rush, yet everything is prepared fresh and delicious, from the tasty Hungarian comfort food to quality Italian coffee. The breakfast menu features egg dishes, porridge, and pastries, while the lunch menu always has something exciting in store. Thanks to the view from the terrace, the experience is guaranteed even if you just pop in for a pastry or a quick cup of coffee. Chef András Wolf’s menu combines classic Hungarian flavours with modern, clean presentation, ensuring that we leave with only great memories and a full stomach. The eatery’s offerings are perfect for a filling lunch, a relaxed afternoon coffee, or a spontaneous city break in the early evening. Pro tip: stop by Séf Asztala on 20 August, Hungary’s national holiday, and combine sightseeing or festive programs with a delicious meal against the backdrop of one of the city’s most beautiful views.
More info here.
Time Heist escape rooms

If you're looking for something other than partying and dining, and you like interactive games, then you’ll love escape rooms. Did you know Budapest is the capital of escape rooms? No matter if you’ve never tried them before or if you’re a true expert on the genre, you should try Time Heist’s seven exciting escape rooms, including two brand new ones. Take your pick from their traditional and next-gen rooms, choose a theme and test your logic. If you’re a series fan, you’ll love their Squid Party, Upside Down, or Witcher themes, and if you’re up for a bit (or a lot!) of chill, go for the new horror-themed room. Time Heist also has a kid-friendly room, recommended for 8-10-year-olds, making it the perfect summer break activity with the whole family. And what’s even better, Time Heist is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can also help you find clues. All rooms are available in English and Hungarian, so language will not be a barrier either. It’s a true interactive adventure for all ages, and it really is the place where the more, the merrier – and not only for a lower price.
More info here.
MystIQueRoom escape rooms

For those who want even more escape rooms,MystIQueRoom is the perfect choice. Located in Jászai Mari tér, it’s the largest escape room complex in Budapest with 18 different rooms. Go back in time in the historical adventure rooms, including the medieval-themed Cathedral or the Egyptian-inspired Pharaoh’s Burial Chamber rooms. Film fans will love the Throne, the Ring, Alice, the Hatter, and the Magic Castle rooms, while lovers of the latest technology can try their hand at the Artificial Intelligence room. If you’re looking for a little more horror, the House of Fear, the Lost Crystal Skull, and the newly opened room, Zombies: Death Zone, are the perfect challenges for you. The Zombies: Death Zone room is a moderately scary, latest-generation escape room designed for adults, perfected with movie set details. It’s a must for thrill seekers and zombie movie fans! And if you’re after something more fast-paced than logic puzzles, MystIQueRoom also offers two adventure games: JumpRace is a jumping challenge with an LED floor, while Quizy! is one of the most entertaining quiz games around. Gear up and game on!
More info here.
IKONO Budapest immersive, interactive experience

If you're looking for a truly unique activity, don’t miss IKONO Budapest’s immersive, interactive experience in Váci utca. Brought to life by visual artists, this eclectic world invites you on a captivating journey that combines the power of art, play and the unexpected. Here you can truly break away from everyday life and immerse yourself in the world of colours and shapes, and the freedom to explore. The exhibition encourages creativity, spontaneity and emotional connection for all ages. Unlike in traditional museums, in IKONO you can touch anything and move freely as part of the exhibition in 10+ unique rooms. Dive into a giant ball pit, create your own Picasso-inspired light artwork, or get lost in a mesmerizing mirror room. Every installation has its own story and atmosphere - IKONO is not only visual, but a complete sensory journey. This unique international art concept is now present in seven major cities, and IKONO Budapest has just introduced a new interactive feature in July. The Play Outside the Linescommunity mural is an invitation to step beyond the boundaries and rediscover the joy of playing, drawing, and doodling. Tip: with coupon code WLB10, you can book online at a 10% discount until December 31 via the IKONO website.
More info here.
(Cover Photo: Bálint Hirling - We Love Budapest)
Legyetek ott első városi piknikünkön!
Gyertek, és töltsünk el egy vidám napsütéses tavaszi napot együtt a városligeti fák lombjai között május 1-jén, ahol day-time piknik, workshopok, sok szuper food truck és dizájnvásár is vár mindenkit.
Ünnepeljük együtt a tavaszt, a találkozásokat és azt a pezsgést, amiért annyira szeretjük Budapestet!
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