Offering breathtaking views of Budapest landmarks, movie premiere screenings and appearances by top DJs, here are the best rooftop hangouts across the city. Some are located at top hotels, others above historic buildings at prestigious locations. If you’re looking to bookend a long day at work or hard afternoon’s sightseeing, here’s where to sip delicious cocktails and watch the sun go down.
1/6
360 Bar
Set atop prestigious Andrássy út, the 360 Bar provides a panorama over the whole of Budapest. The superb vista includes major landmarks such as the Basilica, Parliament, Gellért Hill, Buda Castle and countless colourful rooftops. Lemonades come in mason jars, cocktails are creative and DJs often spin discs. Bistro bites and burgers also feature. Perhaps the most popular of Budapest rooftop bars, 360 attracts a cool cosmopolitan crowd and it can get busy, so it's best to book a table. To reach it, take the lift on Andrássy út beside the Paris Department Store.
2/6
High Note SkyBar
High Note SkyBar atop the Aria Hotel welcomes hotel guests and non-residents alike. Once earning inclusion in a selection of the world’s best rooftop hotels by Condé Nast Traveler, it operates all year round. With the dome of the Basilica is almost within arm's reach, and sunset simply stunning, the High Note SkyBar is as romantic as it can get. Cocktails are inspired by popular travel destinations, the music is trendy, the snacks are tasty and Budapest is right below your feet – what could be better?
3/6
Intermezzo Restaurant & Roof Terrace
Before getting a makeover, the roof of the Hotel President on Hold utca attracted attention by featuring a helipad. Now however, you can sip cocktails here at sundown or in winter, ice-skate above the city. The main attraction is the view over Parliament above the Zsolnay tiles of the Hungarian State Treasury, a superstar of many Insta photos. Intermezzo can be accessed by asking at the reception for the pass card which allows use of the two lifts to whisk you to the top. Once there, cleverly concocted cocktails and grilled dishes await.
4/6
LEO
The latest addition to the list of open-air terraces is LEO on Clark Ádám tér, the first rooftop bar in Buda. From here, you get the same view but from a totally new perspective. You can admire the Pest skyline while sipping a Mighty Jungle of tequila, sherry and banana, and enjoying sea-trout ceviche. The tropical atmosphere extends to the parrot-shaped glasses, verdant décor and sassy music.
5/6
St. Andrea Wine & Skybar
At the St. Andrea skybar above focal Vörösmarty tér, fine wines are in focus – both Hungarian, from around Eger, and international. The atmosphere is elegant with soft jazz tunes often playing, and the service is super attentive. The rooftop is divided into two sections, each with a spectacular panorama: the Basilica and downtown to one side, Gellért Hill, the Castle and the Buda hills to the other. The small indoor area is open year-round.
6/6
Toprum (Closed)
A day is best begun with brunch and a view at trendy Toprum. Avocado toast, salmon bagel and great coffee are perfect pick-me-ups, and the servings are super Insta friendly. Toprum is not alfresco like the other rooftop bars we suggest, but its huge glass windows provide a panorama from a unique angle, right from the heart of the city. Open daily until late, Toprum is a chic spot attracting families, groups or girls out for a ladies' night. Do give the cocktails a go, the top choice range with Ketel One as the vodka base or classics with a twist.
