Our complete Budapest guide: tested restaurants, bars, cafés, viewpoints, activities and accommodations. The practical guide.
Budapest: The Best Places (the Complete Guide)
Here is our complete address book for Budapest, everything we tried, loved, and recommend without hesitation. Restaurants, cafés, bars, viewpoints, activities… All organized by category so you can pick and choose according to what you feel like at the moment. It's the condensed version of our trip, made actionable.
Where to eat in Budapest: our 10 best spots
A popular canteen serving real home-style Hungarian food. Daily menu on the board. Closed evenings and weekends. Prices are around ~2 000 HUF
A revamped Hungarian restaurant with retro decor and a lively terrace. The paprika chicken is incredible. Prices are around ~4 000-6 000 HUF
A goulash specialist with 10 different goulash variations. Unbeatable value for money. Prices are around ~2 500 HUF (lunch menu)
Soups & sandwiches, with a tiny queue, but it's worth the wait. Prices are around ~1 500-2 000 HUF
Central Market Hall (upper floor)
Hungarian street food, with lángos, goulash, sausages. Authentic and fast. Prices are around ~1 200-2 500 HUF
An open-air food court next to Szimpla. Varied and lively. You're sure to find something you love there! Prices are around ~2 000-3 500 HUF
Refined Hungarian cuisine, foie gras, and a modern take on goulash. A modern, elegant setting. A bit pricier than the others, but perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Prices are around ~5 000-7 000 HUF
Where to drink in Budapest, from bars to cafés and rooftops
Ruin bars
Szimpla Kert
The original (2004). Maze-like rooms, wild decor, unique atmosphere. A must-see at least once. Kazinczy u. 14.
Instant-Fogas
The biggest complex. Several rooms, DJs, club vibe. Akácfa u. 49-51.
Élesztő
For craft beer lovers. 20+ beers on tap, laid-back atmosphere. Tűzoltó u. 22.
Rooftops & bars with a view
360 Bar
Rooftop with panoramic views of the basilica and the rooftops. Andrássy út. Cocktails ~3 000-4 500 HUF.High Note SkyBar
At the top of the Aria Hotel. View of the basilica. Premium, but superb.Pontoon
Floating bar on the Danube (summer only). Chill vibe, DJ, view of Buda.
Specialty coffee shops
Tamp & Pull
Third wave. Espresso, V60, Aeropress. Several locations. Best coffee in town.Budapest Baristas
House-roasted, single origin. Near the National Museum. Serious atmosphere.Madal Café
Ethical micro-roaster. Gluten-free pastries.New York Café
For the experience and the decor (not for the coffee). The « most beautiful café in the world ». Queue.
The most beautiful views of Budapest
Bastion des Pêcheurs
Classic view of Parliament and Pest. Free before 9 a.m.Colline Gellért
The most complete 360° view. Sunset recommended.Coupole de la Basilique
360° view over the rooftops of Pest. ~2 500 HUF.Pont de la Liberté
View of Gellért + Buda Castle. Beautiful at dusk.Rive de Buda (Batthyány tér)
THE view of the Parliament lit up at night.
A few activities and experiences in Budapest
Széchenyi Baths
The largest in Europe. Lively atmosphere. ~30-34€. District XIV.Rudas Baths
Ottoman architecture, rooftop pool. More authentic. ~20€. Buda.Night cruise
Budapest lit up from the Danube. ~12-20€. Legenda or River Ride.Margaret Island
Walks, cycling, musical fountain. Free. Half a day.Szimpla Farmers Market
Organic market on Sunday mornings INSIDE Szimpla Kert. Unique atmosphere.Parliament tour
45 min guided tour. ~9-15€ depending on nationality. Book online.
Where to stay in Budapest: our favorite places to stay
Onefam Budapest
Top social hostel #1. District VII. ~12-16€/dorm.Flow Spaces
Hybrid hostel-hotel. Modern, rooftop. ~14-20€/dorm.MEININGER
Reliable chain, well located. ~12-16€/dorm.Airbnb District VII
Entire apartment. ~35-60€/night.
A final word
This guide is a roundup of our favorite spots in Budapest. The city changes fast, with new places opening every month, but the essentials stay the same. Keep this guide on your phone, adapt it to fit your plans for the day, and above all: let yourself be surprised by what you discover along the way.
Our interactive map
Find all our addresses, safety zones, and points of interest directly on our Google Maps map.
Tip: If you’re not sure how to use our Maps maps, we’ve put together a dedicated article to help you out!
