The best terraces in Budapest

What is it? The spring-summer little brother of Csendes Létterem close by, Csendes Társ is a cosy, slightly secluded alternative terrace and wine bar by the gates of Károlyi-kert, a pocket park near Astoria.

Why we love it Ideal for calmer conversation whatever the occasion, here you can focus on the people around you, the romantic ambience and the relative tranquillity despite an eminently downtown location.

Time Out tip: Combine any visit with a stroll around pretty Károlyi-kert. Before sunset, you can relax on one of the park benches, then head over after the garden closes to snag an outdoor table.

Address: Magyar utca 16-18, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Lillet spritz Ft 2,790 (€7.65). Pink & Tonic Ft 2,690 (€7.40). Edelweiss wheat beer Ft 2,290 (€6.30). Lavender lemonade Ft 1,290 (€3.55)

What is it? Located in City Park since 1963, Pántlika is a real nostalgia trip, its signature Sputnik-era frame filled with authentic artefacts of the day. The greenery and proximity of the park also make it easy to relax close to nature. Thanks to recently installed igloos, the terrace now opens in winter, the food consistently excellent year-round.

Why we love it Pántlika was among the first in town to elevate the hamburger to a more serious culinary experience on the Budapest gastronomic map, while vintage classics – such as bean soup or cottage-cheese dumplings – remain menu mainstays. The beer and pálinka selection is extensive – you won’t find a better spot to explore the diverse varieties of Hungary’s classic grappa spirit.

Time Out tip: Pántlika has recently taken on a new chef, who has created special dishes for the menu, such as one of its signature burgers with chili and mango, chicken curry, Caesar salad with fried oyster mushrooms, and a lavender spritz.

Address: Hermina út 47, 1146 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm. Hours may vary in winter

Expect to pay: Classic burger Ft 3,590 (€10). Large lemonade Ft 1,690 (€4.65). Pilsner Urquell Ft 1,600 (€4.65)

What is it? Although Pitpit only joined the culinary scene in 2022, Építészpince, the ‘Architect’s Cellar’, which serves as its home, has been a favourite hidden venue for years. In the meantime, this convivial leafy courtyard has turned Spanish, run by the team behind successful Padrón restaurant round the corner, and calling their new venture after a type of bird.

Why we love it The picturesque inner garden of Andrássy Palace in the Palace Quarter is a veritable green oasis, a tapas bar founded on the Spanish way of life and cuisine, within historical surroundings. It feels at once Mediterranean, intimate and lively.

Time Out tip: It’s worth booking at weekends, as tables tend to fill quickly. Although it’s not open at lunchtimes, there are plenty of options nearby in this student-friendly neighbourhood.

Address: Ötpacsirta utca 2, 1088 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-11pm. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Garlic-chili crab in olive oil Ft 4,500 (€12.35). Andalusian lamb pintxo Ft 3,500 (€9.60)

What is it? Located at the Pest end of Chain Bridge, PONTOON has been a popular spot for the spring-summer season for years. Every night here feels like a mini-festival, without you having to leave the city centre.

Why we love it PONTOON is one of the few places in Budapest where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Danube embankment with a drink in hand. You can listen to music every day of the week, most of the time for free. The panorama is amazing, the view of Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge in one single frame a memorable experience.

Time Out tip: Keep a look out for specific acts throughout the summer – there’s usually something decent on at least once a week.

Address: Antall József rakpart 1, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Late Apr-late Sept Daily noon-4am

Expect to pay: Aperol spritz Ft 3,350 (€9.20). Czech Krušovice Ft 1,850 (€5). Passion fruit lemonade Ft 1,650 (€4.55)

What is it? Named after its former Roman occupants 2,000 years ago, the Római embankment in Óbuda has come into its own in recent years. With the Danube clean enough to swim in at certain spots, a lido is set up in summer, and bars line the waterfront, including the long-established Fellini.

Why we love it It's the perfect destination for a cycling getaway from the city or a trip on the HÉV surburban train (nearest stop Rómaifürdő) – every day here feels like a mini holiday. With its colourful deckchairs, striped sun loungers and nostalgic ambience, Fellini evokes retro Budapest in summer, while its food and drink selection is absolutely contemporary: grilled delicacies, ice-cold drinks, coupled with live shows, DJ sets, films and reading evenings.

Time Out tip: Combine a visit with a paddle and swim at the nearby free lido – or, if you don’t fancy the Danube, the Római Strandfúrdő, the family-friendly baths with pools and slides aplenty.

Address: Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart 5, 1039 Budapest

Opening hours: May 1-late Sept Mon-Thur noon-midnight, Fri 2pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight

Expect to pay: Felliniburger Ft 3,950 (€10.85). Large spritzer Ft 1,650 (€4.55). Czech Primátor Antonín Ft 1,500 (€4.10)

What is it? When spring arrives, KIOSK Garden by the Danube, on Március 15. tér, in front of namesake restaurant KIOSK. Essentially an alfresco pizzeria, it also serves a selection of signature cocktails, spritzes, spritzers and G&Ts.

Why we love it The modern yet relaxed design of this greenery-festooned space and the comfortable seating create an environment where it’s easy to linger for hours. There’s often DJ sets, events and evening entertainment, so the place is chill by day and a social hub in the evening.

Time Out tip: Investigate the KIOSK Garden Specials, seasonal cocktails with a high-end spirit base complemented by zingy summery additions.

Address: Március 15. tér, 1054 Budapest

Opening hours: Apr-Oct Mon-Thur 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sun noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Diavola gourmet Neapolitan pizza Ft 4,800 (€13.20). Aperol spritz Ft 3,390 (€9.30). Love in the Garden cocktail (Ciroc Mango, lemon, mango syrup, basil and soda; Ft 3,690, €10.15)

What is it? In one of the oldest buildings in Tabán, on the slopes of Gellért Hill, ODA occupies a former wine cellar. Around its cosy courtyard, three different cuisines meet – IDE brings its Roman-style pizzas, 101 Bistro its contemporary Taiwanese flavours and Buja Disznók its fried, grilled and baked delights.

Why we love it There’s something for everyone here, ideal if you’re in a large group. And even if you’re on your own, it’s easy to forget that you’re close to the city centre. The whole place has the atmosphere of a friend's country retreat.

Time Out tip: Alongside on Saturdays, you can choose from the dishes and fresh ingredients offered by Hungary’s best producers at Czakó Market, 8am-1.30pm.

Address: Czakó utca 15, 1016 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 8am-midnight, Sun 8am-10pm. Closed Mon-Tue

Expect to pay: Meat or vegan antipasti platters per person Ft 5,500 (€15); Margherita Roman pizza slice Ft 1,190 (€3.25). Hungarian sausage Ft 4,680 (€12,80)

What is it? There is probably no place on trendy Bartók Béla út that isn’t worth patronising, but the terrace at revived literary café Hadik stands out. The outdoor area created in one corner of Gárdonyi tér is a real little oasis, fronted by a grass-covered public square.

Why we love it Great Hungarian writers of the early 20th century all met here – note the portraits on the walls inside – so there’s more to Hadik than just a pretty terrace. It was only after Hadik was revamped and reopened in the early 2000s that Bartók Béla út became fashionable, so you can observe all the various comings and goings from the terrace, set higher up the boulevard than Béla, Kelet and others.

Time Out tip: As Hadik links back to the old-school coffeehouses of Budapest legend, make a point of investigating its dessert selection – it’s not every day you can tuck into a fine pecan-and-fig tart.

Address: Bartók Béla út 36, 1111 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun noon-11pm, Thur-Sat noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Gödöllő chicken casserole with goose liver Ft 7,490 (€20.55). Hazelnut mousse Ft 2,990 (€8.20). Hendrick’s G&T Ft 4,490 (€12.30)

What is it? Keksz used to liven up Madách ter in the city centre, and now, after a long break, it has been revived on the Buda side of Margaret Bridge – still with its familiar, colourful chairs, all-day breakfasts and delicious drinks.

Why we love it A Keksz breakfast (10am-11.15am) with a view of the Danube and Margaret Island can’t be beat – nor an evening here as the sun goes down.

Time Out tip: Check out the weekday lunch menu (Ft 2,890/€8) from 11.30am, which comes with two courses and a large cordial, currently either raspberry, elderflower or cherry.

Address: Germanus Gyula park 1, 1023 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 10am-midnight

Expect to pay: French toast with grated cheddar and sour cream Ft 3,490 (€9.60). Summer lecsó (Hungarian ratatouille; from 11.30am) Ft 3,390 (€9.30). Keksz Cuba Libre Ft 2,690 (€7.40)

What is it? The smaller of the two Lumens sits on pedestrianised, terrace-lined Mikszáth Kálmán tér, in the heart of the Palace Quarter. Round the corner, Nagylumen, the bigger sister, stages live music and serves food in an inner courtyard – Kislumen is all about alfresco relaxation over coffee, lemonade or spritzers.

Why we love it The unique, slightly underground atmosphere here puts Kislumen a notch above the surrounding competition, on and off this focal square.

Time Out tip: Keep a look out for the regular music events here – jazz, solo shows, improv – towards the end of the week.

Address: Mikszáth Kálmán tér 2, 1088 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm

Expect to pay: Flat white Ft 1,650 (€4.50). Classic lemonade Ft 1,200 (€3.30). Hugo cocktail Ft 2,950 (€8).

What is it? Buda's secret garden is a bohemian, relaxed corner in Városmajor park with a variety of food trucks, wines, beers and entertainment. Majomhoz is more reminiscent of an open community space than a classic bar.

Why we love it A real Buda vibe awaits amid the greenery of Városmajor, ideal for with groups of friends, family and dog owners.

Time Out tip: Majomhoz regularly organises wine tastings, cocktail workshops and other exciting events, so do follow their social platforms.

Address: Maros utca 56, 1122 Budapest

Opening hours: From late April Mon-Tue, Sun 4pm-10pm, Wed-Sat 4pm-11pm

Expect to pay: Piccante pizza Ft 4,100 (€11.25). Cheeseburger Ft 3,590 (€10). Mojito Ft 1,850 (€5). Aperol spritz Ft 2,950 (€8.10).

What is it? Ganz, the successor to the legendary Sörmanufaktúra, is a bit out of town, but its terrace is arguably one of the most atmospheric on the Buda side. The interior of the place, hidden in an industrial-urban environment, is small, but the outside is spacious and relaxed, with an unparalleled selection of beers.

Why we love it? A truly authentic pub, frequented mainly by locals, that doesn't want to be more than it is. The atmosphere here makes you feel like you're sitting in your friend's garden.

Time Out tip: Make a point of saying hello to Malacka, the pub dog, who you can usually find inside keeping watch on people coming and going.

Address: Ganz utca 6, 1027 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 4pm-11pm

Expect to pay: Czech Bohemia Regent Trebonské lager Ft 1,000 (€2.75). Primátor wheat beer Ft 1,400 (€3.85)

What is it? Fröccterasz is now much more than a classic downtown meeting point: it has created a culinary and entertainment hub on focal square Erzsébet tér, under the big Budapest Wheel.

Why we love it Namesake spritzers, fröccs in Hungarian, still play a central role, but high-end spirits, street food, live music, DJ sets and outdoor parties ensure continuous excitement. A bit crowded in summer, it awaits guests in winter with a heated, covered terrace and a seasonal atmosphere.

Time Out tip: Explore the latest creations here, Boba & Brew for aficionados of bubble tea and coffee, and Gin & Avocado for an exciting brunch and cocktail experience.

Address: Erzsébet tér 11-13, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-5am

Expect to pay: Classic cheeseburger Ft 4,200 (€11.55). Large spritzer Ft 1,500 (€4.15). Strawberry lemonade Ft 1,350 (€3.70)

What is it? A glass-enclosed bar and restaurant with two large terraces, nestled next to the bobbing boats on the Danube, right opposite Gellért Hill. DJs often spin records during the day and in the evening, while the menu features popular bar food, cocktails, mocktails and warming drinks in winter.

Why we love it? While the panorama is special at Port de Budapest at any time of the day, the sunsets are magnificent, illuminating the cityscape. An exceptional location right in the city centre.

Time Out tip: if you want to start the day in an active way, you can take part in yoga or pilates classes here on the banks of the Danube.

Address: Belgrád rakpart 23, 1056 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Crispy chicken wings Ft 4,650 (€12.80). Lisa signature cocktail Ft 4,490 (€12.35)

What is it? The huge terrace of BOHO Bar, tucked away on the side of the waterfront Bálna complex, offers perhaps the most beautiful view of the Danube and Liberty Bridge.

Why we love it This is a special experience for every time of day: brunch earlier on, Mediterranean cuisine later and sunset DJ sets in the evening. It is both an elegant date spot and a relaxed urban meeting point – all year round.

Time Out tip: BOHO specialises in G&Ts, featuring sought-after brands such as The Botanist, Malfy Arancia and Hendrick’s – perfect sundowners.

Address: Fővám tér 12-13, 1093 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 10am-midnight

Expect to pay: Tomato rigatoni with stracciatella and basil pesto Ft 5,500 (€15.10). The Basil Wonder cocktail (gin, basil cordial, lemon). Ft 3,950 (€10.80)