5+1 must-visit locations in Budapest with jaw-dropping panoramas

Budapest boasts countless picturesque locations. Thanks to the gracious façades of old buildings in the city centre, the Hungarian capital oozes a unique ambiance that will certainly dazzle first-time tourists.

While visiting the numerous iconic places is certainly a good sightseeing programme, nothing compares to truly letting it go and absorbing the city’s energy while sitting in a cosy restaurant or bar. Soak up the breathtaking views the city offers with a warm cup of tea between your hands or a delicious meal in front of you. We have gathered some of the best catering places you can visit to enjoy the beautiful vistas of the city. 

Elysée Bistro & Café

Elysée Bistro & Café is the best place to visit if you want to take in the views of one of the most stunning buildings in Europe, the Hungarian Parliament.

Photo: Facebook.com/elyseebistro

This establishment is located just across Kossuth Lajos Square and offers a direct view of the Hungarian Parliament from its terrace.

The establishment was opened in 1931 by László Gönczi, and while it had to close down in 1967, now it is back to serving flavourful meals and providing marvelous views of the Parliament to its guests.

• Read also: The 5 oldest pastry shops in Budapest – PHOTOS

Városliget Café & Restaurant

Városliget Café & Restaurant is the perfect place for a dinner date or a nice, relaxed lunch with your friends or loved ones. 

Photo: Facebook.com/varosligetcafe/

With a direct view of the pearl of Budapest City Park, Városliget Café & Restaurant is surely a place you will not forget. During the winter season, you can watch the skaters on the ice rink, while in the summer, the area in front of the establishment turns into a giant lake.

If you fancy a romantic ride on the lake of the City Park you can even rent a boat, or you can join skaters on the ice rink during the frosty season.

In addition, if you are looking for a location for an event, renting one of the rooms will certainly impress all your guests. 

St. Andrea Wine & Sky Bar

Photo: Facebook.com/standreaskybar

St Andrea Wine & Sky Bar is located at one of the most frequented spots of Budapest, the Vörösmarty Square. According to their website, the building that houses the bar is part of UNESCO World Heritage and has won several international architecture awards.

However, today we are here for the view. This place truly stands out for its unique position. In addition to the captivating sight of the Chrismas market in the square below, depending on where you are seated, you can also feast your eyes on the St Stephen’s Basilica and the Parliament. If your table is situated towards the back of the bar, you can even catch a little peek of the Buda Castle. 

• Read also: 5 of the best waffle places you must not miss when visiting Budapest

The Duchess

Photo: Facebook.com/theduchessbudapest

The Duchess, being true to its name, “offers the perfect setting for the world of decadent luxury you’ve always wanted to wallow in”. While it mostly operates as a bar; the establishment also serves a couple of high-end food options apart from its fine drinks and handcrafted cocktails.

Guests of The Duchess get a wonderful view of the nearby Elizabeth Bridge, as well as the Gellért Hill on the opposite bank of the Danube.

Additionally, the beautiful façades of nearby buildings and the cityscape of Budapest are stunning backdrops to the view.

Halászbástya Restaurant

Photo: Halaszbastya.eu/en

The Halászbástya, or Fisherman’s Bastion as foreigners might better know it, is a must-visit sight in Budapest. It provides an excellent view of the entire city, the Hungarian Parliament on the opposite side of the Danube being the focal point. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to take pictures of the Hungarian capital.

But what if I told you that you can marvel at the cityscape from the terrace of a fine restaurant while also satisfying your culinary desires at the same time? 

• Read also: Hungarian restaurant news every foodie needs to know – PHOTOS

+1 Leo Rooftop

Photo: Facebook.com/leorooftopbudapest/

Leo Rooftop can be found at Clark Ádám Square at the Zero Kilometre Stone, an important reference point from which all the roads distancing to Budapest are measured in the country. Hence, the rooftop bar is literally located in the middle of the Hungarian capital.

The square is also known as the place where the iconic Chain Bridge meets the Buda bank. The name of the establishment was inspired by the lions guarding the bridgehead of this architectural wonder.

The rooftop bar has everything you wish for: a plethora of themed cocktails and drinks as well as gourmet food options, not to mention the beautiful panorama encompassing the Danube, the Parliament, the Chain Bridge and even the Buda Castle all at once.

The list was compiled based on two similar articles on Funzine and Diningguide.

Read also5 of the best and most unique bars in Budapest you need to visit

Source: Funzine.hu, Diningguide,hu, Daily News Hungary