Stifler Kert

Tucked away in the leafy streets of Óbuda, Stifler Kert is shaping up to be one of Budapest’s most inviting new community spaces this summer. This dog-friendly beer garden strikes a fine balance between laid-back and lively: premium draught beers, succulent craft burgers, and sizzling grill dishes set the scene for long, unhurried evenings under the open sky. Families are well catered for with a dedicated children’s corner, while film nights and big-screen match screenings promise a packed summer program. Open every day from late morning to the last drop of the evening.

1033 Budapest, Miklós tér 1. | Website

Arioso Café & Brunch

In the heart of the city center, Arioso Café & Brunch is one of those rare finds that rewards the curious traveler. Framed by magnificent flower arrangements, this intimate brunch spot pairs premium coffee with a seasonally changing menu that caters to every appetite, from hearty Hungarian and American breakfasts to the ever-popular eggs benedict, eggs royale, and avocado toast, with fresh salads also on hand for those seeking something a little less indulgent. And just beyond the café’s doors, a hidden courtyard garden awaits, offering a well-deserved respite from the bustle of Budapest.

1075 Budapest, Király utca 9. | Website

Kobuci Kert

The faint strum of a guitar, the clink of glasses, and the warm glow of fairy lights: welcome to Kobuci Kert, one of Budapest’s most beloved outdoor live music venues, nestled inside the courtyard of Óbuda’s Zichy Palace. From April to August, this cozy institution – born out of the legendary Kapolcs Valley of Arts festival in 2005 – fills the night air with the sounds of Hungarian underground rock, folk, jazz, blues, and world music. And when the dancing subsides, make sure to try the signature Kobuci sandwich: a gloriously messy medley of garlic sour cream, roasted sausage crumbs, cucumber, and tomato.

1033 Budapest, Fő tér 1. | Facebook

Majomhoz

Found in the green embrace of Városmajor park, Majomhoz is a buzzing open-air community space where a glamorous, effortlessly cool crowd gathers for an eclectic mix of workshops, film screenings, and live music concerts. In addition to a lush backdrop, a veritable festival atmosphere, and regular events, Buda’s secret garden offers a fine wine selection curated by the Divino team, a respectable gin and sparkling wine lineup, and the mouthwatering delicacies of a rotating cast of food trucks, including pizzas, burgers, and burritos.

1122 Budapest, Maros utca 56. | Website

Zsiráf Buda

Whether you’re planning an afternoon with the gals, a date night, or simply unwinding after a long day, Zsiráf Buda has you covered. Overlooking the beautifully landscaped Széllkapu Park (the eastward extension of Millenáris), this stylish second outpost of the beloved Zsiráf family offers more than just a pretty view. Settle in with an ice-cold beer or an effervescent wine spritzer and let the aroma of freshly baked Neapolitan pizza do the rest. As the sun dips below the treeline, unplugged concerts and pumping DJ sets ensure the evening takes on a life of its own.

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 2-4. | Facebook

More outdoor spots in the city:

Terrace Season Favorites: 11 Gastro Spots for Sunny Days in and around Budapest

Summer is best spent outside — and these amazing restaurants with terraces in Budapest prove it this year.

Funzine

Quick ‘n’ Tasty: Black Cab Burger

Step into Black Cab Burger in Ferencváros and journey straight to London’s vibrant food scene. Savor premium beef, chicken, or salmon burgers customized to your exact taste, or indulge in their signature Cabbie Burger – a masterpiece of melted cheddar, spicy jalapeño, and crispy bacon that captures London’s bold culinary spirit. Fresh-cut chips fried in peanut oil pair perfectly with authentic Fuller’s beer or refreshing Crabbie’s ginger beer, completing this British experience. For variety seekers, their Frankfurt-style hot dogs provide another delicious avenue to explore, making this Budapest outpost a true destination for locals and tourists craving that unmistakable London street food magic.

1095 Budapest, Mester utca 46. | Website

Summer Refreshment: Bubu Bubble Tea

Escape the scorching summer heat with Bubu Bubble Tea – Budapest’s beloved Asian sensation that continues to define refreshment in the city’s gastro scene. Dive into their world of 26 vibrant flavors that perfectly capture summer’s essence, from tropical paradise to orchard freshness. Every sip becomes an adventure as you customize your creation with colorful jelly beans, chewy tapioca pearls, or bursting fruit bubbles – the possibilities are endless. Grab your favorite concoction to go and head straight to the poolside, or bring the bubble tea magic home with premium ingredients from Bubu’s online store!

1052 Budapest, Petőfi Sándor utca 6. // 1066 Budapest, Teréz körút 38. // 1117 Budapest, Móricz Zsigmond körtér 16. | Facebook

Downtown Oasis: VAJ Sas

Just steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica, VAJ Sas invites you to linger on their spacious, shade-dappled terrace or retreat to their stylishly cool interior – an urban oasis open daily throughout summer. Their commitment to craftsmanship defines every offering: freshly baked pastries with house-made fillings and sandwiches on signature sourdough, all created with premium ingredients transformed by skilled hands. Refresh yourself with vibrant house-made lemonades, iced teas, and juices, or discover their light-roast specialty coffee in cooling summer variations and artisanal kombuchas, perfect companions for languid days in Budapest’s elegant center.

1051 Budapest, Sas utca 2. | Website

Secret Garden: ARAZ

ARAZ Restaurant offers a refreshing alternative to the typical downtown dining experience. The establishment’s verdant inner terrace provides a welcome retreat from big city buzz while maintaining the district’s cosmopolitan atmosphere. Beginning June 24, Tuesday evenings feature a specialized grill menu showcasing expertly prepared octopus, rib-eye steak, traditional köfte, and succulent chicken breast – all prepared over open flame to enhance natural flavors. The restaurant’s Small Plate concept merits particular attention, presenting Hungarian culinary traditions through a contemporary lens in portions designed for exploration and sharing.

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42-44. | Website

Modern Tradition: Macesz Bistro

Looking for that perfect blend of tradition and trendiness? Macesz Bistro on Dob Street continues to be one of our favorite spots, maintaining its stylish ambiance while constantly refreshing its culinary offerings. Chef Ákos Tasnádi is working his magic in the kitchen, balancing grandmother-approved favorites (hello, perfect matzo ball soup and hearty cholent!) with contemporary seasonal stunners, like their vegan milk pudding topped with passion fruit and pistachio. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious about Jewish cuisine, Macesz Bistro’s fresh take on beloved recipes makes it an essential stop on your culinary adventures this summer.

1072 Budapest, Dob utca 26. | Website

Gluten-Free Gluttony: Zelenák Sütiház

Zelenák Sütiház masterfully recreates classic Hungarian desserts without a trace of gluten – and yes, they taste just like the originals! All of the products are 100% gluten-free, and the thoughtfully curated shop also features a special selection of treats that are additionally free from dairy, sugar, and eggs. Their ever-changing seasonal specialties give you plenty of reasons to become a regular visitor. Whether you follow a specific diet or simply want desserts with less guilt, this patisserie delivers satisfaction for both your taste buds and your conscience.

1105 Budapest, Gitár utca 4. | Website

Make sure to check out these fun activities as well:

6 Ways to Soak Up Summer in Budapest

Summer is probably the most perfect season to experience Budapest like a local. It is a great time to step off the beaten path and explore the city from a less touristy perspective.

Funzine

Este11

Explore the secret oasis of Este11 by the shores of Feneketlen Lake and make your summer nights unforgettable under the majestic chestnut trees! Indulge in heavenly bites, sizzling potatoes, a plethora of burger creations, special cocktails, and a diverse range of local and international wines. Just a jump from Villányi Street, this outdoor hangout is buzzing with top-notch live music gigs, DJ sets, and cultural happenings all season long. Get yourself comfortable under the chestnut trees for endless laughs, family toasts, or dance your heart out at one of the concerts. Let’s make this summer one for the books!

1113 Budapest, Villányi út 14. | Website

Tereza

Right in the heart of downtown, you’ll stumble upon the irresistible Mexican urban oasis – a must-visit gem on Budapest’s culinary map. Tereza, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Oktogon, beckons with the genuine flavours of regional Mexican cuisine. Picture this: after savoring mouthwatering dishes, you’re torn between diving into their wide selection of mezcal and margaritas at one of the bohemian garden tables or soaking up the vibrant vibes inside. And guess what? The summer spirit comes alive on their terrace, complete with a show kitchen, colorful garlands, and twinkling fairy lights.

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 3. | Website

aMajomhoz

In late April, Buda’s secret garden, aMajomhoz, swung open its gates, unveiling a great deal of exciting surprises for the new season. Get ready for a visual makeover that’ll have you glued to the DJ booth’s backdrop! And as if that’s not enough, the food and drink offerings have levelled up with the addition of Rebel Burger & More’s mouthwatering Mexican delights. What’s more, alongside the usual live music parties and dog-friendly events, cultural and literary happenings spice things up this year. Plus, they’ve planted a cozy bookshelf in the lush greenery, where you can trade in your old reads for something fresh and exciting.

1122 Budapest, Maros utca 56. | Website

Budapest Garden

Located in the heart of Óbuda, Budapest Garden is a vibrant community space known for its wide range of leisure activities. Situated along the Danube riverside, it offers opportunities for volleyball, table tennis, skateboarding, outdoor cooking, and enjoying delicious food and drinks in a charming setting. The garden features three food stalls where you can savour traditional Hungarian treats like lángos and doughnuts, or indulge in delicious fried cheese sandwiches and hamburgers. Just like in previous years, Budapest Garden hosts a free outdoor cinema all summer long, inviting you to enjoy movies under the stars.

1036 Budapest, Árpád fejedelem útja 125. | Website

Bereg Embassy Bar & Cafe

Just a stone’s throw from Széna Square, tucked away in the peaceful inner garden of Hattyúház, Bereg Embassy Bar & Cafe offers a cozy spot for relaxation and unwinding. Whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon coffee, a refreshing homemade lemonade, or the perfect craft beer to wind down your evening, your time at Bereg will be exceptional. All you need to do is enjoy the ambiance under the leafy canopy, with the sounds of birds chirping, illuminated by evening lights. Pair this with a great burger, a plate of traditional Bereg goulash, or a light grilled goat cheese, and you have a truly delightful experience.

1015 Budapest, Batthyány u. 49/b | Facebook

Check out Budapest’s Most Enchanting Green Areas:

6 Fabulous Parks to Explore This Summer

Let's head outside and enjoy the beautiful parks, sights and gastro spots the city has to offer!

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Fűvészkert

You may have heard the word ‘fűvészkert’ (which means botanical garden in Hungarian) before, since this particular garden is the main scene of Ferenc Molnár’s famous novel, The Paul Street Boys. In Fűvészkert, the first botanical garden in Hungary, more than 8000 types of plant can be found – you can even take a guided tour with an expert who will tell you all about them! The centrally located garden is otherwise ideal for long walks, romantic dates, and, of course, picnic.

Margaret Island

There is nothing like Margitsziget in sunny weather. The 2,5-kilometer long green island is located on river Danube, halfway between Buda and Pest, and visited by every Budapester in springtime including the enthusiasts of outdoor sports, dog lovers, cyclists, youngsters, pensioners, workers, locals as well as foreigners. You can try lángos, the Hungarian fatty food specialty; borrow a bike, watch the fountain show, use the street workout facilities, take the running path, or just chill on Nagyrét. Don’t miss out!

The yard of the Hungarian National Museum

The yard of the Hungarian National Museum is located in the heart of Budapest, between Astoria and Kálvin tér. In 1848 it was the meeting point of Hungarian revolutioners, nowadays it is that of the students of the nearby universities who either lie in the grass, or sit on the stairs drinking, eating, and chatting. Although the noise of the busy streets may be bothering for some, the vigorous vibes of the young compensate.

Garden of Philosophy

Situated a bit lower than the Citadel but still over the city there is Gellért Hill’s hidden gem, the Garden of Philosophy. The park was named after Nándor Wagner’s sculpture which has stood there since 2001. Garden of Philosophy is less known by the tourists, so it is not as crowded as the Citadel but the view is similarly impressive.

Kopaszi-gát

Buda has its own island of peace, namely Kopaszi-gát (gát meaning dam). The huge green area at the waterside is situated in the outskirt of Budapest, which might be the reason why it is so calming walking around the recently renovated area. You will find restaurants and cafés in case you forget to bring your own for the picnic. Remember not to take dogs, because they are not allowed in the park.

Római-part

When you take the train to the only natural coast of the city, you will be amazed by the retro atmosphere the place has preserved since the second half of the nineteenth century. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés that mostly serve Hungarian specialities you can try, or you can organize a barbecue while enjoying the closeness of the river.

Normafa

Normafa is the perfect choice for families who would like to get away from the urban bustle to spend a day in green environment. You can take one of the walking paths, go up to Erzsébet Lookout Tower for a beautiful view over the nearby hills, take the children’s railway, or just enjoy the afternoon on a blanket while the kids are having fun at the playground.

Erzsébet tér

As soon as the warm weather arrives, every year Erzsébet square becomes loaded with people chilling in the sun in the afternoon, and getting pre-drinks in the evening. This green spot of Deák square is filled with loud laughter mixed with the sounds of jamming musicians every day.