Visiting the vibrant city of Budapest in the summertime is an absolute delight. Budapest is easily in our top 3 favourite capitals in Europe. The streets come alive with a palpable energy and lively atmosphere. You’ll be captivated by the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the city’s outdoor cafes, the scenic parks, delicious cuisines – we could go on forever! Believe us when we say a summer visit to this enchanting city promises to be an unforgettable experience.
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1. Enjoy breakfast like royalty
Imagine having breakfast in what is described as the ‘most beautiful café in the world’. I’d love to say these are our words but they aren’t, this is how New York Café in Budapest is described all over Google, have a look for yourself.
It is advised that you make a reservation online, you can imagine how busy this beautiful place can get. Walk-ins are very limited.
Upon entry, we were welcomed with beautiful music from the pianist and violinist. Walking in felt like stepping into the 1920s, everything is decorated so beautifully and regal-esque. The staff were incredibly attentive despite the café being very busy at our reservation time of 8am, the time the café opens!!
The menu offers an array of breakfast dishes from omelettes to pancakes; those with dietary requirements will be pleased to know that all allergens are clearly displayed on the menu.
Whilst we love this place, there were a couple of things we didn’t like. They have introduced a system where you can pay €5 to ‘skip the queue’, this for us turns a visit here into a moneymaking experience as opposed to an intimate dining experience. Furthermore, the ‘intimacy’ of the dining hall in recent years seems to be a thing of the past. The tables are quite close together and feels like they are trying to seat as many people as possible, hardly a surprise given its popularity but, it would have been nice to keep numbers low for an enjoyable experience.
Now, this establishment is more on the expensive side but if you think about the quality of the ingredients in your meal and just the sheer exquisite surroundings, we understand why.
New York Cafe – Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary (located in the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (8am-12am)
2. See Budapest by day and night on the Danube
Our favourite way of exploring this city is by boat.
There are many affordable tours which can take you along the Danube at different times of the day with varied durations. Our personal favourite time for a boat tour is at night; this is where we witnessed the striking Hungarian Parliament illuminate against the water, truly mesmerising. It’s a serene activity to do after being on your feet all day. During the tour, the Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge and Buda Castle will come into view so have your cameras at the ready!
If you would like to book this tour which includes a drink, click here.
3. Taste the Hungarian-Jewish delicacies
Hungarian food is renowned for its bold, robust flavours and unique culinary traditions that have been carefully honed over centuries. Paprika, a spice derived from dried red peppers, is at the heart of many Hungarian dishes. If you try only one dish, it has got to be the iconic Goulash which is a stew of meat and vegetables served to us with fluffy, potato-based dumplings known as Nokedli.
This dish is quite heavy so come hungry! We’ve tried Goulash a few times but the best version was found in Great Market Hall, a restored neo-gothic hall with many traders in Budapest. The reason wasn’t even completely down to taste (even though it was delicious) but because I was serenaded whilst waiting for it to be served. An experience I’ll never forget!
Before World War II, approximately 200,000 Jews lived in Budapest, making it the center of Hungarian Jewish cultural life. Exploring the rich culinary heritage of Budapest means delving beyond Hungarian food and tapping into the city’s vibrant Jewish food scene.
Koleves is a laidback, cosy restaurant in the heart of the old Jewish quarter. The goose leg is highly recommended. For post-meal drinks, head to Mazel Tov (Jewish for ‘Good Fortune’) for some very tasty cocktails in a gorgeous building with hanging greenery and warm lighting.
Great Central Market Hall– Budapest, 1093 Hungary
Opening Hours: Mon (6am-5pm), Tue-Fri (6am-6pm), Sat (6am-3pm), Sun (Closed)
Koleves – Budapest, Kazinczy u. 37-41, 1075 Hungary
Opening Hours: Mon (CLOSED), Tue-Wed (12pm-10pm), Thur-Sat (12pm-11pm), Sun (12pm-10pm)
Mazel Tov– Budapest, Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (11am-12am)
4. Musical Fountain in Margaret Island
If you can’t quite make it to the infamous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, Budapest’s Margaret Island offers the next best thing. This musical fountain is considered to be the largest in Europe and serenades visitors with music from Ed Sheeran to Mozart every hour from 11am till 10pm. There is a dedicated ‘Kid’s Section’ at 11am and 4pm.
The jets which shoot 10 metres in the air dance to the rhythm of the song playing in the background. The show lasts 30 mins and is a treat for everyone of all ages. Read more about it here.
5. Seeing Budapest from a height
If you are looking to get dressed up and enjoy aperitifs next door to the basilica, look no further than High Note Sky Rooftop Bar located at the top of the Aria Hotel.
The view is breathtaking, we recommend coming at sunset where you’ll be in awe of Budapest from a height transition from day to night. We already had a dinner reservation so we didn’t order any food but judging by the Google reviews, we need to return for the small plates as they have high praise and look incredible.
Similar to the New York Café, this rooftop is on the pricier side but the views are out of the world, the cocktails are delectable and the service is exceptional. Worth every cent in our opinion.
High Note Sky Bar – Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051 Hungary
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur (4pm-12am), Fri-Sun (2pm-12pm)
That’s All 23 Travellers! Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoyed reading through ‘Why your European summer isn’t complete without a trip to Budapest, Hungary.’
23 Travels are Personal Travel Planners who have been creating bespoke travel itineraries for many years. If you would like us to plan your trip to Budapest, or any other worldwide destination for you, please visit 23 Travels Itinerary Services
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