When days are long and the weather outside is hot, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors with a drink in hand and head out to a place that will cheer you up and put you in a truly summertime mood. Luckily, Budapest is full of the most amazing garden bars and several of them are located in the inner-city area.
Whether you’ll swing by the river Danube for panoramic views or check out a ruin pub for urban backyard vibes, the below examples of Budapest nightlife are all perfect for your outdoor drinking needs.
1. Kertem
If it wasn’t located in the City Park, it could just as well be in your own backyard. Nothing fancy, just a couple of tables and chairs scattered across the green grass with strings of twinkle lights hanging from the trees. Yet, somehow it still manages to be magical. Perhaps it’s the feeling of togetherness or warm summer nights or the neighboring 19th-century Olof Palme House that gives the place a friendly, old-school vibe. Free concerts, grilled delicacies, cold beer, plenty of dogs and hipsters on bicycles. What else do you need?
Insider tip: Try their Balkán Burger or grilled ewe-cheese, you won’t regret it!
2. Pontoon
Located at the Pest foot of the iconic Chain Bridge on the Danube river bank, Pontoon is more than just a Budapest outdoor bar. It’s a mixture of a summer lounge, a cool party place, and an open cultural space at one of the most mesmerizing locations in Budapest. Grab your drink, take your shoes off, sit down in the sand and listen to high-quality live music acts as you watch the sunset over the Danube. Sounds amazing, right? The place even has sun chairs and a roof terrace from where the views of Budapest by night are truly breathtaking. A superb place to meet artists, hipsters, and backpackers. Great cocktails and pizza. The only disadvantage is that it tends to get overcrowded in the evenings. So, prepare for long queues at the bar.
3. Kőleves Kert
Located in the ruin pub area of the 7th district next to Kőleves Restaurant, Kőleves Kert is a low-key, yet friendly outdoor bar. Get ready for brightly colored tables and chairs in ankle-deep gravel under the open sky. During the daytime, it’s most visited by freelancers or students from the nearby Hungarian Dance Academy, while in the evenings the place is filled up with the usual pub-going hipster crowd, locals and tourists alike.
Insider tip: Try their „tócsni”, a Hungarian delicacy made of grated potatoes, flour, and eggs, topped with sour cream, cheese, and sweet chili. Very yummy.
4. Anker’t
Located just a few steps from Andrássy Avenue, Anker’t is one of the largest and most popular ruin pubs in downtown Budapest. A beer garden, a party place, and a cultural focal point of the underground crowd at the same time. A great place to just chill. In the evenings, the best underground DJs provide great funky, pop, dance, and groove music. Regular slam poetry evenings are organized for the more artistic visitors. On selected weekends, they even give a home to a flower and vegan market. Totally kid- and pet friendly. Good selection of beer and street food. Kind staff. It’s simply one of the best places in Budapest for the summer.
5. Jónás Craft Beer House (Jónás Kézműves Sörház)
One of the most atmospheric beer gardens in Budapest. Located at the Danube river bank, at Bálna Budapest – a cultural and entertainment center called „The Whale” due to its fishlike form – Jónás Beer House must have been named after the biblical Jonah who was swallowed by the big fish. Jónás awaits with more than sixty different craft beers and beautiful, panoramic views over the river Danube. Apart from the beer collection, they offer a variety of hand-pressed fruit juices and syrups, and a list of burgers to suit all meat eaters’ tastes.
Insider tip: if there is no place by the tables, just sit on the bank of the river. You definitely won’t be alone… or bored!
6. Rácskert
An old inner-city parking lot between two large apartment buildings got turned into one of the most lovable ruin pubs / vegan paradise in the 7th district. What you can expect: an outdoor bar with the usual drinks but plenty of artistic design, seven food trucks offering a variety of street food with no animal ingredients such as vegan burgers, vegan pizza, vegan sausages, vegan chili con carne, and quesadilla. Great parties and live music. Smoking is allowed, and having a great time is a must.
Insider tip: bring some cash because you can’t pay with a card.
7. Tereza
The combination of a stylish open-air garden and the fantastic flavors prepared by an award-winning chef makes this restaurant one of the best summer places in Budapest not just to have delicious, state-of-the-art guacamole, but also for an unforgettable summer evening. There’s plenty of space even if you’re with a larger group. Should you sit in the courtyard, you might notice “Mi casa es su casa” painted on the wall in giant letters. They aren’t kidding. Try this place and you’ll feel like you’re at a homey Mexican garden party.
Insider tip: take a swing at their cocktails. There are eight versions of the margaritas alone.
+1: Fellini Római
Fellini is a little paradise at Római part (Roman shore), a beloved recreational area of the locals by the river Danube. Although it’s relatively far from the city center, if you have enough time, it’s worth visiting. Fellini is one of the most atmospheric beach bars at the waterfront and an awesome place to chill at the end of the day. Watch the river and the kayaks from stylish sunchairs as you listen to French chansons while having delicious street food and drinks. They regularly organize concerts and outdoor movie nights as well.
Insider tip: If you go in the evening, a mosquito repellent is highly recommended.
