The centre of Budapest has preserved its glorious past, and its long history is apparent among the old buildings and numerous cultural and historical locations. If you are lucky enough to spend a few days in Hungary’s capital city, this article will help you find the best spots to grab a drink or have a fun night out.
Kiosk Budapest
Situated in a former Piarist building, Kiosk Budapest has incredible architectural features, including astonishingly high ceilings. Due to its recently renovated exterior area, cocktails can be enjoyed outside, too. The bartender has won several contests and creates top-notch cocktails with elegant flair. Should you get hungry, there is a variety of specialty burgers, with flavors such as blue cheese, foie gras and caramelized onion.
With its Asian-fusion cuisine, Buddha-Bar blends Chinese, Thai, Indian and Japanese food in a luxurious bar and lounge area. Signature cocktail creations mixed with the traditional music creates a relaxing environment for patrons. On Sundays treat yourself to a special brunch, in which you can enjoy a huge variety of main courses or an Asian buffet. Buddha-Bar also hosts Hungary’s first authentic Lebanese restaurant, Baalbek. This new space attracts fans of traditional middle eastern cuisine and prepares all their dishes halal. Baalbek’s cozy terrace welcomes its guests with a range of shisha options or, if shisha isn’t your thing, a selection of Arabian teas to complete your meal.
Buddha-Bar Restaurant Courtesy of Buddha-Bar Budapest.
Boutiq’Bar
Bar, Pub Grub, $$$
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Boutiq ‘Bar is now recognized as being amongst the 50 best cocktail bars in the world. Owing to the crimson walls and small size, the interior feels sensual and intimate. There is no cocktail in the world that the skilled bartenders can’t prepare: in fact, the variety of drinks on offer is so immense that you may struggle to choose. Do you fancy a Caribbean rose peppercorn, a vanilla-cardamom cocktail or a spicy caipirinha?
This haven for American and Australian food devotees attracts many US tourists or businessmen who long for a good a piece of Omaha or prime steak, or for filet mignon made from Australian Wagyu. Moreover, put it top of your list if you want to have a special tequila, whiskey, rum or cognac: in the past few years they have improved their cocktail list as well.
No need to be apprehensive about entering this hotel’s bar, although it is in the basement of The Kempinski, the spacious room has a great ambiance and the drinks are terrific. Basically, you can choose from any of the classics or a selection of modern cocktails. They use only natural ingredients, meaning no sickly syrups. Cheers!
Partly owned by Sicilians, this bar offers the classic American cocktail list, coupled with Italian class. If you are familiar with the concept of an apero bar in Italy, then, this is what you can expect from this happy, fun loving environment. No one will judge you here if you happen to drink a Tom Collins at 4pm! All of this amidst the decadent charm of the 1920s and 30s.
Should you be interested in Hungarian schnapps, also known as palinka, this shop and bar can supply you with a huge variety to try.Plus you can get an insight into how this heavenly alcoholic drink is made, the mysteries of distillation and the difference between the favorite brands. There are regular discounts, too, so keep an eye on their website.
This enchanted forest in the heart of Budapest offers the possibility of dusk-to-dawn dancing surrounded by some of the weirdest and most eclectic artworks of all time. If you like a wide variety of music and spending the whole night in a friendly environment with great drinks, then Instant is most definitely worth a try.
