There’s so much to-do when visiting Budapest: checking out the historic
buildings, taking in the unforgettable views of the city’s skyline
(which has appeared in so many Hollywood films these days), and, most
likely, exploring the colorful and crazy nightlife scene. Why not check
all of these boxes at once by grabbing a drink (or two) at one of
Budapest’s buzzing rooftop bars?

by Anna J. Kutor

In a city where the often underground and quirky ruin bars
have grabbed the spotlight, high-rise watering holes are relatively new
and stylish additions. Taking full advantage of the many historical
structures and the fair summer weather, elevated bars add a touch of
glamour and exclusivity, not to mention a front-row seat to sweeping big
city views that can change dramatically from day to night. And now
there’s a Budapest rooftop for every taste: ritzy or relaxed? Elegant or
edgy? Buda or Pest? Here are our favorite venues in the city where you
can get a taste of the high life, paired with vibrant atmosphere, heady
drinks, and exceptional views.

360 Bar
Perched atop the elegantly renovated Parisian Department Store on
leafy Andrássy Út, 360 Bar is a cut above the rooftop bar set in both
style and substance. Here, you’ll find a wooden-decked terrace with
plush lounges, smooth music, and swish drinks, not to mention the
wraparound views of the city that gave this place its name. For a classy
night of inebriation take your date or out-of-town guest and treat them
to a glass of fine Hungarian wine or one of the many cocktails on
offer. On weekends, the brunch is a good reason to lay back and enjoy
this lofty hangout.

Corvintető
A cross between a rooftop hangout and a ruin bar, Corvintető was one
of the first establishments to take advantage of not only a uninhabited
building (a Communist-era shopping mall) but also its split-level
rooftop terrace. Its central location on Blaha Lujza tér means crowds
are always expected and the views of the city are admittedly narrowed to
the surrounding rooftops, but the lively atmosphere and moody
night-time lighting make a for a memorable evening away from the hustle
of the streets below. Hipsters, students and random urban dwellers
boogey here to nightly DJs or enjoy the outdoor film screenings under a
canopy of lights, all while nursing a pint of beer or a fruity cocktail.

Design Terminal Terrace
The effortlessly stylish Design Terminal—a functional geometric
structure formerly used as the city’s main bus terminal—is a key part of
Budapest’s creative fabric, hosting a series of cultural and design
events throughout the year. Come summertime, the rooftop terrace becomes
a hub of activity as tourists and locals congregate to sip speciality
cocktails and show off new fashion trends.

Gozsdu Sky Terrace
Its unbeatable location right in the center of Budapest’s buzzing
Jewish District bar scene already sets the tone for what to expect, and
visitors are rarely disappointed. The entrance of this sky-high hangout
is hidden off a side alley within the maze of restaurants and shops that
make up the expansive Gozsdu Udvar. But once you find the your way up
to this sleek spot, you are rewarded with sweeping views of inner-city
Pest and a bit of the Buda hills. It’s an ideal vantage point for
watching summer sunsets while lingering over a fröccs
or a tall mojito. This wooden-decked terrace has a spacious feel and a
cool vibe that comes from the mix of hip electro beats, live musical
acts, and a steady crowd of well-heeled urbanites. The drink list is
quite extensive, with a special focus on domestic and international beer
and a good selection of pub grub and some wood-fired pizza.

Rudas Restaurant & Bar
The comprehensive renovation of the Rudas Bath in recent years has
turned the Turkish-era thermal spot into a real hotspot. The addition of
a ritzy restaurant and bar next door, with an extended terrace
overlooking the Danube riverfront, has launched it into a whole new
zone: sizzling sanctuary. After soaking up the curative effects of the
hot waters, head over to this classy deck for well-crafted drinks and a
symphony of Hungarian-international tastes dreamt up by kitchen maestro
Zoltán Blasko.