Most of these rooftop venues are located on the bustling Pest side, many on the top floor of fancy hotels, which are not limited to in-house guests only.

1. The Duchess - pictured above

Address: 1056 Budapest, Matild Palace, Váci u 36.

The city’s newest drink library, The Duchess, is housed in the recently opened luxury hotel Matild Palace and gives a new meaning to the famed roofscape of the capital. This hidden gem was inspired by Maria Klotild, Archduchess of Austria, who dreamed about a lavish hiding place on the roof of the palace, where she could entertain and share her sense of joie de vivre with the socialites of the city.

In addition to decadent cocktails, the gastronomic experience was created by renowned MasterChef Wolfgang Puck.

2. 360 Bar

Address: 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 39.

One of the most popular rooftop bars is 360 Bar, located on the top of the former Paris Department Store on Andrássy Avenue close to the Opera House. You can try sunrise yoga, listen and dance to a DJ spinning records at sunset or simply admire the enchanting atmosphere with a wine spritzer.

Rooftop bars are mostly popular during the summer, but you can enjoy this particular place during the cold months too. In the heated igloos, you can taste their winter specialties such as the home-made mulled wine or the soul-warming cheese fondue. 

3. Élesztő Terasz
Address: 1121 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2-4.

The Buda sibling of the long-established namesake ruin bar in Pest brings rooftop views into the equation, along with the craft beer for which Élesztő (‘Yeast’) is justifiably renowned. True, it’s above a mall, the huge Mammut near Széll Kálmán tér, but this shouldn’t hinder your enjoyment of a more down-to-earth, bohemian ambience when compared to the exclusivity of the other locations in this elevated selection.

All told, 15 types of beer are served on tap, and with so many specialties, you can even sink a a gluten-free variety. Spirits are similarly well-chosen, as the crew at Élesztő have given this field special focus, encouraging a regular crowd even though the venue only opened shortly before the summer season.

4. High Note Skybar

Address: 1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5. 

Offering creative drinks and food, the High Note Skybar is located on the top of the Aria Hotel, next to St. Stephen’s Basilica. The bell towers of the church can almost be touched from here. The hotel, which has received many awards has a music theme all around. The highest sounds in the Skybar will be triggered by the intensely flavorful unique cocktails and the foods and desserts designed to go with them. Come for lunch, dinner or just for a drink.

5. Intermezzo Roof Terrace
Address: 1054 Budapest, Hotel President, Hold u. 3.

Intermezzo is a 360-degree outdoor panoramic terrace on the top of Hotel President, overlooking the iconic dome of the Parliament and the Hungarian State Treasury’ Zsolnay-tiles adorned roof.

In summer, the terrace transforms into one of the city’s most cozy rooftop restaurants with grilled and light dishes. In winter, you can snuggle up with a hot drink inside the bubble. A couple years ago, there was an outdoor ice-skating rink on the rooftop terrace. Fingers crossed for next year.

6. Leo Rooftop

Address:  1013 Budapest, Clark Ádám tér 1.

In Buda at the top of Hotel Clark is Leo Rooftop, a friendly jungle above the city. From here you can almost touch the Tunnel carved in the hillside, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. There are very few rooftop bars on the Buda side, so the panorama from here overlooking the Pest side is especially unique. With their handcrafted cocktails, you will soon be able to raise your glass to the stone lions guarding the Chain Bridge, which is currently under renovation.

7. MemoRise Skybar

Address: 1056 Budapest, Bástya u. 33.

MemoRise Skybar is a seasonal roof terrace atop Hotel Memories Oldtown Budapest. It offers an exciting hidden atmosphere among the rooftops of Pest.

Feel the cosmopolitan vibe above the city with views of the Citadel. Relax and enjoy the sights with wonderful Hungarian wines, special cocktails and home-made sorbet. Your rooftop experience can be complemented by seasonal and locally sourced dishes and live music.


Click here to read the second part of the article

Source: Welovebudapest.com

 Article photos - courtesy of the venues