Overview
A city we revisited during the 2023 Sziget Festival. Since we'd already covered most of the tourist sights on our first visit, this time we could explore without the pressure of missing anything, which made it much more enjoyable. We also got to properly enjoy the festival. If you're coming for Sziget and it's also your first time in Budapest, I'd recommend adding at least 1-2 extra nights beyond your plan to avoid cramming sightseeing.
Food & Drink
If you're into wine tasting, this city is absolutely your kind of place. There were more wine bars here than we'd encountered even in Paris. Great flavors, very reasonable prices. My top three recommendations: Champion Wine Vinarium & Gastro Boutique, Tasting Table Budapest Shop, and Tokaj Wine Bar. The first one was especially phenomenal, incredible quality wines for the price we paid. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying a proper Tokaji Aszu.
Nightlife
For nightlife, Szimpla Kert and Instant are the most popular spots. We walked into Szimpla Kert casually around 7 PM. Left to eat dinner since they don't serve food, came back around 9 and waited 15-20 minutes to get in. By the time we left at 10:30-11, they weren't letting anyone in and the queue was 3-4 times longer than what we'd waited in. Bottom line: don't leave your visit too late. Same story at Instant, we walked right in at 11 PM when it was partially empty, but by midnight it was packed and by 1 AM the queue outside was matching Szimpla's. Going a bit earlier lets you enjoy both far more.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Ikonik Parlament Hotel and were happy with everything. Recommended.
My Place Reviews
Restaurants
Fat Mama2024★★★★☆
Good junk foods. Nice plates to share.
Too much food smell inside.
Fittbutiq Bistro2024★★★☆☆
No breakfast after 11:30 AM.
KOOOL2024★★★★☆
Didn't enjoy ginger shot.
Good food.
Bars
Tokaj Wine Bar2024★★★★★
Really traditional bar, good design.
They do not speak English well but you figure it out somehow to order :)
Enjoyed the wines. Good place for tasting.
SixLetter Coffee Co. - Specialty Coffee Bar & Breakfast, Brunch2024★★★★★
Good eggs benedict and pistachio croissant
Huncutka Bite and Wine2024★★★☆☆
Toooo natural wines as glass. If you are not into that, i do not recommend to try.
Instant-Fogas Complex★★★★★
Enter the place before 11 pm or you will wait a long line
Szimpla Kert2024★★★★★
Enter the place before 7 pm or you will wait for a huge line afterwards.
Do not see any room to sell food
Champion Wine Vinarium&Gastro Boutique2024★★★★★
The best tasting place in town. I wish I tried this place in my first day so all days I could have visit here. Perfect wine options, good design, lovely owners. Just amazing!!!
Cafes
Brunch & Lunch2024★★★★★
Best healthy brownie ever.
Good breakfast
Hotels
Ikonik Parlament2024★★★★☆
Nice designed hotel, good complementary coffee. Toilets in the rooms are a little bit weird, only glass door, lack of privacy. Heater does not work.
Attractions
Castle Garden Bazaar2024★★★★★
Awesome place, definitely worth to visit
Shops
MrAlkohol Drink Shop2024★★★★★
Awesome selection and quantity of wines & liquors!!
Drop Shop Wine Bar2024★★★☆☆
Bar is only open after 5 PM. Before that, only bottle sales available
Tasting Table Budapest (Wine Shop)2024★★★★★
If you make a wine tasting, you need to make a reservation before. It is until 6 pm. However, you can walk in for a wine flight until 8 pm. Good selection of wines and really helpful staff.