Rooftops in Hungary: the Danube from above
A country at the heart of the Carpathian Basin
A landlocked country in Central Europe, Hungary shares its borders with seven neighbours: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. It has around 9.6 million inhabitants, its capital is Budapest, its language Hungarian and its currency the forint. Founded at the end of the 9th century by Prince Árpád and converted to Christianity under King Stephen I around the year 1000, it later lived under Ottoman and then Habsburg rule, before forming the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy with Austria from 1867 to 1918. A member of NATO since 1999, it joined the European Union in 2004.
The country is crossed by the Danube and is home to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. It is renowned for its thermal springs, its great plains and its vineyards, including those of Tokaj and Eger.
Why head up to the rooftops
In Hungary, the most striking spectacle is in Budapest: there, the Danube separates the hills of Buda, with the Royal Palace and Fisherman's Bastion, from the grand avenues of Pest, dominated by the Parliament and St Stephen's Basilica. From a lofty terrace, you can take in the river, its bridges and both banks at a single glance. Hungarian rooftops are found atop hotels set in Belle Époque palaces, office buildings, a former department store and even on the 28th floor of a modern tower.
Budapest, the first stop
A capital with two banks
Budapest is home to most of the country's rooftops: bars facing the dome of St Stephen's Basilica, a terrace at the top of Andrássy Avenue, lounges on the Danube looking across to the castle, a bar on the roof of the Hilton in the Castle District, an infinity pool above the rooftops and a restaurant 120 metres up.
Very different atmospheres
Some venues focus on cocktails and DJ nights, others on Hungarian wines, Nikkei cuisine or brunch. Menus often make room for the country's specialities, such as pálinka, Unicum or Tokaj wines, and prices are generally lower than in Western Europe.
Practical tips
Season, currency and booking
The climate is continental: open-air terraces are at their liveliest from May to September, while the indoor rooms stay open in winter. Prices are shown in forints (Ft or HUF) and bank cards are widely accepted. At sunset, tables with a view are in high demand: it is best to book, and to plan on smart casual dress at the most upscale venues.
Photo: Josep Renalias / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
