The Duchess: the secret bar of Matild Palace
A palace beside Elisabeth Bridge
Built in the early 20th century for Archduchess Clotilde, Matild Palace is today a luxury hotel of The Luxury Collection, on Váci utca, where Elisabeth Bridge meets Pest. At the very top, The Duchess presents itself as a secret spirits library: you go up via the lifts located in Matild Café, to the 6th floor.
The decor, designed by the London studio MKV Design, mixes green velvet, golden brass and sculpted giraffes around a glowing circular bar. Outside, the covered terrace, dotted with plants, faces Elisabeth Bridge, the Danube and Gellért Hill, between the palace's turrets. In bad weather, guests retreat to the enclosed part of the terrace.
The Wolfgang Puck spirit
The Duchess is the bar of chef Wolfgang Puck, whose Spago restaurant occupies the same palace. The menu brings together rare spirits, great wines and house cocktails, often tinged with Hungarian ingredients: Tokaji aszú, linden honey, grape pálinka. Alcohol-free cocktails and bar bites complete the offer, and DJs liven up certain evenings.
House rules
The venue only welcomes seated guests and does not admit under-18s. Dress must be smart casual: no sportswear, beachwear or flip-flops. Animals are not admitted and the outdoor terrace is not wheelchair accessible.
Practical information
Open Monday to Thursday from 6pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 1am, closed on Sundays. Book online or on +36 70 402 4900. Expect to pay 6,450 to 7,250 Ft for a signature cocktail, plus a 15% service charge. Metro M3, Ferenciek tere station, just steps away.
The Duchess: frequently asked questions
The Duchess: what is the address?
The Duchess is located at the following address: Váci utca 36 6e étage – Matild Palace, 1056 Budapest.
The Duchess: how expensive is it?
On our scale, The Duchess has a price level of 4 out of 5 (€€€€).
The Duchess: is there a dress code?
Yes, The Duchess has a dress code: check what to wear before you go.
