There are plenty of places to escape the heat in Budapest during summer, but if you ask me where locals really go, Római-part is always one of my first recommendations.
Stretching for several kilometers along the Danube in the northern part of the city, Római-part has a completely different atmosphere from the elegant cafés of downtown Budapest. Life slows down here. People arrive by bike, sit in deck chairs by the river, eat fried hake or lángos, watch kayakers glide past, and somehow forget they’re still in a capital city.
My connection to Római-part goes back much further than my own childhood.
My grandfather loved motorboats and often brought the family here on the Danube when my mother was little. She still laughs when she tells me how my grandmother would sit in the boat like an aristocrat, perfectly composed, and whenever a large passenger ship appeared on the river she’d calmly announce, “My dear, here comes the Árpád.” The famous riverboat was known for creating quite a wake, and if my grandfather didn’t steer carefully enough, everyone ended up getting a good splash of Danube water. Somehow, that’s still one of my mum’s favorite childhood memories.
Years later, it became one of my favorite childhood places too. My mum and I would cycle across the Northern Railway Bridge from Újpest, with me happily riding on the luggage rack behind her. We’d spend the whole day swimming, sunbathing and eating everything that belonged to a proper Hungarian summer: crispy fried hake, boiled corn, lángos and, of course, ice cream.
Back then I had no idea that one day I’d marry a Cuban, who would later make stopping for ice cream a mandatory part of almost every trip we take together.
Római-part has changed a lot over the years. Some of the places I remember have disappeared, while new cafés, bars and restaurants have opened along the river. In my twenties, I came here for evenings out with friends. These days I enjoy it for completely different reasons. I love taking long walks by the Danube, finding a quiet terrace for a cold lemonade, and simply slowing down for a few hours.
And perhaps that’s exactly what makes Római-part so special. It has grown up together with me.
Why You’ll Love Római-part
One of the things I love most about Római-part is that it never tries to be a typical tourist attraction. It simply lets you enjoy Budapest at a slower pace.
Whether you spend an hour here or an entire afternoon, you’ll quickly notice that locals come for simple pleasures: cycling along the Danube, relaxing in a deck chair with a cold drink, watching rowing teams glide across the water, or meeting friends for an easy summer dinner by the river.
The riverside promenade stretches for around 5 kilometers, making it one of the city’s most popular places for walking, jogging and cycling. In fact, it’s part of the EuroVelo 6 cycling route, so you’ll often see cyclists continuing all the way towards Szentendre.
If you’d like to get out on the water yourself, several local rowing clubs and boat houses rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards during the warmer months. Római-part has been closely connected to rowing for generations, and that tradition is still very much alive today.
The best part? You don’t really need a plan. Just arrive, find a spot by the river and let the afternoon unfold.
Where to Eat and Drink at Római-part
Let’s be honest: no visit to Római-part is complete without something to eat or drink.
This riverside promenade has always been famous for its relaxed beer gardens, casual open-air cafés and classic Hungarian summer food. Whether you’re craving crispy fried hake, a freshly made lángos, homemade lemonade or simply an ice cream by the Danube, you’ll find plenty of tempting options along the waterfront.
Here are a few of my personal favorites.
Fellini Culture Pub
If I had to recommend just one place at Római-part, it would probably be Fellini.
There’s something magical about sitting in one of the iconic striped deck chairs with an ice-cold lemonade in your hand while watching the Danube drift by. The atmosphere is laid-back, a little quirky and effortlessly cool, making it the perfect place to slow down for an hour or two.
Fellini serves drinks, simple food and light snacks, but for me it’s never really been about the menu. It’s about the feeling of being right by the water, forgetting about the time and enjoying one of Budapest’s most unique summer hangouts.
Party Sörkert Free
One of the best recent additions to Római-part is Party Sörkert Free, the riverside’s first completely gluten-free and lactose-free street food spot.
If you have food allergies, intolerances or simply follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll know how rare it is to find a place where you can order without worrying about cross-contamination. Here you can enjoy classics like lángos, fried fish, burgers, wraps, waffles and pancakes, with plenty of dairy-free and vegan options as well.
Even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, the food is excellent. It’s one of those places where everyone in the group can find something they like, making it an easy recommendation for families and friends with different tastes.
Evezős Sörkert
Ask almost anyone from Budapest if they’ve ever been to Római-part, and chances are they’ve spent at least one afternoon or evening at Evezős Sörkert.
This spacious open-air beer garden has been a local favorite for years, serving traditional Hungarian dishes, fresh fish and cold beers in a relaxed riverside setting. On summer weekends, live music often adds to the atmosphere, making it an even more enjoyable place to linger after dinner.
If you’re looking for the classic Római-part experience, Evezős is hard to beat.
Két Rombusz
If you’re looking for something a little different, Két Rombusz is one of the most unique places along Római-part.
Built around two retro buses, this laid-back ruin-style bar has a creative, slightly quirky atmosphere that perfectly matches the relaxed spirit of the riverside. It’s the kind of place where friends gather for a few drinks, stay much longer than planned and end up watching the sunset by the Danube.
One fun feature is that you can even book self-service barbecue and traditional Hungarian bogrács cooking stations, making it a great choice for larger groups looking to spend an entire afternoon or evening outdoors.
Miamor Rómaim
Don’t let the playful name fool you. Miamor Rómaim is much more than a food court.
Fun fact: “Miamor Rómaim” is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same backwards as forwards. It’s one of those little details that makes the place even more memorable.
This lively riverside spot brings together a variety of street food vendors, from pizza and barbecue to poke bowls, Vietnamese dishes and ice cream, so everyone can find something they’ll enjoy. It’s especially popular with families thanks to its playground, mini golf and beach volleyball courts.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch after a bike ride or meeting friends for a relaxed summer evening, Miamor offers something for every age group in a fun, easygoing setting.
Nap Bácsi
If you’re looking for a quieter corner of Római-part, Nap Bácsi is well worth the short walk.
Located slightly away from the busiest stretch of the promenade, this relaxed beer garden has become a favorite among locals looking to escape the crowds. It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly spot where you can enjoy a cold drink under the trees while listening to the sounds of the river instead of the city.
Sometimes, all you need is a shady table, good company and a slow summer afternoon. Nap Bácsi is exactly that kind of place.
Nyárfás Kávéház
One of the oldest and most iconic venues at Római-part, Nyárfás Kávéház has been part of the riverside atmosphere for decades.
Set beneath towering poplar trees right on the banks of the Danube, it captures the nostalgic charm that many Hungarians associate with summers at Római-part. Whether you stop for a coffee, a refreshing drink or a traditional Hungarian meal, it’s a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the timeless character of this unique part of Budapest.
If you’re curious about what Római-part felt like before the modern cafés and food courts arrived, Nyárfás offers a little glimpse of that history.
How to Get to Római-part
Although Római-part feels like a peaceful escape from the city, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from central Budapest.
By HÉV (My Recommendation)
The easiest option is to take the H5 suburban railway (HÉV) from Batthyány tér and get off at either Rómaifürdő or Aquincum station. From there, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the riverside.
This is usually my preferred way to get there if I’m not driving.
By Car
Driving to Római-part is another convenient option, especially if you’re coming with family, friends or planning to spend several hours by the river.
Parking can get more difficult on sunny summer weekends, but arriving earlier in the day usually makes things easier. I often choose the car when I’m carrying more things or simply want the flexibility to stay longer and move around the area.
If you prefer a more relaxed option, the H5 HÉV is still one of the easiest ways to reach the riverside without worrying about parking.
By Bicycle
For visitors who enjoy cycling, Római-part is one of the nicest riverside routes in Budapest. The cycle path follows the Danube and continues north towards Szentendre, making it possible to combine a visit to Római-part with a longer bike trip outside the city.
By Bus
Several bus lines also serve the area, including Bus 34, which connects Római-part with Göncz Árpád városközpont. Depending on where you’re staying, this can be a convenient alternative to the HÉV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Római-part
Is Római-part worth visiting in Budapest?
Absolutely. Római-part is one of the best places in Budapest if you want to experience a more local side of the city. Instead of historic buildings and busy attractions, you’ll find a relaxed riverside atmosphere, casual restaurants, outdoor bars and plenty of space to slow down.
How long should I spend at Római-part?
A few hours are enough to enjoy the atmosphere, have lunch or a drink by the Danube, and take a walk along the river. However, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here, especially during the warmer months when the riverside venues are at their liveliest.
What is Római-part famous for?
Római-part is famous for its nostalgic holiday atmosphere, riverside food spots, water sports and traditional Hungarian summer foods such as fried hake (hekk) and lángos. It has been a favorite leisure destination for Budapest locals for generations.
Is Római-part family friendly?
Yes. Római-part is a great choice for families, with open spaces, playgrounds, bike paths and several child-friendly restaurants and cafés. Places like Miamor Rómaim are especially popular with families.
Can I swim in the Danube at Római-part?
Yes, during the summer months you can find locals cooling off in the Danube at Római-part, and the area even has an official bathing spot, Római-parti Plázs.
I actually have childhood memories of swimming here. Back then, a summer day at Római-part naturally included getting into the Danube, just like eating lángos or ice cream was part of the experience.
These days, however, I prefer enjoying the river from the shore with a cold drink in my hand. Maybe I’m simply following in my grandmother’s footsteps: after all, she always sat in the motorboat like a true aristocrat, and apparently I’m slowly becoming just as elegant.
If you decide to swim, always follow local signs and safety recommendations, as river conditions can change and the Danube has currents and boat traffic. For me, the real magic of Római-part has always been the atmosphere: the riverside walks, the food, the conversations and those slow summer afternoons by the water.
Final Thoughts
Római-part may not have Budapest’s most famous landmarks, but that’s exactly why I love it.
This is a place where you don’t come to rush from one attraction to another. You come to slow down, sit by the Danube, enjoy a good meal, watch the boats pass and spend a few hours doing something wonderfully simple.
For me, Római-part will always be connected to childhood summers, family stories and the feeling that Budapest can sometimes feel like a holiday destination without ever leaving the city.
And maybe that’s its greatest charm.
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