I can safely say that Budapest is one of Europe’s most romantic and sexiest cities to visit. The Hungarian capital is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’ and is one of the best destinations for lovers. If you are looking for a romantic city break, no look further! Budapest awaits you with romantic things to do.
Officially Paris is the Capital of Romance. Everyone knows that Paris and romance go together like champagne and caviar or coffee and croissants. So I have no doubt that you can have a wonderfully romantic time in Paris, enjoying the unique combination of beautiful architecture, unspoiled history, fine cuisine and fine wine, surrounded by passionate locals. And I’m sure that the magic of the French capital draws people from all around the world to experience a new dimension of romance that can be found “only” in the ‘City of Love.’
Budapest possesses the same magical atmosphere as Paris
Whether you travel with your loved one or hope to find one when you get there, Budapest will rekindle the passion in your life with its picturesque backdrop, the majestic Danube, Art Nouveau buildings the cobbled streets of the old Castle District, green parks and thermal spas.
Cozy cafes, charming restaurants and trendy bars, vibrant contemporary nightlife, boutique hotels and fashionable shops await you to discover them, not to mention the finest cuisine and wines of Hungary. Everywhere you turn, a picture-perfect moment awaits when love is in the air. Here’s how to fall in love all over again in the midst of unforgettable surroundings of Budapest.
Here is my list of the most romantic things to do while you are on a romantic city break in Budapest.
Most romantic things to do in Budapest
1. Ice-skating hand in hand on the oldest ice rink of Budapest
City Park Ice Rink with the majestic Vajdahunyad Castle as a fairy-tale backdrop is located behind Heroes’ Square. Budapest’s first ice rink which was opened on the lake in 1870 is one of the oldest and largest in Europe.
No doubt that it has always been the perfect venue for first and umpteen dates as you glide across the ice becoming close to one another given an excuse to touch each other, speeding up for your favorite songs and slowing down and holding your date’s hand during the romantic ones. This is how my grandpa met my grandma.
By the way the lake is filled up with water during the summer months and serves as a boating lake for tourists looking to pedal around while basking in the sun.
2. Kissing with your loved one in a steaming outdoor spa
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. A soak in the warm, clean waters is one of the highlights for both tourists and Hungarians. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is more than just the city’s biggest public bath. It’s open all year long and is popular in every season. In winter it’s just so romantic, especially when it’s snowing. Just imagine yourself and your loved ones bathing in the steaming hot water when there’s fog and snow around the pool.
In summer, this is a favorite place to hang out half-clad, swimming, tanning and people watching. The indoor saunas and baths are great too, even in hot weather. On chilly afternoons just relax in one of the outdoor pools and watch for gents in swimming caps playing chess sitting in the thermal water.
3. Sunset watching from one of the bridges of Budapest
Eight famous bridges span the Danube in Budapest linking Buda and Pest. Each bridge has a totally different character and style and each has a fascinating story to tell. These bridges are a vital part of Budapest transport infrastructure and popular tourist attractions at the same time.
My No. 1 favorite bridge is the oldest bridge of Budapest: Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Due to its renovation, Széchenyi Chain Bridge has been closed as of spring 2021. According to the plans the bridge will reopen to traffic in December 2022, but to pedestrians only in August 2023.
My second favorite bridge in Budapest is the green Liberty Bridge. And I’m not the only one who admires this architectural landmark. According to CNBC Chinese people seem to really admire the Liberty Bridge. They even built a copy of the bridge inside Huawei’s campus, which was inspired by wonderful European cities.
4. Taking a romantic walk on Margaret Island
Take a romantic stroll on the 2km long luscious Margaret Island, the small island in the middle of the Danube that is home to Budapest’s biggest park area. There are 100 hectares of peaceful parkland, free of traffic with English, Japanese and French gardens and the mansion-like Grand Hotel.
Lovey-dovey couples can escape from the hectic city and spend some romantic moments together strolling amongst the trees, having a picnic on the lawns amongst the beautifully kept flowers and few quiet drinks at one of the cool bars of the island.
5. Admiring fantastic views from the top of the hill
Sunsets evoke positive emotions and drive romantic feelings in people. They create magical moments and can amplify the love people have for each other. No wonder why I love sunset chasing with my husband. We have two favorite spots in the Castle District to get a breathtaking view of the city.
The easiest and most scenic way to get to the Castle District is to take the funicular railway from the Buda side near Chain Bridge. The wonderfully antique funicular was built in 1870 and at that time it was the second one operating in Europe. Make sure you take the lowest of the carriage compartments for the most impressive views over the city.
I never get tired of the view from the top of Fisherman’s Bastion. It serves as a decorative terrace of the Castle District from which you can admire many of the famous sites of Budapest like the Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Vigadó Concert Hall, Inner City Parish Church, Elizabeth Bridge and Liberty Bridge.
6. Cozying up in one of Budapest’s oldest cafes
Coffee culture has been part of Hungarian life for years and coffee shops are where you will find the soul of the city. The Italian Renaissance-style New York Café looks more like a lavish palace than a place to grab a slice of cake and a coffee. You’ll likely spend much of your time looking upward and taking instagram worthy photos.
Also try the legendary Gerbeaud in the heart of Budapest. It prides itself on being one of Europe’s oldest, largest, most traditional, and most famous cafés and confectioneries. Magnificent chandeliers, marble tables, lavish fine wood paneling, and brocade wall coverings characterize the elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere of this home of tradition.
7. Enjoying a candlelit dinner
Start off your romantic evening with a candlelit dinner at Spoon, the floating restaurant that provides a romantic setting via gorgeous views of the Danube, the Castle and the Buda hills. The boat is moored near Chain Bridge with three restaurants, two huge terraces and five bars to choose from, with an unmatched panorama 365 days a year.
Or enjoy your dinner at Pavillon de Paris, one of the lesser known gems of Budapest dining that features the most romantic garden in the city. It is truly a small Paris in the heart of Budapest.
The most romantic hotels in Budapest where you can spend a romantic city break
Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel
The Parisian-style Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel is located in the historical centre of Budapest, in a short walking distance from the main attractions. The hotel preserves the unique features of the historic building (built in 1882) whereas they give you the comfort of contemporary hotels. Its café on the ground floor is a favorite meeting point for locals and expats. On the sunny terrace of the café you can enjoy international gourmet cuisine. Free WiFi is available.
The Stories Boutique Hotel
The Stories Boutique Hotel is not just a place; it’s an experience in Budapest. A unique, award-winning boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the city’s hottest cafés, bars and restaurants, and just a short walk away from the Dohány Street Synagogue and St. Stephen’s Basilica. There is 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Hotel Collect
Hotel Collect is a small luxury boutique hotel in Budapest downtown. It is located next to the peaceful Károlyi Garden, a few minutes walking distance from Hungarian National Museum and Dohány Street Synagogue. Hotel Collect shows an elegant modernist luxury style with French influence, combining the classic French look with cool contemporary and vintage iconic objects and paintings, making a soulful, timeless atmosphere on the highest level. WiFi and air-conditioning are available free of charge in the entire building.
Noble Boutique Hotel
Noble Boutique Hotel is more than just a boutique hotel in the city center, the golden age of Budapest shows up in its tiny details. It’s a journey to the 19th Century Budapest. The former Grassalkovich and Dreher Palace has seen a lot: the economic recovery, the exciting era of the industrial revolution and the grandiose globe-trotting journeys. This Adults-Only hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
Cortile Hotel
The eco-friendly Cortile Hotel is located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera. This boutique hotel, popular among couples and women, is the perfect choice for a tranquil urban escape. Budapest has many rooftop bars and plenty of hotels with pools but, somehow, these two winning concepts had never been combined for public pleasure. In Cortile Hotel you can head up to the Sky Bar and enjoy your panoramic cocktail with a splash. The hotel offers free WiFi throughout the property and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Alice
The lovely Hotel Alice is located on the UNESCO world heritage Andrássy Avenue, close to the famous Heroes’ Square and House of Terror. The stylish villa was built at the end of the 1870’s and was owned by the family of the Hungarian manufacturer, Manfréd Weiss. The fully renovated and new-born Hotel Alice offers a complex recreational experience to all of its visitors.
Baltazár Boutique Hotel
Baltazár Boutique Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel, grill restaurant and wine bar in one, located in the Castle District. Its terrace is perfect for your morning coffee, and its open kitchen conjures up top-quality meat dishes. The wine list showcases nearly 300 options. The interior of the rooms and suites is harmonizing with the design and mood of the bar. Free WiFi is available in each unit.
Have a nice stay in my lovely hometown!
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