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Budapest is a vibrant city full of good restaurants and cozy bars. The city is divided into two districts: Buda and Pest. Both parts of Budapest are bursting with fun hotspots. From fine (and cheap!) coffee shops to trendy bars and fine dining restaurants. We have listed our personal recommendations for you in terms of food and drink. These are the best hotspots in Budapest! 

Drum Cafe Budapest

Want to eat at a typical Hungarian restaurant? Then go to Drum Cafe in Budapest's Jewish Quarter. The restaurant is known for two typical Hungarian specialties: goulash and lángos. You probably know goulash, but lángos is something you definitely want to try. It is fried bread, usually topped with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese. Besides the original lángos, there are countless other variations in terms of toppings. At Drum Cafe, for example, I tried a lángos with mozzarella, tomato and balsamic. 

Besides the traditional dishes, Drum Cafe's interior is also typically Hungarian. It is a nice hot spot to visit during a city break Budapest. 

Address Drum Cafe: Budapest, Dob u. 2, 1072 |. Price range: €- €€

drum cafe Budapest langos
Local specialty lángos at Drum Cafe
drum cafe Budapest
Local specialty goulash in bread at Drum Cafe

The Great Market Hall

One spot not to be missed in Budapest is the Great Market Hall. First, this architectural masterpiece with all its colorful stalls is a feast for the eyes, but you can also eat incredibly well there. The Great Market Hall is one of the largest covered markets in Central Europe. Inside the market hall you will find 180 stalls selling all kinds of local delicacies, such as Hungarian tokaji wine, paprika and foie gras (goose liver). 

On the second floor of the market hall you will find several stalls and restaurants where you can eat on the spot. The traditional Hungarian dishes are often meat dishes with seasonal vegetables and potatoes. So we ordered a plate full of meat, potatoes, cheese croquettes and salad. Handy to know in advance: vhe many Hungarian restaurants consider large portions to be proof of quality. So from a single plate you can easily eat with all of them. in half food. 

Address Great Market Hall: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 |. Price range: €€- €€€ (The Market Hall is not very expensive, but it is touristy. So the prices are somewhat accordingly to that. We paid about €30.00 for a plate for 2 people). 

The Great Market Hall Budapest
The Great Market Hall Budapest
Eating the Great Market Hall
The Great Market Hall Budapest
Also read: The most beautiful sights in Budapest
Visiting the Great Market Hall is definitely on our list of fun to do's in Budapest. But there are so many more beautiful sights to explore. Read all our personal tips.

Hoppá! Bistro

At Hoppá! Bistro you immediately have the "wow" feeling. The restaurant is located op the lively Október Street in the heart of downtown and is listed in the Michelin Guide. If you like French and Hungarian cuisine, this is definitely the place to be. The dishes are served incredibly beautifully. Despite having a Michelin listing, the restaurant is not as expensive as you might expect. It is pricier than average in Budapest, but in return you get a special culinary experience. 

Address Hoppá! Bistro: Budapest, Október 6. u. 15, 1051| Price range: €€€- €€€€ (unlike many other restaurants in Budapest, the portions here are small). 

Hotspot Budapest Hoppa Bistro
Hoppá! Bistro Budapest
Hoppá! Bistro Budapest

Trafik

Breakfast is perhaps one of the tastiest meals of the day, so in Budapest we naturally went in search of great breakfast spots. One of them is Trafik. You can find this breakfast and coffee spot in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Józsefváros. It is a hotspot that is especially popular among locals. You can have another cup of coffee here for around €2.00. Trafik offers several tasty specialty coffees, lunch dishes and vegan options. Also be sure to try one of the vegan pastries!

Address Trafik: Budapest, Liliom u. 41, 1094 | Price range: €.- €€

Bageri

Another very good breakfast shop in Budapest is Bageri. Just looking at the display case makes your mouth water. This is because it is filled with delicious sourdough bread and sweet and savory pastries. The savory croissants and other puff pastries are filled with ingredients such as Serrano ham, jalapeño, pesto and gorgonzola. The sweet versions are filled with cream and fresh fruits. You also drink excellent coffee at Bageri. 

Address Bageri: Budapest, Ráday u. 9, 1092 | Price Range: €€- €€€

Trafik Budapest
Trafik Budapest
Bageri Budapest

Popular hotspots in Budapest: the ruin bars 

Budapest is known for its lively nightlife scene, with the "ruin bars" as true attractions. These quirky bars can be found in old, abandoned buildings and courtyards. Due to the use of all kinds of different random items, the interiors are unwise artistic. The ruin bars have a casual atmosphere and regularly feature live music. 

The most famous gelding bar is Szimpla Kert. In 2002, the building where Szimpla Kert is now located was on the verge of demolition. However, the people behind Szimpla Kert got permission to temporarily transform it into a bar and open-air cinema. Over time, more and more spaces were added to the hospitality area. The unexpected commercial success postponed the demolition of the building. Currently, the building houses five bars, a snack bar and a store, making it a lively meeting place for locals and tourists alike. 

Other popular ruin bars include Fogasház and Mazel Tov. 

Address Szimpla Kert: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 | Price range: €€.€€€ 

Caffé GianMario Pizzeria

We love Instagram-worthy restaurants and so we love to go looking for these places while traveling. But the most important thing, surely, is serving really good food. And when it comes to Italian cuisine, we found this place in Budapest without a doubt: Caffé GianMario Pizzeria. This tasty pizzeria offers traditional Italian pizzas, pastas and desserts. The lasagna bolognese here is highly recommended! 

Address Caffé GianMario Pizzeria: Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 35, 1065 | | Price range: €.- €€

ruin bars Budapest
Ruin bar Szimpla Kert
Caffe GianMario Pizzeria Budapest
Caffe GianMario Pizzeria
Also read: The best things to do in Budapest
Budapest is a city with many possibilities. You can make a city trip very relaxing, but also undertake many fun activities. We share the best to do's in Budapest for a successful city trip.

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Naomi van Hagen

Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.