There are few capitals in the world that lend itself so readily to being the perfect romantic backdrop to a couple’s trip as Budapest. Of course, when one thinks of a romantic destination, iconic Paris typically springs to mind, but beautiful Budapest has plenty to rival the city of lights, and spectacular lights are just one of the Hungarian capital’s alluring delights for lovers.
From romantic restaurants and intimate cafes, beautiful buildings and idyllic streets, romantic sights and incredible picturesque scenery, and a hint of fairy-tale magic emanating from the ancient charm of the old town, there’s an undeniably amorous atmosphere in Budapest that you wide-eyed lovers will surely adore. Here are our top picks of romantic places in Budapest, and ideas for romantic things to do.
Romantic dinner date
Candlelit dinners have long been standard procedure for loved-up couples, and there’s an abundance of intimate restaurants in Budapest where you can stare longingly into each other’s eyes while satisfying your taste buds too.
There really is so many romantic cafes and restaurants in Budapest to choose from, especially along the banks of the Danube which is a remarkable sight at night as the city’s lights dance on the surface of the wide river. One such restaurant is
Up&Down which offers food as exquisite as the views of the lit up Chain Bridge and Parliament Building.
Away from the river bank, and a little pricier but totally worth it, you might like to check out Halászbástya étterem; opulence and elegance is in abundance here and the food is an example of culinary excellence. It’s located inside Fisherman’s Bastion, which leads us nicely to our next thing to do.
Take a romantic stroll
A stroll along the Danube, hand in hand with your partner, is surely a sight to behold; but for the best sweeping views and panorama of the Budapest night-sky and incredible illuminated architecture, Fisherman’s Bastion - where our
free walking tour of Budapest finishes every day - is the ideal setting for an evening stroll.
It’s a wonderful large terrace on Castle Hill, on the Buda side of the river, and an incredible example of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles. It’s a part of the capital which is steeped in fascinating history and home to must-see sights such as Matthias Church and Buda castle. The perfect romantic place in Budapest for that cheesy couples selfie, and a kiss or two.
Indulge in Chocolate
One thing you might notice in Budapest is the abundance of boutique chocolatiers offering artisanal hand-crafted chocolate delights; Hungary sure has a refined sweet tooth! Why exactly chocolate has been connected with romance, however loosely, is perhaps down to Valentine’s day marketing, but there’s no denying that the sweet pleasure of luscious luxury chocolate on the lips can spur on the heart.
Indeed, chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries, so whether it be chocolate truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, or even chocolate body paint, there’s something naughty and nice about cacao.
Let the wine flow
There’s nothing like a nice aromatic wine to get passions flowing, and did you know that Hungary has quiet the reputation for quality wines? The Lake Balaton wine region is renowned for producing some of Europe’s most exquisite wines.
A wonderfully romantic setting for sampling a glass or two of these in Budapest is at the
Jásdi wine garden in District XII. The century-old family cottage in a scenic forest location is available by appointment only and is the ideal place for a romantic date in Budapest.
Jásdi Facebook
The City of Spas
The pearl of the Danube has yet another apt moniker, the city of spas, owing to the plethora of natural spring thermal pools on both the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest. Many of the baths are set in historic grand architecture, such as the famous Szechenyi and Gellért baths, and offer indoor and outdoor pools.
Most of the best baths have excellent spa and relaxation facilities, offering treatments and massages at very fair prices. So, why not enjoy a romantic couples massage together and treat yourselves to a little pampering? You’re on a romantic break in Budapest after all!
Get kinky
Budapest boasts a number of fashionable lingerie stores, for example on the pedestrianised Vaci utca near Vorosmarty ter., which carry a wide range of erotic garments for both men and women. Of course, there’s plenty of sex-shops too that cater for fetish and a variety of toys. So for lace, leather or latex, Budapest has got you covered, or partially covered, as you prefer. Just remember not to pack the furry love-cuffs or ball-gag in your carry-on when you’re flying home; that can make for some awkward tension at airport security, trust me.
Private tour
Exploring the city, marvelling at the architectural beauty, and embracing the vast history and culture is a must on any trip to Budapest, including a romantic break; indeed, there are a number of fascinating sights and stories here which entwine tales of love and lust, not lest that of Count Gyula Andrássy and Sissi.
While our daily free tours are the perfect way to discover Budapest with fellow travellers (in fact there have even been one or two blossoming romances between people who met on our tours), if you are a romantic couple or group you might prefer to book a private tour which offers a more intimate tour experience with your very own lovely local guide.
All of our daily free walking tours can be booked as personal tours, but we also offer other topics and themes for
private tours in Budapest too which we can happily cater to your needs and schedule. Feel free to get in touch for more info.
Well, that’s it, lovebirds. If cupid’s arrow has struck and you’re planning a romantic break or trip in Europe, Budapest is the perfect romantic destination. Of course, there are many more romantic things to do in Budapest, such as a night-time cruise on the Danube, add your love-lock to one of our love-lock trees, or picnic in the exotic gardens on Margaret island, but we hope that our top picks have inspired you.
If you have any more ideas for romantic things to do in Budapest, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy travels.
