A Couples Guide To Budapest: Romantic Things to Do and Places to Visit
Budapest is a GORGEOUS city that is honestly DRIPPING in romance. When we lived there as a couple, we found no shortage of things to do! But, while seeing all the main “tourist spots” is fun, it’s not all that romantic or extra special.
If you guys are anything like Caleb and me, you want to blend the usual “touristy” activities with more “hidden gems” so you can experience the true culture of that place! This guide for romantic things to do in Budapest has 13 unique things we did to bond, make memories, and have a romantic getaway!
Here is a video with some of the romantic spots on this list. Let’s get into it!
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Quick Tips For A Romantic Getaway 😘
- ☀️ When to go: the best time to go is during the off-season (April through May or September through October) for fewer tourists and a more romantic vibe,
- 🚗 Getting around: walking is the easiest and the most romantic way – stroll hand in hand through the beautiful city!
- ❤️ Romantic tips: pack a padlock to put on the tree of love and make reservations at the spots on this list in advance to make sure you get in!
Lock a Love Lock: Something Simple With Deep Meaning
Budapest is a city divided into two parts, making it a great place to have some romantic symbolism and lock the two halves of your heart together in one of the most notable areas!
The two main places to do this are: on the chain bridge or the Tree of Love in the middle of Erzsébet Square!
PRO TIP: you can buy locks at the Conrad store in Budapest, Teréz krt. 23, 1067 Hungary.
Make It More Romantic: Go at sunrise or sunset if you’re visiting the bridge for a little extra oh-la-la
Sunrise at Fisherman Bastion: To Feel Like You’re In A Romance Movie
We don’t think we’ve ever been any more romantic than Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise. Yes, it’s early, but the pink and orange sky over the top of the Danube and the Parliament building across the river? It’s pure magic and one of the most romantic places in Budapest and great for a couples photo! If you only have a short few days in Budapest, make sure you do this!
Romance Tip: there are going to be a fair amount of people doing the same thing, so we recommend watching the sunset from INSIDE the Bastion. Not as many people go inside, so you’ll have more alone time to steal those sunrise kisses.
Ride the #2 Tram: For Amazing Views
According to National Geographic, this is one of the best tram rides in the world, and we agree.
Riding the tram is one of the best ways to get around Budapest! When we did this ride, we walked to Margaret Bridge on the pest side (you’ll see the tram stop right at the entrance to the bridge), then we took it all the way to Zsil Utca station.
Then walk along the water back because it’s a super nice romantic stroll.
This route will let you see Buda Castle from the other side of the river, the Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, and Parliament.
Make It More Romantic: ride the tram at sunset to see the beautiful buildings start to get lit up!
Emile Afternoon Tea: An Afternoon As Sweet As Your Love 🧀
Yeah, that was cheesy, but it’s true! This adorable French restaurant is quite a bit outside the city center on the Buda side, but it is worth the short, 15-minute taxi ride. It’s one of our favorite foodie experiences for couples!
You’ll get a table inside what looks like you’re in a French tea shop with purple chairs, tea kettle wallpaper, and teacup chandeliers. You’ll share trays piled high with savory finger sandwiches, savory baked goods, and small servings of traditional Hungarian cakes.
The tea room is very quiet, making this the perfect, cozy, and unique romantic activity in Budapest. Plus, it’s delicious and has such great value for the money.
PRO TIP: You have to let them know in advance if you want afternoon tea on the reservation or by email or phone.
📍 Budapest, Orló u. 1, 1026 Hungary
Make It More Romantic: get a glass of champagne or Hungarian wine instead of your tea for a little extra special-ness!
Walk Toth Arped Setany: For Relaxing Romance
Most couples don’t wander around Buda Castle, and then they miss the walled path outside of the castle district, which is so relaxing and beautiful!
Well strolled hand-in-hand and saw all of Budapest!
Make It More Romantic: go in the Spring when the flowers are in full bloom, and the walk is extra beautiful!
Get Views of Parliament From Margit Bridge: For Off The Beaten Path Adventures
When the sun sets, head over to Margit Bridge for some AMAZING views of Parliament that most other tourists don’t go to. It’s a smidge outside of the city center, but the views you’ll have without dealing with hordes of people will be so worth it!
Make It More Romantic: if you bond over good wine as we do, walk 5 minutes to Drop Shop wine bar afterward and cozy up for the evening!
Wine Tasting At Wine The Gap: A Hidden Gem For Wine Lovers
This was our favorite activity as a couple in all of Budapest! Book this private wine tasting with Mickey, the most knowledgeable and friendly owner of this small and cozy wine bar just outside of the city center!
You’ll get to bond over trying amazing wines that you’ve never had anywhere else. The wines were so good we never want to drink anything else ever!
📍 Budapest, Tompa u. 26, 1094 Hungary
Romantic Memory Unlocked: Bring some wine home with you to drink later, and remember your trip together!
Charcuterie at falu: For Couples Who Love To Eat
What is more romantic than sharing a big plate of cheese and sausage and adding a little wine to the mix? Falu is the coziest deli that we discovered just outside of the city center!
It’s incredibly local (very little English is spoken), which means you’ll have a quiet and cozy little shop to taste amazing local handmade products.
So you know what to order: it’s called the “Falu ta’l” on the menu and it’s only available on the weekdays!
📍 Budapest, Szent István krt. 23, 1055 Hungary
Rent the Rooftop Spa at Rudas Baths: For A Luxe Experience
You absolutely must go to Rudas Thermal Bath one day at sunset because they have the most romantic rooftop thermal bath! It’s the perfect place to unwind together after a long day of sightseeing and walking everywhere and was one of the most romantic things we spent our money on. If you want something more local, you could check out Veli Bej Baths too (it’s super intimate, but not rooftop!)
📍 Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary
Make It More Romantic: if you have some extra cash to burn, you can rent the ENTIRE thermal bath for yourselves, complete with champagne. That is a definite pinch-me-is-this-really-happening moment that you guys will remember forever!
Romantic Dinner at Szaletly: For A Local Experience
While there are many romantic and delicious restaurants in the city center, we believe that going outside the usual tourist districts and visiting Szaletly is the best option for romance.
This spot is totally local – we didn’t see one tourist– and inside is beautiful and classy with cozy accents, AMAZING, modern-yet-traditional food, and a huge wine and cocktail list. If you want to know where to eat in Budapest, this spot should be on your list!
📍 Budapest, Stefánia út 93, 1146 Hungary
Romantic Memory Unlocked: we always have the best memories of our vacays together because of food. Trying all the cultural dishes will help you bond and bring your trip home.
Do A Sunset Cruise: To Experience Budapest at It’s Most Beautiful
Views of Budapest from the water are like none anywhere else in the city! Spend the evening cozying up on a window-lined ship, slowly sailing through the beautiful buildings of Budapest!
Wine in hand, of course. 🍷
This is a perfect way to end a day together, and after trying out 4 different cruise lines, this is the boat tour that we highly recommend.
Make It More Romantic: opt for the sunset cruise instead of the daytime cruise to see Budapest at its most beautiful.
Have A 24k Gold Cappuccino at New York Cafe: A Great Way To Start The Day
The New York Cafe has been said to be the most beautiful cafe in the world, and we have to agree. While you do have to pay for this title (it’s not cheap!), it’s worth coming once for a slow morning or some fancy brunch in Budapest, lingering over their famous 24k gold cappuccino.
We can’t lie. We didn’t think the cappuccino was anything special. But being able to sit in such a beautiful place together sure was!
📍 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary
Make It More Romantic: go right at the opening so the line is as short as possible, and you’ll have fewer people running around taking pictures. (Warning: there are a lot of people doing that. Including us 😅.)
Ride The Budapest Eye: To Feel Like Teenagers Again
It seems like every major city has a Ferris wheel to transport you back to being a teenager at the local fair again, and Budapest is no different. Cozy up next to each other in the tiny cart to experience some of the amazing panoramic views of the city.
And hold each other’s hand when you’re stuck at the top and realize how high up you are!
Make It More Romantic: time to right to get there just as the sun is setting, so those panoramic views are extra spectacular.
Oh la la – now you have all our favorite things to do for couples in Budapest to add a little romance to your trip! These things are sure to bring you guys a little closer as a couple and bring some extra special memories home!
Now that you know what to do as a couple, you need to know where to end your evenings! We wrote a guide to our favorite wine bars and also a guide to our favorite cocktail bars to help you out!.
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