Budapest is a gorgeous city that is dripping with romanticism. When we lived there as a couple, there were plenty of things to do! However, while seeing all of the big “tourist spots” is enjoyable, it is not particularly romantic or special.
If you’re anything like Caleb and me, you’ll want to mix traditional “touristy” activities with some “hidden gems” to get a sense of the local culture! This guide to romantic things to do in Budapest includes 13 unique activities we did to bond, create memories, and enjoy a romantic holiday!
Here’s a video featuring some of the romantic locations on this list. Let’s get to it!
Quick Tips for a Romantic Vacation 😘
- ☀️ Best time to visit: Off-season (April-May or September-October) offers fewer tourists and a more romantic atmosphere.
- 🚗 Walking is the most convenient and romantic method to explore the city, especially with a loved one.
- ❤️ Romantic tips: bring a padlock to place on the tree of love and make reservations at these sites ahead of time to ensure availability!
Lock a Love Lock: Something Simple With Deep Meaning
Budapest is a city divided into two parts, making it a fantastic site to have some romantic symbolism and lock the two pieces of your heart together in one of the most prominent areas! The two primary sites to do this are: on the chain bridge or the Tree of Love in the heart of Erzsébet Square!
PRO TIP: you can buy locks at the Conrad store in Budapest, Teréz krt. 23, 1067 Hungary.
We don’t believe we’ve ever been more romantic than Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise. Yes, it is early, but what about the pink and orange sky above the Danube and the Parliament building across the river? It is pure magic and one of Budapest’s most romantic locales. If you just have a few days in Budapest, be sure to do this!
Ride the #2 Tram for Amazing Views
National Geographic calls this one of the best tram rides in the world, and we agree.
Riding the tram is a great way to travel about Budapest! When we completed this ride, we went to Margaret Bridge on the Pest side (the tram stop is immediately at the bridge’s entry), then took it to Zsil Utca Station.
Then go back along the ocean, which is a lovely romantic stroll.
This path allows you to see Buda Castle from the other side of the river, as well as the Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, and Parliament.
Emile Afternoon Tea: As Sweet As Your Love 🧀
Yeah, that was cheesy, but it is true! This beautiful French bistro is a bit outside the city center on the Buda side, but it’s worth the 15-minute cab trek. It’s one of our top gastronomic experiences for couples!
You will be seated at a table inside what appears to be a French tea shop, complete with purple seats, tea kettle decor, and teacup chandeliers. You’ll be sharing plates stacked high with savory finger sandwiches, baked pastries, and little portions of traditional Hungarian cakes.
The tea room is incredibly peaceful, making this the perfect, intimate, and unusual romantic activity in Budapest. Plus, it’s an excellent deal.
PRO TIP: If you prefer afternoon tea, you must notify them in advance via reservation, email, or phone.
📍 Budapest, Orló u.1, 1026 Hungary.
Walk to Arped Setany for a Relaxing Romance
Most couples do not explore Buda Castle, and thus miss the walled path outside of the castle zone, which is both relaxing and gorgeous!
We strolled hand in hand and visited all of Budapest!
Views of Parliament from Margit Bridge: Off the Beaten Path Adventures
When the sun goes down, travel down to Margit Bridge for some magnificent views of Parliament that most other tourists do not see. It’s a little outside of the city center, but the views you’ll get without dealing with crowds will be well worth it!
This was our favorite activity as a couple in Budapest! Schedule a private wine tasting with Mickey, the educated and cheerful owner of this small and quiet wine bar just outside of the city center! You’ll be able to bond while tasting incredible wines that you’ve never had before. The wines were so wonderful that we never wanted to drink anything else again!
📍 Budapest, Tompa u. 26, 1094 Hungary.
Charcuterie at Falu: For Couples Who Enjoy Eating
What could be more romantic than sharing a large meal of cheese and sausage while sipping on some wine? Falu is the coziest deli we found just outside of the city center!
It’s local (very little English is spoken), so you’ll enjoy a peaceful and comfortable tiny shop to sample great locally manufactured products.
So you know what to order: the “Falu tail” on the menu, which is only available on weekdays!
📍 Budapest, Szent István Krt. 23, 1055 Hungary
You must visit Rudas Thermal Bath one day around twilight since they have the most lovely rooftop thermal bath! It’s the ideal location to relax together after a long day of sightseeing and walking around, and it was one of the most romantic things we spent our money on.
📍 Budapest: Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary.
Romantic Dinner at Szaletly: A Local Experience
While there are many romantic and wonderful restaurants in the city center, we believe that venturing outside of the typical tourist destinations and visiting Szaletly is the greatest option for romance.
This place is all local – we didn’t see a single tourist – and the inside is lovely and stylish, with homey decor, AMAZING, modern-yet-traditional food, and an extensive wine and cocktail selection. If you want to know where to dine in Budapest, this restaurant should be on your list!
📍 Budapest: Stefánia út 93, 1146 Hungary.
Budapest’s views from the river are unparalleled in the city! Spend the evening cozying up aboard a window-lined sailboat as you drift leisurely around Budapest’s gorgeous architecture!
Of course, I’m holding a glass of wine.
This is an excellent way to conclude a day together, and after checking out four different cruise lines, we strongly suggest this boat tour.
The New York Cafe has been described as the most beautiful cafe in the world, and we have to agree. While you must pay for this title (it is not cheap!), it is worth visiting once for a leisurely breakfast or a luxurious brunch in Budapest, lingering over their famed 24k gold coffee.
We cannot lie. We didn’t believe the cappuccino was particularly exceptional. But being able to sit together in such a lovely setting was fantastic!
📍 Budapest: Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary
Conclusion:
Every big city seems to have a Ferris wheel that transports you back to being a teenager at the local fair, and Budapest is no exception. Cozy up next to each other in the little cart and take in some of the city’s incredible panoramic views.
Hold each other’s hands while you’re stranded at the top and recognize how high you are!
Oh la la – you now have all of our favorite activities to do for couples in Budapest to add a romantic touch to your trip! These activities will undoubtedly bring you closer together as a couple and provide you with some extra special memories to cherish!
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