Cool terraces, shady trees, classic flavours and summery lightness – we’ll show you Budapest’s most pleasant spots, where you’ll feel right at home even in the height of a heatwave.

There comes a point in summer when sunglasses, a straw hat and even the biggest ice-cream cone just aren’t enough – you simply have to find a shady spot where you can take a little break. A place where you can escape the blazing sun, whilst refreshing drinks, good food and a pleasant atmosphere await. Fortunately, Budapest is full of such havens – you just need to know where to go.

Tucked away in the heart of Városliget, in the shade of leafy trees, lies one of Budapest’s most famous restaurants – Gundel, where even the summer heat takes on a different feel. The fabulous garden terrace, set beneath the huge chestnut trees, is the perfect choice if you’re looking to relax in a shady, peaceful yet elegant setting. The atmosphere of the garden is both timeless and homely: the chirping of birds, gently filtered sunlight, and that special ambience that only such a time-honoured place can offer.

Gundel is not just a restaurant – it is where history, gastronomy and experience come together in one place. In 2024, it celebrated its 130th anniversary and continues to this day to preserve the legacy of its founder, Károly Gundel: the classics of Hungarian cuisine, which remain defining features of the country’s hospitality industry to this day.

During the summer months, the Gundel garden is particularly enchanting: on the shaded terrace, surrounded by lush greenery, the menu features not only classic dishes but also seasonal specialities – so whether it’s a light lunch or a festive dinner, it’s sure to be just as memorable.
In the Gundel garden, it is not only the shade of the chestnut trees but also the live music that contributes to the special atmosphere – gentle melodies set the tone for the meal, whilst guests can lose themselves in the classic flavours.

And if you’re looking for an even more special experience, then this series of music and dance evenings could be just the thing for you. This new programme welcomes guests on the last Wednesday of every month, bringing back the atmosphere of balls, ballroom dancing and elegant evenings. During the summer months, these evenings naturally take place in the garden: guests can take to the dance floor in the shade of the trees whilst classical melodies fill the air. These musical evenings are not just about entertainment, but also about building a sense of community – Gundel has always been a place where people and stories come together. And now it is once again becoming a communal space: with dance, culture and gastronomy – and, of course, shade, right where it is most needed on those hot Budapest days.