Black Swan

Look carefully or you just might miss this inconspicuous speakeasy. You won’t find a sign above the door – three pale swans are your only guides to the Black Swan. Step inside through plush red velvet curtains and take your seat at a candle-lit table. Darkness surrounds. Suddenly it’s 1920 and you’re feeling like the bee’s knees. “Gimme a whiskey, ginger ale on the side, and don’t be stingy, baby.” But these aren’t your average cocktails, doll — every drink on the menu is a work of art, complete with its own backstory.

Black Swan is a truly luxurious, time-travelling cocktail experience for the adventurous. Fair warning though for those with poor eyesight or shallow wallets. Reading the menu isn’t easy by candlelight and the fabulous monthly specials are 3000 Hungarian Ft or just under $10.

Click here for our detailed article about Black Swan Cocktails Bar.

Reserve your velvet seat at https://blackswanbar.hu

Warmup

With custom-made cocktails and a no-nonsense vibe, Warmup is for the casual cocktail connoisseur. You won’t find uppity décor or suspenders and bowties here — or a standard menu. Simply find your seat and one of the friendly mixologists will ask you a few questions about your tastes. Sweet or sour? Fruity or dry? Vodka, rum or gin? Before you can say ‘please’, he’ll whip up the best cocktail you’ve ever had – leaving you plenty of stress-free time for chatting up your date. 

 While this relaxed approach makes ordering a breeze, it can get costly. Prepare to pay at least $9 a drink (2800 Hungarian Forints). You’ll also have to book ahead to get a table in this small bar.

Book a chic evening with friends at https://warmupbudapest.hu/

Boutiq’ Bar 

As the first of its kind in the city, Boutiq’Bar is the most famous on our list of the best cocktail bars in Budapest — and it knows how to serve a drink with style. Lush red chairs and opulent gold lamps set the scene for a theatrical performance. Order the Space Zombie to receive an alien drink as blue as Neptune, or the smoky Budapest BBQ to share a fiery marshmallow with your favorite Barbie girl. Boutiq’Bar offers a magical movie experience — you’ll love watching neighboring tables receive their drinks while snacking on a free bag of popcorn!

While the drinks are inventive, come ready to pay the old-fashioned way with cold hard cash. Cards aren’t accepted. Booking a table is also a must at this popular joint in Budapest.

Save your seat for the show at http://www.boutiqbar.com

Bar Pharma

Whether you’re stumbling through a pub crawl or looking for a quick, classy stop in the 7^th district, Bar Pharma is the place to be in the heart of Budapest’s party streets. This sleek and modern bar dressed in shiny chrome instantly feels exclusive — there’s just enough room for you and about eight of your friends. Hop on the barstool and enjoy a refreshing classic gin and tonic…or something a bit more special, like the cherry-licious Ugly Duckling. Whatever you choose, you’ll love the vintage medicinal bottles and the friendly bar staff.

This cozy bar fills up fast so be sure to book ahead or arrive early in the evening. Get your hangover cure at https://www.facebook.com/barPharma/

High Note SkyBar

To visit the last of our top 5 cocktail bars in Budapest, we have to climb. This city is best viewed from a great height – it’s the only way to see the curve of the Danube River, the rolling hills of Buda or the towering dome of Parliament. So, act like a bird and fly up to High Note Sky Bar in Budapest’s swanky 5^th district. Watch the sunset with a cool mimosa in hand or enjoy a mighty Drink of Destiny in the golden glow of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Popular with both locals and visiting celebrities, it fills up quickly on breezy summer nights. Be sure to book a table and plan for an expensive tab — trust us though, it’s all worth it for the panoramic views. Soar to new heights at https://highnoteskybar.hu or, if you like the height, check out a few more places we’ve already covered in our article about rooftop bars.