Our Events Coordinator Maiya has recently spent a few days exploring Budapest, and what a destination it turned out to be! From grand historic hotels to riverside rooftops, this city delivers a mix of sophistication, creativity, and unforgettable event potential. Here’s her round-up of the standout spots that made an impression.
Hotels
Our home for the trip — a grand, elegant property with top-notch facilities including a spa, gym, and event spaces. Located about 30 minutes from the airport, it’s well-suited for large conferences and corporate groups. The ballroom holds up to 500 theatre-style, with a flexible adjoining conference and exhibition centre.
Dinner in the main restaurant was a highlight: one long table beneath a stunning skylight with live music. There’s also the option for private receptions or VIP drinks on the mezzanine overlooking the courtyard restaurant. Rooms are spacious and peaceful, many facing inward to the courtyard.
The ultimate “wow” factor. Even seasoned event pros were jaw-dropped! Every detail has been beautifully restored, from hand-blown glass windows to intricate design touches. The hotel’s central location opposite the Opera House adds to the appeal. With its high-end aesthetic and creative vibe, it’s ideal for trend-driven or luxury clients. The Beefbar restaurant was a standout, impeccable service, fantastic food, and cool DJ energy.
Perfectly positioned right on the Danube, this hotel offers panoramic views from nearly every room. The Liz & Chain Sky Lounge is an incredible spot for drinks receptions, while the riverside restaurant terrace was the perfect setting to wrap up our second evening.
With 17,000 sq ft of event space (and a ballroom for up to 650 delegates), this property delivers on both scale and service. The rooms are consistent, clean, and all feature large windows with reading benches to take in the river views.
A boutique, music-themed gem packed with character. The High Note SkyBar (up to 60 guests) and Music Garden (up to 100 theatre-style) offer fun, flexible options for small groups. The rooftop terrace looks directly onto St. Stephen’s Basilica and has a relaxed, multi-level layout, great for coffee stops or evening drinks.
Venues
Parisi Passage Café & Brasserie
Tucked away in the heart of the city, this historic venue oozes charm. With natural light, original tiling, and intimate dimensions, it’s perfect for private dinners or drinks receptions. Since it doubles as a hotel breakfast venue, it’s only available in the afternoons or evenings.
HungExpo
A massive, world-class venue for large conferences and exhibitions, so big we toured it by golf buggy! With 75,000 sqm of space and a motorised, reconfigurable auditorium that transforms from theatre-style to gala dinner setup in just 20 minutes, flexibility is key here. It’s slightly outside the city centre, but for big-scale events, it’s hard to beat. Bonus points for inventive catering (Hungarian liquor tastings and food challenges!) and their tech partnerships with Visual Group Europe for drone shows and high-tech event support.
Robinson Restaurant
A lakeside escape in City Park, perfect for relaxed lunches or group meals. The upper terrace has lovely views, and the waterside ground-floor terrace offers a casual yet polished atmosphere. It’s an ideal in-between for teams who want charm without formality.
White Raven Skybar
Rooftop vibes and sweeping city views, ideal for smaller receptions or casual networking events. Right in the Fisherman’s Bastion area, it’s buzzing with atmosphere and makes for a stylish pre-dinner stop.
Gundel Café
An iconic Budapest institution serving classic Hungarian dishes in an elegant setting with cheerful striped awnings. Their vegan pistachio and raspberry cheesecake was divine, though their signature hazelnut pancake is the local legend. A lovely option for coffee breaks or dessert stops with a touch of Budapest heritage.
Experiences
Monste-Roller Tour
An adrenaline-fuelled city tour on electric scooters, a fun, fast-paced way to explore landmarks like Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Great for team-building, incentives, or just letting off some steam.
Private Sunset Boat Transfer
We cruised from the Marriott to the Sziget Festival dock with prosecco and cocktails in hand, a dreamy 20-minute ride showcasing the city’s skyline. Perfect as a scenic transfer or short sightseeing cruise.
Sziget Festival VIP
An unexpectedly polished experience! Clean, vibrant, and full of creative activations, from upmarket food vendors and drone shows to branded bars and fairground rides. The vibe is high-energy and photo-ready, making it an exciting option for incentive groups or unique client entertainment.
Széchenyi Baths
The city’s iconic thermal baths, an unmissable way to immerse (literally) in Hungarian culture. Ideal for team wellness or downtime activities, especially if you book private access.
Budapest surprised us with its perfect mix of grandeur, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re planning a high-end conference, a relaxed incentive trip, or a unique gala dinner, the city has all the right ingredients, and a few delightful surprises along the way.
Thinking about Budapest for your next event or incentive?
