3 DAYS IN BUDAPEST - PERFECT WEEKEND TRIP FROM VIENNA

If you're looking for a quick escape from Vienna, Budapest offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights. This charming city, just a few hours away from Austria’s capital, is packed with amazing speciality coffee shops, stunning rooftop bars & delicious plant-based restaurants, which are only waiting for you to be discovered.

Getting from Vienna to Budapest is a breeze. We went by train directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof and after only 2.5h arrived in the middle of Budapest. There we were welcomed with the city's rich architectural beauty, grand buildings and intricate bridges that make every corner photo-worthy. Did you know that Budapest is called “Paris of the East”?

Of course, as a foodie and coffee lover myself, we had to check out all the (vegan) hotspots. In fact, Budapest is a paradise for plant-based eaters as there is a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafés, and markets that cater to all tastes.

I've put together a dedicated Google Maps list of all my favorite (plant-based) spots in Budapest. It’s your go-to guide for finding the best locations in the city. Check it out here.
For more inspiration and a visual diary of our time in Budapest, head over to my Instagram account here, where I've shared highlights from our trip.

Lots of love,
Magda

where to go for (vegan) breakfast, BRUNCH, LUNCH & coffee

• Meron
  Our favorite brunch and coffee spot in Budapest is for sure Meron! The coffee quality is just beyond any other spot and the food exceptional! The team is also really lovely and for me everything was just a 10/10 at this amazing place! There is a lovely indoor and outdoor seating area and you can also stay a bit to get some work done if you wish.

• Freyja - the croissant story
  Since Freyja opened also their doors in Vienna, I wanted to see the original “croissant story” in Budapest as well. Due to the proximity to the train station it’s a great choice before you head back to Vienna/ after your arrival. The menu is the same as in Vienna (however, the pistachio croissant was not out of stock - yet haha) and it’s a nice indoor and outdoor vibe.

• VAJ
  We went to Vaj directly after we arrived in Budapest as you can even walk there from the train station. The have a big indoor area, where you’re also allowed to work and great coffee & matcha. The price for the croissants was a bit high in our opinion (compared to what it costs in Vienna), but everything looked really good.

• ICHIGO
  If you’re looking for a tasty fresh lunch in the middle of the city, then Ichigo shall be high on your list. You’re able to choose the size, if you want to have it as a bowl or wrap, the sauces and also if you want to have it vegan/ vegetarian or with salmon/ tuna. Everything was really fresh and delicious. I went for the vegan green goddess bowl.

• Cafe Brunch Budapest - Opera
  This is a really popular brunch spot in Budapest offering a wide selection for both vegetarian & vegans. You’re best advised to reserve a table especially if you want to sit in the lovely outside area surrounded by trees. I really liked that they’re offering a lot of savoury and sweet options.

• Tökmag Vegan Street Food
  This cozy restaurant is offering a wide variety of vegan & also gluten-free cakes, burgers, salads and dishes. The team is really lovely and makes sure all of your wishes are fulfilled! I really loved their lentil salad and green juice. You can also take everything to go and enjoy it at the close by Margit island!

Further spots which were recommended to me:

• David's Kitchen

• LuLu Budapest

• Partisan Coffee Shop

• Trafik kávézó és reggeliző

• Scusi Focacceria

• Stika Gastropub

• Franziska - Pest

• Zsebi

• Nor/ma Grand

• Lui

• New York Café

where to go for (vegan) sunset & dinner

• Dobrumba
  Our favorite dinner spot in Budapest was for sure this eatery with a global menu focusing on European & Middle Eastern dishes & small plates to share. We loved the homemade kombucha, hummus, greek salad, pita & sabich but would have loved to even try more - they offer also for example muhammara, fava and other delicious plates.

• Twentysix Budapest
  Although I’m always sceptical with hyped placed, I still want to check them out from time to time and was super happy we did in the end go for dinner at 26 Budapest. We reserved a table for an early dinner and shared some of thei Mediterranean plates in the super cool plant-filled indoor garden. Worth the hype!

• 360 Bar
  You need to visit this rooftop bar during your time in Budapest! The view is simply stunning and the vibe super relaxed and chilled. I often find rooftop bars too fancy while the 360 bar has a really relaxed setting. You can eat as well (burger etc), but we preferred to only grab a (non-alcoholic) drink. Their mocktails were amazing & super huge!

Further spots which were recommended to me:

• PINGRUMBA

• Arquitecto Pitpit

• BESTIA

• Tapas Fino

• Yama Budapest

• Salt

• Viadukt Bár

• Szimpla Kert