If you’re planning to be in Budapest in 2025, get ready for a culinary adventure you won’t forget. Imagine’s gastro walks are about to take over the city, serving up the best treats from local chocolatiers, bakeries, wineries, and breweries. Tastings range from chocolates and pastries to drinks—wine, beer, pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy), liqueurs, and sparkling wines. Whether you’re a foodie or just love a good stroll, these events promise flavors and stories that will delight your body, soul, and taste buds alike.
Sweet Life: Budapest’s Sugar Trail
Starting July 26, 2025, culinary explorers can join the “Sweet Life” (Édes élet) gastro walk—a deep dive into Budapest’s dessert scene. This guided stroll takes you through legendary sweet shops and modern patisseries where you’ll taste signature Hungarian cakes, chocolates, and pastries right where they’re made. These walks repeat throughout the summer, including on August 9 and August 30, providing several chances to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From Grain to Artisan Bread: The Sercli Gastro Walk
If you prefer savory to sweet, the “Sercli” walk is designed for you. Happening on July 26 and August 2, you’ll explore the evolution of bread making, starting from the city’s old mills and ending at Budapest’s trendiest artisan bakeries. Taste everything from rustic loaves to inventive pastries, learning how Budapest’s bakers weave history and culture into every bite.
Luck and Local Flavors in Water Town (Víziváros)
On August 9, the “Walk with Fortuna” event leads you through the Water Town (Víziváros) district—Budapest’s historical “Water Town.” This tour focuses on places believed to bring good luck, punctuated with tastings of iconic local dishes and snacks. It’s as much about superstitions and stories as it is about food, perfect for those craving a unique cultural immersion.
Rebirth of an Icon: B, Like Ballet; W, Like W Budapest
Kicking off on August 3 and running through several dates in August, a unique walk called “B, for Ballet; W, for W Budapest” (B, mint balett, W, mint W Budapest) invites visitors to witness the transformation of an iconic Budapest building. This isn’t just about food—it’s about art, architecture, and how the city reinvents itself. Expect insights, stories, and, naturally, culinary surprises linked to the building’s new identity.
Italian Flavors: Tastes and Tales from Pomo d’Oro
On August 26, the spotlight turns to Italy. At “Tasting from Italy—Flavors from Pomo d’Oro, Stories from the Past,” guests will sample authentic Italian specialties, from antipasti to desserts, all while hearing the stories behind the recipes. This is a chance to explore Mediterranean flavors without ever leaving Budapest.
Where to Stay: Budapest’s Best Hotels and Hostels
The city’s central hotels and guesthouses offer the perfect base for your culinary adventure, with options to suit every budget and taste. The Actor Hotel Budapest, located on the Pest side in the historic city center, provides easy access to the city with complimentary airport transfers for guests staying three or more nights (upon request, from 7:00 AM–10:00 PM). Public transport is readily available, making exploration a breeze.
Boulevard City Pension is an intimate, family-run place in the 9th district, close to the Danube. With rooms perched on the upper floors of an eight-story residential building, guests can easily reach downtown on foot and enjoy a variety of room types to suit all needs.
Canada Hotel is perfect for families, business events, and conferences. Free WiFi, ample parking, and a generous buffet breakfast ensure a seamless stay.
If you’re craving a homey vibe in the city center, look no further. With 86 comfortable hotel rooms and five spacious apartments just steps from Corvin District, and delicious breakfasts that keep guests coming back, you’ll feel right at home.
Haller Camping sits in a tranquil park in the heart of the city. Its 24-hour reception, proximity to stores and shopping, and excellent public transport links day and night make it ideal for exploring Budapest’s attractions, spas, restaurants, and nightlife.
There’s also Ibis Budapest Centrum, just 164 feet from Kálvin Square (Kálvin tér) metro (lines 3 and 4) and a short walk from the Hungarian National Museum. It offers free WiFi, a garden terrace, air-conditioned rooms, satellite TV, and a 24-hour bar.
Across the city, more options abound—from Ibis Budapest Citysouth (between airport and city center) to Ibis Styles Budapest City with fabulous Danube views. If you want to be steps from cosmopolitan strolls and restaurants, Ráday Central Apartment (Ráday Central Apartman) is just 98 feet from one of Budapest’s top dining streets.
Cafés, Bars, and Bites: Where to Eat in Budapest
When hunger strikes, Budapest offers everything from budget-friendly self-service cafés on Czuczor Street (Czuczor utca) to lively bars with stacks of board games and a creative cocktail menu. Assemble your own burger or go big with the Giga Double Decker sandwich—meat lovers and vegans alike will rejoice!
For a more upscale atmosphere, Bohemian Restaurant & Event Venue (Bohém Étterem & Rendezvényhelyszín) inside the Palace of Arts (Müpa) tempts with gourmet food, wines, and the chance to spot world-class musicians between performances.
If you’re after home-style Hungarian fare, gyros, or satisfying set menus, head to Bőség Platter Restaurant (Bőségtál Étterem) in Lurdy House. Café Intenzo, with a cozy dining room and welcoming garden terrace, offers menus ranging from Hungarian staples to Italian specialties.
Throughout the buzzing inner city, eateries serve traditional Hungarian and international dishes paired with extensive local wine lists, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Keep in mind: dates and programs are subject to change, so check ahead before you go—but whatever you choose, Budapest promises you’ll never go hungry (or thirsty).
