Summer in Budapest means packed terraces, longer evenings and a city centre buzzing with life.But when the real heatwave hits, you don’t necessarily have to escape the city. If you know where to go, there are plenty of places, drinks and little tricks that can make even a 35°C summer day much more enjoyable.Here are a few ways to stay cool in Budapest on the hottest days, no pools or thermal baths required.
1. Start your day with something iced
When it’s already pushing 30°C in the morning, a steaming cup of coffee might not be the first thing on your mind.A new spot called Nolita recently opened near Ferenciek tere, bringing a little New York energy to the heart of Budapest. If you’re in the area, start your day with an iced matcha or coffee before heading out to explore the city.On particularly hot days, it’s also worth planning outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon and avoiding the hottest hours around midday.
2. Make the most of the city’s cooling spots
If you’re around the Parliament, take a short detour through Kossuth Square.During the summer, the square’s misting system sprays a fine mist of water from the ground, offering a surprisingly refreshing break from the heat. After a long walk through the city centre, even a few minutes here can make a difference.It’s also worth keeping an eye out for public drinking fountains and shady parks around the city. Once temperatures climb above 35°C, every little cooling stop counts.
3. Swap lunch for a frozen margarita
If it’s going to be hot anyway, there might as well be ice in your glass.
A frozen margarita at Tereza makes for the perfect pit stop on a scorching Budapest afternoon. Find a shady table, order something to eat and take your time while you wait for the temperature to drop a little.
4. Always carry water
It might not be the most exciting piece of advice, but it’s probably the most important one.If you’re spending the whole day exploring the city, always keep a bottle of water with you. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a lightweight hat are also worth throwing in your bag.And don’t forget a hand fan, one of those things we tend to underestimate until the real summer heat kicks in.
5. Avoid the midday sun, then head out after dark
The good news is that Budapest comes alive all over again after sunset. The temperature slowly starts to drop, the streets fill up and the night can finally begin.A lot of people avoid indoor clubs during summer, but when the city is in the middle of a heatwave, a properly air-conditioned venue can actually be one of the best places to be.Both rooms at Ötkert are fully air-conditioned, keeping the temperature inside comfortable throughout the night.And since it’s summer, we open the roof too.
Thanks to Ötkert’s Cabrio roof, the dance floor can transform into an open-air space in moments, letting the cooler evening air flow through the club.
7. Keep the ice coming
After spending an entire day in the Budapest heat, you can keep cooling down at the bar with ice-cold, refreshing cocktails served all night long.And for the early birds, we’ve got another little heatwave essential waiting for you: arrive early enough and you might get your hands on an Ötkert hand fan.Useful on the dance floor, even better on the way home, and something you’ll probably be grateful for during the next heatwave too.
Summer in Budapest
Budapest summers can be brutally hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire day hiding in an air-conditioned room.Start with an iced matcha, stick to shady streets, stop by one of the city’s cooling spots, grab a frozen margarita in the afternoon and wait for the sun to go down.Then, we’ll see you at Ötkert.We’ll take care of the air conditioning, the ice, the cocktails and the open roof.
Your only job is to enjoy the night.
