As the weather gets warmer and the terraces around Budapest are once again open for business, it’s time to think about the one topic on everyone’s mind: football!
All around the city, venues are tuning their televisions and tapping the kegs, ready for the cheers and howls of an exuberant crowd. We take a look at some of the best outdoor venues for enjoying the Beautiful Game here in beautiful Budapest.
Akvárium – viewing for the Euros
Located right in the heart of downtown Budapest, Akvárium is easily one of the most popular spots for watching the Euros, as their huge projection screen gets us about as close to the action as we could hope for, without forking over the big bucks for a stadium ticket.
If you arrive early, you can also enjoy a hearty meal of duck breast over black rice and strawberry soy sauce, or a saucy beef patty burger with beetroot mayo and smoked bacon. Expect a youthful crowd to gather here, and don’t be surprised if the revelries get rather loud and rambunctious. More information on Akvárium’s Euros schedule can be found here.
Arena Garden
You’ll hear the actual roar of the crowd when watching a match on the 30-metre screen at Arena Garden, the new venue opened only a few minutes from Puskás Aréna.
This open-air bar and grill is known for staging frequent concerts with the country’s most popular performers, and providing what they describe as a “real festival atmosphere.” As the summer football season starts, the Arena Garden will be showing the matches on their huge screen, and the action can be enjoyed from a 300-seat grandstand. Check out more information here.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
Aréna Garden (@arenagardenbudapest) által megosztott bejegyzés
Champs Sziget
Located on the Eastern side of Margaret Island, Champs Sziget is a real treat for sports fans, with a whole array of screens showing matches from across the world. The décor says it all: jerseys are staple-gunned to the ceiling and walls, and drawings of football pitches and championship trophies cover every inch of the bar.
Tables of all shapes and sizes are available to guests, as well as a special VIP terrace where attendees can host their own private barbecue. A full menu of burgers, BBQ wings, grilled pork filets, salads, and even sweet pancakes with Nutella and bananas can be found on the menu, as well as a fully-stocked bar with all the necessities.
The Danube is only a few steps away, so after the match you can stretch your legs with an evening stroll.
Stifler American Bar & Grill
Located right on the körút, Stifler is a popular location for sports fans, often overflowing with guests enjoying both the indoor atmosphere and the ample terrace seating. As they gear up for this year’s football season, there’s an air of excitement and expectation hovering about the premises, and it’s strongly advised to reserve a table in advance.
The food is sizzling and the beer is cold—the big screens (27 of them!) are ready to bring you all the best matches, and the location is easily accessible for anyone in the city. We recommend Stifler to those who don’t want to leave their viewing options to chance, and table reservations can be made online or over the phone.
Find out more information here.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
Stifler Bar (@stiflerbar.budapest) által megosztott bejegyzés
Budapest Garden
Budapest Garden is a huge food and entertainment complex that goes above and beyond the classification of just a “bar.” Stretched out of 13,000 square metres, this staycation destination includes volleyball courts, trampolines, giant football, inflatable bouncy houses for the little ones, skate park, and an open-air cinema which will be broadcasting the Euro Championships for all to see.
And we haven’t even touched on the bars yet—from the dedicated Sports Bar to the Garden Wine Bar and food options ranging from burgers to pizzas and empanadas, it’s easy to spend a full day at Budapest Garden without ever feeling at a loss for something to do. The location along the Danube is an extra treat, located on the south side of Óbuda and overlooking Margaret Island.
Find more information on the Euros broadcast on their Facebook page.
The Grund
Located in the Eight District, Grund is a sprawling indoor and outdoor venue that feels more like exploring a small town than just entering a bar. Each room has its own personality, and the outdoor beer garden is a leafy refuge in the middle of this urban district. It’s easy to get here by the M3 metro (currently operating via replacement bus service), or the 4-6 tram. There’s also a playground for “young and old alike,” as they say on their website, and a barbecue kitchen is waiting to serve you some tasty delights during matches. More information, including booking a table, can be found online.
The drinks are ready and the matches are queued up, all that’s missing now is for you to don your favourite team jersey and wade into the cheering crowds. Outdoor venues do not require Immunity Cards to watch the football matches, although masks are still needed for ordering and paying at the bar. Be sure to check each venue for table reservations, as competition will be stiff for the best seats.