SANDRA SANDOR'S
BUDAPEST GUIDE
Discover Budapest, the city where Nanushka is rooted, through the eyes of our Founder & Creative Director. Explore Sandra’s go-to spots for art and inspiration, cafés, restaurants, and many other hidden gems.
"I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, a city where the charm of old Eastern Europe meets the vibrancy of the West. There is truly no city like it, not just for its rich culture, but for the way every street, every building tells a story. From the quiet, hilly streets of Buda to the bustling flats of Pest, Budapest is a poetic juxtaposition of art and history."
Sandra Sandor
Coffee, Food & Rest
Four Seasons
Located in front of the famous Chain Bridge along
the Danube, this refurbished Art Nouveau palace
is home to one of Budapest’s most iconic hotels,
forever a Budapest institution.
Dorothea
The ultimate blend of 19th- and 20th-century historical architecture with modern design. Located in one of Budapest’s most famous squares, Dorothea is home to some of the city’s newest restaurants with the best views. Don’t forget to admire the eight-story-high wall made of over 5,000 custom Zsolnay ceramic tiles.
Cabrio
Tucked into one of my favorite residential squares in the city centre, Cabrio is where the best Hungarian and European natural wines meet fresh, local ingredients. The modern bistro has a seasonal, ever-changing menu. It’s a treat to go with a big group and order a bit of everything and I love that they have residencies with different wine bars across Europe.
Portobello
Portobello has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those places you plan your weekend around and end up spending hours talking, eating, and drinking with friends and the team there. Their knowledge and selection of wine and coffee go beyond what you find in many places, and their staple breakfast and brunch menu is perfect. Small, cozy, and a true neighborhood gem.
Fausto's
Budapest is home to some of the best Italian food outside of Italy, and Fausto is a top choice. First opened in 1994, it has become a city institution. The Mezzaluna with duck, pumpkin, and walnut is a true treat.
Déryné
A Budapest institution where the walls could tell a hundred stories. The ultimate comfort food, mixing traditional Hungarian cuisine with flavors from various cultures. In summer, sit on the patio, and don’t skip the Túrógombóc.
Espresso Embassy
Espresso Embassy is one of those places where you can spend the whole day drinking coffee and people-watching, you’ll always run into someone you know. It brought a new energy to Budapest café culture and really modernized it.
SALT Bakery
Created as an extension of the Michelin-starred SALT restaurant, Salt Bakery is a modern artisan bakery focusing on high-quality breads, pastries, and simple dishes. Combining traditional baking techniques with a contemporary, sustainability-driven approach, Salt Bakery has elevated Budapest’s design-forward bakery culture.
Bródy House
Known for its strong connection to the city’s art scene, Bródy House is set in a 19th-century townhouse. Founded as a “home of the artist,” it brings together accommodation, events, and a vibrant cultural community under one roof. With its mix of boutique hospitality, art-driven identity, and community-focused atmosphere, it has become one of Budapest’s most distinctive creative spaces.
W Budapest Hotel
Set inside the historic Drechsler Palace opposite of the Hungarian State Opera House, the W hotel brings together the iconic sights of Budapest juxtaposed with the modernism of the W hotel. Sit outside in the summer to watch the city go by with the main terrence located directly on Andrassy Avenue.
Hotel RUM
In summer, Hotel Rum Budapest becomes a laid-back boutique escape known for its panoramic city views from SOLID Sky Bar. Its creative interiors, central location, and relaxed energy make it perfect for exploring Budapest’s cafés, markets, and nightlife on warm evenings.
Relaxation, Art, History
Walter Rózsi Villa
Originally built in 1936 for a famous Hungarian opera singer, the Walter Rózsi Villa is a beautifully restored modernist house and one of the most important examples of Hungarian modern architecture. Today, it operates as the first permanent exhibition space of the Hungarian Museum of Architecture—a lasting source of inspiration.
Amikor Galéria
Amikor Galéria is a unique antique and design gallery. Rather than focusing on big-name artists, it emphasizes characterful, high-quality objects alongside vintage furniture, ceramics, paintings, and home décor. Amikor feels more like a curated design warehouse than a traditional gallery, appealing to collectors, creatives, and anyone looking for pieces that tell stories for generations.
Nanushka Flagship Store and Café
Nanushka, as a global lifestyle brand, has brought Central European design to the forefront of the fashion industry, making it the first of its kind. A natural extension of the brand’s elevated aesthetic, Nanushka’s Budapest Flagship Store and Café offers a welcoming sense of community.
Join us at the Nanushka’s Budapest Flagship Store and Café for summer aperitivo hour, every Thursday to celebrate the warmth of summer evenings.
Omorovicza
Omorovicza is one of the most tranquil places in Budapest. All their products combine the traditional healing powers of thermal water with ritual, experience, and effective skin therapy, making it a truly special experience.
Írók Boltja
Írók Boltja is one of Budapest’s most iconic literary bookshops, located on Andrássy Avenue in the historic building that once housed the famous Japán Café. More than just a bookstore, it functions as a cultural meeting place. Known for its carefully curated shelves and distinctive window displays, Írók Boltja remains a central hub of Budapest’s literary and intellectual life.
Városliget
Városliget blends nature, culture, and leisure, with wide lawns, walking paths, and a lake that turns into an ice rink in winter. It’s home to major landmarks like Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath, as well as several museums and cultural institutions. Városliget has become an even more vibrant urban space, combining historic charm with modern design. Walking here with my son Samu has been a joy for as long as I can remember, he’s always excited to visit.
Upcoming Summer Activities in Budapest
Champions League Final
May 30th, 2026
The 2026 UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest will be held at Puskás Aréna, marking the city’s first time hosting Europe’s biggest club football match, with Arsenal F.C. facing Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in this year’s final.
Sziget Festival
August 11–15, 2026
Music and cultural festival transforming Budapest into “The Island of Freedom” with global artists and immersive art.
Formula 1
July 24–26, 2026
High-speed race between the world’s top drivers held at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród, just outside Budapest, known as "Monaco without the walls".
Kékszalag Grand Prix
July 30 – August 1, 2026
Europe's longest, non-stop, round-the-lake sailing regatta, held annually on Lake Balaton, Hungary.
Photos: Márton Kecskés & courtesy of brands