St. Stephen's Day - Budapest

That is literally the only event that would get me to travel in Europe in August. You wouldn’t expect it to be too much different than last year: http://welovebudapest.com/en/toplists/celebrate-st-stephens-day-with-brilliant-events-in-budapest/ Your hotel concierge will probably have a schedule; as I imagine it will be in the local papers a few days prior. .

They have a St. Stephen's Day evening boat ride to see the fireworks!! http://www.mahartpassnave.hu/en/timetable/budapest-sightseeing-and-programe-cruises/programes-20-th-august/

https://www.jegy.hu/program/virtuozok-oromunnep-58438?lang=en
http://mestersegekunnepe.hu/english/

I have found out that the fireworks are being moved up river and will occur between the Chain Bridge and the Margaret Island Bridge. I think the best place to view them will be Buda, just opposite the Parliament. 9pm

I have been looking at all options available for St. Stephen's day and we (4 of us) would like to view the fireworks from a restaurant
terrace vs being among the crowds of people. Which of the venues you mention do you think would be best meaning viewing of fireworks and the food offered? The boat would be nice but I've done that before for a special event and the food was just mediocre and very crowded.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Sheila

There are outdoor restaurants along both sides of the Corso; but I wouldn't count on getting a reservation this late in the game. As for inside with a window; not too much to choose from. Probably the best bet for the view and ambiance would be if you could get a table at Halászbástya Restaurant in the Fisherman's Bastion. Otherwise the embankment from the Chain Bridge to the Margit Island bridge on both sides, plus the lengths of the two bridges is about 5 km total. Almost all of it is accessible to stand and watch and the trams on both sides will be running so access is available. Then the views from Buda will be spectacular. If it were me i would be inclined to try it from Batthyány tér; and move down river till you find a good spot.: https://www.google.com/maps/@47.5060783,19.0397028,3a,38.1y,60.26h,82.23t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPvHD2IXB1P2Z-etVuxNaQYo8U20vVOifjDW_7f!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPvHD2IXB1P2Z-etVuxNaQYo8U20vVOifjDW_7f%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya15.257564-ro-0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352

Note that there are two levels and lot of depth to handle a crowd. It's in Buda which tends to be less crowded to begin with and it's easily accessible on the M2

Here is another suggestion.

Have dinner at either

Rosenstein Vendéglő
Or
New York Palace (Boscolo Hotel)
Or
VakVarjú Restaurant
Or
Garibaldi Bistro

All very close to a stop on the M2 metro line. Eat, catch the metro across the river and watch the show.

Or

Try Trófea Grill Étterem at the end of the Margit Bridge in Buda. That puts you at in the right area, then when the appointed time arrives just walk about 2 blocks……

Found this: http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovasok.hu%2Fmagyar-lovaskultura%2Faugusztus-20-unnepi-programajanlo-lovasoknak%2F

First off - thank you James E for suggesting we stay in Budapest for St. Stephen's Day. It was magical.

As far as where to watch fireworks, after being there, I am not sure there is a "bad" spot. We went to the Basilica for the 5:00 outdoor service and by the time we followed the procession for a bit it was 7:00. It appeared that some restaurants along the procession route were closed. Our hotel got us a reservation at a great bistro not too far from the Chain Bridge. We enjoyed dinner, then walked over to the bridge area along with half of Budapest. We saw the fireworks from the bridge right in front of us with the Palace in the background and it was lovely. We could see the other set of fireworks off to the side. If I were to do it again, I would get to the bridge area a bit earlier and be in front of the crowd. At the end of the display, fireworks were shot down from the bridge to the river, like beautiful waterfalls. I had to stand on tiptoe and crane my neck a bit to see that part.

I'm jealous. And the rest of the stay?

Loved it!!! Lots of walking both during the day and night, visits to Parliament, the Opera House, the Basilica, City Park, Momento Park, Castle Hill, Gellert Hill, and Gellert Baths just to list some highlights. Except for St. Stephen's Day, it was quite hot so we spent more time that usual sitting and drinking cold adult beverages. I think I have developed an Aperol spritz addiction. I would love to go back at a different time of year for a full week just to walk and to go to the opera.

The Lay's potato chip of travel destinations.....