Gluten Free Budapest – The ULTIMATE Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Gluten Free Budapest for travellers, tourists and Coeliac foodies who find themselves in this most wonderful of Hungarian cities. 

Originally shared August 2019… Updated May 2023

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Introducing the ultimate guide to Gluten free Budapest

If you are gluten free (or even vegan or dairy free) and dismissed Budapest in Hungary as a likely ‘no-go’ food destination, think again. Gluten free Budapest is a revelation and possibly one of the easiest non-UK destinations I have visited for gluten free eating in recent years. And that makes it perfect for travellers and tourists with Coeliac Disease (Celiac). Because the city streets are well-served with safe gluten free options. From quick snacks, bakeries and simple meals… To the full-on restaurant experience.

Not convinced? Check out my ultimate guide below…. I’ve done all the hard work and research for you, so all you have to do is have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful city. Not only is the food delicious, but Budapest is an amazing, safe and vibrant city, with loads to do… whatever the weather.

Why this guide to Gluten Free Budapest is trustworthy

Travel and me…

I have always been a traveller. In my 20’s (long before the days of social media, mobile phones or even digital cameras), I inter-railed and back-packed across wide swathes of the world. As a foodie, I have relished every opportunity to try national, local and sometimes ‘far-out’ cuisines along the way… I often bring home what I learn, to make all manner of Travel-Inspired Recipes. Our experiences of Gluten Free Budapest are already absorbed within our kitchen, with goulash and plenty of smoked paprika high on the list.

While much of my travel was before Coeliac diagnosis, as a family we take gluten free life in our stride. Indeed, we adventurously see Coeliac for all the positives it has brought us in discovering new ingredients and foods. It’s almost become family travel ‘sport’, seeking out the best places that are safe for us to eat.

But however positive we are now, I am well aware that Coeliac diagnosis knocks confidence. Needing to avoid ingredients and having to ask ‘awkward’ questions about what’s in dishes and how they’re prepared is never easy. Add to that the language barriers of foreign travel and the unfamiliar food encountered along the way and going abroad can quickly feel like too much of a risk.

But it DOES get easier! The confidence we now have in our ability to survive gluten free anywhere has grown hugely in the last few years. The world is out there is explore and we intend to see it…

Where is Budapest?

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, in Europe. It is located in the central Northern area of the country, close to the Slovakian border and straddles both sides of the River Danube. Budapest is apparently the 25^th most popular city in the world. It can be accessed by air, rail and road with relative ease, thus welcoming around 4 million tourists each year.

Researching Gluten Free Budapest

Call us irresponsible, but when we booked flights to Budapest, we didn’t even bother to check its Coeliac-friendly status. We have come a long way. Indeed, we have come so far, that we no longer feel ‘held back’ by gluten free necessity.

Nonetheless, wherever we head, we always prepare for and research gluten free options before travelling. (Check out my page on Gluten Free Travel Tips & Planning to see how we prepare). Gluten free Budapest positively surpassed expectations from start to finish.

As a Coeliac traveller, the internet is my ‘go to’ source for recommendations on gluten free eating at any destination. Coeliacs and gluten free bloggers who have gone before are a wealth of information. And in my experience, can always be trusted to provide honest reviews and to have checked potential cross-contamination and safety issues. Indeed, some of my gluten free Budapest eateries were flagged ahead of my trip by fellow trailblazers (Happy Celiac; Find Me Gluten Free; Glutenfree Travelbee).

I have never found Trip Advisor to be a reliable source (unless a review comes from a stated Coeliac). And have been disappointed on many occasions when a ‘good’ gluten free review has not been health-based and has missed the fact that foods are all fried in the same oil, oats are not gluten free and cross-contamination is rife.

THIS guide to Gluten Free Budapest – A note on venue recommendations

The venues listed in my Guide to Gluten Free Budapest are drawn from: Places we tried and tested as a family; Restaurants that were researched for travelling; Or venues that we stumbled across when walking the city. Recommendations are based on personal experience as a family with two Coeliac travellers. They cover foodie finds, supplies, cafes, restaurants and bakeries.

The list is focussed on the gluten free diet and does not actively seek to cover either dairy free eating or other allergens. As such, if you have additional dietary needs, these should be discussed directly with the venue at the time of booking or visiting to clarify suitability.

All recommendations listed as safe for eating gluten free in Budapest are made in good faith. However, it remains essential to check you are personally happy with a venue’s safety credentials BEFORE booking or ordering. Also bear in mind that venues can and do change suppliers and menus, or move to new ownership without notice.

Equally, while I make every effort to keep up to date with any closures, there will always be changes that I have not discovered. Thus… If you find any information in the guide needs updating, please let me know. It can then be amended.

Gluten Free Budapest – The usual rules apply for risk assessment

Whenever you eat out as a Coeliac, the usual rules apply.

Unless a restaurant is dedicated 100% gluten free (selling only gluten free food), then it remains a working kitchen, preparing ALL types of food. Thus, there will always be an element of risk, however small. Bearing this in mind, it is normal practice (particularly in an era of negligence claims) for restaurants to give a ‘disclaimer’. This may be written on the menu or given verbally when you book/place your order. It’s the reality of the legal position that venues need to make clear the customer is taking responsibility for making a choice to eat there.

The disclaimer is usually a statement that while all efforts are made to prepare food safely, it is ‘prepared in a kitchen where flour and other allergens are used’. That doesn’t mean a restaurant is automatically unsafe, or that you shouldn’t eat there.

Your assessment…

Either way, when eating gluten free in Budapest (just as at home), any potential for risk is for YOU to calculate. Your assessment should be based on a couple of key factors… Firstly, a discussion with restaurant staff and how much trust you place in their understanding; And the likely impact for you personally if a gluten incident occurs.

Whatever you ultimately decide, ALWAYS tell the restaurant you are Coeliac when booking AND again when ordering. When travelling abroad, it also really helps to have a Coeliac Restaurant Card in the relevant language to help explain your position. This is the link for the one for Budapest (Hungarian) that I used.

If you are new to gluten free eating out or are less confident about the questions to ask… Head over to my page: Living with Coeliac Disease: Eating Out – Restaurants and Fast Food.

Used my guide to Gluten Free Budapest?

If you use my guide to Gluten Free Budapest, do let me know if it was helpful. And if you find that anything has changed, closed or should be added as new discoveries, please tell me so that I can update or add to the list.

If you post on social media about any of your gluten free eating experiences in Budapest, tag me in! You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Social media is the first place I usually share any gluten free finds, so follow to share my journey.

Happy travelling and enjoy Gluten Free Budapest

The ULTIMATE Guide to Gluten Free Budapest

(Updated 2023)

To help navigate my guide to Gluten Free Budapest, I have stated in which area of the city the venue is found (eg the Pest or Buda side of the Danube). Check websites (linked where possible below) for hours, which may vary seasonally. If you want to guarantee a table, please also check websites for telephone numbers and booking arrangements (remember to auto-translate as needed).

Click on the venue name for the website where it is available below.

Gluten Free Budapest: Restaurants, Bistros and Cafés (Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner)

Kata Restaurant (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free & Lactose Free

Lunch and Dinner

1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 27, Hungary

Kata is a 100% gluten free Venue, where Coeliacs are spoiled for choice. Frankly, I could have spent most of my meals here. The food is mainly meat and fish (with a couple of veggie options) and includes pasta and burgers too. Kata has a relaxed atmosphere with a varied and well-cooked full menu. Absolutely to be tried!

Etna Pizzeria (Known as Etna Pasta Pizza to Go) (Pest)

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Kertész u. 48, 1073 Hungary

Etna serves gluten free pizza and pasta, Italian dishes and some desserts (approved by the National Celiac Disease Association, thus food is very carefully prepared to avoid cross-contamination)

Note : there is another restaurant called Etna in Budapest, but they appear to be unconnected.

This rustic little Italian restaurant was a gem of a find after a quick internet search near where we were staying. We ate the best gluten free pizza we’ve had in a while, with homemade dough which (according to Mr GF) was very close in texture to his glutenous version. The staff had a fantastic understanding of cross-contamination and Coeliac health. 

I’ve read some reviews that say the customer service is poor, but we didn’t have any problems and the pizza was worth it!

NonGluten Pizzeria (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Király Ut. 58, 1068 Hungary

This is a newer, 100% gluten free pizza-pasta restaurant, located centrally on the Pest side of the Danube. It’s not one that I have been to, so I am unable to comment on the quality of the pizza available. If you try it, do let me know!  

Bohémtanya (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free & Lactose Free

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Paulay Ede street 6, 1061 Hungary

Another 100% gluten free (and lactose free) restaurant in Budapest, located centrally in Pest.

Bohémtanya serves heart-warming traditional Hungarian food dishes… With a lengthy menu from goulash to Hortobágy meat pancakes or Wiener Schnitzel… And for dessert, options like dumplings from Somló, curd cream pancakes and forest fruit cake. 

Pata Negra (Two locations: Pest AND Buda)

Lunch and Dinner

Pest restaurant : Budapest, Kálvin tér 8, 1091 Hungary

Buda restaurant : Budapest, Frankel Leó út 55, 1023 Hungary

Pata Negra serves incredibly good Spanish Tapas in a beautiful restaurant, which has a great reputation.The menu is clearly marked for allergens. Even better, MOST of the menu is naturally gluten free, including some desserts.

We ate at the Pest restaurant and LOVED it. It was one of the tastiest meals we had in Budapest and being Tapas, it was lovely to share as a family. The food was fresh and well-cooked. And the staff we spoke to clearly understood cross-contamination. We were even offered gluten free hot crusty baguette as a substitute for the usual bread.
Pata Negra is very popular and therefore busy. If you are eating at peak meal times, it is worth making a reservation.

El Asador de Pata Negra (Pest)

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 39, 1061 Hungary

This is the sister restaurant to Pata Negra (above). It offers a full-meal experience with a Spanish-influenced menu. The menu is clearly marked for allergens and most of the menu is naturally gluten free, including some desserts. Like its tapas sister, it has a great reputation.

Drumf Bistro (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free, Lactose Free and Sugar Free

Lunch and Dinner Note: Temporarily closed as at April 2023

Budapest, Teréz Körút 9, 1067 Hungary

Centrally-located near the House of Terror, this low-key restaurant offers a mixed bag of dishes… from pizzas and burgers, to salads, soups, pasta and chicken boxes. Everything is gluten free, with plenty of veggie and vegan options to choose from as well.

Cöli Bisztró (Pest) ) – 100% Gluten Free

Light meals, snacks & bakery (early morning to evening)

Budapest, Jókai u. 40, 1066 Hungary 

As a dedicated gluten free bakery and café, Cöli is a great place to buy supplies and to have a light meal. The main Bistro menu is changed daily and they advertise specials (stews, pastas, soups, pizzas, hot-dogs, sandwiches, pancakes, etc) via their Facebook page. The place has a relaxed atmosphere and the hot food looked tasty and homemade.

Bistro Fine (Pest)

Currently closed except for events and groups only (March 2023)

Budapest, Andrássy út 8, 1061 Hungary

Traditional Hungarian & International Cuisine (with plenty of gluten free options)

Hunyadi Lakásbisztró (Buda)

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Hunyadi János út 15, 1011 Hungary

We stumbled on this little Bistro up near the Castle, serving traditional Hungarian dishes. Most of the menu was naturally gluten free, although not marked. The staff were able to discuss what was available and how food was prepared.

I thoroughly recommend the Pulled Beef Goulash Soup, which was delicious. But be very clear that you don’t want bread, which seemed to be automatically brought to the table.

Due Fratelli Ristorante and Pizzeria (Buda)

Lunch and Dinner

Budapest, Erőd u. 9, 1027 Hungary

Due Fratteli serves gluten free pasta, pizza, gnocchi, salads and some desserts. They have a good understanding of gluten free safety. It has a great reputation with travellers and is nicely placed a short walk from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Szederinda Gluténmentes (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free

Lunch, Light Meals, Snacks, Pancakes, Desserts

Budapest, Üllői út 149, 1091 Hungary

Szederinda Gluténmentes (or Blackberries Gluten Free Restaurant) is a 100% gluten free day-time café that is also able to cater dairy free, egg free and lactose free.

Its menu includes hamburgers, salads, soups, sandwiches, chilli, rice dishes, sausages and basic Hungarian Fare. They also have a good selection of desserts. It is however a significant distance outside of the city centre in the far South of Budapest, so may not be top of your list.

Dolce Farina Niente (Buda) – 100% Gluten Free

Lunch and dinner

Budapest, Csévi Ut. 7, 1025 Budapest

Dolce Farina Niente is a newer 100% gluten free Italian Bistro serving soups, appetisers, pizza, salads, meat, fish, vegetable dishes and desserts. The pizza looks to die for… but sadly I haven’t got to try it. Actually, all the food looks fantastic. I think this place would be well worth a visit, although is a way outside of the tourist hub, so public transport is a necessity.

London Coffee Society (Pest)

All-day breakfast & coffee shop

Budapest, Dohány u. 27, 1074 Hungary

Can cater Gluten Free, Lactose Free & Vegan

A lively (and noisy) cafe that is also very busy, offering ‘all-day breakfast’. They can helpfully cater gluten free and offer to sub with gluten free bread/toast (for fractional extra cost). The menu is flexible and varied including the usual breakfast/brunch fodder (eggs, avocado, houmous, shakshuka, omelettes, cold meats, bowls, etc). It serves good coffee too!

Tepszi Ételbár (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free

Lunch and café

Budapest, Üllői út 277/9, 1195 Hungary

Tepszi Ételbár is a 100% gluten free and lactose free café, located on the far South side of Budapest. It also caters Paleo and dairy free. Although it is located quite far from the main city centre, I have included it in the guide in case you venture that way. The food looks fresh, healthy and delicious.

Vega City (Pest) – Vegan

Budapest, 23-25 Múzeum Boulevard, 1053 Hungary 

Breakfast, Brunch, Light Meals & Snacks

Located in central Budapest, Vega City is a vegan café-restaurant with plenty of gluten free options and a clearly-marked menu. The daily menu (which varies from week to week) includes stews, soups, tofu, potato and vegetable dishes. They will substitute alternative gluten free side dishes where needed. 

Szimply (Pest)

Breakfast, Brunch, Light Meals, Pancakes

Budapest, Röser udvar, Károly krt. 22, 1052 Hungary

Also located centrally, Szimply offers food which looks colourful and is healthy and delicious. The menu includes plenty of gluten free options (marked).

FreeFrom a Konyha (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free

Brunch, Lunch and Early Dinner

Budapest, Váci út 1-3, 1062 Hungary FreeFrom is a 100% gluten free fast food restaurant situated towards the Margaret Bridge end of Budapest. It serves mainly burgers and wraps. However, it also appears that there may be a bakery on site. Unfortunately, I haven’t got to visit, so if you do venture that way, let me know.

Burger King and McDonald’s 

Various locations across the city

Fast Food Burgers – all day every day

In Budapest, Burger King offers Glutenmentes (gluten free) Whoppers (which are really good!). On discussion, they were also able to produce other burgers substituting a gluten free bun. They do include a ‘may contain’ warning, but we had no ill effects. 

We didn’t have fries and didn’t ask whether they were gluten free (it was very late when we arrived in Budapest and we simply couldn’t be bothered!)

McDonald’s offers gluten free Cheese/Double Cheeseburgers and also Pork Burgers (McFarm), although we didn’t try them. According to the website, they are made with Schar GF burger buns. The website indicates that fries are also gluten free (with a ‘may contain’ warning… So probably needs extra questioning regarding the frying process).

Gluten Free Budapest – gluten free and GF-friendly bakeries

Free! a Gluténmentes Pékség (2 bakeries on the Buda side) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Fény u. 16, 1024 Hungary

Budapest, Szentendrei út 89-93, 1033 Hungary (Obuda District: PP Center Building 79)

See website for opening hours.

A visit to gluten free Budapest isn’t complete without at least one trip to Free! This gem of a 100% dedicated gluten free bakery offers a good selection of bread and pastries (including cinnamon rolls), all baked on the premises. Indeed, it has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best gluten free bakeries in Budapest. The cheese straws were to die for! And you can buy safe sandwiches, muffins, etc too.

The staff are exceptionally friendly and their passion shines through. Make sure you ask for ‘today’s’ bakes (rather than ‘yesterday’s’) for best freshness.

Tibidabo Pékség (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Dohány u. 7, 1074 Hungary

Located in the heart of Budapest, Tibidabo is another of the city’s (many) dedicated gluten free bakeries. It’s well-stocked with gluten free bread, pastries, sandwiches, savoury pastry rolls, pizza snails, muffins and bakes. Its location is perfect for grabbing breakfast or a picnic to munch by the Danube. Everything is baked fresh and the quality is good. The pastries are also free from milk, refined sugar, rice, corn and soy.

Personally, I preferred the offerings from other bakeries (Free!, Manioka and Noglu). If it was the only bakery in the city, I would have been ecstatic. But in Budapest, you are spoiled for choice.

Manioka Gluténmentes Pékség (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 121, 1026 Hungary

Since last visiting Budapest, Manioka has relocated to a new store in the Budagyöngye Shopping Center.

I loved this bakery and (for me) it was up there with Free! as the best in Budapest. As a 100% gluten free dedicated bakery, the bakes are safe and also very good. It sells a lovely selection of bread, pastries, cookies, cakes, muffins and traditional (seasonal) Hungarian bakes. The pastries were super-light and flaky (I can absolutely vouch for the cheese straws and the savoury cheese and ham pastries) and the chocolate-coconut cake was divine.

Some of the bakes are also free from lactose, sugar and egg. Get there early for the best choice.

Divine Cukrászda (Pest) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Ráday Utca 3, 1092 Hungary

I genuinely can’t believe just how many 100% gluten free Budapest bakeries there are! With so many of them conveniently located, you may just need to take bigger clothes.

Open daily, Divine is located close to the Central Market Hall (which is a must-see!). It sells sweet cakes and pastries that are also sugar free. And there are lots of vegan, dairy free and lactose free offerings too.

Cöli Bisztró (Pest) ) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Jókai u. 40, 1066 Hungary 

(See previous section photo above – It’s easy to walk past if you don’t know what you’re looking for)

I’ve already covered the Cöli Bisztró as a place to grab a light meal. However, it also houses a 100% dedicated gluten free bakery too, offering pastries, pizza, cakes, croissants, pancakes, etc. We tried the sausage croissant (a croissant wrapped around a hot dog type sausage). But there are also lots of other sweet and savoury bakes and locally-baked breads.

Noglu Cukrászda (Buda) (Noglu Confectionary) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Fény u. 2, 1024 Hungary

Noglu is another 100% dedicated gluten free bakery, open 7 days a week (see website for details). When we visited, it was also open on a public holiday. It additionally caters Paleo, sugar free, dairy free and vegan and sells savoury and sweet pastries, cookies, cakes and ice creams.

We bought a stash of cakes and pastries (eating the cakes with coffee in the shop and taking the pastries for a picnic at one of the thermal baths). The cakes we tried were also dairy free and sugar free, but tasted rich and delicious.

Situated not far from the start of the Cog Railway (that takes you up to the Children’s Mountain Railway), Noglu is ideal for grabbing supplies for a day in the hills. You won’t be disappointed.  

Piskóta Bakery (Buda) – 100% Gluten Free Bakery

Budapest, Bartók Béla út 88, 1115 Hungary

Piskóta is a newer bakery-cafe in Budapest. I haven’t visited, but it looks as though they serve a variety of healthier-option cakes, bread, pizza, waffles and cookies, many of which are vegan as well as gluten free. The products available vary depending on what has been baked that day.

Naspolya Nassolda (Pest)

Budapest, Káldy Gyula utca. 7, 1061 Hungary 

If you’re looking for a ‘raw’ and healthy sweet treat, this one’s for you. Naspolya Nassolda is a Vegan café selling beautiful raw cakes, tarts, energy balls, etc, of which most (if not all) are also gluten free and refined sugar free. It’s not a ‘savoury’ place though and is quite expensive (but then ‘raw’ often is).

Gluten Free Budapest – Supermarkets and Free From Supplies

Supermarkets (Lidl; Spar; Tesco; Aldi) 

Various locations throughout Budapest

Most supermarkets in Budapest stock gluten free products, although the quantity and options vary from store to store. We found different products in each shop that we explored. Some supermarkets have dedicated gluten free (gluténmentes) and free from sections. Others mix products according to category (eg bread/cake/pasta) across the store. But it’s always great fun having a hunt for hidden gluten free gems.

Tibidabo Pékség (Pest)

Budapest, Dohány u. 7, 1074 Hungary

I’ve already covered Tibidabo above as a 100% gluten free bakery. However, they are also a fantastic mini-mart for gluten free supplies and staples too. Centrally located in the heart of Budapest, they are perfect for grabbing the basics if you’re passing.

Cöli Bisztró (Pest)

Budapest, Jókai u. 40, 1066 Hungary 

(See photo in upper section – It’s easy to walk past if you don’t know what you’re looking for)

I have covered Cöli Bisztró as both a light eating venue and a 100% gluten free Budapest bakery above. However, like a number of bakeries in the city, Cöli also serves as a store for gluten free/free from staples and supplies. Indeed, it definitely had one of the larger selections we found.

Note that Cöli also have a separate supplies store further out of the city centre on the Buda side of the Danube:

The Budaörs Food Allergy Specialist Store (Budaörsi Élelmiszerallergia Szaküzlet) located at

Budapest, 2040 Budaörs, Szabadság út 14

Táplálékallergia Centrum (Pest)

Budapest, Vág u. 9, 1133 Hungary 

Located at the Margaret Island end of Pest, this is a shop selling supplies to the gluten free and allergy community (including baked products). Its hours however are quite random, so if you plan on visiting, check the website first.

Bijo Trade Store (Pest)

Budapest, Róbert Károly Körút 96, 1135 Hungary 

Bijo is a huge health food and organic store. It stocks Free From foods (including a large selection of gluten free products and staples), both Hungarian and international. It is located further outside the city centre relatively near the Szechenyi Baths.

Diétabc Táplálékallergiások (PEST)

Budapest, Üllői út 149, 1091 Hungary 

Linked to the 100% gluten free restaurant: Szederinda Gluténmentes (or Blackberries Gluten Free Restaurant), noted above, Diétabc Táplálékallergiások is the supplies section of the company. Located in the very far south of Budapest, the shop stocks free from supplies and fresh bakery items (including bread, cakes, pizza, sandwiches, etc).

Although not very accessible (being a 20 minute walk from the People’s Park and the Budapest Planetarium), if you happen to be out that way, it may be worth dropping in.

Öko Kamra (Pest)

Budapest, Üllői út 743, 1182 Hungary

Even further south (outside of Budapest City) is Öko Kamra… A store dedicated to gluten free and dairy free supplies, health foods and bakery products. Given how far it was from the centre of Budapest, we didn’t visit.

Gluten Free Budapest – Cooling down with ice cream

Ice creams can be less straightforward than you expect. In Budapest, we found that many ice cream parlours sold mostly ice cream that was loaded or decorated with biscuits and cookies. We (obviously) avoided these because of cross-contamination risk. Nonetheless, we also found a few gluten free gems along the way…

Vinatti Ice Cream (Buda)

Budapest, Frankel Leó út 20, 1027 Hungary

I loved the ice cream from Vinatti. It was deliciously creamy and most of the flavours were gluten free. Staff were clear about what was safe and were able to prepare ice creams with care. There were also gluten free cones available.

Gelarto Rosa (Pest)

Budapest, Szent István tér 3, 1051 Hungary 

Gelarto Rosa is completely unique and definitely one to be tried on your trip around gluten free Budapest. The ice creams are cleverly crafted into roses, and can be made with one or multiple ice cream flavours (and colours). This independent artisanal gelateria offers gluten free ice cream cones and also some vegan/dairy free ice cream options.

Gelarto Rosa is located centrally, close to St Stephen’s Basilica and Liberty Square.

Anjuna Ice Pops (various locations, mostly in Pest)

Various locations – see website

With a vast array of flavours and colours, Anjuna Ice Pops are perfect for cooling down. Every ice pop is vegan, dairy free and gluten free and is made with natural ingredients. Just check that any toppings are also safe, as some may contain traces of gluten. It’s possible they have upped their game since we visited, but ask to be sure. In addition to ice pops, Anjuna also offer Acai bowls and smoothies.

Lavendula Ice Cream

Various locations around Budapest – see website

Lavendula sells over 100 types of hand-made ice cream, many of which are also gluten free, with dairy free, vegan, egg free and even sugar free options available.

Useful Hungarian Words and Phrases to help guide you around gluten free Budapest

• cöliákia – coeliac
• gluténmentes – gluten free
• gluténmentes pékség – gluten free bakery
• ez gluténmentes? – Is this gluten free?
• búza – wheat
• búzaliszt – wheat flour
• árpa – barley
• rozs – rye
• zab – oats
• gluténmentes zab – gluten free oats
• tartalmaz….. – does it contain….
• összetevők – ingredients
• mi a gluténmentes? – what is gluten free?
• hogyan készül fel? – how is it prepared?
• keresztszennyeződés – cross-contamination
• gluténmentes kenyér – gluten free bread
• vegán – vegan
• tejmentes – dairy free
• tej intolerancia – dairy intolerant
• laktózmentes – lactose free
• laktóz intolerancia – lactose intolerant
• gluténmentes sör – gluten free beer

Link to Hungarian Restaurant Card to help explain Coeliac food needs

Things to do in Budapest while you seek out the best gluten free food…

I absolutely LOVE Budapest. It’s one of the most beautiful cities which is easy to navigate and relatively compact. While most things are walkable, there is an extensive and efficient public transport system by way of colour-coded trams, which will take you to most parts of the city. Buy a block of 10 tickets as there is a basic fare however far you go without transferring on the tram, metro or bus. The easiest way to navigate Budapest is by working out which side of the river you are on and which district. The two sides are Buda and Pest.

One of the joys of Budapest is the amazing natural thermal baths scattered across the city… each with its own unique history and charm. You’ll need a swimming cap for some of them, but you can easily buy one at the baths.

While it would be easy to spend all your time bath-hopping (I have included a few of the most notable ones below), there is plenty more on offer… Here are a few ideas and highlights to help you plan your days in between seeking out the best gluten free food Budapest has to offer…

Buda side of the river

Castle District

• The Fisherman’s Bastion should be on everyone’s ‘must see’ list. The white walls of this neo-Gothic masterpiece are iconic and offer fabulous views of the city.
• Buda Castle Labyrinth – This is a 1200-meter cave system located deep in the hills under the Castle District and is definitely one for the kids.
• Király Baths – genuine Turkish baths which date back to the 16^th Century.

Gellért Hill & Tabán Districts

• Climb Gellert Hill for incredible views of the city and to visit the Citadella and Liberty Monument. You can even pop in to see the Cave Church on your way up (or down).
• Relax in the thermal waters of the Gellért Baths and take in the beautiful cathedral-like atmosphere of this art nouveau building (one of my favourites). – Located at the bottom of Gellért Hill.
• Rudas Baths – situated further along the Danube

Óbuda District

• Visit Veli Nej Baths (one of the oldest Ottoman-era baths in Budapest).
• Gül Baba’s Tomb
• The spectacular Pálvölgy Cave with its incredible stalactites and rock formations.
• Head up into the Buda Hills – they are beautiful! We went via the Children’s Railway (literally staffed by school children) and walked the final stretch up to the Elizabeth Lookout. From here you get the most wonderful views across the city and as far as the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. You can come down (or go up) the easy way via the Chairlift, almost into town.

Pest side of the river

Belváros district (situates the main shopping district – Váci utca)

• Simply walk and take in the beautiful art nouveau architecture.
• Grab a river ferry (or tour boat) for a different view of Budapest from the Danube.
• Walk along the banks of the Danube.
• Take a wander through Károly Garden and watch the world go by on a bench a while.

Parliament District

• The Hungarian parliament buildings are located right next to the Danube and are as beautiful as they are imposing. Approach them from a boat on the river for the most spectacular view.
• Visit and climb the 301 steps to the top of the Catholic Basilica of St Stephen (or take a lift almost the whole way). The spiral staircase is incredible, the architecture awe-inspiring and the views will take your breath away. 
• Take a walk through Szabadság tér – one of the largest squares in Budapest. The fountains are loads of fun (for kids and adults). They work on optical triggers and you can spend ages trying to ‘dodge’ them… Which is wonderfully cooling in the summer months.
• The Shoes on the Danube Promenade Monument can be found on the banks of the Danube (Pest side) just south of the Hungarian Parliament building. It’s a moving, poignant and very powerful symbolic sculpture that remembers the tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and thrown into the Danube during the second world war.

Erzsébetváros District & the Jewish Quarter

• The Great Synagogue is spectacular both inside and out, but in the height of summer, the queues to get in are long.
• The architecture around the Jewish quarter and the street Andrássy üt (a world heritage site) is also stunning. Stroll its best length from the Hungarian State Opera House down to City Park.
• House of Terror – This is a museum which studies the crimes and atrocities of Hungary’s fascist regimes and other chilling bits of Hungary’s history.
• Visit Szimpla Farmer’s Market and Gouba (a weekly arts and crafts market) – both held on a Sunday. The farmer’s market is held in the rather wonderful ‘ruin pub’ Szimpla Kert which is both charming and colourful in itself.

Southern Pest

• If you love a local market, then Southern Pest hosts the best of them. Visit the fascinating market hall of Rákóczi tér Market or head to Budapest’s largest… Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall) to explore Hungarian treats and buy some of the best local paprika.
• Hungarian National Museum – which displays Hungary’s most important historical relics.
• Holocaust Memorial Centre – which explores the rise of anti-Semitism in the country and the genocide of the Jewish and Roma communities.

City Park (North-East of the city)

• Walk or take public transport up to the City Park to see Vajdahunyad Castle and Budapest Zoo. The park itself has a lovely lake and on public holidays, will often host local pop-ups and entertainment.
• City Park is also where you’ll access the famous (and vast) Széchenyi Baths (which are a ‘must visit’ on the thermal baths trail. It has 3 outdoor pools and 15 indoor. They do get massively busy in the summer, however! 

Margaret Island

Sits in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest and is accessed by Margaret Bridge at the further end of the city. It’s not got much on it, but is worth a wander if you want a break from the hubbub of the city.

MORE GLUTEN FREE GUIDE INSPIRATION FOR SHORT BREAKS AND TRAVELS

If you found this guide to Gluten Free Budapest helpful, check out our other Gluten Free Travel Guides…

• Gluten Free Whitstable (Kent)
• Gluten Free Rye (Sussex)
• Ultimate Guide to Gluten Free Budapest
• Gluten Free Barcelona
• Gluten Free Gloucester
• Pignoulet Pilates Retreat, Gascony France
• A Love of Egypt
• Cruising on the Sapphire Princess

If you are new to travelling gluten free, then head over to my post on Travel Tips & Planning for help and advice.

And if you’re looking for recipes, head over to out Gluten Free Recipe Index