Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest

Keeping cool in the heat: Part 1

No matter how delightful the world’s most beautiful cities are, and how much you like visiting them, in summer many of them can get unpleasantly hot, leaving you surrounded by magnificent buildings and yet only longing for one thing – a shady and comfortable place to cool off. Now, your wish is about to be granted; in this three-part series, we present you with a selection of more than 30 ‘Cool Spots’ in ten cities.

Cool Spots in Belgrade

Restaurant Košuta
Located on the edge of Košutnjak, a recreation area in Belgrade, the Košuta restaurant’s wonderful, shady garden and little pond offer natural surroundings in which to cool off in summer. Just a few kilometres from the city centre, you can enjoy all Nature has to offer here, while those looking for culinary pleasures will also be in their element. Children are well provided for at the Košuta, with a great playground and a mini-zoo nearby.

Address:
Pionirska 32
SRB – 11000 Belgrade
www.restorankosuta.co.rs




Restaurant Madera
The Madera is one of Belgrade’s best-known restaurants. It is located in the city centre and is famous for its delightful summer garden. Thanks to the Madera’s location in the green oasis of Belgrade’s Tašmajdan park and the water feature found in the middle of the garden, you can enjoy life in cool, peaceful surroundings even right in the middle of this large city.

Address:
Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 43
SRB – 11000 Belgrade
www.maderarestoran.com

Cafe Bar Red Shoes
The Red Shoes cafe is located next to Belgrade’s Sava Lake and is one of the most popular beach cafes there. Just 5 kilometres south of the city centre, it is a haven for bathers and those visiting Sava Lake during the day. In the evening, the cafe is transformed into a place where people party into the early hours. The Red Shoes is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is definitely the hottest Cool Spot on Sava Lake.

Address:
Ada ciganlija, Makiška strana
Lokal 7
SRB – 11000 Belgrade
www.caferedshoes.com

Cool Spots in Bratislava

Eurovea
The Eurovea shopping centre in the heart of Bratislava is perfect for both shopping and relaxing, thanks to its convenient location directly on the bank of the Danube. It is just a 10 minute walk along the wonderful riverside promenade from the old town to the Eurovea, the newest – and currently without doubt the most popular – shopping centre in Bratislava. Inside, you can find numerous, cosy, air-conditioned bars, cafes and restaurants. Not only do the terraces provide unforgettable views over the Danube, but you can also look down on the concerts or other open-air events that take place in summer on the main concourse below, the well-known Eurovea Square.

Address:
Eurovea Galleria
Pribinova 8
SK - 811 09 Bratislava
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10am – 9pm
www.eurovea.com

Luculus Ice Cream and Cake Shop
What could be more refreshing in the scorching heat than a nice ice cream? When taking a stroll through the old town, you should definitely allow time for a short ‘pit stop’ at the Luculus ice cream and cake shop, where ‘bagel baker’ Geord Lauda baked the famous giant Bratislava bagels with nuts or curd cheese around the end of the 19th century. The ice cream parlour lies directly on Hviezdoslav Square and can easily be recognised by the long queue of people waiting impatiently outside for their ice cream. It’s worth the wait, however, and at least you have time to think about your choice. Chilli and chocolate? Marzipan? Or perhaps forest fruits with cream would be better?

Address:
Luculus
Hviezdoslavovo nám. 25
SK - 811 02 Bratislava



 
Trafo Music Bar
Launched in 2006, this exclusive music club is well hidden from the eyes of the people hurrying past. Perfectly located in the centre of the city, the Trafo Music Bar also impresses with its attractive decor and stylish lay-out. Another special feature of the Trafo Music Bar is revealed by its name – the bar is also a fully functioning transformer station (trafo), supplying electricity to part of Bratislava’s old town. Reservation recommended (also for the VIP area).

Address:
Trafo Music Bar
Erdödyho palác, Ventürska 1
SK - 811 01 Bratislava
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 8pm-5am
www.trafo.sk

Cool Spots in Budapest

Japanese Garden on Margaret Island
On the northern side of Margaret Island near Árpád Bridge is hidden the Japanese Garden with its ponds, black firs, exotic trees, ducks, turtles, winding paths and tucked-away corners.  

Address:     
Margaret Island
13th Budapest district

Interactive fountain on Szabadság Square
The best thing for cooling off is the new interactive fountain on Szabadság Square. When people approach, the water jets withdraw – but if you’re quick enough, you’ll be able to enjoy at least a few refreshing drops.

The old lime tree in Pesthidegkút
In the Pesthidegkút district stands the oldest tree in Budapest – a magnificent relic from the Middle Ages. The foliage at the top of this old lime tree is 30 metres across, while the trunk is an incredible 2 metres thick.

Address:
Gazdag utca 45
Budapest,




Kopaszi Dam and Lágymányosi Bay in Southern Buda
In 2007, the completely renovated and reconstructed Kopaszi Dam park was opened, complete with coffee houses, restaurants, galleries, lots of benches, shady trees and grassy areas. Its proximity to the Danube ensures a cool breeze and great panoramic views over the modern cultural area along the river, including the Palace of Arts and the National Theatre. The park is a popular, romantic haunt for couples.

Brewery and beer cellars in Kőbánya
Under the Dreher beer brewery can be found an entire system of cellars, where you can not only enjoy the cold air but also cool off with a refreshing beer.

Address:
Jászberényi út 7-11
H - 1106 Budapest
www.dreherrt.hu