High Note SkyBar

High Note SkyBar is the rooftop bar of the Aria Hotel Budapest, a five-star, music-themed hotel on Hercegprímás utca in District V. It sits a short walk from St Stephen's Basilica, and its terrace looks across the rooftops of Pest towards the basilica's dome and further afield over the city, which makes it one of the best-placed bars in the centre for a view.

The bar serves cocktails, wines and bar food in a relaxed setting. The drinks list is the main draw, and it is a natural choice for a sunset drink before dinner in the surrounding streets of Lipótváros or after an evening walk along the Danube. The hotel is part of the Library Hotel Collection and is designed around a music theme, with rooms named after operas and composers, and the bar shares that polished style.

Reservations can be made online through the hotel's website or by phone, and booking is strongly recommended for sunset and weekend evenings, when walk-in space can be limited. Opening times change with the seasons and with the weather, since much of the bar is outdoors, so check the official website before you go. Prices are in line with other upscale hotel bars in Budapest. Smart casual dress fits the setting.

It suits couples, friends meeting for a special drink and hotel guests, and it is a good alternative to the larger rooftop venues if you want a calmer atmosphere. Hotel guests can also enjoy the Aria's complimentary afternoon wine and cheese reception and the live music in its Music Garden, which runs in the evenings from 19:00 to 22:00, before heading upstairs.

Hercegprímás utca runs between Szent István tér and József Attila utca. Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út on metro line M1 and Deák Ferenc tér on M1, M2 and M3 are both within a few minutes' walk, and the Danube promenade and the Chain Bridge are about ten minutes away on foot. Borkonyha Winekitchen and the restaurants around St Stephen's Basilica are close by for dinner afterwards. In winter, when the terrace is less inviting, check what the hotel offers indoors, or choose a heated venue such as the igloos at 360 Bar on Andrássy út. Whatever the season, the views are at their best in the hour around sunset, when the city lights come on and the basilica dome is lit.