Selva Skybar Budapest: There’s an Aston Martin on the Roof (And Yes, It’s Exactly as Extra as It Sounds)

Look, I’ve seen rooftop bars try a lot of things to stand out. Igloos? Sure. DJ booths shaped like UFOs? Why not. A view of Parliament? Groundbreaking. But parking an actual Aston Martin on your 12th-floor terrace? That’s a new one.

Welcome to Selva Skybar, Budapest’s answer to the question “What if a luxury car dealership and a Bali beach club had a baby on top of a hotel?” In September 2025, the owners decided that having an infinity pool, Danube views, and signature cocktails wasn’t quite enough. So they crane-lifted a British sports car onto the roof of the Infinity Budapest Hotel, slapped their name next to Aston Martin’s, and called it a “collaboration.”

And you know what? It worked. People are talking about it. People are taking photos with it. People are probably asking if they can sit in it (you can’t). Because in a city where rooftop bars are starting to blur together, Selva decided to go so aggressively over-the-top that you can’t ignore it.

Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Is it kind of genius? Also yes.

The Aston Martin Thing: How Did That Even Get Up There?

Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the €200,000+ British sports car—in the room.

In late September 2025, Selva Skybar announced a partnership with Aston Martin Budapest. To celebrate, they did what any reasonable establishment would do: hired a massive crane, blocked traffic, and hoisted an actual Aston Martin onto the 12th-floor rooftop terrace.

The car now sits permanently (or at least semi-permanently) on the Selva terrace, serving as the world’s most expensive backdrop for your Instagram stories. You can pose next to it. You can admire it. You can pretend you’re about to drive off into the Budapest sunset. What you can’t do is actually sit in it—it’s roped off with the quiet dignity of a museum exhibit that happens to have a V8 engine.

Is this the most practical use of a sports car? No. Is it the most Budapest thing to happen in 2025? Possibly. But credit where it’s due: it’s memorable. When’s the last time you went to a bar and thought “You know what this needs? A crane.”

The Actual Rooftop: Tropical Luxury Above the Danube

Beyond the automotive stunt, Selva Skybar is a genuinely impressive rooftop space. The 12th floor of the Infinity Budapest Hotel offers sweeping views of the Danube, Gellért Hill, and the Pest riverfront—a different perspective from the usual Parliament-focused spots on the other side.

The design leans hard into “tropical paradise meets urban luxury.” Think lush greenery, palm-adjacent plants, relaxed cabana-style seating, and that particular kind of ambient lighting that makes everyone look 30% more attractive. The vibe splits the difference between Bali beach club and Miami rooftop, which sounds like it shouldn’t work in landlocked Hungary but somehow does.

The infinity pool is the centerpiece during summer months—a genuine edge-to-edge pool that appears to merge with the city skyline. Unfortunately, it’s only available to hotel guests (open May 1 to October 15, 10 AM–6 PM), so unless you’re staying at the Infinity, you’ll be admiring it from the bar area rather than floating in it.

The Sky Bar section, however, is open to everyone. It wraps around the pool area, offering tiered seating with clear sightlines to the Danube. Whether you’re perched at the bar or lounging on a daybed, you’re getting the same panoramic treatment.

The Drinks: Aston Martin-Branded Ice Cubes Are Real

The cocktail program at Selva leans into the whole “signature experience” concept with predictable enthusiasm. The Aston Martin collaboration extends beyond the car itself—expect ice blocks embossed with the Aston Martin emblem and cocktail foam printed with the logo. Yes, they branded the foam. We live in remarkable times.

The menu itself mixes tropical classics with house creations. Categories trend toward the fruity and refreshing—this is a poolside bar, after all—with plenty of rum-based options, spritzes, and the kind of pastel-colored drinks that photograph better than they might taste. That said, the execution is generally solid; they’re clearly using quality spirits and fresh ingredients.

Expect to pay 5,000–6,500 HUF (~€13–17) for signature cocktails, which puts Selva in the same tier as Leo Rooftop or 360 Bar. Wine and champagne options exist for those who prefer their luxury without tiny umbrellas.

There’s also an Aston Martin Signature Dessert, which promises “a fusion of British tradition and tropical flavour.” What that means in practice is unclear, but it’s presumably delicious and photographable.

Show Dinners: The Full Experience (at Full Price)

Selva’s main draw beyond casual rooftop drinking is their Show Dinner concept—ticketed evening events that combine fine dining, live entertainment, and that particular kind of “premium experience” energy that Budapest’s hospitality scene loves.

Current pricing for the Spring 2026 season:

• Show Dinner (full view): 25,000 HUF (~€65)
• Show Dinner (limited view): 12,500 HUF (~€33)

The “limited view” tickets are essentially the budget option—you’re still getting the meal and entertainment, just without prime seating. Whether that’s worth half the price depends on how much you care about seeing the performers up close versus just being there.

The events typically feature live DJ sets, performances, and a multi-course menu. Reviews from early attendees mention “wonderful bar, delicious food, great show, varied cocktails” alongside the expected gorgeous views. It’s the kind of night where you dress up, take many photos, and tell people about it for weeks after.

The Vibe: Influencer Paradise (For Better or Worse)

Let’s be real: Selva Skybar is designed for content creation. The Aston Martin, the infinity pool, the tropical aesthetics—every element screams “photograph me.” If that excites you, you’ll love it here. If the thought of navigating around ring lights and tripods makes you tired, maybe try High Note instead.

The crowd skews young-ish, international, and very aware of their angles. Weekend evenings attract a mix of tourists who did their research, hotel guests floating down from their rooms, and local scene-seekers who want to be where things are happening. The energy is more “Miami pool party” than “sophisticated cocktail lounge.”

Live DJs provide the soundtrack, typically leaning into tropical house, deep house, and the kind of beats that make you nod along while pretending to look at the view. Volume levels stay conversation-friendly until later evening, when things can ramp up during events.

Dress code is smart casual with an emphasis on “look good in photos.” This isn’t the place for post-hiking drinks or business casual exhaustion. Think summer dresses, resort wear, or that “I’m effortlessly stylish” look that actually takes 45 minutes to assemble.

How Selva Compares to Other Budapest Rooftops

Selva’s advantage: It’s the only one with a pool (even if limited access), the only one with a car on the roof, and probably the most “party-forward” option on the list. If you want Instagram content, this delivers.

Selva’s trade-off: It’s louder, more crowded, and less intimate than quieter options like feNNen or High Note. The influencer energy can be overwhelming if that’s not your scene.

The Hotel: Infinity Budapest

Selva sits atop the Infinity Budapest Hotel, a 4-star Superior property that opened relatively recently on the Pest riverfront. The hotel occupies a prime spot on Lechner Ödön fasor in the 9th district—close enough to the Central Market Hall and downtown attractions, but far enough south to feel less touristy.

The hotel itself is adults-only, which contributes to Selva’s more party-focused atmosphere. Amenities include the rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options including a tapas bar. Reviews are mixed—some praise the modern facilities and location, others note service inconsistencies typical of newer properties still finding their rhythm.

If you’re staying at the hotel, pool access is included (during summer season), which significantly enhances the Selva experience. You can float in the infinity pool, dry off at the bar, and feel like you’re living your best life without technically leaving the building.

Getting There: Finding the Infinity

The Infinity Budapest Hotel sits at Lechner Ödön fasor 9 in the 9th district, on the Pest riverfront south of downtown. Here’s how to find it:

By Tram:

• Tram 2 to Boráros tér (stunning Danube-side route), then 8-minute walk south along the river

By Metro:

• M3 or M4 to Kálvin tér, then 10-minute walk southeast
• M3 to Ferenc körút, then 8-minute walk west toward the river

By Car:

• Street parking available in the area
• Hotel may offer valet (check in advance)

On Foot:

• From Central Market Hall: 12-minute walk south along the river
• From Gellért Bridge: 10-minute walk north on the Pest side

The 9th district is historically less touristy than the downtown core, but it’s rapidly developing. The riverfront promenade here offers nice views without the crowds of the more central embankments.

While You’re in the Area

The southern Pest riverfront is less developed for tourists but has its charms:

Before Selva:

• Walk along the Danube promenade from the Central Market Hall—less crowded than the northern stretch
• Visit the Central Market Hall for lunch or souvenir shopping
• Cross the nearby Petőfi Bridge for views back toward Gellért Hill

After Selva:

• Head north along the river toward the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter
• Walk across the Liberty Bridge at night for iconic Budapest photos
• If you’re hungry, the 9th district has emerging restaurant options without the tourist markup

FAQ

Do I need a reservation for Selva Skybar?

For regular bar visits: Not strictly required, but recommended for weekends and evenings. The space can fill up quickly during good weather.

For Show Dinners: Absolutely—these are ticketed events that sell out. Book through their website.

Can I use the infinity pool?

Only if you’re a hotel guest at Infinity Budapest (or an Infinity Residence resident). The pool is not accessible to external visitors. You can photograph it from the bar area, but swimming is reserved for those staying on property.

Is Selva open in winter?

Partially. The outdoor terrace operates seasonally (roughly May–October for full tropical vibes), but they host events year-round. Winter months may feature limited hours and a more enclosed setup. The Show Dinners continue through the colder season.

Is the Aston Martin real?

Yes. It’s an actual Aston Martin sports car that was crane-lifted onto the roof in September 2025. You can admire it and photograph with it, but you cannot sit in it or pretend to drive it.

What’s the dress code?

Smart casual trending toward “look good in photos.” Think summer dresses, resort wear, or polished casual. Avoid gym wear, flip-flops, or anything you wouldn’t want immortalized in someone else’s Instagram story.

How much should I budget?

For drinks only: 15,000–25,000 HUF (~€40–65) for a couple having 2–3 cocktails each.

For Show Dinner: 12,500–25,000 HUF per person (~€33–65) depending on seating, plus drinks.

Final Verdict: Is Selva Worth the Hype?

Selva Skybar is aggressively committed to being an Experience™. The Aston Martin, the infinity pool, the tropical everything—it’s designed for people who want their rooftop bar to be a story they tell later. If that sounds appealing, Selva delivers exactly what it promises.

Is it the best cocktails in Budapest? Probably not. Is it the most refined atmosphere? Definitely not. But is it the most memorable “only in Budapest” rooftop flex of 2025-2026? There’s a strong argument to be made.

Come here if: You want Instagram content, you’re celebrating something, you’re into the tropical-luxury aesthetic, or you just really want to see a car that costs more than most apartments parked next to a swimming pool.

Skip if: You prefer intimate, conversation-friendly rooftops, you’re bothered by influencer culture, or you think lifting a sports car onto a building is more ridiculous than impressive.

For more rooftop options—including spots with more refined vibes or better winter access—check our complete guide to Budapest’s best rooftop bars. The newly opened feNNen Skybar offers sophisticated winter drinking, while 360 Bar remains the classic crowd-pleaser with heated igloos.

Because in Budapest, there’s a rooftop for every mood. Selva just happens to be the one with the car.

—

Prices verified: February 2026

What People Are Saying

From media:

“An oasis floating above Budapest: Selva Skybar is the city’s new secret jewel.”

— FemCafe

“Since September 26, we’ve opened ten shows, and each one was sold out.”

— Muladi Péter, Selva owner