Fun and entertainment Budapest

Budapest hipsters have their own church: My Litte Melbourne in the city center! It serves excellent lattes, cappuccinos and other coffees. In fact, the place doubles up as a café-boutique with mezzanine and a brew bar right next door serving filtered coffees and where a school of baristas operates. A great place to take a break during your visit to Budapest. Pastries and savory options are also available to accompany your hot or cold drink. Also ideal for teleworking.

Barwomen... and bartenders at TukTuk bar concoct unique Asian-inspired cocktails like the Asian Porn Star (sake, Japanese vodka, passion fruit and vanilla...) or the Samurai Mojito (liqueur made with Choya Kokuto, Clément Canne Bleue rum, lime, basil, pink pepper, Thai lemongrass, soda...). This elegant bar adjoins the Casati Hotel and pays subtle, vibrant homage to Asia and 1920s Shanghai. A warm, gay-friendly atmosphere, and a high degree of professionalism. Given its success and capacity, it's best to book in advance!

Whether you consider it kitsch or chic, and although often overrun by tourists, the Művész, located almost opposite the National Opera, is a Budapest landmark, and has been since 1898, the year it opened. At the Café des Artistes, you can enjoy the terrace overlooking Andrássy in summer, and the Viennese-style interior lounges in winter. The tables are arranged so that you can see the whole room from all sides. Thanks to its success, the establishment has increased its prices and reduced the size of its cakes (all great Hungarian classics).

Both a disco and a bar on two floors (the three bars occupy the basement) in an rococo decor, the Alterego is the gay disco where you must be seen. Varied evenings from the disco party to the transvestites show and the Lady Gaga Special. Very busy on the weekend to dance to the sound of DJ's. The entrance gorillas are not very welcoming but useful to get away from the homophobic and smokers too noisy…

Open all year round, the café occupies an open half terrace, half covered on the metro 2. With its improvised bar style - it looks like a little poule from outside! - this is a place that is not expected on this nerve centre of the city. A good refuge and strategic observation post of the Moscow-Budapestoise frenzy! Rather young, even very young.

This puppet theater for children and adults is a real institution in Budapest. Hungary has a long tradition of puppet theater, where classic plays from the Hungarian and European repertoire are often performed by puppets, such as Le Malade imaginaire, Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours... The shows often vary, so check on site or online. The shows are usually in Hungarian.

This legendary operetta theatre built by two Viennese architects at the end of the 19th century has not aged a bit. It must be said that the genre has remained very popular in Hungary. In addition to programming the operettas adored by the Magyar public (notably Imre Kálmán's or Pongrác Kacsóh's), musicals are also performed. All the pieces are in Hungarian with English surtitles (and from time to time some operettas with German surtitles).

A marvel of eclectic art house cinema that regularly shows French, Anglo-Saxon and many other countries' films, always in their original version. You can be sure to find the films that have won awards at the most important festivals (Cannes, Hollywood...). The outside sign, changed every week, displays the films of the moment. One can freely slump on the sofas and armchairs in the entrance and have a drink or a snack at the small buffet.

The ex-Trafó bar-tango, En basement, redesigned and renamed Mappa, is also very festive, even though it seems to have some difficulty finding its audience and increasingly open…

Good pizza served by the restaurant next door. A retro and déco ambiance of the s. Paris Texas is simply a meeting place, a chat, nestled on its comfortable sofas, and entertainment with its two billiards in the basement (1 100 Ft Ft of the hour). A place of wandering among others, to take over the theme of Wim Wenders's film, Paris Texas.

An exceptional borozó (wine bar) in the sense that it serves mainly beer. Remarkably (to be trivialized), the cellar is frequented by young people, who are not all that keen on drinking. The lively atmosphere is conducive to playing pool and cso-csó (table soccer). L'Helvécia regularly posts events, beer prices and cocktails on its Facebook page. A very busy place, with friendly service and improbable encounters between locals and tourists.

Lámpás is in cahoots with Café Spinoza, of which it is the counterpart for the younger party generation. The entrance is located on the left side of the café, marked by an illuminated sign with the name of the bar. You go down the stairs and find yourself in a huge brick cellar with a particularly low ceiling. The (regular) concerts complete the atmosphere, and the drinks are particularly cheap... All this makes it a relaxed HQ, popular with Hungarian and international students. For the program, please refer to the Facebook page.

A good classic that we appreciate for its quality/price/service ratio and its large terrace on the Liszt Ferenc square in summer. The service is up to the reputation of the establishment and there are many cocktails. Café Vian also offers a soup as a main course for lunch every day of the week: cream of celery, gazpacho, beef stew, etc. All of this can be accompanied by a homemade dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Quality service and warm atmosphere. An ideal address for the small hungers and the relaxation between two visits.

This very small cinema (one of the most modest in Europe), close to the Parliament and Jászai Mari tér, has a real charm and it is a delight to go there, a little like a family. The choice of films is often limited, screenings are rare (and always in V.O.), but if you have the opportunity go ahead! The programming, which is very specific, is based on art and essays or documentaries (with an emphasis on human rights). Many festivals and retrospectives.

The large room is sublime, very high ceiling, refurbished. On the ^1st floor, a video library is open from 10am to 10pm. Foreign films on the bill are in V.O. with Hungarian subtitles, a reference in art cinemas and arthouse cinemas. Adjacent café (entrance at No. 2 Semmelweiss Street, from 9am to midnight) which sometimes hosts discussions. Even without going to a movie or having a drink, enter the cinema, hopefully the big room will be open!

The only real international theater in the capital (with plays performed in English), has moved from the outskirts of Deák tér to Buda, in a listed building from the 1930s (a former cinema near Széll Kálmán tér): a Bauhaus building, designed by Kozma Lajos. This theatrical version of today's theater has a café! In decline since a drastic reduction in funding sponsored by the government, the future of the institution seems somewhat uncertain even if it maintains itself. English-language plays are becoming rare, however.

A good discotheque in the heart of Budapest that attracts a large number of tourists. Locals also go here. The atmosphere is festive and the music varied. It's the ideal place for those who like to "get their groove on" on the dance floor, while having access to armchairs for a rest or a drink. Many special evenings are organized. A must in Budapest to do with friends. Great atmosphere and dynamic service due to the crowds, but very well looked after. See the program on the Peaches and Cream website.

One of the best-known clubs, but also a victim of its own success, with not always pleasant crowds (depending on your opinion). As soon as evening falls, we head down to the club's dance floor. It's located in the bar's basement, and offers a varied program of DJ, rock and underground music. The crowd is fairly young and the atmosphere warm. The darkened dance floor is lit by blue, red and white neon lights. Excellent bar service. We come here to enjoy it until the wee hours of the morning on weekend nights.

Karaoke is an activity that unites and appeals to all generations. It's the perfect way to spend a wild evening and pretend you're a talented singer. Self-deprecation is obviously the order of the day here, even if a few gems may come out of the proceedings. A great time is had by all. It's up to you to choose the song you'd like to sing, then wait for the microphone to be released. On the other hand, opinions are mixed as to the length of the show: some had to wait the whole evening without being able to get on stage, while others quickly had the pleasure..

MOM Park is Buda's main shopping area. Among the multitude of stores and activities on offer, bowling is a great option for fun with friends or family. You'll be bowling strike after strike, or at least trying to bowl one! The balls are flocked like billiard balls. During the day, it's obviously less crowded, but in the evening, it's quickly more crowded. Count on around ten lanes. The space is brand new, and it's possible to eat or have a drink while playing. Mixed reviews, however.

Just a stone's throw from Matthias Church, this little café is a gem for stopping off for a hot drink and a delicious pastry. If you're in a hurry, it's also possible to take away (but take your time...). The Walzer Café is a quiet place, a little removed from the touristy streets of Buda. The pastries in the window are all tempting, and the welcome is warm. A beautiful interlude of simple happiness to share with friends or family. A warm welcome.

Pompas is an all-day establishment that serves great burgers, bagels, and breakfast in the morning. It's a relaxing place where many faces come and go throughout the day to eat on the go or have a coffee. The menu is tempting, the products used to cook are of high quality, the portions are generous and the staff is smiling and helpful. In the evening, Pompas is also a bar where you can have a drink with friends. It is a nice address to visit during your stay in Budapest.

A café-restaurant with a retro touch, plebiscité by a clientele that is resolutely connected and easy. 

It is the body that produces the famous fiestas in the baths. Visit the website for dates and programming. Also organizes Szecska evenings.

A bar-club frequented more by forty-somethings, where you can have a pretty good time. You won't want to miss 101Klub, with its big white sign at the entrance. In the afternoons, people come here simply for a drink, while in the evenings, the atmosphere gradually rises with a varied musical program. Special theme evenings are regularly organized, such as the traditional New Year's Eve party. Ruined bar" atmosphere. Friendly service and, of course, a festive place that's far from quiet.

The Spiler is one of Budapest's must-see street-food and fun bars. The place is a bit industrial but modernized, and you are surprised by the amount of bottles behind the counter (something that is now more and more found as a decorative element). One comes to drink a glass of wine or beer at any time of the day and to eat a small burger-fries, a grilled sausage, a taco... Warm atmosphere all day long and live music sometimes at night.

Very popular monthly gay and lesbian evenings and "hot" one Saturday a month, in Akvárium or at Vadm Design Center. Entrance 2 000 Ft, arrive before midnight, because waiting can take long later.

A pleasant family café in the ^13th arrondissement, specially designed for parents and their children. Briós serves good breakfasts, sandwiches or cakes for a sweet break. It's also the ideal place to have a brunch on the weekend (or during the week, of course!) with a complete offer of delicacies. It's not always easy to find a free table during busy periods, but everything comes to those who wait. Pleasant service. Warm atmosphere. One appreciates in more the good quantities served.

Built by the architect Pollack Mihály in 1833, the Pest Redoubt, where Franz Liszt performed in concert and where balls were held on a regular basis, has reopened its doors to the delight of visitors and music fans alike. The murals are the work of two prominent artists of the time: Károly Lotz and Mór Than. There is a concert about once a week (check the program on the Internet): swing, classical music, operetta... and exhibitions. The institution is a partner of the major seasonal festivals in Budapest.

The little brother of Spíler, Pest's renowned bistro-pub-bar, opens its doors in the open air close to Buda Castle and the Mary Magdalene Church. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of beers, as well as "Jacqueline", a refreshing low-alcohol drink popular in Germany but rare outside German borders. The burgers are succulent, and the sausages "just like in Germany" are simply delicious. A warm atmosphere and attentive, smiling service. A great place to relax with friends.

This opera house, built in the 1910s and an instrument of popular culture from its inception, underwent extensive renovations between 2007 and 2013. It served as a second opera house when the one on Andrássy Boulevard was closed for renovation and will resume its functions this spring. There is no grand décor here, but a pricing policy that is affordable for everyone. For a very Hungarian experience and a little trip back in time! The operas are sometimes subtitled in English.

The cheerful terrace of Casa de la Musica Hostel (see "lodging") is also open to non-residents. Want to soak up the sun in the mini plastic pool or sip a beer in the evening after having tasted the burgers/goulache of Arthur, French cook? It will cost you only a huf handle.

Let's be honest, we would have liked to keep this address all to ourselves! Nestled in the exquisite Palazzo district, on its most prominent pedestrian square, the little Lumen is admittedly narrow (no seating inside) but its gigantic terrace is a must for Pesto's beautiful days. Perfect for a succulent latte break - and other new wave coffees - as well as for eating hummus and other spreads, in limited quantities. Its bigger brother, opened later, is 350 meters away, Horánszky utca 5.

The father of Hungarian escape games! Parapark was one of the very first escape games to open in Budapest in 2011. Since then the trend has spread like wildfire in the unoccupied cellars of the city center. Parapark's game rooms, nestled in the basement of a bar association, offer several courses. Here, no grandiose decor, but simple and efficient plots and well-designed enigmas for groups of 2 to 6 people. You should also try the parapoly, a kind of treasure hunt in the capital.

This bar-bistro hasn't done things by halves. The interior volume of the establishment is remarkable (so much so that when there aren't many people around, it's immediately obvious!), then the terrace in the perfectly renovated building courtyard is grandiose. Apa Cuka is a spacious, well-designed place, pleasant for a coffee or a meal. DJs and jazz bands are regularly scheduled. Good drinks, cocktails and food menu. Smiling, dynamic service. Warm atmosphere.

You probably didn't think of it as a fun activity with friends, but how about throwing axes at a target? Axe Throwing Budapest invites you to test your agility with an axe, a sport invented in Canada. The animators will initiate you to axe throwing so that you end up as close as possible to the center of the target which, like in a dart game, will make you score the most points. Book your visit on the website and enjoy! Maybe one of you will discover a talent for axe throwing.

Another art house cinema! We warned you, the center of Budapest is full of them and it's so much better. This one, on the main boulevard, has only one cinema, which does not prevent it from participating in all sorts of festivals. But above all, its ticket office hides a colorful café. Covered with movie posters, it is easy to spend the whole day there since the establishment serves breakfasts, smoothies, coffees, snacks and delicious cakes. A must for digital nomads.

In Budapest, before or after jumping on the train, you can sip a beer with friends in this open-air bar called Zsiráf (giraffe in Hungarian). Decorated with lanterns and flower/green planters on the esplanade of the big West Station. Inspired by the DJ's mixes, or the live concerts at the central counter, you can choose your beer size. For those who are a little peckish, a wooden hut simmers good burgers. Ping-pong table, big tables and a festive atmosphere (during our last visit, the service was disappointing).

At the corner of Hunyadi market, a small café nestled in a lovely kiosk, ideally positioned to enjoy the afternoon sun, outside on chairs equipped with pads and sheltered by large umbrellas in season. Ideal conditions to sip your favorite elixir (creamy latte, homemade lemonades, teas...) to the hum of the fountain in season! It's also hard to resist their pastries (carrot cake, brownie on a bed of red fruits...). Fills up on Saturday mornings after the farmers' market (see the market of Hunyadi tér).

A very welcoming wine bar-tapas bar frequented by the youth of the whole of Buda! Large tables and more intimate corners to make communion around the wine in all its forms, without forgetting some sausages hung on the bar for the Magyar touch. A clientele that loves good wines (from all the Hungarian wine regions) as well as good food, comes here in the evening. You can enjoy good food at any time (cold cuts or cheese slates, salads, tapas, bagels...) and relax on the terrace. Wine tastings on request.

This café meets all the criteria of a trendy place in the Basilica district: a wide variety of perfectly roasted coffees, tables big enough to work at and a store where you can buy coffee in all its forms as well as the tools needed to make the precious nectar. Here, the waiters, with their sophisticated hairstyles, are above all barristas(coffee specialists)! Let yourself be tempted by the coffee of the day to familiarize yourself with coffees from around the world (Honduras, Brazil, Mexico...).