BUDAPEST PARAPARK
Read moreThe 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.
APA CUKA VARIETÉ
Read moreThis 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.
AXE THROWING BUDAPEST
Read moreYou 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.
KINO CAFÉ
Read moreAnother 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.
ZSIRÁF
Read moreIn 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).
LÍRA PONT
Read moreAt 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).
PALACK
Read moreA 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.
BLACK SWAN BUDAPEST
A very extensive list of alcohols and cocktails, a perfectly attractive ...Read more
KÁVÉTÁRSASÁG
Read moreThis 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...).
MANTRA COFFEE BAR
Read moreHome of coffee professionals, the establishment trains the future Budapest baristas. The service and the precious nectar are top notch! Come at any time of the day to enjoy a delicious coffee in the carefully decorated room, on armchairs or at the table. We don't count the time spent here and we enjoy the good smell of coffee. Warm atmosphere. Possibility to buy packets of coffee. The establishment also serves fresh drinks (juices, smoothies...) and pastries to accompany your drink.
ESPRESSO EMBASSY
Read moreIt may not seem like a given, but Budapest has become a popular destination for specialty coffee lovers! These establishments borrow more from coworking spaces than from the literary cafés of the 19th century. And Expresso Embassy is one of its worthy representatives. The interesting thing is that this café is open relatively late at night and even on Sundays. Latte, americano, and even some pastry delights to accompany the caffeinated specialties in this uncluttered decor of exposed bricks and large tables.
ANDERSEN 2
Read moreLocated near Budapest's Holocaust Memorial, not far from Corvin Square, Andersen 2 is the little brother of the Andersen pub (Krúdy utca 16) further downtown in the Hungarian capital. Here you'll find the same style, with American pub-style wooden tables or more industrial ones that blend in well with the uncluttered decor, and a small bar where you can order a few beers, cocktails and soft drinks at low prices. Locals come here mainly because the pub is a little out of the way, but the atmosphere in high season is friendly.
LEO ROOFTOP
Read moreTHE Budapest rooftop cocktail bar with views of the most beautiful bridges! At the top of the Clark Budapest hotel, with its open-air jungle ambience, enjoy one of the city's finest views. Choose a classic cocktail or try one of our signature drinks. Small plates are available to share with your elixir of choice. Vegetarian and vegan options, and we highly recommend the veggie bites. If you don't have a table available on the roof terrace, you can always dine downstairs at Leo Bistro.
DAISUKE CAFÉ & DAILY
Read moreCome and experience good South American coffee through the doors of Daisuke. Here, coffee is served like a jewel. Nothing is left to chance for you to enjoy your drink. You order at the counter, take a seat and are served your nectar with a smile. And, of course, there are sweet treats to accompany your coffee. An ideal place to work in a calm, motivating atmosphere. The establishment also offers wine, for drinking on the premises or for purchase. Coffee is also on sale. Ask for advice.
E-EXIT EMERGENCY EXIT GAME
Read moreHere's another interesting escape game to enjoy with friends in Budapest. E-exit currently offers four escape games:
Santa Muerte plunges you into the Mexican atmosphere of the Day of the Dead. Difficult level and small team recommended.
Heaven & Hell is quite scary, but is one of theescape game's favorites. Difficult level.
Given the difficulty of Secret Subway, you have 75 minutes instead of 60 to get out.
1984-Big Brother plunges you into the world of invisible control.
EIFFEL MŰHELYHÁZ (STUDIOS ARTISTIQUES EIFFEL)
Read moreThis gigantic building of 22,000m2 is certainly off-center, but it is regularly used by the Budapest Opera to stage various shows (films, concerts, opera...) open to the public. Its name is misleading, it was not designed by Gustave Eiffel but by a Hungarian architect, János Feketeházy, in 1884. Renovated and inaugurated at the end of 2021, these halls, which also serve as a logistics center for the Budapest opera, bear witness to a rich industrial heritage.
APA CUKA BISZTRÓ (RÁDAY UTCA)
Read moreApa Cuka moved from the th arrondissement to the rue des cafés, the famous Ráday utca in the IX. The Ada Cuka bisztró plays in the «cosy» register while serving good dishes and refreshing drinks (in summer) on its terrace. Apa Cuka also opened a second establishment in Life, Nagymező utca 54-56.
LOKÁL KÁVÉZÓ
Read moreFor those who had known the Mumus bar, Lokál is no other than his replacement. In a little less good, we must admit that. But it remains an en-suite bar with a terrace installed in its courtyard, as well as an interior with dance track for concerts and swing courses.
CAFE M - MYSTERY BAR
Read moreSmall intimate bar, very central (right next to Eclecticism tér), especially attended by the hour of the aperitif and the weekend. A well-stocked card, including cocktails. A place where gays and lesbians are well seen and many. Good atmosphere. You can even come to work because the bar is connected in Wi-Fi!
BUDAPEST PARK
Read moreA summertime must for the Pesto nightlife scene! This large party complex has the feel of a permanent festival, not to say a mini Sziget Festival... Budapest park boasts several large open-air stages (main stage, retro stage, Hoppá terrace, Mastercard terrace, indie lounge...) and several bars, VIP boxes... enough to overcome even the toughest party-goers! We've already seen Iggy Pop, Thirty Seconds to Mars..., and some major Hungarian bands. The icing on the cake: in winter, the venue boasts a skating rink!
FILL THE WINEBOX
Read moreFill the Winebox is a wine bar that offers a great selection of good Hungarian and international wines. Take a seat at one of the tables in this sober, modern decor with a touch of industrial (very fashionable at the moment!) then choose the wine you like (don't hesitate to ask for advice). Accompany it with a small dish to share (tapas, cheese or charcuterie board) which will go perfectly with the wine. Warm atmosphere, here they are only passionate about wine. A beautiful address a little out of the way.
PINTXO BUDAPEST
Read moreA tapas bar open from late afternoon until early night. Pintxo Budapest is located just a few steps away from the Petőfi Museum. Here you can enjoy many excellent tapas (dishes served in small portions to be shared or eaten alone for those with a sweet tooth) with friends or family. To choose from: spinach and cheese toast, croquettes, potato tortilla, mixed salad, cheese or charcuterie board, prawns, squid, octopus... Nice list of Hungarian and international wines to accompany your tapas. Warm atmosphere.
PONTOON
Read moreOn the quayside near the Széchenyi Bridge, the Pontoon offers visitors a beautiful view of the Danube (and especially beautiful sunsets when the sky is clear). From the elevated terrace, where a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served, you can watch the regular concerts taking place just below in an improvised stage (where people gather around the artists). In summer, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The program is regularly posted on the Pontoon's Facebook page (jazz, DJ, rock, there's something for everyone).
PINGVIN SÖRÖZŐ
Read moreIf you are in the area of Pingvin Söröző, you won't miss it with its bright pinguin holding a beer in his hand hanging from the entrance. This pub is mainly occupied by locals, it's a good place to meet authentic people. But tourists also come here. Population of various ages depending on the day. Good draught beer and other equally good cocktails. If you are looking for quietness, this is not the right place because the music is quite loud. Some special evenings are sometimes organized.
NEM ADOM FEL KÁVÉZÓ ÉS ÉTTEREM
Read moreUnique! This small, cosy café-restaurant in the mezzanine of a building on the other side of the main boulevard is run by specially trained people with motor or mental disabilities. It is a way for them to be integrated in a sustainable way. The tables can easily be brought together to make larger tables (the café is sometimes closed for various events). Coffee, tea, cookies and cakes for a sweet break and lunch menus at friendly prices.
THÉÂTRE NATIONAL (NEMZETI SZÍNHÁZ)
Read moreThe highly controversial architecture of the new National Theatre - opposite the MUPA - is still the talk of the town! Its programming has also made a few waves, since its former director was replaced by Attila Vidnyánszky, a conservative director close to the government. In the meantime, the theater is there, surrounded by a pleasant garden. A few plays, occasionally in foreign languages. Season from early September to late June.
BUDAPEST JAZZ CLUB
Read moreThis institution of Pesto's cultural life has migrated from the8th to the 13th arrondissement, abandoning a pretty mansion for an old cinema: it's a bit dark and yet warm, especially at lunchtime when you come here. Concert halls and the café-bar fill up with jazzophiles (and the general public) at the end of the evening in this lively neighbourhood of Ùjlipótvàros on the banks of the Danube. Several jam sessions open to all during the week. The students of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music also come to play a few free sessions.
PAPP LÁSZLÓ BUDAPEST SPORTARÉNA
Read moreCéline Dion, 50 Cent, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga... since the stadium/concert hall opened its doors in 2003, national and international stars have been flocking to the gates! This impressive steel and metal structure, built by Bouygues, hosts dozens of musical and sporting events every month, just 15 minutes by public transport from the city center. An opportunity to immerse yourself in Hungarian popular culture.
SEMMI EXTRA ÉS EGY KIS KERT
Read moreA large and inviting terrace on sunny days for this former neighborhood inn whose building has retained its original charm. You can sit on wooden garden chairs, protected from the sun under a large awning to enjoy lemonades, coffee, smoothies or glasses of wine. Inside, a wooded decor dominates, decorated with many flower pots. For those who would have a hunger, the list of burgers, tortillas, salads or soups does not forget anyone!
FUGA (BUDAPESTI ÉPÍTÉSZETI KÖZPONT)
Read moreThis new cultural center with a focus on architecture organizes classical music concerts and jazz evenings. For FUGA, architecture is an important part of culture. Thus, the objective is to make the link between architecture and the arts related to it. Cinema and theater are also on the program. Check the program and news on the website. It happens that no event takes place at certain period. Good bookstore.
FONÓ BUDAI ZENEHÁZ
Read moreAn oasis of human warmth and good music in the middle of a residential area. The house organizes táncház (a folk dance session preceded by a class), concerts and sells the CDs of its own label (THE reference in folk music), especially on Wednesdays. Initiate yourself with or without a partner on that day! Young and old alike come to the Fonó to dance to the rhythm of traditional dances from the Carpathian Basin and the rest of Europe. Food and drinks are available in the café at lunchtime and in the evening.
KIS DREHER SÖRÖZŐ
Read moreA real little bar of regulars: here, it's simple, almost everyone knows each other! This does not prevent a warm welcome for strangers. The friend of the owner, a great traveler, had fun putting up bills all around the bar, which gives the place a slightly Dublin atmosphere. In season, its shaded terrace makes it a great place for your aperitifs in Óbuda (the establishment is located a stone's throw away from most of the nearby museums, such as the Vasárhely Museum). There is a screen showing some soccer matches.
THÉÂTRE NATIONAL DE LA DANSE (NEMZETI TÁNCSZÍNHÁZ)
Read moreFormerly housed on the castle hill,, this theater entirely dedicated to dance has moved to the Millenáris compound. Several Hungarian and international dance companies perform there. The dense program includes Hungarian and Central-Eastern European folk dances and ballets, but does not exclude contemporary productions. The National Dance Theatre also has a hall in the prestigious MUPA.
KLUB VITTULA
Read moreAt around 11pm/min, this tiny basement space, with its unappealing söröző feel, is transformed into the HQ of "bobo underground" expatriates. These share the few tables with a regular Hungarian clientele. An explosive cocktail that rarely leaves the premises before 2am. As for the music, a variety of styles are programmed depending on the evening: jazz, tribal or rock. It's a super-sympatic place to go and see the different worlds of characters, each more interesting and surprising than the last, come together.
LOCK THE CLUB
Read moreOn the Buda side, here's a club that's popular with locals, but also attracts tourists looking to party the night away in sophisticated surroundings. The Lock Budapest, far from being a run-down bar, organizes themed evenings on a regular basis (check the website): funk, disco, girls' night... Good beers and cocktails are served (a little more expensive than in classic bars). The average age is between thirty and forty-somethings. There's a well-managed VIP area. Pleasant staff.
HINTALO ISZODA
Read moreA small, vintage, very cozy and central bar, one foot in the 8th arrondissement (still a bit rough around the edges), with a wide selection of beers and cocktails. The owners are lovely and you'll soon feel right at home. A menu is available for those who like to eat, with dishes made with fresh and seasonal products, but especially knödels, those famous central European balls similar to quenelles. The bar hosts jazz concerts during the week as well as occasional DJs.
ECO CAFÉ
Read moreA cozy little café on the very noble Andrássy Boulevard. Here, it's simple, everything is organic and fair trade, from the coffee beans to the sandwiches and salads, and this since 2011. The specialty coffees (cortado, piccolo, coldbrew...) are accompanied by a wide choice of homemade cakes - we're crazy about the carrot cake! -and a wide range of homemade cakes (we love the carrot cake), freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies (which you can take away in a returnable bottle). Recommended for a sweet breakfast or to sunbathe on the wooden tables spread out in the street.
LOCKED ROOM
Read moreLocked Room, which has twice won the award for best Hungarian escape game, is one of the pioneers in town. In high-quality, incredibly realistic rooms, your team has a total of 60 minutes to solve a finely crafted puzzle. Infiltrate an underground base, a killer's hideout in the middle of the woods or a bank branch through no less than 3-4 different rooms per game. Different levels and room types. A second room, Aroom, is located in Király utca 14.
KELET KÁVÉZÓ
Read moreThe smell of coffee spreads harmoniously over the two floors of the Kelet, where students and young workers enjoy the books and magazines available for free. Take the opportunity to browse the "shelves" and dive into one of these books. The food served is simple and good (wraps, sandwiches, tapas, but also soups and daily specials). All in all, Kelet Kavezo is an establishment that perfectly reflects the joie de vivre of Bartók Boulevard. Friendly service, calm and dynamic atmosphere at the same time. A nice address to take a break.
DÜRER KERT
Read moreThe most musically extreme of all ruined bars! An average of twenty concerts a month: drum'n'bass, hip-hop, hard rock, minimal techno, you name it. The audience here is sometimes teenagers one night, forty-somethings the next, which means that, depending on the day, the Dürer Kert has managed to unite all generations. A vast melting pot in summer. The only drawback is that the bar is a little far from the center. But don't hesitate to come and enjoy the place and its varied musical program.
ZSIRÁF BUDA
Read moreOn the Buda side, in the Széllkapu park, the Zsiráf Buda is a bar open all day which sees its atmosphere changing during the hours that pass. First, it is a café where you come to drink a hot drink, eat a good home-made pizza; then it is a bar where you drink a nice cocktail on the terrace or a beer; finally, you stay in the night atmosphere without it getting out of hand and you meet locals or tourists. Quality and smiling service. A nice place to stop when you visit Buda.
DORADO CAFÉ
Read moreFinally a barista café in the center of the Jewish Quarter! It has the usual cortado, flat white, creamy latte and brew. But in addition to the drinks, there are delicious little treats, like this salted butter caramel cheesecake, croissants or quiches and toasted sandwiches. The design is hipster - green walls have been carefully deconstructed and the wooden tables and numerous outlets welcome digital nomads in droves -, but the establishment is so endearing that we regret that it closes so early!
SEJRIBIZLI
Read moreA bit of a bistro-café on two floors with a mezzanine, that you really don't expect in the very chic Parliament district. In a decor of green plants and recuperation-doit yourself, one comes to refresh oneself at any time, to have a drink in the evening on a bench placed in the street or to eat a piece (menu between noon and 2 pm, and at any time quiches, cakes and zero waste delivery). Excellent choice of craft beers, natural Hungarian wines, rums and whiskeys, but also homemade syrups, teas and fresh juices.
AKVÁRIUM
Read moreIn 2012, the club that had previously been called Gödör became - after a serious facelift and many upsets - the Akvárium. Gödör (literally, the "hole"), Budapest's nightlife mecca, had taken over the vacant space left by the aborted construction of the national theater. A staircase descends under the large Erzsébet square (very popular with partygoers in summer), from which one can see the pools. There are several concert halls inside, and the program is sophisticated. Akvárium, which has become more "trendy" and less alternative, attracts the top names.
GÖDÖR
Read moreA temple of alternative culture, the Gödör of old was located where the Akvárium is today, on Erzsébet Square. Condemned to wander since then, the Gödör team finally settled in 2022 in a building worthy of the name, in Erzsébetváros, on the other side of the boulevard. Concerts (between 8 and 10 pm in particular), parties, literary discussions, debates, film screenings, as well as clothing fairs and various markets... Don't miss the events (and the annual festival) Athe Sam dedicated to the Roma culture.