Lounging Around - Living the Good Life in Budapest

Description:

This museum's architecture alone warrants a stop, but it also played a major role in Hungary's history: Petofi recited his famous 'national song' from the steps here in 1848; there is a plaque to commemorate this famous event. The inside of the museum is also stunning, with lavish use of marble and ceremonial architecture. The displays give a thorough account of the history of the Hungarian nation. It's one of the most expensive museums in the city, but it's well worth it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Everyone loves this laid-back, alternative (in the best sense of the word), shabby-chic bar in the otherwise upscale Raday St. Ideal for meeting friends and drinking away the evening.

Description:

Castro has been a cult bar of Ráday Street and its current incarnation on Madách Square is still among the most popular bars in town. The real miracle is that the staff could rebuild the same ambiance in a different location: the carpet on the tables, the posters, temporary painting and photo exhibitions on the walls are the emblems of the house, just as the tasty and copious original Serbian food. They offer nice lunch menus for a reasonable price and serve breakfast on weekdays. You will easily become a regular for their café latte and for the local wines that can always be ordered by the glass. When a smiling boy or girl walks to your table and says 'Hello', consider that Castro's dress code for waiters is just 'casual': don't just smile – order!

Our Local Expert Says:

Intriguing exhibitions housed in a magnificent Secessionist building!

Description:

The Museum of Applied Arts – opened in 1869 by Emperor Franz Joseph as part of the Millennium Celebrations – is housed in a spectacular Secessionist building covered in Hungarian Secessionism's signature colourful Zsolnay tiles designed by Lechner Ödön, incorporating oriental elements. Its collection, founded in 1872, is not the only reason to enter the magnificent building: its breathtakingly intricate interior design Secessionism is oh so famous for is an attraction within its own right, and is a must see for architecture enthusiasts.

It is the second museum of its kind in Europe, after the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and houses a vast collection of innovative handmade goods, all fine examples of arts and crafts workmanship. The exhibitions are almost all temporary, except for the permanent exhibition of Hungarian arts and crafts including clothes, furniture and other items of practical use. Of the temporary exhibitions, major ones change on a yearly basis, while smaller ones change monthly. Examples of the types of items on show in the temporary exhibitions can be seen at the main entrance.

Description:

Kőleves means Stone Soup, a name that comes from a popular Hungarian folk tale about King Mathias – ask the waiters to tell you about it. Since the restaurant-bar opened its doors to the waiting public, it has always been full: they serve big portions of excellent and very reasonably priced Hungarian and kosher food, have a nice and well-trained staff and also organize concerts and exhibitions in the basement. Take your time to check out the decorations: the lamps are made of glasses and cheese graters! It's a small, crowded and somewhat noisy place with the perfect ambiance to grab a few drinks and have dinner with friends or meet other locals and foreigners (but probably not the best spot for a romantic dinner). Booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Description:

The Ellátó is a cheap restaurant and bar located in the Jewish District. It does not advertise, as according to the owner the best advertisement is no advertisement at all. This word-of-mouth tactic works well for the Ellátó, but we at NileGuide could not resist writing a few sentences about them. The atmosphere is laid-back, interior slightly shabby-chick with great service and a terrace during the summer months.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of a new generation of “shabby-chic” places in the Jewish Quarter, this one is better than most. Great atmosphere - worth a peek!

Description:

Kuplung, the clutch, is housed in a former car repair hall, though you'd never be able to tell. It serves as an art workshop for theaters, movies, and many other performances. Come nightfall it converts into one of the most crowded underground bars in town. The warehouse-like space is fully utilized as a concert hall, an exhibition area, and a beautiful bar where, despite the live DJs, you will feel like you are in an enclosed market. Don't be disappointed when you find a normal house at number 46. Simply enter through the black door and be amazed by the scenery!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of a handful of legendary institutions in Budapest nightlife, Piaf reigns supreme to this day. Not worth showing up before 3. If you say you have been partying here, your new Hungarian friends will be duly impressed.

Description:

Named after the French torch chanteuse, Piaf is infamous for its very late-night, after-hours parties. Some have said that you need a woman on your arm to gain entrance beyond the bouncer at the door, while others say they have heard people banging on the other side of the door to get out. Decked out like a brothel in red velvet furnishings and low lights, part of its mystique is what happens once you are in and if you can survive the experience. On the downstairs dance floor the spinning of oldies can get pretty heated, and the crowd can be quite wild. Open Sunday through Thursday 10pm to 6am and Friday and Saturday 10pm to 7am. Crowd: varied.

Our Local Expert Says:

Because the Gresham Palace is rumoured to be the finest property in the Four Seasons portfolio, it is well-worth coming here for a coffee or pastry only if to marvel at the breathtaking architecture and bask in their pampering service.

Description:

The Gresham Restaurant, also known as the Páva offers one of the best fine dining experiences in an elegant Art Nouveau atmosphere, serving a wonderful mix of Mediterranean and contemporary delicacies. Even though because the menu changes every two weeks and there is never a wide range to choose from, it never fails to satisfy.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the rout you will most likely take when walking towards the Nyugati Railway Station. Even when in a rush, do not forget to keep looking up!

Description:

Opposite the parliament stand two striking buildings which were both candidates and finalists for the parliament building design competition. In a show of extreme fair-play, the architects were honored by having their creations constructed right across the street from the eventual winner. The Ministry of Agriculture is located in the neo-Renaissance building, while the other beautiful structure houses the Ethnographic museum. Take a look at these buildings and decide which one you would have chosen for that prime spot on the Danube.

Description:

Located on the sunny side of the square, this café and bar has more of a Mediterranean feel than those opposite. The interior (and mezzanine) is totally empty in summer as all the bamboo chairs and tables are taken outside and placed under a huge sun umbrella. The interior walls are done out in orange-red.

Description:

The first president of the Academy of Music was none other than Ferenc Liszt himself. As well as being a place of study, it is also a performance venue. The Grand Hall (noted for its excellent acoustics) has a capacity of 1200 while the chamber hall seats around 400. The building itself is a masterpiece of art nouveau architecture (completed in 1907), but most of it's design marvels are on the inside - buy a ticket to a performance so you can sit back and enjoy both the music and the architecture.

Description:

The Opera House is a visual delight at Andrássy út 22 with its Neo-renaissance architecture mixed with elements of Baroque. The architect, Miklós Ybl also designed the original Parliament building along with the St. Stephen's Basilica. It was Emperor Franz Joseph who funded and opened the Opera House in 1884.

Adorning the first level are statues of the Greek muses of the arts. There you may also recognize statues of Franz Liszt and Ferenc Erkel, the "Father of Hungarian Opera". Treat your senses by stepping into the lobby to see the fabulous frescoes. Though the interior is not so huge, only seating 1,261, the acoustics are considered the third best in the world. You may recognize the Opera House from the movie Munich. A Hollywood transformation turned the Opera House and all of the surrounding blocks into a Parisian venue for filming.

Our Local Expert Says:

A slice of Berlin in Budapest. Look for the crowds and follow them, then party in this deserted building under the stars. Run down and atmospheric, a visit here is a must for any visitor to the city, it doesn’t disappoint.

Description:

For cultural experiences, you cannot pass up Szimpla Kert. It is a beer garden, alternative culture Mecca. Located in an abandoned apartment courtyard that has not seen the wrecking ball, Szimpla Kert mixes junkyard aesthetics with such modernisms as Wi-Fi, a daytime cafe, and evenings of live music and indie film screenings. Dimly lit, couch-packed, with little open to the sky rooms off of the courtyard, it is a relaxing, pleasant place to unwind. Check your reality at the door. Open weekdays 10am to 2am and weekends noon to 2am.

Description:

Alibi Club is a home for an open minded, mixed crowd: it's about freedom, party, and shows. The owner, Desiré Dubounet, is probably the best-known travesty celebrity and artist of Hungary. He produces and performs excellent shows every week with the club's company, the Bohemian Cabaret. Check the website for current shows. A great spot if you are looking for a gay & lesbian friendly atmosphere and to dance all night long. Don't be put off by the tiny entrance: it's huge inside! Alibi's VIP Happy Hour Lounge named Guests welcomed with free snacks, cheap cocktails and perfect DJ sets to chill-out after office hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

Among the hottest discos in the city, a mixed crowd fills the labyrinth-like structure and parties hard until dawn. If you’re serious about dancing, head here.

Description:

This cellar bar and disco situated on the riverbank naturally does not offer a view. There are however, a few tables available outside when the weather permits. The exterior of the building is marked out with a capital 'C' on the wall; watch out for the steep steps. Try to get there before midnight in order to catch the drag shows. Capella attracts both gay and straight folks who come to get down on the rather small and sweaty dance floor. The music is mainly house, with a funky edge.