LGBT+ GUIDE
AUTUMN • WINTER
2019
T HE L G B T+ C I T Y G U ID E O F B U D A P E S T
FREE
Welcome to the world of
TOMORROW! Explore our reinvented smarthotel experience in the heart of Budapest, where an application is the key to your stay. Book direct and get a daily â‚Ź 5 drink voucher in our LobbyBar.
www.kvihotelbudapest.com
JOIN OUR GUIDED LGBT+ BUDAPEST TOUR! BOOK A PRIVATE DAY- OR NIGHTTIME SLOT AND DISCOVER THE HUNGARIAN CAPITAL FROM A GAY POINT OF VIEW
+36 70 234 5507 hello@pinkbudapest.com pinkbudapest.com pinkbudapest
BUDAPEST LOVES YOU
Whenever I walk around downtown Budapest it always occurs to me what a fantastic city I am in – and not only fantastic, but sexy, too! Budapest is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe but the world. Its history goes way back to ancient times and with that kind of age come amazing buildings, bridges and other monuments – against all historical odds, many of them are still standing to dazzle us every day. Budapest is a city of leisurely elegance where you can enjoy historical treasures during the day accompanied by delicious meals both from Hungarian and international cuisines, while in the evening, the coolest bars await you and your friends. The City of Spas – Budapest holds the title since the year 1934, as it has more thermal and medicinal springs than any other capital in the world. Budapest is a city where I never get bored. There is always some kind of festival and a variety of other programs to choose from. When it comes to entertainment, you can’t leave without going to a gay party to get acquainted with a few handsome and charming Hungarian guys. Budapest is everyone’s city. Discover the Hungarian capital with us, and remember: Budapest loves you! #pinkbudapest #budapestlovesyou Zsolt Erdei CEO of the Humen Media Group President of the Humen Travel Tourism Association
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CONTENT
HELLO BUDAPEST D AY O N E
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D AY T W O 10 B U D A T O W E R 1 2 LGBT+ T H E L G B T+ S C E N E IN B U D A P E S T
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HI G HL I G H T S O F T H E N E W L G B T Q Q U A R T E R O F B U D A P E S T
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A LT E R E G O 2 4 SPA
T H E S P A S O F B U D A P E S T
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CITY MAP
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FASHION
S Z P U T N Y IK S H O P 35 S H O P U N T IL Y O U D R O P 3 6 CULTURE TRAFÓ HOUSE
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WINTERTIME W IN T E R T IM E IN B U D A P E S T
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GASTRONOMY
IMPRESSUM PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL: Humen
H U N G R Y IN H U N G A R Y
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E L A S A D O R D E P ATA N E G R A
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T O P TA B L E S
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A N T R É R E S TA U R A N T
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SZAMOS A WHOLE NEW LE VEL OF SWEE TNESS
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
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Media Hungary Kft. (Member of Humen Media Group), H-1132 Budapest, Kresz Géza u. 16. fszt. 1/A, +36 70 234 5507, hungary@humenmedia.com, www.pinkbudapest.com • MANAGING DIRECTOR: Zsolt Erdei, zsolt.erdei@humenmedia.com EDITORIAL TEAM: Barbara Szij, Viktor Molnár, German Henao • GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Zsuzsanna Gere PRINTED BY: Keskeny és Társai Nyomdaipari Kft., H-1158 Budapest, Rákospalotai határút 6.
HELLO BUDAPEST
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The Hungarian capital is one of the most stunning cities in the world with a population of 1.75 million. Budapest is relatively young, it was founded in 1873 when the cities of Pest, Buda and Óbuda were merged. Divided by the river Danube, the Buda side is hilly, while Pest was built on a plain. Most of the sights are located in the city center and all of them are easy to reach. It’s time to discover them! Budapest is definitely not one of those cities that you can fully explore in two or three days. However, if you are staying only for a couple of days, you still have a chance to discover the most important sights, some local entertainment spots and perhaps some hidden treasures as well. Let’s see what this city has to offer!
DAY ONE We suggest that you start your tour from Deák Ferenc tér (just a little Hungarian lesson: ‘tér’ means square and ‘utca’ means street). In case you still or already have your luggage with you, you may check it in at the information point of Luggair before starting your tour as sightseeing is no fun with luggage. When you’ve “exhausted” yourself with marveling at the stunning buildings, you shall head to Deák Ferenc utca (street), aka Fashion Street which takes you almost directly to the Danube and the stunning River Promenade. After enjoying the view from the riverbank, you can cross the Danube on the Chain Bridge that leads you directly to the station of the Castle Hill funicular (Budavári Sikló) which
HELLO BUDAPEST
is the easiest way to get to the top of the hill while also providing a perfect view of the city. In case you are short of time, there is an alternative route by public transport, a bus that also leaves from Deák Ferenc tér. In the courtyards of Buda Castle you will find the beautiful Matthias Fountain, statues of the mythical Turul bird and the lions of the courtyard; the building itself houses the National Széchényi Library, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. In the Castle District, don’t miss the Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) and the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) – all of them are in short walking distance from each other. Halászbástya is the number one lookout point of the Castle District
that provides you a truly breathtaking view of Pest. In addition to being a true memento of Budapest’s history, the Buda Tower, aka Mária Magdolnatorony also gives you a unique view of the city. You can walk back to the Pest side on the Chain Bridge and head north towards the magnificent building of the Hungarian Parliament. If you prefer to see the front side as well, take metro line M2 for 1 stop from Kossuth tér to Batthyány tér and have another look from a very different angle on Europe’s second largest parliament building. If you are not so keen on taking a guided tour to visit the building and see its (stunning) interiors, you may indulge in something sweet at the Szamos
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HELLO BUDAPEST
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Chocolate Museum on the corner of Kossuth tér, which is owned by of one of the oldest and most renowned chocolate manufacturers of Hungary. History buffs will be more than happy to take a walk past the statue of Ronald Reagan on the nearby Szabadság tér (Liberty Square) where you can still find a Soviet war memorial standing. From there, Saint Stephen’s basilica (named in honor of Stephen I, the first king of Hungary) is just a shout away. The dome of the basilica offers one of the most spectacular views of the buzzing city below. You can reach the top by walking up 364 steps or by taking the elevators. Continuing your way behind the Basilica, you will find a road full of luxury shops, a nod to Paris’s
avenues, called Andrássy út (road), leading directly to the historical Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square). Two museums, a zoo, a spa and a pond is also located in the Városliget (City Park) surrounding Heroes’ Square – the pond turns into Central Europe’s largest open air ice-skating rink in winter time. If you feel your legs giving out, take metro M1 (the first subway line ever built in continental Europe) which takes you back to Deák Ferenc tér. You can spend a nice evening in the area around Gozsdu Udvar (Gozsdu Courtyard), Király utca and Zrínyi utca (just to mention a few) where a number of fashionable places to eat, drink and party have cropped up in recent years.
HELLO BUDAPEST
DAY TWO Churches may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but missing the Great Synagogue in Dohány utca would be quite a mistake, so your next stop should really be this amazing house of worship – the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. The historical streets of the surrounding Jewish Quarter are full of popular cafés, bars, breakfast places and ruin pubs, including Szimpla Bar, an absolute favorite among tourists and locals alike.
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Besides the never-ending parties, they also host a farmer’s market every Sunday morning. Talking about farmer’s markets, Budapest has quite a few 19th century market halls. The largest and most prominent of them, called the Great Market Hall, is the one on Fővám tér. If you feel like tasting some local specialties or just want to buy some fresh product or nice souvenirs, this is the place to go. Although the Chain Bridge is the oldest and most well-known bridge of Budapest, the intricate ironwork of Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge) may be an even more astonishing sight. This bridge connects Fővám
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tér and Szent Gellért tér, the latter being home to the beautiful Gellért Hotel and Spa at the base of Gellért Hill, named after a Christian martyr whose statue stands on the hill. With a little hike, you can reach the top of Gellért Hill where the Hungarian Statue of Liberty welcomes you. Hint: Budapest has quite a few stunning viewing points but the very best of all is Gellért Hill by night. All monuments of Budapest are lighted up until 1AM from May to September and the rest of the year until midnight. You can walk up or grab a taxi – either way, it is strongly recommended to visit this spot.
If you have more time on your hands, for example, after taking the obligatory photos in Heroes’ Square, take a long and relaxing walk in the City Park, or recharge your batteries at the nearby Széchenyi Spa – we can guarantee that you won’t regret it, especially in winter. Another attraction of the City Park is the stunning architecture: discover Vajdahunyad Castle which was built in 1896 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the conquest of the area by the Hungarians. Similarly, if you are into the arts, take time to visit the now reopened and beautifully renovated Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts next to the square.
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HELLO BUDAPEST
BUDA TOWER – THE NEW CULTURAL VENUE OF BUDAPEST
A new chapter began in the history of Buda Tower in the summer of 2017: after a long period of time, visitors of the castle can now see a new exhibition in the building. Buda Tower, aka the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is a new and extraordinary attraction on the Buda side of the capital as it is the only authentic medieval Gothic monument in the Castle District. The tower has remained primarily intact through its 600 years, although the castle of Buda was under siege several times. The building houses a historical exhibition in the tower as well as the famous noon bell which commemorates the brave Hungarian soldiers who fought in the siege of Belgrade in 1456. A 24-piece chime structure built in the windows plays a Hungarian piece every hour and visitors can also admire the bronze copy of the 1000-year-old Hungarian coronation robe, which is adorned with portraits of saints, prophets and apostles. Climb up the 172 stairs and enjoy a fantastic view with the most amazing buildings of Budapest as well as the sight of the green hills of Buda. Open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm (in January and February only on Saturday and Sunday)
1014 BUDAPEST, KAPISZTRÁN TÉR 6. (in the Castle District) WWW.BUDATOWER.HU 12
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LGBT+
THE LGBT+ SCENE IN BUDAPEST Budapest Pride is held every year, during which an increasing number of gay and gay-friendly people both from Hungary and abroad come to celebrate. In 2019, following several years of being separated with crowd barriers from anti-protestors as well as the general public, participants could walk freely again during the parade. A huge step for freedom of identity! 14
LGBT+
The city also has a constantly increasing array of clubs, bars, gay-friendly restaurants, saunas, cruising areas and drag shows as well as underground and mainstream parties. Whether you’re here to do some sightseeing or party hard and leave the city tipsy, we are excited to have you here. There is, however, way more to Budapest than partying. One of the main stages of Sziget Festival, the 4-time winner at the European Festivals Awards in the categories of Best Major European Festival and Best Line-Up, the LGBT+ venue of Sziget, Magic Mirror hosts a wide range of LGBT-themed programs such as film screenings, panel discussions, cabaret, dance and theater productions as well as workshops that give you an excellent opportunity to find out what it means to be gay in Hungary.
HUMEN, one of the most active LGBT-related companies in Hungary, has been hosting a festival focused on LGBT culture for four years. What started as a one-week film festival, has now grown to be an all-around art festival during which dozens of LGBT movies, theater performances, guided exhibition tours and photo exhibitions can also be enjoyed. Also, those interested can take part in free and anonymous HIV-screening or enjoy the Rainbow Brunch on the second Sunday of every month. Hungary has also joined the Mr. Gay World contest, with the first Mr. Gay Hungary crowned in 2018, who achieved to bring home the title of 2nd runner up in the international competition. Visit www.budapestpride.com and www.humenfesztival.hu for more info.
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LGBT+
OOPS The must-visit party on Friday nights for a fun night with friends and drinks! Organized every Friday at one of the popular ruin pubs in Budapest called Anker’t, they play the hits of the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and any other song that will make you not only move your body, but also your lips, because they have all of your favorite tunes you just can’t resist singing out loud. 1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33. (close to M1 metro station Opera) oopsbudapest
WE WANT PAR-TY HO-NEY!
The resident parties and the clubs – they will always be there waiting for you.
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ALTEREGO Right in the heart of Budapest, this club has been a reference point for many generations. It is a great place whether you simply want to have a drink or dance into the early hours. Don’t miss the Drag Show on Friday and Saturday night with brilliant performances by Lady Dömper and her troupe of fabulous drag artists, followed by a late night top chart-hits party on two dance floors with two DJs. Programs are available on their website in advance. 1066 Budapest, Dessewffy utca 33. (close to M1 metro station or tram 4/6 station Oktogon) AlterEgoBudapest
WOW! – WOMEN ON WOMEN Lesbian party in Toldi Cinema which markets itself as the right place for lipstick lesbians, but all beautiful ladies and their friends are welcome – straight, gay, male, female, and everybody in-between. 1054 Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 36-38. (close to M3 metro station Arany János utca) wmnonwmn LÄRM A gay-friendly club, focused on techno and house music. The party is held in the Fogasház complex, next to the tourist-favorite club Instant, so if you see a long queue, don’t freak out just yet. Go straight to the door under the LÄRM light sign and you’re good to go. If the bouncers try to stop you, you just need to tell them the name of the club – they are simply trying to make sure you are going to the right place. 1073 Budapest, Akácfa u. 49. (close to tram 4/6 stations Király utca and Wesselényi utca) larmbudapest
THE PARTY SERIES – these parties change venues according to the season, so make sure to look them up in advance! GARÇONS Often billed as “underground as well as glamorous”, Garçons has now become synonymous with “a new era in chic clubbing”. We definitely agree. Appealing mostly to a younger crowd, these parties attract popular guest DJs and lots of people looking to have a good time. garconsbudapest
HELLO One of the coolest parties in town. A chic, young and fun-loving audience comes together to party and dance to pop music and chart hits. Keep an eye open for the club photographer to get yourself immortalized on their Facebook page. hellopartybp
FETISH – SM – TOYS 1085 Budapest Mária utca 9. Fsz. 8-9 /Passzázs ház Tel.: (1) 266 7485, (30) 956 9571 Nyitvatartás: K-P.: 12.00–20.00, Sz.: 12.00–17.00 www.blackdream.hu
LGBT+
OMOH The Hungarian replica of Berlin’s gay nightlife merged into a long party, which runs till 8am. This is the party where you can shamelessly let go and be yourself, feel the music and hang out with people from the queer Budapest scene. The latest editions also had an official clothing-optional afterparty at Sauna 69. OMOHbp VIBE Don’t be basic, feel the VIBE! One of the most inclusive parties in Budapest where anyone can have a good time, no matter what your tribe is. Gays, lesbians, urban queers and their friends with a fresh approach, join us! vibebudapest PERSEPHONE Presephone showcases a diversity of musical genres ranging from underground house and classic disco to techno, focusing on female artists, queer and trans folks, people of color, underrepresented communities and their allies. persephone.party
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ÖSZTROSOKK The longest-running lesbian party series in the city. On special nights, the party is also open to men – simply look on their Facebook page for more info on that. Club dance and retro tunes. osztrosokk
START THE NIGHT WITH SOME DRINKS AT A GAY BAR! HABROLÓ One of the oldest bars in town but surely not a boring one. Sing your favorite songs in this karaoke bar with a mixed clientele, reasonable prices and a cheerful, friendly atmosphere. Budapest, 1053 Budapest, Szép utca 1/b (close to M3 metro station Ferenciek tere) habrolo WHY NOT? CAFÉ AND BAR A legend in Budapest, this café and bar boasts a great view of the Danube. Regular karaoke and quiz nights are organized in a relaxed atmosphere to meet your friends for a drink or two. A mainstay of Budapest’s gay scene, this bar is well worth a visit. 1056 Budapest, Belgrád rakpart 3. (close to M4 metro station Fővám tér) whynotbudapest PHOENIX BAR The best cocktails in town, with the best value for your money. Come and enjoy one of the traditional cocktails, or try some of their specialties, while you enjoy great drag shows by the local queens. 1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 27. (close to M3 metro station Arany János utca) phoenixclubandbar
LGBT+
KIMBERLY CAFÉ Hetero-friendly gay bar right in the city center. Whether you want to have a nice coffee in the late afternoon, a drink to start the party, or show off your skills at their karaoke nights or drag shows, this is a great option for you. 1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 66. (close to M3 metro station Nyugati pályaudvar) KimberlyCafeAndBar
GETTING KINKY COXX A cruising bar that includes a car, a sling and a prison room where you can make your wildest fantasies come true. A major player in the gay scene of Budapest favored by locals and tourists alike. 1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 38. (close to M2 metro station Blaha Lujza tér) coXx Bar MAGNUM The largest sauna in Budapest with 2 floors and a total area of 700 square meters that include a jacuzzi, a steam room, a dark playground, the sauna world with 4 kinds of saunas, an entertainment room and even a pinball machine, which you can use for free! Its special events include Slave Night, Wellness Wednesdays performing the ancient Aufguss steaming method, OctoBear Weekend, Drag Night, and Naked Party. Open non-stop from
1:00PM on Saturdays to midnight on Sunday, Magnum Sauna is the only gay place open non-stop in Budapest during weekends. Tickets are valid for ten hours and they include a towel, slippers and a condom. 1085 Budapest, Csepreghy utca 2. (close to tram 4/6 station Harminckettesek tere) magnumszauna SZAUNA 69 Szauna 69 has established itself in the Budapest scene as the gay bathhouse for younger people. It offers all the typical elements that you would expect in a sauna: a jacuzzi and a steam room as well as cabins and dark areas that even include a labyrinth. Its programs include a Foam Party every Friday, FKK (Freikörperkultur = Free Body Culture in German, encouraging people to enjoy the natural feeling of being naked), themed parties and live sex shows. A towel and slippers are included in the entry fee. 1096 Budapest, Angyal utca 2. (close to tram 4/6 station Boráros tér) szauna69 BLACK DREAM Budapest’s only gay sex shop. Whether you’re a hardcore fetish guy or just want to try something kinky, this is the right place for you to go and get all the gear you need. 1085 Budapest, Mária utca 9. (close to M4 metro station and tram 4/6 station Rákóczi tér) www.blackdream.hu
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RESTAURANTS, GYMS AND DISCREET STD COUNSELING Budapest has two dedicated gay restaurants: CLUB 93 PIZZERIA (Vas utca 2.) and WHY NOT BISTRO BUDAPEST (on Belgrád rakpart, close to Why Not? Cafe & Bar). Both offer delicious dishes and excellent service. Moreover, Why Not Bistro is located directly on the bank of the Danube, offering an amazing view of Gellért Hill.
Finally, the ANONYM AIDS TANÁCSADÓ SZOLGÁLAT (Anonymous AIDS Help Service) is the city’s point of contact for STD check-ups, consultations and anonymous, free HIV-testing for everybody (Karolina út 35/B). You can also check the services at Saint Cosmas Health Center (Auróra utca 22–28.).
The city’s only gay gym, TEMPELFIT (Paulay Ede utca 25–27.) is right in the heart of the city. Expect great service, a wide array of machines and equipment as well as a Finnish sauna for members.
Committed to encourage and promote safe sex, both Magnum Sauna and Saune 69 host occassional free HIV testing nights. VISIT THEIR WEBSITES FOR MORE DETAILS:
gaysaunabudapest.com gaysaunabudapest.hu
FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY
6 PM - MIDNIGHT FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY
6 PM - 2 AM
KARAOKE
EVERY THURSDAY AND SUNDAY
FROM 9 PM TO 2 AM
BUDAPEST, SZÉP U. 1. 20
+36 1 950 6644 WWW.HABROLO.HU
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW LGBTQ QUARTER OF BUDAPEST The new gay quarter of Budapest has been forming in the past months, or a year to say so. While Andrássy út is lined with high-fashion stores, the crossing at Nagymező utca still preserves its role as ‘the Broadway of Budapest’, not only with a lot of the theaters in the area, but also with LGBT+ venues waiting for you to discover them. 10 SIXTY-SIX BAR The 10 Sixty-six Bar is not your regular breakfast place, rather a buzzing hub offering a wide range of special food items as well as entertaining programs. Open from 10am until 10pm, you have no other job than to enjoy a lazy breakfast, or, if you are visiting in the evening, have a tasty dinner accompanied by some fine wine in the open-minded and comfy atmosphere. The place also holds the so-called Rainbow Brunch on the second Sunday of every month. 1066 Budapest, Ó utca 37. (close to M1 metro and tram 4/6 station Oktogon) 10sixtysixbudapest
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ALTEREGO At AlterEgo, everybody can find the tunes that make them shake it like a polaroid picture. Whether you like pop, R’n’B, dance or electro, you will have a chance to show off your skills on the two separate dance floors. 1066 Budapest, Dessewffy utca 33. (close to M1 metro station or tram 4/6 station Oktogon) AlterEgoBudapest
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KIMBERLY CAFÉ Popular gay bar on Nagymező Street, in the center of Budapest. Kimberly offers a selection of foreign and local beers and other drinks, live music, drag queen shows and karaoke nights. The place has a nice gallery, which is an excellent venue for birthday parties, smaller meetings and even weddings. 1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 66. (close to M3 metro station Nyugati pályaudvar) KimberlyCafeAndBar PHOENIX BAR Budapest’s cozy gay cocktail bar opened last autumn in the city center of Budapest, next to the famous Opera House. With its Great Gatsbyish interior, Phoenix evokes the feeling of a real American cocktail bar from the 1930s, while its drag shows give you the best impressions of today’s pop divas as well as traditional Hungarian tunes. 1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 27. (close to M3 metro station Arany János utca) phoenixclubandbar
BUDAPEST HOTEL
WHOEVER YOU LOVE, CASATI LOVES YOU!
C A S AT I B U D A P E S T H O T E L . C O M
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LGBT+
ALTEREGO THE ICONIC GAY CLUB OF BUDAPEST
When you start chatting with someone about gay bars in Budapest, AlterEgo will definitely be the first one they mention. This iconic venue is the centre of LGBTQ nightlife, its cheeky drag hostess playing a pivotal role in its popularity. Lady Dömper (the name literally meaning Lady Dump Truck) is an institution of the gay scene – the party kicks off with her standup performance every time. It hardly comes as a surprise that with its 12-year-history, AlterEgo is one of Budapest’s most popular and most renowned gay clubs. Located in the heart of the 6th district among many other party venues, the club is open from 10pm until the early morning hours every Friday and Saturday. To get the party started, there is a Drag Show at midnight on both days. But what would a decent party be without
awesome company? You have nothing to worry about, because the sexiest guys of Budapest will spend their nights at AlterEgo. If you have the chance, you should definitely visit AlterEgo more than once during your stay in Budapest to discover the continually renewed interiors, the newest parties and the ever-changing Drag Show that all guarantee a great experience.
AlterEgo Club Budapest 1066 Budapest, Dessewffy utca 33. INFO: +36 70 345 4302 OPEN: Friday: 10 pm to 5 am, Saturday: 10pm to 6 am www.alteregoclub.hu AlterEgoBudapest 24
HELLO BUDAPEST
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SPA
THE SPAS OF BUDAPEST Budapest holds the title of ‘The City of Spas’ since the year 1934, as it has more thermal and medicinal springs than any other capital city in the world. There are 118 springs around the city, providing over 70 million liters of thermal water a day. The temperature of the waters is between 21 and 78 Celsius.
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Budapest has been well-known for its thermal springs since the 2nd century, when Romans colonized the area to take advantage of the location and the enormous network of healing waters below. During the Ottoman occupation in the 16th
century, even more baths were built (some of which are still standing today). Thankfully, this tradition has not died in recent times. Budapest has a wide array of spas to offer and we are now going to introduce you to the best ones.
SZÉCHENYI BATHS
areas and more, not to mention the parties thrown there every Saturday night. This bath complex is easily recognizable for the chess boards found in the outdoor pools, where old and young can relax in the water and unwind for hours on end. 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 9-11. szechenyifurdo.hu
With its 18 pools, Széchenyi is the largest medicinal bath complex in Europe. Built in 1913 within the City Park (Városliget) in Neo-Baroque style, the building itself is arguably one of the most beautiful in all of Budapest. There are large outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massage
SPA
GELLÉRT BATHS
The second largest spa of Budapest is part of the Hotel Gellért in Buda near Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd). Built between 1912 and 1918 in Art Nouveau style, it contains 13 pools, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, saunas and medicinal baths. The bath is also equipped with a wave pool, originally built in 1927 which was rare to find anywhere in Europe back then. Massages are also available upon advance booking. 1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4. gellertfurdo.hu
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SPA
RUDAS BATHS
Rudas was built in 1550 at the foot of the Gellért Hill in Buda under the reign of the Ottoman Empire. It houses a typically gorgeous, Turkish bath with a central dome and other smaller rooms. The attached swimming pool is always
open for men and women, but all the other spaces are divided up for men and women by day – you can check the schedule on their website. 1013 Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9. rudasfurdo.hu
LUKÁCS BATHS
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The spring water at Lukács is probably the most widely-known of all the spas in Budapest. The bath welcomes its visitors with classical thermal, swimming and leisure pools as well as a sauna park. Many people swear by the healing powers of the water at this spa, ranging from curing stomach and kidney problems to a lack of calcium in the bones. 1023 Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29. lukacsfurdo.hu
KIRÁLY BATHS Király is an original Turkish bath and coincidentally also the smallest of our top spas. With one well-known octagonal bath and several other smaller pools and rooms, this is a quaint place which is well-hidden and therefore not so well-known by tourists coming to Budapest. 1027 Budapest, Fő utca 84. kiralyfurdo.hu
HELLO BUDAPEST
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Start your day with us!
@10 Sixty-six Bar @10_sixtysix_
CITY MAP
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Buda Castle
RESTAURANTS 01 21 Hungarian Kitchen Fortuna utca 21.
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02 Baltazár Országház utca 31. 03 Jamie Oliver’s Italian Budapest Szentháromság utca 9-11. 04 KIOSK Buda Clark Ádám tér 1. 05 Pest Buda Bistro Fortuna utca 3. 06 Pierrot Cafe & Restaurant Fortuna utca 14.
ACCOMMODATION 07 Baltazár Budapest Hotel Országház utca 31. 08 Buda Castle Fashion Hotel Úri utca 39. 09 Pest Buda Hotel Fortuna utca 3.
HEALTH 10 Anonym AIDS (Free HIV testing) Karolina út 35/B
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Keleti Railway station
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CRUISING
01 AlterEgo Club Dessewffy utca 33.
21 CoXx Men’s Bar & cruising Dohány utca 38.
BARS & CAFES
SEX SHOP
02 10 Sixty-Six Bar & Breakfast Ó utca 37. 03 Habroló Szép utca 1. 04 Kimberly Cafe & Bistro Nagymező utca 66. 05 Phoenix Bar & Club Hajós utca 27. 06 Szamos Café (Café & Patisserie) Kossuth Lajos tér 10. 07 Szamos Gourmet House (Café & Patisserie) Váci utca 1. 08 Why Not? Cafe & Bar Belgrád rakpart 3-4.
22 Black Dream Mária utca 9.
RESTAURANTS 09 Antré Modern Hungarian kitchen Király utca 8. (Central Passage) 10 Club 93 Pizzéria Vas utca 2. 11 Costes Downtown Vigyázó Ferenc utca 5. 12 Costes Restaurant Ráday utca 4. 13 El Asador de Pata Negra Paulay Ede utca 39. 14 Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria Budapest Holló utca 10. (Gozsdu Courtyard) 15 KISOK Budapest Március 15. tér 4. 16 Spíler Original Király utca 13. (Gozsdu Courtyard) 17 Spíler Shanghai Király utca 13. (Gozsdu Courtyard) 18 Why Not Bistro Belgrád rakpart 18.
SAUNAS 19 Magnum szauna Csepreghy utca 2. 20 Szauna 69 Angyal utca 2.
GYM 23 Tempelfit Paulay Ede utca 25-27.
ACCOMMODATION 24 Casati Budapest Hotel Paulay Ede utca 31. 25 Estilo Fashion Hotel Váci utca 83. 26 Hard Rock Hotel Budapest Ó utca 30. 27 KViHotel Budapest Nyár utca 32. 28 La Prima Fashion Hotel Piarista utca 6. 29 Párisi Udvar Hotel by Hyatt’s Unbound Collection Petőfi Sándor utca 2-4.
FASHION 30 Szputnyik Shop D-20 Dohány utca 20. 31 Szputnyik Shop K-22 Király utca 22.
BEAUTY 32 Corvin Barber Corvin sétány 5.
TOURIST INFORMATION 33 Luggair Erzsébet tér
TRANSPORTATION miniBUD www.minibud.hu
LEGEND LGBT+ District
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BIGGEST - CRUISING - BAR
1072. BUDAPEST, DOHÁNY ST. 38. TEL. / WHATSAPP: 00 36 30 9491 650 COXX.HU
FASHION
Szputnyik Shop is a fashion concept born from the combination of old and new, romantic vintage and provocative modern styles – a stunning and unusual player of the Hungarian fashion scene where everyone can find items that fit their personality and lifestyle. They offer hand selected, unique vintage clothes and accessories, popular global brands like Fjallraven, Dr. Martens, TOMS and PAEZ, reworked vintage items and limited edition designer pieces. The shops are an essential part of the Budapest lifestyle and the life of a stylish and bold 21st century person irrespective of their age. The visitor of these stores that represent the „revolution” of freedom and unlimited creativity, can browse various vintage and contemporary pieces. The selection ranges from extravagant gowns, through sequined tuxedos, stylish shades, fashionable bags and
accessories to elegant hats. Fans of contemporary fashion are greeted with a varied, fresh and youthful range that is renewed multiple times every season, ensuring the presence of upto-date streetwear. Time travellers and treasure hunters, it’s time for an adventure, get to know Szputnyik’s world – visit their stores or shop online!
Szputnyik shop D-20 VII. Dohány utca 20. MON-SAT: 10AM-8PM, SUN: 10AM–6PM Szputnyik shop K-22 VI. Király utca 22. (The entrance is at Káldy utca1.) MON-SAT: 11AM-9PM, SUN: 11AM–7PM www.szputnyikshop.hu
szputnyikshop 35
FASHION
SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP
If you ask a local where to level up your outfit and do a proper shopping, the answer will probably be Váci utca, which is arguably the most popular shopping street in the city. It offers a wide range of well-known fast fashion shops.
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The nearby Fashion Street Budapest (officially named Deák Ferenc utca) is often called the most prestigious shopping street in Central Europe. You will find high-street footwear, apparel, accessories, beauty products and restaurants all in one place. In case you are willing to spend more on luxury goods, you might want to check out Andrássy út, which is home to a number of designer shops. Connecting the City Park and the heart of the city, Deák Ferenc tér, the street is often called ’the Hungarian Champs-Élysées’ due to its unique charm and exquisite shops located on the ground level of impressive old buildings. Besides world-renowned brands, it is also worth to check out a few
Hungarian designers. On Andrássy út, you will find the showroom of Nubu and Zigi, and Robert Maar in the nearby Székely Mihály utca. There is also a number of shops in the inner city which offer a variety of different brands, such as MONO Art & Design in Kossuth Lajos utca and wonderLAB in Veres Pálné utca. If you are into designer items for your apartment as well, definitely pay a visit to Rododendron Art & Design Shop in Veres Pálné utca. If the weather turned bad or you just want to save some time, you can also hit one of the malls of Budapest. Arena Mall is pretty nice but there is also Westend and Allee. Google it and look up your favorite brands!
PinkBP_rainbow-pointer_12x15cm_press.pdf
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2019. 07. 01.
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CO RVIN
OPEN BA
RBE
R FOR ALL
REAL MEN DESERVE A PROPER BARBER
YOU CAN ALSO BOOK ONLINE! +36 70 325 5685 www.corvinbarber.hu HAIRSTYLING
SHAVING
BEARD GROOMING
info@corvinbarber.hu
HAIR & BEARD COLORING
1082 Budapest, Corvin sétány 5.
CULTURE
TRAFÓ HOUSE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS Trafó is an institution dedicated to contemporary arts. Visitors can view the performances of groundbreaking Hungarian and international independent theatre groups, contemporary circus performances, dancers working with elemental forces, interdisciplinary artistic shows, smart technologies in the hands of artists, musicians you won’t hear on the radio, and exhibitions in a contemporary art gallery. Leave your comfort zone and
check out the things you’ve been missing out on (and that everyone else has been talking about), that you promised yourself you wouldn’t miss out on again this year. International, innovative, contemporary – right here in Budapest. Trafó turns you on. No matter what you are into (contemporary music, theatre, circus) you are bound to have a ball in Trafó, where ‘quality’ is a key word. The building itself is a fine example of industrial Art Nouveau.
1094 Budapest, Liliom utca 41. | www.trafo.hu | 38
@trafohouse
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WINTERTIME
WINTERTIME IN BUDAPEST The global warming surely shows its effect in Hungary as well because we don’t really have snowy winters anymore. The average temperature is above zero during daytime and drops under during nighttime. If you are in our city right now, looking out the window and experiencing something different… well, it is all up to you if you consider your situation lucky or unlucky. Anyway, it is always more difficult to come up with a proper idea where to go and how to discover the city before you freeze to death, so here come our top winter suggestions! 40
OUTDOOR ICE RINK IN THE CITY PARK
Városligeti műjégpálya (don’t bother to pronounce it) Opened in 1870, Central Europe’s oldest and largest ice rink is located in the heart of the city between the magical Vajdahunyad Castle and the famous Heroes’ Square. The open-air City Park Ice Rink is on the top 10 list of Lonely Planet as one of the best places in Europe in winter time. In the building of the ice rink you will find heated rooms where you can get changed and rent skates as well as eat or drink something hot. The ice rink usually opens around mid-November, but it depends on the current weather
WINTERTIME
every year, so we would suggest to look up the exact opening date beforehand.
TRADITIONAL BUDAPEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS Budapest was voted the most affordable Christmas Market destination in Europe, so if you want to buy something unique for your loved ones, definitely visit the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival on Vörösmarty tér. The main Christmas Market of Budapest is about shopping for small traditional Hungarian handmade items as gifts, drinking mulled wine, eating Hungarian specialties (like hurka and
kolbász) and pastries (like lángos and kürtőskalács), meeting with local people and other tourists, and listening to the lovely Christmas concerts on the stage of the market. The Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival is a wonderland every year. The Hungarian capital has a number of other fabulous markets with wonderful craft products, tasty local food and drinks as well as great programs – one of them not so far from Vörösmarty tér is actually in front of Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Christmas Market on Vörösmarty tér (8 November 2019 – 1 January 2020) Christmas Fair at the Basilica (22 November 2019 – 1 January 2020) 41
A WORLD OF EXCITEMENT DARK & NAKED C*MUNION
OKTOBEARFEST MR MAGNUM
SLAVE NIGHT NONSTOP WEEKENDS WELLNESS THURSDAYS NEW YEAR’S EVE
1085 Budapest, Csepreghy utca 2. G AY S A U N A B U D A P E S T. C O M
GASTRONOMY
HUNGRY IN HUNGARY
Hungry – Hungary. Haha, please don’t. This is a pun we Hungarians are really tired of and I am also unsure it was the right title here… Anyway, it is obvious you need to eat while you are on holiday so why not go for something traditional and local? You might have heard of goulash soup but what else is worth trying? Here is our list of Hungarian dishes you simply shouldn’t miss during your stay in Budapest.
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SOUPS
Goulash soup (gulyásleves)
Újházi chicken soup (Újházi tyúkhúsleves)
Although we really don’t eat it on a daily, or even a weekly basis, goulash is a tasty and traditional soup we are proud of. If you are from Western Europe, you might have heard of it or tried it as a stew, but our version is a rich soup of meat, vegetables, lovely little dumplings, some (actually, a lot of) spices and the most essential Hungarian ingredient: paprika. This red powder is basically a kind of ground pepper and it gives a unique taste to many Hungarian dishes. Goulash soup is available in almost every restaurant.
Yes, here we are. The soup almost every family make as part of their Sunday lunch. This dish has everything that one could ever wish for when it comes to soup. I am serious: it has delicious cooked poultry, vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, peas, kohlrabi, garlic... and I stop here because I don’t want to make it a long paragraph. So these are nicely cooked together and the result is a rich but light soup with some nice noodles, meat and veggies with a beautiful golden color.
HELLO BUDAPEST GASTRONOMY
MAIN DISHES
STREET FOOD
I would say this is one of the best Hungarian dishes. The lovely ground paprika is added to sautéed chopped onions to which you add water, beef and vegetables, and after a couple hours what you get is a thick, spicy stew with soft meat and lots of flavors. Strongly recommended.
This thing is heaven. It is like a flatbread but not exactly. A deep fried piece of dough made of flour, water, salt and yeast. Simple, yet amazing! After dripping the oil off, we usually put some garlic oil, a LOT of sour cream and EVEN MORE grated cheese on top just to make it heart-friendly. It is a bit fatty but tourists love it – not to mention Hungarians. Lángos for everyone, please!
Beef stew (marhapörkölt)
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Stuffed cabbage / Cabbage roll (Töltött káposzta) Another dish we Hungarians usually eat at Christmas. First, you make meatballs (ground meat, rice, eggs, salt and pepper) and you wrap them in cabbage leaves. Then you put these cabbage bags in a pot with pickled cabbage and smoked sausage. It is served with sour cream on top and it is just right for cold winter evenings. Every family, every grandma has their own, unique and somehow different recipe. Don’t leave the country without trying one!
Lángos
DESSERT
Dobos cake (dobostorta) This layer cake is really popular in Hungary. You can’t take a walk without seeing these palatable creations in the windows of cake shops. The soft sponge cake layers are glued to each other with cocoa cream and there is another layer of caramelized sugar on top. If you have a sweet tooth, this cake is right up your street!
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1 092 Budap es t, Rรกday utca 4. info @ cos tes.hu res er vation@ cos tes.hu +36 1 2 19 0696 +36 20 51 0 0 05 4 1 051 Budap es t, V ig yรกzรณ Ferenc utca 5 . res er vation@ cos tes downtown.hu +36 1 920 1 015
W W W. C O S T E S . H U
HELLO BUDAPEST GASTRONOMY
Chimney cake (kürtős kalács)
If you have ever visited Prague, you might think chimney cake is a traditional Czech thing but don’t let yourself be fooled! This is a truly Hungarian masterpiece with Transylvanian roots which just recently became popular on the streets of Budapest (it is traditionally sold at fairs). Modern stuffed ones with ice-cream are available but the original versions are sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed walnuts. And how does it looks like? Imagine a sweet yeasty dough that is spun into a long, thin strip which is then wrapped around a giant rolling pin. Then the whole tube of dough is covered in granulated sugar and put above charcoal till the sugar caramelizes and makes a nice golden-brown, crispy layer. When done, kürtős kalács looks like a steaming chimney (hence the name) but most probably tastes better than one. Additional toppings can be added onto the crispy sugar layer such as vanilla, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or crushed walnut.
WHAT TO DRINK?
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Hungary has amazing wine regions. Unfortunately, the geographical features of the country don’t allow us to produce
a massive amount, therefore we cannot spread it all over the supermarkets of Europe. The wine region of Tokaj is a well-known area, their most distributed product is the Tokaji Aszú – but let’s not forget Hungary’s famous lake, Balaton which has a long-time inactive volcano, and we all know grape loves that kind of soil. The other unique area is around the town of Szekszárd, which is well-known for its special micro-climate. I suggest sticking with these two regions when you order. Both red and white wines rock. If you are not a wine type or just want to kick off a party, pálinka is something you simply have to try in Hungary. We drink this fruit brandy as a shot, sometimes combined with meals – one shot before the meal and two shots after it to make sure we are not sober anymore (it’s also a really good digestive). Pálinka has many different flavors, since it can be made of various fruits such as plum, apricot, peach, pear, quince or cherries. Last but not least you should try our bitter herbal liqueur called Unicum which is almost 150 years older than Jägermeister. I would suggest trying the plum version first as the original is way too bitter for most people.
BEAUTIFUL DELICACIES IN DOWNTOWN BUDAPEST
SZAMOS CAFE
(next to the Parliament) 1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 10.
SZAMOS GOURMET HOUSE 1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 5.
GASTRONOMY
ENJOY SPANISH CULINARY TREATS IN BUDAPEST Behind every noble cut there’s a story, but only for those who are willing to discover the secrets of an authentic Spanish ritual.
AMAZING STEAKS & SEAFOOD
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For centuries, Spain has been a home of quality roast meat. Our highly marbled Iberian pork comes from D.O. Guijuelo, the most prestigious protected farming area of Spain, while our premium beef is the combination of tradition and expertise unique to the Basque Country: the txuleton bone-in ribeye steak of 1 kg in weight is the flagship of the world-famous Basque gastronomy, perfectly chargrilled in Budapest. Seafood and fish, like our one-ofa-kind salmon steak grilled on oak
plank, reveal their natural perfection in our asador charcoal oven, sprinkled only with any one of 6 different salts we use. Biscay-style sea bass and Galician octopus showcase the variety of Spanish culinary traditions with tempting flavours and authentic character, transporting you literally to the Spanish shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
THE BEST CHEESES PAIRED WITH THE BEST WINES At Asador we are proud of our award-winning Iberian cheese,
GASTRONOMY
our San Miguel Selecta premium beer and our varied Spanish wine list of more than 70 signature items representing the historical wine regions of Spain. Yet our philosophy may be best reflected in our environmentally conscious water-management system offering exclusively our very own, magnesium-enriched water. El Asador de Pata Negra is the home of unique culinary delights and genuine Spanish gastronomy in the middle of downtown Budapest, in the heart of the gay quarter.
1061 BUDAPEST, PAULAY EDE UTCA 39.
(entrance from Vasvári Pál utca) RESERVATION: +36 1 406 2728, asador@patanegra.hu OPENING HOURS: 12:00–24:00 51
TOP TABLES
BALTAZÁR GRILL
DESPITE IT’S SEDATE REPUTATION, BUDA IS HOME TO A BUZZING RESTAURANT SCENE
Bisected by the Danube River, Budapest is a city with two dramatically different personalities. While many visitors to the Hungarian capital spend most of their time exploring lively Pest, Buda isn’t without its own happening hotspots. In fact, cross the Chain Bridge and you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants amid the elegant streets surrounding Buda Castle.
Taking pride of place in this restaurant is a Josper charcoal grill, which is used to prepare various meats – everything from free-range chicken to dry-aged beef. It’s every carnivore’s idea of paradise.
baltazarbudapest.com
PEST-BUDA BISTRO
Situated in the city’s oldest hotel (which opened over 300 years ago in 1696), this eatery dishes up affordable home-style fare, such as beef goulash and Wiener schnitzel. Plus, its pastas and sausages are all made by hand. Our alfresco café-bistro are open at Hess András Square. pest-buda.com
21 HUNGARIAN KITCHEN
Tuck into quintessential Hungarian cuisine, such as chicken paprikash, at this laid-back bistro. There are more unusual options on the menu too, such as catfish and chips – a modern interpretation of the classic dish. 21restaurant.hu
PIERROT
Set in a traditional bakery house dating back to the 13th century, this family-run restaurant serves up classic Hungarian dishes with a contemporary spin. Be sure to dine al fresco in its courtyard during the warmer months. pierrot.hu
JAMIE OLIVER’S ITALIAN
If you’ve a hankering for some Italian fare, head to this outpost of the popular casual dining chain. Take your pick from a wide array of pastas, pizzas and more; there’s a kids’ menu, too. jamiesitalian.hu
SPÍLER ORIGINAL
A favorite among downtown locals, Spíler serves up street food and Hungarian microbrews against the animated backdrop of the restaurant- and bar-filled passage Gozsdu Udvar. spilerbp.hu
SPÍLER SHANGHAI
Sibling to the bustling Spíler, Spíler Shanghai—also in Gozsdu Udvar—is at once a bistro, bar and club, where Asian-inspired food and a slate of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Singaporean beers are sipped at the massive bar. During the weekends, the Midnight arrival of a DJ ensures the party atmosphere is maintained well into the night. A “Secret Bar” is coveted for private soirees. spilershanghai.hu
SPÍLER BUDA
It is about rock, the spark of life, but in an easy way. Beautiful fabrics, glitter, and amazing music are waiting for you all day long. You can choose from wonderful dishes from the best ingredients, followed by amazing wines from the New World and cool cocktails. spilerbuda.hu
JAMIE OLIVER’S PIZZERIA
The Italian way of eating is all about family and friends getting together to enjoy great food, and that’s what Jamie’s Pizzeria is all about. This place is a true reflection of everything Jamie stands for - simple, honest and tasty food, created using superbly sourced produce and all at a great price. The menu at Jamie’s Pizzeria is concise, focused on incredible oven baked pizzas - topped with big flavours and fresh ingredients - as well as simple salads and a selection of Italian desserts, served up in a buzzing environment. jamiespizzeria.hu
GASTRONOMY
ANTRÉ RESTAURANT IN LOVE WITH FOOD IN THE HEART OF BUDAPEST Friendly and professional service, carefully selected, quality ingredients and true Hungarian flavors are the main characteristics of Antré. Located in the very heart of Budapest, Antré is only a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament, the Opera House and several other important sights of the city center. Due to its optimal location, it is suitable for 54
any occasion, let it be a rich breakfast to start the day, a business meeting, or a romantic dinner with a special someone. They are serving traditional Hungarian dishes with ’farm to table’ ingredients
GASTRONOMY
special weekly lunch menu. Guests love it so much for its great value, its flavors and presentation that in 2018 Antré was chosen to be among the TOP 10 best restaurants offering a daily lunch menu in Budapest by the Hungarian gastro magazine Magyar Konyha. In addition, Antré received the special prize of ’Best Service’ on the basis of nearly 3,000 independent readers’ votes of the international gastro magazine Dining City. All in all, the team of Antré is happy to welcome you any day of the week with care and passion for gastronomy, friendly service and with the same modern and open-minded way of thinking that they practice in the kitchen. in a modern but cozy environment, with not only a comfortable and appealing interior but a rain-proof terrace that can be enjoyed in any weather, all year round. The restaurant is open every day from early morning to late night. Other than the traditional but modern dishes, you can find a large selection of local wines and quality drinks on the menu. The restaurant is also awaiting you if you are around at lunchtime, with a very
OPENING HOURS: every day from 7am to midnight ADDRESS: 1061 Budapest, Király utca 8. (Central Passage building) WEBSITE: www.antrebudapest.com RESERVATION:
restaurant@antrebudapest.com or + 36 70 883 0942 55
GASTRONOMY
A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF SWEETNESS Established in 1935, Szamos is one of Hungary’s most renowned family businesses. Mátyás Szamos was the first to create the famous marzipan roses which are used until this day as a popular cake decoration. Not long after that, an array of cakes, chocolate candies and pralines followed. Located in the 100-year-old historical building of the former stock market in the heart of the city, the Szamos Gourmet House awaits its guests with a classic café atmosphere. Anyone who likes cakes, bonbons and praline, and for whom high quality is important, will enjoy the elegant setting and the friendly service. The shop offers not only sweets, great coffee and hot chocolate, rather they also have 56
a popular breakfast buffet and an excellent lunch menu. The culinary experiences are only enriched by the environment: the walls are decorated with the famous porcelain pictures of the Herend Porcelain Manufacture, inspired by Szamos, which are the works of graphic artist Eszter Domé. The newest store of Szamos, the Szamos Cafe is located right next to the Parliament on Kossuth tér. In addition
GASTRONOMY
to the cakes, the menu is compiled mainly of sandwiches and smoothies. However, they also have a full-fledged kitchen offering a range of delicious dishes. The first floor of the Szamos Cafe is a unique delicacy in itself since it boasts the amazing Szamos Chocolate Museum. Collected by the Szamos family over 30 years, the 4500 objects fill six exhibition rooms.
You can find Szamos confectioneries in and around the city at a number of locations. If you are in the mood for a trip to the spectacular Danube bend, definitely visit the Szamos Marzipan Museum in Szentendre which has the largest marzipan exhibition in Europe. Fortunately, right next to it you can also taste the delicious beauties at the Múzeum Confectionery.
ADDRESS: 1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 5. OPENING HOURS: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 9pm WEBSITE: szamos.hu/uzletek/szamos-gourmet-haz
@SzamosGourmetHaz 57
GAY RESTAURANT Why Not Bistro offers trendy Hungarian cuisine as well as international dishes at the best prices on the riverbank. 1056 Budapest, Belgrรกd rakpart 18. +36 70 579 0719 whynotbistro.hu
whynotbistro
WHERE YOU INSTANTLY FEEL AT HOME! Game nights, concerts, karaoke parties and daily drink promotions. We welcome our cherished guests with a friendly atmosphere & an open-air terrace looking directly over to GellĂŠrt Hill across the Danube. 1056 Budapest, BelgrĂĄd rakpart 3-4. +36 1 780 4545 whynotcafe.hu
whynotbudapest
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BUDAPEST
Running through all of the major tourist areas of the city, Budapest has one of the most efficient and inexpensive public transport systems of Europe. It is definitely the best internal travel option you can choose for your visit.
FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER
The city center can be easily accessed by various means from Budapest Airport. The direct shuttle bus 100E between Liszt Ferenc International Airport and DeĂĄk Ferenc tĂŠr in the city center runs every 10 minutes during daytime and about every 20 minutes late at night or early in the morning. A special single ticket is required for each trip which costs 900 Hungarian forints. This ticket can be purchased from the ticket machines in the bus stop.
TICKETS, TRAVEL CARDS AND PASSES
MiniBUD Airport Shuttle Services provide door to door airport transfers from 6 EUR. Online booking at www.minibud.hu
One of the most important things about public transport tickets (except for suburban railway extension tickets, boat and ferry tickets) is that they need to be validated by stamping or punching at a machine. You shall validate your ticket prior to the start of your journey on metro lines M1, M2, M3 and M4, while on other vehicles immediately after boarding or departure on 60
PUBLIC TRANSPORT the vehicle itself. Boat and ferry tickets are validated by the crew, while suburban railway extension tickets require no validation after purchase; the same goes for travel cards and passes which allow unlimited trips within the indicated validity period. Within the city limits of Budapest, you can also travel on the suburban railway lines by purchasing a single ticket which needs to be validated (unlike the aforementioned extension ticket which is only valid for the stops outside city limits). The validating machines located at the entrance of metro stations stamp the starting time of your trip onto your ticket. Trams, trolleybuses, buses and suburban railway trains have two types of validators: 1. Red, manual validators Please insert your ticket into the opening on top and punch it by pulling the black frame of the slot towards you. 2. The orange or yellow electric devices Please insert your ticket into the opening on the front for automatic validation. A light indicates on the front if the machine is operational (green means it’s functioning, red if it’s out of order). Single tickets entitle passengers to take one uninterrupted trip on the whole length of a line, but on the suburban railways only within the city boundaries. With the exception of traveling on the metro network, single tickets do not allow changes between lines. Tickets are valid for 80 minutes (120 minutes on night services) after stamping. You can purchase tickets, travel cards and passes at BKK customer service centers, ticket offices and ticket vending machines. TVMs are easy to use as they feature touchscreens and multilingual menu systems. For more information on public transport, go to bkk.hu/en or futar.bkk.hu Source: Budapesti Közlekedési Központ • www.bkk.hu
TAKING A TAXI
If you decide to take a taxi from the airport or you just want to get around a bit more comfortably, be careful to only use the services of licensed Budapest taxis. They are easily recognizable by their yellow color with a checkered stripe on the side and a ’Licensed Budapest taxi’ statement on their windows. Their unified prices are written both on the outside and the inside of the car. They accept all major credit and debit cards besides cash. Unfortunately, there are also quite a few unfair freelance taxi drivers on the roads, but if you pay attention to the aforementioned characteristics, you shall be fine. 61
Daytime transport 04:30–23:50
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Hungarian (magyar) English and German are the most frequently used second languages; Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004 OFFICIAL CURRENCY: Hungarian forint (Ft or HUF) Prices in shops are gross (VAT is included) TIME ZONE: UTC +1 hour; Daylight saving time (March-October): UTC +2 hours PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, 15 March, Good Friday and Easter Monday, 1 May, Whit Monday, 20 August, 23 October, 1 November, 25–26 December CLIMATE: four seasons, with July and August being the hottest months (+25/+40°C) and December and January the coldest (–4/ –15°C). ELECTRICITY: AC: 230V/50Hz (European standard) Sockets: Type F (European standard 2 pin) If necessary, you can buy a travel adapter in an electrical store in any mall.
GENER AL EMERGENCY LINE:
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REGULATIONS ON SMOKING AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: Tobacco products can only be purchased at licensed tobacconists called Nemzeti Dohánybolt. Smoking is forbidden in indoor public spaces such as bars, restaurants and pubs, and outdoors in the following: at public transport stops and within five meters from the entrances of shops and public buildings. Elsewhere smoking is allowed at designated places only. Depending on district regulations, buying alcoholic drinks in shops is not allowed after 10 or 11 pm. Alcohol consumption is forbidden in public spaces. Persons under 18 years of age cannot be served with alcohol, nor can they enter tobacconists. Certain places of entertainment may also bar them from entering. IN RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Before you order, make sure you are familiar with the prices and service charges, which you can usually find on the menu and wine list. TIP: give around 10% (service is sometimes included in the price, so check the bill)
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