What To Do And See In Budapest

The Local’s Budapest: 10 Ways To Experience Magnificence

Budapest is a city with a charm all its own, even if it is one of the largest cities in the European Union. You could come to this city in the same way just about every other visitor does and have an excellent experience – there’s nothing wrong with that!

The essential Budapest, however, is 10 unique experiences to include with your journey here so that you build lifelong memories. From little hidden gems of shops to the best music and restaurants, here is everything you’re going to want to know about this beautiful metropolis.

#1. Coffee, Beer, and Books: A Winning Combination

When you first walk into Kelet Kavezo es Galeria, you’ll feel whatever stresses that have built up in your body begin to just vanish. The smell of the coffee hits you first and Kelet has every variety and brewing method available to meet your needs. Filtered coffee, Turkish coffee, and even freshly roasted beans for a whole bean roast are available.

Then there are the menu options: the fried catfish is a definite must-have. If you’d rather have a cup of tea, there are several loose leaf varieties available and if you just want a quick snack, be sure to grab one of their cookies. Once you’ve refreshed yourself, grab a magazine or a book and have a relaxing read.

You see, Kelet isn’t just your typical bookstore that added a coffee bar to increase their business. It’s the hub of the local neighborhood’s culture and every night there is something fresh and exciting going on. Small concerts, presentations, and the many literature nights will have you experiencing something fresh in Budapest that the average tourist never gets to see.

#2. The Busiest Night Spot Around: A38

Live music is a definite theme that you’ll find as you stroll the streets of Budapest, especially in the evening. If you’re looking for some good music at a better venue, then A38 is the place you’re going to want to go. Some call it the best stage in the world, but just make sure that you’ve got your sea legs underneath you if you decide to go because it’s based on a ship that was used to ship bricks from Ukraine to Hungary.

The stage has been renovated twice within the last decade and there’s a concert available almost every day of the week, though Sunday and Monday the club is usually either closed or not offering a concert. Many different musicians have called this stage home, from rock to jazz, and you will get a casual, fun experience in a pretty trendy environment.

What is the real benefit? It is a very intimate venue. You’ll feel nice and close to the musicians and you might just make a few new friends while you catch the show.

#3. Tipton Eyeworks: Vinyl Magic

The owners of Tipton Eyeworks have always loved music – especially the vinyl variety. The only difference is that they also saw the chance to create new products from well used vinyl records that didn’t work so well any more. That’s how Tipton Eyeworks got its start and it has taken off from there! If you’re in town and want a unique pair of glasses, then you can head on down to this store and have them made and shipped to your home in about a week.

This shop counts Elton John as a customer, but the real treasure that you can find are the cinematic glasses. These have film strips mounting in the temple and are customized after you favorite film. They don’t typically make these any more, so you might have to hunt around to find one if you want a pair!

As an extra bonus, the shop has also begun to create a few handbags for those that don’t need a pair of glasses. Keep an eye out for a pair of sunglasses as well because they’ll soon be headed your way!

#4. Nepsziget: A Relaxing Paradise Off the Beaten Track

As busy as Budapest can be, it can be extremely difficult to find a nook where there aren’t many people so that you can just decompress and relax. That’s what you’ll be able to find at Nepsziget, however, because it is one of the least known places to kick off your shoes and stay awhile. It’s a peninsula that is typically occupied by fishermen and there’s only 1 full time resident.

Camping is available in Nepsziget for those who wish to get out of the traffic of Budapest on a more permanent basis. The sunrises and sunsets over the Danube are particularly striking to see, but it must be in season for you to stay out there overnight at a sight. There may be no better place in all of Hungary to take a quiet walk, grab a beer, and enjoy the quiet.

Whether you want an afternoon picnic on a beautiful day or an extended stay, Nepsziget has exactly what you need.

#5. A Casual, Highly Affordable Spa

One of the reasons that Budapest is truly unique and special is that it is the only capital that is a thermal city on the continent. There are dozens of thermal sources underneath the city and many of them are used to create spa complexes to enjoy. Amongst the best of the best of these is Dandar and time at this spa is essential if you want to see what the Hungarian lifestyle is all about.

It isn’t the biggest spa you’ll ever see and there aren’t many options available to you outside of getting into the water, but it is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the bath culture. You’re not going to be able to swim here, so just sit back, relax, and let the water do its work! The water is often called some of the best in Budapest, even at the low entry price, so you may encounter some folks seeking out a medical treatment too.

Don’t worry – the water is fine!

#6. Soul Food on Kazynczy

If you want a great deal on some incredible food, then Soul Food is the natural destination for you. With lunches, dinners, and late night options available, you will leave with a taste of the US South in your mouth and a satisfied stomach! It’s a step above street food, but priced in a similar way, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a good meal either.

What should you order? The creole curry should be the #1 item on your list. Made with pineapple and chicken, it is spiced just right. You can grab a burger and be sure to try the sweet potato chips and the homemade chili. The service is fast, the atmosphere is intimate, and you may find that you’ll want to come back at least one more time during your stay in Budapest!

#7. Anker’t

One of the trademarks of Budapest is that you can find a pub just about anywhere. There are several ruins within the city limits that have an operational pub in them too, providing a unique atmosphere and some good drinks. The best of the best, however, is definitely Anker’t. It is a garden pub that is located inside a completely gutted house. There are no doors or windows, so you’re sitting at a table surrounded by archways of bricks and mortar.

Ruin pubs are generally a pretty good deal, but Anker’t is a little pricier than the rest. That’s because they have a stunning location and they know it! There’s a grill on site with some decent food options on the menu and a DJ plays a couple nights per week so you can get out and dance if you wish as well.

#8. The Capa Center

A number of great photographers were either born in Hungary or have Hungarian roots in their family. Despite all of this global talent, however, it took several decades for a dedicated forum to be created to display this type of artwork. Robert Capa, a photojournalist with too many credits to list, was the foundation of the Capa Center’s creation and you will find a number of temporary exhibitions that focus primarily on the visual arts.

#9. Millenaris Park

Did you know that there is a hidden Japanese garden in the middle of Budapest? Many people don’t realize this, especially since its location is at one of the old Ganz factories in town. There’s a wide pond on the grounds and if you’ve got the family along, there’s a playground available for the kids. Take a walk across the huge bridge to see the fish swimming in the pond below!

The Budapest Orchaestra also heads out to Millenaris Park some evenings for midnight concerts. You can grab a drink, sit back in a comfortable chair, or enjoy one of the cafes that have come to the area. Best of all, touring the garden space is completely free.

#10. Bakelit Multi-Art Center

There are lots of rumors about the Budapest “underground,” but for the most part, it is just a term used to describe local artists who wish to feel free to express themselves in their own unique way. The Bakelit studio is one of the best places to experience this concept for yourself and the stage is dominate by theatrical performances and some exhibitions. Different events happen regularly, so be sure to check in advance to see what is planned during your stay.

Budapest is a beautiful city that has many unique experiences. What will your journey through this lovely metropolis look like?

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