Insider tips Budapest: Sparkling gay life

Ákos is one of our proud hosts from Budapest. Dancer, choreographer and teacher, he loves traveling, and together with his boyfriend Gergely he owns an amazing designer apartment in one of the most beautiful and open-minded cities in Europe. Budapest really is a rare pearl to discover: famous for its thermal baths, this city is full of surprises. Here's a guide Ákos put together to make sure you enjoy his hometown like a gay local...

How gay-friendly is Budapest? What’s gay life like there?

I think Budapest is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the region. People are quite open-minded, clubs and bars are tolerant. Being gay in Budapest is totally okay: the gay life here is sparkling, both from a cultural and a nightlife point of view. There's a wide range of clubs and bars, from alternative to popular parties.

What are the best gay events that take place there each year?

Gay Pride Budapest in June, and one of Europe’s biggest festival, Sziget. Sziget is not a specifically gay festival, but there's a gay venue there, and the whole crowd is very open-minded.

© Pixabay

We only have 48 hours in Budapest! What can’t we miss?

You shouldn't miss the typical tourist sights, like Parliament, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Heroes Square and Andrassy Avenue. On the other hand, there are also alternative tours, which are organized by ordinary citizens; they show you the best places that aren't always included in mainstream guided tours. Hosszú Lépés is one of them.

Sounds great! And what’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch or dinner?

We don’t have any specific gay restaurants in Budapest, but there are a lot of good places to treat yourself: from Michelin-star restaurants (Onyx, Costes Downtown, Borkonyha) to fine dining (Bábel, Kiosk, Pomodoro). Random diners can also be found in the Jewish District (Gozsdu, Macesz Huszár, Vingate, Kádár).

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Breakfast places are becoming more and more popular in the city (Cirkusz, Stika and Á la Maison). You can also get brunch in the restaurants of popular hip hotels like Zara Hotel, Buddha-Bar, The Ritz and Kempinski.

© Flickr/José L. Vargas

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

The gay crowd is everywhere in Budapest; that’s why there are no specific gay bars. The best places to be are what we call “ruin bars”. They can be found all over the city. It’s quite an interesting concept; they are special bars, established in old ruin buildings. There's a great atmosphere. Try Szimpla Kert and Fogasház. 

OK, now we’re ready to party! What are the best clubbing options?

Every weekend there are different parties, such as Garçons, Vibe, Hello or Women on Women for girls. There is a regular club called Alterego which is open every Friday and Saturday. Coxx and Magnum Sauna are also quite popular.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

Budapest is rich with thermal waters. So the best option is going to a bath. For example, at Rudas Thermal Baths there are men-only opening times, which can be very gay-friendly.

© Flickr/tewhiufoto

And finally, where can we get the best view of Budapest?

Going up to the Buda Castle, Fishermans Bastion, Citadell, or the lookout on János-hegy. There's also a secret lookout from where the landscape looks amazing: try Vérhalom tér. ●

Fancy taking in the sights of Budapest? Check out some more Local Tips from one of our other hosts in this amazing city and stay like a gay local!

STAY SOCIAL

Don't forget to add us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Follow us for exclusive content, special offers and to share your travel pictures using the hashtag #staylikeagaylocal. We love seeing what you get up to on your misterb&b vacation and we'll share the best pics with our global LGBT travel community!