Bud-awe-pest

Adam provides the best gay guide to entertain yourself in Budapest. His city is not exactly a gay mecca, but you will certainly find interesting activities and cool venues to visit. Follow his tips to have the gayest of stays: taste the delicious local food, be awed by the views of the river Danube, and drink in the best ruin bars. Explore Budapest and experience your pride. 

 

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

It is getting better, and better! I feel confident kissing my boyfriend in a pub. I would say people might find it strange intially, but they accept it. Budapest doesn’t have a specific gay area compared to other cities, but there are gay clubs, pubs and saunas. I would say we still need to develop a lot. In terms of acceptance, we’re standing in the middle: we're doing much better than Slavic countries, but we're not as straightforward as Scandinavia or Western Europe.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Gay Pride without a doubt. We also have an improvisation theatre company which performs gay plays with straight actors. It's so popular and their shows are amazing!

 

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

I would recommend starting with a walk in city center, along the Danube. You have a beautiful view of the bridges from there. Stroll on Andrassy Boulevard to see our magnificent Opera Theatre, and if you get tired, take the second oldest metro of Europe and go to Hero Square to sit in the City Park. You can rent a boat there and enjoy a beautiful view of the Vajdahunyad Castle from the lake. Budapest is a beautiful combination of nature and history. 

Don’t miss the Chain Bridge, definitely go to Buda Castle, and take a romantic walk in the neighboring narrow streets until you reach Matthias Church. Make sure you stop by the Central Market Hall during your stay to enjoy delicious Hungarian specialties - don't miss our lángos (deep fried bread)! After that go to the Jewish Synagogue, which is marvellous and giant. Next to that you’ll find a nice spot to enjoy the best Flódni of Rákel - a Jewish cake with poppy seeds, walnuts, apple, and plum jam. 

©Unsplash / Weronika Marcińczyk

 

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Kiosk for sure. They are gay friendly, and they have very nice food, offering a combination of traditional and modern choices. It is stylish in its design, but with a peculiar charm. It looks like a modern ruin bar along the Danube with a view. The price is a bit expensive, but considering the location and the quality of food, you will be treating yourself. I strongly recommend trying their gulyás soupe and mákos guba (poppy seed cake with poppy seed ice cream, and crunchy caramel inside). The staff are polite and helpful, and the guys are really handsome :)

 

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Go to Szimpla Kert Brunch. It is only open on Sundays from 9am till 2pm. Don’t miss local products (ham, cheese, salami, bread). If you look for fresh and homemade products this is your perfect brunch place. It’s a unique experience to have brunch in a ruin bar.

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

We don’t have many...just go to Why not Café. It’s really small but friendly, and you also get nice views of the river Danube from there too.

 

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Alterego, which offers the best drag queen shows at midnight. Don’t miss them, they're funny :) Entrance is also cheaper before midnight. Even if you want to do some karaoke, this is the perfect venue, so check their events page on facebook for these special nights. 

© Flickr/Louise Fegert

 

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Alterego, Why not Café and Habrolo.

 

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

Go to Normafa and hop on our libegő (ski elevator). This takes you to highest point of the city and you will be in awe of the wonderful views on offer. For a quick romantic getaway from the city, take a walk in the nearby forest. The pathway is nicely organized.

© Flickr/tewhiufoto

 

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

Try our spas (Széchenyi or Gellért or Rudas) and enjoy the nice thermal water, saunas, and astonishing architectural style. During the evening, I recommend having fun with some drinks in a ruin bar, like Szimpla Kert. If you’re more of an outdoorsy kind of guy, visit our beautiful parks: Margit Island, City Park, Kopaszi gát.

 

Thinking of visiting Budapest? Check out more Local Tips and Travel Guide page for this great gay city!  

 

 

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