Gay Budapest Budapest City Guide

Curation by Jamie McGhee, words by Ian Packham

The elegant streets and the nineteenth century, fin de siècle architecture of the Hungarian capital epitomize the grand and optimistic style in which Budapest both saw – and sees – itself. An eastern European city that looked westward even when behind the Iron Curtain, the city has a long history of culture and liberalism. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts more than 100 museums and galleries, as well as a nightlife scene regarded as one of the continent’s finest, whether you’re straight or gay. The city’s LGBTQ community is open and socially accepted, with a form of civil union legalised in 2007, and an annual Pride celebration which has run since 1993. Wondering what to do in Budapest? Look no further than the Mr Hudson Budapest gay guide!

Where to stay in Budapest

Budapest, a city that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern luxury, offers an array of exquisite accommodations for the discerning gay traveller. The Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is a musical masterpiece, where each of its four wings is dedicated to a different genre: classical, opera, contemporary, and jazz. Its rooftop High Note SkyBar provides a harmonious blend of crafted cocktails and panoramic city views. For those seeking a haven of tranquillity, the Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa, housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century building, offers an urban sanctuary with its expansive spa and wellness centre. The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, an art nouveau landmark, stands as a testament to the city’s golden age. Its stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles, and wrought iron balustrades transport guests to a bygone era of elegance. The Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, continues this theme of regal opulence. Once home to Princess Marie Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, it now houses the first Hungarian outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant. For a touch of Parisian charm in Budapest, the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest offers a mesmerising blend of Moorish, Art Nouveau, and Gothic styles. Its breathtaking arcade and glass ceiling make it a destination in itself, while its prime location in the heart of the city ensures easy access to Budapest’s myriad attractions.

Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection

Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa Budapest

With the epithet ‘City of Baths’ and more thermal springs than anywhere else in the world, Budapest is the perfect destination for indulging in a spa day

Things to do in Budapest

Budapest, the ‘City of Baths’, offers a plethora of experiences for the sophisticated gay traveller. The Rudas Turkish Bath, a 16th-century marvel, remains a must-visit with its octagonal pool and Ottoman dome. For a more contemporary spa experience, the art nouveau Gellért Baths offer a stunning backdrop for relaxation. Wine enthusiasts will delight in a guided tasting at the Faust Wine Cellar, nestled beneath Buda Castle. Speaking of which, the castle itself, now home to the Hungarian National Gallery, showcases an impressive collection of local and international art. The recently renovated Museum of Fine Arts in Heroes’ Square is another cultural gem, housing European masterpieces from the likes of El Greco and Goya. For a night of unparalleled elegance, the Hungarian State Opera House, freshly restored to its 19th-century splendour, offers world-class performances in an opulent setting. History buffs will appreciate the House of Terror, a poignant museum chronicling Hungary‘s fascist and communist regimes. For a taste of local life, the Great Market Hall is a feast for the senses, offering traditional Hungarian delicacies and artisanal crafts. End your day with a sunset cruise along the Danube, where the illuminated Parliament Building and Buda Castle create a magical tableau that epitomises the allure of this captivating city.

Faust Wine Cellar

St. Stephen's Basilica | Photo: Daniel Olah

Going to Budapest? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect trip

What to see in Budapest

Budapest’s allure lies in its diverse neighbourhoods and architectural marvels. The Jewish Quarter, once a hub of Jewish culture, has transformed into the city’s creative epicentre. Its ruin bars, street art, and trendy cafes make it a magnet for the bohemian set. The nearby Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Budapest’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, lined with neo-renaissance mansions and designer boutiques. For breathtaking views, ascend Gellért Hill to the Citadella, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Danube and both Buda and Pest. The fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill offers equally stunning views, its white stone terraces providing a romantic setting for sunset gazing. For a poignant reminder of history, visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, a powerful tribute to victims of the Arrow Cross regime. Nature lovers will appreciate Margaret Island, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city, complete with thermal spas, mediaeval ruins, and musical fountains. The recently revitalised Liberty Square showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from art nouveau to socialist realist, and hosts the controversial Freedom Monument. For a glimpse into Budapest’s LGBTQ+ scene, head to District VII, where gay-friendly bars and clubs create a vibrant nightlife. End your sightseeing at St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose neoclassical grandeur and panoramic dome views provide a fitting finale to your Budapest exploration.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge | Photo: Daniel Olah

St. Stephen’s Basilica | Photo: Marco Meyer

Budapest’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation

Where to eat in Budapest

Budapest’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. Onyx, the city’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a sublime journey through Hungarian cuisine with its ‘Hungarian Evolution’ menu. Babel Budapest specialises in the flavours of Transylvania, the Romanian region once within Hungarian borders (and famously home to Dracula). For a more casual yet equally impressive experience, Borkonyha Winekitchen, holder of one Michelin star, serves contemporary Hungarian dishes paired with an extensive selection of local wines. Stand Restaurant, helmed by celebrated chef Széll Tamás, offers an ever-changing menu that showcases the best of seasonal Hungarian ingredients. For a taste of nostalgia, New York Café, often called ‘the most beautiful café in the world’, serves classic Hungarian dishes in a breathtakingly ornate setting.

Babel

Kiosk, housed in a stunning art nouveau building, offers a modern take on Hungarian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere and riverside views. For those seeking plant-based options, Mazel Tov in the Jewish Quarter serves Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian dishes in a magical garden setting. No culinary tour of Budapest would be complete without sampling traditional Hungarian street food. No culinary tour of Budapest would be complete without sampling traditional Hungarian street food. For an elevated take on classic street fare, head to Karaván, a trendy street food court where you can sample everything from gourmet lángos to chimney cakes in a vibrant outdoor setting. Finally, for a truly unique dining experience, Costes Downtown offers a Michelin-starred menu in a sleek, modern setting within a boutique hotel. Whether you’re craving innovative gastronomy or comforting traditional fare, Budapest’s diverse culinary landscape caters to every palate with style and panache.

Mazel Tov

Shopping in Budapest

Budapest offers a treasure trove of shopping experiences for the discerning gentleman. Vass Shoes remains a mecca for footwear aficionados, its handcrafted leather shoes epitomising timeless elegance. Made-to-measure shoes in hand, make your way to Zsigmondo Dora, a designer menswear store whose creative force has developed a fashion brand that is underpinned by traditional tailoring techniques yet demonstrates a much cleaner and youthful edge. Nanushka, a local brand gone global, showcases sustainable, gender-fluid designs in its flagship store, a harmonious blend of brutalist and art deco aesthetics. Not your usual souvenir store, Printa Design Shop stocks Budapest-inspired gifts by Hungarian artists and designers, in addition to one-of-a-kind T-shirts and interior pieces largely made from natural materials. Wine enthusiasts should not miss Bortársaság, where knowledgeable sommeliers guide you through Hungary’s diverse wine regions. The recently opened MONO art + design gallery in the Castle District showcases contemporary Hungarian art and design, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated souvenir.

Printa Design Shop

As the original and best-loved of the city’s ‘ruin bars’ – an eclectic band of drinking spots set up in derelict buildings – Szimpla Kert maintains much of its former factory feel

Budapest nightlife

It would be remiss of a Budapest gay city guide to ignoring Why Not Bar, whose cosy, down-to-earth atmosphere spills out onto the terrace on the banks of the Danube and is a great introduction to the local scene. Open throughout the day and long into the night, the bar offers cocktails and craft beers, while regular events include karaoke and bingo nights. A short distance away you’ll also find Habroló. A café and bar with a homely look of comfy sofas and patterned wallpapers, Habroló is a popular venue with Budapest’s gay residents looking for a low-key place to hang out. The ruin bar concept continues to thrive, with Szimpla Kert leading the pack. Its eclectic decor and live music events create an unforgettable atmosphere. For breathtaking views, Leo Rooftop atop the Hotel Clark offers panoramic vistas of the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. Meanwhile, for a touch of elegance, head to Blue Fox The Bar at the Kempinski Hotel, where expert mixologists craft bespoke cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Alterego Club remains the go-to for late-night dancing, with its multiple floors catering to different musical tastes. But for a uniquely Budapest experience, board the A38 Ship, a decommissioned Ukrainian stone-carrier turned cultural centre, offering live music and DJ sets with Danube views.