I imagine a Matrioska. Here’s one of Budapest’s biggest districts, number 8, which hosts a gorgeous portion named “The Palace Quarter” (Palota Negyed). Within this up-and-coming area flooded with students and artsy locations, there’s a cute street with a hard-to-pronounce name. Every time I give a tour of the area, guests spontaneously stop to take pictures.
Let’s get back inside the Matrioska, to its core. Where it lays a yellow courtyard and garden covered with ivy, decorated by baroque statues and covered by a cobblestone pavement, resides the Chamber of Architects.
Since 1954 the headquarters of the Association of Hungarian Architects, this structure, called Almássy Palace, was built in 1877 and designed by Antal Gottgéb. It's described as “an open house” where different branches of art can meet architecture & where architects can meet the society - they also organize expositions.
In the place of a former canteen, in 2022 a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court. There is quite a buzz around this place! Benedict Cumberbatch had dinner here, and Johnny Deep tried to do the same, but the location was reserved for a private event, a wedding. Regrettably, the owners had to deny Johnny a table, but he took it with sportsmanship and joined the party for a group photo.
There is a guest who is always there: Ödön Lechner (1845-1914) in a relief dedicated to him as the founder of the Hungarian Art Nouveau style (Secession).
Find your way with 171 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Artificial "Lake Naplás" in Budapest is an unexpected delight where few downtowners or tourists ever venture. It's perfect for interesting nature treks...
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"Massolit Books & Café" is a coffee shop in an English bookstore. I wrote my 1st novel here, several short stories... I'd miss it the most were I to leave.
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The concept of Könyv Szekér in Budapest is to save books from being thrown out or destroyed — they are little mobile bookstores on old-school carriages!
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Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... It's a big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
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Szabad Bisztró in Budapest has delicious vegan dishes and local drinks, but it's also associated with local initiatives, as with the terrace out front!
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Szabó Ervin Library in Budapest has been my shelter many a time. The 100-year-old chairs & sofas create a unique atmosphere for studying or relaxing...
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At Ignác, the well-thought touches thoroughly selected, often local products co-live nicely with each other, creating a welcoming, charming little space.
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This small business is owned by a Dutch couple, and they happily offer their traditional toasts and specialities.
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My go-to is the Diavola pizza (spicy Italian salami), which is baked to perfection, and let’s not forget about the four cheese pasta - a true masterpiece.
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171 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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