Claudia from Budapest

About me Spoiled by the beauty of my native Firenze, in Italy, I recently celebrated my 10th year in Budapest, a city I couldn't have enough of, yet. I'm an official tour guide, a journalist and a writer, but most of all someone who needs to be surrounded by lively places and stunning architecture. Why Budapest Budapest never stops surprising me and this keeps...

Oct 2, 2025

Bem Mozi Budapest

The repertory cinema

""Bem Mozi" is a 111-year-old cinema in Budapest. It's a no-multi repertory cinema w/ a single screen. I also like its bar where it's possible to socialize."

When I visit other countries, I look for a place like this: Bem Mozi is a cinema, but also a community.

Inaugurated in 1908, 111-year-old Bem is a "no-multi" repertory cinema: there's a single screen, in a room which is not even that big. All the movies here are in their original language (if Hungarians love it, expats might find it vital) and the selection is over the top. Everybody is welcome, even those who "accidentally fell from Bem's pub into the screening room".

Several years ago it had to close down, when it seemed that we were all doomed to accept multiplexes, but thanks to Budapest's incredible faith in cinema, in 2016 it reopened its doors. A miracle that I hoped for where I was born, in Italy, but never saw happening.

On a rainy Sunday, what's better than a classic with a company of other movie lovers? Bem is a welcoming shelter in wintertime but its selection is so fine as to make it a perfect solution even when it's too warm and stormy. A beer before or after the screening sets the mood and offers you the chance to socialise. The bar is in typical Hungarian retrò style and serves the staple snacks such as "rópi", salty sticks, and "fat bread" slices with onion and lard.

It really makes the difference where you watch "The Graduate" or "Scent of a Woman". Masterpieces are made for the big screen and the big screen of a small theatre is simply unbeatable.

Cinema

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Margit körút 5

Basic ticket:

HUF

1600

Social

Our Budapest City Guide

Find your way with 174 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest

Lúd Labor

Local paper store, made with love

"Lúd Labor" in Budapest is the perfect stationery shop. More than half its wares are made by local designers, I tend to lose control in here...

Shopping

Claudia

Leporatti

Oct 12, 2025

Hungarian Treasury

My favourite building

The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...

Art & culture

Claudia

Leporatti

Oct 12, 2025

Vivina café

Brunch classic in Budapest

The true star of Vivina’s brunch menu is the porridge—comforting, nourishing, and served with fresh berries and toasted nuts, it’s one of the best porridges in town!

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Betti

Galos

Oct 11, 2025

Lion's Locker

A tasty home for travellers

"Lion's Locker" in Budapest is a cute family-run cafe where I can stay all day. The staff is all wonderful - and they know how to make almond milk foam!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Claudia

Leporatti

Oct 9, 2025

Arán Bakery Budapest

Sourdough and dreams

"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...

Snacks

Iulia

Notaros

Oct 9, 2025

Sport Bisztró

Fitness for the stomach

"Sport Bisztró" in Budapest is a pleasantly familiar, well-oiled haunt that sticks to the proverb 'healthy mind in a healthy body!' Great sports bar, too.

Hidden zen oasis

The Japanese garden hidden in a leafy corner of Zugló. It was created in 1928 by Márton Varga and followed Japanese principles as much as possible...

Relaxing

Iulia

Notaros

Oct 6, 2025

Kieselbach Galéria

Collection of Legends

Kieselback Gallery showcases Hungary’s greatest art, from classics to modern works. Free entry, quiet rooms, and nearby cafés make a very special place.

Art & culture