Bookta Budapest
Like a Hungarian writer
I like to play a game when I come to Bookta, a former bookstore turned into café and perched on a slope on the Buda side of Margaret Bridge. A bookcase covers an entire wall of the coffeehouse, heavy with old books in Hungarian. I pick one, read a line and start writing. Even if I didn't understand the sentence, this ritual gets me cracking.
Bookta's specialty are its daily menus inspired by acclaimed locals writers. For example, a fancy Martini as an homage of "Mihály Babits"' passion for Italy, or a breakfast à la "Endre Ady", the narcissistic genius of poetry, who loved Paris and would probably go for Bookta's croissant breakfast.
How weird of an animal a writer is, with all his/her consolidated habits. Most masterpieces are the product of obsessions and strict principles. Dalì wrote limpid lines about his hate for spinach, while Balzac’s 50 cups a day are the proof I can have as many espressos as I like.
Bookta valued this aspect, with a pinch of imagination.
At night, I favour "Geza Csáth", the handsome and damned: between women, opium, alchohol and literature, he died at 32. Bookta remembers him with a Bloody Mary. Â
My favourite, Kosztolányi, is represented with a romantic cocktail in honor of his character "Anna Édes" (The Sweet Anna), but one of his poems glorifies his morning coffee and that's what I normally order. And what I get with it is also a vital source of inspiration.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
The Magic – Tasty Harry Potter experience
It does not look like Hogwarts, but rather a medieval castle where each part has a reference to an event or a place from the books of J. K. Rowling...
By
Mária
Morozova
Zoo Cafe – Meet the animals
One of the ideas behind the place is to give a possibility for those who want to adopt an animal to try spending some time with them at the café.
By
Mária
Morozova
Bottomless Lake – Oasis in Buda
There's a myriad of urban legends; claiming that it managed to swallow tanks during WW2 or that after the system change '89 dead bodies were washed ashore.
By
Mária
Morozova
Pál-Völgyi Cave – Get adventurous
The cave is famous for its funny-shaped dripstones, significant differences in levels & narrow corridors. Let your fantasy run free at the Fairy Tale hall.
By
Mária
Morozova
House of Music – Feel the vibes
You can try out various sizable musical instruments & jump on the inbuilt constructions that produce sounds, and it is accessible outside of working hours.
By
Mária
Morozova
Koller Gallery – A secret garden
The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously.
By
Mária
Morozova
Medieval Wall of Pest – The memory of the past
The first wall was erected around Pest in the 13th century, but it was soon deconstructed. Another wall around Pest was built a century later...
By
Mária
Morozova
China Town – Taste & feel China
Don't let appearances fool you, at Monori Center you will find some of the most authentic Chinese restaurants that serve seafood, hot pots, and dumplings.
By
Mária
Morozova
The Flood of 1838 – Memories on the walls
The plaques with water markers set in stone refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high.
By
Mária
Morozova
Gólya Presszó – Easy way to meet the locals
Check their program, as they have a lot of fun activities ranging from concerts, queer drag shows and performances to board game evenings and conferences.
By
Mária
Morozova
Gellért Hill Playground – Back to childhood
The greatest part? Here you will see not only happy children of any age but also smiling adults that enjoy the place at least as much as kids, if not more.
By
Mária
Morozova
Tilos a Tilos – Cradle of Budapest underground
The place was a nest of all the alternative folks of Budapest who were hanging out there, criticizing the politics, organizing concerts and discussions.
By