This is not an ordinary bar. This is an open community space that supports diversity, creativity, equity, human rights and is a safe and inclusive space. The whole idea of such a place emerged after student protests against the commercialization of education in Hungary in 2012. First, a co-op emerged and they needed space where they could keep up with their active social work and build a community with other groups and locals. The space first opened in a different location in the outer 8th district but due to its ongoing gentrification, they moved to the current space a bit further from the center but still easily accessible. I’ve been hanging out there with friends from the very beginning, and some of those friends were also involved in the daily life of Gólya.
Apart from great drinks and food (vegan options included), the space has a stage for performances and a rooftop terrace in the DIY style. Be sure to 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. And the best part? You can easily meet locals and mingle with the crowd.
Fun fact: The name Gólya (stork) is not random, as storks are what 1st-year students are called in Hungary, as they are believed to be brought by a stork as newborn babies.
Find your way with 172 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously.
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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...
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You can try out various sizable musical instruments & jump on the inbuilt constructions that produce sounds, and it is accessible outside of working hours.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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From an architectural point of view, it is called palimpsest: a combination of two completely different styles or ages. Notice the difference yourself.
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The place was a nest of all the alternative folks of Budapest who were hanging out there, criticizing the politics, organizing concerts and discussions.
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