The Japanese garden on Margaret Island may be the most famous of its kind in the city, but it always felt a bit mainstream to me, too overrun by visitors to allow for the kind of quiet introspection I assume Japanese gardens were originally meant for. I was therefore happy to discover that a much less known garden lies tucked away in a leafy corner of Zugló, on the premises of the Varga Márton gardening school.
The garden was set up by the school’s founder, Márton Varga, in 1928 and the stones which make up its walkways were excavated during the construction of the cogwheel railway line to Normafa. Varga tried to respect Japanese principles as much as he could and centred the garden around a small system of lakes. In 1931, the garden was visited by Prince Takamatsu of the Japanese imperial household, who brought several plants as gifts, of which a cherry tree still stands in the garden today. Other noteworthy trees include a Norway maple, estimated to be around 140 years old, a dawn redwood, thought to have been extinct until the 1950s when it was rediscovered in China, a Himalayan white pine and a Japanese pagoda tree.
Guided tours are available for those interested in even more botanical curiosities, but the little garden is just as charming even if you just wander around aimlessly, or come for a picnic- eating food brought from outside is allowed as long as you clean up any resulting litter - obviously.
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At this spot, you may find the events of some of the well-known members of the local underground scene playing some funky sets or having an exhibition.
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Muzikum Bisztró, near the National Museum, serves a great 2-3 course lunch menu affordably.
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Their gin-based signature cocktail is my absolute number one. It's called “Ramos Gin Fizz” and it’s pure magic in a glass. It never, ever disappoints.
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I love starting my day here with my personal favorite, the "Don Corleone" bagel. They offer a wide selection of bagel types, some served hot & others cold.
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Ligeti Bolt, a zero-waste pioneer in Budapest, offers grains, snacks, and more for refill. Shop eco-friendly, bring your jars, and embrace a conscious lifestyle!
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The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...
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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!
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"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!
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"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
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"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.
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"Nos a Hely" is a pop-up vintage shop in Hungary - they have a carefully curated selection of vintage porcelain and other local items. Great for gifts!
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170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters