Mátyásföld Villas Budapest
Secession in the suburbs
The villas of Mátyásföld are a perfect day trip destination for those architecturally inclined visitors (or locals) who want to stray away form the usual tourist trails and throngs. The area of main interest is easily reachable by HÉV (suburban train) in about ten minutes from the Örs Vezér tér station (take line 8 or 9 and get off at Mátyásföld repülőtér). Once there, all you need to do is walk down Pilóta street and then turn into whichever street seems most exciting. Do remember that the villas, many of which date back to the early 20th Century, are private property, and while owners are aware of their architectural value and do not mind polite visitors, it is still important to keep a respectful distance from the living areas, especially when taking pictures. The most spectacularly decorated villa, currently uninhabited, lies at the corner of Májusfa and Diósy Lajos streets.
Mátyásföld also housed Budapest’s first international airport, which operated from 1916. As civil aviation moved first to Budaörs, then to Ferihegy, the airport in Mátyáshegy remained in use for military purposes and gave rise to many urban legends connected to possible Soviet spies living in the neighbourhood’s fancy villas after the Russian occupation. One definite result of the building of military barracks in the area was the move, brick by brick, of a small Scandinavian-inspired Lutheran church to its current location at Prodám street 13, which is also very worth a visit during a Mátyásföld walk.
About this spot
Mátyásföld repülőtér station
- 24 hours daily
HÉV ticket:
HUF
350
Find your way with 172 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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...
by
Claudia
Leporatti
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...
by
Claudia
Leporatti
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!
by
Betti
Galos
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!
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Arán Bakery Budapest
Sourdough and dreams
"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
by
Iulia
Notaros
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.
by
Iulia
Notaros
Nos a Hely
The tiny treasure trove is back
"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!
by
Iulia
Notaros
Pogány-torony
Forgotten oddity
"Pogány-torony", or Pagan Tower, in Budapest, is one of the city's strangest buildings, with a Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Szeráj Turkish Restaurant
Fast food veterans
"Szeráj Turkish Restaurant" in Budapest, but that's not all! This place is the great leveler: here you can meet anyone, from hungry students to TV stars...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Kéhli Restaurant
A taste of history
"Kéhli" Restaurant in Budapest not only has excellent food and gypsy bands -- the best thing about it is that you get a taste of life in the golden age...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Japánkert in Zugló
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...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Heading to Budapest?
172 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 172 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Budapest
Get to know our other Spotters from Budapest
As featured on:
