The statue of a tiny anthropomorphic goat stands on an obscure corner of Széll Kálmán tér. It depicts Mekk Elek, a beloved figure from an old Hungarian animated series, an unscrupulous jack-of-all-trades who always botches the job.
It was placed there guerilla-style by Ukrainian sculptor Mihajlo Kolodko, who has also hidden several other small statues in various parts of Budapest. Mekk Elek's location was well-chosen: the character's creator, puppet designer Iván Koós, used to live in a house overlooking the square.
The statue first appeared without fanfare in early June 2018, and was stolen a month later, but replaced with an identical one in a few weeks.
If you'd like to find the statue on your own, don't read on!
If you need help, here's how to find him: walk around the Széll Kálmán tér metro station building until you see a short underpass for trams. To the left of it, there's a bike lane. Follow the bike lane away from the underpass until you get to a pedestrian crossing and a flight of stairs leading up. Mekk Elek is standing at the bottom end of the stairs' handrail.
Széll Kálmán tér
HUF
free
Find your way with 176 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
MinuteBistro has a “daily menu” option, which can come with a soup combined either with salad or pasta/risotto (gluten-free pasta option is available too).
by
Whether you're seeking a moment to relax or simply admiring the beauty of the area, the square will offer an escape from the chaos of everyday life.
by
Take a seat right by the window where you can enjoy your treats with your morning coffee while looking outside at how the world moves at a different pace.
by
I make sure to visit this place, at least once per month and always eat the same Gallet cake and drink some coffee or tea from their selections.
by
Imagine a coffee with a small doze of mascarpone topping up with an espresso, which is a real delight for your taste buds, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
by
On the menu there is a lot of different and unique sounding teas, and I would recommend trying the dark chocolate tea with a sip of cream on the side.
by
This is a family-owned business, where the food tastes homemade. Every meal you choose feels like your family cooked it with so much love.
by
This place might seem a bit retro to the people who pass by, but one thing is certain: some things are always great, no matter how much time passes.
by
You can find many different kinds of cheesecakes here but one standout recommendation is the cottage cheese and raspberry, a unique Hungarian taste.
by
Tortuga és Pohánka blends Mexican and Hungarian flavors in Budapest’s VII. District, offering 100% sourdough bread and authentic food made with heart.
by
Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... A big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
by
In the place of a former canteen, a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court.
by
176 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 176 Insider Tips