Petőfi Literary Museum (PIM) Budapest

Writers' nutshell

Claudia from Budapest

""Petőfi Literary Museum (PIM)" in Budapest helps even foreigners swim across Hungary's recent history and understand the country better through its novels."

I love to explore a city learning about its writers.

Most of the Hungarian authors describe a unique relationship with Budapest. Budapest, from its side, shows a special attachment to them, in the shape of statues, plaques and street names (and, sometimes, drinks). Patriotic poet Sándor Petőfi is regarded as a national hero, so it makes sense that the local museum of Literature carries his name. Opened in 1954, Petőfi Literary Museum (PIM) is the evolution of an institute called "Petőfi House", from which it inherited a rich collection of documents. The permanent exposition is dedicated to Petőfi and it's a great way to understand the local mentality and pride, since the young Sándor played a leading role in 1848's Revolution for the independence from the Habsburg Empire. Together with the ever-changing temporary expositions, a considerable heritage of objects, pictures, furniture and book, it helps even foreigners swim across Hungarian recent history and captures local habits and tastes.

Every time I spend some time there, I come out with a different thought about Hungarian literature. I remember that my first approach to it was hard. I found it too pessimist, soggy and very cerebral, then my horizons expanded and I discovered that there's much more than melancholy in Hungarian novels.

PIM allows me to travel throughout local history with the eyes of those I consider its national heroes, the intellectuals. After a recent renovation, the Museum has pretty gardens, that were merged with Karoly Gardens, becoming one of the best places to sit and...read an Hungarian novel!

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Budapest Spotter Claudia

About me Spoiled by the beauty of my native Firenze, in Italy, I recently celebrated my 10th year in Budapest, a city I couldn't have enough of, yet. I'm an official tour guide, a journalist and a writer, but most of all someone who needs to be surrounded by lively places and stunning architecture. Why Budapest Budapest never stops surprising me and this keeps my love alive. The more you zoom in, the more details will entertain your eyes, while the jungle of the coffee shops and bars ensures quality entertainment and precious locations to write in and be i...

About this spot

Károlyi utca 16

Exhibitions:

HUF

1000

Website

13173611

Social

Oct 2, 2025

Our Budapest City Guide

Find your way with 176 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest

Altair Teaház

TranquilTea in Budapest

I always go for the rose and caramel teas, which I usually accompany with a few biscuits dipped into the melted sweetness.

Coffee & tea

Betti

Galos

Nov 15, 2025

Orient Café

Coffee asylum at the train station

I have been wishing for a place like Orient café Budapest for so long — having such a calm spot close to the bustling Keleti train station just feels right!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Eszter

Baracskai

Nov 15, 2025

Ghraoui Chocolate

The sweet empire strikes back

"Ghraoui Chocolate" in Budapest offers tastes you’ve never tasted, yet somehow remember, proof that when we invest time & care, we can save the past...

Shopping

Iulia

Notaros

Nov 12, 2025

Móka

A multifunctional little corner

Móka in Budapest immediately drew my attention with its modesty mixed with eclectic coziness. It's the perfect place to meet locals from the neighborhood!

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks