Red Hedgehog House Budapest
Oldest house in town
There is actually no clear consensus on which is Budapest’s oldest house - most buildings that could qualify have been heavily rebuilt several times, so it could all come down to which one has the oldest stones lodged somewhere in its walls. The initial structure of what would later become the Red Hedgehog house can be dated back to around 1260, so ours is a very strong candidate. The record that it does definitely hold according to all documents is being the first two-story house in town.
Four houses stood here initially, reduced to three in the aftermath of the Turkish occupation; according to some testimonies, the last Ottoman governor of Buda was actually killed right in front of these houses. In 1696, the building was already mentioned as the Red Hedgehog Inn (A Vörös Sünhöz, in Hungarian, or zum Rothen Igl, in German). The inn was to become a popular venue, which hosted balls and plays as well. Several renovations kept it in good shape in the 19th century, at the same time disguising its original, medieval elements. The building luckily survived WWII mostly unharmed, but the shelling proved somewhat fortuitous as well, uncovering the historical elements in its structure.
The Red Hedgehog was placed on the front wall in the early 19th century; by then, the inn was actually out of business, but the little hedgehog, which had served as its nameplate, keeps its memory alive to this day.
About this spot
Hess András tér
- 24 hours daily
HUF
no-price
Find your way with 174 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
by
Betti
Galos
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!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
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...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Hello Gyula Gastro bar
Takeaway like no other
Hello Gyula, a tiny gastro bar in Budapest. It serves bold, creative dishes with unusual ingredients, daily menus and a big heart in every detail.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
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!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Trafó House
The hub of contemporary art
Trafó House is the place to go if you're interested Budapest's contemporary art of all kinds. Its unique atmosphere keeps bringing me back.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Alföldi Cipő
Hungarian leather shoes & slippers
"Alföldi Cipő" and their outlet in Budapest do not follow the same big-name trends to be found in regular shoe fashion. They've stuck to quality...
by
Zoltán
Fejes
Ukrán Udvar
Delights from babusya's courtyard
"Ukrán Udvar" in Budapest means 'Ukrainian courtyard' -- come eat some borsch and dumplings with sour cream exactly like at your grandmother's...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Wekerle Estate
A fall fairy in the city
"Wekerle Estate" in Budapest is like a village within the city - inspired my medieval & rural buildings, it has created a beautiful sense of local spirit.
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Lake Naplás
Urban waterworld
Artificial "Lake Naplás" in Budapest is an unexpected delight where few downtowners or tourists ever venture. It's perfect for interesting nature treks...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Heading to Budapest?
174 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Budapest?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 174 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:
