Tilos a Tilos Budapest

Cradle of Budapest underground

Mária from Budapest

"The place was a nest of all the alternative folks of Budapest who were hanging out there, criticizing the politics, organizing concerts and discussions."

Tilos a Tilos (The Forbidden is Forbidden) is located in one of the coziest squares of Pest, beloved by locals, students, and expats living in the area. I enjoy spending time there during summer evenings, enjoying relaxed conversations with my friends. The square itself is literally surrounded by universities and was turned into a pedestrian zone with summer terraces.

This space was a cult and legendary place right after the system change in 1990 – 1995. This was the first place where young Hungarian rebels opened a cafe called Tilos az Á (English “Trespassers W” as this name is based on the table near the piglet’s house from ‘Winnie the Pooh’). The place was literally a nest of all the alternative folks of Budapest who were hanging out there, criticizing the politics, organizing concerts and discussions, and even running their pirate radio ‘Tilos’ (Forbidden). The radio exists now as a fully legit station, by the way.

The place attracted a lot of artists and performers, among which Frank Zappa whose name the place had after 1995. It still has a unique full 360-degree panorama painting that Jean Michel Verret and others created in 1992. This unique piece of art depicts a view from a Carlton Arms hotel in New York. The painting stayed until today despite numerous renovations and changes of owners. If you want to touch the memories of the early 1990s, while enjoying your meal or a cup of coffee, Tilos a Tilos is the place to be.

Art & culture

Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Budapest Spotter Mária

About me I am an open-minded and curious person who almost became a digital nomad but decided that there is no better place for me to be than Budapest and its surroundings. I like traveling, nature, gardening, discovering new places, and solving mysteries. I am into culture, social issues, and volunteering. I studied German linguistics and Public Policy but ended up in IT. And my biggest hobby is showing the beauty of Budapest and sharing its secrets with people. Why Budapest? Budapest or Pest-Buda-Obuda is a wonderful jewelry box of true beauty that can be enjoyed and...

About this spot

Budapest, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 2, 1088 Hungary

0,5l beer:

HUF

890

Website

301487454

Social

Sep 17, 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