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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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You can find many different kinds of cheesecakes here but one standout recommendation is the cottage cheese and raspberry, a unique Hungarian taste.
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Tortuga és Pohánka blends Mexican and Hungarian flavors in Budapest’s VII. District, offering 100% sourdough bread and authentic food made with heart.
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Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... A big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
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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.
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"Csendes Vintage Bar & Café" in Budapest means 'quiet' but the name is a bit misleading - it's a buzzy ruin bar without the rains & a comfortable eatery...
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176 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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