Wave Budapest
Record store pioneers
These days, all the music you want is fundamentally one click away, yet ever more people are obsessed with vinyl and fashionable stores are popping up in every city riding the hype. Some cities, however, still have some battered, heroic pioneers surviving from the old days, when your local record store was the umbilical cord connecting you to the music you loved, where you’d enter with your heart beating faster knowing that your much-coveted order had just arrived. Wave, inconspicuously hidden on Révay köz, a small side street with a stunning view of Saint Stephen’s Basilica, is such an establishment in Budapest.
Continuously open since 1989, it is the size of a living room, but one that holds within itself a world of dreams, hopes and possibilities. In Wave, you will always be welcomed with a smile and some friendly banter, whether you’re there to buy a truckload of records or sift through the entire collection to leave with nothing -- I’m guilty as charged of the latter, yet I try to always buy my physical concert tickets from them.
If you’re spending more time in the city, it’s worth asking for some recommendations. They always strive to bring the hottest new releases, but collectors can also find enticing second-hand rarities. Wave prides itself in having been visited by the patron saint of indie DJs, the regretted John Peel, and is a member of the Record Store Day initiative since 2010, also organizing occasional events with local musicians.
About this spot
Find your way with 171 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
Tütü Tangó
Green yard & well-curated programs
At this spot, you may find the events of some of the well-known members of the local underground scene playing some funky sets or having an exhibition.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Muzikum Klub - Bisztró
Great bites and beats
Muzikum Bisztró, near the National Museum, serves a great 2-3 course lunch menu affordably.
by
Betti
Galos
GoodSpirit Whisky Bar
The perfect evening out
Their gin-based signature cocktail is my absolute number one. It's called “Ramos Gin Fizz” and it’s pure magic in a glass. It never, ever disappoints.
by
Betti
Galos
New York Bagel
Bagel Escape
I love starting my day here with my personal favorite, the "Don Corleone" bagel. They offer a wide selection of bagel types, some served hot & others cold.
by
Betti
Galos
Lúd Labor
Local paper store, made with love
"Lúd Labor" in Budapest is the perfect stationery shop. More than half its wares are made by local designers, I tend to lose control in here...
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Hungarian Treasury
My favourite building
The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Vivina café
Brunch classic in Budapest
The true star of Vivina’s brunch menu is the porridge—comforting, nourishing, and served with fresh berries and toasted nuts, it’s one of the best porridges in town!
by
Betti
Galos
Lion's Locker
A tasty home for travellers
"Lion's Locker" in Budapest is a cute family-run cafe where I can stay all day. The staff is all wonderful - and they know how to make almond milk foam!
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Arán Bakery Budapest
Sourdough and dreams
"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Sport Bisztró
Fitness for the stomach
"Sport Bisztró" in Budapest is a pleasantly familiar, well-oiled haunt that sticks to the proverb 'healthy mind in a healthy body!' Great sports bar, too.
by
Iulia
Notaros
Nos a Hely
The tiny treasure trove is back
"Nos a Hely" is a pop-up vintage shop in Hungary - they have a carefully curated selection of vintage porcelain and other local items. Great for gifts!
by
Iulia
Notaros
Heading to Budapest?
171 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
✓ 171 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 Budapest
Our team loves Budapest
Get to know our other Spotters from Budapest
As featured on:
