From private residences open by invitation only, to courtyards enclosing a café or a workshop accessible only to those in the know, Budapest is full of these secret spots.

While Gozsdu Courtyard is the most famous, this series of interconnecting courtyards suffers from a wave of incoming crowds that never seems to recede, and so is hardly hidden anymore.

So if you want to explore beyond the obvious, you can escape behind the scenes in Budapest with these tucked-away treats.
 

Paloma Design

Paloma Design

Just off Kossuth Lajos street, you might want to take a peek in at number 14-16. Inside, a winged staircase opens between the arches carrying you to a network of design shops where you can find goods crafted by local, Hungarian designers.

What makes the Paloma collective so interesting, is the chance to chat to the designers in person, or simply peruse the unique selection of jewellery, bags, clothes, and shoes on display.

It’s not only a wonderful chance to check out a beautiful courtyard, but also offers the chance to bring some unique souvenirs home.

Address: 1053 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos u. 14.
 

Röser Courtyard

Kontakt Coffee Shop

Hidden just opposite the Dohány street synagogue, this small enclosure comes with a treasure trove of gastronomy and design all in one compact little spot.

You’ll find Szimply tucked away here, a trendy and tiny designer brunch place where you can get tasty, seasonal breakfast food such as avocado toast or gourmet granola freshly made under its copper coloured geometric lights.

Opposite, Kontakt Coffee Shop brews up some of the best new wave coffees in the city. Try its own Roket coffee, a cold-brewed nitro draft coffee, or sip on an aeropress and Chemex filter coffee made from single origin beans.

If you want to throw some shopping into the mix, then head across the courtyard to Rododendron Design for more modern Hungarian design.

Address: 1052 Budapest, Röser udvar, Károly krt. 22.
 

Courtyards On Múzeum Körút

Fekete Coffee Shop

Take a walk along the Múzeum Körút and you may spot a few hidden courtyards here. The main one is the Fekete coffee shop, a trendy new wave café that spills out to occupy the courtyard when the weather is good.

It’s a popular place for coffee nuts, which alongside Kontakt and other new wave cafés, offers great brewed and filter coffees.

Nearby, the aptly named Könyvudvar, which translates as Book Courtyard, is a home to an eclectic selection of books. The courtyard itself is a beautiful example of a grand Budapest courtyard, so worth stopping by.

Address: 1053 Budapest, Múzeum krt.
 

Cover Photo: Gozsdu Udvar Facebook