1. Auróra

Auróra is a fiercely protected treasure in Budapest’s gritty District VIII aka Józsefvárros. To often dismissed by tourists due to its rough reputation, District VIII has undergone a cultural renaissance in recent years, and “Auróra” is emblematic of that renewal.

Maintaining a ruin bar vibe with its eclectic furnishings and bohemian clientele, it definitely has a much more local feel than a place like Szimpla Kert. From cultural events to concerts to social gatherings every night of the week, Auróra is a nerve center for activism, togetherness and collaboration.

A great place to meet locals and make friends, absorb culture, hear different perspectives, and sip a few cold drinks in their spacious courtyard.

District VIII, Auróra street 11.
Facebook/auroraunofficial

2. Gólya

Step into Gólya and you’re immediately welcomed into a realm of art and activism. We recommend attending one of their film nights or trying out their delicious local brews amidst thought-provoking conversations.

The original Gólya Presszó was located in another part of District VIII, but in the past few years, the team behind this iconic cultural space has reestablished themselves in their new location, a multi-level hub of cutting-edge art with frequent parties in a gritty, cavernous space.
 

Gólya, by the way, is Hungarian for stork, one of the most iconic birds in the country. It flies south to Africa for the winter, but luckily the bar stays put all year round, so go check it out when you get a chance.

District VIII, Orczy út 46-48.
facebook.com/golyaszovetkezet

3. Kisüzem

Kisüzem is a favored haunt for local creatives, you’re likely to stumble upon an impromptu musical performance or an intriguing art installation. Their drink menu, consisting of both local and international options, is a must-try.

They have delicious sandwiches and a rotated selection of soups and bar snacks. The quality of the food is much better than you would expect from a watering hole. Epic rum and whiskey list and a nice selection of cold beers. A place that never goes out of style, and is worth checking out at any time of day. 

District VII, Kis Diófa utca 2.
Facebook/Kisuzem

Off-beat/Independent Art Galleries

Art flows through the streets of Budapest in its many different galleries. Here are a few of our favorites that display some alternative and contemporary exhibitions. They are great places to stop in if you want to see the way the city is being distilled by its most cutting-edge and eye-opening talent.

4. Faur Zsófi Gallery

Situated along the increasingly artistic hub of Bartók Béla Street in Újbuda, the Faur Zsófi Gallery stands as a beacon for contemporary Hungarian art. Originating from Ráday Street, its relocation marked the blossoming of a vibrant cultural center in the district.

The meticulously designed space is not only dedicated to contemporary photography but also plays an instrumental role in the international promotion of Hungarian art. As Bartók Béla Street sees a surge in galleries, establishments like the Faur Zsófi Gallery, Próféta Gallery, and Godot Gallery are transforming the boulevard into a cultural mecca.

Beyond being a curator, Zsófi Faur also leads the KULT11 Association, spearheading initiatives to reimagine and enliven “the Bartók” as a destination for both leisure and artistry. Not to mention that Bártok Béla ut itself is a cultural gallery of sorts, showcasing some of the very best restaurants, bars and hang-out spots that one can find anywhere in the city.

District XI, Bartók Béla út 25.
facebook.com/FaurZsofiGallery

5. acb Gallery

For those with an affinity for the avant-garde, this space is a sanctuary. Visit one of their exhibition openings for a true sense of Budapest’s art community. Established in 2003 in Budapest, acb Gallery swiftly became a linchpin in the Eastern European art domain.

Initially spotlighting post-Eastern Bloc neo-conceptual artists, its scope now encompasses Hungary’s 1960s and 70s neo-avant-garde, enriched with emerging talents. As of 2022, acb spans three venues: the main acb Galéria, project-centric acb Attachment, and the expansive acb Plus. The acb ResearchLab, since 2015, illuminates lesser-known facets of Hungarian avant-garde arts.

District VI, Király utca 76.
Facebook/acbgaleria

6. Inda Galéria

Since their establishment in 2006 Inda Gallery’s vision for a has gained a reputation as one of the city’s best galleries. Located amidst cultural landmarks like the Mai Manó Ház and vibrant hubs, they offer a unique presence. They curate a diverse spectrum of works, from esteemed Hungarian and global artists to budding talents, always emphasizing genuine artistry over transient trends.

Inda Gallery extends its reach through collaborations, professional talks, research initiatives, and appearances at international fairs such as Art Dubai and Art Market Budapest. Their global impact was highlighted when Boulin Artinfo named them among the top 500 galleries in 2015 and 2016. Statues, photography, painting, contemporary, eye-opening.

District VI, Király utca 34.
Facebook/inda.galeria

Legal Graffiti Walls

7. Filatorigát Graffiti Wall


Filatorigát graffiti wall is located just by the train stop where you disembark for the famous annual Sziget music festival, this legal graffiti wall is a true example of grassroots art brightening up the cityscape.

Some of the very best underground graffiti artists in the Budapest scene have their pieces plastered here. It is a lengthy wall that can be viewed in one big rush looking out of the window on the green suburban railway train (Magyar HÉV) on the way to or from Szentendre, or at a more leisurely pace by foot after getting off at the Filatorigát stop.

8. Gázgyár utca Legal Graffiti Wall

Similarly, in the eye-popping pieces on Gázgyár Street, urban canvases pulsate with the heartbeat of Budapest’s graffiti scene.

Rhey are a testament to the city’s ever-evolving artistic landscape, where colors clash, merge, and explode, narrating tales of rebellion, love, and life.

These pieces are also located in District III, just at the start of the epic stretch of riverside bars along Budapest’s storied “Roman Shore.”

9. Street Art in the Downtown

The Jewish Quarter is an iconic part of Budapest for many reasons. Whether it’s being stuffed to the brim at some of the best ruin bars and restaurants in the city, or indulging in the epic architecture and history amongst cobblestone streets there is something for everyone in District VII.

What we love best of all in the district, unsurprisingly given our hallmark Budapest Street Art Tour is the underground street art which can be viewed amongst its many walls. From stickers to murals to hidden pieces of poetry, the walls of District VII come alive when viewed from the right angle.

Source: 
Budapest Flow - republished with permission

Photos: courtesy of venues

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