Here, you'll find a vibrant mix of community spaces, restaurants serving international flavours, art galleries, and charming vintage shops, all part of a carefully planned and thoughtful regeneration. WeLoveBudapest.com have put together a selection of over fifty amazing places to visit.

Margit Quarter covers the stretch of Margit körút between Széll Kálmán tér and Margaret Bridge, along with the charming side streets that branch off from it. It's truly a district in the making, and you can pinpoint its exact boundaries here.

It's also the name of the local council's ambitious urban regeneration project, which has breathed new life into the area in recent years. Through green initiatives, the creation of welcoming art and community spaces, and the arrival of exciting new eateries, the Margit Quarter has become increasingly appealing.

This long-term vision also aims to attract responsible custodians for the area's older buildings, some of which are in need of a little care. Great public transport connections make the area easy to reach from all over the city, and thankfully, there's a strong local appetite for the diverse services on offer. We've handpicked a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants within the Margit Quarter to give you a taste of the area's vibrant and eclectic character.

Breakfast & brunch 


Budapest's brunch and breakfast scene is booming. Places offering colourful, tasty, and simple dishes until early afternoon have become increasingly popular, often filling the role of traditional restaurants.

On Margit körút, you'll encounter established brunch spots like Törökméz and Móka, which date back to the early days of the brunch revolution, as well as newer additions like the French-sophisticated Margaux and the lively, health-conscious Lulu. 

Budapest Bägel's substantial and diverse sandwiches have long been a neighbourhood favourite, while KicsiZso also offers satisfying lunch options.

Bakeries


The Margit Quarter is home to several of our favourite artisan bakeries. You'll find delectable sandwiches and scones at Panificio il Basilico, and irresistible cocoa rolls at Pékműhely. Budai, Budai Kettő, Búzakovász, and Szerelmes Levél are also excellent choices for truly delicious artisan pastries, as is Három Tarka Macska near Mechwart liget.

At Széllkapu, you'll find nor/ma grand, which not only makes city dwellers happy with its delicious pastries but also features a charming breakfast area with a show bakery. FeteKert bakery has recently opened in the Fény utca market, offering a wide range of allergen-free products, and Ide Süss Manufaktúra, formerly Budapest's smallest bakery offering locally baked bread and pastries, will soon be moving to a larger location. 

Pastry shops 

What would we do without a few brilliant pastry shops and cake shops in the Margit Quarter? There are long-standing favourites like Auguszt Confectionery, which has been family-run for generations, and Coco7, known for its wonderful bonbons and desserts.

Nearby lies the ice cream spot Kedveskrém. In the ice cream parlour, each flavour is represented by small figurines, creating a unique, whimsical atmosphere. Finally, there are the recently opened newcomers, Manyika and Muci: the former is chic and French-inspired, offering excellent classics, while Muci dazzles you with reimagined versions of traditional cakes.  

Cafés


Luckily, you don't have to venture far to start your day with a superb specialty coffee, and you might even find a café around Margit körút that offers a little something extra. At Bányai Coffee, you can get your own roast coffee from a Hungarian-owned plantation. 

At Kazetta, you can explore tiny exhibitions and browse for clothing, and at Bookta, you can settle in with a good read after selecting something from their shelves. However, their extensive drinks menu and late opening hours make it a great evening hangout as well. 

Montage serves as both a coffee shop and a community space, while the sleek coffee machines at Goosebumps Coffee Lab give the impression of a futuristic experience.

Restaurants 

As for dining, in the most verdant corner of the Margit Quarter, you'll discover Bobo Restaurant, the area's most elegant establishment. This chic and bohemian restaurant is housed in a beautifully renovated villa, surrounded by a sprawling, well-manicuredpark with ancient trees.

The food lives up to the restaurant's exquisite atmosphere. In contrast, you have, Vietnámigulyás.hu HK, offering a completely different ambience. Beginning as a soup spot, the eatery now serves breakfast and seasonal delicacies with a creative twist – blending Hungarian and Vietnamese flavours.

International flavours 

Should your palate crave the comforting warmth of Russian borscht or pelmeni, Gurman stands ready. Perhaps the vibrant mezze of the Middle East at Pingrumba, or the aromatic paneer of India at Indigo, will entice you.

For a taste of Japan, Snack Masako offers sake and welcoming hospitality, while IGEN serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas. For romantic Italiana vibes and authentic bites, to Giulia it is.

Those seeking something a bit different might enjoy the unique Taiwanese cuisine at 101Bistro, or the fragrant Arabic cardamom coffee at Kardamom. 

Special treats

Beyond the international flair, the neighbourhood also boasts a remarkable selection of speciality treats. Tucked beside the Fény utca market, Alaplé Bar dispenses healthy, warming broths, while upstairs, Skrei presents some of the city's finest fish dishes.

For a hearty indulgence, Buja Disznó(k) is the place to savour Lajos Bíró's renowned fried meat, and of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Lángos Land for Hungary's beloved flatbread, lángos. Further afield, Arancini Benedetti offers the delectable Italian speciality of crispy rice balls.

Bars & pubs

Margit Quarter's nightlife scene certainly thrives, often carrying on well past midnight. For years, stalwarts such as Nemdebár and Sárkány have been firm favourites, and Easy Art Space offers DJ sets until the early hours on weekends.

One particularly charming spot on Margit körút is Permanens Vakáció, whose atmosphere is defined by its quirky, hand-drawn visual style and a touch of bohemian decadence. Near the riverbank, you'll find Telefon, where, as the name suggests, you can place your order using an old-fashioned dial-up telephone. 

Next door, Beat on the Brat is also worth a visit, offering drinks and a selection of records, with the shop transforming into a DJ venue on weekend nights. A little further towards the Grand Boulevard is Murok Cafe, a café in name only, as it functions more as a nightclub, both in terms of its opening hours and its drinks menu. One of the newest additions to the area's nightlife is the Füles culture bar.

Art & culture 

In addition to large cultural venues like the Marczibányi tér Cultural Centre and the Millenáris, the area boasts numerous smaller, independent spaces. S

ince autumn 2024, the Átrium has been operated by the Hungarian alternative theatre group Béla Pintér and his company, and it features a small café in the lobby. The Jurányi Art Incubator House began as a hub for alternative theatre troupes but has since become a home for a diverse array of artists. MANYI, one of the city's most exciting cultural venues, operates on a similar principle.

It features a spacious courtyard and a bakery, along with a concert hall and a rum bar. The 19th-century building that houses it, stood vacant for many years before finding a new owner. The Dante Community Creative Space, the smallest cultural hub in the area, with a focus on performing arts, is an excellent option if you simply wish to enjoy a drink.

However, the Margit Quarter isn't just for theatre and concerts; it's also a destination for fine art enthusiasts.

In Keleti Károly utca, Képező provides insight into contemporary art, with exhibitions, programmes, and workshops, and of course, there are also classic galleries such as the Start Gallery or the Vízivárosi Gallery and its temporary exhibition space, CSEMEGE.

Community spaces 

One of the most appealing aspects of the area is its collection of vibrant community spaces. A standout is Szerkesztőség, which functions as a café, design shop, and meeting point, and also serves as the editorial office for the magazine Új Művészet.

On Margit körút, you'll find Bolygó and Habitat side by side. Bolygó focuses on environmental awareness, hosting regular programmes on the planet's future, but it also provides a comfortable space to work or relax.

Habitat, run by Habitat for Humanity, an American-based organisation, is a community space where you can participate in housing-related projects and even learn basic home renovation skills in workshops.

Second-hand and vintage shops 


The Margit Quarter also provides a unique shopping experience with its collection of second-hand and vintage shops. Franc, Margitka, and Lovebug offer more than just pre-loved clothing and objects; they cultivate a conscious and relaxed lifestyle. 

RUHA, stylist Lilla Lendvai's shop, takes a slightly different approach but likewise offers quality, tastefully selected pieces. Swappis functions not only as a second-hand shop but also as a community hub, where you can sell your own gently worn clothing. And at Csóra Shoes, you can often find hundreds of pairs of new or nearly new shoes at remarkably affordable prices, reminiscent of a flea market.

Fashion stores

While the Margit Quarter boasts a selection of fashion boutiques, three stand out. Alapdarab caters to those with a penchant for understated elegance, offering versatile outfits perfect for a restrained style. 

Prizma showcases the creations of nine Hungarian designers, from jewellery to shoes and clothing, and uniquely, you can often meet the designers themselves in the shop. For something truly distinctive, Spark le Monde is a concept store brimming with unique and contemporary fashion pieces.

Local fixtures

In terms of local landmarks, certain establishments feel as though they've been fixtures forever. Bem Cinema, a decades-old classic, was once famed for its classic film screenings (and still is as it's the best repertory cinema in town), but its lobby pub-caféhas since become a major draw. A hub for artists and creatives, the Bem boasts a loyal clientele.

Similarly, the Bambi Eszpresszó, one of the last remaining local café-bars, has recently experienced a surge in popularity. Then there's the Calgary Antik Drink Bar, a 30-plus-year institution, which is very much a one-woman show.

Owner Mária Szabó, also known as Viky, a former singer and actress who worked with Hungarian star Irén Psota and director Miklós Szinetár, is always happy to share stories of her past.

Open from Wednesday to Saturday, the Piros Pezsgő Piano Bar, perhaps the city's last smoky and elegant nightclub, offers a chance to catch Budapest's oldest bar pianist, Gábor Fűzy, if you're lucky. Close by, you'll find another legendary old haunt, the Miniatűr Club.

Some more...

The Margit Quarter also has a few unique establishments that defy easy categorisation, offering a diverse yet authentic experience. NOS, for instance, is a treasure trove of stylish and imaginative design pieces, ranging from vintage ceramics to contemporary prints, all complemented by excellent coffee. 

Mumu workshop museum shares a similar design-centric ethos, showcasing contemporary ceramics, jewellery, clothing, and bags, while also hosting workshops and exhibitions.

Kazetta, though arguably more café than boutique, also offers a selection of clothing. Grinta Bike & Cafe tempts with its excellent black coffee, but uniquely, provides a space for a peaceful coffee break alongside bicycle repairs.

At Notess, the newest arrival, you can commission personalised booklets. The FeteKert shop and bistro, along with the shops on the second floor of the Fény utca market, provide a varied gastronomic adventure, offering a range of products from the programme's participants, including homemade dishes, toiletries, and textiles.

Source: WeLoveBudapest
 - republished with permission