7 secret places giving a unique Budapest experience for everybody

Keen to see places in Budapest where tourists do not swarm? We collected seven of the Hungarian capital’s less well-known gems in our article below.

“Take me to a typical Budapest place where there are no tourists”, a popular request from those who love the Hungarian capital. That is how they can try to become one of us. Most people visit the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge or the Parliament and spend the evening in one of the iconic ruin pubs of the downtown. However, some exceptions would like to experience what it feels like to be a local. Enbudapestem.com collected seven places not in the tourist books but giving everybody a unique Budapest experience.

1. 8th district or Józsefváros

Hit songs and poems made Józsefváros a crucial part of the Hungarian pop culture. Even American President Jimmy Carter went there because he wanted to do something “not touristy”. Therefore, Hungarians showed him the tin-Christ in the Tavaszmező Street. There, you can always find fresh flowers.

Furthermore, here you can find Budapest’s only operating apartment (Sephardic) synagogue in a secret garden of Teleki Square. Mathias Square is fantastic, and those who watched ‘Liza, the Fox-Fairy’ will be astonished. Moreover, there are traditional civic houses, small cafés and galleries. Here you can find one of the best burger makers of the capital.

The Tin Christ of Budapest in 1977. Photo: Fortepan / FŐFOTÓ

2. Dominican cloister in Buda Castle’s Hilton

The hotel is near the iconic Mathias Church, and King Mathias’ only preserved portrait made during his reign (1456-1490) can be found here. You may find the image next to the main gate on the left.

Moreover, you can go beneath the hotel to the ruins of the late Dominican cloister and the Dominican Garden.

The Dominican courtyard. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

3. The Garden of the Koller Gallery

That is the longest-operating private gallery in Hungary. An exceptional museum where you have to ring the front door bell to step in. Furthermore, it is a typical castle house, so if you want to check out how it is to live in one, you should visit the museum. On the third floor, we can find the memorial room of Amerigo Tot and a beautiful Budapest panorama. Meanwhile, the house’s garden is small but charming with a spectacular view.

4. Traditional Hungarian folk dance

Hungarian folk dance movement became a UNESCO world heritage in 2011 and is a vivid tradition in Hungary. You do not need to speak Hungarian, but it is also the best opportunity to learn it or make new friends. One of the best places is the Gozsdu Garden in downtown Pest.

Folk costumes from across the Danube. Photo: FB/Bartina Néptánc Egyesület

5. Downtown Roman Catholic Church

More history and material exist inside that temple than the Mathias Church in the castle, but tourists never come here. Here is the first image portraying Bishop Gellért (980-1046) and his original calcaneus. Furthermore, historians found an original Anjou-era (14th century) fresco inside, which is unique in Hungary. There are historic instruments, a Renaissance tabernacle and even a Muslim mihrab. Beneath our feet and under the glass floor, we can see the ruins of an early Christian basilica and a Roman commander’s office room.

6. The boudoirs of the Szabó Ervin Library

Though it is a library now, once it was the castle of the Wenckheim family. Thus, you may find a ballroom inside with boudoirs. The former Wenckheim palace has a golden and silver saloon with breathtaking carved wood stairs and ceilings.

Photo: FB

7. The Bosnyák Square market

Keen to visit a traditional Hungarian market? Go to the Bosnyák Square in Budapest’s 14th district. There you can buy cabbage from Vecsés, traditional house-made bacon, Hungarian sausage, blood sausage with mustard and greaves made in milk.

Read also:

• Did you know about this hidden party hostel in Budapest? – Read more HERE
• Budapest’s iconic spa hotel to be renamed, renewed – Check out the details and visuals in THIS article