People come to Budapest for the amazing scenery, Christmas markets, and thermal baths, but while you’re in Budapest, don’t make the mistake of overlooking its thriving arts scene. From Medieval Catholic artwork to modern fashion design, Budapest has its own unique interpretation. These 10 artistic hotspots can be easily integrated into any day of sightseeing in Budapest.
Tip from tour guide
Art in Budapest is not limited to studios and galleries - you can find plenty on the streets as well! Did you know that murals are one of the most popular street art forms in the Jewish Quarter? You can also find lots of murals downtown. These are two of my favorites: one marking one of the most important streets in the Jewish Quarter, Kiraly utca (King's Street), known for its vibrant nightlife, and the other in downtown Óbuda.
1. Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Located on Andrassy Utca, the main shopping street in Budapest, the Operahaz stands as a monument to the history of the arts in Budapest. At any given time of year, you can catch the ballet, Hungarian folk art performances, musicals, and of course, opera. If you don’t have time for a full performance, pop into the opera cafe for a glass of wine or take a guided tour to appreciate its neo-Renaissance architecture. The Operahaz is in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Basilica, so it’s an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.
Hungarian State Opera House
Address: 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22
Website: Hungarian State Opera House
2. Brody Studios (Brody Club)
Brody Studios is a private member’s art club that offers two bars, three ateliers, top-notch cuisine, a recording studio, and private rooms across three floors in a dilapidated apartment building. Although Brody Studios is a private club, they host events open to the public from gallery openings to story slams to English language comedy nights. The grungy-chic decor of Brody Studios perfectly captures the beauty of Budapest architecture.
Brody Studios
Address: 1064 Budapest, Vörösmarty u. 38
Website: Brody Studios
3. Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria)
The Hungarian National Gallery is located inside of the Royal Palace in Buda Castle, one of Budapest’s most picturesque landmarks. Although Buda Castle dates back to the 14th century, the Royal Palace today is comprised of mainly Baroque architecture. The museum features art from Hungarian artists, spanning from Medieval to folk to modern art, with impressive sculpture and photography collections. While the art inside of the museum is bound to keep you occupied for hours, a trip to the top of the dome can give you one of the best views of Budapest.
Hungarian National Gallery
Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2
Website: Hungarian National Gallery
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4. FISE Gallery
The FISE Gallery has occupied space for more than a quarter of a century near Budapest’s famous Parliament as a non-profit organization that supports and promotes a membership of over 400 young artists, making it the perfect place to discover local up and coming artists.
FISE Gallery
Address: Kálmán Imre utca 16
Website: FISE Gallery
Budapest Tour Guide
Eva Kleyer
My name is Eva, from early childhood I loved languages, I started with German, as a teenager I fell in love with English. After having graduated in high school, where I got my guide license I studied economy and business administration. But none of them I practised, because guiding and freedom called! This is how I dedicated my life to tourism and clients from the entire world! I have a bottomless knowledge about my beautiful city, Budapest. I also traved a lot, I love to encounter with different cultures, diverse people from the Globe, and if they come to visit my country, really enthusiasticly I show and present my culture!
Budapest Tour Guide
Kati Quittner
Budapest Tour Guide
Tiberiu Condulescu
My name is Tiberiu(s), just like captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek, or Tibi for short, and I am an IT Service Manager who found his passion in tour guiding over 5 years ago. Similarly to Captain Kirk, I will be your captain should you choose me as your guide.Every tour is a new experience for both of us, that’s why my aim is to make it both memorable and fun. I want to make memories for people from all over the world!Hope to meet you soon and "Viszlát", as we say in Hungarian!
Tours by Tiberiu
Budapest Tour Guide
Joseph
As a 100% Budapest born, it was something natural to be a local guide and show my lovely city to foreigners. I am oficially an economist but to be honest, i have never worked in that sector. I much more prefer explaining our history and the present life of locals to you. You can chat with me in English and Spanish, in both languages:)
Budapest Tour Guide
Ange Sandorfi
Born in Paris to Hungarian/ French parents, I moved to Budapest in the 2000s. After having driven my Fashion business to catastrophe, I turned my craving for the wonderful, endless discovery of Budapest into my number one activity, and the first I am so passionate about. As a licensed and qualified tourist guide, I tend to show my guests things they wouldn’t find on their own. My bicultural background is also an advantage as it gives me multiple perspectives to understand Hungarian history and society.
5. KEK Contemporary Architecture Center (Kortárs Építészeti Központ)
KEK is an architectural center with a focus on urban regeneration and sustainability. Among the many services KEK provides to the city are architectural walks that aim to find the hidden gems of Budapest and beauty in unexpected places, making this a great activity if you’re looking to explore a different side of Budapest. If you’re visiting Budapest in the spring, KEK also hosts an architectural film festival in March. If beer brewing is your art of choice, KEK even brews their own beer, C10 India Pale Ale.
KEK Contemporary Architecture Center
Address: 1111 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 10-12.
Website: KEK
6. Goldberger Textile Museum
The Goldberg Textile Museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Hungarian made textiles. A stop here could be a great choice for families because of their events and workshops for children, especially popular during the summer. The museum also hosts fashion shows and offers workshops in handicrafts and textile production.
The Goldberg Textile Museum
Address: 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 136-138
Website: The Goldberg Textile Museum
7. Printa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Printa utilizes silk-screen printing to create eco-friendly art, clothing, and decor often inspired by life in Budapest. Conveniently located in the Jewish/Party district, Printa should be one of your first stops. Their maps of the city are functional works of art and feature some of their favorite sports in Budapest. Be sure to pick up their map of the thermal baths to discover some of the baths off of the beaten path. For family travelers, Printa also offers a show room featuring a lifestyle brand and art for children.
Printa
Address: 1075 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén u. 10
Website: Printa
8. Museum of Applied Arts (Iparmuveszeti Muzeum)
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Museum of Applied Arts is the building that it is located in. The iconic Palace of Applied Arts combines elements of European design, oriental architecture, and Hungarian folk art into what is considered to be the crown jewel of Art Nouveau architecture in Hungary. The museum itself hosts an impressive collection of Hungarian and international crafts and art. Their collection of clocks and Christmas festival are favorites.
Museum of Applied Arts
Address: 1091 Budapest, Üllői út 33-37
Website: Museum of Applied Arts
9. Technika #1
A visit to Technika #1 is for someone looking for a hands on experience. Technika #1 is a wood technology work space that offers studios and materials for woodworkers of all experience levels. Rather than go shopping for souvenirs, take one of Technika #1’s workshops and make your own.
Technika #1
Address: 1096 Budapest, Vendel u. 3
Website: Technika #1 (in Hungarian)
10. Repertory Concept Store
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Repertory is an art space on the Buda side of the river that features clothing, accessories, and design by Hungarian artists. They also create unique planters for apartments to integrate greenery into urban space. Come to Repertory to find unique items by local designers or to decorate your apartment if you’re a local. For a girls’ night, keep an eye out for Repertory’s night shopping events.
Repertory Concept Store
Address: 1013 Budapest, Alagút utca 4
Facebook: Repertory Concept Store
A different kind of souvenir
If you’re a visitor to Budapest, any of these spots can be a great place to pick up gifts the support the local arts in Budapest. Checking out local Hungarian art, whether priceless works of art in the National Gallery or jewelry from a Budapest designer, exploring the arts scene in Budapest can help you experience Hungarian culture in a dynamic way.
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