Gay bars and clubs
When it comes to diversity, downtown Budapest features a colourful mix of bars from long-established locales to contemporary cosmopolitan hangouts. Set by statuesque Liberty Bridge, riverfront Why Not Budapest is the place to go for cocktails, light bites, frequent karaoke parties, even bingo shows and quiz nights. Concerts and transvestite attractions also feature. Found halfway between focal Ferenciek tere and the Astoria transport hub, Habroló is a pocket-sized destination for drinks, intimate parties and karaoke events. A stronghold of Budapest’s LGBTQ destinations, the Alterego Club is known for the hottest pop parties and flamboyant shows, staging well-known local personalities.
Gay-friendly destinations
Many of the city’s cafés, ruin pubs and alfresco hangouts promote diversity and host regular events for the local LGBTQ community. Every Friday night, pop, R’n’B and hip-hop from the 1990’s and 2000’s get vibrantly garbed guests shake it at the Anker’t ruin pub as it transforms into a queer fantasy for the weekly Oops party. Hidden in Budapest’s District VIII, Auróra is one of the most dynamic cultural community centres in town that features scant furniture, a bar and a platform for NGOs, including an office for the Budapest Pride association that also organise events here. The venue is currently under threat of closure by the local authorities and its future is uncertain.
On Buda’s Bartók Béla út, literary hangout Kelet Café has lately featured workshops discussing sexual diversity. After it recently hosted the closing party of the month-long Pride Festival, alfresco concert hotspot Budapest Park marks a new destination welcoming the LGBTQ crowd.
There are several other destinations in Budapest that are all for diversity in Budapest, including pioneer of ruin bars Szimpla, colorful Kőleves in party central and candlelit Jelen. Many of these places feature a rainbow logo mounted on the entrance.
LGBTQ party series
At pansexual party series VIBE, the crowd is as queer as it comes, with representation from every corner of the LGBTQ community. Drag queens rub shoulders with lads in chains and leather, divas in fur and glitter or guys in jeans and a T-shirt. Everyone is welcome. The musical repertoire is ever-changing, and as the organisers put it: “Vibe always means something different and this is what makes it the perfect name for a party series”.
Starting out in 2003, Ösztrosokk was set up for gay girls who did not feel comfortable in the company of too many men and some sneaky hetero boys. Its venue always changes, the last parties being organised on the Trip boat and at Liget club. Those who are after something less formal might enjoy WOW! (Women on Women), that does not shut the door on dudes either, but as its name suggests, mostly focuses on the ladies. The location changes here too, but in the past it has featured at Toldi and at Impostor-Mistress as well. These two venues also provide a home to the ultimate gay pop party series, HELLO, that represents a little more trashy line with Barbie colours, other candy-coloured hues and disco divas such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney and Kylie.
OMOH, Hungary’s only ‘homohouse commando’, awaits queerdos and technosexuals on the first Wednesday of every month at Központ or occasionally at Corvin Club or LÄRM. A little more elegant milieu attracts a creative and fashion-conscious LGBTQ crowd to Garçons parties, where international acts and DJs make the night more colourful. This is also a travelling party, with a recent HQ at Tesla.
Gay-friendly and LGBTQ festivals
Now running over a month, culminating in a colourful march and showcase concert, Budapest Pride is an exuberant annual gay extravaganza that celebrates LGBTQ culture and aims to generate more support with endless events, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, theatre productions and talks. The parade dates back more than 20 years, the LGBTQ community donning all colours of the rainbow to call out for acceptance and peace. See our article about Pride 2018.
Sziget, one of Central Europe’s biggest and most popular festivals, is the Island of Freedom, where everyone can be their truest self. At the Magic Mirror tent, queer culture is portrayed through a wide spectrum of events including talk-shows, stand-up comedy, thrilling performances and other exciting activities.
Saunas
Budapest’s two main gay saunas are both long-established: Magnum in District VIII, with a jacuzzi, steam room and labyrinth, and Sauna 69 in District IX, with cabins and weekend parties.
Information
A couple of websites present English-language information concerning gay-friendly places and events in Budapest, alongside up-to-date news related to the LGBTQ community. The Pink Budapest guide provides details of local attractions, places to eat, drink, dance and stay in Hungary's capital. The publication is available in a biannual print version and online, regularly updated in English. Meanwhile, Budapest Pride online is the most comprehensive source of activities happening around the annual Pride Festival here. This website also features a list of places marked with the rainbow symbol on the entrance to welcome LGBTQ guests (this specific feature is available in Hungarian only).
