It can happen to everybody, just admit it: sometimes you just have to go out, get sweaty, crowdsurf and shout the lyrics to your favourite song along with the singer. There's a certain kind of magic that only live music has, and we can't deny it. So instead of fighting it, we've collected the best places in Budapest for those who are up for some live music, be it a smashing hardcore gig or a cool jazz concert.

1/9

A38 Ship

Night by night, people from the most different subcultures gather in the belly of the old Ukranian stone-carrier ship to have the time of their life - and while this sentence might sound strange at first, after a look at the programs taking place here, you'll surely understand everything. From gut-rippingly brutal deathcore bands to easy-going, soulful dowtempo DJs, A38 welcomes all kind of acts. The soundsystem is legendary in all the three halls: the main hall, the exhibition space (for acoustic/jazz performances) and the sunny rooftop terrace (open during summertime).

Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
February 9 Fink
February 18 Kraak & Smaak
March 16 Archive
March 30 Sleepmakeswaves.

2/9

Akvárium Klub

Located in the heart of Budapest at , Akvárium is both a meeting point for youngsters and a cultural centre for everyone. It's good for chilling out, but also for getting wild and drunk with friends. With a wide musical repertoire from mainstream to underground, you'll surely find something to your liking. But remember: sometimes it's not the bands that put on the greatest show, but the people who gather here for some chit-chat or to share a drink. If you are still hesitating, let us help: Akvárium has three different halls with their own musical styles and performers - it ain't easy not to have a good time here.

Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
January 23 Dieselboy
January 24 Heaven Street Seven
February 24 Yann Tiersen
May 8 Nils Frahm.

3/9

Dürer kert

From the outside, Dürer-kert could be easily mistaken for a ruin pub, but it's a lot more than that. The place is one of the most cultic places in Budapest, with flyers and stickers decorating the walls, two concert halls, an open air stage, a small chill out zone, a sunny terrace - and of course, gallons of beer for the boozelords. Forget about pop and raise your fist, as Dürer Kert's stage is like an altar to music that is heavy, rocking and comes on with a blast. At first, the club doesn't seem as welcoming as it is, but believe us, you'll surely have a great time here.

Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
January 21 Obituary
February 25 TR/ST
March 3 Jarboe & Helen Money.

4/9

Budapest Park

Advertising itself as a permanent festival venue, Budapest Park (near the ) is open from May to September to entertain music and party fans with a quality program that ranges from banging techno to ska and pop. If you feel like getting lost in an enchanted forest, don't be surprised - once inside the Park's gates the psychedelic LED lights and the other trippy visual elements help you forget reality...even if just for one night only. So big, so good.

Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
May 16 Scooter
June 17 Asking Alexandria & Hollywood Undead.

5/9

Papp László Budapest SportArena

Muse. George Michael. Blondie. Bryan Ferry. The Beach Boys. Nickelback. Cirque du Soleil. We could continue this list with even more famous bands/singers, but that should be enough for you to see - only the biggest names get the chance to perform at Papp László Budapest SportArena. The building can host a total of 12 500 people, and there are both seated areas and a standing floor. If an international pop star is scheduled to play in Budapest, you can be sure they will perform at this venue.

To prove it, here are some forthcoming unmissable concerts:
February 5 Slipknot
April 16 WWE Live
May 19 Roxette
June 7 OneRepublic.

6/9

Budapest Jazz Club

Quality jazz, blues, bebop - that's all that matters for the founders and guests at the Budapest Jazz Club. Since jazz and wine goes hand-in-hand, instead of a big dinner, we advise you to sip a glass of wine; and in the meantime, you can hear the most talented (not just) Hungarian musicians play. What else can we say? Miles Davis would surely love this place!

Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
January 19 Péter Sárik Trio feat. Micheller Myrtill
February 14 Veronika Harcsa & Bálint Gyémánt duo

7/9

Gozsdu Manó Club

If you want to get sweaty and rock out, Gozsdu Manó is your place. Located in the extremely popular , this place usually attracts underground youth. The entrance fee is usually low and it would be hard to name an up-and-coming Hungarian band, that - at least, in their earliest days - didn't hit GMK's stage. That said, Gozsdu isn't as big as some as the aforementioned venues, nonetheless, the staff are friendly, they have quality beers on tap and there is always a good concert on.
Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
January 23 Dope Calypso
January 24 Voodoo Allen & Gutting Revue. 

The place ceased in 2017. 

8/9

Club 202

The really old rock 'n' rollas know that Club 202 was originally the strangest club in Budapest, that was then called Wigwam - an indian-themed rock 'n' roll dwelling for those about to rock. Since its rebirth nothing has really changed, except the name. It's located on the edge of the city, so there is a very low chance of accidentally bumping into it, but hey - if you are looking for a truly old kind of rock 'n' pub, you've found it.

And they have some big names lined up too:
March 13 Overkill & Sanctuary
March 15 Ensiferium & Insomnium & Omnium Gatherum
April 23 Behemoth & Bölzer & Thaw.

9/9

KVLT BP

The same applies for KVLT BP: it was once called Red Hell and since it was renovated, only a few things have changed. It still hosts concerts: mostly (post-)hardcore, punk(-rock), (doom) metal(core) bands play here. And not only the biggest names of the genre but up-and-coming bands too. It can host a total of 300 people and be warned pogo and wall of death happens every day here.
Not-to-be missed forthcoming concerts:
February 3 Within The Ruins & I Declare War & Aversions Crown
April 23 Obey The Brave & Malevolence & Napoleon & Kublai Khan
May 8 Comeback Kid & Bane & My Iron Lung & World Eater.