With our insider guide, you can explore Budapest like a local. The Palace District, located behind the Hungarian National Museum and stretching until the Grand Boulevard, is rich in delicious treats, lush parks, gorgeous buildings, hidden passageways, and contemporary galleries. This area is perhaps the most exciting part of the 8th district, and here is how to make the most out of it.
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Gutenberg tér
Start your walk in Gutenberg tér and take in its hustle and bustle. Many streets converge here, and in the centre, there is a playground too. But in the midst of it all, don’t forget to look up at the magnificent Art Nouveau Gutenberg House, built in 1907 for the Association of Budapest Printers and Letter makers, a real gem. And if you get tired of the hectic pace, top yourself up with a light-roast speciality coffee and a pastry from the Coffee Stand.
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Walk along Bródy Sándor utca
Then take a stroll along the oldest street of the Palace District, Bródy Sándor Street, and admire the palaces. In the 19th century, magnates with extravagant needs (and the wealth to pay for them) built splendid homes, so look up often. After appreciating the area's rich history, make your way to exciting contemporary exhibition spaces such as the TOBE Gallery and the Ani Molnár Gallery. While here, it is also worth stopping at Horánszky Street to check out Daken Studio, where you can find retro and mid-century furniture reimagined in line with the latest interior design trends.
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Brunch at Aranypinty
If you’re short on time, you can have a delicious meal at Lumen, next door to Daken Studio, but if you’ve got a day to explore the city, you might want to stop for brunch at the more appropriate Aranypinty. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is pretty exquisite, with a touch of excess, uniqueness, and a dose of timeless French chic.
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Picnic and some culture at the National Museum
Once you’ve regained your energy, head to the National Museum. You can step into its pretty and shady garden from a side entrance on Bródy Sándor utca and settle down on a bench (or be more authentic and sit in the grass). From here, you can either enter the museum and see an exhibition or opt for a cake at Geraldine, the fourth café of the 150-year-old Auguszt confectionery dynasty, housed in the former gardening house.
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Walk along the Small Boulevard
As much as it’s fun to sit under the shady trees of the Museum Garden, there are better adventures to seek out in the area. Cross over to the opposite side of the Small Boulevard (Kiskörút) and pass through Unger-ház (1053 Budapest, Múzeum körút 7.), a gorgeous and well-hidden 19th-century passageway. After emerging on Magyar utca, turn left and search for a perfumery 7scents to immerse in fragrances. Then walk back a few metres and head towards the manicured garden, Károlyi-kert. Here, sip on a glass of quality wine on the terrace of Csendes Társ or enter the park and relax on a bench.
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And finally: tasty bites and culture
If you feel tired, complete your walk with delicious tapas at Pintxo. Otherwise, continue through Egyetem tér to Buborék design and gift shop, and after a shopping spree, end your tour in an elegant setting: at the rooftop restaurant SOLID. Sit back, order an Aperol Spritz (or two), and enjoy the magnificent panorama.
