Planning a museum day? Add a picnic basket to it! Budapest has some museums that are impressive both inside and out, with lovely natural surroundings perfect for a lunch break. We’ve rounded up three of these scenic spots and even recommend some great places to fill that basket.
Hungarian National Museum
Founded in the early 1800s and housed in this grand Neo-Classical landmark from the 1840s, the Hungarian National Museum is a must-see. If you only have an hour to spare, join a guided tour. But if you have more time, you can start with a picnic in the museum's charming garden. Whether you choose to sit on the stairs, a bench, or the grass, you can savour treats from nearby spots – cake from Geraldine Confectionery, pasta, bagels, salads, or sushi from local eateries. Once fuelled up, delve into Hungarian history with a chronological tour and keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions. They usually offer a treat: currently, you can catch the Hungarian Bride's stunning wedding gowns and love stories until August 25th, or explore the Kertész / Copies exhibition until September 22nd, featuring André Kertész's early work. (x)
Details here.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts, built in the early 20th century, stands proudly in its eclectic Neo-Classical glory beside Heroes' Square. Inside, you'll find a permanent collection featuring major international names up to 1600 and key Hungarian artists until 1800. But again, temporary exhibitions are a gem, such as the current showcase of Hungarian photographers who immigrated to the US. For a pleasant break between exhibitions, retreat to the museum's newly opened inner garden. For a full-on picnic, City Park is a stone's throw away. What's more, you can fill your picnic basket with delicious treats like chimney cake, Neapolitan pizza, lángos (Hungarian deep-fried flatbread), or even some cake from the legendary Gundel.
Details here.
Hungarian Natural History Museum
The Hungarian Natural History Museum might not be as fancy as the one in London, but it's nestled in one of Budapest's largest green spaces, Orczy Park. This means you can spread out a picnic blanket on 26 hectares of lush surroundings, even by the lakeside, before checking out the museum's impressive fin whale skeleton and dinosaurs. For a tasty picnic, grab some summer rolls from a banging Vietnamese restaurant, sushi, or burgers. And when you're full, explore the largest museum in the country with over 11.5 million registered items! It's a real treat for fans of natural treasures.
Details here.
(Cover photo: Gábor Szabó - We Love Budapest)
