You can come across two types of people in public places: those who know you, and those who have no idea who you are. In case – for whatever reason – you’re in need of a spot where you’re unlikely to bump into friends or foes, and you don’t feel like venturing out to the outskirts, check out these downtown hideouts where having a discrete conversation is more than possible. (If you’re still not convinced after scanning through the article, and would prefer the outskirts, Zila Café in Pestszentlőrinc and Külvárosi Café in Újpest are our recommondations.)
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Füvészkert Botanical Garden
For multiple decades, Füvészkert was only kept alive by the legend of Pál utcai fiúk (The boys of Pál Street, a famous, bittersweet novel written by Ferenc Molnár), in which this once-spacious garden is one of the main scenes. Although Füvészkert has shrunk to the third of its original size, it underwent a complete makeover in 2011, and was reborn. Unfortunately, the not-so-appealing concrete towers of nearby Tömő utca are visible from one side of the garden, but don’t worry, that won’t rain on your parade.
Address: 1083 Budapest, Illés utca 25.
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Burger King at Oktogon
The second floor of this surprisingly pleasant junk food place burger joint has nooks as hidden as
'>the flying ability of sloths. You should take a seat with your partner in crime facing Nagykörút (The Grand Boulevard), with a view on the copy of Florence’s Palazzo Strozzi, which now houses a wedding parlor. It’s also worth noting that the wall facing towards Nyugati Pályaudvar (Western Railway Station) has a mural hidden beneath the not-so-spectacular layers of the present. This now-invisible work of art depicts a metropolitan vision, and was painted by László Lakner.
Address: 1066 Budapest, Oktogon tér 3.
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The café on the first floor of Uránia National Movie Theatre
Uránia, one of the most spectacular cinemas in Europe, was completed in 1894 in a Neo-Moorish style. Initially, it housed a nightclub, then it became the scene of science-popularizing lectures, and finally, it began to function as a movie theatre – and turned out to be a storied one in that. The free market was a poison pill for Uránia, and was financially unstable, so the state had to intervene by shouldering both renovation and running expenses. The café itself is as empty as the streets of Philadelphia when the rain comes down, so it’s ideal for kisses and hugs.
Address: 1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 21.