Are you planning an event with your mum or your girlfriends? We’ve got you covered with ten great ideas ranging from tasting delicious desserts and cocktails to spending a fun night out, or even a bit of time travelling. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of those good old piano bars? How about a day trip to the famous wineries of Etyek (one of the top wine regions in Hungary)? It’s time to give in to the sweet temptation of bubbly waffles and dreamy cupcakes, go to an open-air performance, or make your own candles together.
Budapest Retro Museum: travel back in time
In the Budapest Retro Museum, you can glimpse into the everyday life of Hungarians between the 1960s and 1980s. The exhibited objects are all original and will take you back in time, allowing you to relive memories of the recent past. The exhibition brings together different generations, while offering interactive experiences, including period jokes, popular TV shows of the time, old police car simulators that let you patrol in different neighbourhoods, and even sitting in the studio of a retro newsroom. The museum also has a bistro with an open terrace and daily discounts, which makes it even more appealing for a special activity with your girlfriends. On Mondays, ladies can enjoy a special Comrade menu, including home-made chestnut puree with whipped cream and retro coffee (long coffee with whipped cream) or a glass of Bambi, a retro soft drink. On Tuesdays, gin-tonic and Aperol are on offer between 5 pm and 8 pm, which also comes with a free bag of popcorn.
Details here.
Red Carpet Lounge & Piano Bar: immerse yourself in an old piano bar
For a truly special evening with live music, premium dining, and classical elegance, Red Carpet Lounge & Piano Bar is the place to be. Nestled in Zichy Jenő utca, the bar is reminiscent of old New York piano bars, offering an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere where every detail complements the experience. The menu is sophisticated, the food is excellent, and the cocktails are exquisite. The live piano and vocals in the background are not intrusive, but rather captivating. They set the mood for the evening, blend nicely into the conversation, and complement the delicious meal. Jazz is king on Thursdays, evergreen songs are in focus on Fridays, while on Saturdays, Hungarian hits play in the background. Besides being an ideal place for an evening out with your girlfriends, Red Carpet is also a great choice for a date, a dinner with friends, or even a chic chill night out. From May 30, the bar will be open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. You can book a table here.
Details here.
Etyeki Kúria Winery: start the season at a Chardonnay festival
If you and your girlfriends are great wine connoisseurs, kick off the summer season with a day trip to Etyek on 14 June. That's when ChardonnÉJ, a mini wine fest with major vibes, pops up at Etyeki Kúria Winery, serving up a lineup of chardonnays and sparkling wines from 30 wineries across Hungary and beyond. Besides wine tasting in the stunning surroundings of the winery, you can also sample premium dishes, including speciality food and coffee courtesy of Cukorborsó pizza and Etyeki Kávé. The day starts with a walking wine tasting, enhanced by the rhythms of DR BRS.
Details here.
Waffle & Love: taste bubbly waffles
Want to taste a truly special dessert? Try Budapest’s number one bubbly waffle shop, Waffle & Love. You can pick from their top 5 flavour variations or create your own. You can also add a variety of toppings, including creams (dark chocolate, white chocolate, Nutella, and more), fruits, chocolate toppings (Mars, Snickers, Bounty, M&M’s, and many more), or extra sprinkles (marshmallow, Haribo gum, sugar pearl, or whipped cream). Make sure to give the shop’s savoury waffles a try, too. We recommend Serrano (cream cheese, Serrano ham, olives, arugula), the Scandinavian favourite (cream cheese, salmon, arugula), or the Flavour Bomb (cream cheese, bacon, red onion, sweet corn). As a drink, you can choose from classic or extra homemade lemonades or iced coffee. An afternoon spent with sweet treats is an afternoon well spent – especially with your girlfriends.
Details here.
Lagom Beauty: enjoy spring self-care
Spring is the time of renewal, which means it's time to treat yourself and your girlfriends to a day of self-care. At Lagom Beauty, you can be sure to feel cared for both physically and mentally, in the heart of Budapest. The beauty salon offers a high level of expertise and a harmonious environment for those looking for premium self-care. Here calm and natural energies, balance, and introspection meet in perfect harmony. Plus, if you buy a pass for any of their services in May, you’ll get a 4-occasion lymphatic massage treatment for free. Check out their website or Instagram page to keep up with their latest offers and updates – they have new discounts every month.
Details here.
Cupcake Tortaműhely: surprise your loved ones with a sweet treat
Any occasion is a great occasion for a perfect cupcake! Nestled in Batthyány tér, Cupcake Tortaműhely has all the sweet flavours you can imagine, and more. Whether you’re into salted caramel, strawberry-white chocolate, or lime and raspberries, you’ll certainly find your favourite from the selection on site. Cupcake’s little tarts are filled with so many delicious fillings and topped with cream that melts in the mouth. And don’t get us started on their heavenly edible decorations – they’re really just the icing on the cake! The dessert shop also sells special cake pops, cakes, and allergen-free desserts. Although you can ask for Cupcake’s sweet treats to go, we recommend sitting down on their cosy, sunny terrace to be able to fully enjoy every bite. You can also ask for a refreshing coffee, lemonade, or cocktail on the side. And for a seasonal selection, Cupcake makes themed desserts for holidays. In June, the focus is on dads, so that you can treat yours with a sweet surprise on Father’s Day.
Details here.
Botanika Labor: create your own scented candle
Botanika Labor is a place where time slows down and we can focus solely on scents, light, and ourselves. Participating in a scented candle-making workshop is such a unique thing you can do with your girlfriends. Here, you not only learn about the candle-making process, but also get a chance to break free from the daily hustle. Spending time at Botanika Labor is not just about making candles but about paying attention to yourself and enjoying the joy of creating something new. Enjoying a soy candle-making workshop with your girlfriends or your mum will be an unforgettable experience where scents and memories are intertwined. Choose your favourite scents, pour your own candles, and immerse yourself in the relaxing environment Botanika Labor creates. And the best part? You can take the scent of this shared experience with you and fill your home with it.
Details here.
FELIX Kitchen & Bar: enjoy a true culinary experience with a view of the Danube
If you’re looking for a meaningful yet light-hearted weekend activity with your girlfriends, we recommend FELIX Kitchen & Bar. Tucked away in the historic Várkert Bazár, FELIX is one of the most unique eateries on the Buda side of the Hungarian capital. The restaurant will certainly enchant you not only with its majestic surroundings but also with its premium gastronomic selections. The spacious terrace is surrounded by plants, creating an ideal spot for relaxing, enjoying the sun and an exquisite meal. FELIX’s extensive brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am. Trust us, here, avocado toast and eggs Benedict are just the beginning. Alternatively, you can sip FELIX’s signature cocktails on an elegant afternoon or evening out with your girlfriends. The restaurant’s executive chef, Dániel Katona, comes up with a seasonally refreshed menu, so you can always find a great surprise on offer. Our favourites are the cod served with hollandaise sauce and broccolini, and the octopus fideuà with green peas and aioli. At FELIX, everything is in place to make a weekend meetup a special experience with your friends: elegant surroundings, delicious food, attentive service, and a breath-taking view of the Danube.
Details here.
Margaret Island Theatre: be enchanted by a famous Argentine dance group
Looking for a truly memorable activity with your girlfriends? Watch the performance of Malevo, a world-famous dance group, on 30 May at the Margaret Island Open-air Stage. The Argentine boy group has conquered audiences from Las Vegas and New York to Paris, London, and beyond. Now for one night only, they’re coming to Budapest. After their performance on America’s Got Talent, they shared the stage with Ricky Martin and also entertained the British Royal Family. Their every move is full of fire, passion, and a constant pulsing and drifting energy that captivates the audience. The show is a complex experience in which traditional steps are mixed with modern stylistic elements, including hip hop, flamenco, and acrobatics, to create a truly unique show. And if you’re interested in more theatrical performances, check out the colourful line-up of Margaret Island Open-air Stage. Their performances will suit all ages – all summer long.
Details here.
Crowne Plaza Budapest: join a live dinner show
Crowne Plaza Budapest is a great pick if you're after a centrally located hotel for your next girls' trip. With 4 stars, 230 rooms, two restaurants, a chic revamped interior, and direct access to Westend shopping mall, it’s the kind of place where you can wind down – or wind up, depending on the vibe. They host events too, like the upcoming Out of Office evening on 19 June, set in the stylish Axis Café & Lounge. You'll get to try a three-course dinner dreamed up just for this night by chef, gastro blogger and TV personality Zsófi Mautner, together with the hotel's own chef. Pair it with a cool drink and stick around for a laid-back chat with Zsófi about food and travel (note: the talk will be in Hungarian). The event starts at 7 pm, and tickets include a mocktail or a cocktail. Dinner is served before the talk at 6 pm – dinner tickets include admission to the talk along with food and a cocktail.
Details here.
(Cover photo: Etyeki Kúria – ChardonnÉJ)
