Many urban dwellers in Budapest decide to use their skin as a canvas of self-expression, and in case you’re planning to get one too prepare yourself for getting bombed by questions like “Does it hurt?” and “Are you craving attention?” or “Are you compensating for something?”, but in the meantime check out our top 5 list introducing some of the best tattoo parlors in Budapest.
1/5
Dark Art Tattoo
This renowned tattoo shop played a major role in creating a popular platform for ink in Hungary. The founder of this emblematic spot is Zsolt Sárközi, whose name is known by tattoo lovers across the globe. Because of his worldwide reputation, the waiting list to get in there is as long as Gandalf’s beard, so perseverance is crucial if you’re itching to get inked by Sárközi – nevertheless, it’s worth being patient. The rest of Dark Art’s team are just as talented as their manager: Róbert Borbás, Mátyás Halász, Gábor Jelencsik, Péter Tikos, and Kriszta Várnai are all brilliant, having their own distinctive style, thus you can choose an artist depending on the tattoo style you want to see on your skin. Dark Art could easily be mistaken as a gallery, a rad comic, or a toy store, and these assets can be really helpful when you want to divert your attention from the needle piercing into your skin.
2/5
Loco-Motive Tattoo
Located on Mátyás Street, an ink spot away from Ráday Street, Loco-Motive is a good-as-it-gets parlor founded and orchestrated by Sándor Nyíri, a Hungarian tattoo veteran. Here the sounds of the buzzing needles never fade, and the place is oft open late after normal business hours. Loco-Motive’s crew includes Ádám Szabó, Eszter Kárdy, and Erik Adamik, local talents who are always right even when you think they are wrong; never mind if you have a very specific idea, they can definitely enhance it with pro tips. Another plus is the atmosphere provided by the fun-loving staff and the nonstop music, and best of all when your ink is finally done, you don't have to wander far for a bar, there’s one right there on the other side of the street.
3/5
Fine Heart Tattoo
Fine Heart's mission is to dispell prejudices, raise tattoo art into artistic spheres, and conclude such annoying tattoo-related questions as 'Are you compensating for something?'. By the way, the parlor is continuing the successful history of Mágus Tattoo, a place widely-known for its openness and creative community in the Hungarian market. This inspirational hotspot is not just one of Budapest's coolest tattoo places, but offers much more than inking its customers's skin: the 120-square meter studio is home to regular exhibits, workshops, and high-spirited revels.
4/5
Dr. Ink Tattoo
The playful name reflects its crew’s happy-go-lucky attitude (a clue for those who don’t get it: just merge Dr. and Ink). Tattoo-artist-in-chief Károly Virág was previously part of Loco-Motive's team, until he decided to open his own place. Currently, Dr. Ink employs a quartet of artists: Eszter Mirka, Dóra Kalocsa, Kristóf Kalmár, and the founder himself. Additionally, Kristóf Kalmár is famous for occasionally making tattoos by hand - that is, not with a machine, but with a traditional Japanese technique. Ouch.
Address: 1077 Budapest, 11-15. Hutyra Ferenc Street
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5/5
Tyutyu Tattoo
Tyutyu Tattoo – located right next to the gigantic ruin pub complex of Instant – is run by István Alattyáni, alias Tyutyu. This emblematic place is probably Budapest’s most exclusive tattoo parlor: the interior represents traces of rock’n’roll elegance, while also pulling off the feat of remaining cozy. When it comes to your skin, the creative crew – Tyutyu, Tamás Kövesi, Antal Tamási, Csilla Juhász, Tamás Márton, and Zsófi Simon – works wonders. The length of the waiting list is manageable, although it still might takes a few weeks before you can get your desired ink.
