Budapest Nightlife
Budapest offers various possibilities for pleasure-seekers.
In general we can state, that along the Nagykörút (where the 4-6 trams operate), Andrássy street and Nagymezo street everything is given for a great night program. On these streets ad in the area bordered by them one can meet the enthralling nightlife of Budapest!
If you are fond of classical music, check out the program of the world famous Opera or the Zeneakadémia (Music academy). Throughout the summer several concerts and plays are held on open-air stages, usually on Margaret-island.
If modern music and jaunty pleasures interest you, visit one of the numerous, extremely popular discos and bars of the city. Among many other resorts, the area of the Western station is certainly a place where you will find what you are looking for! Ultramodern discos, smoky pubs, intimate cafés and fancy restaurants offer all kinds of music and forms of entertainment, such as pool tables, dart boards and gaming-rooms.
Alternative and jazz music is played in many restaurants and pubs. Jazz and folk music evenings are held regularly.
The city is full of great restaurants , among which visitors can certainly find the one that best fits their taste. Besides traditional Hungarian restaurants (Fatál restaurant in Váci street) there are dozens of places offering international cuisine – try the Greek (on Belgrád rakpart in Pest), Belgian (on Bem rakpart in Buda), Irish (on Fovám tér in Pest), Mexican, Indian, Thai, etc. restaurants, in which cuisine goes hand in hand with the folk music and traditions of the picked country. Fancy restaurants are to be found in Budapest's Castle district, but there are several on Andrássy street as well. Try Articsóka restaurant in Zichy J. street in the 6 th district ( www.articsoka.hu ).
In summer open-air restaurants cover the Váci street, the left bank of the Danube (the Dunakorzó), Liszt Ferenc square, Ráday street and their comfortable chairs and tables appear on almost every corners of the city. They are very inviting, and it is strongly recommended to try some of them, as the visitor can get a real view of the city's pulsing life and atmosphere while sitting there, sipping a cappuccino, drinking a refreshing Hungarian beer or tasting some of the world famous Hungarian wines.
Quiet cafés and teahouses are excellent for relaxation. They offer countless types of various teas and coffees of distant, exotic lands. Relaxed from the aroma and flavour of the drink one can wonder to far lands thanks to the special music, the warm atmosphere and sometimes to the waterpipe. (Check out Somogyi Béla street (8 th district), Mozsár street, Katona J. street.)
Here are some tips that always work:
Zöld Pardon Music Pub
Two open-aired music bars welcome the partying guests daily throughout the summer at the bottom of Petofi Bridge on the right side of the river in Buda. Located on the two sides of the main road, the bars give place to various performances, usually three or four music groups a night, representing almost all styles of music. These places are extremely popular and despite the crowd they are worth to try. A wide range of alcohol is served, so everything is perfect for a great summer party!
Oldman's Music Pub
This popular pub offers a wide range of musical experiences, from well-known foreign musicians to the most famous Hungarian groups. If you want to get a real idea about great Hungarian music and the way of Hungarian recreation, you should not miss this place! Besides their musical menu their cuisine is also excellent! (1072 Budapest, Akácfa u. 13.; www.oldmans.hu )
Don't forget, that each of the four seasons has its own festivals, most of which are great for evening programs also. Budapest Búcsú (June) is a fervent rock and pop festival held at several open-air venues around Budapest and celebrates the last Russian soldiers' departure from Hungary in 1991. September's International Wine and Champagne Festival is held in the Castle District. The Budafest Summer Opera & Ballet Festival provides the opportunity to see some of the world's finest high culture in Budapest's amazing Opera House at very affordable prices.