Budapest Clubbing Guide- Music & Dance Clubs In Budapest
+ Budapest Gay & Lesbian Clubs & Clubbing Guide + Reviews
Related page: index of clubs in other European Cities
Budapest Clubbing Guide Clubs & Nightlife
For info on Clubbing in other cities in Europe visit our European Clubbing Page)
Clubbers visiting Budapest face a challenge when it comes to distinguishing ‘music and dance clubs’ from sex shows and brothels. The task is not made any easier by resorting to the usually informative cab or taxi driver for help as many of these are on commission for every foreign tourist they deliver to a sex joint. So if you ask the driver to take you to a particular club they may tell you it is closed, moved to a new address, or not very good and offer to take you somewhere else. We have had even had a few reports of ‘kind’ drivers dropping clubbers off free at one or two clubs to make sure they get their commission. As there is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’ the clubbers end up rinsed of their money once they are inside.
There are three ways you can overcome this. Avoiding flagging down a taxis in the street and If you are in a hotel ask them to order you a taxi that is honest and will take you to the club you want to go to.The second option is to order a cab to the road or street you are going to and then walk to the club. The third option is to go to the club by public transport. It is of course possible with the second and third options that the club is no longer there when you arrive but getting a second cab to an alternative venue will be far cheaper than going to the wrong club. The golden rule here is not to go to a club chosen by a taxi driver!
Budapest Clubbing Guide With Club Reviews
Bar Domby, Anker Koz 3 Kiraly Corner 1061 – Budapest is a small yet fashionable cocktail bar in the heart of the Pest District in Budapest. They have a fantastic selection of cocktails but they don’t come cheap with the average cocktail at a costly 10 Euros. The crowd is made up of opulent and trendy individuals some of which may enjoy posing a little too much. The service is not credited as being the fastest in the city. Smokers will be delighted to know that they are free to smoke inside the venue. They are open daily between 6 pm and 3 am. website http://www.bardomby.hu/
Club Otkert Zrinyi 4, 4, 1051 Budapest is one of Budapest’s most visited night clubs. When it comes to the music you can expect to hear anything from 70′s Rock music to current House tracks and whilst some enjoy this kind of diversity others are not overly keen on it. The club’s capacity is about 1,000 people and it can get a little sweaty and claustrophobic in there on the weekends. The clientele are generally warm and friendly but not all customers were charmed by the social aspect of Otkert. Drink prices are average and their Pear Cosmo is a highly recommended cocktail. Opening hours are 12 pm to 12 am Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday -Thursday 12 pm till 4 am and Friday -Saturday 12 pm till 5 am. http://www.otkert.hu/
The Cotton Club at 1066 Budapest Jokai Street 26, is a 1920′s American themed club and restaurant in the middle of the city centre. For fans of Jazz music a trip to the Cotton Club is simply essential as they have live Jazz played here every night with the exception of Sunday’s. The place has a nostalgic ambiance about it which tricks you into believing you are back in a swinging Louisiana bar in the early 20th century. They serve satisfactory Hungarian cuisine as well as sea food at affordable prices. I’m sure most will be curious to experience their unique cigar and poker rooms. Opening hours are Monday-Sunday 10-1 am website www.cottonclub.hu/site_eng.php
The Bahnhof Music Club at VI. Váci u. 1, Budapest Telephone 36 1 302-4751 is a fairly safe bet for a night out especially as it is popular with locals. The club has a cover charge – nearly always below 1,000 ft. It has two dance areas one that plays contemporary music and classic dance hits. The other tends to specialise in a specific genre on individual nights – with reggae and soul nights not uncommon. Follow the locals who say the drinks prices are ok! Usually closes around 4am No Website – details email
The A38 Boat Club at XI. Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest Telephone 36 1 464-3940. This club is on board a ship moored in the Danube and was probably Budapest’s no.1 club extremely popular locals when it first docked there nearly a decade ago. The novelty of clubbing on board a ship has warn off a little with the locals but it remains one of the best clubs in Budapest and on its club nights has guest DJS from all over Europe. Music can be varied but tends to be mainstream No cover charge or only a very small one is a frequent feature of Club nights. It also put on some pretty decent live underground and punk bands when a cover charge depending on the band, between 1500 and 7,000 f may be made. This venue also puts on latin and classical live music. Other features are a fairly good restaurant and a outdoor terrace though the latter is not open in the winter. Well decked out venue that is thought to be a little expensive drink-wise by some but the lack of cover charges on club nights mean that locals consider it a decent night out The club can be found on the Buda Bank by the Petőfi Bridge. website http://www.a38.hu/en/
Club Seven at Akácfa u. 7, Budapest Telephone 36 1 478-9030. Very well promoted club aimed at tourists to Budapest which account for its high cover charges from 1000-ft – 2000 ft. Its specialises in expensive cocktails and usually has no music bias but will play punk and house it has a reputation as an well decorated expensive pick up joint with locals. You have been warned.
Fel 10 Jazz Klub at VIII. Baross u. 30. Authentic jazz (rock) club which features live sets every night of the week. Cover Charges usually circa 500 ft. Also has dance parties after midnight on Thursday Friday & Saturdays. Appeals to 25+ age group.Closes 4am nightly. Editorial Comment Club has no website or public telephone number so the programmes here are unknown but the club is held in a high regard and known for being dependable.
The Piaf Club at VI. Nagymezo u. 25, Budapest 36 1 312-3823. This venue , which is open nightly from 10pm until around 5 or 6am is probably one of the safest bets in Budapest. It is quite classy and tends to appeal to those with slightly bohemian tastes. It has a cover charge of less than a 1,000 ft and is popular with locals and tourists. Musically it offers a relaxed jazz / blues club upstairs with a very relaxed ambiance enhanced by a resident pianist. In very stark contrast the DJs in the basement cleverly mix dance classics from the 70′s 80′s and 90′s and this area is well known for some pretty lively dance parties at times. Decent club with a very friendly ambiance – reliable No website. .
Fat Mo’s Music Club & Restaurant at V. Nyári Pál u. 11, Budapest Telephone 36 1 267-3199. This no cover charge venue is a long established blues and jazz club (with a little soul added to spice thing up occasionally) is also famous for its steak dinners so if your eating you should book a table. Excellent food, relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable DJ’s Open Monday Tuesday Wednesday from noon to 2am, Thursday / Friday noon to 4am, Saturday 6pm to 4am, and on Sunday from 6pm to 2am. website http://www.fatmo.hu/index.html
The Trafo Bar Tango at IX. Liliom u. 41, Budapest Tel: 36 1215-1600 Cover Charges range from 600 – 2500 ft. Former Jazz venue with a very small dance floor that now concentrates on alternative music of many genres but especially reggae and indie but programmes can change at short notice here. Usually open daily from 6pm till 3 or 4am. For more information check website http://www.trafo.hu/hu-HU
Catedral Cafe Vaci utca 33 V.Kerulet – Cathedral is a popular Downtown Bar located on the bridge across the magical Danube River. Apart from being a restaurant Cathedral is also a well renowned Live music venue. The shows usually starts around 7 pm concluding at around 10 pm and then let the Clubbing commence. They occasionally have DJ’s perform a live set here. website na
A38, Petofi Bridge Rakpart – A38 is a trendy venue which is built on a ship. It’s modelled on a Ukrainian Stone carrier ship. They offer an extensive range of affordable beers and cocktails. The club is far from the rest of Budapest’s nightlife and the location exudes a romantic and passionate ambiance. This cool hot spot has a broad range of musical styles which cater to varying tastes. It’s Best to come for a specific event which you can read about on their website. Opening hours are Mon-Thurs, Sun 10 pm – 2 am. website http://www.a38.hu/hu/
Bank Dance Hall, Vaci utca 33, Central Pest Tel no: 20- 344-4888 – Bank Dance Hall is conveniently placed in the centre of Budapest. It’s one of the Hungarian Capital’s Premier Disco nights. The club referred to as ”The Bank” is a heaving venue brimming with sexy guys and girls. The Bank’s clientele are mostly young and suburban , between 18 and 25. There is House, Trance and funky Hungarian tunes for clubbers to party to. Drinks are well priced and entry fee can cost anything from 1,000- 3,000 HUF. The club is placed to the south of Nguyati Station right next to Mcdonald’s. Opening hours are Sun-Thurs 10 pm – 4 am and Fri/Sat 10 pm to 5 am. website http://www.bankdancehall.hu/
Creol, 1051 Budapest Roosevelt 7-8/ – Creol is an upmarket venue which attracts some of the City’s wealthiest clubbers. It’s situated in the middle of Budapest and surrounded by lavish 5 star hotels. The music is funky and the cocktails are great but come at a cost. The modernity of it’s design and decor has a certain appeal. Their picturesque Terrace is packed with clubbers during the spring and summer months. Creol is frequently used for business functions. Open Friday and Saturday 8 pm – 4 am. website http://www.creolbar.hu
Minyon, Budapest Kiraly Street Utca – Minyon is very popular amongst the Student contingent and plays a diverse range of Music. Kiraly Street has become a Cosmopolitan, up and coming area in recent years. It’s ideally located if you are lodging in the city centre as you can walk there and back with ease. The crowd tend to be warm and sociable and the service is generally adequate. Minyon is home to mostly locals with few tourists deciding to come here for one reason or another. There are Leather bar stools and exceptionally comfortable sofas if you wish to rest your feet. Prices are a little high but it shouldn’t put you out of pocket. Opening times are Mon and Tues 12 am- 12 pm and Wednesday 12 pm to 2 am and Thurs- Sat 12 pm till 4 am. Sundays closed. website http://www.minyonbar.hu/
Jam Pub, 1024 Lovohaz Street 1-3 – Jam is an urban/Retro Bar which hosts live concerts. Many of Budapest most promising Musical acts arrive at Jam to play a set. There is a decadent party that begins at Midnight which plays Music from the 70′s and 80′s. Jam is a haven for 30 and 40 Something’s who wish to be among clubbers their own age. There is a restaurant here with a delectable and interesting menu. You may also wish to come here if you are a fan of the stand up comedy circuit, with regular comedians performing weekly. Opening hours are 9 pm – 6 am. website http://www.jampub.hu/
Wig Wam 11 Fehervari ut 202, Budapest Tel No: 1-208-5569 Wig Wam offers a different service to most of the City’s nightclubs with Blues, Rock and Country music providing the entertainment. You may be tempted by their refreshing Salad bar or choose to play a game of Darts when you’re not dancing. After the Live concert on Thursday you can groove to the Old School sounds of 80′s and 90′s music. The hard hitting Rock Parties on weekends can get pretty crowded. Opening times are 9 pm – 5 am. website http://www.wigwamrockclub.hu/
Budapest Gay Clubbing Guide - Gay Clubs in Budapest
Related page: index of clubs in other European Cities
Overview Gay Club Scene In Budapest
On the whole the gay Clubbing scene in Budapest is a little pretentious with some clubs not to fussy who they let through their doors provided they have money in their pockets. That said there are a couple of decent venues but they are they are the exception to the rule.
Budapest Gay & Lesbian Guide With Club Reviews
For Guys
Action Bar, V.Magyar street U.42 Action is one of Budapest’s leading ”Cruise” Bars conveniently situated in the City Centre. It’s well hidden in the backstreets and is notorious for its dark video rooms and erotic strip shows. Action is one of only exclusively gay male bars in the city. Frequented mostly by Tourists, Action is the ideal destination for men who partake in backroom ”Cruising”. Some may find it a little seedy if they are only out to have a drink and a dance so be warned. There’s a big yellow sign to identify the venue. Entrance is 700 ft – Opening hours 9 pm – 4 am. website http://www.action.gay.hu
Alterego Club, 6th District, Dessewy Street – Alterego is one of Budapest’s most popular Gay Night Clubs. Alterego’s popularity and fashionable status does have a downside when you find yourself queuing for what seems an eternity to gain entrance. Saturday nights are the most heaving at Alterego. The clientele is mixed and for Gay Men on the prowl they may wish to know that the club is full of women. Entry fee is 1,500 HUF. website http://www.alteregoclub.hu/
Coxx, 38 Dohany Street Coxx is an expensive ”Cruise Bar” which caters to the needs of Hardcore cruisers. This decadent establishment has a generally young and mixed crowd. The Club’s dark room is laden with Hustlers, Rent Boys and Escorts. A phenomenal amount of smoking goes on here and so for those who cannot stand the smell or are very health conscious, Coxx may not be an ideal setting. Certain members of staff have been accused of being more than a little abrupt on occasion. Opening hours are 9 pm -4 am daily. website http://www.coxx.hu/
Gloryhole Club, 13th District Radnoti M.U. 18 – The Gloryhole is a promiscuous Cruisers dream littered with a plethora of cabins and Gloryholes as well as a stage. The Club is a suitable destination for Gays and lesbians who are keen on exploring new relationships or those exploring brief encounters. Do not be surprised by the sight of sexually curious Heterosexuals. Opening times are Mon-Thurs 12pm -12am, Fri 12-4 am & Sat 4 pm- 4 am.
Eklektika Cafe Nagymezö, utca 30, Budapest Telephone 36 1 266-1226. Popular Gay friendly bar (no cover charge) that is open every day from lunchtime till midnight. which puts on DJ nights film nights & live Jazz nights for details see website http://www.eklektika.hu/ .
Mystery Bar at V. Nagysándor József u. 3, Budapest Tel 36 1 312-1436. Reported to be Budapest’s oldest gay bar. Can get busy as its small & popular with tourists Open Mon to Friday from 4pm to 4am. Saturday / Sunday from 6pm – 4am
Mixed:
Capella Cafe, 5th District, Belgrad Rakpart 23 Capella is one of the few Gay clubs to provide the customer with a Drag show every day of the week. The show is well performed and professional. If you are bored during the week and feel there is nowhere to go at night then look no further than Capella. There are two rooms for Dancing and Capella is also populated by plenty of straight men and women. Capella is brimming with colourful characters including Hungarian artists and Glitterati. website http://www.capellacafe.hu/
Club Underground, 6th District Terez, Krt 30 Train station is Oktagon – Club Underground is an Dance club which predominately plays commercial pop and dance music. It’s called Underground because it’s situated in a cellar. The crowd are mostly young and the genders are mixed. Underground plays host to some of Budapest’s most entertaining Drag Queen shows. There is no entrance fee but it’s compulsory to spend at least 8 Euro’s on drinks unless you want to be escorted out of the building. website http://clubunderground.hu/
Bamboo Music Club, Dessewffy District 6 utca 44 - This Lesbian/Gay disco opened it’s doors in 2007 and is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. They have a backroom which caters to the needs of male and female ”Cruising”. They host monthly Lesbian parties and on the average night there are more Lesbian’s here than Gays. Their service is often swift and friendly. Opening times Friday and Saturday’s 9 pm to 4 am.website www.Bamboomusicclub.hu
Cafe Ekletika Restolounge, 1065 Budapest, Nagymezo utca.30 Eklektika is a highly expensive Lesbian/Gay friendly venue in the heart of the city. Eklektika is regarded as a Touristy establishment. There are mixed reviews when it comes to the standard of service you will receive here. They have a wonderfully intriguing food menu, their Pizzas in particular are held in high esteem. The clientele tends to be young Bohemian types. website http://www.eklektika.hu/
For Girls::
Osztrosokk, Ference Korut 19 - Osztrosokk is arguably the largest Lesbian party in Budapest. The club has a real urban and underground vibe about it. It’s considered the home of Lesbian pride in the Hungarian capital. They hold Women only parties every month and regular club nights where Lesbians are welcome to bring along straight and Gay Friends of both sexes. website: http://www.osztrosokk.hu/
Noted Bars In Budapest
Calgary Antik Drink Bar, Frankel Leo utca District 2 Tel No: 36 1 315 9887 This is fashionable venue which has a wide choice of European beers including Heineken, Amstel and Czech Pills. This bar is mostly frequented by locals who stay up to the early hours drinking beer and playing card games. The bar is owned by a former model Viky Szabo who is a fondly thought of character in those parts. Eastern delicacies such as Transylvanian cabbage and Frankfurters are also there for those who feel peckish. Open daily from 11 pm to 4 am.
Aloe at VI. Zichy Jeno u. 34, Budapest Telephone 36 1 269-4536. Some pretty good local and European beers here with even the stronger ones very fairly priced plus a fair range of similarliy good value cocktails supported by staff who want to serve you. Open everyday from 5pm till about 2am
The Szimpla Kert at Kazinczy u. 14, Budapest, 1073 Telephone 36 1 352-4198. This bar in Budapest’Jewish Quarter (District VII) is one of the city’s most friendly bars. It has several bars on several levels all with tables of varying size and thus welcoming to any number of guests. As Its drinks prices are standard it is popular with locals and visitors.
Janis Bar at V. Királyi Pál u. 8, Budapest Telephone 36 1 266-7364 This establishment has a fairly extensive range of drinks. Music is mostly mainstream from the 70′s 80′s and 90′s. perhaps a little on the expensive side.Opens Monday – Thursday 4pm until 2am. Friday & Saturday 4pm until 3am. Times on Suinday and other information is available through their website http://www.janispub.hu/
And there’s Guiness too!
Every city in Eastern Europe appears to have an Irish Bar and Budapest is no exception. Becketts is one of the better ones, it is not small like many of its cousins but its very lively at the weekends. The food is exceptionally good and english is spoken by all the Hungarian staff – curiously they have Irish accents. The Guiness never runs out – or so they say! Address : V. Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 72.
