Three members of FUNZINE, including native Budapesters and others who have lived here for some time share their favourite places to go and things to do in the city every month. In February, you can see the hints of Andris, Kriszti and Vera.
Andris’ Hints
My favourite thing to do: Board games
For me, winter season is all about board game parties. It is the best pastime activity you can do with your friends: we play, laugh, drink and enjoy spending time in the pleasingly warm room and not being frozen to death outside. I could do this every weekend, it switches off my mind for sure!
Besides recharging my batteries mentally, physical activities are just as important for me. After 25 years of exercising on a regular basis I can’t spend a day without it. Playing football and beach volleyball are my favourite ones. Although they are not typically winter sports, I have to relieve stress somehow, so I don’t stop in the cold months either.
My favourite place to be: Theatre
I love going to the theatre. I usually prefer to see something light and humorous, so it comes as no surprise that my favourite places to go is Centrál and Thália Theatres. You just can’t go wrong with their plays. Last time I saw Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” in the Centrál Theatre. Although it depicts a cruel storyline, you can’t stop laughing. If I have to recommend one play, I’d say Robert Dubac’s “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron” starred with Sándor Csányi in Thália Theatre. It is a hilarious play, put it on your bucket list if you haven’t seen it.
Kriszti’s Hints
My favourite thing to do: Kontakt jam
My favourite thing to do on a usual Friday evening is going to the contact improvisation jam in Jurányi Ház where I get to dance together with both strangers and friends. There is no choreography, just improvisation which puts emphasis on the perception of touch: it includes the giving and receiving of leanings and the creation of balanced positions. Thereby I’m learning how to be in harmony with others and myself. I give and receive touches through which I can experience connecting, intimacy, playfulness and unity.
My favourite place to be: Nagyi Palacsintázója
One of my favourite places in Budapest is Nagyi Palacsintázója (which stands for “Grandma’s Crépery”), as I love everything that has to do with crépes and there is a huge range of both savoury and sweet ones at this place. The one that is filled with cottage cheese and fruit is excellent such as the pancake filled with ham and mushroom, and their milk shakes are quite good, too. The traditional tastes, the friendly prices and their several locations are what make this place worth visiting. Pancakes, welcoming atmosphere as well as service – this is what it’s all about.
Vera’s Hints
My favourite place to be: Canyon of Pilisszentkereszt
It may sound incredible but 30-minute drive away from the concrete jungle of Budapest there is a magical canyon on the way to Pilisszentkereszt. Hike enthusiasts will enjoy its high trees, vividly green moss grown on the rocks, designated places to have a picnic and a clear stream flowing through the Szurdokvölgy (the Hungarian equivalent of canyon). It is well worth driving to the canyon to have some fresh air and slow down a bit. Don’t forget to bring your hiking boots, as in the wet seasons there’s a high chance of slipping on the muddy grounds.
My favourite thing to do: Art cinemas
Budapest boasts in art cinemas which don’t only screen the much anticipated Hollywood movies but art films, too. My favourite is Bem Cinema that also screens the classics of past times: on 3 February Fighters Club will be shown. Art cinemas are perfect for a romantic date, as you don’t have to stand in a queue for overpriced tickets and popcorn like in shopping mall cinemas. They usually have a café or pub built in the same building where you can have a fröccs before or after the movie.