APáholy

Located in Balatongyörök, APáholy is not only famous for its extremely delicious, mouth-watering dishes but it also offers a spectacular view of our beloved Lake Balaton. Located next to the popular hiking spot Szépkilátó, you can effortlessly enjoy refreshing drinks and seasonal delights.

8313 Balatongyörök, Eötvös Károly utca 153. | Facebook

Balogh Pincészet (Balogh Winery)

In the heart of the Balaton Uplands, in Pécsely, the Balogh Winery invites all wine enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience at their wine terrace. They use eco-conscious technology to grow their grapes, while their wines preserve the freshness and flavours of the fruit, allowing us to have a sip of Lake Balaton.

8245 Pécsely, Balatoni út 17. | Website

Borbarátok (Wine Friends)

The place that once hosted wineful friendly gatherings under the shady walnut tree today gives home to Borbarátok (Wine Friends) Restaurant and Pension, as well as FATA Winery named after the founding great-grandfather István Fata. Apart from hillside culinary treasures, uninterrupted tranquillity awaits you at Borbarátok.

8258 Badacsonytomaj, Római út 88. | Website

Bitang Burger, Alsóörs

Bitang Burger is definitely a must-visit gastro spot on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, for not only their tasty burgers but the cozy atmosphere and friendly community too. In addition to their impeccable regular menu, they also offer seasonal specials, so there is always something new to try. Smoked meats, buns made with organic flour, and high-quality ingredients are essential components, but the Bitang team does its best so that guests with food intolerance can also indulge in the satisfying meals of the famous burger place.

8226 Alsóörs, Endrődi Sándor utca 24/a | Facebook

Casa Christa

Casa Christa’s Tuscan-style apartment houses in the Balaton Uplands had been expanded with a panoramic restaurant in March 2022, which quickly found its way into people’s hearts.

The charming restaurant and terrace welcome guests with impeccable service, surrounded by vineyards and 2000 almond trees, every day of the year. However, this ambiance is just the icing on the cake because the Casa Christa team does its very best so that guests enjoy themselves to the fullest during their stay on the estate. They hope that everyone visiting will fall in love with the place and they will happily return later.

After they had won the Michelin Bib Gourmand award last year, Casa Christa received a great honour once again: the Dining Guide has recently awarded them the title of “The Most Beloved Restaurant of the Year.”

At this pleasing gastro venue, you can taste the compositions of award-winning and experienced chefs, made from excellent ingredients that vary seasonally, paired with wines from locally and nationally recognized winemakers. After enjoying this unparalleled culinary experience, the renovated press houses invite you for relaxation every day of the week, with its own wellness area, a wine cellar, and the most beautiful panoramic view of Lake Balaton.

8233 Balatonszőlős, Izabella út | Facebook

Fészek -Étel és Hotel

Located just a stone’s throw away from Lake Balaton, Fészek (Nest) in Zánka embodies everything you could desire after a satisfying day in the region. Their menu showcases traditional and Mediterranean dishes that bring to life the finest ingredients of the Balaton Uplands. Their Káli pizzas redefine the round, Italian dough, while their soups, starters, and main courses all hold a tantalizing twist. And if you’re seeking a cozy accommodation for relaxation, look no further, as Fészek also awaits with the most comfortable beds.

8251 Zánka, Rákóczi út 69. | Website

Fűszerkert Étterem (Herb Garden Restaurant)

Traditional flavours & modern cuisine – that’s the secret of Fűszerkert Étterem (Herb Garden Restaurant). This summer, Tihany’s panoramic gastro venue boasts a new menu in a renewed setting, in Echo Residence Hotel. The restaurant’s chef brings a new approach to cooking: he fearlessly combines the familiar Hungarian flavours with the trendy Mediterranean cuisine while, of course, adding spices from the herb garden to the dishes. Moreover, the palatable courses are accompanied by the finest wines of the region. Book a table at +36 30 605 6311!

8237 Tihany, Felsőkopaszhegyi utca 35. | Website

Gusto 13

Operating for 20 years now, Gusto 13 is a true culinary gem in the city of Veszprém, boasting numerous accolades. The menu can be divided into two parts: one features an innovative yet tradition-following bistro cuisine that increasingly emphasizes the use of high-quality Hungarian ingredients. The other part is mainly based on Italian and Mediterranean flavours, and the staff travels every six weeks to the Friuli-Giulia-Venezia region to source local ingredients. Whichever dish you choose, you won’t be disappointed, and it’s recommended to book a table before arrival!

8200 Veszprém, Csermák Antal utca 13. | Website

Klassz Kultbisztró

Located in the heart of Keszthely, Klassz Kultbisztró successfully combines the characteristics of a bustling community space and a cozy bistro. This diverse and friendly gastro venue is where international flavours meet the excellent wines of Lake Balaton. And it houses laid-back cultural events, too!

8360 Keszthely, Kossuth Lajos utca 41. | Website

Mérce

Just a few steps from the Szigliget harbour, in a peaceful environment, you will find Mérce, offering wonderful Mediterranean dishes. You can savour the best of Italian and Spanish cuisine at this special gastro spot, which has evolved from an open-air cocktail bar into an exciting seasonal bistro.

8264 Szigliget, Aranykagyló út | Facebook

Petrányi Pince (Petrányi Cellar)

Petrányi Cellar, nestled in Csopak’s Szitahegy, is a charming destination in the Balaton wine region. Besides their award-winning wines, their courses, made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, are also worth tasting. To top it off, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Balaton, adding a touch of dolce vita to the experience all year round!

8229 Csopak, Homokbánya utca 31. | Website

Pöttyös Bögre (Polka Dot Mug)

With its romantic charm, Gyenesdiás’ loveliest breakfast spot, Pöttyös Bögre (Polka Dot Mug) will sweep you off your feet in an instant. Stepping inside the cottage, you’ll be greeted with a homely atmosphere, while the wide selection of fresh and delicious breakfast dishes will tempt you to return.

8315 Gyenesdiás, Madách utca 2. | Facebook

Sipos Borház (Sipos Winery)

Offering a breath-taking panorama over Badacsony, Sipos Winery is a lovely family business with a rich history. Their summer terrace is the perfect place to unwind month after month, enjoying theatre evenings, wine cinema, and live music in the company of delightful wines and excellent food.

8257 Badacsonytomaj, Szőlő út 23. | Website

Taberna Infinito

Not only in its name but also in its unparalleled panorama, Taberna Infinito is boundless. In its Mediterranean terrace embraced by witness hills, time just flies by in the company of delicious tapas and a bottle of fine wine. Grilled dishes arriving on wooden platters and Mediterranean flavours whisk you away to distant lands, while the tasting menu for two invites you on an unforgettable journey. Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus are also available, providing an exquisite gastro experience with a colourful array of cold and hot tapas, grilled dishes, and desserts.

8284 Kisapáti, Kisapátihegy | Facebook 

Tihany Gasztrokert

In Tihany Gasztrokert, the most delightful gastro garden of Tihany, you will find the most mouth-watering dishes and drinks under one roof. After a pleasant walk in Tihany, don’t forget to relax amidst the desserts, ice creams, and specialty coffees offered by the Kaffeine Espresso Bar. If you feel like it, you can also enjoy your breakfast pastries here. In the shade provided by lush trees, heavenly Che Che burgers and other freshly prepared meals will satisfy your hunger. Moreover, this year concerts and smaller markets will be held in the garden, too.

8237 Tihany, Batthyány utca 18. | Facebook 

Villa Delikát

Are you craving some specialty food or drink during your vacation? Then head to Villa Delikát in Balatonfüred, where owner Zsolt Martonosi ensures that the shelves are full of not only quality foreign products but syrups, jams, cookies, and pastas from local producers.

8230 Balatonfüred, Széchenyi István utca 2. | Website

Festival of Folk Arts

From 19 to 21 August, Buda Castle gives home to the Festival of Folk Arts. The three-day event promotes the importance of tradition by inviting Hungarian and foreign artists to showcase their craft either on stage as music and dance performers or behind the stall selling unique products. This year the guest of honor is going to be South Korea.

Tavern Festival

Located in the heart of Budapest, just a few minutes’ walk from Deák Ferenc Square, Vörösmarty Square welcomes Hungary’s most excellent taverns for a 4-day food fiesta between 18 and 21 August. Visitors are in for a gastronomic and cultural treat because one can simultaneously enjoy heavenly Hungarian meals and witness folk dance performances.

Panorama Classical

The most beautiful melodies of Hungarian classical music take center stage from 19 to 21 August in an unmatched location. Experience music as never before, under cozy string lights at the Garden of Philosophy (situated on verdant Gellért Hill) while sitting comfortably on a beanbag or blanket, with the awe-inspiring Budapest panorama in the background.

Magic Park

City Park’s Vajdahunyad Castle area turns into a magical place for two days between 20 and 21 August. During this time, plenty of fun activities await children who can evoke their inner prince and princess, watch variety acts by Tűzmadarak (Firebirds) as well as stilt shows, and try laser games. For adults, the event provides cultural enrichment.

Castle of Fehérkő, Kereki

Located south from Balatonföldvár, in the village of Kereki, a walking trail made of wooden planks guides you to the medieval castle. The recent renovation has also included the addition of a new panorama terrace to the region’s only surviving stone castle. Found at 283 meters high, the ruins provide a wonderful panorama to the nearby Kőröshegy Viaduct and the silhouettes of the northern mountains in the distance.

Kőhegy Lookout Tower, Zamárdi

An unparalleled view awaits us at the top of Kőhegy that can be easily accessible by bike and on foot. Although you have to climb the stairs to get to the round shaped Kőhegy Lookout Tower, the panorama is worth all the effort. Built at 219.8 meters high in 2000, the construction unveils the north of Lake Balaton, Tihany Peninsula right against us, and the nearby romantic cellar row from a bird’s eye view.

Viaduct Fishing Lake, Kőröshegy

The property surrounding the Széchenyi Hunting Lodge in Kőröshegy gives home to the Viaduct Fishing Lake on 5 hectares, with a significant fish population that makes the place very popular among local fishermen. A great number of big fish inhabit the 2-meter-deep lake, such as different variations of carps, sanders, northern pikes, and breams. Additionally, the lake lets us see the Kőröshegy Viaduct from a whole new perspective.

The Shore of Balatonvilágos

If you love romantic sunsets by the lake, head to the shore of Balatonvilágos for a one-of-a-kind sunset cinema. Besides memorable summer sunsets, the spot also reveals the widest panorama over Lake Balaton. It goes without saying that the whole of the eastern shore can be seen from Balatonvilágos. Make sure you stop and spend some quality time gazing at this spectacular view.

Szólád Loess Cellar Row

The European and Henry Ford Award-winner Szólád Loess Cellar Row is a definite must-visit attraction of the southeastern shore. Carved in 6-8 meters high loess walls, the cellars were once used as hiding places; later they were used for storing wine and crops. Many of them continue to house wine, as the walls of the loess cellars keep the inside at 15 degrees Celsius all year round. The cellar row gives home to several local gatherings.

Blessed Virgin Church, Dörgicse

Giving home to three medieval church ruins, Dörgicse gives most other villages of the area a run for their money. Our favourite of the trio is the 13th century Church of the Blessed Virgin, located atop Gernye Hill. Despite having been abandoned in the 18th century, its three-storey tower is still an imposing sight. The meadow next to the ruins offers a great view to the lake, and makes a perfect place for a nice picnic!

Királykő, Kapolcs

Situated above the lovely village of Kapolcs, the monumental basalt columns of Királykő (King Stone) are said to be the remnants of an ancient fortress which legend has it, belonged to Attila the Hun himself. Nowadays, the imposing boulder serves as a popular viewpoint to the Eger Valley, yet one can still see the reminders of Attila’s time in the form of earthen ramparts that demarcate an area of 80×50 meters.

Őrtorony Lookout Tower, Tihany

Őrtorony Lookout Tower is located at Tihany Peninsula, offering an all-round panoramic view of the whole lake and its surroundings. If you are visiting on a cloudless day, you can also see the outlines of Bakony Mountain in the north and Somogy Mountain in the distance. The unique tower is located on the edge of a former volcano crater, so looking down gives an extraordinary glimpse into the former volcanic activity.

Somlyó Mountain Lookout Tower, Alsóörs

The recently renovated, three-storey Somlyó Mountain Lookout Tower offers one of the most beautiful panoramas over Lake Balaton. A 74-step spiral staircase runs up to the 17.5 meters high wooden tower. Considering the height of the tower, it’s no wonder the whole of Lake Balaton and the nearby villages can be seen from here. Explore this wonderful area for yourself, and let its versatility sweep you off your feet!

Öskü Round Church

One of the plateaus of Bakony Mountain gives home to the Round Church of Öskü, known for its unique dome. The Roman-style church is one of the oldest in Hungary, as it was built in the 11th century. The monument boasts a semi-circular shrine, porthole windows, and a hemispherical tiled roof. There’s no evidence proving its origins, some say it used to be a Turkish mosque, while others think of it as a dungeon.

Social Realism Visual Arts during the Rákosi-Kádár Era

At Gaál Imre Gallery, a free-to-visit exhibition boasts rare social realism paintings that were collected and selected by Hungarian art vendor Géza Barabás during a year of research. The long-forgotten treasures of the 20th century’s social realism art movement were found at various art collectors, flea markets, as well as the warehouses of the Hungarian National Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. The paintings tell the visitors stories about the everyday life between 1945 and 1990, the common people of the era, and their set of emotions.

Until 6 August 2022 | Gaál Imre Gallery

Ballenesque – The World According to Roger Ballen

One of the most significant representatives of contemporary photography, Johannesburg-based American photographer Roger Ballen became known for his eerie, sometimes even radical photos. His most common themes include chaos, madness, the relation between mankind and the animal kingdom, as well as the inevitability of death. He describes his art as existential psychodrama, focusing on people on the periphery of society and their scheme of emotions. Ballen’s works are now on display at Mai Manó House, in Budapest.

Until 21 August 2022 | Mai Manó House

Budapest Unbuilt

In the future home of the Hungarian Museum of Transport, the Northern Maintenance Depot (Északi járműjavító), a new permanent exhibition completes the popular display named Once There Was the Északi… The Story Continues, unveiling an alternative Budapest with the help of old blueprints and maps about unbuilt metro lines, motorways, funiculars, and boulevards. It is the first time the public will see these forgotten drafts that could have defined the look of the city we live in today if they had been built. All the exhibitions in the Depot can be visited with just one ticket.

Until 30 September 2022 | Northern Maintenance Depot

William Kentridge: More Sweetly Play the Dance

The latest cultural institution in City Park, NEO Contemporary Art Space has opened with William Kentridge’s 2015 video installation titled More Sweetly Play the Dance. Located in The House of the Hungarian Millennium, the new exhibition space aims to introduce the Hungarian audience the most outstanding contemporary artists in the world. First up is the South African William Kentridge and an essential piece of his oeuvre that portrays the different layers and figures of society as part of a panoramic circular cinema.

Until 2 October 2022 | NEO Contemporary Art Space

Balaton RETROspective

During the hottest months of the year, Balaton RETROspective, arranged at the outside ramp of Várkert Bazaar, evokes the unforgettable summers spent by Lake Balaton. Through emblematic locations, products, and developments, the free-to-visit outdoor exhibition recalls the golden age of the Hungarian sea, aka the 1960-1990 period that is commonly described as retro today. Bringing the idyll of waterside summer to Budapest, Balaton RETROspective is complete with free, thematic outdoor movie screenings with a repertoire boasting Hungarian films shot by the lake.

Until the end of August, 2022 | Várkert Bazaar, Southern Panorama Terrace

23 October, 1956 marks the beginning of a nationwide revolution against the Soviet oppression in the Hungarian People’s Republic. On 4 November, a spontaneous national uprising was viciously crushed by Soviet troops, leaving thousands of people killed or wounded. And the brutality was far from over. Before sharing with you how the revolution ended, let us tell you about a couple of Budapest locations that are infused with history.

Technical University

Today known as the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, it is the location where students gathered on 22 October and decided to organize a sympathy demonstration the next day to support and celebrate pro-reform movements in Poland. On 23 October, students were supposed to peacefully lay a wreath at Polish-born hero, Jozef Bem’s statute, but the gathering led to a chain of events and eventually became the detonating cord of the revolution.

Ötvenhatosok tere

Stalin’s enormous bronze statue was erected in 1951 at Ötvenhatosok tere (formerly: Felvonulási tér) and had only been there for 5 years before being torn down on the very first day of the revolution of 1956. The 10-meter high sculpture of the dictator, weighing around 6 tons, broke into pieces, with its head ending up on the surface of the road. Jokingly, people started calling the street Csizma tér (csizma means boots in Hungarian) because Stalin’s footwear remained unharmed on the stone pedestal. To celebrate the demolishment of the statue, the crowd placed Hungarian flags into the boots.

Hungarian Radio (Bródy Sándor utca)

The Hungarian Radio’s heavily guarded headquarters were targeted by a delegation wishing to broadcast their demands. The building got surrounded by a supportive crowd, but still, the attempt was denied. Events took an unexpected turn: first, tear gas was thrown from the upper windows and the Hungarian State Security Police (ÁVH) used fire hose, then they opened fire on the crowd. Of course, protesters reacted violently. Police vehicles were set on fire and symbols of the regime were vandalized.

Corvin köz

Located on the corner of Ferenc körút and Üllői út, Corvin köz is now a bustling business area. In 1956 though, it was one of the main headquarters of armed Hungarian fighters: a significant location that could resist the attacks of Soviets the longest after tanks entered Budapest. The nearby Kilián barrack was another strategically important spot where they monitored tanks approaching from Petőfi bridge and Boráros tér. The building gained so much fame during the uprising that at the time many considered it the symbolical center of the resistance. Its function has changed a lot in the last few decades, for example, for a while the building (which is officially a monument) gave home to theatre shows.

Astoria

Based on witness reports, Astoria’s iconic hotel building is where a huge crowd of protesters managed to block the path of Soviet tanks. This incredible success felt so promising that for a moment, people believed they could be the winners of the revolution. The optimism was not well-founded: not long after, many were killed by gunfire in front of the Parliament building. Interestingly enough, several stories are circulating about Russian military men who ended up sympathizing with the Hungarians and changed sides, putting a Hungarian flag on their monstrous vehicle. One of them fired back at the secret police when they opened fire on unarmed protesters at Kossuth tér. When the revolution ended, the “traitors” faced terrible consequences in their country.

District XXI. (Csepel)

The outer district of Budapest, after which a famous bicycle brand was named, used to be a wedding present to future Hungarian queens, from 1484 onwards. But unfortunately, its history was not always fun and games. On 11 November, 1956, Hungarian fighters made a final attempt to stand up against the oppressors in Csepel. At the end, the district looked like a war zone: the number of Hungarian victims totaled around 22,500 with 2,500 dead and 20,000 badly injured. Life at present day Csepel, the only district that does not belong to either historical Pest or Buda, is much more peaceful.

Organize your own city walk

The Hungarian capital city is so gorgeous, and it is impossible that you’ve seen it all already. Take part in one of the organized, themed walking tours or plan your own. Invite your friends or family members and try to look at every building, street- plate, facade decorating element and rooftop in a different way!

Outdoor cinema

Watching a movie out in the fresh air, in front of a huge screen is not an ordinary thing to do by any means. Especially when there is a bucket of fresh and tasty popcorn or nacho chips to munch on. There is no need to wear a mask and the weather is still pleasant enough, but consider bringing a warm jumper just in case the movie ends late at night when it is more chilly. Find out what Budapest Rooftop Cinema is playing this month, click here!

A refreshing summer drink with friends

Drinking spritzer (bubbles + wine + fruit syrup, the latter is optional) is an every-season thing, but it’s best in summer. Budapest’s many outdoor terraces are waiting for you with open arms in case you’d like to wave bye to the summer of 2020 in style. Invite your friends and leave the hustle and bustle of the capital city behind for a few hours; raise your glass for each other’s health and stop worrying about champagne problems.

Outdoor cooking

Outdoor cooking makes us have childhood flashbacks. As kids, many of us experienced how magical it is to sit and eat sausage or toasted bacon by the campfire, laughing and having fun with friends and family members. Head to the Hajógyári-sziget or any other part of Budapest where you can find a legal fire pit, and let those toasting forks sizzle! A few month in you’ll love to think about these awesome memories.

It’s (still) beach time!

Have your heard of Lupa Beach, the favourite waterfront location of Budapesters? Well, if you haven’t, you might consider checking it out until you can, since everyone who’s ever been there highly recommends it. Fortunately, other open-air beaches and wellness centres can also be found in and around Budapest, so keep your eyes open and enjoy the last bits of summer: chill, sunbathe, drink a cocktail and try our typical beach delicacies including lángos and corn on the cob.

Let’s go to the market!

Would you like to experience the authentic market vibes no supermarket could ever provide? Would you like fill your refrigerator with fresh meat, fruit and vegetables? Visit the Great Market Hall or head to one of the city centre’s weekly farmer markets, where you’ll be in for several nice surprises.

Outdoor yoga sessions

Grab your yoga mat and do not stop until you are at one of Budapest’s green and peaceful areas! If you’ve experienced how liberating it is to do sports outside, it is not even a question why you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity. But if you haven’t, it is time to give it a shot. Margaret Island is a perfect place to do yoga, or run, but trying out SUP or going on a canoe tour on the Danube is likewise a great idea.

Morning coffee by the river

Imagine this: you wake up early, head to your favourite coffee shop and ask for a cup of coffee to go (or you make it at home, pour into a thermal coffee mug and bring it with yourself) and then drink it by the river, sitting on a bench with a view. Looking at the river or Budapest’s world famous sights can be quite peaceful, and definitely a good way to kick off a productive day.

Be a tourist!

Right now – due to the travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 – a lot less tourists are walking around in Budapest than usually. If you happen to live, work or study here, use this time for your advantage: visit your favourite, otherwise crowded spots or those well-known sights you’ve always wanted to see. It is such a cool thing to experience our capital city’s calmer, less bustling side for a change.

Hungarian National Museum

Designed by Mihály Pollack, the museum’s building is a classicist masterpiece that was opened just a few months prior to the revolution. It is believed that things escalated on 15 March when famous poet Sándor Petőfi cited his revolutionary poem „National Song” while standing on the stairs of the museum in front of thousands of people. Historians say the details of what really happened are unclear since the first written source that reported about the events appeared only decades later, and it is a known fact that the author was not even close to the museum at the time. However, a marble board was placed near the stairs to mark the building as a historical site.

Former Landerer Printing House

Located on the corner of Kossuth Lajos utca and Szép utca, right behind the Saint Peter of Alcantara Church of Ferenciek tere, the once famous Horváth-ház gave home to Landerer and Heckenast’s printing house where Lajos Kossuth (nobleman, journalist, governor of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1848-49) edited a liberal party newspaper. It is most notable for printing Petőfi’s National Song and the 12 Points, a list of demands defined by the leaders of the revolution. The list included requests for a national bank, the abolition of censorship, as well as civil and religious equality, among other points.

Petőfi Museum of Literature

15 March marks the day when the freedom of Hungarian press was declared partially due to the fact that Petőfi’s National Song came out of the printing machine. The Károlyi utca museum was founded in 1954 with the aim of maintaining and enriching cultural memory. At the same time, it pays homage to the poet by showcasing a public collection of our literary heritage. The museum owns manuscripts, books and relics formerly owned by the poet as well as novelist Mór Jókai who was also a member of the so-called “Youths of March” group of young revolutionaries alongside Petőfi.

Cafe Pilvax

How great it would be to make a stop at a nice coffee house where once revolutionary plans were discussed, but unfortunately, the café once frequented by Petőfi and many of his fellow writers no longer exists. The building was demolished in 1911 but years later the café got relocated. The original address is 7 Petőfi Sándor utca. Those who know it can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a cup of coffee with the “Youths of March”.

Kossuth Lajos tér

Paying homage to Lajos Kossuth and his government appointed in 1848, the former Országház tér, where our beautiful Parliament building and other prominent architectural masterpieces are located, was renamed to Kossuth tér in 1927. The square gives home to a group of statues including the nobleman himself surrounded by politician Pál Antal Esterházy, Gábor Klauzál, József Eötvös, István Széchenyi, Lajos Batthyány, Bertalan Szemere, Ferenc Deák and Lázár Mészáros. The other side of the statuary symbolizes the civilian participants of the revolution as well as military men. Under the composition, the first line of Sándor Petőfi’s poem, Life or Death! can be read.

Táncsics Prison

Teacher-journalist (and one of the first Socialist politicians in the country) Mihály Táncsics was held captive in a prison in the Castle District of Buda.  On 15 March, 1848 the revolutionary crowd headed there to free him and it didn’t take too much of an effort considering that his cell had no bars, only wooden coverage on the windows. The land on which the building sits is linked to other historical figures too, one of them being king Béla IV whose royal residency was once located there. It is also where the Erdélyi (Transylvanian) bastion was built in the 1530s – fun fact, the area is expected to open for visitors this spring.

Apathy Rock

Situated in District II, 242-metre high Apathy Rock is a dolomite rock that rises above Ördög-árok’s Lipótmező neighbourhood, giving home to more than 26 protected plant species and endangered insects such as longhorn beetle and praying mantis. While walking around, you will notice the shell marks, which indicate that the area was once submerged. The location is perfect for hiking, once you are there, you can visit the Árpád Lookout Tower and Kecske Hill too. Side note: the panorama is outstanding!

↗From Batthyány tér, you can approach it by bus 11.

Bátori Cave

Named after Paulite monk László Bátori who lived there for nearly 20 years while writing explanatory notes to the Bible, Duna-Ipoly Natural Park’s 360 metres long cave was most probably created in the Pliocene epoch. Its most characteristic morphological shape is a spherical room that is known to have formations in varied shapes and colours including pea stones and stalactites. What’s more, hermalite and limonite can also be found in the cave.

↗To get there, take Budapest Children’s Railway and get down at Szépjuhászné stop.

Bécsikapu Tér Grapevine

It is rather a pilgrimage site than a favoured hiking spot, but its story is so charming you might feel tempted to go see it. According to witnesses, Bécsikapu Tér’s famous grapevine grew out of war debris near an apartment building, which is now part of a garden, in 1945. It got under protection in 1982 as a result of an argument between people that lived there, because someone wanted to get rid of the plant precious to many others. One of the residents, who was born in 1947 when its first fruits grew, spared no time to get the grapevine under the capital city’s protection, and he soon succeeded.

↗From Deák tér, take bus 16.

Gellért Hill

Located on the right side of river Danube, Gellért Hill is often referred to as Budapest’s true gem. The most known location on our list is already a favoured spot by tourists and locals thanks to its fabulous panoramic view and uplifting green areas. The approximately 140 metres high dolomite rock is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and became part of the Duna-Ipoly Natural Park in 1997. Unfortunately, the habitat is only partially natural, but it still has significant bird diversity.  Considering its flora, watchful visitors can find figs and sprouted rose bushes left to us by the Turks, along with Silene flavescens, a plant that doesn’t blossom anywhere else in Hungary.

↗Walk up the hill from Szent Gellért tér.

Jókai Park

Sváb Hill’s Jókai Park was founded in 1973. It was named after its former owner, famous Hungarian writer Mór Jókai. He purchased the land at the age of 28 from the money he earned after two of his renowned novels: The Hungarian Nabob and Zoltán Kárpáthy. Before he gained ownership, the territory (a former stone mine) belonged to the violin manufacturer J.B. Schweitzer. Jókai fell in love with the irresistible panorama over Gellért Hill, the Danube and the city. He built a terrace and surrounded it with roses, vine, maple, linden and fruit trees. The place became his sanctuary far away from the noisy city centre. Today there is a memorial room dedicated to the writer with personal belongings but other exhibitions are also held. The park can be visited on business days.

↗Approach it from Széll Kálmán tér by bus 21.

The carnival season, which lasts from 6 January to Ash Wednesday, is not solely a period of time in the calendar but a time of the year people are psyched about in many parts of the globe. In Venice locals parade in gorgeous (colombina), funny (arlechino, gnaga) and sometimes gruesome (medico della pesta, bauta) masks and costumes as a way to save and promote the prestigious image of the city in the world.

In Rio de Janeiro, the biggest show of the world takes place (its roots date back to the 1640s when carnivals were organized to give honour to Greek wine gods) with a masquerade of costumed revellers and floats, welcoming an estimated number of 2 million visitors on a daily basis. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) aka a pre-Lenten celebration is held in the spirit of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season begins.

What do we, Hungarians do?

To bid farewell to the winter, or rather scare it away, the city of Mohács gives home to the UNESCO-acknowledged Busó Festival (Busójárás) where the protagonists, aka the busós are wearing sheepskin costumes and enormous wooden masks with horns only to parade through the town with cowbells and rattles in hand. In the evening, hundreds of busós gather in the main square of Mohács and dance around a coffin, symbolizing the burial of winter. It may or may not sound a little darker than that of the above mentioned events, but it attracts thousands of people from all around the country and abroad as well.

The season of carnival is also the period of time when elegant balls and joyful costume parties are organized in Hungary. Depending on how you would like to celebrate, you can either look for a fun party where wearing a costume is a must, or in special cases participate at a themed, fancy ball following the traditions of your profession as balls organized for people practising law or medicine are extremely popular. They are as prestigious as July’s Anna Ball which has been the most important gathering of Balatonfüred ever since it was first organized in 1825. Fun fact: the stars of the evening are young women (usually referred to as the debutants) who are wearing gorgeous white gowns looking like beauty pageants, competing for the title awarded to the most beautiful lady of the ball.

Carnival foods

The most known and liked food associated with the carnival season is the carnival donut (farsangi fánk in Hungarian). It is made of light dough with egg, but other variations (made with potato, for instance) also exist. The donut is deep fried in oil or grease and it can be savoury or sweet, filled with marmalade or cream, or left unfilled.

Several superstitions are linked to the carnival donut, one of them being that in Syrmia, people made it to stop storms from destroying their roof. Another folk theory is that if a couple breaks a donut, wedding bells are ringing, because the circular shape of the donut resembles that of an engagement ring. The official drink of the season is krampampuli, a spicy (cinnamon, clove) alcoholic drink made of a grape brandy mixed with caramelized sugar soaked in rum, decorated with dried fruits. Devilish mixture, they say. The people of New Orleans also munch on donuts in this period of the year. Other than that, corn dogs, corn on the cob, jambalaya (it contains meat, vegetables and rice) and sweet treats like king cakes are on their carnival menu.

In Venice, top carnival foods include seafood dishes as well as arancini, and considering drinks, a Venetian spritz cocktail or the Italian version of the mimosa, peach Bellini are the most popular. When in Brazil, put traditional carnival specialties like feijoada (slow-cooked pork and beans with rice), moqueca bajana (fish stew), brigadeiros (chocolate truffles) and quindim (a traditional Brazilian custard with coconut) on your must-try list.

Folk traditions

There are three special traditions within the carnival season we’d like you to know of. The earliest in the calendar is linked to 22 January, the day of Vince (Vincent of Saragossa). If the weather is nice and sunny, winemakers can hope for a good harvest, but if foggy and dark, it is the exact opposite. 2 February is Candlemas, another day when superstitions are related to the weather. The whole country is looking forward to hearing in the news whether the bears of Budapest Zoo have came out of their caves and stayed outside or did a no-show.

If the latter happens, the rest of the winter will be very cold. Last but not least, let’s talk about 3 February, the name day of Balázs. In the past, candles and apples were blessed on this day in order to use them for curing the throat pain of children in the near future. It is connected to Saint Blaise who wrote his name into history books by saving a boy from dying of a fish bone stuck in his throat. To express her gratitude, the boy’s mother gifted him food and candles.

As you can see, joyous and very colourful days and weeks are ahead of us. Make the most of them!