… in other words the romket, these dilapidated buildings where the party is in full swing until the early morning. In the old Jewish quarter, the Szimpla Kert bar is an institution. Inside (and in the courtyard) reigns a merry mess:a bathtub transformed into a sofa, a vintage football table and, on the wall, a bicycle that no longer pedals... After a pálinka or two (brandy), we head to Fogasház, which lines up cafés, bars and clubs in a maze of courtyards and houses. We end up dancing in a… cinema! At the end of the screenings, the Toldi lobby resounds with electro and live notes.
On Sunday mornings, the Szimpla Kert (him again!) hosts a market for small producers and, there, it's a carrot, cheese and salami party. Unusual! For fashion, two must-sees:Paloma, which is teeming with small designer boutiques in a decrepit building full of charm; Telep, a gallery-boutique-bar, meeting place for creative people who feast at the Konyha restaurant, next door.
Parked in front of the Köleves Vendéglo restaurant (Kazinczy Utca 41), the antique blue van welcomes romantic dinners by candlelight. On the menu, some soups, including macesz, a Hungarian Jewish recipe. A stone's throw away, still in the old Jewish quarter, the Gozsdu Udvar passage is lined with bars and restaurants. The Bistropub Spiler is a good pick for the atmosphere and the plate, honest, at melting prices.
Budapest has nearly 150 springs! Romans and Turks have left their heritage:thermal baths and Turkish baths are an unmissable experience. Even today, we paddle there, we swim there, we treat ourselves there... And, on Saturday evening, we dance there! But, according to the locals, it is better to avoid clubbing in the baths (hygiene issue). So, we just rested, in the evening, in the warm waters of the roof terrace of the Rudás baths. To marvel at illuminated Budapest.
Budapest has seen the emergence of many talents and photography still has a great place there. The Hungarian House of Photography is housed in the former studio of photographer Mano Mai. The building is worth seeing, as is the collection of old photos. A stone's throw away, the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center defends contemporary photography – but, despite its name, not a single shot of Capa. A stone's throw away, the Brody Artyard art gallery showcases young local and international artists. Nice concept that extends to the hotel-B&B Brody House (double from €70 with breakfast) and to the bar-restaurant Brody Studio, a private member’s club.
Go there
Flight Paris-Budapest, with Easyjet.
Housing. At the MGallery Nemzeti, well located, ultra comfortable rooms.
More informations. www.hungarytourism.com and welovebudapest.com.
