Gay Budapest

A great deal of history, beauty, and diversion is to be found in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.”  Originally three separate cities—Buda, Obuda, and Pest—Budapest united as one in 1873, creating a large dynamic city with the Danube running through the center.  Today Pest is a flat lively city on the east bank of the Danube, and Obuda and Buda are hilly residential areas offering spectacular views of the city below.  Budapest, also known as the “Paris of the East” is the gay mecca of Eastern Europe. 

Budapest is full of fascinating historical sites and stunning archeological structures, including a variety of ancient churches and baths.  Both the Castle District and Andrassy Avenue—must see areas during your trip—have been declared World Heritage sites.  An ideal walking city, Budapest offers such highlights as the Danube Promenade along which you will see such sites as the Hungary Academy of Sciences, the Vigado Concert Hall, the Gresham Palace, various sculptures, and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, which connects Buda to Pest.  Be sure to bring a map with you!  Also of interest to the urban outdoorsman:  Margaret Island Park. This island park sits in the Danube between Buda and Pest and is an ideal place for walking, jogging, biking or catching an open air theatre performance.  No cars are permitted on the island but there are several hotels and a bus line that circulates the park.   

Budapest also offers a variety of shopping experiences: West End City Center, central Europe’s largest shopping center, and Great Market Hall, a bustling open air market, come highly recommended.  In addition, the Ecseri Flea Market, about where it has been said you can find absolutely anything you are looking for, is a great place for antique shopping.

Don’t neglect to get your dose of Hungarian’s best food and wine during your stay in Budapest.  Be sure to try Hungarian goulash, a delicious, thick soup.  Budapest is also known for fish entrees, including fish soup, and mouth watering deserts.  Spend an afternoon at one of the cake shops or coffee houses—for a great outdoor setting, try the Castle District!—and help yourself to strudels, pancakes, dumplings, or even sweet or salty pastas. 

In addition to the LBGT Pride Festival, held each year in early July, two Hungarian cultural festivals are worth planning your trip around: Sziget Festival and Budapest Summer Festival.  Sziget Festival, held each August, is a culture and musical festival held on Obuda Island on the Danube.  The Budapest Summer Festival is held on Margaret Island and Varosmajor and features open air theatres with everything from comedy and ballet to musicals and concerts. 

Budapest has a large local gay population and countless shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and accommodations that are gay and gay-friendly.  In Budapest the word “meleg,” which literally translates as “warm,” is a non-pejorative denotation for “gay;” so many of the banners at Budapest Pride Fest will read “LMGT.”  Most of the gay venues are in Pest, specifically the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th districts.  In addition, Budapest—the “city of spas”—has many thermal spas and Turkish baths for gay men.  And you will find a gay beach at Omszki Lake.   Finally, nightlife in Budapest promises everything from intimate cafes to raging dance clubs. 

Budapest or Bust!