This is not an ordinary bar. This is an open community space that supports diversity, creativity, equity, human rights and is a safe and inclusive space. The whole idea of such a place emerged after student protests against the commercialization of education in Hungary in 2012. First, a co-op emerged and they needed space where they could keep up with their active social work and build a community with other groups and locals. The space first opened in a different location in the outer 8th district but due to its ongoing gentrification, they moved to the current space a bit further from the center but still easily accessible. I’ve been hanging out there with friends from the very beginning, and some of those friends were also involved in the daily life of Gólya.
Apart from great drinks and food (vegan options included), the space has a stage for performances and a rooftop terrace in the DIY style. Be sure to check their program, as they have a lot of fun activities ranging from concerts, queer drag shows, and performances to board game evenings and conferences. And the best part? You can easily meet locals and mingle with the crowd.
Fun fact: The name Gólya (stork) is not random, as storks are what 1st-year students are called in Hungary, as they are believed to be brought by a stork as newborn babies.
Find your way with 171 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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I love starting my day here with my personal favorite, the "Don Corleone" bagel. They offer a wide selection of bagel types, some served hot & others cold.
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"Lion's Locker" in Budapest is a cute family-run cafe where I can stay all day. The staff is all wonderful - and they know how to make almond milk foam!
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"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
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"Pogány-torony", or Pagan Tower, in Budapest, is one of the city's strangest buildings, with a Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm...
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171 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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