The castle district and the area around it have some hidden gems worth discovering if you know where to search. One of those is the Kollér art gallery, named after its founder, György Kollér. This is the oldest fine art gallery in Budapest that has been operating uninterruptedly since the 1950s, and it moved to its current location in Buda in the 1980s.
The 3 level gallery exhibits, auctions, and sells artworks of famous contemporary Hungarian artists, including Amerigo Tot, a Hungarian-Italian sculptor who was quite often seen with Salvador Dali, and Imre Varga who created the 'waiting women', an umbrella sculpture placed in Óbuda dedicated to sex workers. You can also find pieces of art by other international artists at the gallery.
The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously. Covered in lush green ivy, it is used as an exhibition space for contemporary sculptures. It has a special atmosphere as it aims to create harmonious and meditative vibes for reflections and mindful observation, and a small fountain in the middle helps set the mood. Moreover, you can have a great panoramic view of the Pest side over the garden's fence. If you are looking for a peaceful experience far from the touristy crowds of the Castle district, Kollér gallery's garden is a perfect choice.
Find your way with 171 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Muzikum Bisztró, near the National Museum, serves a great 2-3 course lunch menu affordably.
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Their gin-based signature cocktail is my absolute number one. It's called “Ramos Gin Fizz” and it’s pure magic in a glass. It never, ever disappoints.
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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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"Sport Bisztró" in Budapest is a pleasantly familiar, well-oiled haunt that sticks to the proverb 'healthy mind in a healthy body!' Great sports bar, too.
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"Nos a Hely" is a pop-up vintage shop in Hungary - they have a carefully curated selection of vintage porcelain and other local items. Great for gifts!
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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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