Nestled in “Big Walnut Street”, in the area of Budapest where streets are named after plants, Massolit is a wonderful flower with a secret garden. A coffee shop in a bookstore and vice versa. I grew up in my mother's bookshop, so here, surrounded by books, I can feel happy and inspired.
In this place I wrote the draft of my first novel, several short stories, hundreds of articles and a few poems. If I had to leave Budapest tomorrow, Massolit would be the place I would miss the most, also because of its cooperative nature. I like to write on a specific table: it turned out to be a donation of a good friend of mine, a brilliant writer, that he left when we went back to his own country.
I am an expat and, even if I speak Hungarian, I cannot read it at a decent pace, therefore it's a big attraction to me that here all the titles are in English, both used and new. I call Massolit "my second office", but I come also just for the easiest, yet most precious thing: some interesting company.
Starting from the owner, Judit, to reach its regulars, Massolit feels like family (a good one). It’s an island of peace for those who write, work or study on their laptop – people mention Massolit in the special thanks of their thesis or novels -, but also the ideal spot to meet part of the vibrant creative community that Budapest nurtures.
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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Ligeti Bolt, a zero-waste pioneer in Budapest, offers grains, snacks, and more for refill. Shop eco-friendly, bring your jars, and embrace a conscious lifestyle!
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The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...
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The true star of Vivina’s brunch menu is the porridge—comforting, nourishing, and served with fresh berries and toasted nuts, it’s one of the best porridges in town!
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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
Authentic Stories by Real People
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✓ 171 Insider Tips