This is Our Budapest gay travel guide. Here we will cover the city’s major attractions, best accommodations, bars: gay events, and much more.
Additionally, we will cover the city’s main sights, tips on getting to the town, recommended gay hotels, saunas, bars, etc. So if you’d like to find out more, dig in our article.
Short introduction of the city
Budapest is a city of two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. It’s a gorgeous city. So, you can take amazing photos over there. Additionally, the prices are affordable. And more importantly for you; there’s excellent nightlife to explore. Although Hungary is a conservative country, Budapest has a reputable gay scene. Make sure you visit some ruin bars when you’re in town. They are, quite literally, bars in ruined buildings.
Note: for more information on Budapest, please read our Budapest guide or Lea’s guide to Budapest.
Budapest’s major attractions
The city is full of cultural sights. So, no wonder it is regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.
Note: If you like to find out more, check out our related article about Budapest’s must-see monuments and attractions.
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Most popular guided tours in the city
Best time to visit Budapest
The best times to visit Budapest are from March to May and September through November. Tourists flood the city in summer, despite being the hottest and wettest of the year. However, the climate is always relatively mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding bearable levels. These shoulder seasons are when the weather is idyllic, and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists.
How to get to the city
The most common ways to get to Budapest are by plane, train, or road by either car or bus – although you can even get a boat from Viena and Bratislava.
By plane
There are various direct flights from all over Europe to Budapest airport. Therefore it is easily reached with a plane. However, there aren’t many direct connections with Budapest from the U.S. or other parts of the world. But there are several indirect flights with stopovers in Frankfurt, London, Paris, Vienna, or Madrid. If you want to get a good flight, click here and check out the best deals.
Note: To find out more ways how to get to the city, please visit our Budapest travel guide.
Gay Scene
Hungary remains a conservative country, though several gay bars and gay-friendly restaurants in the capital are on the Pest side. The crowds tend to be a good mix of all ages and styles, and the places are very laid-back and welcoming. But what the city does best for its gay visitors than most other European cities are its saunas, which are vast and beautiful.
Gay bars and cafes
Habrolo Bisztro
This small bar is a favorite of gay locals, who come to relax over drinks, karaoke, drag queen acts, and other events.
Website: https://www.whynotcafe.hu/en/
Why not cafe
While serving light meals throughout the day, this gay-friendly café hosts karaoke nights, live music, and unique cocktails.
Website: https://www.whynotcafe.hu/en/
Gay-friendly restaurants
Ruben
Centrally located on a quiet street, this gay-friendly restaurant serves Hungarian specialties and international dishes, including homemade pasta and soups.
Website: www.rubenrestaurant.hu
Note: If you want to find out more about Budapest’s local cuisine, please check our related article about its local food.
Gay clubs
Alterego
It is the best gay club for night partying. Namely, there are different parties on different nights at this club, from Diva Night to Retro parties. See the website for more information.
Website: http://www.alteregoclub.hu/
Garcons
Budapest’s most prominent gay dance party has taken place every month at different venues since 2012. It also attracts the city’s open-minded straight crowds.
Website: https://www.garconsbudapest.com/
Cruising baths
Coxx
It is Hungary’s largest men-only club, and this is a sizzling place with three bars, dark rooms, cabins, a prison, and a sling room.
Website: https://coxx.hu/hu/
Gay saunas
Traditional baths
Presumably, the gayest baths are 15th-century Király, with some open cruising. Rudas has a discreet gay vibe, but discretion is advised. Gellért remains popular but primarily caters to tourists.
Magnum sauna
The giant gay sauna attracts guys of all ages and is busy throughout the week. Furthermore, it offers massages by professional masseurs, a steam room, a maze, a jacuzzi, and a lounge.
Website: https://gaysaunabudapest.com/en
Szauna 69
If you’re looking for an exclusively gay sauna, choose this one that attracts young men. Services include a Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, sunbeds, massages, private rooms, and a café.
Website: https://gaysaunabudapest.hu/
Recommended gay hotels and rooms
There is plenty of gay and gay-friendly accommodation to find in the city. The most popular among these are Connection Guesthouse and Landchid 19 Design hotel. In the end, we are giving you our list of recommended Budapest gay hotels and apartments.
Our Budapest gay travel guide – final thoughts
While Budapest may not be the European gay capital, it still has substantial gay life. And with all its attraction, you should put it on your bucket list.
So, if we miss something or you have any other suggestions, we should put them in our guide, do let us know in the comments below.
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Featured photo: @Drazen_