Budapest is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and stunning architecture. Most visitors flock to the iconic sites like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square, and the thermal baths. However, tucked away off the beaten path are some true hidden gems that offer a unique peek into Budapest’s alternative side.
Escape the crowds at these underrated attractions and uncover Budapest’s quirky personality:
Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
Szimpla Kert pioneered Budapest’s ruin bar scene by transforming an abandoned building into a funky, eclectic watering hole. By day, Szimpla Kert is an artistic hub with a chilled atmosphere. Locals tap away on laptops and sip coffee as alternative bands strum acoustic sets on stage. The rooms are filled with upcycled furniture, vintage curiosities, and colourful graffiti art.
At night, Szimpla Kert morphs into one of Budapest’s liveliest nightlife venues. Partygoers from all walks of life flock here to reveal until the early hours of the morning. With affordable drinks, a relaxed crowd and trippy decor, a visit to Szimpla Kert encapsulates Budapest’s anything-goes spirit.
The Jewish Quarter
Budapest’s Jewish quarter brims with cultural heritage and contemporary edge. This downtown district was once a walled ghetto during WWII before blossoming into Budapest’s trendiest ‘hood. Today, the Jewish quarter seamlessly fuses the old with the new. Hip ruin bars and street art form the backdrop to historic synagogues and memorials.
Don’t miss out on perusing the district’s vintage stores, art galleries and design shops. For example, Printa studio sells unique screen-printed souvenirs handmade by local artists. The neighbourhood also hosts a bustling Sunday market selling homemade crafts and organic produce.
Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Beneath the scenic Buda Castle district lies a secret WWII hospital and nuclear bunker – now converted into Budapest’s most fascinating museum. Hospital in the Rock offers an illuminating glimpse into Hungary’s war-torn past with its extensive waxwork displays depicting life in the underground hospital. Visitors can explore original facilities like the operating theatre, hydrotherapy treatment area, and decontamination chamber.
The bunker remained operational until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Today you can see revealing Cold War relics like gas masks, radiation suits and secret communication devices. Hospital in the Rock provides chilling insights into Budapest’s turbulent 20th-century history.
Flippermúzeum
Step back in time at Flippermúzeum – Budapest’s retro arcade game museum! This entertaining underground venue houses over 130 perfectly preserved pinball machines and arcade games from the 1960s through to the 2000s. Test your skills on classics like Pac Man, Space Invaders and Tetris or discover more obscure Hungarian games.
With an entry fee buying you unlimited gameplay, you’re bound to get sucked into this nostalgic time warp. Flippermúzeum is housed in an atmospheric brick cellar and also has a bar to enjoy a drink as you soak up the fun, retro atmosphere. It’s a wonderful indoor attraction for a rainy day or if you need a break from sightseeing.
Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway)
Riding along the Gyermekvasút line through the Buda Hills makes for a memorable, family-friendly adventure. The unique railway is operated entirely by children aged 10-14 and has been running since 1948 to provide young people with practical education.
Uniformed child conductors will check your tickets before you board the small, outdated train carriage. Sit back and enjoy scenic views of dense forest and magical castle turrets glinting on the horizon. Disembark halfway at Széchenyi Hill for panoramic vistas over the sprawling city below. witness first-hand a wonderful tradition that brings the community together across generations.
Escape 60
Budapest’s newest attraction is set to take the city by storm. Escape 60 is Central Europe’s first permanent escape room with a whopping 60 different games to choose from. Gather a group of friends to test your communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Work against the clock to crack codes, solve puzzles and ultimately escape from one of the elaborately themed rooms.
Opt for a standard escape room or amp up the intensity with an extreme, horror or outdoor room. The complex also features karaoke booths, private event spaces plus a café and bar to relax in post-game. Escape 60 adds an exciting new dimension to Budapest’s entertainment scene.
Final Word
While Budapest has no shortage of spectacular landmark attractions, make time to uncover the city’s low-key cultural gems too. Wandering the backstreets offers an authentic glimpse into local life beyond the touristic sites. With Wizz Air tickets you can experience these lesser seen sites of Budapest. From retro gamer dens to eclectic nightlife districts, Budapest’s hidden havens reveal the city’s diverse creativity and resilient spirit.