Hungary is not well known for being super liberal, but LGBTQ+ travelers will be pleased to hear that Budapest is a lot more liberal than the rest of the country, and has increasingly more queer-friendly bars popping up across the city.
If you’re travelling with a partner then mostly it’s fine to be open (from our experience) although it’s always wise not to overdo public displays of affection on the streets themselves, as the older generations sometimes aren’t quite as understanding as younger residents of Budapest. That being said, there are plenty of places to let loose and enjoy yourself without any worries at all! Whether for guys, for girls, or any other folx, we’re here to tell you where to go partying in Budapest that’s both queer-friendly and fun.
A lot of the bars and clubs in this list are only open at the weekend (or are monthly events), but Why Not Cafe and Bar is open Monday through Sunday every single week. Bear in mind it doesn’t open until late afternoon though, and doesn’t pick up until a little later in the evening! With a truly mixed crowd, Why Not is definitely worth visiting, whether you’re an LGBTQ+ backpacker, traveller, or studying abroad in Budapest. If you’re a karaoke fan, then make sure to visit them on a Tuesday night to sing your heart out.
Probably the most famous of the city’s gay clubs, Alterego offers what you would expect as standard in most mainstream gay bars. Sometimes there’s karaoke, there are always drag queens, and while there are a mixture of people there, in our experience it is mostly made up of a crowd for guys. Don’t be put off though folx, take a crew and represent - we did and it was a lot of fun! Like a lot of the LGBTQ+ offerings across the city, it’s only open at the weekends, so visit on a Friday or a Saturday to avoid disappointment. There’s a small cover charge to get in, but it never exceeds 2,000huf (6 euro). Bargain! And if you’re going to go there clubbing then there’s a perfect LGBTQ+ friendly pre-drinking bar just a couple of streets over called 10 Sixty-Six.
While not specifically labelled as an LGBTQ+ bar, 10 Sixty-Six is a beautiful basement bar whose slogan is “Be Yourself” and promote general inclusivity and intersectionality every day of the week. Located just a couple of streets over from Alterego Club (and well situated to other ruin bars and things to do in Budapest) it’s the perfect place to go for a relaxed pre-drink before letting loose on the dancefloor. Check out their enormous rainbow road shots-train they set up for Budapest Pride that features briefly in this video.
Not only is Anker’t one of the city’s most famous ruin bars, it’s also where to go if you want an inclusive gay party on a Friday night. Popular with everyone from backpackers to expats to locals, visiting Anker’t is up there on the list of things to do when it comes to Friday nightlife, however you identify.
WOW (WOMEN ON WOMEN) QUEER NIGHT
One for the girls and their friends! A lady-leaning monthly dance-pop party that’s for the hippest queers and their friends. Check out the WOW Facebook page to see their upcoming events, and if it fits with your travel schedule (and tastes) then make sure you hit up this party when you’re in Budapest.
Avoid the crowds and party with your crew in style!
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