july-2012

16
While other local squares around Budapest may resemble Paris, Mikszáth Kálmán square could only be in
Budapest, in the middle of the district where the rich and aristocratic of the 19th century built their
mansions. Summer sees this magnificent square come alive as the locals sit out to catch some sun, and
the cosmopolitan bars and restaurants encourage you to eat, drink and be merry alfresco.
1 Szimpla Kert
Kazinczy utca 14,
+36 1 352 4198, szimpla.hu
One of the capital’s first ‘ruin’ bars
this renowned joint has retained
its pioneer spirit and is hugely
popular with both locals and
tourists. It has an open-air cinema
and runs regular movie nights.
Recently voted number three in
Lonely Planet’s ‘100 great bars
of the world’.
2 Építészpince
Ötpacsirta utca 2, +36 1 266
4799, epiteszpince.hu
Építészpince is a gem of a
restaurant with a gorgeous leafy
courtyard for summer dining.
Originally a social club for
architects, these days classic
Hungarian dishes are served by
friendly, helpful waiters.
juLY 2012
barrio: BUDAPEST
Douglas Allan finds the historic Palace District is enjoying a bit of a renaissance
Építészpince’s
charming courtyard
3 Iguana
Krúdy Gyula utca 9,
+36 1 317 1627, iguanaretro.hu
If retro clothing or cult accessories
are your thing, Iguana is funky
heaven. This is a second-hand
shrine to the 1950s, 1960s and
1970s. There is no ‘previously
loved’ junk here. Every item is a
nostalgic classic.
4 Fecske presszó
Baross utca 10, +36 1 326 0714
fecsketerasz.hu
Fecske (Swallow) is a coffee shop
with a lively terrace populated by
students who should probably be
in the library opposite. If the sun
isn’t shining you can retreat to the
cosy comfort of the cellar interior.
And now Budapest’s new smoking
laws mean it’s all smoke-free.
Szimpla Kert is
the original and
best ‘ruin bar’
5 Darshan Udvar
Krúdy Gyula utca 7,
+36 1 267 5120, darshan.hu
This eastern-influenced courtyard
is probably most famous for its
trendy restaurant and roof terrace,
but there are two alternative shops
worth looking into. Ethnosound
has a fascinating selection of
ethnic musical instruments from
Hungary, as well as Asia, Africa, the
Middle East, and South America.
Next door, Makara Keleti Bazár has
lovely Asian clothes, trinkets and
accessories.
6 Múzeum Kávéház
és Étterem
Múzeum körút 12, +36 1 267
0375, muzeumkavehaz.hu
Soak up the bustle of the newly
gentrified little boulevard at this
FLY TO budapest three times daily. brusselsairlines.com
Historic Festetics
Palace is open
to the public