Exploring The Trending 8th District Of Budapest

Often overlooked by visitors, these lively streets are home to world cuisine, cutting-edge culture and a vibrant art scene

Once the city’s dark underbelly, Budapest’s 8th District is now a thriving neighbourhood with a plethora of hip cultural spaces and laid-back bars. It’s also known as the Palace District, thanks to the flock of stunning 19th-century mansions constructed by the city’s nobility, and this faded glamour certainly contributes to the 8th District’s old-world-meets-new-world atmosphere. From the loveliest coffee stops to the most characterful bars and coolest art hubs, here’s where to go to enjoy its best side.

Müszi

Művelődési Szint, affectionately known as Müszi, is a community cultural space in Budapest’s 8th District. Independent and wildly creative, it hosts a busy programme of lectures, film screenings, exhibitions and events that are well-attended by the city’s bohemian set. It’s a sprawling warehouse, dedicated entirely to the arts, that’s spread over a few thousand square feet, so there’s always plenty to inspire during a visit.

Csiga Café

Warm and welcoming, Csiga Cafe is a firm neighbourhood fixture, loved for its honest menus and a décor that leans heavily on au naturel, from the well-worn wooden floors to the plethora of plants. Expect ingenious dishes such as pulled duck ciabatta sandwiches served with caper-mustard sauce, spicy tagines, fluffy scrambled eggs, and grilled goat’s cheese salads with salt-baked beetroot and caramelised onions.

JóKrisz Lángos Sütöde

Not far from Csiga, you’ll find the Rákóczi Market Hall. While the stalls piled high with fresh, gleaming produce may beckon, ignore them all and focus instead on hunting down the family-run JóKrisz Lángos Sütöde. Specialising in truly delicious lángos –traditional deep-fried flatbread – there’s a range of sweet and savoury toppings to choose from and, happily, you can’t go wrong with any of them.