Budapest: The perks of being a misterb&b host

This Budapest hosts enjoys the life he is living in the Hungarian capital as economist working on inter-cultural communication and project management. Meet Gábor and enjoy this ride through his city!

What makes your city a favourite gay destination?

Beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, delicious meals, rich bath, swimming traditions, easy-going and sexy boys and men are an excellent combination that can make your holiday unforgettable in Budapest.

What is the best gay event that takes place in your city?

Behind the regular gay events such as tournaments, weekend parties and gatherings the Budapest pride in June has been always providing an extra for us: promoting human dignity and cultural diversity, higher degree of tolerance will make you feel a great gay man.

What is your favourite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch/nice dinner?

Life is more complex than just insisting on strictly gender dimensions. All my favourite places are simply trendy and friendly, lively and tasty. I prefer having a perfect lunch at MENZA or KIOSK restaurants. While lunch is the main meal in my country, all nice places are excellent for a longer, relaxing dinner as well. OLIVA, BOCK BISTRO, VEGANLOVE, KAZIMIR and IGUANA are also on the top of my list.

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

Either wine (more fancy in Budapest) or beer, I would definitely recommend ANKERT Bar which is in a historic, ruined building next to the main boulevard, Andrássy Street and to the State Opera House. 

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

It is up to your later night plans and to the weather, of course. Generally WHYNOT Café is a good choice, but in summer I love two nice, younger places on Margareth Island: HOLDUDVAR and RAKTÁR.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

While I am a big fun of house parties with some random surprise, I really recommend ALTEREGO for a Friday night’s dancing or a random gay gathering such as GARCONS, SZKAFANDER or TÜTÜ.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

WHYNOT Café is the best option for a relaxing evening on a Wednesday. It  is settled on the Danube riverside.

Where to start a gay tour in Budapest?

If you have a nice host like me, it shall start with a drink at my apartment. Then we can decide depending on what you feel like doing. But one of our thermal spa and national gallery plus a sunny riverside walking would be definitely added to the tour.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

A local gay host and his friends can always make it easier. But you can easily develop your local network with drinks at ANKERT, WHYNOT or GÖDÖR KLUB.

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

I think that attending a random a weekend party or ALTEREGO’s Friday show is a good choice for these activities.

How gay-friendly is Budapest?

Budapest is still growing.  But I am convinced that an intelligent host can make the most out of this very complex situation. Tolerance and respect of younger generations are always a good start so you can feel at home.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Of course my place! Cooking something traditional after a funny Saturday night is always COOL. But I would also recommend SZIMPLA PIAC or KEKSZ.

What is gay life like in Budapest?

Gay life is complex, rich and different – like us gay people are. Thanks to the excellent idea of misterb&b, we have better chances to find a local "eye" who is much more our type in many terms. A good host can find easy-going, open-minded channels for his guest in order to let him have enough privacy, but also to help him dive into the local diverse culture and adventures.

What are your favourite gay venues in Budapest?

Thanks to the excellent location, the rich cultural and historic traditions of my city, I have plenty of favourite venues in Budapest. Swimming at the National Pool on the Margareth Island, being amazed by national paintings in the Castle District, relaxing at RUDAS or GELLÉRT thermal spas, tasting local snacks at the Grand Market or having a fancy drink on a roof-terrace with a breath-taking view on Budapest are the best ways to enjoy this place for me. I am pretty sure that a good local host can make them your favourite ones as well.