AMSTEL RIVER CAFE

Very pleasant and popular gay friendly wood-panelled Dutch-owned pub located in the town center, near the main pedestrianised walkway of Vaci Utca. There is a good mix of gay and straight customers of both sexes. Heineken beer and a good selection of spirits available. Hard to tell if the male staff were gay or not but if they didn’t fancy men, they certainly fancied themselves and in at least one case, rightly so. Full restaurant menu also on offer including daily specials.  There are tables outside in the summer.

This small, cosy riverfront bar is popular with an older crowd. There are pictures of vintage movie stars on the walls, some of whom are as old as the customers. Functions as a coffee shop during the day. Good for sunsets on the Danube. They have a terrace open from March to October.

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4am, weekends 3pm to 4am.

Belgrad rakpart 3 (next to the river, near the Elizabeth bridge).

LE CAFE M

Formerly known as Mystery bar this small place is apparently the oldest gay bar in Budapest. It is located a little out of the town center but within five minutes walk of the metro station. Gets swinging around 8 to 9pm. Staff are friendly and helpful. The lay out is a combination of made to fit sofas and a few bar stools. There are also a couple of computers for internet plus wi-fi if you bring your own. Radio music in the background. Snacks available.

Open Monday to Friday 4pm to 4am, weekends 6pm to 4am.

Nagysandor Jozsef utca 3, near Metro 3 station Arany Janos

COXX CLUB

This trendily designed long bar doubles up as an elaborate sex club with lots of facilities including video cabins, dark rooms, glory holes, cages, slings and an 'XXL cruising area'.  Even if you are not interested in the sexual elements on offer this is a pleasant place to have a drink although the 1000 forint minimum consumption (together with an extra 200 forint to check your coat) might put you off.  This place is 100 percent male – no girls allowed. 

Open daily 9pm to 4am, except Fridays and Saturdays to 5am

Dohany u. 38, tel: 00 36 1 444 884

ALTEREGO

Budapest’s largest and best gay club – you must visit here.  Two bars and large dancefloor.  Friendly gay staff.  Very popular at weekends when the dancefloor is full to bursting until early in the morning with the best looking boys in Budapest.  It is located not far from Octogon square in the center of Budapest.  Entrance fee 1500 forint. 

Open Fridays and Saturdays 10pm to 5am 

Dessewffy út 33

Magnum was the first gay sauna in Hungary when it opened in 2001 and continues to be its most popular, attracting a nice mix of local and international men.  There are nine regular cabins, four king sized cabins, a sling room, two darkrooms, video rooms, steam room, relaxing sauna, free internet, TV room, gym and a bar serving food.  There are special events all week including non stop opening on Saturdays and Sundays.  All staff speak English.  The entrance ticket (costing 2700 forints or 1900 forints for those under 26) is valid all day. 

Open Sunday to Thursday 1pm to 1am, Fridays 1pm to 4am and non stop from 1pm Saturday.   

Csepreghy utca 2

An accurate name for this slightly seedy joint wtih back room, strip shows and videos.  When we visited during the week there was a mix of older men and rent boys but we understand the place changes at the weekend and we have seen some positive comments from visitors on the web.  Raunchy strip shows take place at 12:45 am.  There is a hefty minimum consumption fee of 1600 Hungarian forints, presumably to stop punters taking only a small beer and watching the show.

Open 9pm to 5am.

Magyar Utca 42, near Metro 3 station Kalvin Ter.

ARKADIA

This tiny but friendly bar has a funky mirrored ceiling and comfortable low seating.  In the heart of the city center and close to the Danube.  No entrance fee.

Open daily from 8pm to 5am.

Türr Istvan utca 5