Display of traditional dancing in Budapest
Budapest is a city that thrums with life by day and night; there is plenty of nightlife to experience, from drinking local beers at ruin pubs in the newly buzzing Jewish Quarter to singsongs to traditional music on boat cruises down the Danube. Here are some suggestions for musical nights out in Budapest.
Budapest Pubs
Join cool Budapest in a classic bar such as Szimpla or the edgy A38 boat, where pop-up performances of live music are the norm. Enjoy the strains of up-and-coming indie bands while sampling a craft beer or two. Gozsdu Courtyard is another stylish destination, offering plenty of watering holes and hot bands to listen to.
Folk Performances
Hungarian culture is steeped in romantic and flamboyant gypsy tradition, with the renowned Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra touring the world almost non-stop. If you’re lucky enough to catch them in town, grab tickets to see their wild, emotional concerts. Should they be overseas, other equally magical Budapest music-and-dance options include performances by the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble or the Danube Folk Ensemble.
By Boat
A trip under the Chain Bridge and past the humongous Royal Parliament is a treat anytime, but especially striking at night, when Buda Castle twinkles on its hill and riverside buildings are prettily illuminated. Combining a folk performance at the Danube Palace with a supper of traditional goulash and noodles aboard a Danube river cruiser gives an insight into many facets of Hungarian culture, from the beauty of her capital city to the robust tastiness of her cuisine.
The Big Night Out
It’s the world’s big party night and Hungary is no exception; Budapest celebrates New Year in style. Fireworks shoot into the sky high above Buda Castle and the Danube becomes jammed with flotillas of boats full of cheerily happy passengers enjoying a celebration to end all celebrations. See in the New Year on a late-night cruise made special by a five-course dinner accompanied by lashings of champagne and folk music and dance from the Hungária Folk Orchestra and Ensemble.