Budapest Entertainment

Budapest isn’t all that well known for its nightlife, but the combination of a good public transport system and cheap prices make it a city worth exploring after dark. If your interests tend toward the classical, a visit to the majestic State Opera House will be memorable. If you’re more interested in action, there are great bars and clubs, casinos and adult shows around the city. Check the Budapest Sun for listings of events.

Nightlife

There are many parts of Budapest that are beautiful at night, illuminated by floodlights, and there is also plenty of nightlife on offer. The Las Vegas Casino, at V. Roosevelt tér 2 is open day and night, as is the Tropicana Casino at V. Vigadó u. 2, with hours from 11:00 until 06:00. The Moulin Rouge, located at VI. Nagymez u. 17 features revues and cabaret, but also has a coffee house and a restaurant, and is open until 04:00. Old Man’s Music Pub, located at VII. Akácfa u.13, keeps the same hours. Franz Liszt Square and Ráday utca are literally full of bars, restaurants and intimate cafés frequented by young people. You’ll find that these spots are open until 01:00 or 02:00.

Theatre and music

The opera, ballet and theatre season is from September until May or June, but most of the theatres and concert halls also host performances during the various festivals in the summertime. Classical music has a long tradition in this city, but now you will find jazz, blues, rock and disco also well established. For the best schedule of the performing arts, you can consult the free, bimonthly Koncert Kalendárium, which is available at the Central Philharmonic on Madách utca. The Budapest Sun and the Visitors' Guide also feature events calendars, and all these publications are in English.

Festivals

• Festivals are very popular in Budapest, with the local population and visitors alike. The annual calendar of events begins with the Spring Culture Festival, followed by the fairs, festivals and Grand Prix during the summer and culminating in the Autumn Festival of contemporary arts. Highlights of each of these are as follows:
• The Budapest Spring Festival began as a city event in 1981 and has since grown into a nation-wide celebration of Hungarian culture, bringing in visitors from all parts of Europe to join in the classical music, opera and jazz events. There are chamber music recitals and concerts in city churches, operas performed at the State Opera House and many scheduled concerts and events in other towns and cities. The festival occurs in the spring and more information is available online at: www.fesztivalvaros.hu.
• Budapest Fair was first organised in 1991 by the city council, in commemoration of the Soviet troop withdrawal from Hungary. This summer event has grown to become one of Budapest’s most popular and enjoyable annual events. There are many free attractions, including concerts, a carnival and contests for children, spread over various city venues. If you’d like more information, you can contact the Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht at: +36 1 486 3300, or visit the festival website at: info@festivalcity.hu.
• The Hungarian F1 Grand Prix is one of the most popular meetings on the Formula 1 circuit. World class race drivers put their skills to the test on the Hungaroring track, located about 12 miles from the centre of Budapest. The event is held in late summer and details are available on the Hungaroring Circuit website: www.hungaroring.hu/html_e/open_e.htm.
• Sziget Festival is one of Europe’s largest pop and rock festivals, held each summer on the island of Obuda, in the middle of the Danube, situated just to the north of Budapest. This is a week-long extravaganza, featuring more than 1,000 performances at over 60 venues. You’ll find basic camping facilities on the island as well as various pubs and restaurants. The festival has grown to include other musical events, theatre performances and art exhibitions, so that there is something for all age groups. Check the website for the schedule and a list of events: www.sziget.hu/festival_english.
• Budapest Autumn Festival rounds out the festival calendar with this autumn celebration of contemporary arts. The programme includes music, theatre, dance, art, photography and film events, which take place at numerous venues throughout the city. A sculpture competition, open to public participation, is held on the city’s streets, marking the beginning of the festival. Typically, the festival closes with a performance by the Vienna Art Orchestra. Visit the website for more information: bof.hu/2006.