Welcome to Budapest, a city known for its rich culture, baths, beautiful architecture and the warm, growing LGBTQ+ community. This special city is home to fun activities for both members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re interested in finding gay clubs and bars in Budapest, this guide has everything you need.

You’ll find a list of the top gay bars in Budapest and learn how to make the most of your time there.

Why Budapest?

LGBTQ+ travelers now consider Budapest one of the world’s top destinations. The reason Bath is so popular nowadays is due to its mixture of traditional beauty and modern openness. Although the politics around LGBTQ+ rights are not the same throughout Hungary, Budapest is seen as more open and inclusive. It is a cheerful spot where all sorts of people can simply be who they are.

If you’re a veteran traveler or seeing the city for the first time, you’ll soon find that Budapest is perfect for evenings out with your love, trips to historical sights, stays full of partying or nights at the pub. The city of Budapest is home to numerous gay clubs and bars, making sure there’s something for all kinds of gay customers.

Learning about the Budapest Gay Bar Scene

Getting an overview of how gay bars are organized around Budapest will make using the map easier. In comparison to places that have a single gay neighborhood, Budapest’s LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are decentralized. There aren’t any streets or neighborhoods devoted entirely to gay nightlife, just a mixture of fun and different bars here and there.

As a result, you’ll visit various areas of Budapest and enjoy its gay scene. There’s no shortage of character in both Buda, where tradition lives and Pest, known for its lively night scene.

Pest Side

Pest is the city’s busy and crowded urban area, with the Buda hills across the Danube River. That’s where the bulk of the gay bars are, mostly in Terézváros and Erzsébetváros. Many people enjoy these districts because they have active cultural scenes, fun nightlife and are easy to reach. The streets around Király and Gozsdu Udvar are especially busy, hosting many open and friendly bars, restaurants and clubs.

Pest is often visited by locals and tourists alike, because it offers a variety of places from quiet hangouts to wild clubs. When it comes to finding a convenient and central place to experience nightlife, go to Pest.

Buda Side

There are fewer gay bars in Buda, the hilly half of the city, but you can still find a few surprises there. If you’re in District I near the Castle District and landmarks such as Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll discover a couple of good LGBTQ+ places.

If you want a chilled or calm place to watch the sunset, these spots fit the bill very well. Buda doesn’t have as many gay bars as Pest, but it offers something different for your LGBTQ+ nightlife.

The Gay Bar Budapest interactive map

Find below a short list of some of Budapest’s favorite gay bars. Because there are three separate bars, you should be able to find the right one for your taste regardless of your mood:

Best Gay Bars in Budapest

1. Alterego Club

 Nightlife lovers looking for the best LGBTQ+ places in Budapest should visit Alterego Club in District VII. The venue is famous for its energetic dancing, theme events and fun shows by drag performers. The openness attracts both people from Budapest and visitors from abroad, making Meeting Point a favorite place to get to know new people and join in on all the fun offered by Budapest’s queer scene.

2. CoXx Men’s Bar.

 The bar, named CoXx Men’s Bar, sits in District VI and mainly serves the gay male community; not many other men-only establishments exist in Budapest. That said, it keeps its doors open for anyone hoping to enjoy a friendly atmosphere. You’ll find affordable drinks and a casual atmosphere at CoXx, whether you stop by at the start of your evening or to end it.

3. Why Not Cafe & Bar

 At Why Not Cafe & Bar in District V, guests feel comfortable and feel the modern style as well. Many locals love this spot for its warm seats, impressive drinks and lovely outside terrace. Whether it’s early on in your evening or you’re hoping for something more private, Why Not works well.

4. Located at 8, rue Ethel, Capella Cafe & Lounge.

 You’ll also find Capella Cafe & Lounge in District V, serving up trendy design, tasty meals and delicious drinks. With a friendly atmosphere toward the LGBTQ+ crowd, this bar draws people of all types, so it’s a good place to hang out and chat before a night out.

5. Budapest’s Action Bar

 Action Bar Budapest has always been a major part of the LGBTQ+ scene in District VI. The area is always entertain festival goers, for it showcases a large collection of drag shows and parties every weekend.

Guidance for Visiting the Gay Bars in Budapest

Make use of these tips for a fun LGBTQ+ nightlife in Budapest.

Check the Calendar: Drag shows, special nights and theme nights are likely to show up on a bar’s calendar. A little bit of organization helps you find and attend the best shows and events.

Be Aware of Cultural Sensitivities: Be informed about the traditions of locals, because Budapest remains LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming.

Talk to Others: Get into LGBTQ+ traveler groups online via Grindr, HER or similar applications or Facebook groups.

Attend LGBTQ+ events, exhibitions and parties that aren’t only focused on nightlife. If you want to see Hungary, visit in July for Budapest Pride.