Óbuda Bay 

On the southern tip of Óbuda Island, Óbuda Bay is Hungary’s first venue dedicated solely to daytime parties. Since opening in late September, its 1,500 m² space has been hosting world‑class acts in true festival style, with a striking LED wall and cutting‑edge L’Acoustics sound. Beyond DJ sets, it welcomes fashion shows, conferences, and concerts.

1033 Budapest, Óbudai-sziget | Instagram

Instant-Fogas 

With 7 distinct dancefloors, 18 bars, diverse music styles, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, this renowned ruin bar complex has been captivating visitors for over eight years now. From Instant’s high‑energy floor to RnB at Unterwelt, intimate vibes at Liebling, electro at Top Dance Floor, electronic beats at Fogas, Latin grooves at Frame, and rock at Robot, it’s a one‑stop night out destination smack dab in the middle of the city’s Party District.  

1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 51. | Website 

Ötkert 

In the heart of downtown Budapest, Ötkert has been a nightlife icon for 15 years, hosting nearly 3,000 concerts, parties, talks, and dance battles. Known for its retractable “cabrio” roof, the club welcomes thousands weekly and has drawn stars from Jude Law and Barbara Palvin to the Black Eyed Peas and Machine Gun Kelly. Featured in the New York Times and once ranked among the world’s top 5 clubs, Ötkert remains a must‑visit for unforgettable nights. 

1051 Budapest, Zrínyi utca 4. | Website 

Dürer Kert 

Nestled in south Buda’s Lágymányos Bay, Dürer Kert combines riverside romance with a buzzing beer‑garden atmosphere, while two indoor halls host a year‑round programme of live music. Its spacious garden and casual seating make it a favourite hangout before or after shows, with a rich mix of electric, rock, hiphop, metal, and indie acts filling the stages.

1117 Budapest, Öböl utca 1. | Facebook

For great food and live music, try these spots:

Budapest’s Best Spots for Dinner and Live Music

Warm up your winter nights in Budapest with live music and delicious dining. These spots offer the perfect soundtrack to your dinner.

Funzine

Instant-Fogas

Situated in the heart of the Jewish District, Budapest’s one and only concert venue Instant-Fogas sweeps you off your feet with 18 bars, 6 dance floors, and 2 summer terraces. What’s even better is that Instant-Fogas is open until 6 AM every day of the week. Regarded as Europe’s largest ruin pub and party complex, this buzzing hub houses a colourful array of events, from live music concerts to resident DJ parties.

1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 49-51. | Website

Dürer Kert

Escape to a riverside retreat with an endless garden, bean bags, and live music acts at Dürer Kert! Enjoy a spacious grassy area for outdoor cooking, or fuel up with delicious burgers and beers while listening to the concert of American punk rock band Anti-Flag and Israeli psych trance producer Faders.

1117 Budapest, Öböl utca 1. | Facebook

Akvárium Klub

Akvárium Klub is not just a concert venue, it’s a sunlit and spacious downtown meeting point. With 3 indoor halls and the largest urban terrace in the city, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy heavenly bistro dishes and beverages while listening to tunes by up-and-coming Hungarian musicians.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12. | Website

Budapest Park

Europe’s largest open-air music venue is a multifaceted entertainment and events centre with a tropical party section, a retro garden, and a festival-size main stage that will attract performers such as Billy Talent, Machine Gun Kelly and Simple Plan in the coming months. Be sure not to miss it this summer! 

1095 Budapest, Fábián Juli tér 1. | Website

Zsiráf Pest

Located next to Nyugati Railway Station, Zsiráf Pest is a popular outdoor venue with live music by day, which transforms into a buzzing open-air dance club as the sun goes down. Silky smooth grass, beer benches, juicy burgers, cocktail bonanza, and awesome vibes await you here every day of the week!

1062 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 53. | Facebook

Zsiráf Buda

Situated on the other side of the Danube, Zsiráf Buda is a perfect spot for a date or some after-work drinks! Overlooking the well-manicured Széllkapu Park, it offers an Instagram-worthy view, ice cold beers, bubbly wine spritzers, freshly baked Naples-style pizzas, unplugged concerts and kicking DJ sets.

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 2-4. | Facebook

Mad Garden Buda

Nestled inside the courtyard of a late Baroque-style silk thread manufactory, Mad Garden Buda provides guests with a choice selection of craft brews concocted at the Mad Scientist Brewery, organic wines, and finger-licking good foods. Don’t miss their live music events and hard-hitting spirit section!

1033 Budapest, Miklós tér 1. | Facebook

WAKA Budapest
Inspired by the legendary party venues of Tulum, WAKA Budapest is a floating cocktail bar
and party boat located near Elizabeth Bridge, where a top-notch drink selection, the mouth-
watering dishes of 101 Bistro, and quality music culminate in your favourite summer
residence. A back-to-nature atmosphere goes hand in hand with Gellért Hill and the Royal
Palace serving as a backdrop for your end-of-day sips. If your idea of a perfect sunset is
watching the last rays of the sun dip below the rolling Buda Hills as you’re sampling a wide
range of cocktails together with great people in a beautiful setting, while some DJ plays fine
electric tunes, WAKA is your place to be.

1051 Budapest, Jane Haining Quay 8/A

Pavilon Kert
Opened in 2017, Pavilon Kert evokes the golden age of City Park with the help of a number
of jewellery box-like pavilion buildings that follow the plans of renowned architect Frigyes
Feszl. Found in the vicinity of Budapest Zoo and Széchenyi Baths, Pavilon Kert is a nature
lover’s paradise, with trees and chirping birds everywhere, and the City Park Lake just an
earshot away. Each of the pavilions have something different to offer, from lángos and
chimney cake to fried cheese lollipop and giant wiener schnitzel. What’s more, the venue
also regularly gives place to live music events, ensuring that the songbirds have some
company throughout the evenings.

1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 3.

A38
Anchored next to Petőfi Bridge all year round, A38 Ship is a concert hall, cultural centre, bar,
and bistro in one massive steel hull. Known for a varied programming that runs the gamut
from contemporary classical music concerts to alternative rock shows and drum and bass
parties, A38 is a floating hub of creativity and good vibes, with an amazing summer terrace
operating on the upper deck. Providing a panoramic view to southern Pest, a great
atmosphere, and a variety of refreshing drinks, the two terraces of the ship (one located in the bow and other in the back) frequently give home to live DJs and well-known bands, as expected from “The Best Bar in the World” (according to Lonely Planet).

1117 Budapest, Petőfi Bridge, Pest side

Akvárium Klub
Apart from three separate concert halls with a total capacity of more than 2,100 people,
Akvárium Klub also boasts the largest terrace in Budapest, right in the middle of the city. The
spacious and sunlit downtown meeting point seats several hundred at a special location that
connects the club to the adjacent park, resulting in a truly unique urban terrace. Besides
serving delicious bistro dishes and the best local and international wines and beers,
Akvárium Klub’s terrace hosts the free-to-attend acoustic concerts of the Petőfi2000 event
series, with a different Hungarian musician taking the stage every Tuesday and Wednesday
evening.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12.

Zsiráf
Set up next to Nyugati Railway Station on Eiffel Square, Zsiráf is one of the most popular
beer gardens in the city, awaiting visitors with mouth-watering burgers, lush vegetation,
unplugged concerts, and DJ sets during the day, before transforming into an open-air dance
club in the evening. A nice selection of ice-cold craft beers, cocktails and wine spritzers will
help you recharge your depleted batteries after a busy day of work, or exploring the
wonderful sights of Budapest, which you can enjoy sitting in the silky-smooth grass, on the
beer benches or the wooden steps leading up to the station building.

1062 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 53.

Samantha
The beautifully designed Széllkapu Park (opened in 2020 as the eastern extension of
Millenáris Park) gives home to Samantha, a sexy and chic terrace that entices patrons with
fancy cocktails, healthy wraps, and colourful poké bowls (courtesy of Ono Poké Bowl) all day
long. Samantha’s program offering includes sun salutation yoga sessions, body art
workouts, and unplugged concerts, providing plenty of reasons for a visit any time of the
week. With its pink wooden pavilion, white chairs and sunbeds, this is the perfect place if
you’re looking for somewhere to take your date to, but it’s also a great spot for some after-
work get together with your co-workers or friends.

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 16-20.

Pontoon

Located beside the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge on the Pest side, Pontoon is one of the city’s most popular urban meeting places among locals and foreigners alike, and it’s hardly a surprise why. Overlooking the gently flowing Danube and the marvelous Royal Palace, Pontoon acts as a cultural/community space during the daytime, then transforms into a buzzing party venue in the night, awaiting Budapesters with cultural programs, live music concerts and unforgettable parties, as well as cool drinks and a magical atmosphere. Whether you’d like to have an awesome night-out with your friends, or get a bit of work done on your laptop while sipping on a refreshing lemonade, Pontoon is the place to be.

Photograph: Kriszti Bertók

1051 Budapest, Vigadó 1/A kikötő

Kabin

The Pest shore’s answer to Buda’s legendary Fellini Kultúrbisztró, Kabin was opened in the summer of 2017, and is situated at the foot of the Újpest railway bridge on peaceful Népsziget island, only a few minutes’ walk from the Újpest-városkapu stop of metro line M3. Offering movie screenings, acoustic concerts, yoga classes, picturesque sunsets, live DJ sets and increased well-being, this seasonal waterfront venue welcomes guests with a wide range of drinks and a varied bar food selection, including burgers, salads, veggie dips, sausages and more. If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and get in touch with nature while listening to booming techno beats and pampering your taste buds, Kabin is your place to be. 

1138 Budapest, Zsilip utca

Kobuci Kert

Nested inside the patinated courtyard of the Baroque Zichy Palace in the city’s Óbuda neighbourhood, Kobuci Kert is one of the most popular outdoor live music venues in Budapest. Established as a special location for the Kapolcs Valley of Arts festival back in 2005, cosy Kobuci is its own institution now, bringing the best of (mainly Hungarian) underground rock, folk, jazz, blues, and world music to centre stage from April to August. Giving off pure festival vibes six days a week, Kobuci boasts plenty of space to dance, but also to eat: make sure to try their signature kobuci sandwich, a delicious medley of garlic sour cream, roasted sausage crumbs, cucumber and tomatoes. 

1033 Budapest, Fő tér 1. 

Kertem

Surrounded by a number of rusty industrial buildings from the first half of the 20th century, Kertem moved from City Park to the backyard of the future Museum of Transportation last summer, yet it is still the same urban hippy haunt that Budapesters came to love. Maintaining its original ruin bar feel, Kertem is now also permeated by a summer camp ambience, courtesy of the colourful outdoor furniture, the large trees, and the diverse set of individuals dotting this hidden patch of paradise. Regardless if you come for the greenery, the chill music, the cool crowds or the bombastic Balkan burger, Kertem will not disappoint you. 

1101 Budapest, Kőbányai út 30. 

Budapest Park

The largest open-air music venue in not just Budapest, but the whole of Europe, launched in 2012, giving place to festival-size concerts, massive parties, and performances from every genre of art. Occupying an area of more than 11,000 square metres just a stone’s throw away from the Hungarian National Theatre and the Palace of Arts, Budapest Park is a multifaceted entertainment and event centre with its very own KFC, a party venue that looks like a tropical jungle, a retro garden, several VIP lodges, and a main stage that will see the likes of Alt-J, Billy Talent, Moderat, The Pixies, and Rise Against performing in the coming months. As the expression goes: be there or be square!

1095 Budapest, Soroksári út 60.

Dürer Kert

Similarly to Kertem, Budapest’s beloved Dürer Kert had to give up its City Park location last year, too, finding its new home in south Buda, next to Lágymányos Bay: easily reachable by public transport or bike, Dürer Kert entices those looking for a riverside getaway with a seemingly endless garden, an abundance of tables, a romantic riverfront with hammocks and bean bags, tables for a friendly game of ping-pong, and equipment you can rent for outdoor cooking. Burgers, beers, and other liquid refreshments serve as your body’s main sources of sustenance, while the festival atmosphere is ensured by a steady supply of live music acts. 

1117 Budapest, Öböl utca 1. 

Mátyás Végh, alias DJ Metha has been present in Budapest’s nightlife for 17 years both as an event planner and a DJ. Father to two children, he manages to perform both in Hungarian festivals and parties abroad. His music is popular among disc jockeys such as Ritchie Hawtin and Joseph Capriati, no wonder how his name became famous within and outside of the country.

You have just returned from Ibiza, where you represented Hungary at the Burn Residency international DJ competition. What was it like?

I’ve been to wonderful locations that I really enjoyed, and being in the studio with Swiss DJ Luciano was incredible too. But most of all, thinking of the fact that I got to perform on the biggest party boat of the planet called The Ark still gives me goosebumps.

Be Massive turns 15 this year. How would you desribe the party series?

Be Massive has always aimed to feature multiple genres at a time with the motto: quality music above all. I’m trying to bring foreign performers to Budapest who are interesting and inspire me in one way or another.

What makes a good party?

When an authentic performer meets an open-minded audience there are sparkles in the air. Chemistry only works when both parties pay attention to the other.

How can you juggle work and family?

My family is a great sorce of energy to me, something that keeps on giving. Physically it is often hard and very tiring, but my awesome wife helps me, it really means a lot. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.

Why would you suggest foreigners coming to Budapest?

It’s a fantastic, vibrant city where every weekend brings something special regarding performers. Thanks to their versatility, it is impossible not to love at least some of them.

Your second album debuts on 13 October with a marathon 7-hour long set. What should we know about the album and the event itself in general?

I’ve been working on these tracks for the last 3 years, during which I’ve made plenty of little changes. As the saying goes: it’s always that first bite of the apple; on 13 October I can finally test and see how the album came together. This night I can take my audience on a musical journey with a selection of my personal favourites.

What are your plans for the near future?

At the end of this year we’ll celebrate Be Massive’s 15th birthday with Jay Lumen, and there are numerous exciting locations we’d like to introduce. Our successful Be Massive Camp will be organized once again, with the best possible performers. It’s going to be lit!

Here’s what Metha has been listening to lately:

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Their main profile is tour guiding, personal and party accompaniment, as well as traditional hostess tasks. Forget about the stress of planning, because the company takes care of all matters regarding your stay, all you have to do is tell what you have in mind.

Would you need some assistance? Ask for an inquiry, because there are plenty of great options in our beautiful capital city waiting for you. You can relax in one of the capital city’s gorgeous baths, ride in a limousine, try experience shooting, or simply enjoy the incomparable atmosphere of our famous ruin bars accompanied by pretty hostesses. CityHostess organizes it all for you!

Get to know Budapest with CityHostess!

You are coming to Balaton Sound on 8 July. Lake Balaton’s area is very nice (and just so you know, the region is known for good quality wine). Have you ever been to Zamárdi (or the capital city, Budapest) before?

A while ago I was in Budapest and it seemed an incredible place, which I keep very good memories of. I really wanted to return and perform at the festival.

How would you introduce yourself/describe your music style to EDM fans who aren’t familiar with your music yet?

I’m a very energetic artist on stage, with a very personal music in which the audience intervenes 100% during each show. A lot of passion, strength and great sounds in unusually variant sets describe my music. Everyone should see it for themselves!

What do you consider to be the most important milestones in your career?

It is probably they closing of the stage at TOMORROWLAND UNITE in Malta. However, the most important one is definitely my becoming a resident of IBIZA in the No. 1 club of the island.

You are the resident DJ at Pacha Ibiza. How did you land this position? How does it feel to work in the “party capital” of the world?

It is something incredible for all that it supposes. Being with the best djs at the best parties and seeing your name in the capital of world electronic music is something unique.

When it comes to DJs and music producers, most people only see the fame and the parties, but it’s actually hard work. Is it challenging to balance your professional and private life?

I live 24 hours by and for the music. All day I think about the business of this industry. I work more than 15 hours a day. Something that you have to be very prepared for because it will deprive you of many things in your life.

What is your main source of inspiration?

I have a lot. It’s not something in particular, as I usually look at people who succeed at any level and try to analyze every detail needed for their success. You have to work very hard and learn all the time.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

There are many professionals towards whom I have great admiration and respect. For example, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Steve Aoki, Armin van Auuren and Erick Morillo.

Is there an exciting collaboration in the cards?

I am working on new music with the world’s top artists participating. I can’t wait to release it!

You seem to be a very busy man, you travel a lot… What do you do when you aren’t on the road? What are your hobbies?

When I do not travel I spend time with my family and friends in a quiet house, enjoying my land.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. Have fun at Balaton Sound!

Thank you very much to all of you and I hope you enjoy my show!

The tour will include performances in the U.K., the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Belgium and France. McKennitt will also perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London.

She will be accompanied by fellow musicians Brian Hughes on guitars, oud and Celtic bouzouki, Caroline Lavelle on cello, Hugh Marsh on violin, Dudley Philips on double bass and more.

The concerts will draw on McKennitt’s expansive catalogue of recordings, as well as her new album. McKennitt composed several of the songs on Lost Souls some time ago. Others have been progressively taking shape in the midst of more recent projects and journeys. A few draw on the poetry of John Keats and W.B. Yeats, while another evokes a distinct Middle Eastern flavour. In Lost Souls the songs all come together to create an artistically diverse and timely collection.

Produced by the award-winning artist herself, Lost Souls is an eclectic tapestry of songs drawn from a wide range of influences, including Celtic and Middle Eastern, with which she has long been identified. The album was released to critical acclaim on May 11, 2018.

The tour schedule is as follows:

March 9                 Edinburgh             Usher Hall

March 10              Birmingham          Birmingham Town Hall

March 11              Manchester            Bridgewater Hall

March 13              London                 Royal Albert Hall

March 14              Amsterdam           Concertgebouw

March 16              Utrecht                  Tivoli Vredenburg

March 17              Bremen                  Metropol Theatre

March 18              Frankfurt              Alte Oper

March 20              Mannheim             Rosengarten

March 21              Zurich                    Samsung Hall

March 22              Erfurt                    Messehalle

March 24              Hamburg               Mehr! Theatre

March 25              Dusseldorf             Mitsubishi Electric Hall

March 26              Leipzig                    Leipzig Arena

March 27              Krakow                  ICE Congress Centre

March 28              Zabrze                    House of Music and Dance

March 29              Budapest               Budapest Arena

March 31              Vienna                   Stadthalle

April 1                   Berlin                     Tempodrom

April 2                   Stuttgart Beethovensaal

April 3                   Hannover              Kuppelsaal

April 4                   Brussels                  Palais Des Beaux Arts

April 6                   Paris                       Salle Pleyel

April 7                   Paris                       Salle Pleyel

Today, the 2x Grammy-nominated eight-piece band, with over 7 million online followers and over 300 million Youtube views, headlines concerts all over the world for their massive dedicated fanbase. Even with their continued success, SOJA always wants to remember their time together in that basement inspired by each other’s contributions and ideas. The feeling of true magic, collaboration and brotherhood that started it all is still evident today in their music and each night at their live concerts.

Their latest studio album, Poetry In Motion – released in last October -, was made in Haunted Hollow Studios, near Charlottesville. The idea was to live and work together in one place, investing all their energy into the process. They spent three months in the studio, spending hours sitting on the back porch discussing music and life. Everyone showed up with new ideas, new instruments and new gear. “It was a learning and experimenting process,” Jacobs notes. “We got the exact thing we wanted from it.”

SOJA is well known about energetic, impassioned live performances. Averaging around 120 shows a year for the last decade, SOJA has toured with acts that include Dave Matthews Band, 311 and Incubus, and engaged a massive international fan base of die-hard followers at festivals that include Bonnaroo, Hangout Festival, Wakarusa, Cali Roots, Summerjam Germany, Woodstock Poland, Personal Festival Argentina, Sziget Festival Hungary and many more.

Their live shows offer people a chance to look both inward and outward, and feel part of a global community. For SOJA, everything is about connection, whether it’s with the world around them or within the band. “Nothing worth doing in life can you do by yourself,” Jacob notes. “We’re in this together.”

In Budapest, SOJA will have a really special guest: Sena.

Sena Dagadu has proven time and again that there are no boundaries to her imagination and capabilities. Born in Ghana, she has always been intrigued by the power of music and its ability to soothe and heal. This foundation has guided her in her songwriting and co-operation with musicians from around the world. Sena is part of the power group Irie Maffia, currently one of the most renowned live bands out of Hungary.

Tickets for the Budapest show in A28 Boat is available via www.livenation.hu,  www.ticketpro.hu and http://track.barbanegra.hu. Limited number of Early Bird tickets are available for 8.900 HUF, afterwards ticket price will be 9.900 HUF.

Day tickets start from €75 with three, five and seven-day tickets also available. For more information and tickets, visit szigetfestival.com.

Since releasing Black Sands in 2009, British musician Bonobo gained acclaim for his use of sample-based production and multi-layered atmospheres. His unique style and stunning single Kerala earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording and Best Electronic/ Dance Album. The musician’s style is not only tinged with electronic undertones but also incorporates elements of world music and organic instrumentalization, making him a perfect announcement for this inclusive gathering of ‘Szitizens’ from around the world.

Joining him is EDM producer, DJ, singer-songwriter and label owner, Flux Pavilion. After being nominated for BBC Sound of 2012, the multi-talented artist has toured the world and released multiple hit singles such as the massive ‘I Can’t Stop’. Alongside him is Dutch duo Yellow Claw, hailing from Amsterdam, they often incorporate elements of all genres such as hip-hop, dubstep and big room house when performing, and are currently signed to Diplo’s label Mad Decent. Also announced are Oscar and the Wolf, Rhye, Michael Calfan and What So Not.

Taking place on Budapest’s Óbudai-sziget, Sziget is one of the world’s largest music and arts festivals, transforming into the ‘Island of Freedom’ every year in August. Welcoming over 450,000 ‘Szitizens’ from around the world and all walks of life. Revellers are sure to enjoy performances from some of the world’s biggest artists and best new talent, including hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, and acclaimed DJ extraordinaire Kygo. There’s also the mindblowing virtual band, Gorillaz, pop’s newest darling and 2018 Brit Award winner, Dua Lipa, songstress Lana Del Rey and the folk-rock legends Mumford & Sons who are playing a European festival exclusive.

This year, elrow will be hosting an epic End Party in the Bacardi Arena. Elrow’s known for its amazing, crazy, and colorful parties. For Sziget, the group’s unique show concept will be Sambowdromo do Brasil, showcasing interactive performances, stilt walkers, acrobats, confetti blizzards and much more!

The celebrated festival won ‘Line-Up of the Year’ at the European Festival Awards 2017 after standing out among a group of festivals including Glastonbury, Roskilde and Lollapalooza, for a second year running in a category compiled by experts and voted for by the public.