Gay Guide Budapest

Budapest "Paris of the East" has always been known as a gay metropolis in Eastern Europe. Beside bars, dance clubs, the famous baths and the cruising spots, there are politically active gay and lesbian groups operative in counselling and socialising activities, gay orientated AIDS-prevention, publication of gay papers and broadcasting gay radio magazines. A gay switchboard takes care of the wishes and enquiries of gay tourists before, during and even after their stay. Since 1997 an annual Gay Pride event takes place in Budapest. All the gay places, except some baths, are in the centre of Budapest's Pest side, in the V., VI., VII. and IX. district. Buda is hilly and residential; Pest is flat and the lively part of the city. Major tourist sights are the Parliament, the Heroes Square, Opera, Basilika, Castle district, Matyas church, Fisherman's Bastion. The gay scene is not very differentiated: Everyone goes to the same bars and clubs, no matter what age or preferences. There are not certain bars for certain gay sub-cultures (e.g. leather, rent boys, "chubbies", Asians etc.). The public transportation in Budapest is very good and in almost every street you will find 24-hour food stores. Some of the gay accommodation even has air conditioning, although it's not really needed. April and October usually still have nice, sunny weather when other parts of Europe are cold. Hungary is predominately a catholic country and a bit conservative. The city of Budapest is very attractive and a must to visit!