More than a full house, four walks, countless secrets – this is how we explored Budapest in September.

Our goal for this walk was to present not only the historical curiosities of the city but also to showcase the galleries, cultural institutions, dining places, communities, and local businesses that are shaping the character of a street or district today. Thanks to the personal encounters, participants were able to access places they might have otherwise passed by unnoticed.

Hollywood Legends and Artworks on Falk Miksa Street

On the morning of September 19, we explored the world of antiques, art, and famous residents on Falk Miksa Street, guided by Kata Balázs. During the walk, we recalled the stories of the neighborhood and sought answers to how Falk Miksa Street became one of Budapest's most renowned art trading centers.

First, our group was welcomed by Moró Antik, where we had the opportunity to get a closer look at the exciting world of antiques and artworks. From there, we visited the Nagyházi Gallery, followed by the Bodó Gallery, where more artistic stories and unique creations awaited the participants.

The last stop of the walk was the new gallery of ArtCore Antik. Thanks to the personal introductions, participants were able to not only peek into the offerings of the shops but also get to know their spirit, operations, and the behind-the-scenes secrets of the art trade more closely.

We thank Lajos Moró, one of the owners of Moró Antik, the staff of Nagyházi Gallery, János Bodó, the owner of Bodó Gallery, and Zsuzsi Ferenczi, the owner of ArtCore Antik, for their openness and warm reception, and Kata Balázs for the meaningful guidance!

From Shooting Range to Lifestyle – The Past and Present of Lövőház Street

On the same day, we continued our exploration in Buda in the afternoon. The walk led by tour guide Péter Szilvia started from Marczibányi Square, showcasing through the stories of Lövőház Street how the former shooting range area transformed into one of Budapest's most beloved cultural and community meeting places.

Our first stop was the Marczibányi Cultural Center, where Ildikó Tóth presented us with an interesting overview of the building and its programs. Participants not only learned about the history of the institution but also got a glimpse into its diverse cultural offerings today.

After that, we got to know the unique world of the Színkör Apartment Theatre. Detti and her partner demonstrated how this truly unique cultural space operates, accommodating up to 50–60 viewers while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere and a direct connection between the performer and the audience.

We concluded the walk, as is our tradition, at the Erdei Ice Cream Shop, where Nóri and her team awaited the participants with real artisanal ice cream. We couldn’t have wished for a more delightful ending: surely many of our guests will spread the word that it’s worth stopping by here for truly good ice cream.

We thank the Marczibányi Cultural Center, Ildikó Tóth, the Színkör Apartment Theatre, Detti and her partner, as well as Nóri and the team at Erdei Ice Cream Shop for their hospitality, and Péter Szilvia for the enjoyable tour!

Kulture, flavors, and urban atmosphere on Bartók Béla Boulevard

On September 20, we explored the vibrant world of Bartók Béla Boulevard with tour guide Emese Németh. Starting from Gellért Square, we sought to discover what has made Bartók Béla Road one of Budapest's most exciting cultural and gastronomic axes in recent years.

First, we stopped at Mitzi, where we were greeted with delicious homemade lemonade, and a staff member briefly presented the restaurant’s history, offerings, and philosophy. From there, we headed to Kelet Café. Due to the high interest and the café being fully booked, we didn't enter with the entire group this time; however, a few participants were able to look around inside while our tour guide talked about Kelet's role and cultural significance outside the venue.

We concluded the walk at Művház, where we were again welcomed with divine snacks. It was especially nice that we had a designated area on the gallery for the program's closure. The atmosphere of the place and the hospitality were a great success among the participants, and we happily complemented the experience with positive stories related to Művház.

We thank Gergő and the Mitzi team, Áron and Kelet, as well as Sára and the Művház staff for their collaboration and warm welcome, and Emese Németh for the experience-rich tour!

Old Stories, New Rhythm – More than a Full House at Rákóczi Square

On September 27, World Tourism Day, we explored the histories of Rákóczi Square and the Market Quarter. The interest in the program was so great that instead of the planned 25 participants, we set off with 33 attendees under the guidance of tour guide Olga Turi.

The walk began with a playful Rákóczi quiz based on old photographs, and then we headed towards the Reformed Church on Salétrom Street. Thanks to Pastor Bálint Bacskai, we were able to discuss the building not only from the outside but also step inside the church. Participants learned about its history, architectural features, community, and its role in the life of the area.

During our journey, we also recalled the history of the former Women's Industrial and Commercial School, and then we visited the Rákóczi Market Hall. Although the hall was closed on Sunday, with the help of Olga Turi’s rich visual material and stories, we were still able to peek behind the walls of the building, learning about its origins, eventful past, and significance in the local trade.

We concluded the walk at Szabad Bistro - Új Helyen, where Csongor and his team not only introduced this special place but also greeted the group with an abundance of delicacies. The warm reception and generous hospitality were a fitting end to the day—and also to our September walking series.

We thank Pastor Bálint Bacskai and the community of the Reformed Church on Salétrom Street, as well as Csongor and the team at Szabad Bistro Új Hely, for hosting us. We also thank Olga Turi for the countless stories, the rich visual material, and for confidently guiding the group despite the extraordinary number of participants!

The city's stories continue behind the doors

The September programs once again demonstrated the immense interest in urban walks that showcase not only historical and architectural values but also current places and the people behind them. Most sessions were fully booked, and the walk at Rákóczi Square significantly surpassed the advertised number with 33 participants.

We are grateful to every participant, guide, institution, and business that joined us, opened their doors, shared stories, or made the program even more memorable with a delicacy.

The exploration continues: in October and November, we invite all those who wish to see the streets of Budapest from a different perspective to explore new districts, unique stories, local businesses, and exciting insights with us.

The walks were realized with the support of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry.