Culture for peanuts

Budapest, as you already know, a sparkling cultural hub.
Throughout the year, hard to find a week here without a festival or special event. Moreover, entrance fees are very low (varies from EUR 3-10 in general), especially compared to other European country's prices.
Also, there are many free events held.

For music, my first suggestion is the A38 ship. The ship itself is a former Ukraine ship, named Artemovsk. The name (nr. A38 template) also appear in the cartoon movie Asterix and Obelisk - it refers to the power of bureaucracy.
Programs are here 24/7 – young upcoming bands and world-famous artists both easily found here. The audience is a turbulent mixture of ages, genders, colours and origins. I would say, this is the most cosmopolitan and informal event hall in the city.

My personal favourite is the improvisation-based Random Trip project, organised by a young drummer. It is on every Tuesday (“Tuesday is the new Friday!”). The band is always different - and this is the point. Diverse style of music, performers characters, and sometimes weird instruments. So, you never know what to expect, you can be always disappointed in a positive way. You cannot be sure that a local young singer is not flowing better than a big name guest. If you see the name of Barabás Lőrinc or Bata István or Jónás Vera, your satisfaction is guaranteed. They are really good.. The current line up and location is on Facebook.

For contemporary dance performances or English language theatre, head to Trafo.  It is an art centre, located in a former industrial building in the deep 8th district. They also held workshops and courses for professionals and hosts international and experimental projects.

Beyond the cultural feeding, turn right to the next door artisan brewery, the Élesztőház (=Yeast House, but in Hungarian, it is a joke, since it has a 2nd meaning, like "the wake-up house") in order to slip some nectar from the tap.

MÜPA (Palace of Arts) is also recommended for music. The place is more formal, there is a high standard concert hall with amazing acoustic experience. Classics, jazz and authentic folk music venue.
In the same building the Ludwig Museum is also highly recommended for contemporary arts lovers.

Zeneakadémia (Academy of Classical Music) is definitely more than a listening experience. As an institute, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, well known and prestigious among the professionals and students. The amazing art nouveau building has been refurbished recently with care and expertise, so it is worth for a visit itself as well. Guided tours are here.

One of the most popular “fine dining” unplugged concerts held at IF café, located in Raday street, the “Budapest village” neighbourhood. Mostly one or two musicians with a guitar or piano, sided by a temporary exhibition on the walls around. One of the most popular visual artists of IF Caffee is my friend, Kéri Rita, the owner and the creator of the paintings in the apartment you probably stay.

For desperate music gourmets, I would also recommend Opus Jazz Club. This club and the Budapest Music Centre institute thanks to it’s existence to an enthusiastic jazz expert of Hungary.

Finally, if you wish to see how we were partying and clubbing at the last years of communism, go to Muzikum. It is located in a small palace building at the rigth hand side of National Museum. The interior hasn't changed and the program can be also amusing, especially for dancing listeners. A good place to catch the best Hungarian musicians such as Barabás Lőrinc or Premecz Mátyás or are.



The best source of the programs is Pesti Est (=Pest Evening) in particular.
If you need assistance for an online ticket purchase, ask me, please.