Must-see entertainment in Hungary

An arthouse cinema and cafe by day, a hipster nightclub by night, Toldi is a unique hangout for Budapest's trendy, film-loving crowd. Films are usually…

This tarted-up film palace is an art deco/neo-Moorish extravaganza showing mostly arthouse films in their original language with Hungarian subtitles. It…

The city’s puppet theatre presents shows designed for children at 10am or 10.30am, and 2.30pm or 3pm. Performances usually don’t require fluency in…

Virtually everyone involved in the Hungarian modern-dance scene got their start at this landmark place in south Buda, where excellent performances can be…

This rather eclectic venue is the place to go if you want to brave a play in Hungarian or just check out the theatre’s bizarre architecture.

This very intimate venue in Óbuda takes its music seriously and hosts recitals and some chamber orchestras. Highly recommended.

The long-established ‘Pushkin Art Cinema’ shows a healthy mix of art-house and popular releases.

Rebuilt on the site of the Flórián Albert Stadium opposite Népliget bus station, branded Groupama Arena is home to Ferencvárosi Torna Club (www.fradi.hu),…

A ruin bar that would do Budapest proud, the 'Wreck' has random old stuff – guitars, bikes, a disintegrating light aircraft – strewn both within a large…

Moored on the Buda side just south of Petőfi Bridge, the A38 is a decommissioned Ukrainian stone hauler from 1968 that has been recycled as a major live…

The József Katona Theatre is the best-known playhouse in Hungary, hosting a varied repertoire of performances, from Shakespeare plays and Waiting for…

The artistes of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble (Magyar Állami Népi Együttes) perform at this venue, also known as the Hagyományok Háza (Hungarian…

This small and atmospheric theatre puts on drama, dance and puppet shows. There’s a good cafe, a gallery and the celebrated Central European Dance Theatre…

An unassuming place by day with decent food (mains 3950Ft to 6650Ft) and excellent service, the Ladó comes into its own at 8pm most nights when it hosts…

Three-tier gilt balconies, ornate ceiling frescoes and elaborate chandeliers: the Csokonai is everything a 19th-century theatre should be. Musicals and…

This attractive 19th-century theatre named after the eponymous local boy who brought new life to Hungarian theatre stages dramatic works, as well as…

Pécs is renowned for its opera company and the Sophianae Ballet, both of which perform at this theatre. Advance tickets can be purchased from the theatre…

This purpose-built 12,500-seat arena named after a local boxing great is where big local and international acts like Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart and Metallica…

Pesti Vigadó, the Romantic-style concert hall built in 1865 and recently renovated, hosts classical concerts and other performances in opulent surrounds.

This beautiful theatre with National Romantic–style mosaics on the front facade features both contemporary plays and Hungarian and foreign drama.