Budapest
For meetings and events in Budapest, look no further than these six venues showcasing the best of Hungary’s cool capital
Budapest is making a renewed push into the MICE space, with the nation keen to showcase the city’s convenient central European location, modern facilities and highly-skilled workforce. Hungary’s economy continues to boom, in recent years becoming a major center for pharmaceuticals, food production and electronics.
Getting there
Budapest is well served by air from the UK, with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz and Jet2 offering a variety of options from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, East Midlands and Liverpool.
Train is a possibility too, for those with an eye on their carbon footprint – Eurostar to Paris, then onto Munich for a sleeper service into the Hungarian capital.
Venue spotting
Spoon the Boat
Venues don’t come any more central than Spoon – a sleek floating restaurant on the Danube sitting opposite Buda Castle. Five bars and three traditional dining rooms seating 50, 70 and 120 people are available inside, though each can be reconfigured should standing be required. For summer events, two additional outdoor terraces offer incredible views of Budapest’s neoclassical and Baroque architecture. Hungarian and European food is prepared onboard, with prices starting at around €40 per person.
Hungarian Railway Museum
While Hungarian trains might seem a little niche, there’s plenty to keep delegates entertained at this fascinating former station and workshop to the north of the city. Spread over 17 acres, the museum features more than 100 locomotives, buildings and vehicles, and tells the story of Hungary’s state railway network during the Soviet era. Three conference rooms and a central hall able to host up to 1,200 diners are available, while the whole park can be hired for private events.
K+K Hotel Opera
Boutique chain K+K Hotels sets great store in the location of its European properties, and the Budapest outpost is a fine example. Located in a tiny side street next to the State Opera House and bustling Andrássy Avenue shopping and entertainment district, this tasteful property has 200 modern rooms in muted tones, with seven flexible event spaces able to cater for parties from 10 to 50. Meeting room hire starts from €190 per day.
Felix Kitchen & Bar
Built in 1875, this Grade 1-listed former water house has been a club, café and casino in past lives. Today it simply oozes elegance, having been stylishly refurbished as Buda’s premier dining venue five years ago. Wine tasting events, private chef’s table dining, cocktail experiences and receptions are all available in a selection of indoor and outdoor spaces all equipped with modern AV facilities. As you’d expect, food is top-notch – executive chef Dániel Katona trained under six-Michelin star Spanish superstar Jordi Cruz – so expect high-end London prices.
House of Music Hungary
Sitting in the heart of City Park like a giant alien crumpet, there’s no way to ignore the House of Music. Built as part of the £1bn Liget cultural project (alongside the new Museum for Ethnology and planned new National Gallery), House of Music is a real feast for the senses. Interactive exhibits are as varied as being able to conduct Gregorian monks, meet holographs of Mozart and Beethoven and DJ-ing some Hungarian house. Two high-tech interior spaces are suitable for workshops and presentations, including a main hall seating 250, and classrooms are available upstairs for smaller meetings.
Royal Palace of Godollo
Around 40km from central Budapest, this grand Imperial palace is one of Hungary’s most important royal residences. Having fallen into decay during the Soviet era, it has been extensively restored and now features seven impressive function rooms of varying sizes, including the aptly named Grand Hall which can cater for banquets of 110 people. The 64-acre English-style garden is a great backdrop for entertainment, which includes equestrian shows, Baroque theatre and displays of Hussar military traditions.
Grassalkovich Kastely Godollo 2100 kiralyikastely.hu
Further information
The Budapest Convention Bureau (budcb.hu) has knowledgeable English-speaking staff to assist with event planning and advice.
Sales manager Ildiko Lippai is a good first port of call: +36 30 899 2835
