Travelling as an art lover can be an expensive task. Museum and gallery entry fees aren’t always cheap and, if you want to purchase a creative reminder of your trip, well that’s just another expense.
Luckily, most places have a relatively easy-to-access free art scene with sites dotted all around. This series on Wanderarti highlights some of the arty things you can do in places without spending a penny. We’ve already shown how you can pinch the pennies in Berlin and Prague, and today we’re heading to the whimsical city of Budapest.
I personally loved the cool, quirky atmosphere of Budapest when I visited a few years ago. It’s clear that it harbours underground scenes in many different areas – the art scene being no different. The creative side of the city has burst into life over the past few years, proffering so much art and design all throughout the streets. The best part, though, is that a lot of it can be discovered and explored for free.
Free art in Budapest
Timing is everything with the museums
Like most capital cities, Budapest is scattered with top-notch museums displaying the history and culture of Hungary and its past. But there’s a downside – many of these institutions aren’t free for visitors. However, a lot of them have a small window of opportunity to visit for free. The big guns are often free of charge on the third Saturday of every month and others won’t cost you anything if you visit on a Sunday. Check with the tourist office or your accommodation to find out where and when you can visit for free.
Admire the contemporary art scene
Image from Varfok Galeria’s website
Whilst many of the museums charge visitors for entry, a lot of the contemporary art galleries are free for all. From fine art to photography, sculptures to multimedia design, there is a free art gallery for everyone. The Telp is one of the larger creative offerings; spread over three floors it exhibits works from the local, lesser-known art scene. There’s also the Varfok Gallery for Hungarian art and the Virag Judit Gallery which centres around 20th Century paintings.
Make do at the markets
Like most other European cities, Budapest is filled with unique markets packed with unusual trinkets and local handicrafts. On Saturdays, the Ecseri Flea Market boasts rows of stalls filled with handmade goods and undiscovered prints and then there’s the Great Market Hall which features hundreds of souvenir stalls lined with curiosities and local, design-led gifts. Of course, if you want to buy anything you’ll have to part with some cash.
Relax in the ruin bars
In the last few years, Budapest has become a flurry of trendy, design-led bars, clubs, and cafes that are works of art in themselves. Often the interiors boast creative décor and many display artwork, local graphics, and unique sculptures. For the largest selection of on-trend bars, head to the 6th and 7th districts around Kazinczy, Kiraly, and Dohany Streets.
Design Terminal’s magnificent market
Image from WAMP’s website
I know, I know, I mentioned markets earlier, but this one deserves a listing of its own. Design Terminal’s bimonthly WAMP market is a hub of contemporary art and design. Located in a rustic abandoned old bus station at Erzsebet ter, it boasts a regularly rotating schedule of exhibitions, shows, and performances. When the market’s on, hundreds of local creatives come together to present and sell their latest work – whether you’re looking for unique fashion choices, handmade accessories, or one-of-a-kind prints.
Seek out the street art
Budapest has a beautifully gritty side to it, with a heavy street art scene sprawling throughout the city. Most notably there’s the renowned Wall of Fame located outside Filatorigat station which is regularly renovated with new, vibrant designs highlighting current trends. But everywhere you go you’ll be able to find a creative offering or two decorating the old streets. In the Jewish Quarter, for example, there are a number of fascinating installations and colourful wall murals to explore.
So there you have it. A number of free ways to explore the art scene in Budapest. Hopefully this will help you if you’re planning on visiting Budapest as an art lover but want to watch your spending.
