Not sure where to find all those expats you’ve heard about who are here in Budapest? Read on!
Budapest has always been known for its international flavor and, since the early 1990s, boasts an even greater number of expatriates (expats) living here. As in any city of this size in the world, however, you have to know where to go and how to meet these people. Internet search engines will help, but it’s always good to be able to reference an article like this one for inside information on what to do and how to do it.
And so, without further adieu, here’s your most up-to-date list of expat groups and gatherings and expat watering holes where you can go to connect with other adventurous people from all over the world who have decided to make their home in Budapest. For ease of reference, the list is alphabetical order.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest#1
British Women’s Group of Budapest – Open to all British or Commonwealth citizens and their partners, the BWA meets the last Friday of each month, usually at the Intercontinental Hotel. The group holds social events and publishes an Internet Newsletter. Guests are always welcome.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #2
Brody House/Brody Studios – a dues-based private club with rather strict membership policies and a somewhat daunting list of rules. This organization also offers connections to other clubs around the world. Members have access to hotel rooms, dining facilities and various social and cultural events. This group attracts people from the arts, entertainment industry, authors, etc.
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
The Studios (@thestudiosbudapest) által megosztott bejegyzés,
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #3
Budapest Hikers – Budapest Hikers is an international hiking community that organises monthly hiking event outside of Budapest. You should join them if you would like to meet other internationals living in the city & would like to be active whilst exploring the nature of Hungary.
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Budapest Hikers (@budapesthikers) által megosztott bejegyzés,
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #4
The Club – successor to the now-defunct Britannia Club which met inside the British Embassy, The Club meets most Fridays after work at Becketts, 1061 Bp, Liszt Ferenc tér 11. There are also monthly events such as wine tastings, special gastronomical nights, horse racing, darts competitions, etc. Membership is subscription-based, but guests are always welcome at no charge.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #6
International Meeting Point – social group for foreigners, visitors, expats and Hungarians who want to practice their English skills. Meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays at various venues, most often at the Ankert ruin pub. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. Each event also includes a raffle.
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International Meeting Point (@imp_budapest) által megosztott bejegyzés,
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #7
Internations – with nearly 400 chapters worldwide, Internations offers the newly-arrived expat a significant entry into the local expat community. Here you can find business contacts, relocation advice, social networking, information about living in Budapest and so much more. There is an entrance fee for the monthly meetings at various locations around town; people who want to join must be recommended by a current member.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #8
The Ari S. Kupsus Salon Concert Society offers salon concerts, usually on the second Thursday of each month, at the flat of Ari Kupsus on Brody Sandor u. Local music students give in-flat concerts; pastries and wine are served afterwards in a social setting. There is an entry fee at the door, which goes to fund scholarships for local music students.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #9
North American Women’s Association – NAWA is a non-profit association that provides a variety of social events for members and guests. It is open to women from North American countries (USA, Canada and Mexico) and to English-speaking women from all over the world. The group holds monthly meetings, special events and other gatherings during the year and is heavily involved in local charity work.
Expat Meeting Points in Budapest #10
12 min meetup – Probably the hottest business and tech meetup in Budapest. 12 min meetups bring the new and old economy together for an evening of insight exchange, networking and professional drinking. Speakers have 12 minutes to talk about their topic, followed by a 12-min Q&A and a 12-min break. Talks are in English, perfect for expats to meet and get to know the locals as well.
An Extra Added Bonus: Some Great Expat Venues
There are almost always a few places in any large city around the world where expats tend to gather to network, discuss local business concerns, socialize and generally enjoy meeting others of a similar adventurous nature. Budapest is no exception and, while there are many wonderful pubs and bars and clubs in town, here are the three primary expat gathering places:
Beckett’s Irish Pub, Liszt Ferenc Tér
Caledonia Scottish Pub, Mozsár utca
Jack Doyle’s Irish Pub, corner of Városház utca/Párizsi utca