“You see, I’m not a person who enjoys museums”

“When I visit a city I’d rather go to bars than museums”

“Museums bore me”

Do you recognise any of these phrases? Do you have that friend who says these phrases instinctively as soon as someone brings up the subject of museums? 

Or worse still, have you recognised yourself in these phrases? Well, your excuses are over, because if you want to have a good time and not go on a museum tour, let me present you with a selection of the best museums in Budapest…over food and drink. 

Looks like someone is already more interested. Perfect, join us for a walk through not only the city of Budapest, but also some of its history and culture.

Food & Drinks Museums in Budapest

Chocolate Museum (Szamos Csokoládé Múzeum)

Kossuth Lajos tér 10, 1055

Before we start with the national beverages, are you sure you don’t fancy a first stop at a chocolate museum? As you have probably heard, Hungarian chocolate has a great reputation and prestige at European and world level. 

Why is that? You don’t know the answer because you haven’t visited this museum yet, that’s for sure. The secret is in the process, and here they will show you all the processes and tools they use so that you only need one bite to fall madly in love with this sweet delicacy. 

No matter which variety of chocolate is your favourite, you’re going to enjoy yourself like a child in this museum, which in addition to telling the story of Hungarian chocolate, offers you a visit to a shop from the early 1920s, where you can buy all the chocolate you want as well as marzipan figures and other local sweets.

Its location is perfect, right between the Parliament and Szabadság tér, known as Freedom Square. A central place where you will pass by every day. By the way, if I were you, I would ask about their chocolate tastings.

Pálinka Museum Budapest

Király u. 20, 1061

We stroll through the southern part of the city centre, past St. Stephen’s Basilica, to reach our next destination; the Pálinka Museum. If you are one of those who prefer bars to museums, you have probably already informed yourself and know how important this drink is for Budapest as well as for the rest of Hungary. 

Along with Unicum, the other national drink, pálinka is known and loved by all Hungarians, who use it mainly as an after-dinner drink. Although the idea might be to use it to wash down a big meal, the reality is that it is drunk for almost any excuse.

They come in many flavours, depending on the fruit used to make the drink, from peach to grape. Don’t be fooled by its pleasant smell, it has 50 proof alcohol, so don’t drink it like water, because you’ll be in for a surprise. 

The museum itself is very small, just over one room where everything you need to know to get top quality Pálinka is explained in detail. The best thing about the museum? It’s outside the museum. 

Around it are the souvenir and gift shop, the bar, with the largest Pálinka catalogue imaginable, and a kitchen where you can have a bite to eat, which is highly recommended if you’ve already had a couple of sips. Visiting the museum, as well as the bar and the typical Hungarian cuisine, is one of the great experiences of your Budapest getaway.

House of Unicum (Unicum Haz)

Dandár u. 1, 1095

All rise and shine, because the king of drinks is coming. Its unmistakable taste and smell of black liquorice and herbal liqueur will stick in your mind for a long time.

Unicum is an institution in the country. This liqueur of herbs and spices, dozens of them, is the solution to almost all your problems. Whether you are happy, sad or have a cold, Unicum is the solution. 

This museum in the south of Budapest is also a factory where the precious liquid is still made using traditional techniques, although the machinery has been improved. This does not detract one iota from its properties or taste. 

Stop by the shop and take home a bottle of your new favourite drink. The alcohol content is around 41 degrees, so be careful when you drink it after enjoying a good and tasty plate of Gulyás.