Every day, we walk past countless hidden gems in the city without ever realizing the stories behind them. That’s why it’s worth slowing down every now and then, even amidst the rush of everyday life, and taking a closer look around. The BudaPart urban district is full of surprises: beyond its modern architecture and waterfront views, you’ll find art and cultural treasures tucked away throughout the neighbourhood. Here are four details to keep an eye out for on your next walk.
- Kolodko-sculptures
Discovering Mihály Kolodko’s tiny bronze sculptures has become a real-life treasure hunt around the city. His miniature works pop up in all kinds of places across Budapest, often so subtly that you might walk right past without noticing them. What started as a form of guerrilla art has since grown into one of the city’s most exciting artistic phenomena, with people searching for, photographing and sharing the sculptures they find. The mini statues often bring well-known figures, storybook characters, and moments from history and culture to life in a playful way.
BudaPart has its own miniature residents to look out for too. Near Lágymányosi-öböl, you’ll find the circus duo Leo and Fred tucked away. The figures also offer a glimpse into the area’s past: this was once home to Károly Somossy’s entertainment district, known as “Little Constantinople”, with the character of Fred representing Somossy himself.
- Street Art
One of the most exciting things about street art is how it can transform ordinary, often overlooked surfaces into whole new worlds. That’s exactly what happened at BudaPart, where a mural stretching over 100 metres brings the concrete wall along Lágymányosi-öböl to life. Designed by street artist Bertalan Babos, also known as Zsili, the mural reflects his more than 30 years of experience in shaping urban spaces through art.
What makes the mural special is how it brings together two sides of BudaPart: nature and the modern urban environment. Across five different sections, you’ll spot everything from the sky and abstract forms inspired by the built environment to leaves, tree trunks and, at the very bottom, the waves and fish of the Danube. Look a little closer and you’ll also find hidden messages woven into the artwork, meaning there’s always something new to discover as you walk by.
- The Substation’s Unique Facade
At first glance, a transformer substation might not seem like the most exciting stop on a city walk. But the Kelenföld substation in the heart of BudaPart is anything but ordinary: its facade features around 3,000-3,500 porcelain and glass insulators arranged in a striking pattern. Designed by GUBAHÁMORI Architects, the facade reflects the building’s original function while giving these industrial elements a completely new visual role.
Up close, you can see the individual shapes and materials of the insulators, while from a distance, they blend into an intricate pattern inspired by natural forms. The facade also changes throughout the day, as shifting sunlight and shadows create a different look depending on the time of day. This unique architectural concept received a commendation at the Budapest Award for Architectural Excellence in 2024.
- Open-Air Photo Exhibition at BudaPart
When walking around BudaPart, it’s worth taking in not only the neighbourhood itself, but also seeing it through the eyes of others. The best entries from the 2026 BudaPart Photo Competition are now on display at an outdoor exhibition, with 30 selected photographs lining the railings along the promenade – ready to discover as you enjoy a walk by the water.
The photographs capture BudaPart’s architecture, natural surroundings and atmosphere from a variety of perspectives. This year, participants had the chance to explore two themes: “Geometric Variations”, focusing on shapes, patterns and reflections, and “Cloud Dancer”, capturing a clean, light and airy mood. Together, the images offer a fresh perspective on the neighbourhood, highlighting details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
