Budapest or the Pearl of the Danube has gems to offer if you are a dark academia fan. With its rich culture and impressive architecture, the capital of Hungary will compel you to visit the place again and again.
In addition, you can expect an eclectic treat if you want to know about the things to do in Budapest for a bibliophile and a dark academia enthusiast.
Budapest has many libraries and independent bookstores where you can quench your literary quest. Also, names like György Bónis and Sándor Márai belong to this city, and as you visit the libraries and bookstores in the city, you will come across many literary works of national importance properly preserved.
Do you want to go on a literary tour of the city with me? Let’s begin!
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Unique Things To Do In Budapest If You Are A Dark Academia Fan
Literary tourism is a growing and evolving aspect of Budapest tourism. If you are planning a trip to Budapest anytime soon, don’t forget to pay a visit to the places I have listed here.
Among the many crazy things to do in Budapest for a bibliophile, I have curated here the seven best options for you.
Pay A Visit To The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
This library is situated inside the Wenckheim Palace. This place gets its name from Ervin Szabó, a sociologist and bibliographer from Hungary.
If you are fascinated by communism, this place will offer you a delightful experience.
This place has a collection of around 1.1 million publications. Also, its grand architecture will cast a spell on you.
You must have seen the photograph of the spiral staircase at this library. In addition, the wood-carved and silver rooms will offer you a regal experience.
So, if you are looking for things to do in Budapest as a book lover, this library is a must-visit.
Visit The National Széchényi Library
The retro vibe and academic spirit are palpable at the National Széchényi Library, one of the biggest in the country.
You will find the library as you enter the magnanimous Buda Castle, built in 1802. It was built under the patronage of Ferenc Széchényi, an aristocrat from Hungary.
This library boasts a collection of one million periodicals. It also has a collection of more than three million books. Especially the collections of incunabula and photos are mesmerizing.
To tell you the most exciting stories of the library, the place also holds many exhibitions. You will also love the glass bookcases with rare and authentic publications.
So, include it in your list of things to do in Budapest.
Drop By The Library of The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)
Count József Teleki, a bibliophile and the first President of the Academy, was the main man behind the foundation of The Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He donated his library with a 30000 volume of books in 1826.
Once you are at MTA, you will come across a wide range of periodicals, publications, and books on diverse topics.
Altogether, the literary collection here adds up to 2 million. Further, if you climb the ladder and visit the “Department of Manuscripts and Rare Books,” you will find the most unique collection.
Another intriguing section of the library is the Oriental section. There, you will find Arabic manuscripts that date back to the Ottoman reign in Hungary.
They cover the 150 years of Ottoman occupation in the country from 1541 to 1699.
Visit The Hungarian Parliament Library
This is the library where gothic aesthetics meet the love for books and literature. You will find the library inside the Parliament building. You can also enjoy a great view of the Danube River from this library.
Parliamentarians and regular visitors can read the vast collection of books at this library. Can you believe that there are 45000 documents in the library?
So, it has a collection that will take an entire lifetime to explore and go through. However, you cannot borrow books from the library, and you have to read them there.
In terms of aesthetics, the library is mesmerizing. It has many standout ornate pieces. In addition, the bookshelves are ceiling-high, opening a wonderland in front of your eyes.
Visit The ELTE University Library
As you enter the ELTE Univesity Library, the huge hall will leave a lasting impression on you. It’s a regal experience, and if you are a bibliophile, the entry to the hall itself can be the aha moment in your life.
This building has a glass roof. Further, the three giant windows of the building bathe the place with Sunlight in abundance.
So, if you want to read here, you will find the most ideal condition.
Did you know this place has more than two million documents on psychology, literature, history, and philosophy? The overall design, frescos, and paintings of the place further add to its aesthetic appeal.
Visit The National Library of Foreign Literature
Can you read Russian and a fan of Russian literature? The National Library of Foreign Language in Budapest is the place to be for you.
However, this is not the place only to preserve Russian literature. It also has books written in over a hundred other languages.
The place has a relaxed vibe and is almost serene. The marble walls add to the vintage appeal of the place. Further, the frosted glass doors add to the appeal of the humble place.
Visit The Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology
How about visiting a quaint and small library that stands out due to its vast collection? You will find the Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology on the premises of the ELTE University.
You will come across literary books, dictionaries, and history books written in Slavic and Baltic languages in this library.
Also, the ambiance of this place is perfect for a dark academia fan. Its gallery looks impressive and is sure to take you on a time travel. Especially the wooden spiral staircase in the middle will grab your attention quickly.
Moreover, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with publications are something to swoon over. Overall, it will offer you a great visual and kinesthetic feeling.
Final Words
These are the fun things to do in Budapest if you are a dark academia enthusiast.
However, there can be other places of interest for you, like the Mai Manó House, Massolit Bookstore and Café, etc.
So, if you want to soak in the literary vibe and rich culture of Budapest, plan a visit to any of the places I have mentioned here.
Do you have any other place in mind to visit in Budapest? Don’t forget to share!
Enjoy a gala time in the Hungarian capital!
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