So.. what are these exactly? An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms and to escape confinement. The adventures are inspired by point and click escape-the-room games, but are a lot more fun. There is a myriad of different themes and locations to chose from, including hospitals, prison cells, dungeons, and space stations. Escape rooms are particularly good choices of entertainment if you'd like to spice up a weekday, do a kind of team building, or to test how you can perform with your friends in stressful situations.
Hungary is pretty important in the history of these games - although it originates from Japan circa 2007, it is quite certain that Parapark was quite close behind, and become the first big European franchise.
Escape rooms have become very popular in the past few years. From only hosting a few, Budapest has reached the level where you can play a different game every day for a month, and never get bored. We collected a couple of places where you can start exploring the world of this exciting pastime: all rooms below can either be played in English, or do not require language knowledge. Remember, that some of these locations offer multiple rooms, and there are many more to find!
Located in suburban Csepel, this place is really worth the little bit of additional travel. The location is used to be called Manfréd Weiss Steel and Metal Works, or just Csepel Works, and yes, you guessed right! It is, indeed, an abandoned factory. With a 400m2 basement converted into escape rooms, this is the ultimate experience. Trap Factory has 6 room, each with an individual and unique twist. Themes include Miss Marple, General Serbakov, and Prison Break.
If you need a game for more than 10 people, this is your place. Add to the fact that here you have to escape the magnificent Király bath house! The setting for this “epoch-making” game cannot be cooler, or more characteristic of Budapest. You have to investigate a theft from a jewellery shop, which seems to be connected to a number of other thefts and robberies. The main suspect is lurking in the neighborhood of Király bath in Fő utca. Can you catch him?
Timetrap operates in Kazinczy street, making it ideal for a quick game before you hit the party quarter. Although it only has a couple of rooms at the moment, it's located under a Mexican restaurant, which means that you don't have to think about where you1ll grab dinner. Phew, easy! What is more, one of the rooms is Harry Potter themed! This is an awesome way to surprise any Potterheads in your life. (If you are not big on The Boy Who Lives, there's also a serial killer and a prison room.)
Trap is Budapest's number one escape room, due to the fact that their rooms have so many surprises that you can never be really certain of what is happening. They have two locations, the one in Mária utca hosting The Armageddon and The Secret Tomb, whereas you can find Ancient Egypt, the Medieval Room, and Amazon in Paulay Ede street. The challenges are not scary and are designed for all ages, so you can also invite family if they come for a visit.
Surgery, serial killer, bank robbery, secret lab, motel, research base.... Whichever you chose, prepare to put your mind to the test. Locked Room was twice “game of the year” and is said to be the most realistic room escape experience of all of Budapest’s escape games. Both Locked locations are in Budapest downtown, one at 14 Kiraly street, and one in 4 Szekely Mihaly street. It doesn't matter is you've survived one of their rooms, the next one is going to be just as big of a challange!
