Budapest’s sweet tooth gets a big, accessible upgrade: every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m., Édes Mackó kürtőskalács-cukrászda fires up the ovens for gluten-free and dairy-free kürtőskalács. No pre-ordering, no fuss—just show up hungry. The specialty bakes roll out at the pastry shop’s home base in Zugló, at 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 14–16, a sweet spot by City Park and the Zoo. If you can’t make it on those days, there’s a weekday workaround: they’ll bake gluten- and dairy-free on other weekdays by special order, minimum four pieces, ordered at least one day in advance. Got extra requests? They’ll try to make it happen.
This Wednesday-and-Friday rhythm kicks off on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and continues on Friday, April 24, 2026—expect more dates to be added. The curated experience balances spontaneity with structure: just walk in on the two fixed days, or choose the made-to-order route for group cravings or sensitive diets needing a little extra care. The shop notes they aim to satisfy further unique needs on request, which is gold for anyone juggling allergies or strict preferences. And yes, it’s all about keeping kürtőskalács—Hungary’s caramel-crusted, warm, spiral-shaped classic—within reach for more people without losing the charm or the crunch.
Where To Find It
The epicenter is Édes Mackó kürtőskalács-cukrászda in Budapest’s 14th district, Zugló, at Állatkerti körút 14–16. This stretch hugs City Park and the Zoo, so your cinnamon-sugar fix pairs naturally with a stroll past Heroes’ Square or a loop around the lake. The shop sits in a neighborhood that’s easy to reach and even easier to linger in, with cafés, hotels, and transit options compactly arranged for a soft landing between bites.
How The Ordering Works
– Walk in Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. for gluten- and dairy-free kürtőskalács; no pre-order needed.
– On any other weekday, they’ll bake gluten- and dairy-free with a minimum order of 4 pieces, placed at least 1 day ahead.
– Special requests? Ask. They’ll do their best to accommodate.
It’s a simple split: spontaneity on two fixed days, planned abundance the rest of the workweek. If your calendar’s tight or your group’s large, lock in the weekday custom bake. If you’re just ambling through City Park on a Wednesday, follow the buttery-sweet aroma and let the spiral do the rest.
Stay Nearby: Hotels Around Zugló
If you want to turn a pastry run into a mini-break, the neighborhood’s hotel scene comes ready-made for it—especially near Puskás Ferenc Stadion (Puskás Ferenc Stadion) and Papp László Budapest Sports Arena (Papp László Sportaréna). Think renovated rooms, saunas, and quick downtown hops.
– Hotel Arena puts you right by Budapest’s biggest sports and event hubs. Freshly updated, Mediterranean-feel rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms. The in-house fitness room has modern machines; post-workout, swim laps in the Fit Zone pool and unwind in the sauna. Ideal for conference-goers and event fans who want to sprint from seats to sheets in minutes.
– Green Hotel Budapest stakes out its spot near Puskás Ferenc Stadion with a distinct, nature-inspired style. Expect spacious, modern rooms and a separate event space for business or family gatherings. It’s centrally placed, with a quick hop to downtown via the M2 metro just 100 meters away, and it fits both the briefcase crowd and stroller brigade.
– Hotel Amadeus in Zugló’s garden district works well if you prefer a quieter corner. It sits only a few kilometers from downtown and Hungexpo (Hungexpo), with 39 roomy, comfortable rooms, a panoramic restaurant, a garden area, conference halls, and a cozy pub. Parking is secure in the underground garage, so your car naps while you don’t.
– If you’re after a family-run vibe, a local hotel 3 km from downtown near the M3 approach offers calm rooms with TV, free Wi‑Fi, and private bathrooms. There’s a drink bar for coffee, tea, and tipples, plus a Finnish sauna and an 8-person massage pool. The 40-seat restaurant is available by request, serving Hungarian, Italian, and Chinese specialties for groups with a plan.
– Hotel Veritas sits close to Papp László Budapest Sports Arena (Papp László Sportaréna), the SYMA exhibition center, and the Expo grounds—short distances for long days of shows, matches, and fairs. A businesslike base with event proximity baked in.
– Hotel Zugló anchors itself in one of Pest’s oldest, most elegant districts, with air-conditioned rooms equipped with LCD TVs, fridges or minibars, phones, and internet access. When you’re done dashing between baths and basilicas, recover in the wellness area: Finnish and infrared saunas, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool ready to recharge you.
– Lion’s Garden Hotel edges the diplomatic district on the 14th’s downtown-facing side and lands a four-star finish: warm colors, timeless design, a restaurant, and a shaded summer garden. It faces a 100-year-old Dominican church you can admire from the panoramic elevator—one of those little Budapest moments you weren’t planning but won’t forget.
Make A Day Of It
Start at Édes Mackó for a hot, gluten-free kürtőskalács at 10 a.m. Stroll City Park, cut across to Heroes’ Square, and drop into a nearby pool or sauna if your hotel has one. If you’re in town midweek with dietary needs, pre-order four pieces for a gluten- and dairy-free feast the next day. And if your wish list runs longer—extra flavors, tweaks, timing—ask. In Zugló, the spiral’s open to interpretation.
