Budapest’s Unicum House is throwing open its doors this November with a packed program of guided tours, a sensory escape game, and a one-night-only literary, musical, and culinary mash-up. The landmark at 1 Dandár Street in the 9th district invites visitors into the world of Hungary’s iconic bitter liqueur and the family behind it.
Unicum, the Zwack brand’s signature stomach bitter, is one of Hungary’s most cherished national treasures. Family legend dates its creation to 1790, and the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret in Zwack hands. Inside Unicum House, you can dive into the drink’s lore, the family’s high-wire history woven through Hungary’s own, and the meticulous craft that still defines the spirit today. Regular guided tours double as a tasting journey, and the venue often moonlights as a stage for concerts and special events.
Standard and Premium Tours
From 2025.11.03 to 2025.11.08, and again 2025.11.10–11.15, 11.17–11.22, and 11.24–11.29, Unicum House runs both Standard and Premium guided tours at set times. Private tours are available for groups of more than 15 with advance booking. Expect a full-sensory experience: glimpses into the Unicum factory, stories that stitch together industry, tradition, and resilience, and, of course, tastings. Visitors sample original Unicum and Unicum Szilva (Plum). Premium tours go deeper with Unicum Riserva and Unicum Barista, layering aromas and flavors into a vivid, aromatic carousel.
The tours are designed to answer the perennial question: why is Unicum still Hungary’s most popular drink? Between the oak casks, the herbaceous nose, and that signature bittersweet finish, the case practically makes itself.
The Vault’s Secret Escape Game
“The Vault’s Secret” (Trezor titka) escape experience runs 2025.11.03–11.08, 11.10–11.15, 11.17–11.22, and 11.24–11.29. This isn’t your usual scramble for the exit. Set in the most jealously guarded corners of the cellar—the Vault and Riserva cellars—this game focuses on discovery. Expect brainteasers, sensory challenges, and playful tasks tuned to the universe of Unicum. You’re not just unlocking doors; you’re decoding a heritage of herbs, barrels, and time.
One-Night Exclusive: Riserva x Beck x Grecsó
Mark 2025.11.05. That’s the date for an intimate soirée where literature, music, gastronomy, and spirits collide: Unicum Riserva x Beck x Grecsó. Within Unicum House’s walls, a special dinner meets an album celebration—a curated night pairing words and songs with culinary courses and Riserva pours. It’s a snapshot of contemporary Hungarian culture, elevated by a timeless drink.
Plan Your Visit
Unicum House sits at 1095 Budapest, 1 Dandár Street. Choose a Standard or Premium tour, or assemble a group of 16 or more and go private with prior registration. The program calendar is brimming, but organizers reserve the right to change dates and details, so keep an eye out for updates and call ahead if needed.
Add it to the bucket list, set an alert, and bring your curiosity. Whether you’re in it for the cellar’s hush, the riddles of the vault, or the clink of glasses filled with Riserva’s amber promise, November at Unicum House is ready to work all five senses.
