One of my favourite things to do in Budapest was spending two hours in the pinball museum.
Sure, I loved walking around the city and along the river Danube taking photos of all the beautiful architecture.
I wish London had a pinball museum (someone make this happen).
Much like IKEA, there are no windows in Flippermúzeum so it’s easy to lose track of time (like I did).
Also, it was -10°c in Budapest so I was more than glad to defrost myself (read more about my four country DIY Christmas market tour).
With 140 pinball and arcade machines to play, there’s no need to queue.
It probably comes as no surprise that Flippermúzeum is one of Europe’s largest collections of pinball machines. It’s fascinating to see how arcade machines have developed over the years. Flippermúzeum has machines that date back to 1880.
One of my favourite pinball machines that I played was football themed (I think Euro 96?). You had to take a penalty and get it past the goalkeeper!
Flippermúzeum is one of the best things to do in Budapest when it’s raining. Admission only costs HUF 3500 for a daily ticket too. Find out the Flippermúzeum opening times.
History of Flippermúzeum
Flippermúzeum is Europe’s largest interactive pinball museum, located in Budapest’s Újlipótváros district. Founded in 2014 by collector Balázs Pálfi, the museum began as a personal passion project and quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. Housed in a basement on Radnóti Miklós Street, it offers a nostalgic journey through the history of arcade gaming — from 19th-century bagatelles to modern digital machines.
The museum’s name reflects its dual identity: part exhibition, part playable arcade. With over 160 machines, including rare antiques and iconic titles like Humpty Dumpty (1947), it’s a hands-on celebration of gaming history. Flippermúzeum has earned international acclaim, appearing in outlets like the BBC, CNN, and The New York Times, and consistently ranks among Budapest’s top attractions on TripAdvisor. Today, it’s a beloved destination for families, gamers, and curious visitors alike — a glowing tribute to the timeless joy of pinball.
10 Interesting Facts About Flippermúzeum
- Flippermúzeum features over 160 playable machines, all set to free play.
- The oldest exhibit is a 19th-century bagatelle, a precursor to pinball.
- It houses Humpty Dumpty (1947) — the first pinball machine with flippers.
- The museum spans 400 square metres across multiple rooms and alcoves.
- It’s consistently ranked in Budapest’s top 10 attractions on TripAdvisor.
- MTV featured the museum during the 2020 European Music Awards.
- The venue hosts Arcadia, one of Central Europe’s largest arcade expos.
- Flippermúzeum has appeared in music videos and fashion shoots.
- A second venue, Game Galaxy, opened in 2024 for private events.
- The museum published a book on Hungarian arcade history in Hungarian and German.
Things to See and Do at Flippermúzeum
- Play Unlimited Pinball
Try your hand at machines from every era — from 1940s classics to modern themed games like Star Wars and Addams Family. - Explore Arcade Cabinets
Challenge friends on retro video games like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Space Invaders. - Discover Antique Machines
View rare tabletop games and mechanical curiosities dating back to the 1800s. - Read the Machine Histories
Each game includes a placard with its year, manufacturer, and production stats — a mini history lesson with every flip. - Host a Private Event
Book the back room for birthdays, corporate gatherings, or themed parties with full access to the machines. - Visit the Gift Shop
Pick up pinball-themed t-shirts, books, and souvenirs to remember your visit. - Chat with Staff
Friendly experts are on hand to share tips, stories, and help you master tricky machines. - Enjoy the Retro Atmosphere
Lose track of time in the neon-lit basement — a sensory throwback to classic arcades. - Attend Special Exhibitions
Look out for themed nights, tournaments, and guest appearances from gaming legends. - Take Photos of the Machines
Capture the glow and detail of vintage artwork, flashing lights, and quirky designs.
Practical Information for Visiting Flippermúzeum
- Location: Radnóti Miklós utca 18, Budapest, 1137, Hungary
- Opening times:
- Wednesday–Friday: 4:00 pm – midnight
- Saturday: 1:00 pm – midnight
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Entry: Adults ~HUF 5,273 (€14); Youth/Seniors ~HUF 3,767 (€10); under 3s free
- Tickets: Available online or at the door; includes unlimited play
- Parking: Limited street parking; public transport recommended (near Nyugati station)
- Accessibility: Basement venue; not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility impairments
- Dogs: Assistance dogs only
- Food: Non-alcoholic bar on site; snacks available
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: Margaret Bridge, Columbo Statue, House of Terror, Parliament
- Official website: Flippermúzeum
Next, see my photos of Buda Walk: Citadella, Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion
