The Nanushka Founder's Guide to Budapest, From Hungarian Galleries to Their Café

Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're tapping notable locals in the style space to share a tight list of their top recommendations of what to see, eat, and shop in their home city. They'll share off-the-radar recs that you won't find in your average guidebook, resulting in digestible mini guides revealing where the city's most fashionable residents are actually hanging out.

If you step inside a Nanushka store in any city, you're not just greeted with well-made, gorgeous clothing—you'll quickly be in awe of warm-toned interiors straight out of an Architectural Digest spread, shoppers enjoying freshly brewed coffee, and a cool yet calming presence like no other. The racks might be filled with supple leather skirts, uniquely shaped handbags, and statement coats the fashion set loves so dearly, but you'll end up leaving the store with a feeling greater than just having a shopping bag in tow. Even without buying anything at all, the store is an experience. There's a magnetic, homelike feel, and you can thank Nanushka founder Sandra Sandor and her home of Budapest for that. 

Born and raised in Budapest, Sandor says the city she calls home has creatively impacted her clothing line and the spaces she creates for her brick-and-mortar locations, and it's not just about aesthetics. The designer explained to Who What Wear that it was about creating a sense of community so people could enjoy themselves, even if they didn't buy anything. Although her brand has gained popularity globally, with stores in cities like London and NYC, she still resides in Budapest with her family today. It's clear that the cozy and inviting feel you get from Nanushka's stores and clothing isn't accidental. It has everything to do with the life Sandor lives and her commitment to community, family, and home. When Sandor isn't designing or running Nanushka in her office in the Buda Hills, she's shopping for vintage pieces in old flea markets, taking a dip in the historic thermal baths, or simply taking a stroll with her family. Of course, a trip to Budapest wouldn't be complete without the Nanushka flagship, the brand's biggest café yet. 

Where are you originally from, and how long have you lived in this city?

I was born and raised in Budapest. I lived abroad for a little while when I was a young child and during my university years, but I always knew I wanted to return and live in Budapest close to my family. 

What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time? 

I grew up on the Buda side in the Castle District, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods with its magical little streets, hidden nooks, and incredible history. Currently, I live on the other side, Pest, right by the river very close to the Parliament. It's a great neighborhood, as it has a lot of small cafés and bakeries, and it's always nice to have a walk along the river surrounded by all the historical buildings with my son, Samu, and our Bedlington terrier, Ginie. 

One of the most special characteristics of Budapest is each of the districts has a different feeling to them. I love architecture, so I often take long walks through the 13th district to admire the Bauhaus buildings. The first district has traditional cobblestone streets that lead into beautiful parts with the most magical lookout points to both the Pest and Buda sides.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I have a small child, so my days are very much about routine these days. Samu, my son, is an early riser, so we start our day at 5 a.m. with breakfast and some morning play, sometimes a morning walk. By 10 a.m. usually, I'm in the office and have a full day of meetings and work. The Nanushka HQ is located in the Buda Hills, and we have a beautiful view of the castle. I leave around 5 p.m. so I can spend my evening with my family. Sometimes, Samu comes to the office with me, as we have a little playroom for him next to my office, which is great. I can spend more time with him this way. 

If you had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with a limited amount of time, which area would you send them to, and what would their afternoon entail? 

I would definitely start in the castle and the surrounding area to explore the rich history of the city and have and experience the amazing view from Fisherman's Bastion. We would take the funicular down and walk through the bridge to the Pest side to Vörösmarty Square, where Café Gerbeaud is located for some great Hungarian dessert as an afternoon treat.

Nanushka stores are always a prime visit spot for fashion people while traveling. What features do you find special about the Budapest flagship store?

The Budapest flagship store houses our biggest café—it's much more than a store. When we created it with my husband and CEO of Nanushka, Peter Baldaszti, we wanted to create a space that resembles home. It's inviting, and anyone can step in without the pressure of buying something. It's a place where people can just sit with a nice cup of coffee or matcha and meet new people. It's about our community.

"I love Portobello for a brunch or breakfast spot [and] Trattoria Pomo D'oro for a good Italian, and  Rosenstein has very good Jewish/Hungarian cuisine."

"My absolute favorite restaurant for a Sunday late lunch or Saturday dinner is Déryné. The túrógombóc is the best, a real treat. They also have an outside terrace, which is great for summer evenings to sit with a glass of wine or cocktail."

"The new W Hotel … is housed in a beautiful UNESCO heritage building, and it's located opposite the Opera and Andrassy Road. From its bar and restaurant Nightingale by Beefbar, you have the best spot to relax and people-watch."

"Nanushka Store & Café! They know exactly what I like and how I like it, and we have the best coffee in town—I can state that without any bias."

"At the Hungarian National Gallery, you can find paintings from the most famous Hungarian artists. I also very much like Q gallery, which has recently opened and showcases some great young Hungarian talents."

"I love vintage shopping. My favorite place to go on a Saturday morning for a browse is Ecseri Market, which is an old flea market just outside of town. I buy my ceramics from Nema Julia or Zsolnay, and Möbelkunst is a great place to find amazing vintage furniture."

"A thermal bath is a must in any season! The Gellért Spa and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths have beautiful indoor pools and outdoor spas, which are heated and perfected in the colder months, with many hidden corners and beautiful architecture surrounding the baths."

"Felix Kitchen & Bar is an upscale restaurant serving Hungarian food in a beautiful former pumping station designed by Miklós Ybl, one of the leading architects in Europe in the mid-19th century. He designed the Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica as well. Felix is named after his son."