I've now almost certainly decided to give Thailand's a miss in September and had off to Europe instead. I was spurred on by atri's report on Budapest over on Gaybutton. A little research on the net suggests that I might have a bit of fun there.
I haven't been to Prague for a number of years, but remember having fun at Drakes.
Any up to the minute info would be appreciated. If I have time, I might also go to Vienna.
The European section of Boytoy.com might be a good place to look for up to date advice.
In Prague, Club Temple was still operating as ever just over 12 months ago. The Escorts section of Planet Romeo is well stocked.
I just don't see Budapest in the same league. When I was there 3 years ago, the most promising gay bar in the guides was closed for a few days. Nothing else seemed to be worth travelling there for.
Thanks, goji. That site is great!
Been to Budapest 3 times - some of the bars are miniscule and all were devoid of any interesting lads for hire. Couple of bars with darkrooms but thats not my scene. Even tried along the riverside for the gypsy boys who allegedly hang there - nothing, not a fucking sausage.
Most disappointing scene I've encountered in Europe. Gave up on it after 3rd fruitless trip.
Been to Prague at least half a dozen times (last time about 2yrs ago after a long absence). Club Temple worthwhile (I remember when it was Pinnochio - CT not a patch on it, but probably best of the bunch), Escape worthwhile, Drakes just not my scene at all - visited once and never went back..
Even took the train from Prague to Budapest on one occasion - the armed cops/militia who entered the train at the Slovakian border and pointed machine guns at us demanding to see our "papers" and to know how many cigarettes we had was a bit reminiscent of Nazi Germany but never mind - life's rich tapestry and all that!.
If you find anything different in Budapest, I'll be delighted to hear about it!
Most worthwhile place in Europe for available company is Germany IMHO.
I quit after 1 trip.Originally Posted by scottish-guy
There is a lot more going on in Prague, but I tend to agree that Germany is better. In particular, Berlin is such a superb city to visit.
When I visited Budapest in about 2003 there were several good clubs with plenty of available boys - free or for cash - and the river bank by the Elizabeth Brudge was also very productive with both native Hungarians and young Romanian migrants.
If it's now changed as detailed above, I suspect the current right-wing, authoritarian and homophobic government may, in the intervening years, have initiated a "clean up" campaign.
"The fruits of peace and tranquility... are the greatest goods... while those of its opposite, strife, are unbearable evils. Hence we ought to wish for peace, to seek it if we do not already have it, to conserve it once it is attained, and to repel with all our strength the strife which is opposed to it. To this end individual[s]... and in even greater degree groups and communities are obliged to help one another... from the bond or law of human society." [Marsilio dei Mainardini (c.1275-1342), Defensor Pacis]
Since 2004, the Hungarians can work in other EU countries and in pretty much all EU countries since 2011. So they can go and sell their services where the hourly rate is much higher.
I'm about disappointed reading here about the decline of Budapest as a gay destination. But I've already booked, so I'll just have to make do with what I find.
To be honest, I'm only going there to go to the Action Bar. Anything else will be a bonus.
I hope Prague offers better prospects.
I think I'll also drop into Pattaya just to ogle number 77 again.
The last time I was in Prague I booked an apartment through: http://www.praguesaints.cz/
The apartment was perfect, cheap, in a good neighbourhood close to the river and near some good places to eat. The guy from praguesaints showed us around the places he was associated with and steered us toward the rest. I just checked out their website and see they're still around.
If you are going just for the fun, I personally haven't found any gay scene in Budapest...not even any light fun in the many baths. I went to the Szechenyi on an afternoon when I had read there might be something going on in one of the pools...but found nothing but luke warm water.
Surfcrest
There should be enough action in the Action Bar every night, especially Friday and Saturday nights. I'll go sightseeing during the day. I'll also look for a massage place. I booked a hotel just around the corner from the bar.
I also just booked a hotel right next door to the Escape Club in Prague. Nothing like being close to the action!
I'll be dropping into LOS for a week at the end of my trip, just to see number 77 again.
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