Budapest is a really child-friendly place, but only if we are paying attention to some important details. This historical metropolis that is beloved by 4 million tourists each year, is a perfect choice for families as it offers many exciting activities for kids and it is easy to navigate in it thanks to the extended and well-organized transport system.
We have gathered you the most important informations, the best programs, and a Cheat Sheet to make unforgettable moments at Budapest with kids!

Budapest is a nice place to visit with kids and here are the top reasons why:

• Kids will love summer outdoor activities
• Pools and aqua parks provide opportunities for the whole family to relax
• Cave tours and labyrinths will amaze kids
• Budakeszi Anventire Park and Budapest Zoo are ideal for children
• Indoor activities like minipolisz, circus and tropicarium will entertain kids even in bad weather

Public transport with kids

There are four metro lines and dozens of tramlines and bus routes across the capital that serve the passengers from dawn till night. Even there is a regular, direct bus line from the airport to the city centre. All stops of Metro line no. 4 and most of the buses and trolleys are accessible for buggies. Please check out the website of the public transport company for details. Tickets and travel cards are also available at main metro stations or at the bus stops that are equipped by ticket machines.

If you are looking for a budget sightseeing tour, go and get a ride with Tram no. 2, which goes along the embankment of Pest and let you admire the main sights of the city, including the Parliament, the Castle, the Promenade and Gellert Hill just for a price of a ticket. The kids will love the old-fashioned trams.

Budapest Card for Budapest city breaks

If you do not want to spend your precious time counting the remaining tickets or if you are looking for a smart choice, check out the Budapest Card, the best travel card that allows you not only to use public transport anywhere in Budapest for 24, 48, 72, 72+ 98 or 120 hours, but provides you free access to a range of museums and art galleries, guided tours, entry to the Lukács Thermal Bath and the Buda Castle, discounts at certain restaurants.

Summer outdoor activities with kids

Beaches, thermal baths and aqua parks

If the sun is baking you, get outdoors and splash in one of the lidos or open-air baths awaiting your family. Palatinus Strand at the heart of the city, in Margaret Island can be a good option as it offers ten different pools, including children’s pool, wave pool or thermal pool. The Rudas Thermal Bath with Turkish origin lies near Gellert Hill and offers a unique opportunity for the whole family to relax. Hot water baths, steams, saunas and rooftop pool with panoramic view are included in the tickets, but children are not allowed to use the thermal hot water. Or if you look further for a less crowded, and more exciting experience, spend a day in the Aquarena, the famous spa and aquapark in Hungary. It has a unique atmosphere, an almost 1 km slide system , Jacuzzis, sunshades and many more. Your kids will just love it!

Cave tours

There is another option to cool you down: plunge in the depth! Budapest is full with caves and grottos. 16 metres down from the surface the Labyrinth of the Buda Castle provide not only a unique exhibition for adults, but action-packed events for kids that include treasure hunts and creative games. For the bigger ones Harry Potter parties, for the little ones Pirate parties are organised. For a more serious cave visit, see the Szemlő-hegyi barlang that was discovered only in 1930. The mineral deposits, the crystals and calcite plates with their beauty will mute the visitors, who enter to another world under the capital. There are guided tours, but the cave can be visited individually as well. Even with baby buggy! Don’t forget to take your sweaters and jumpers, as the temperature is 12 degrees constantly.

Going to the nature

From March to October the Budakeszi Adventure Park definitely makes the day of your kids with no age limits. Zip lining, petting zoo and other rope activities can be experinced in the forests of Buda, just 30 minutes away from the buzz. If you want to explore the nature near to Budapest why not you try the Children’s Railway, which is running regularly only in summer between Széchenyi-hegy and Hűvösvölgy? Kids from 10 to 14, who not only print tickets and keep the passengers informed, but run the signals and switches, operate the unique railway line.

The jolly-joker spot of the summer is the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, with its 150-year-old history. The Zoo is opened throughout the whole year, but summer is the high season. With curiosities from the seven continents it presents a huge range of species of the animal kingdom, from ring-tailed lemurs, rhinos, hippos, lions and polar bears to piranhas and at least hundred types of butterflies. Besides, almost 2000 types of plants (including rare tropical ones) can be seen in the Botanical Garden.

Visiting the City Park in Budapest is a great choice for all ages, especially if you’re traveling with children. The park is located in the heart of the city next to the Heroes’ Square and the Zoo. This 100-hectare park offers a wealth of attractions and cultural activities every day of the week. Highlights include Vajdahunyad Castle, the boating lake, and the House of Music. Kids will particularly enjoy the Balloonfly experience, and there’s also a large playground in the center of the park for younger children. If you’re feeling hungry during your exploration, there are several bistros and restaurants to choose from. For those looking to stay active, Sportliget offers various sports fields, gyms, ping-pong tables, and running tracks.

Indoor activities with kids

Museums and playhouses

Few miles away from the Zoo, the Hungarian Railway Museum can steal the heart of the kids, especially the boys. This is an interactive park, packed with old locomotives, steam engines, and different cars, even handcars. Kids can try lots of engines and cars, like the rail cars, horse trams or turntables. The main building displays the history of the railways and railway stations in Hungary and there is a building for model railways. From April to October vintage diesel shuttles run between the museum and Nyugati Railway Station.

The MiniPolisz is not a typical indoor playground, but real life environment with shop, beauty salon, post, police station and hotel. The Danubius miniHotel, the smallest hotel in Hungary, with its 25-square-metre total territory is child-friendly, fully furnished and equipped hotel that has everything we expect from a top hotel: lobby, reception desk, bar, counter, corridor, bedroom and shower. The children can be staff of the hotel, but guests as well, so they will feel adult themselves for a while. No matter if they are tired and thirsty, the bar is having a selection of drinks, while they are watching fairy tales on the telly! Danubius miniHotel welcomes guests on five , from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm at the MiniPolisz children’s city.

For teenagers and adults the Centre of Scientific Wonder offers a great fun, while it helps to understand the science by doing experiments. On 5000 square metres more than 250 games are waiting the families, including magnetic field, Newton’s apple garden, logic station, illusion chamber and escape room. Besides the various kinds of physical experiments take a journey in the Solar System in 5D, or try the billiards soccer and table soccer!

Children under 6 every day, and all visitor under 26 on the first Sunday of each month can attend the Natural History Museum near Nagyvárad tér for free. Its vast collection displays not only the species and history of Hungary and the surrounding, the Carpathian Basin, but it gives an overview about the geo- and biodviersity of the planet, highlighting the importance of the environment protection. The most interesting attractions of the museum are the dinosaur and the mineral exhibitions.

In the suburb, near the border of the city another breathtaking experience is drawing the attention: the Tropicarium Budapest, the largest saltwater aquarium in the region. Hundreds of animals and a lush vegetation are promising a unique amusement within the walls of this magical world. Sharks, alligators, squirrel monkeys and tortoises are just some of the many species that can be seen in this extraordinary place, 30 minutes away from the city centre. If your kids have the guts, let them check out the shark feeding programme on Thursdays.

Theatres and circuses

Next to the Zoo that works around the clock the Capital Circus is surely a good choice either for gloomy or sunny days and cheers up the youngsters and their parents as well. This traditional circus, where jugglers, acrobats, clowns and animal trainers are entertaining the audience, hosts International Circus Festivals regularly, when famous masters of the genre take the floor.

And what about going to the theater with children? We suggest you to have a look at the repertoir of the Budapest Puppet Theater in the downtown! Their shows are addressed to all age group from 1 to 18. Though most of the programmes are performed in Hungarian, there are some in English as well. The theater uses handmade puppets in the plays, carfeully tailored to the stories. Classical tales such as Bambi or The Nutcracker are on the stage likewise Hungarian fables and fairies.

Relaxing and culinary experiences with kids

Sometimes it is better not to organise anything just enjoying the flow of the city. In Budapest you still have plenty of options to do that. Such as having a walk around the Parliament, cycling and picknicking at Margaret Island, gazing at the city from the top of the Castle or from the Statute of Liberty on Gellert Hill, or just hanging around in the streets of Buda, the wharves, or walk along the Andrássy Road.

Eating a traditional spicy goulash is a must, and there are plenty of restaurants that have this soup on their menu. But not all of them are child-friendly. According to the local parents the best restaurants, which provide excellent services for families are the Gundel Restaurant, the Kiosk, or the Vak Varjú. After a long walk or just to put a smile on the face of your kids, take them at one of the well-known pastry-shops, like the Szamos or the Auguszt.

Feeling peckish? Craving a snack? Or perhaps you’re in need of a good cup of coffee?
Enjoy our Yellow Bistro located in the lobby of Danubius Hotel Helia, offering a range of seasonal dishes, a wide variety of salads, cakes, pastries, drinks, and a unique selection of teas and coffees. Additionally, on the terrace, you’ll find the Yellow Food Truck serving delicious street food options and cocktails in a green area at the heart of the city.

Accomodation with kids

At last but not least the importance of where to stay is just as relevant as where to go or what to visit. To avoid nightmares and unpleasant surprises a well-prepared, child oriented hotel could be a good solution. The Danubius Hotels Group provides great accomodations for families at prime locations of Budapest with guaranteed best price. We kindly ask you if you decide to book a room in our hotel to let us know how many kids you will bring and with what age, so our colleagues can prepare to welcome you and provide you the best service. We have cots and highchairs in our hotels!

Cheat sheet

When to go?

Anytime of the year Budapest has plenty to do, but the best interval is from springtime until late autumn. Winter can be chilly, especially in January and in February, and late summer is very hot sometimes, with 33-35 degrees in July and in August. Before you go out for a walk with your kids in the warm weather, apply suncream to prevent sunburn.

Where to stay?

Hundreds of hotels and thousends of private appartments are hosting tourists throughout the whole year in Budapest. But just some of them offer comfortable place for couples with children. Danubius Hotels have a huge range of rooms in the city with affordable prices, starting from 52 euros per room.

Where to go?

Budapest is rich in attractions, and it is easy to reach any destinations with kids. Either you choose to visit the Zoo, the Capital Circus, the Miniversum, the Normafa, the Children’s Railway in Buda Hills, you can be relaxed that your kids will enjoy the programmes. Don’t miss the beaches and caves during the summer and the ice skating rink on winter!

What to avoid?

Budapest is basically a child-friendly, safe place, even if you are with toddlers. But there are some destinations, where are higher risks to be robbed or attacked and it is better to be aware of them. Like parts of the 7th district, which is known as the party district („bulinegyed”), where during the evenings drunken people celebrating their weddings or birthdays. Crowdy places can be dangerous as well, especially buses or trams, like the tram no. 4-6, the busiest tram line in the city. To prevent unlikely event, please keep your children close to you at all time and take care of your belongings.

Extra tips for families with children

Visiting Budapest with kids is an ideal plan for a long weekend regardless of the weather. But if you have time to stay a bit longer, it is worth to visit the countryside as well. Just two hours away from the capital towards the west Lake Balaton is a source of recreation and joy during the whole year. Or the mountains, like the Bükk or Mátra in the northeastern part of the country gives great chances to organize further outdoor activities: excursion, skiing, camping and many more. Szentendre, where suburban railway goes regularly from Batthány Square in Budapest, besides its charming ambience, host of an open-air museum, where old farm houses, the rural lifestyle and the whole traditional cultural heritage of Hungary can be seen. Or if your kids feel lazy to move out from the capital, take them to a boat trip along the Danube River! These thrilling moments will definitely cheer them up!

Budapest’s tourism has been on the rise for years making more and more people around the World want to visit our beautiful capital. One of the most frequently asked questions is what budget they need to spend a long weekend or a whole week here. Budapest is thought to be a “cheap” destination, but this, of course depends on your needs. The city is more affordable than most European cities, offering a very wide variety of fun things to do to the budget traveler as well as the luxury jet-setter.

Prices

Budapest is still one of the cheapest cities to travel in Europe, partially because Hungary is not part of the Eurozone, and the Forint, the Hungarian national currency has decreased in value in the past years to increase the attractiveness for companies to start open up businesses in Hungary.

Hungarian currency

Hungary’s official currency is Hungarian Forint (Ft or HUF). 1 Euro is usually between 380 to 400 Ft (currently 395 HUF, as of June 2024) depending on current economics. 1 GBP is usually between 460 to 470 Ft

However, shops and restaurants in the city centre commonly accept EUR and US Dollar, but typically at a higher exchange rate, so you end up paying more than you would in local currency. For this reason, it is better to exchange local currency and always keep some Forint on you.

Popular tourist places like Vaci Street sometimes have people on the street offering to exchange your foreign money to Forints – they most probably offer you a fake exchange rate, so be careful with giving them money. We recommend you always use the official Exchange Offices that are found all over the city, especially at the airports, train stations and popular tourists destinations.

On the other hand, even in small shops and restaurants you can pay by debit card so you don’t need to exchange a lot of cash.

Accommodation

As every big European city, Budapest offers a wide variety of accommodations. Danubius Hotel’s an excellent place to start as the group has plenty to offer from 3 start hotels up to high end luxury just like the Hilton hotel Budapest in the Castle District. But you can also stay in the city centre for less money. Should you wish to extend your search, the best available Budapest city break deals are right here waiting for you.

The best hotels for your budget

Wishing to stay close to the beating heart of the city centre, and enjoy the modern comfort of a hotel? Radisson Blu Béke Hotel is an ideal choice for everyone who wants to explore the rich cultural life of the capital. The hotel is located just a few steps from the beautifully lit up Andrássy Avenue, and easily accessible by car or public transport. The theatres, museums, restaurants and cafés located nearby guarantee that those interested in high-end entertainment will not be bored for a moment. Rooms available from 97 EUR per night.

Hotel Astoria City Center that opened in 1914 as one of the city’s most elegant hotels, and – over a century later – it stays true to that original character. Guests have always been attracted by its sublime fin-de-siècle architecture and comfortable rooms. The location of the hotel is perfect if you want to stay close to the city centre as it is only a 5-minute walk from prime attractions like the Hungarian National Museum, the Great Synagogue, the Danube promenade and the famous Váci Street. Rooms are available from €95 per night.

Average Daily Costs for food

Depending on your needs, Budapest can be extremely affordable. If you’re on a budget you can visit the city with just as little as 30 EUR a day, excluding accommodation. You can have lovely local or international food the whole day on a tight budget and it would be still one to remember! Hungary’s a great place to eat and drink well on any budget.

Example of a day of food on a budget:

Breakfast pastry 300-480 HUF (around €1,2)

Easy lunch: 2300 HUF & (small beer) 470 HUF (€7)

Dinner: 3400 HUF & (small wine) 700 HUF (€10)

However, of course the city has a touch of luxury hidden between its walls so you can live like Kings and Queens for a couple of days. There are lovely, high end restaurants waiting for you all over the city.

Cooked breakfast with a large latte: 4000 HUF per person (€10.5)

Lunch in a restaurant 6000 HUF &  glass of wine 1.500 HUF (€20)

Fancy dinner in the city centre (two courses) 12.000-15.000 HUF per person & bottle of wine from 5.900 HUF (€50)

Restaurant prices

Budapest’s food scene is technically a metaphor of the city itself: authentic, spicy and sprinkled with plenty of surprises as a new generation of Hungarians turned the traditional cuisine into an avant-garde dining experience whilst staying true to real local flavors. Hungarian food will take you far away from what you know by serving you unexpected flavors and hearty, quality wines.

As most things, how much you spend on your dining experience can vary based on your taste and preference. Hungary, especially Budapest is one of the good Heavens of Europe and as the exchange rate works for your favor, even luxurious or more expensive restaurants are more affordable than anywhere else in Europe.

Restaurants for the best value for your money

Our recommendations go from low to high price, based on our Hungarian standards, however the dining experience can still remain between €15 to €40 per person.

Danubius Hotel Helia’s  Yellow Bistro serves not only hotel guests, but also the general public, so that anyone can drop in any time for a pleasant gastronomic adventure.

Yellow Bistro & Bar’s selection includes healthy and quick meals, delicious sandwiches and pastries, but also a great soft drink and wine selection, specialty coffees, and for those with a sweet tooth, the newly introduced bright Yellow Cake. In the summer season, you can also enjoy an evening with friends on the terrace of the Bistro by the bank of the Danube. Tasty coctails, local dishes, a large selection of street food and perfect summer vibes await you!

Prices vary from 1700 HUF (~€4,5) for Snacks and Sweets to 7.400 HUF (~€19) for Grilled salmon steak asparagus risotto. Average price for dessert is 1.400 HUF (~€3.5).

Zsolnay Cafe is a little oasis on the busy Teréz körút, located in the Radisson Blue Béke Hotel. It’s the perfect place for a warm-up hot drink, a romantic bottle of champagne or even a late-night cocktail with friends. The pastry assortment takes the place to another level which also includes lactose- and sugar-free options. Just recently refurnished the café with a gorgeous interior is open from 10 am to 10 pm, catering for all meals and drinks of the day.
If you plan a romantic dinner come and immerse yourself in the joys of our candlelit dinner offering three-course of seasonal dishes. Or try the Classic English afternoon high tea we serve for two in stylish handmade Zsolnay porcelain.

Modern and elegant, the stunning Lang Bistro and Grill embraces the future and yet pays homage to the history of the Royal Castle District. Icon has introduced a contemporary décor of warmness to create a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere located in Hilton Hotel in a truly premium location right next to Matthias Church. Featuring an upscale 240-seat restaurant with a private saloon and 16 panoramic windows, guests of the Icon can choose from a distinctive Hilton breakfast to an extraordinary a la carte lunch and dinner menu as well as a sumptuous weekend brunch. Appetizers from 4.490 HUF (~€11), soups from 2.990 HUF (~€7,5) or you can go for delicious meat right off the grill, Angus steak for 17.490 HUF (€45).

Tipping

In Hungary gratuities are appreciated but the general tipping etiquette is not set in stone. People will appreciate it if you tip them for good service, but there won’t be the expectation like there is in the USA for example. You should know that many venues have door and bathroom attendants and tipping these people is good practice, usually 100-200 HUF which is less than a €1.

Tipping in hotels

Again, tipping at hotels is not expected, but it is appreciated. So, if the bellhop helps bring your luggage to your room from the front desk, it is normal to tip him around 500 HUF. Similarly, housekeepers will not mind if you don’t tip them, but will appreciate it if you do. It is common for foreign travelers to tip housekeepers 200-300 HUF each day of their stay at the hotel. If you decide to sign up for the hotel’s concierge services, it will be normal if you tip your concierge 1000 HUF for the services offered.

Tipping in restaurants

When you talk about sit-down eateries in Budapest, the standard tip rate for a good service is 10% of the bill and 15% for an exceptional service. However, many restaurants in Budapest charge an avarage of 10-13% service charge on the total bill. So, you don’t need leave anything extra. But it is important that you never leave your tips on the table when you decide to leave. Always tip your waiter directly or drop it in a tipping jar.

Sightseeing

Budapest is rich in attractions and most of them are free which makes your budget even lower. However, if you do decide to visit some museum or exhibitions, calculate with €3-10€ each average.

• Thermal Baths: 3.600-12.000 HUF(€10-30)
• Hungarian National Gallery: 4.800 HUF (€13)
• Museum of Fine Arts: 5.400 HUF (€12)
• House of Terror Museum: 4.000 HUF (€10,5)
• Escape room for 2 people: from 9.000 HUF (€23)

Travelling

Most of Budapest’s inner city and historic districts are best to explore by foot. There are pedestrian precincts in downtown Pest and traffic is restricted on Castle Hill, so walking is probably the best way to get around. Great news, however that the city is very well connected by public transportation, too. Budapest has a fast and efficient metro system as well as many trams (streetcars), trollies and buses. Outer suburbs are served by the local suburban railway called HÉV.

Ticket prices and ticket prices

If you’re visiting the city for a couple of days your best option is to purchase a 72-hour or a 7 day pass, even a Budapest card which will give you plenty of benefits when visiting attractions in the city as well. You can of course always decide to go with the single tickets which are valid for one single journey and cost 450 HUF. The official ticket prices are available on BKK’s Official website.

Budapest card

Budapest Card is an excellent option if we you wish to have unlimited travel and planning to visit some attractions as well. Cards can be purchased with 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour or 120-hour validity and all of them come with great additional benefits. All cards include unlimited travel on public transportation, free entry to several museums, two free walking tours, and 10%-50% discounts at baths, museums, restaurants and spas.

Taxis

Taxis can be fast in the city, especially late at night when there is limited public transportation. Taxis can be hailed on the street, but it is cheaper to call ahead of time. All taxis must have a yellow registration plate, as opposed to the white background on regular car plates. All taxameters are equipped with a receipt-printing function, displaying the fares charged and identification of the driver.

Base fare: HUF 1100

Price per minute: HUF 110

Price per kilometer: HUF 440

How much money you need for 3 days in Budapest?

Depending on your needs and taste, the minimum budget you need for visiting Budapest is €40-€55 including all meals of the day and at least one attraction. From here the limit is the sky as the city is offering luxurious accommodation, dining and sightseeing options. With a 72 hour Budapest card (€53) and a comfortable room in one of Danubius Hotels cosy hotels (€60-€120/day), your budget should end up around €330 for one person.

Visiting Budapest will be always the one to remember. So much to see and experience which gets even better with the great exchange rate and affordable prices in one of the best cities in Europe. The young buzz, that cool Eastern European spirit, amazing food, excellent wine paired up with low costs and a great, ever-changing atmosphere. Do you want to have it all? Yes, Budapest is the place to be.

How much forint do you need for a day in budapest?

Depending on your needs, Budapest can be extremely affordable. If you’re on a budget you can visit the city with just as little as 10.000 forints a day excluding accommodation. From this budget you will get access to public transportation and have some simple, but delicious Hungarian meals.

It’s hard to think of a long weekend in Budapest without mentioning those ever famous ruin bars. In the long span of the city’s history, these pubs are just a blip in its historic lifetime, but even in the last 15 years Budapest’s ruin bars have evolved into an attraction that is almost as popular  today as Fishermen’s Bastion or Buda Castle. They are often considered the best bars in town with probably the most affordable drink menus you can not miss whilst enjoying Budapest nightlife.

History of Ruin bars

In the early 2000s, the inner part of the 7th District was full of abandoned buildings. Once the site of the Jewish ghetto, the historic Jewish Quarter became dilapidated in the decades following World War II, after the deportation of some 10,000s Jews. In 2002, the people behind a placed called Szimpla opened up the very first venue in Kertész utca – where you still find Szimpla Café today. However, the real hit happened in 2004, when Ábel Zsendovits and his friends decided to gamble on a building complex in Kazinczy street, which marked the official start of the legendary ruin bar era the World knows so well by now.

Szimpla began as a small experiment, a bar set up in an abandoned, ran-down factory building offering affordable drinks for the creative crowd in the city. Szimpla became a bohemian hub after the crumbling building got spruced up with local design and vintage, mismatched furniture. Its chaos and eclecticism has turned into a trend and inspired and keeps inspiring an entire generation of people.

Evolution of Ruin bars

As ruin bars very quickly became an iconic part of the cityscape, people started to come to Budapest specifically to have a drink or two in these now iconic buildings. More bars popped up following the concept of the ruin bar look and feel, like the legendary Instant-Fogas Complex , which is the collaboration of the Instant and Fogas Ház. While places like Fogas Complex and Szimpla were meant to be alternative cultural hubs, they eventually changed direction to cater for party crowds, whilst places like Instant with their surreal decor spanning an entire apartment block, offered places for pure hedonism.

The look and feel

As mentioned above, ruin bars have been around since the foundation of Szimpla Kert that has been the mecca of the ruin bar era. These bars are primarily found in Budapest’s 7th District (the old Jewish quarter) and its neighbouring areas in the old ruins of abandoned buildings, factories, warehouses, stores or lots. This district was left to decay after World War II, creating a perfect place to develop an underground bar scene. (Not so underground)

From outside these bars look like normal Budapest townhouses. They don’t have large signs leading the way, you don’t hear any loud music, and there’s no queue of people outside waiting to get in. But once you walk into the inner courtyard, you find yourself in the middle of a hip, artsy, and funky place bustling with crowds chatting, dancing, and enjoying a very unique, laid-back atmosphere.

In a ruin bar you feel like you’re drinking at your local thrift store. None of the furniture matches. They are old and eclectic. You may also feel like you’re visiting your grandmother’s house. The ceilings are all designed differently. The building purposefully haven’t been renovated, there are still holes in the walls and visible pipes everywhere to keep the look and feel eclectic, authentic and full of history of the last century.

Popular as a night out in Budapest, ruin pubs also offer a range of activities during the day, with many functioning as community spaces and live music venues. Szimpla Kert holds a weekly farmer’s market on Sunday mornings, or occasionally a vintage clothes market, while Anker’t screens films and holds markets.

Drink prices in ruin pubs

You’ve probably heard urban legends about how affordable Hungary is so you might be wondering how much a pint of beer or a glass of wine costs. In Budapest, tourists can purchase both a glass of wine and a bottle of lager for less than €4 – wine can cost less than 2€, whilst a bottle of lager is around €2-3 – while cocktails, such as a Mojito or Cosmopolitan, the most expensive drinks in the city, were priced at €5 A round of ten different drinks comes to about €24 in total.

The coolest ruin pubs in central Budapest

Szimpla Kert for creative, environment friendly vibes

The opening of Szimpla Kert in 2002 was a milestone in the alternative life of Budapest. Converting an old factory into a huge open-air cinema and pub, they created a unique framework for hosting concerts, theatre shows and many different cultural events. Szimpla defines itself as a ’cultural reception space’, indicating the intention to embrace genres and performers off the mainstream, presenting them in an informal atmosphere. With constantly supporting initiatives for urban sustainability, Szimpla has been serving as an ultimate incubation house of green ideas from the very beginning, too.

The Szimpla lifestyle is brought to life by culture, creativity and constant change day by day. Everybody and anybody can make themselves at home, have a rest or have fun when visiting Szimpla in Budapest. Right from the beginning, their main mission is to shape the environment and make it more liveable and human friendly. Searching for the cultural treasures of both Hungary and the World, introducing and managing creative talents and their products as well as implementing and operating models that help sustainable development in many walks of life are all the things Szimpla lives by. 

Kazinczy u. 14, szimpla.eu –  Open 15pm-4am on Mondays until Thursdays, 12pm-4am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9am-5am on Sundays.

Instant & Fogas Complex for the biggest parties in the city

The immense club kingdom of Instant and Fogas is concentrated into 2 neighbouring buildings in 49 Akácfa street and offer inexhaustible amount of fun in all aspects on almost every single day of the year. Intant and Fogas ház used to be two separate ruin pubs, but they have recently decided to unite their forces to create the kingdom of ruin pubs in the heart of Budapest.

When looking for places to go out in the evenings or to spend the whole night somewhere a bit wild, one has to contemplate a handful of factors to make sure all needs would be fulfilled. Fortunately, you get to skip this planning-thinking-deciding phase, by having all facilities together that a party fiend might possibly desire. Instant & Fogas have 8 bars altogether to keep you fuelled until the end of your stay, but there is also a bunch of solutions to ease your hunger. For complete courses and fine treats accompanied with top quality wines and spirits you should definitely check out Liebling, but as long as you are satisfied with a small nibbles, quick grilled snacks and pizzas are also available. Just follow the delicious scent of freshly cooked food and you’ll easily find where to get them.

They also have 1,200 square meters dedicated to hosting music events from a wide range of genres separated properly from each other. While this isn’t a brand new concept for Instant or Fogas, by establishing the complex and forming new rooms the entire idea manifested on a whole new level.

Budapest VII, Akácfa u. 49-51., instant-fogas.com – Open every day 6 pm – 6 am

Mazel Tov for an upscale ruin bar experience

 This is one of Budapest’s newest ruin bars. Mazel Tov (located in the old Jewish quarter) is a community centre and restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine by day. At night, the courtyard is a party with DJs and live entertainment entertaining guests.  Head to Mazel Tov if you like the ruin bar concept in theory, but prefer things more upscale. This Middle Eastern restaurant inside Budapest’s buzzing Jewish Quarter does have a disintegrating facade like other ruin bars, but the inside is a different story: Cheap drinks have been upgraded to cocktails, ham & cheese sandwiches to mezze plates, self-service to hostesses, and cheap furniture to a thoughtfully designed, industrial-chic interior with sleek wood paneling.

Mazel Tov’s Israeli and other Mediterranean dishes are reliable and arrive without delay, to ensure that tables turn over quickly in this wildly popular restaurant.  Reservations are an absolute must as the place gets mobbed by people every day of the week. Instant and Fogas is next door in case you want to compare and contrast.

Akácfa u. 47, www.mazeltov.hu/en. Open every day 12:00 pm.-0:00 am.

Szatyor Bar and Cafe for the posh Buda crowed

Filled with colourful, eclectic furniture, Szatyor Bar looks like your typical ruin bar, but it’s actually different from those swarming Budapest’s party district on the other side of the Danube. This being in Buda, instead of scruffy students sipping low-priced beers, Szatyor draws an over-25 crowd where shirts and skirts outnumber hoodies and backpacks. Duck confit and sous-vide venison leg are rarely part of the ruin bar culinary repertoire, but here, you will find them alongside pricey craft beers.

This updated ruin bar is situated on the fashionable Bartók Béla Boulevard in 11th District, where middle-class Buda residents wind down in the evenings, who are more discerning drinkers and eaters than the tourist-heavy partygoers in Pest. Attached to Szatyor Bar is a classically-furnished café, Hadik, which has earned a place in Budapest’s collective memory as a legendary haunt of bohemian writers and poets in the 1920s. It shuttered after WWII, but was finally revived in 2010 after a long hiatus.

Budapest, Bartók Béla út 36, table reservation: reservours.com/szatyorbar/tablereservation/en , open Monday-Wednesday and Sunday 12 pm – 23 pm, Thursday-Saturday 12 pm – midnight

Wherever you decide to spend the night, any of these places will guarantee an unforgettable time. Ruin bars are now par t of our culture and the era they created keeps inspiring the younger generation of people to stay creative and re-create the cityscape in our beloved city.

Our city-centre hotels for visiting the Best Ruin Bars in Budapest

If you’re a night owl who’s planning to stay out late, it’s important to live close to the city centre, because nobody likes to spend a long time travelling back to the hotel once the party’s over. Choosing a downtown hotel will allow you to have a shower and get off to sleep in no time at all.

Danubius Hotels offers 5 city-centre hotels in Budapest: the Hotel Astoria City Center, Hotel Erzsébet City Center, Hotel Hungária City Center, Radisson Blu Béke Hotel and Hotel Gellért. All the hotels are fully air-conditioned and pet-friendly. Check out on a map: Best Area to Stay in Budapest for Nightlife

Hotel Astoria City Center – A four-star hotel in the heart of Budapest

Hotel Astoria is within walking distance of Gozsdu Court or Kazinczy Street, so you won’t need to worry about getting a taxi or night bus back. Astoria is within walking distance of Erzsébet Square, Gozsdu Court, Kazinczy Street and the surrounding ruin pubs.

Radisson Blu Béke Hotel – A city centre hotel near Nyugati Station

Hotel Radisson Blu offers a stylish, peaceful place to stay on the bustling Grand Boulevard. It’s a stone’s throw away from the bars on the Grand Boulevard, and very close to Kazinczy Street and the heart of the city’s nightlife area.

Hotel Hungaria City Center – A modern hotel near Keleti Station

Hotel Hungaria is next to the busiest railway station in Pest, but still close to the centre. It is situated only two stops away from the night spots and bars of District 7, and the No. 24 tram takes you directly to the Budapest Park concert venue.

Hotel Erzsébet City Center – The best choice for shopping and business travel

Hotel Erzsébet City Center is a modern hotel within easy reach of the River Danube, Deák Square or the Bálna.

Budapest is one of a kind in every season, however autumn may be the ideal one to discover the Hungarian capital! Enjoy the lovely autumn weather and the vivid colors of the hills of Buda. Experience the vibrant cultural life with so much to explore in the city: culinary and art festivals, outdoor leisure activities, sport programmes, exhibitions, concerts and much more!
Whether you plan to stay for the weekend or for a midweek break you will surely find some things why the city is worth visiting.  Here are some of our top tips for this season to make the most out of your stay.

Budapest weather in autumn

One of the biggest reasons for visiting Budapest during autumn is the weather that allows you to spend plenty of time in the city enjoying the warm rays of sunshine. While it isn’t as hot as the summer, autumn is a great time for a holiday to Budapest if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather that’s perfect for sightseeing.

Temperatures are usually mild and pleasant during the daytime with an average high over 20°C which comes down to 14°C by the end of October. However the weather can change very quickly in this season so you may face some rainfalls during your stay. But don’t worry about rain ruining your plans since we also gathered some indoor activities to choose from.

Top things to do in Budapest in autumn

Sightseeing in the city

Sightseeing is a perfect outdoor programme during autumn time. Budapest is full of good spots where you can take great pictures or just enjoy the view. Under the following points we have listed some of the best places you don’t want to miss this autumn.

Gellért Hill

Take a good hike to Gellért Hill, the highest but easily reachable point of Budapest!
You can start your trip at Liberty Bridge and climb all the way up to the Liberty Statue. The route will offer you varius spectacular photo opportunities where you must take a break and admire the city.

If you want to take a smaller trip you can choose the other side of the hill and climb up just a few stairs from Erzsébet bridge to reach the waterfall and the St. Gellért Statue

Városliget

Városliget (City Park) is one of the biggest parks in Budapest and since it is located in the middle of the city it is the most beloved place for locals as well.

Due to the Liget Budapest project, the whole area has been renewed to provide higher quality environment and services. They established new institutions (like the House of Music and the Museum of Ethnography) offering endless opportunities for leisure and cultural activities. You can spend hours just wandering around the park without noticing. Visit Vajdahunyad Castle, rent a boat on the boating lake, or go on a picnic!

Margaret Island

Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) is also a beautiful public park where locals spend their weekends or afternoons doing sports, relaxing, or simply enjoying the good weather.
This island is also a good option if you’re visiting the city with children because there are several playgrounds, fountains, and a small zoo where you can feed the animals.

Find out more about Margaret Island!

Upcoming events, festivals and exhibitions

Budapest Chocolate Festival

Sept 30- Oct 02, 2022

Officially known as the Sweet Days Chocolate Festival, the Budapest Chocolate Festival is a dessert connoisseur’s dream come true. While the event started out as a celebration of all things chocolate, over the years it has grown to include a variety of baked goods including cakes, donuts, and even wine and coffee. During 3 days the festival is waiting for the sweet lovers in front of the Basilica on St Stephen’s Square. The entry is free of charge.

Budapest Restaurant Week

Oct 06-16, 2022

Dining in a high class restaurant may be an expensive matter – except during the Restaurant Week! DiningCity Restaurant Week is held 2 times a year, every autumn and spring, when many top restaurants in Budapest and in the countryside of Hungary offer a 3-course exclusive menu for a uniform-fixed price. This autumn Restaurant Week will last 11 day: from 6th until 16 of October.
The participant restaurants offer their menus for only 4,900 HUF (appr. €13), premium menus for 6,900 HUF (appr. €18) and exclusive menus for 9,900 HUF (appr. €25). (Bookings can only be made through DiningCity Restaurant Week website.)

Check out Zsolnay Café’s 3-course menus and reserve your table for free!

Sport events

Budapest Marathon

Oct 8-9, 2022

The 37th SPAR Budapest Marathon is part of a 2-day festival all about running. Participate in the running-sightseeing tour of the beautiful Budapest!
The course runs through the heart of city by the banks of Danubie, crosses several bridges and passes the most famous sites of the city like the Statue of Liberty, Buda Castle and Margaret Island.

You are not an experienced runner? Do not worry! You can choose from shorter distances as well (ranging from 400 m to 42 km), or you can complete the run in a team of 2 or 4! Challange yourself and take part in the running festival.

UEFA Nations League

Sept 21-27, 2022

The 2022–23 UEFA Nations League is the third season of the UEFA Nations League, an international association football competition involving the men’s national teams of the 55 member associations of UEFA.
The 2nd part of the league phase is held in September when the League A will compete for the Qualification for Nations League Finals held in June 2023 to determine the champions of the competition.

Matchdays 5&6 are going to be very important matchdays for Hungary since our national team managed to compete in the League A and could secure place in the UEFA Nations League finals June 2023.

• 23rd September: Hungary vs. Germany
• 26th September: Hungary vs. Italy

The two significant matches will take place at Puskás Arena.

World Press Photo Exhibition Budapest

Date: Sept 23 – Oct 30, 2022 – Hungarian National Museum Budapest

World Press Photo Exhibition is one of the most well-known photo exhibition on its world-wide tour showcasing the stories that matter with photography from the 65th annual World Press Photo contest. The winners were chosen by an independent jury that reviewed more than 64,820 photographs entered by 4,066 photographers from 130 countries.

Visiting hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 10.00 -18.00
Friday – Saturday: 10.00 – 20.00

Henri Matisse – The Colour of Ideas Exhibition

Until Oct 16, 2022 – Museum of Fine Arts Budapest

Visitors are invited on a chronological journey through Matisse’s almost sixty-year-long oeuvre, which can be described as a series of renewals.
The exhibition is based on the masterpieces of the Centre Pompidou (Paris) and it is the first show featuring Henri Matisse’s art in Hungary.
Visitors can admire a selection of more than 150 pieces of the artist’s most important works throught his Fauve period all the way to his late gouache paper cut-outs.
The exhibition catalogue contains studies by foreign and Hungarian authors as well as a selection from Matisse’s writings.

Art Market Budapest

Date: Oct 6-9, 2022 – Bálna Budapest

Art Market Budapest is an internation contemporary art fair and exhibition that raises awareness of Central and Eastern European art and artists. It is also a unique art platform, which provides thought-provoking new impulses for both the European and the global art scene.

Art Market Budapest will be held at Bálna Budapest where visitors can not only spectate exhibitions but also participate in events, programs and workshops.

The INSIDE ART – International Art Industry Conference is also held among the Art Market this year where the focus is on Serbia and the serbian contemporary arts. Moreover Art Market Budapest is also honored to host MOST.SERBIA Festival with the main goal of the event is to make the treasures of Serbian culture and the cultural cooperation between Hungary and Serbia palpable for the public.

You can enjoy the first day of the fair (October 6) for free and buy you tickets for the following dates.

City breaks in Budapest

Plan your perfect autumn break to Budapest and find great accommodation at any area at reasonable price in one of our centrally located hotels in Budapest! Check out our special Budapest city break offers.

Recommended hotels in the city center

If you like to experience the real metropolitan buzz of the city we recommend you to stay at Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center or Danubius Hotel Erzsébet City Center.

Both of them are situated in the middle of bustling District 5, just a few minutes away from the  prime attractions like the Hungarian National Museum, the Great Synagogue (the largest in Europe), Great Market Hall, Váci utca (Budapest’s iconic shopping street), and also the Danube. These two hotels have a very different style: while Hotel Astoria has its own legendary and historical character, Hotel Erzsébet is a smaller, atmospheric hotel.

If you want to spend a more relaxing holiday, choose Danubius Hotel Helia, our wellness hotel that offers you a wide range of fitness and spa services. This hotel is located just 15 minutes away from the city centre, next to the beautiful bank of the Danube.

Are you visiting Budapest for a concert or conference? Danubius Hotel Arena is the nearest option for you to stay right in the neighbourhoods of Papp László Budapest Sports Arena, Puskás Ferenc Stadium and the BOK Sports and Conference Centre.

And last, but not least you can stay at Hotel Hungaria City Center which is an ideal base both for tourists and business visitors. The hotel is located next to Keleti railway station from where you can reach Budapest’s main attractions by taking the metro M2 and M4.

20th of August is always a very special celebration in Hungary. Think of it as huge summer closing party which has been extremely precious for the locals for thousands of years.  It’s one of our oldest national holidays, when we celebrate the foundation of our state, the state’s founder Saint Stephen, and the “festival of new bread”. It’s not only a national holiday, but also a state occasion, so numerous official events also take place on this day. The swearing-in of new military officers, water and air shows, ceremonial speeches and the spectacular firework show are all among the traditional programmes; but more recently, a number of other festivals have come to be associated with this red-letter day.

What do we celebrate on 20th August?

The 20^th of August: Saint Stephen’s day, when we commemorate the foundation of the Christian Hungarian state more than a thousand years ago. During his reign, Stephen I declared 15th August the Day of Our Lady. It was on this day that he offered up the country to the Virgin Mary, and it was also on this day in 1038 that the king himself died. The date of the celebration was moved to August 20th by the king Saint Ladislaus, because on this day in 1083, with the blessing of Pope Gregory VII, the relics of Stephen I – the Holy Crown and the Holy Right Hand – were raised to the altar in the Basilica at Székesfehérvár, an act that was equivalent to canonisation.

From the reign of King Louis the Great onwards, 20th August continued to be observed as a religious festival. But later, when Pope Benedict XIV reduced the number of church celebrations in 1771, Saint Stephen’s day was left out of the liturgical calendar. Later, Maria Theresa ordered the reinstatement of Saint Stephen’s day, and even had it added to the calendars as a national holiday. After the crushing of the 1848 revolution, 20th August was not allowed to be held as a national celebration for a long time, as Saint Stephen was a symbol of the independent Hungarian state. After the 1867 Compromise, the day regained its former special status, and in 1891 it was declared a public holiday. It remained a national day until 1945, when it was abolished, although continued to be publicly celebrated as a religious festival until 1947. The communist regime did not officially recognise the religious and national associations of the occasion, so it was renamed the “festival of new bread”. Between 1949 and 1989 it was celebrated as Constitution Day. After 1989, the old traditions were revived, the procession of the Holy Right Hand was held again, and Saint Stephen’s Day became an official state celebration of the Republic of Hungary.

Official programmes of 20th August 2022

The official state celebrations start in Kossuth Square in the morning, culminating in a spectacular water and air show. The afternoon is given over to joyful family programmes and the ceremonial holy mass and procession at the Basilica, while the highlight of the evening (literally) is the fireworks display.

8:00 – 9:00 am Kossuth Square ceremony

9:00 – 10.00 am Hungarian Military Air Parade over the Danube – Lower and upper quays in Pest and Buda

10.00 – 18:00 pm Viewing of the Holy Crown in the Parliament Building

17:00 – 18.00 pm Festive Mass and Procession of the Holy Right in St. Stephen’s Basilica

21:30 pm  „The game of fire and lights” – Fireworks and light parade over the Danube (in the lower and upper quays in Pest and Buda)

Festival programmes on 20th August in Budapest

Although this year Saint Stephen’s day falls on a Saturday, we can celebrate Hungary’s birthday during 4 days between 18 and 21 August.

There are countless colourful and exciting family programmes, culinary and musical festival events to choose between. The festive programme series are held in various venues of the city and the participation is free of charge at every event (however some events may require previous registration).

Here are some of the main events you must visit during the festive days:

Street of Hungarian flavours in Várkert Bazár

August 19th – August 21st

Held alongside the Saint Stephen’s Day celebrations of 20th August, the Street of Hungarian Flavours is sure to be one of the most popular gastronomic events of the year. This free food festival is where this year’s National Cake and the Saint Stephen’s Day bread will be presented, and countless culinary treats from every region of the country and the Carpathian Basin will be on show: fish soup from Baja, mutton stew from Karcag, a cornucopia of excellent handcrafted products, ginger-spiced sausage, a selection of pálinka (schnapps) varieties, Hungarian fish specialities, craft beers, traditional stuffed cabbage from Szatmár County.

The event showcases the diverse gastronomic culture of the Carpathian Basin, exclusively from vendors who make their products from high-quality, local ingredients. A good many traditional small farmers and numerous traditional food producers will also be represented here, selling a variety of treats such as jams, fruit juices, craft beers, meat products and cheeses.

It is also here that the new National Cake of Hungary debuts every year! In 2022, the title was awarded to “Huncut szilva herceg” (Prince Naughty Plum), created by pastry chef Orsolya Karikó of the Vanília & Gelaro Handcraft Confectionary in Nagykőrös.

The main characters of the country’s cake are the red wine of Eger and our favourite Hungarian fruit, plums. The caramelized chocolate-cinnamon crunchy layer, the spiced plum chocolate mousse and the cranberry-plum jelly with red wine create a harmonious flavors for the cake.

This year, László Gyuris from Szeged’s Virág Confectionary and Café won the Sugar-free cake of the Year competition with his creation called “Nagyi kedvence” (Grandma’s Favorite).

The cake has several delicious layers including raspberry, mascarpone mousse and white chocolate pistachio crunch. One slice contains 11,9 grams of carbohydrates and 233,8 calories only, therefore it is an excellent choice for people with diabetes, as well as for people trying to be conscious of the ingredients in their food.

The cakes will be available for tasting at hundreds of pastry shops all over the country from August 19.

Festival of Folk Arts in Buda Castle

August 19th – August 21st

Hungary’s greatest folk art event, will take place in the Buda Castle District of Budapest for the 36th time this year from August 19th through August 21th.

Every year, the Festival of Folk Arts workshops – where masters present special craft tricks and practices – draw a great deal of interest during the St Stephen’s Day celebration series.
Visitors are able to observe unique knowledge rooted in centuries of generational experience, immense humility and love. During the event, tradesmen move their workshops to the Buda Castle so that whoever would like to can try their hands at the many crafts.

These four days are indeed a celebration of masters and crafts, a borderless event that is the most significant meeting place for masters living in Hungary and abroad. The Festival is famous not only for its dance and music programmes, introductions of craftsmen, but for the folk market, where visitors can buy handcrafted products during the whole time of the event.

Csárda Festival

August 18th – August 21st

The gastronomic adventures start on 18th of August at Vörösmarty square.
In the Csárda Festival visitors can sample delicious food from the Carpathian Basin, watch folk dance shows, listen to lively folk music and experience the classical Hungarian traditions.

Street Music Festival and Food Truck Show

August 19th -August 21st

If you like to listen to music of all kinds and taste the best street food of the city, the Szabadság square will be the perfect place for you.

Promenade of Cities

August 19th -August 21st

For 3 days you can visit the Promenade of Cities – a remarkable installation of hundreds of flags next to the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Learn more about the history and traditions of Hungary with each flag that tells us a little about the town they represent.

Where will I get a good view of the 20th August fireworks?We say Hilton!

That’s a very important question! The quays on the banks of the River Danube are always full of huge crowds, so it’s better to find a spot further away with an magnificent view of the river. For the perfect experience, you need to go to the Hilton Budapest. There are still rooms with panoramic views of the Danube available, so you’ll be in the perfect place to enjoy the time of your life during the holiday weekend, within easy reach of all the programmes in the Castle. Book a room for a fascinating overnight stay at elegant Hilton Budapest.

Experience the firework display next to the Fisherman’s Bastion!

Avoid the crowds in town, celebrate at Hilton Budapest on 20th August!

The LÁNG Bistro & Grill is located right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion right across from the Parliament Building. From there you can admire the amazing fireworks of the year from a truly exclusive location. Enjoy a festive dinner at LÁNG Bistro & Grill and watch the fireworks from the Hilton Budapest’s outdoor venue, the Babits Promenade!

Programme price: 30.800 HUF / person – which includes special buffet dinner, unlimited sparkling wine, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and 10% service charge.
The event runs from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Book your table online.

What are the best Thermal Baths in Budapest?

1. Gellért Bath – our recommendation
2. Széchenyi Bath
3. Király Thermal Bath
4. Irgalmasok Veli Bej Thermal Bath
5. Rudas Medicinal Thermal Bath
6. Rác Bath
7. Lukács Bath

This list was provided by our local experts, but we recommend reading the whole article to find out which one fits you the best!

What is a Thermal Bath?

The thermal bath is a series of indoor thermal pools where temperatures range from warm to hot, steam rooms, saunas, ice-cold plunge pools and rooms for massage.

Water is the source and the cradle of life – the most essential of elements. Beyond drinking it, we can bathe, splash, and swim in it, and thus take advantage of its beneficial effects on body and spirit. Thermal water, medicinal water, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and hydropinic therapy are all words that crop up frequently in modern parlance. But what do we know of the roots of spa culture? How much of it is still with us today? And why is Budapest considered the City of Baths? Let us show you the Best Thermal Baths in Budapest!

The custom of bathing was already widespread among cultures of a certain level of development during ancient times, while in places like Babylon, Assyria, Persia, and the Indus Valley, baths also played an important role in religious ritual. Regular, purposeful bathing – what might be called “bathing culture” – first grew out of Eastern ritual hygienic practices during the times of the Greeks and – to an even greater extent – Romans, who were additionally acquainted with the waters’ power to treat certain illnesses. It was also the Romans who constructed the first large-scale public bath houses, which, headed by doctors, were where much of Roman public life was conducted. Large numbers of baths were located not only in Rome, but also in other cities of the Empire. In fact, the Romans generally built their cities over hot springs, such as those at Aquincum, the capital of Pannonia, which now lies within the Budapest municipal limits.

The choice of sites was no accident: Hungary’s special balneological features make it extraordinarily rich in mineral and medicinal waters. In fact, it is the fifth richest country in the world, after Japan, Iceland, Italy, and France, in sources of thermal water. In Japan and Iceland, spa waters are extremely warm, but low in mineral content, while in Italy and France, it is the other way around, they are high in mineral content but water temperatures fail to even approach to those enjoyed in the Carpathian Basin. Hungarian thermal waters are simultaneously high in temperature and mineral content, making the country’s thermal resources unique in the world. In no other region does one find high-quality thermal and medicinal waters that can treat or prevent so many different illnesses.

The country boasts approximately 150 warm-water medicinal thermal baths, 36 of them containing special substances (radioactive components, sulphurous acid, salts, bromine, carbonates, or iodine), including 19 official sources in Budapest, a city below which one finds both caves and, erupting from them, hot springs.

The History of Budapest’s Medicinal Thermal Baths

Bathing culture was first introduced in Budapest by the Romans. Archaeological excavations in Aquincum have unearthed nearly 20 private and public baths, including elements typical of both cold- and hot-water pools. Written sources show that bathing culture continued to flourish in the Middle Ages during the time of King Matthias, when bath houses, frequented the king himself, were dubbed “royal baths,” and even peasants and viticulturalists enjoyed regular use of the warm waters that collected in the holes around springs. These baths gained renewed popularity during the 150-year period of Ottoman Occupation, when the bath houses were among the most renowned and valued buildings in Buda. The Turks, who distinguished between natural thermal baths and what are known as steam baths (constructed using man-made heating systems), founded eight new bath houses in Buda along the right bank of the Danube. Of these, the Rudas on the Danube bank (formerly known as the Green-Columned Bath), the Rác (the “little bath”), the Király-fürdő (or Royal Bath, constructed by Mustafa Sokollu in the second half of the 16^th century), and the Császár-fürdő (formerly the Veli Bej Bath, also constructed by Mustafa Sokollu and once the most elegant of all the bath houses in Buda) are still in operation today. With the end of the Ottoman Occupation, the high age of bathing culture faded and the condition of the baths themselves fell into decline. The third great flourishing of the Buda bath houses arrived with the Enlightenment, when the facilities drew appreciation for both their hygienic and recreational uses, though their therapeutic potential had also come to light. The year 1812 was the first for which information on the healing properties of thermal springs – data used to draft the country’s first hydrography – was gathered.  In the second half of the 19^th century, Budapest again experienced a resurgence in bathing culture, one that brought with it the drilling of new wells, the construction of new bath houses and the renovation of existing ones, the foundation of societies and associations for the popularisation of medicinal waters, and the development and promulgation of the practice on a larger scale.

How do medicinal waters exert their effects?

It is common knowledge that immersion in water makes one feel lighter and allows the limbs to move more freely. This is particularly noticeable to those with damaged, worn, or diseased joints. As one moves, the water exerts a soothing, massaging effect. If the water is tepid or even pleasantly warm, it causes tightened muscles to relax and arteries to expand, improving circulation. Beyond these physical effects, thermal and medicinal waters also exert various chemical effects due to the dissolved mineral substances they contain. These mineral salts are absorbed through the skin to enter the blood circulation, which carries them to within proximity of every cell in the body. Once there, they strengthen the immune system, replenish substances that are essential to healthy muscles and joints, benefit the body’s ability to react, and promote various self-healing processes.

One of the most important physical properties of medicinal waters is temperature. Tepid baths of 21-31°C act to calm the nervous system, while warmer waters of temperatures ranging from 32 to 37°C prompt the blood vessels in the skin to expand, increasing cardiac and respiratory rates. In medicinal baths, this heat expands the pores in the skin as well, allowing the mineral substances in the water to enter the bloodstream, where they strengthen the immune system, promote lymphatic circulation, and in this way, initiate healing processes in the body. The warm water helps release painfully cramped muscles, alleviate joint aches, and speed the excretion of wastes.

The warmest thermal bath in Budapest is found at the Rudas (42°C). Of pools intended for swimming, the coldest is the outdoor men’s pool at the Lukács (22°C), and the warmest, featuring medicinal waters of 29°C, is the Rudas’ indoor medicinal pool.

The best medicinal thermal baths in Budapest

Of the baths constructed in locations formerly occupied by the Ottoman Empire, most of the ones in original or near-original condition are found in Buda. The Király, the Irgalmasok Veli Bej, and the Rudas Medicinal Bath, for example, are all still in operation and welcome bathers in Budapest, while the Rác is set to reopen its doors in the future. Constructed near natural heat sources, these baths have all remained open with only intermittent breaks since Ottoman times, and despite the necessity of occasional renovations, have remained faithful to their traditional Turkish external and internal designs.

Irgalmasok Veli Bej Thermal Bath

One of Budapest’s oldest baths and part of the venerable Császár Bath complex, the Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath is currently operated as a unit of the Irgalmasrendi (Order of Saint John) Hospital. It is one of the most beautiful Turkish baths in Budapest, whose traditional Turkish section consists of 5 pools: an octagonal central pool with water of 36-38°C, and four additional smaller pools of various temperatures located in four adjacent bathing cabins.  Given the speed with which the medicinal waters flow into and out of the central pool, the water quality remains constant and does not require the addition of chemicals. A brand new wellness section is also open to visitors, offering a Jacuzzi, two steam cabins, Finnish and infrared saunas, hydro massage units, an ice machine, hydroxeur and underwater jet tubs, a Kneipp course, a swimming pool, and massage services.

The bath is closed by tradition from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The spa’s medicinal waters are recommended for problems of the joints and spine, osteoporosis, neurological pain, superficial injuries, and post-operative rehabilitation.

Rudas Medicinal Thermal Bath

The construction of the Rudas Bath is linked to Mustafa Sokoli, Pasha of Buda, whose project was so successful that the bath, whose construction began in 1566 and completed in 1572, have been in continuous use ever since, the latest renovations having finished in 2014.  At the core of the building is a Turkish octagonal bath set in a room of highly unusual construction, whose eight columns are topped by a hemispherical dome pierced by minute skylights.

Even today, the Rudas adheres to the tradition of different bathing days for men and women:  in the Turkish section, women may bathe on Tuesdays, while men are accorded Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with coeducational bathing permitted only on Thursday from 1 p.m., on Friday from 11 am and on weekends. In addition to the five medicinal pools, three hot dry air rooms, a camomile-scented steam room, soap-and-water massage area, and all-original architecture of the Turkish baths, the Rudas naturally offers a wellness section as well, replete with its own medicinal waters and a variety of saunas. Those prohibited by gender from entering the Turkish bath can relax and unwind in the wellness area.

The waters at the Rudas contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, sulphate, chloride, and a significant quantity of fluoride ions, all recommended for the treatment of problems of the joints and locomotor functions.

Protected baths in Budapest

The city of Budapest boasts three bathing complexes – the Lukács, Gellért, and Széchenyi Medicinal Baths – that enjoy protection as historic buildings. Though not directly linked to the Turkish tradition, all are notable both for their architecture, and their history.

Lukács Bath

In the 12th century, the area where the Lukács Bath is now located was occupied first by nursing and patient-caring members of the Order of Saint John, then by the Knights of Rhodes and Malta, who constructed baths as part of their monastic holdings. Though still in operation at the time of Ottoman rule, it was found that the energy from the area’s springs could be applied to greater advantage to produce gunpowder and grind grain. The choice to operate a mill at the site meant that no authentic Turkish bath was ever constructed there. It is claimed, however, that the 30-metre-deep mixed thermal waters of János Molnár Cave offer the highest quality of any bath in Budapest. Its healing effects are enjoyed by visitors to the domed thermal baths of the Lukács complex, which offer three pools, hot dry air and steam rooms, and – for the refreshment of body and spirit – a variety of wellness services, as well.

Széchenyi Bath

While in Buda, the tradition of medicinal bathing has been enjoyed since the time of Ottoman rule, the inhabitants of Pest were forced to do without until as late as 1913. Though the south-east wing of Győző Czigler’s stunning building overlooking Budapest’s City Park was constructed in Neo-Classical style, its elements also bear the marks of the Neo-Renaissance. The swimming and poolside areas added when the building was enlarged in 1927, moreover, display features of the Renaissance style, and while the bath – despite its two-phase construction – gives the overall impression of architectural unity, taken as a whole, the style is essentially eclectic and historicising. A water theme suffuses the building’s decorative elements: stylised water monsters, shells, fish, and mermaids crop up everywhere, making the bath – one of the largest such complexes in Europe – unique from an aesthetic perspective, as well.

The medicinal waters of the Széchenyi Bath derive from Budapest’s second deepest source, the 1246-metre-deep Saint Stephen’s spring, and register a temperature of 76°C as they reach the surface. The thermal waters contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, sulphate, and significant traces of fluoride and metaboric acid and are recommended for wear-and-tear type deficiencies of the joints and spine, chronic articular inflammation, orthopaedic post-operative and post-traumatic rehabilitation, spinal injuries, neurological pain, and osteoporosis.

Inside the bath are eleven different medicinal pools with steam rooms and showers, while the outdoor grounds surrounded by the buildings offer three swimming pools, a hydro fun pool, and a shallow “sitting” pool.

Gellért Bath

The complex of the Gellért Medicinal Bath is a masterpiece of Hungarian Art Noveaux, or “Secession” architecture. The windows of its great hall – ten in all – were designed by Miksa Róth around scenes from The Death of King Buda, an epic poem by Hungarian literarian János Arany. At the back of the entrance hall is a statue of Venus by Adolf Huszár. Both the men’s and the women’s areas of the complex are decorated in Zsolnay porcelain.

The earliest written records of “miraculous springs surging forth” from the territory where the Gellért now stands date to the 15^th century. The waters were a favourite of the Ottomans, who found them both warmer, and more abundant than those of other baths in Buda. During the 17^th century, the bath went by the name Sárosfürdő, or Mud Bath, due to a fine silt born from the depths of the spring that settled on the bottoms of its pools.

The Gellért Medicinal Bath and Hotel first opened its doors in 1918, adding an adjacent outdoor area with a wave pool in 1927 and a Jacuzzi in 1934. The bath’s thermal water is drawn from a catchment constructed around natural springs within the heart of the mountain and contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, sulphate chloride, and significant traces of fluoride ions, making it singularly suited to the treatment of degenerative articular diseases, spinal maladies, chronic and subacute joint inflammation, spinal disc complaints, neuralgia, constricted blood vessels, and other circulatory disorders. The Gellért additionally boasts an inhalatorium, used to alleviate asthma and other chronic bronchial complaints.

The bath has been coeducational every day since 2013, with five interior thermal pools and two immersion pools, and a swimming pool for those with sporting ambitions or a need for exercise. The open-air section offers both a wave pool, and an additional thermal bath.

Today the bath, the swimming pools, and the clinic are operated by the Budapest Gyógyfürdői and Hévizei Zrt.

As capital of the 5th largest medicinal water superpower in the world, Budapest has been known as the “city of baths” since 1934, and it was here, at the first international balneology conference of 1937, that Gellért Thermal Bath was chosen to serve as the headquarters for the International Balneology Association. In explaining its decision, the congress provided the following deliberation, “…there is no other city that would have greater claim to this honour than Budapest. Nature has, with fantastic generosity, provided it with excellent thermal waters and unparalleled natural beauty, which, paired with high-level medical expertise, marvellously well-equipped therapeutic institutions, and advanced levels of scientific inquiry, make Budapest the ideal choice of location for managing international balneological affairs.”

What you should know about medicinal bathing

• Medicinal baths are “watery monasteries,” where visitors are expected to rest and relax in silence
• The recommended length of a single bathing session is 20 minutes
• It is important to shower both before, and after immersion
• Bathing should always be followed by a rest period
• The thermal waters are not recommended for children under 12 or 14
• When undergoing treatment, it is generally better to bath at the same time each day
• Bathing is not recommended on a full or an empty stomach
• Prior medical examination should establish whether there are any contraindications to bathing
• Adverse reaction! On the fifth or sixth day of treatment, some bathers may experience clinical deterioration, headaches, fatigue, or elevated pain. Such symptoms will generally subside following the omission of one or two sessions, in which case the course may be continued. Adverse reactions are not inevitable, but are more frequent with waters that are warmer or higher in mineral content.
• The baths should not be used by those with irregular or abnormally fast heart rate, coronary artery disease, insufficient heart function, high blood pressure, or advanced arteriosclerosis, or during the three-month period following a heart attack.
• Therapeutic bathing should not be prescribed to individuals with acute inflammation or who are in the advanced stages of certain other illnesses, including acute locomotor or systemic diseases (tonsillitis, gastritis, gastro-enteritis), colds, flu, or acute multiple sclerosis. Arthritis sufferers should not bathe while symptoms are present, i.e. when joints are swollen.

Visiting Budapest

Looking for amazing weekend and short break deals to Budapest?
Check out our Best Budapest City Break deals!

August is one of the favourite times of the year to visit Budapest. Long summer days followed by even longer summer nights cooled down by a gentle breeze that is trying to remind us of the approaching autumn. Budapest is blooming and celebrating life to its absolute best. Budapest is one of a kind. A love affair. A never ending date night with the best tunes, food and the fruitiest wine. Let the city show you its kindest, most lovable side: it’s unforgettable August.

August weather in Budapest

Budapest weather in August is extremely enjoyable with high temperatures lasting throughout the month and into September. There might be a chance of rain, but showers tend to be light and fast, so it won’t get in the way of your holiday.

August has an average temperature of 21°C with highs of 27°C – however, regularly staying in the 30’s in recent years. You can expect cooler weather at night when winds help to bring temperatures down to a comfortable level so make sure you always have an extra layer of clothes with you. Great news that you’ll have 13 hours of sunshine each day and humidity levels remain low, although there can be some cloud coverage towards the end of the month and on rainy days.

Budapest enjoys a continental climate which means the region gets cool weather in the winter and quite a lot of annual rainfall. Thunderstorms are more common in the summer because the rainfall is heavier and rising temperatures seem to fuel the storms. However, strong winds and heavy downpours can be avoided with a visit to the museum or a shopping spree in the local shopping centre.

What to wear in August

As briefly mentioned above you need to have enough breathable clothing for the Hungarian summer. If you choose to do a lot of walking, pack comfortable walking shoes and a small water bottle that you can carry around. Don’t forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen as the Sun can get burning during the hot summer days. Most importantly pack your swimsuits for your day at one of the thermal pools or the sensational outdoor lidos either on Margaret Island or other parts of the city. However, since raining is not uncommon, carry waterproof jackets or at least an umbrella. Because Hungarian weather is mainly consistent, but can come with surprises, we would recommend to check the weather forecast before you start packing.

Get more tips for The best itinerary for 3 days in Budapest.

Cheap flights to Budapest in August

All major airlines fly to Budapest on daily, but at least on weekly basis. You can catch the best deals on Google Flights by looking and booking 2-3 months before you’d like to travel.

City breaks in Budapest

Budapest is perfect for a city break in August and all year round. Whether you plan to stay for the weekend or for a midweek break, you will find great accommodation at any area at reasonable price in one of our centrally located hotels in Budapest. Choose one our hotels for an unforgettable Budapest city break.

Our favourite reasons to visit Budapest in August

1. Chill out at the best outdoor pools in Budapest

Budapest lies on the geological fault separating the Buda Hills from the flat Great Plain, and more than 30,000 cubic metres of warm to scalding (21°C to 76°C) mineral water gush forth daily from some 123 thermal and more than 400 mineral springs. As a result, the city is a major spa centre and ‘taking the waters’ at one of the city’s many spas or combination spa–swimming pool complexes is a real Budapest experience.

Palatinus

Located on Margaret Island, in a beautiful setting, Palatinus water park is a popular place in the summer, especially during the weekends. There are 11 pools, including two thermal pools, two children’s pools and two swimming pools, among others.
Location: Margaret Island, District 13
Opening hours: Summer only, open from May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily

Római

Római, or the Roman, outdoor pool is located in the oldest part of Budapest. Archeological finds from the area date back to the Roman times, thus the name. Római houses three pools, including a swimming pool and a children’s pool.
Address: Rozgonyi Piroska utca 2
Location: Óbuda, District 3
Opening hours: Summer only, open from May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily

Paskál

Built in 1989, Paskál is one of the youngest open-air pools in Budapest. There are two pools, one of them is a children’s pool.
Address: Egressy út 178/F
Location: Pest, District 14
Opening hours: Summer only, open from May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily

Aquaworld

Aquaworld Budapest is a large indoor water park, open all year around. It has 17 pools, including a swimming pool, a wave pool and a surf pool, besides 11 slides. There is a separate area for small children with pools and playhouses. In the summer there are additional outdoor facilities on a fully landscaped beach area.
Address: Ives út 16
Location: Pest, District 4
Openig hours: year-round, 6 am to 10 pm daily

Dagály

The history of Dagály Baths dates back to the 1940’s, when the first pool was built. Since the 1970’s Dagály Bath gets its water supply from the same thermal spring as Széchenyi Baths, elevating its status to a thermal bath. There are ten pools, including two swimming pools, a thermal pool, a wave pool and a children’s pool.
Address: Népfürdő utca 36
Location: Pest, District 13
Opening hours: year-round, 6 am to 8 pm daily

2. Enjoy World famous Summer Festivals

August is all about outdoors and celebrations. The Best Budapest Summer Festivals are awaiting you with World-class music, food and drinks.

3. Sziget Festival – 7-13th August

The famous Sziget Festival, Hungary’s most popular summer music festival to date is held every August in Northern Budapest on Óbudai-sziget (“Old Buda Island”), a leafy 108-hectare (266-acre) island on the Danube.
The week-long festival has grown from a relatively low-profile student event in 1993 to one of the prominent European rock festivals, with about half of all visitors coming from outside Hungary, especially from Western Europe. In addition to music, the festival offers a plethora of other activities including cinema, dance, theatre, tattooing, Internet access, volleyball, tennis, football, indoor rowing, rock climbing, bungee jumping and a life-sized foosball. The island is located in the city of Budapest allowing trips to the city centre during the day.

In 2011, Sziget was ranked one of the 5 best festivals in Europe by The Independent. The festival is a two-time winner at the European Festivals Awards in the category Best Major European Festival, in 2011 and 2014.

You can choose from endless choices of daily tickets and passes from simple tickets (€75) to Citizen (€289) and Moving-in passes.

4. Festival of Folk Arts in Buda Castle – 17-20th August

Every year, the Festival of Folk Arts workshops – where masters present special craft tricks and practices – draw a great deal of interest during the St Stephen’s Day celebration series. Visitors are able to observe unique knowledge rooted in centuries of generational experience, immense humility and love. During the event, tradesmen move their workshops to the Buda Castle so that whoever would like to can try their hands at the many crafts. These four days are indeed a celebration of masters and crafts, a borderless event that is the most significant meeting place for masters living in Hungary and abroad. It is truly a festival of crafts!

5. Bath party series in Szechenyi Bath – all month

While California dreaming comes with pool parties, Budapest nightlife takes this to another level: taking advantage of its natural features the city turns the thermal baths into the best party venues. Whilst reforming our thousand years old bathing culture, the aim with the combination of Hungarian bathing and party-culture is to create a unique musical and visual world that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Szechenyi bath parties are held in the hot summer months, late at night after the official closing hours from 10:30pm to 3:00am.
What should you wear? A stylish fashion show piece with stiletto, a dancing queen dress, or should you just be bare naked? No, all you have to bring along is nice swimwear, whatever that may be: bikini is just as good as a one piece, besides speedos, long trunks, surf style swim shorts are all welcome. A towel would be very useful, too.
Beers, wines, cocktails, juices and more can be bought on site with your special waterproof party card: there is no cash payment, but you can top up your Party Card with cash or card. The Party Card has a string attached so you can keep it safe with you in the water (around the neck or arm).
On top of the regular Sparties, the spectacular Cinetrip Pool Party is on twice a year: the first one is in August, around the Sziget Festival date, (the other one is normally on 30th December pre-NYE Party). These parties are awesome. No wonder Cinetrip editions are always the greatest hits of the summer season, as they are even more spectacular than the regular weekly bath parties with their own fireworks show.

Buying your party tickets online includes a locker (or a private cabin in the bonus tickets), too. You can book your ticket in advance here.

6. Need for speed? You’ll love F1 Hungarian Grand Prix – 2-4th August

The Hungaroring Circuit was built in 1985, located a few kilometres north-east of the Hungarian capital. The track is in a huge 110 hectare natural valley making the views as spectacular as the racing.
With the exceptional natural advantage of being situated in a natural amphitheatre, almost 70 percent of the racetrack is visible from any point and this makes the circuit a fan favourite.

A favourite with the drivers and teams for the excellent facilities, the circuit has also cemented itself as a fan favourite too. Located so close to a major city, there is no shortage of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions.
The Hungaroring Circuit meets the highest technical requirements and is regarded to be one of the safest race tracks in the world, while still playing host to exciting racing.

7. Celebrate Hungary’s birthday on St Stephen’s Day – 20th August

August 20th is the greatest national holiday for Hungarians, celebrated with day-long festivities followed by spectacular fireworks throughout the country. August 20th commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state, it’s like Hungary’s 4th of July. Also called St. Stephen’s Day, remembering Stephen I, the first king of Hungary and founder of the Kingdom of Hungary, who was canonised on August 20th, 1083 by Pope Gregory VII.

Festivities usually start already on 18th August with the spectacular fireworks closing the holiday on 20th. A series of state ceremonies launch the holiday programs in the morning on 20th August to commemorate the Foundation of the Hungarian State.
The main venues of the state programs are held in Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament, and in Heroes’ Square. Besides the state celebrations, a wide range of other programs welcome visitors both in the morning and in the afternoon ensuring a wonderful time for the whole family.

Read more on 20th August Fireworks and family events in Budapest.

8. Where will you get the best view of the fireworks?

Views from both Buda Castle and the Danube River bank are spectacular. If you want to reserve your seat in the first raw we recommend staying in one of our amazing hotels and let us spoil you for a special weekend.

Hilton Budapest

The Hilton Budapest is one of the Hungarian capital’s most iconic hotels, and staying here is a matchless and unforgettable experience – on top of which the view of the fireworks will take your breath away. It’s no coincidence that the guest book is filled with the signatures of heads of state, international film stars and celebrities. In the heart of the Buda Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the luxurious hotel offers its guests breathtaking panoramic views of the Danube both from their rooms and from their tables in the stylish LÁNG Bistro & Grill.
The building of the Hilton Budapest, a member of the famous Hilton chain of hotels, is a unique feat of architectural bravado: a modern hotel interior melded with elements of the 13th-century Dominican monastery that once stood here. The historic Dominican Courtyard is a popular venue for open-air events, concerts, receptions and weddings.
The magic continues as you step outside the hotel. With its cobbled streets in the shadow of Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, this is an area of Budapest that will steal your heart forever…

Hotel Gellért

The Art Nouveau style Danubius Hotel Gellért first opened its doors in 1918, and has long been an iconic Budapest landmark that has even featured in Hollywood films. Its stately building, at the foot of the Gellért hill, also houses the world-famous Gellért Baths, which include an outdoor pool with the original wave-generating device installed in 1927.

Over the years, some famous names have stayed at the Gellért – including American presidents and European royalty – and the hotel retains the elegant atmosphere of a bygone age. Guests can enjoy superb cuisine at the Panoráma Restaurant or Gellért Brasserie, and take advantage of wellness treatments and medical programmes at the adjacent Gellért Baths. Furthermore, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring, located next to one of Budapest’s most beautiful bridges and a short walk from Pest’s Great Market Hall and shopping streets.

Budapest in August is hot and extremely busy. From celebrations to summer festivals, there is something to do for everyone. If you enjoy burning sunshine, good music, late nights and lidos, Budapest is all you need.

Cheat sheet

How to exchange currency

Most places accept credit and debit cards, including restaurants, bars, shops and taxis. Street vendors or small shops may insist on cash only. The national currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF), which you can  easily exchange from any currency at bureaux de change. However, there are huge differences between the rates offered by money changers. The worst rates tend to be offered at the airport, railway stations and in banks. The best policy is to exchange currency in a larger bureau such as Northline or Correct Change. Avoid people in the streets offering better rates than the licensed bureaux, as they are most likely out to scam you.

Getting Around Budapest in August

Most of Budapest’s inner city and historic districts are best to explore by foot. There are pedestrian precincts in downtown Pest and traffic is restricted on Castle Hill, so walking is probably the best way to get around. Great news, however, that the city is very well connected by public transportation, too. Budapest has a fast and efficient metro system as well as many trams, trollies and buses. Outer suburbs are served by the local suburban railway called HÉV.

There are two separate categories of transport, divided based on time. The daytime transport is available from 04:30 AM to 11:50 PM and the night transport is available from 11:50 PM to 4:30 AM. To make getting around the city easier, there are many travel cards you can pick from including a 24-hour travelcard, a 72-hour travelcard and even a 7-day travelcard.

Read more about Getting around Budapest.

What to avoid

Budapest has its own higher crime areas, however the city is relatively safe at night compered to another capitals. Thefts and pickpocketing could be quite common in certain parts of town, so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy places, like bars, trams and buses. Avoid poorly lit streets and stay close to your friends if you are tired or had a couple of drinks. If you are the victim of a crime, or if you see an incident, call 112 and tell to the operator that you need help. The main squares and streets in the downtown area are under CCTV surveillance.

If you are excited about visiting Budapest in August then see more here: 3 days in Budapest itinerary.

Whether you’re soaking it up in the famous thermal spas around the city, bar crawling through the ever-popular ruins pubs or admiring the city from above – no one could deny that Budapest is a city everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
This is especially true for fun seekers and party lovers as summer festivals in Budapest are definitely bucket-list worthy.  During the hot summer months, the city is filled with amazing music festivals, summer festivals, cultural and art events that will keep just about everyone happy. Let’s whizz through the upcoming events to see what’s Budapest Summer Festivals holding for you in 2019.

Summer weather in Budapest

Summer in Budapest lasts for about 3.5 months. The climatic conditions during summer resemble those of the Mediterranean environment which makes the country a great tourist destination. The city sees lots of daylight averaging 9 to 11 hours every day with temperatures hovering around 25°C.
Summer (May, June, July, and August) is a favourite time to tour the city. Though it may sometimes get considerably hot during the day, the city gets crowded as most tourists come to see the brimming World Heritage Sites and enjoy summer festivals. Weather conditions are pleasant for more fun due to longer days and night walking in the warm evenings.

Music Festivals

Sziget Festival – 7-13th August

Venue: Budapest, Óbudai-sziget

The famous Sziget Festival, Hungary’s most popular summer music festival to date is held every August in Northern Budapest on Óbudai-sziget (“Old Buda Island”), a leafy 108-hectare (266-acre) island on the Danube.
The week-long festival has grown from a relatively low-profile student event in 1993 to one of the prominent European rock festivals, with about half of all visitors coming from outside Hungary, especially from Western Europe. It also has a dedicated “party train” service with resident DJs that transports festival-goers from all over Europe. By 1997, total attendance surpassed the 250,000 mark, reaching an all-time peak in 2016 with 496,000 visitors from 95 countries (the daily capacity having been raised to 90,000).
It is now being increasingly labelled as a European alternative to the Burning Man festival due to its unique features (“an electronically amplified, warped amusement park that has nothing to do with reality”).
In 2011, Sziget was ranked one of the 5 best festivals in Europe by The Independent. The festival is a two-time winner at the European Festivals Awards in the category Best Major European Festival, in 2011 and 2014.
In addition to music, the festival offers a plethora of other activities including cinema, dance, theatre, tattooing, Internet access, volleyball, tennis, football, indoor rowing, rock climbing, bungee jumping and a life-sized foosball.
The island is located in the city of Budapest allowing trips to the city centre during the day.

You can choose from endless choices of daily tickets and passes from simple tickets (€75) to Citizen (€289) and Moving-in passes.

Summer Bath Parties – 7-13th August

Venue: Szechenyi Bath

While California dreaming comes with pool parties, Budapest nightlife takes this to another level: taking advantage of its natural features the city turns the thermal baths into the best party venues. Whilst reforming our thousand years old bathing culture, the aim with the combination of Hungarian bathing and party-culture is to create a unique musical and visual world that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Szechenyi bath parties are held in the hot summer months, late at night after the official closing hours from 10:30pm to 3:00am.
What should you wear? A stylish fashion show piece with stiletto, a dancing queen dress, or should you just be bare naked?
No, all you have to bring along is nice swimwear, whatever that may be: bikini is just as good as a one piece, besides speedos, long trunks, surf style swim shorts are all welcome. A towel would be very useful, too.
Beers, wines, cocktails, juices and more can be bought on site with your special waterproof party card: there is no cash payment, but you can top up your Party Card with cash or card. The Party Card has a string attached so you can keep it safe with you in the water (around the neck or arm).

On top of the regular Sparties, the spectacular Cinetrip Pool Party is on twice a year: the first one is in August, around the Sziget Festival date, (the other one is normally on 30th December pre-NYE Party). These parties are awesome. No wonder Cinetrip editions are always the greatest hits of the summer season, as they are even more spectacular than the regular weekly bath parties with their own fireworks show.
Buying your party tickets online includes a locker (or a private cabin in the bonus tickets), too.

Cultural and Art Festivals

St Stephen’s Day

Venue: All around Budapest and the country

August 20th is the greatest national holiday for Hungarians, celebrated with day-long festivities followed by spectacular fireworks throughout the country. August 20th commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state, it’s like Hungary’s 4th of July. Also called St. Stephen’s Day, remembering Stephen I, the first king of Hungary and founder of the Kingdom of Hungary, who was canonised on August 20th, 1083 by Pope Gregory VII.

Festivities usually start already on 18th August with the spectacular fireworks closing the holiday on 20th.

A series of state ceremonies launch the holiday programs in the morning on 20th August to commemorate the Foundation of the Hungarian State.
The main venues of the state programs are held in Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament, and in Heroes’ Square.
Besides the state celebrations, a wide range of other programs welcome visitors both in the morning and in the afternoon ensuring a wonderful time for the whole family.
The celebration starts with the raising of the Hungarian flag on Kossuth Square in the morning.

Street of Hungarian Flavours

A Gastro Promenade on the Danube Bank in Buda, between Várkert Bazaar – a beautiful, refurbished series of buildings built at the end of the 19th century – and  Döbrentei Square in Buda (north of Chain Bridge). Visit the Street of Hungarian Flavours (Magyar Ízek Utcája) to taste traditional Hungarian food and drinks as part of the St Stephen’s Day celebration series.

Cake of the Country

Each year a special cake is prepared to celebrate our country’s foundation. Prior to St Stephen’s Day the National Guild of Hungarian Confectioners selects the best recipe submitted by confectioners from all over Hungary which is then announced during the celebration.
You can first taste it – along with the healthy version torte during these couple of days celebrating St Stephen’s Day.
Following the event all major confectioneries all over the country will offer the cake for a full year.

The 20th August Fireworks and family events in Budapest is a great experience for everyone who’s after a fun day.

Festival of Folk Arts – 17-20th August

Venue: Buda Castle

Every year, the Festival of Folk Arts workshops – where masters present special craft tricks and practices – draw a great deal of interest during the St Stephen’s Day celebration series. Visitors are able to observe unique knowledge rooted in centuries of generational experience, immense humility and love. During the event, tradesmen move their workshops to the Buda Castle so that whoever would like to can try their hands at the many crafts. These four days are indeed a celebration of masters and crafts, a borderless event that is the most significant meeting place for masters living in Hungary and abroad. It is truly a festival of crafts!

Jewish Summer Festival

The Jewish Summer Festival started 17 years ago with the purpose of introducing the Jewish culture and heritage. Over the years it grew bigger and bigger, now people come here from all over the World to experience the traditions and the unique vibe of the Jewish Quarter.
One of the three main event sites is the Dohány Street Synagogue where the biggest concerts are held. Among the performers you can find the Budapest Klezmer Band – a world famous group of musicians that plays traditional Jewish music, The Dohány Symphonic Orchestra, The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra and so on. The second one is the Rumbach Street Synagogue that is hosting modern jazz, blues-rock jazz concerts and the Independent Theatre, performing Caligula’s Eparch.
The third venue is Goldmark Hall, where the Independent Theatre also performs the Fourth Gate and the Dohány Street Sheriff amongst others. These plays are strongly connected to the Jewish traditions and destiny.
This festival offers a great insight to this vast culture and community, it introduces wonderful artists, actors with almost thirty different programmes and performances, in the beautiful centre of Budapest.

The Night of the Museums – 23rd June 2019, 2020

Have a sleepover with history; spend the night in Budapest’s museums and find out if museums really do come to life after hours. Museums open their doors to visitors until 2:30 am for this annual event.
Participating museums include famous museums and galleries, like the Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Budapest History Museum, the House of Terror Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Museum of Applied Arts and the Hungarian Natural History Museum.
Unique museums with quirky collections are also on the list, such as the Hospital in the Rock Museum, the Underground Railway Museum, the Museum of Electrotechnics, the Postal Museum and the Museum of Transport.
There are more than 1,000 programs offered, all of which can be visited with one single ticket; including bus transfer between main venues.
Admission: Armbands cost HUF 1,500 (cca. €5) for adults and HUF 600 (cca. €2) for children (ages 6-18, free entry for kids under 6) and are valid from 6:00 pm until 2 am on the dedicated days each year. Armband includes free transfer between venues on the ‘Museum Bus’, as well as usage of the public transport system from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am. Get your armband at the museum of your choice and explore some of the collections at over 100 museums and galleries in Budapest. For more info and a complete list of participating museums visit the official website.

Budapest PRIDE – 3-12th July

Budapest Pride is the biggest annual LGBT event in Hungary. Smaller than most Western Prides, the main Budapest Pride march is more of a political demonstration. You can also celebrate the month of Pride with film festivals, exhibitions, picnics, concerts and parties, all in this beautiful and romantic city. The entire Budapest Pride Festival lasts over a month, so plan your schedule accordingly and don’t miss out on all the fun.
The march of Budapest Pride proceeds though the main street of Andrássy Avenue (between the City Park and Elizabeth Square). Following the colourful parade people can enjoy an alfresco Rainbow Party in the eclectic Budapest Park.
Hosted by Funhouse, the extravagant Rainbow Party welcomes top DJs and live performers, creating a truly fun and enjoyable ambiance. All of this is wrapped up with an impressive fireworks show.
While Budapest may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of Pride destinations in Europe, its annual celebrations certainly puts on a lively show which enables the local LGBTQ community to embrace their pride in significant proportions.

Vajdahunyad Castle Summer Festival – 2nd July – 3rd August

Venue: City Park – Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyadvár Summer Festival is a festival of classical music, swing, klezmer as well as traditional Hungarian gypsy music. The courtyard of Vajdahunyad Castle, built in Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, provides a beautiful and romantic background for this annual event.
Performances are usually scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays and start at 8:30 pm.

Sport Festivals

Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix

Venue: Hungaroring, Mogyorod

The Hungaroring Circuit was built in 1985, located a few kilometres north-east of the Hungarian capital. Under the impetus of Bernie Ecclestone, who wanted an Eastern European venue for the F1 Championship, the construction took only 8 months. The track is in a huge 110 hectare natural valley making the views as spectacular as the racing.
With the exceptional natural advantage of being situated in a natural amphitheatre, almost 70 percent of the racetrack is visible from any point and this makes the circuit a fan favourite.
The constantly improving circuit, with its excellent infrastructure, meets the strictest requirements for F1 racing. It is praised by the FOM and FIA and it is a popular venue for testing, with the summer F1 testing taking place here.
The Hungaroring Circuit meets the highest technical requirements and is regarded to be one of the safest race tracks in the world, while still playing host to exciting racing.
A favourite with the drivers and teams for the excellent facilities, the circuit has also cemented itself as a fan favourite too. Located so close to a major city, there is no shortage of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions.

Whatever sets your soul on fire this summer, Budapest will get you covered. From dancing in the moonlight on a hot summer night to getting your heart rate up with speedy race cars, Hungary has the best of the best summer can offer.

To really get to know a city and its atmosphere also requires that you experience the range of cuisines it has to offer. In Budapest, the tastes of the city can be sampled in haste – by grabbing a bite to eat between sights – or by way of the city’s more comfortable, elegant venues, where the setting dazzles and every meal is an exercise in indulgence. When planning your trip to the Hungarian capital, a Sunday brunch – whether for two, or for the entire family – is something worth making time for, not in the least because special lunch buffets are a standard of iconic restaurants situated in some of the most beautiful locations around the city.

What does a Sunday Brunch entail?

In essence, a Sunday Brunch is an event held at lunch time on Sundays (regularly or nearly regularly), from approximately 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., for a fixed price per person. The food itself is served either as a buffet, or from a special menu. In Budapest, seating for a brunch must be reserved in advance due to a growing interest on the part of families in this more festive form of Sunday meal. And indeed, how glorious it is to wake up on a lazy Sunday morning and, following a light, sparing breakfast, stroll into a restaurant of your choosing, dressed to suit the venue and occasion, to partake of…. No, not “brinner,” but a real, multi-course Sunday family lunch eaten not in haste, but with the intent of indulging your taste buds with special culinary delights.

At the best of Budapest’s brunch restaurants – the Hilton Budapest, Gundel Restaurant, Danubius Hotel Gellért – guests are greeted by a buffet table that is truly extravagant. The format is, of course, “all you can eat,” allowing you to sample everything and consume as much as you like. And, not least importantly, unlimited food is accompanied by unlimited drinks from a selection offered specially for occasion.
As for the brunch dishes themselves, each establishment – without exception – serves an abundance of choices guaranteed to have you standing up from the table full and satisfied. All foods are prepared using the latest in culinary technology according to the most recent gastronomic trends. Menus are put together under the supervision of the hotels’ noted chefs with a mind to providing a gastronomic experience that is truly unforgettable.

Is Sunday Brunch Less Expensive than Choosing à la Carte?

The answer here is yes: compared to selecting and paying for your tempting entrées and accompanying beverages separately, the Sunday brunch’s unlimited food and drink format is one that goes light on your wallet. It is worth noting that in Budapest, Sunday Brunch events are geared toward families, with children receiving substantial discounts and – at restaurants like the Gellért – the services of a special children’s program coordinator. Restauranteurs know that children cannot sit quietly at a table for hours: that most will finish their meal in ten minutes, then want to play. In such cases, the entertaining programs and creative craft opportunities furnished by a children’s entertainer can be an enormous help, permitting children to spend time in quality pursuits while their parents enjoy a relaxed lunch and animated conversation over a glass of wine or cup of choice coffee.

Where is Sunday Brunch Served in Budapest?

In choosing a place for Sunday Brunch, you should not wait until the last moment, but make preparations a few days in advance: survey possible locales, check prices and menus, and – most importantly – reserve a table or purchase online admission to ensure that the elegant restaurant you have chosen will be able to accommodate you.
Though most Danubius hotels in Budapest offer Sunday Brunch deals, presented in detail here are the three most popular. The all-you-can-eat buffets of these illustrious restaurants are ones we are happy to recommend, and because their respective locations – the Buda Castle, City Park, and Danube Waterfront areas – are among the most beautiful in the city, a Sunday family lunch at any one of them can be combined with a stroll, outing, cultural event, or nature program.

Sunday Brunch at the Gellért

With its elegant terrace and stunning view of the Danube, the Gellért’s Panorama Restaurant is an arresting location for a lunch with your family or significant other. Every Sunday, the Panorama serves its lunch guests a rich array of dishes made from premium ingredients in a variety of tastes. Playing a key role is the concept of seasonality, including an emphasis on the use of fresh herbs and spices. Home-made cakes and pastries and warm Hungarian desserts are also a perpetual feature.

Brunch at the Gellért is a treat for the whole family! Offered as an accompaniment to brunch at the Gellért are a variety of professionally led, interactive programs featuring a different range of themed games, quizzes, and prizes each week.

Brunch is served from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. at a cost of HUF 7,400 + 10% service charge per person and includes unlimited consumption of food and drinks (champagne, wine, beer on tap, soft drinks, and coffee). Children under 12 eat for half price, while toddlers under the age of 3 enjoy the full selection free of charge.

Ticket purchases and table reservations for Gellért’s low-priced Sunday Brunch special may be made comfortably online via the Gellért Webshop.

Sunday Brunch at the Gundel

If your goal is to have Sunday lunch in a truly elegant setting, then Gundel Restaurant, with its centuries-old tradition, posh decor, and delicious signature dishes, is a perfect choice. At Gundel, the menu includes a variety dishes to please both meat lovers and those seeking lighter vegetable fare. Though the Sunday buffet selection at Gundel varies from week to week, certain mainstays, including Hungarian classic and cream soups and traditional Hungarian meat dishes, are a permanent feature.

The buffet is open from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and costs HUF 9,800 (+12.5% service charge). Guests receive a glass of champagne and an orange juice upon arrival, after which they may choose at will from a selection of hot and cold foods of both Hungarian and international origin, finishing their meal with dessert. The cosy atmosphere is rendered even more pleasant by the restaurant’s offering of live piano music.

Here, too, consideration is given to children, who until the age of 4 enjoy lunch free of charge. Children under 12 partake of the buffet’s diverse array of tempting dishes for the discount rate of just HUF 4,900 per child.

Sunday Brunch at the Hilton

Another location worthy of consideration for your weekend meal is the Buda Castle district: specifically, the Hotel Hilton’s newly renovated LÁNG Bistro & Bar. Here, the regular Sunday smorgasbord, bearing the name “All You Can Eat,” invites families to enjoy unlimited consumption from its buffet table between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. for the price of HUF 10,900 per person. Included are not only unlimited food, but also unlimited drinks from a selection of champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and tea. At the Hilton it is not only the unparalleled view of the historic Castle District that makes brunch memorable: the experience is also elevated by an accompaniment of pleasant jazz and swing music.

Children under 4 lunch for free, while those between 4 and 14 enjoy a 50% discount. Here, too, a children’s corner is provided to help keep the younger family members occupied while their elders take advantage of a Sunday lunch rife with all the flavours, aromas, and special culinary fare the Hilton has to offer.

Bon appetit!

As the Christmas fairy-tale is now over all the festive magic has gone back to storage boxes until next December. But the Hungarian capital will never slow down: January is an excellent time to visit for real winter lovers, foodies with serious cravings, instagrammers searching for the next big thing and everyone who loves a bit of chill (out).

Reasons to visit Budapest in January

We have numerous reasons that will get you inspired for your stay. Whether you’re not convinced yet or you’ve already booked your trip, this list will give you all the essentials you need to know before you leave for your adventure.  From all the fun winter can offer to cafes,  restaurants, museums and spas Budapest has endless reasons for you to stay and never want to leave again.

All the winter fun

The most instagrammable winter view

Hungary is geographically blessed with 4 seasons and winter is one of the most wonderful ones. Although January is the coldest month of the year, it is also the snowiest one: snow up to 15 inches on a single day has occurred in the past. The famous city landscape gets a winter wonderland takeover with crisp snow covering the roofs over the city and the thin layers of ice mirroring the bridges on the frozen surface of the Danube. If you thought Charles Bridge in Prague was the real deal, forget it – we guarantee you won’t find a more instagrammable place during January than the Hungarian capital.

If you’d like to find the most beautiful places in the city, don’t go any further. We have listed them all for you here.

Winter sale

In January people usually hold back their spendings, however Budapest is a great place to save some extra budget for. The Winter Sale is on until the end of January so you are down for a treat with a favourable exchange rate and lots of generous discounts. Budapest has several shopping centres, so you can hide away from the cold and plan a whole day indoors with great shopping, excellent food, cinema or bowling. We have collected all the details about the best shopping centres in Budapest in our previous article about 10 unique reasons to visit Budapest in December.

Sledging and snowball fights

Sledging and good old snowball fights are one of the most entertaining activities with friends or family during the colder winter months. Budapest is blessed with many surrounding hills and green areas that remain untouched when it snows…for a very little while. Those locations will very quickly become the new playground of rosy-cheeked children ever so excitedly pugging their next snow weapon joined in by their parents in an epic snow fight.

Normafa

For the best sledging experience head to Buda and explore the gorgeous hilly area of Normafa. The snow is stuck here easier due to higher altitude so the fun is always guaranteed. Normafa being a popular sledging destination, is usually very busy at the weekends. To avoid the crowd choose a weekday for your visit and stop by Anna-ret where the hill provides an excellent sliding experience.

Gellert Hill by the end of Rezeda street

Another popular destination chosen by people from the area. With a perfect steepness and a long sledging track it is perfect with little ones as well.

City Park – Kiraly Domb (Royal Rise)

Easily accessible by bus this rise in the park is located in the city centre and provides great conditions for an unforgettable experience. We love it because of its many slopes with different steepness and it is suitable for both adults and children. The downside is that parking is free only on Saturdays and Sundays.

The best ice rinks in Europe

Until winter lasts Budapest is always a go to destination for ice-skaters. Wherever you stay in the city you’ll find a great ice rink nearby where you can slide, glide or perform your favourite stunts!

Müpa Ice Rink

A great ice rink right by the Palace of Arts on the Pest side where you can do laps while listening to the two channels of Müpa Radio, Easy and Symphony. The onsite bar serves great mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up whilst a whole tent of cultural attractions awaits you after your skating session. The rink is open until 27^th January.

Csepel Ice Corridor

Csepel is a suburban area that is rarely visited by tourists as it’s fairly outside of the city centre (Budapest’s 21st district to be exact which can be accessed by suburban train (HÉV) from Boráros tér). With the coolest ice rink in the city the Csepel Ice Corridor is well worth the travel for a fun winter experience. The rink welcomes all levels, whilst the ice corridor is suitable for racing and showing off your Tonya Harding skills. The onsite wooden huts serve hot drinks and cinnamon-scented nibbles. What a treat!

City Park Ice Rink

City Park Ice Rink has a unique proposition offering Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink to everyone who’s up for some skating fun. Located in Budapest’s City Park and enhanced by the beauty of Vajdahunyad Castle this place is a real gem. Skate in a historic setting on 15,000 square meters of artificial ice whilst admiring the surrounding historic monuments. You can rent skates on site together with Bobby the Seal to make sliding less of a hard work. The opening hours can vary depending on the weather so always check the opening times here.

The best museums and exhibitions to visit this January

The newly renovated Museum of Fine Arts

After a long 3-year renovation the stunning Museum of Fine Arts has reopened with a stellar collection on show. New exhibition halls, one of which is dedicated to da Vinci, have been created, the Roman Hall that was closed for 7 years has reopened its doors and Hungarian paintings from the National Gallery arrived to bring real masterpieces into the famous collection.

Address: Dózsa György út 41.

The Invisible Exhibition

This permanent exhibition is a unique journey, guided by a blind or partially sighted person, giving an unforgettable insight into their lives. The idea of the Invisible exhibition came from a German man who wanted to experience how his blind wife lives. The tour lasts for 1 hour in total darkness, in 7 different rooms where all you can rely on is your senses: touching, hearing and smelling.

The rooms represent our daily life: street, where you have to cross the road; a bar, where you try to pay for a drink or a museum with statues.

Address: Kis Rókus u. 16-20.

Bacon, Freud and The School of London

In collaboration with Tate Britain, a National Gallery exhibition brings The School of London to Budapest for the first time. This exhibition works with art from post-war artists from the same social circle who were pursuing different forms of figurative painting as opposed to avant-garde styles. Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff are the highlights.

Address: Szent György tér 2.

The Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition

In the newly renovated Museum of Fine Arts Leonardo da Vinci has a special  place with the dedicated Michelangelo room on the first floor. The exhibition hall has 10 original Leonardo drawings and the famous bronze statue that was the subject of decade-long debates, but now commonly acknowledged to be a creation of da Vinci himself.

Address: Dózsa György út 41.

Wellness and recreation

Hungary is famous for its thermal water and spa culture that the country inherited from the times it was part of the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire. Thermal water is high in calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen carbonate and is best to ease joint pain and arthritis and improve blood circulation.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Housed in a neo-Baroque palace in Budapest’s City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is Europe’s largest thermal bath complex. Built in 1913, the spa is home to 15 indoor pools and three huge outdoor pools of different temperatures – which you explore even during the cold winter months. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs with average temperature of 74°C and 77°C. It is open year-round, and you might catch some of the locals play chess on floating boards at the edge of the pool come rain, sunshine or even snow.

The baths can be reached by public transport, metro line 1 (yellow line) from Vörösmarty square. (It is also a station of the yellow M1 (Millennium Underground) line of the Budapest Metro) or the trolleybus 72. From downtown, the bath is a few hundred metres beyond Heroes’ Square.

Gellert Spa

Gellert Spa is located in the historic Hotel Gellert where the bath offers a wide range of healing treatments such as gentle and stronger massage, thai massage, sauna, steam rooms, pedicure, and several outdoor and indoor swimming and thermal pools of various sizes, an outdoor wave pool and hot tubs. The hotel guests can purchase tickets to the spa for half price.

The bath complex was built between 1912 and 1918 in the Art Nouveau style but was damaged during World War II. References to healing waters in this location are found from as early as the 13th century. A hospital was also located on this site during the Middle Ages, then during the reign of the Ottoman Empire baths were also built on this particular site. The “magical healing spring” was used by the Turkish during the 16th and 17th centuries. The bath was called Sárosfürdő (“muddy” bath), because the mineral mud settled at the bottom of pools.

The Gellert Baths were originally separated for ladies and men. From 2013 January, all the pools are mixed, so at last people can enjoy every section together, although it still has the two different parts.

Király Baths

Király Bath or Király fürdő was first built in Hungary in the second half of the sixteenth century, during the time of Ottoman rule.

It still retains many of the key elements of a Turkish bath, exemplified by its Turkish dome and octagonal pool. Király Thermal Bath had no direct hot water base, nor has it any today. The Turks built the Bath far from the springs to ensure the opportunity for bathing even in the case of an eventual siege, within the walls of the castle. Its water was supplied at that time, and is being supplied now, from the surroundings of the current Lukács Bath. Kiraly Baths have 4 pools on site. You can take a virtual tour of the spa here.

“Sparty” like there’s no tomorrow

While California dreaming comes with pool parties, Budapest nightlife takes this to another level: taking advantage of its natural features the city turns the thermal baths into the best party venues. Whilst reforming our thousand years old bathing culture, the aim with the combination of Hungarian bathing and party-culture is to create a unique musical and visual world that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Weather in January

The good news is that Budapest is slightly warmer than other Eastern European destinations, with an overall average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius), but it is still frigidly cold throughout January. Please don’t let this scare you away as the city has been designed for the different seasons so you’ll find lots of indoor activities, quality indoor shopping, hot thermal spas, not to mention that queues will be shorter everywhere.

What to pack

A very warm jacket, a chunky scarf, a hat and some warm gloves are crucial besides making sure you wear plenty of layers. You’ll move around a lot spending time outdoors and it may be freezing on the streets and you always want to keep warm. However, in museums and cafes you will want to lose some layers and feel nice and cosy. Your packing list should include your essentials for winter conditions:

• Long sleeve jumpers
• A very warm coat
• Hat or beanie with a warm scarf
• Gloves
• Warm shoes or boots

Budapest is an ideal urban destination all year round catering for all weather conditions or any occasions. Winter brings snow and crisp, frosty mornings with a slower pace of life. Visit Budapest in January if you’re ready to get lost in pure beauty, enjoy fun outdoor activities and breathe in real culture.

What a picture-perfect scene: the rosy-cheeked locals rush down the beautifully lit up streets in carefully layered clothes and warm tea in their hands enjoying the time of the year when everything slows down a bit. The crisp air is filled with the unmistakable aroma of winter spices cooked into poppy seed rolls and chimney cakes. And Budapest in december does what it does best: promising you an unforgettable experience of festivals, ice-skating in a fairy-tale setting, Christmas markets and magical tram rides that only this city can offer.

Whilst Hungarian summers are long and hot, winters could be crisp and snowy, however life in the capital never stops. There is still plenty to do during the winter months when the city shows a completely different side of itself. Ready, steady, go and get ready for a magical experience in the Hungarian capital.

What to explore during December

1. Be enchanted by the magically lit streets

Big cities like Budapest start celebrating the festive period with lighting up the streets and turning their inner city into a little fairy-tale village and Budapest is no exception.

From the first day of Advent for an entire 6 weeks the city is lit up by over 1 million tiny lightbulbs from the 5^th district across the old town.  The most important and most beautiful routes you want to take to experience the magic of the streets is Vörösmarty Square (that also accommodates the most famous Christmas market in Budapest), Váci utca and the surrounding smaller streets, Erzsébet Square, Parliament Park, Andrássy Avenue between Bajcsy-Zsilinszky street and Oktogon, Liszt Ferenc Square, as well as Batthyány and Clark Ádám squares.

2. Warm up in a World-famous cafe

The coffee culture in Budapest has recently grown into a lifestyle so stopping for a coffee or hot chocolate in one of the artfully decorated cafes is a must. It is also a great way to retreat from the cold streets and warm up before continuing your journey.

Zsolnay Café is a little oasis on the busy Teréz körút, located in the Radisson Blue Beke Hotel. It’s the perfect place for a warm-up hot drink, a romantic bottle of champagne or even a late-night cocktail with friends. The pastry assortment takes the place to another level which also includes lactose- and sugar-free options. Just recently refurbished the café with a gorgeous interior is open from 8 am to midnight catering for all meals and drinks of the day. What’s even better is they offer 50% discount during Sunday lunchtime!

New York Café has lived through many eras, political systems and historical turning points. Still, it has always been reborn, sparkling and occupied by those who longed for its comforts: artists, members of the nobility and commoners alike. At the turn of the 20th century the New York Café was the most beautiful and the most beloved coffee house in Budapest. Today both the café and the famous New York Bar is open for guests to enjoy a coffee with their loved ones, a cosy get-together with friends or just to hide-away from the crowded city centre.

Despite Bedő house is in the heart of the city, just a stone-throw away from the Parliament, only a few people know about it which makes it a lot less touristy than other popular places. This house, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful one of all, and the little café inside will totally enchant you with its 1900’s décor and art nouveau architecture. Stop here for a coffee to escape not only the weather but the whole century.

3. Don’t miss the Christmas markets

The famous Christmas fair on Vörösmarty Square is the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. The Crafts Market is open from 9th November all the way to 29th December after which the food stalls remain open until 1^st January 2019 – perfect for a New Year’s Day cure and a last sniff of Christmas. Around 100 stalls are waiting for you to visit them, set around the Christmas tree that is decorated with different colours each year. From gulash and stuffed cabbage to grilled sausages there is a wide selection of local food you can enjoy. Not a surprise that the market puts a great emphasis on food and wine which is truly Hungarian way to celebrate any occasion.

The market is admission free and it is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

Special opening hours apply on the following days:

Dec 24: 10:00 – 14:00
Dec 25: 10:00 – 18:00
Dec 26: 10:00 – 18:00
Dec 31: 10:00 – 22:00
Jan 1: 14:00 – 22:00

Location: Vörösmarty tér, district V., M1 underground (yellow line), M1, M2, M3 metro lines: Deák tér station or tram 2 Széchenyi tér stop: a couple of minutes walk from both stops.

We would be holding our big guns back if we didn’t mention the local’s favourite market. Set in the most gorgeous part of the inner city, St Stephen’s Basilica’s Christmas Market is the one not to miss.

At half past 5 from Monday to Sunday 3D festive lights are projected on the walls of the Basilica with accompanying melodies. This year special 3D glasses with which you can view the animation are available on the market. (The show can be enjoyed without wearing 3D glasses.)

Grab your unique mug of mulled wine alongside with roasted chestnut and warm and hearty street foods (well beyond sausages) and enjoy the lights, the tastes, the spirit.

The market opens 23^rd November and remains open until 1^st January 2019.

Opening Hours:

Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 22:00,
Sat – Sun: 10:00 – 22:00,
December 24.: 10:00 – 14:00
December 31.: 10:00 – 22:00

4. Keep the mulled wine mug

 When in Hungary, tasting mulled wine is unmissable. This heart-warming drink has become one of the must-haves of the Christmas markets where you’ll be almost overwhelmed with the wide variety of mulled wine selection (white, red or even rose!). For a little deposit you’ll get a customised annual addition mug which you can refill with your next choice. A great little touch that you can keep the mug as a piece of memory of the famous Hungarian Christmas market (or if you decide to return the mug you’ll be of course refunded with the full deposit).

On top of all this, Budapest is such a cool city it even offers Mulled Wine Tasting River Cruises for €25.

5. Take the magical winter tram

Hop onboard tram line 2 during the festive season for a unique and fairy-tale-like way to explore the city. The streetcars are lit up from the early afternoon, around 4 pm with over 35.000 white and blue LED lights that creates a stunning visual experience as the tram slowly strolls alongside the Danube. Even better that the journey is available with regular public transport tickets and passes, and in addition to tram line 2, several other lines across Budapest will be lit up, including tram 4, 14, 19, 47, 50, 56A, and 59.

Tram 2 is the most popular amongst all as it operates along the Danube Promenade on the Pest side with the most beautiful sites of the city.

The Winter Tram runs from early December to late January. Important that there is no service on December 24th and 31st.

6. Go ice skating at Europe’s largest natural ice rink

Budapest is geographically blessed in many ways, but this is perhaps one of biggest ones: once the freezing cold is settled in, the City Park’s boating lake freezes over and turns into Europe’s largest ice skating rink. What a treat that is! However, there is even more to it: the magical surrounding of the baroque Vajdahunyad Castle will swipe you off your feet. Literally.

In its official name, City Park Ice Rink’s (Városligeti Műjégpálya) skating area has been expanded to 12,000 square metres (130,000 sq ft) and it has a standard ice hockey rink as well. The skating rink was home of the 2012 European Speed Skating Championships.

The opening hours of the ice rink can change day by day in the winter season, so the following hours are an average general guide for the opening times.

Monday – Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, break, then reopens from 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, break, then reopens from 4 pm to 9 pm
Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, break, then reopens from 4 pm to 8 pm

Christmas Opening Hours

December 24: Closed
December 25: Open as usual (10 am – 2pm, 4pm – 8pm i.e. with a break between 2 pm and 4 pm)
December 26: Open as usual (10 am – 2pm, 4pm – 9pm i.e. with a break between 2 pm and 4 pm)

 7. Try the classic chimney cake

 Have you ever heard of a barbecued dessert? Yes, that’s right.

Chimney cake (kürtős kalács) is a true Hungarian legend that makes people addicted for hundreds of years. Chimney cake has a perfect crisp exterior and a soft inside making the most delicious dessert for the cold winter evenings. What’s even better it is coated in cinnamon and sugar. Yummy.

Hungary has recently experienced a culinary revolution and the famous chimney cake is no exception: the pastry is now available with an unlimited variety of sweet and savoury fillings or toppings.

In the 13^th district Töltött Kürtős reimagined the pastry as a giant ice-cream cone and filled it with vanilla-flavoured ice-cream.  Meanwhile,  Street Cakes on Andrássy Avenue is there to make everyone dream come true and create chimney cakes according to each customer’s individual cravings.

8. Warm up in thermal water

If you’re really struggling to warm up even after your well-deserved mulled wine or coffee, we know where to go. Hungary is famous for its thermal water so you’re at the perfect place to spoil yourself and warm up in the cold winter. Thermal water is high in calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen carbonate and is best to ease joint pain and arthritis and improve blood circulation.

Housed in a neo-Baroque palace in Budapest’s City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is Budapest’s largest thermal bath complex. Built in 1913, the spa is home to 15 indoor pools and three huge outdoor pools of different temperatures – which you explore even during the cold winter months. It is open year-round, and you might catch some of the locals play chess on floating boards at the edge of the pool come rain, shine or snow.

Gellert Spa is located in the historic Hotel Gellert where the bath offers a wide range of healing treatments such as gentle and stronger massage, thai massage, sauna, steam rooms, pedicure, and several outdoor and indoor swimming and thermal pools of various sizes, an outdoor wave pool and hot tubs. Besides these facilities you can also enjoy yourself at the bathing terrace with a beautiful view on the surrounding Gellert Hill with a beer or a glass of wine or champagne in your hands.

The hotel guests can purchase tickets to the spa for half price.

Party in a thermal spa? = Sparty!

While California dreaming comes with pool parties, Budapest nightlife takes this to another level: taking advantage of its natural features the city turns the thermal baths into the best party venues. Apart from reforming our thousand years old bathing culture, the aim with the combination of Hungarian bathing and party-culture is to create a unique musical and visual world that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Sparty event series has been running for more than twenty-two years and now it is one of the most frequented events of the Hungarian capital with 50-55 thousand visitors annually from 165 different countries. Sparties are held almost all weekends all year round in either Lukacs or Szechenyi Bath.

9. Enjoy the Nutcracker in Hungary’s largest theatre

As the Hungarian State Opera House is closed for renovation until 2019 all their performances, including the Christmas favourite Nutcracker is taking place in Erkel Theatre.

Opened in 1911 originally, the Erkel Theatre is Hungary’s largest theatre building. Its history is intertwined with the golden age of Hungarian opera performance, with such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Grace Bumbry all having graced the stage of a building whose acoustics are considered the stuff of opera legend.

10. Get your Christmas shopping sorted

Budapest has a great selection of shopping centres making shopping easy and comfortable. If you don’t feel like walking store by store outside in the cold, shopping centres are perfect for you. Depending on your budget and preferences you can choose from a premium shopping experience to more everyday options, as well as combine shopping with social activities such as cinema or bowling. Taking advantage on the exchange rate you’ll most probably spend less on your purchases in Hungary than anywhere else in Europe.

Arena Plaza

Arena Plaza is the largest shopping plaza in Budapest at a size of 200,000 m². On November 15, 2007, Arena Plaza opened at the site of an old horse racing track. Arena Plaza has a great number of fashion shops selling designer clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Address: 1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9.

Getting there: From Keleti Railway station, M2 and M4

Corvin Plaza

One of the newest centres in Budapest with a lovely promenade built around it for casual walks or nice dinners. On top of a great and very wide shopping experience the plaza also offers parking, free wifi, phone charging, baby and mum room suitable for nappy changes or feeding or even a playground for kids. It’s also a pet friendly place.

Address: Futó utca 37-45., Budapest 1083, district VIII.

Getting There: M3 (blue) metro, or trams 4, 6 Corvin negyed stop.

WestEnd City Center

One of the easiest to access is Westend City Center, located right behind Western Railway Station on the Pest side, just 2 mins walk from the Nyugati Palyaudvar tram stop (line 4 and 6). Many shops, cafes, restaurants, a cinema, even an ice rink is waiting for you here so you can easily spend a whole afternoon hunting for great Christmas gift, have lunch, dinner or watch a movie.

Address: 1062 Budapest, Váci út 1-3

When to go

From early November on the weather takes a full turn and changes into proper winter. Shorter days and longer nights, crisp mornings and freezing evenings take over, then in the end of November Budapest turns into a fairy tale winter wonderland. To feel the Christmas spirit and get festive the Hungarian capital is the perfect place from early November to end of December.

You can also celebrate the New Year in Budapest in style and enjoy the steadiness until the end of January while there are less tourists and the city is just waking back up from the festive period. If you’re lucky there is even snow, lots and lots of snow so you can enjoy sledging down the Buda hills as well as the absolutely picture-perfect scenes around the capital.

Weather in December – What to Pack

Cold urban destinations in Eastern Europe will introduce you to a different kind of winter where a very warm jacket, a chunky scarf, a hat and some warm gloves are crucial besides making sure you wear plenty of layers. You’ll move around a lot spending some time visiting outdoor fairs and markets and it may be freezing out on the streets, so you always want to keep warm. However, in museums and cafes you might want to lose some layers and feel nice and cosy.

Where to stay to be close to the Christmas attractions

Wishing to stay close to the beating heart of the city centre Radisson Blu Béke Hotel is an ideal choice for everyone who wants to explore the rich cultural life of the capital. The hotel is located just a few steps from the beautifully lit up Andrássy Avenue, and easily accessible by car or public transport. The theatres, museums, restaurants and cafés located nearby guarantee that those interested in high-end entertainment will not be bored for a moment.

Astoria City Center that opened in 1914 as one of the city’s most elegant hotels, and – over a century later – it stays true to that original character. Guests have always been attracted by its sublime fin-de-siècle architecture and comfortable rooms. The location of the hotel is perfect if you want to stay close to the city centre as it is only a 10-minute walk from prime Budapest attractions like the Hungarian National Museum, the Great Synagogue, the Danube promenade and the famous Váci Street.

Built in wonderful Art Nouveau-style and opened in 1918, the impressive Gellért hotel shares the building with the world-famous Gellért Spa, located on the Danube riverbanks, at the foot of Gellért Hill, which was named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to death from the hill. The hotel can be found in Gellért Square next to Liberty Bridge. Metro line M4 stops right next to the hotel, at Szent Gellért Tér, while the city centre is also reachable in a 10-minute walk.

Hungary is blessed to have true 4 seasons and this makes Budapest a perfect city break destination all year round. A new generation of locals keep raising the bar to incredible levels when it comes to authenticity, art and food culture. They create the buzz, they are the beating heart of the city – they organise Spa Parties and re-invent a thousand-year-old recipe of the chimney cake. In December, the whole city, old and young, celebrate the festive season together which creates this unmistakable vibe around the capital. And you are most welcome to join the hype – you wouldn’t want to miss it, anyway.

If you are excited about visiting Budapest in December then see more here: 3 days in Budapest itinerary.

Budapest is history, food and culture all melt into one unforgettable experience. While the art cinemas, refined baths, old-fashioned cafés with their avant-garde food and coffee selections will sweep you off your feet, the traces of Goulash and wine will add extra spice to your stay. Why people chose Budapest over big European cities beyond its true beauty is the fact that it has plenty to offer all year round to anyone from families, singles, leisure and pleasure-seekers, foodies and vegans, coffee and wine-lovers to fashionistas, festival-lovers, hipsters or outdoorsies.

The city remains affordable, with the more desirable hotels and restaurants attainable on most budgets. In this article we would like to show you how to spend 3 days in Budapest in style and comfort making the most out of your stay yet find time to relax.

Day one – Explore Buda

Have breakfast in style

Start the day in style and fall in love with Hungarian hospitality. To start exploring Buda book your table in one of the city’s most famous cafes and celebrity hotspots: Café Deryne. A place with 100 years of heritage, designed with a classy but magical interior that immediately makes you feel that this place is something special. Deryne is one of the first institutions to grant a 24/7 coffehouse status in the city, with a French bakery and patisserie right on the premises, live music, fresh international papers and a lively terrace.

For more details check out bistroderyne.com

Explore the Royal District

Squeeze into the Castle Hill Funicular and climb slowly to the pedestrianised district of old Buda. Wander around the Royal Palace to step in the footstep of the Royals celebrating Hungary’s incredibly rich history of royals and ruling houses. Rebuilt in the 18th century by the Habsburgs, the Royal Palace today houses the Hungarian National Gallery and features Fishermen’s Bastion that will spoil you to one of the most breath-taking views in Europe.

Walk through the little cobbled streets to find Matthias Church, the coronation place of old kings, with a multicoloured roof and elegant, renaissance walls looking over the royal castle.

Today the castle is a residential area where people live within the historical walls and marble signs on the buildings commemorating war heroes, famous poets, politicians or even Olympic Champions. Watch out for them for the easiest way to get to know the rich history of the streets.

Have lunch in old Hungarian Style

Don’t leave Hungary before trying out at least one of our signature dishes: Gulash, Beef Stew or Fisherman’s Soup. Any of the restaurants in the castle will serve you our famous traditional meals and you shouldn’t be afraid to try a unique flavour you probably never tasted before.

Walk the walk to Statue of Liberty with the best free attractions on the way

The full hike up to Gellert Hill only takes 20 minutes and covers lots of free sights with a combination of both history and beautiful views, including the most instagrammable places in the city. So, get your comfortable shoes on and leave the busy streets behind!

The Gellert Hill Tour starts in St Gellert Square through Liberty Bridge and leads to the most stunning sights in of the city.

For me information on the best things to do in Budapest please read our previous post about Fun things to do in Budapest.

Day Two – Express your inner bohemian in Pest

After a historical day in Buda you’re now familiar with all our Kings and Queens, and hopefully feel relaxed after a good night sleep in one of our hotels. However, on Day Two, get ready for something very different. Open your heart, your eyes and all your senses because Pest will take you back to careless teenage years when everything was possible.

To start with the historic sites first, spend the morning and early afternoon with a comfortable stroll across Pest’s most famous streets.

Parliament

We, Hungarians, firmly believe that our Parliament building is one of the most beautiful of all – and it was indeed selected as a World Heritage site as a central element in the Danube panorama in 2011. Proudly facing the Royal Palace on the opposite side of the Danube, the Parliament also guards the Hungarian Holy Crown.

Click for all information about visiting the Parliament.

St Stephen’s Basilica

Stroll further into Pest, taking in St Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera, before hopping onto one of Europe’s oldest metro lines, the M1 (opened 1896).

Andrassy Avenue

This is where you find haute-couture from Louis Vuitton to Armani.
From St Stephen’s you have a straight easy walk down to Heroes’ Square across Andrassy Avenue that is home to Budapest’s major exhibition halls, fine architecture and museums, including the famous House of Terror.

Gozsdu Courtyard

By their tagline Gozsdu is where happy people meet – and yes: the past couple of years Gozsdu Courtyard has been the place where the night began. With food, drinks and good company both locals and visitors feel at home here.  It is a meeting point that connects gastronomy, culture and entertainment. Choose between Divino’s famous selection of wines, Spiler’s dirty burger and cheeky waiters or Pad Thai Wokbar’s Asian menu amongst many other restaurants serving delicious food in a great atmosphere. Then let the night take you to anywhere – the best clubs are all just a stone-throw away.

Ruin Bars

Budapest’s first “ruin bar”, opened in an abandoned building in the city centre (Szimpla Kert – szimpla.hu) and since then ruined bars have been spreading like wildfire around the city and now represent an entire generation of youngsters who challenge the status-quo and are committed to make their voice heard. Mismatching furniture, brick walls, old toys, even an old Trabant car from East-Germany could be part of your best night in one of Budapest’s signature ruin bars across 7^th District’, the famous Jewish Quarter.

Day Three – Winding down

After a busy 2 days you have plenty of options to wind down and enjoy your last day in Budapest. By now you’ve been walking enough so why not embark a boat to see even more of the city.

Get on a cruise to Margaret Island

Explore more hidden gems directly from the Danube by taking a short cruise, including an audio history of the sights along the riverbanks. Legenda (legenda.hu) has 70-minute trips costing £10 for adults.
Disembark at Margaret Island for a stroll where the wooded island park is home to an overgrown chapel, Franciscan ruins and a fountain that dances to music. It is the best place for a leisurely walk or a picnic in fresh air after the 2 days of buzz in the city. Devote half a day to explore and enjoy the serenity on Margaret Island.

Spoil yourself to a luxury thermal spa experience

Hungary is famous for its thermal water so you’re at the perfect place to spoil yourself. Gellert Spa is located next to the historic Hotel Gellert where the bath offers a wide range of healing treatments such as gentle and stronger massage, thai massage, sauna, steam rooms, pedicure, and several outdoor and indoor swimming and thermal pools of various sizes, an outdoor wave pool and hot tubs. Besides these facilities you can also enjoy yourself at the bathing terrace with a beautiful view on the surrounding Gellert Hill with a beer or a glass of wine or champagne in your hands.

The hotel guests can purchase tickets to the spa for half price.

Where to stay in Budapest

Buda

Budapest is an easy city to navigate, with the river at its heart. Cross one of the eleven bridges to Buda where the leafy hills hide natural hot springs and offers incredible views of the inner city and the surrounding natural wonders.

If you wish to spoil yourself to a unique luxurious experience Hilton Budapest will do the job the for you. It will take you back to the ages of Kings and Queens right up in the heart of Buda Castle Royal District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The luxurious hotel offers its guests breath-taking panoramic views of the Danube both from their rooms and from their tables in the stylish ICON Restaurant.

In case you needed a slightly more down to Earth option yet keeping a little bit of heaven, Hotel Flamenco is a perfect solution. It offers a rare proposition of being close to the centre of Budapest yet surrounded by beautiful parkland. This four-star hotel near the so-called “Bottomless Lake” in Budapest’s 11th district has its own garage and rooftop car park, although it’s also easily accessible by public transport with metro, bus and tram stops a short walk away.

Pest

On the opposite side of the gently rolling Danube there is Pest, the Eastern city. Hiding behind the gothic Parliament building that stretches alongside the river bank, Pest is where you can express your inner bohemian exploring attractive boulevards and the Jewish quarter, which has seen an avant-garde drinking scene develop around ran-down courtyards styled with modern art and mismatching flea market furniture.

Wishing to stay close to the beating heart of the city centre Radisson Blu Béke Hotel is an ideal choice for everyone who wants to explore the rich cultural life of the capital. The theatres, museums, restaurants and cafés located nearby guarantee that those interested in high-end entertainment will not be bored for a moment.
The hotel is located near Western (Nyugati) Railway Station, just a few steps from Andrássy Avenue, and easily accessible by car or public transport.

Another 4-star gem is Hotel Astoria City Center that opened in 1914 as one of the city’s most elegant hotels, and – over a century later – it stays true to that original character. Guests have always been attracted by its sublime fin-de-siècle architecture and comfortable rooms. And its location: a 10-minute walk from prime attractions like the Hungarian National Museum, the Great Synagogue (the largest in Europe), the Danube promenade and the famous Váci Street.

To further tighten the budget there are great 3-star options in the heart of the city such as Hotel Erzsebet. Whether you plan to do some sightseeing, browse the shops or go out for a special meal, this place is a great starting point. This modern, atmospheric hotel – occupying a recently pedestrianised street in the city centre – is popular among both business travellers and tourists exploring Budapest. It’s situated in the middle of bustling District 5, which is the capital’s business, commercial and cultural heartland.

Whichever side you fancy being part of, Danubius Hotel Group will get you coered with an extensive selection of 3,4 and 5 star Budapest hotels around the city. With best price guarantee you’re also ensured you find the best value for your money regardless of your budget.

Cheat Sheet

How to get to Budapest city centre

From European countries most airlines fly directly to Budapest’s only airport, Liszt Ferenc International Airport. It’s quick and easy to get thru customs and passport control, collect your luggage and off you go to explore the hidden gems of the city. There are several easy ways to continue your journey to downtown Budapest from taking a taxi to using public transport.

Taxi

On the way out of the airport un-licenced taxis might try to offer you a ride to the city centre, however it’s recommended you always choose the airport’s official partner, Főtaxi, the oldest taxi company in the country.

Taxi drivers speaking at least one foreign language are in service with large, category ‘A’ cars.
Reservations can be made in person at the Főtaxi booths located at the exits at Terminals 2A and 2B. At the taxi rank in front of the stands, taxis are parking continuously waiting for passengers.

A one-way ride to the city centre should not cost more than 9000 HUF (25-30 EUR) and takes about 3o to 40 minutes. All cars accept card payment.

More information on the airport’s official website.

Shuttle service

MiniBUD provides comfortable and fast transfer solutions for passengers wishing to travel from the airport to the districts of Budapest, and from the city to the airport.

miniBUD CONTACT INFORMATION
E-mail: info@minibud.hu
Web: www.minibud.hu
miniBUD call center: +36 1 550 0000

Car hire

There are plenty of internationally trusted and well-known car hire companies located at the airport building giving you an easy and comfortable access to rent a car. You can book online prior to your arrival so you would spend only a couple of minutes more at the airport to pick up your car.

The complete list of the car hire companies operating at Liszt Ferenc International Airport is found on the  airport’s official website.

Public transport

As of 7 July, a direct bus line connecting the airport with the city centre was introduced which was long awaited: bus line 100E takes passengers directly to Deák tér (Deak Square). The first bus leaves from the airport each morning at 05:00, and the last one at 0:30. Bus 100E stops between the two terminals on the arrival level.

Important that a special ticket must be purchased which costs 900 HUF (2,5-3 EUR) – other tickets or season tickets are not valid on this service. Tickets can be purchased at the transport company, BKK’s customer service points, at the post office, the newsagents (Relay) and from ticket machines at the bus stop.

Best time to go

All year round.

Eastern European countries have a unique proposition with their geographic location that offers a 4-season experience from hot long summers to snowy winters. At any time during the year you fancy a long weekend Budapest always has something to offer.

Spring and Summer

If you are all about the hot weather book your trip from March to early September. Spring is absolutely gorgeous with the blooming trees and the waking nature – besides all the outdoor events the city is famous for, open-air bars and theatres as well as some of Europe’s coolest festivals (Sziget Festival is one of the biggest events of the year attracting people from all over the World). To avoid the heatwave choose late March to mid June, otherwise get ready for a “hot” experience.

Autumn and Winter

The trees remain clothed in green until the beginning of October and then all of a sudden, green turns to rusty brown and pale yellow… Autumn in Budapest is beautiful. The air is cooler with a tincture of earthiness – just a hint that brought to mind the cosy evenings and warm soups to come. All the summer events will go back inside again and the days slowly become shorter and shorter to get ready for the cold and snowy winter.

From November to beginning of January don’t miss the Christmas market by St Stephen’s where you can fill up your mugs again with mulled wine and feel the unreplaceable taste of winter spices. If you’re well into the Festive Spirit you can book different tours from Christmas market tours to Wine, Craft Beer or Mulled Wine Tasting.

http://budapestchristmas.com/

Budapest is an ever-changing city that somehow remains the same: with history and culture it will always have a good story to tell. Whatever you need a Budapest city break for: to relax, to explore, to get away from your daily problems this is where you will fall in love with life again.

As soon as you arrive in Budapest you are immediately surrounded by this unmistakable feeling that something out of the ordinary is just around the corner. Budapest, with its delicious flavours and fruity wines, its breath-taking views and rich history has become the beating heart of Eastern Europe and continues to be the new must-seen destination of the fun-seeking Europe traveller.

The two-sided city that is split into halves by the mighty Danube represents two very different characters of the capital. The historic castle district in Buda offers medieval streets and adorable houses, museums, caves and Roman ruins whilst its little brother, the playful Pest gives you the ultimate urban experience with its famous ruin bars, riverside promenade, lots and lots of food and all the fun places to go with your friends. Why people love Budapest beyond its true beauty and history is obvious:  everyone at any age, gender, relationship status or nationality finds what they look for in a city break.

Best fun things to do in Budapest for Couples

When you think of Budapest, think of a never-ending date night. The city tells an inspiring story of a marriage between two cities of contrast that are joint by iconic bridges of iron and stone. Bringing people together and celebrate togetherness is all around you, and it seems the history of the city hints that Budapest was custom-made for romance.

Let the love story with Hungarian Cuisine begin

We Hungarians love our food. We express our love, care and pride thru food and hospitality; if we want you to stay, we give you more to eat. (if you don’t want more, we get offended)

In recent years a younger generation of chefs and food lovers transformed Hungarian food into a creative art form, exchanging the carbs- and meat heavy traditional dishes into healthier alternatives, exploring unexpected ingredients and flavours. Cool restaurants in Budapest await with incredible chefs’ remarkable fusions, traditional Hungarian food or Hungarian with a modern twist.

To start this never ending – trust us – love affair spoil yourself to a romantic meal in Gellert Brasserie, in Hungary’s most famous hotel, Hotel Gellert (where Eddie Murphy’s I spy was shot in 2002!), hid between the towering Gellert Hill and the Danube.

http://www.gellertsorozo.hu/en/

Get your temperature up

Budapest can make a claim to be one of the most relaxing cities in Europe, thanks to a secret buried beneath its beautiful architecture. The capital alone has 118 hot springs to boast (which delivers 70 million litres of therapeutic water each day) therefore no couples should come to Budapest without their swimsuits. The spa culture is a perfect mix of natural wonder and ancient history as the Turkish baths of Budapest are an everlasting memory of the Ottoman rule during the 16^th and 17^th century.

Szechenyi Bath with its ridiculously beautiful architecture houses the only spa on the Pest side and remains one of the biggest thermal spas in Europe. As going to a swimming pool is one of the best things to do in Budapest during the hot summer months, the spa provides you with a great place to sunbathe and cool down. However, jumping into the outdoor thermal pool in December offers you a very unusual and unique experience and something that would certainly cool you down even more.

http://www.szechenyifurdo.hu/

Budapest, XIV. District, Állatkerti körút 9-11.

Phone: (36-1) 363-3210 (Between 8-18), E-mail: szechenyi@spabudapest.hu

You can read more here about the best thermal baths in Budapest.

Ride the ancient Funicular to Buda Castle

While you can walk or ride a cab to Buda castle, it’s hard to rival the appeal of the 18th-century Buda Castle Funicular (one of the many structures that was restored after WWII bombing). Arrive early to avoid the long queue, so you can experience a scenic and stress-free trip to the castle. A return ticket costs 1,800 HUF (6 EUR).

On a side note, the view of the Danube embankments and the Buda Castle District has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Lists since 1987. So you know what you can expect.

https://www.bkv.hu/en/en/buda_castle_funicular_

Walk in the steps of Kings and Queens

 When you arrive at Buda Castle history will surround you immediately. Head to Fishermen’s Bastion first for the most breath-taking view in Europe (and the best view in Budapest) to enjoy that unbeatable feeling of being above the city. The Parliament Building stretches alongside the Danube on the opposite side which will absolutely blow your mind… especially at night time with both the Parliament and Buda Castle magically lit up and mirrored on the smooth surface of the river.

You can walk around for hours and hours on the cobblestone paths and discover the tiny little mews hidden between buildings. The Promenade is located at the back of the castle and offers a unique view of Buda Hill. Stroll along the leafy pavement, take a break and sit down on the cannons in front of the iconic country yard of the Museum of Military History or have a drink in the sunset for the perfect finish of the day.

When you’re single

Get ready to mingle because the city never lets you down. It’s so easy to fall in love with (and in) Budapest, you will literally wish you’d never have to leave. Young adults, students, urban athletes and people full of love for life are giving Budapest its very heart beat and create this special atmosphere where no one ever feels alone.  The city is your playground. Go have fun.

Prepare your own lunch at Budapest Makery

If sitting in a restaurant on your own is not your thing then Budapest Makery gets you covered. At this 7^th district restaurant guests cook for themselves. After choosing your dish on the menu you will be provided with all the ingredients and a food preparation video to help you prepare your meal. With a promising 4,7 ratings on Google Budapest Makery is the first DIY restaurant in the World.

http://www.budapestmakery.hu/

Bookings from Tuesday to Sunday on +36 1 614 3001

Catch a movie in an art theatre

There are lots of art theatres around the city and they can be best explored alone. On top, English-friendly movies are played now all year round so you’re all set for a cosy movie night out. Urania, where our dads’ generation spent Saturday evenings, with its beautiful architecture still houses many of the ground-breaking art movies and is one of the coolest cinemas to go with friends or on you own.

Full-price ticket for regular shows

HUF 1,500 – Main Hall ground floor

HUF 1,600 – Main Hall box seats

https://urania-nf.hu/en

Grab and go – Cycle around Budapest with BuBi

What a fun way to explore a city and have fun on your own! Eventually Budapest has picked up on the Grab and Go trend so short-term bike rentals, called BuBi (short for Budapest Bikes) are now available at 76 docking stations around the city. 1,100 apple-green coloured bikes are there to grab all year round, 24 hours a day. The entire system is operated under the Budapest public-transportation system and docking stations are located at no less than 500 meters from each other. The rental costs 500 HUF per hour (1,5 EUR).

https://molbubi.bkk.hu/

Grab one and cross Chain bridge at night for a one of a kind view of the two sides of the city, or cycle down to Margaret Island after breakfast. Currently a 200 km long cycle path is available across the city which makes Budapest the 13^th most bike-friendly cities of the World. What’s even better is there are bike-friendly cafes all around the city too! Our favourite is dynamobake & dynamobike which offers delicious home-made cakes and located close to Central Market.

Find the way out of the Maze

If you’re up for a bit of adventure and like pumping up your heart beat or hunting vampires, visiting the Buda Castle Labyrinth must be on your list. It is a series of caves some 16 meters under Castle Hill that once imprisoned Vlad the Impaler, better known as Count Dracula. The 1200 km long labyrinth, including a tunnel where you’re confronted with total darkness, is now open to the public to tell the story of a tale that was once reality. Or was it?

         A single adult ticket costs 2,500 HUF (8 EUR).

http://labirintus.eu/en/

Fall in love with wine

Hungary is located between the 46th and 49th parallel which is actually the same latitude range as many of France’s top wine regions from Northern Rhône to Champagne. Its rolling hills are rich in volcanic soils and limestone – idyllic soil types for fine winemaking. Hungarian wine has always been an underdog, but since the government has started investing money in wine tourism the industry has been blooming. Many of the best vineyards opened their own wine bar or supply their statement drinks for restaurants or wine hotels.

If you’re seeking a lush experience, choose St Andrea Wine and Gourmet Bar which has a luxury set-up and delicious food. On a hot summer day don’t forget to go up to the skybar which brings you an incredibly beautiful view of the inner city.

http://standreaborbar.hu/

For a more casual glass of wine, try one of Budapest’s first wine bars, DiVino, either by St Stephan’s in a historic surrounding, or head to Gozsdu Udvar where Budapest nightlife begins! After your glass of wine the night can take you anywhere.

http://gozsdu.divinoborbar.hu/en/

Put your best clothes on, ask for a glass of their most popular wine (red or white) and smile. You’re in Budapest and life is beautiful.

Best things to do in a stag or hen do

If New York is the city that never sleeps, I’m not sure what Budapest is. There is no such thing as bed time in a city of endless restaurants, bars and clubs that all awaits you to concur them. Budapest is one of the best places to find the best fun for groups, stag or hen-does.

Check out our guide about the Best Area to Stay for Nightlife in Budapest.

Escape!

They are becoming more and more popular, so why not get stuck into one of Budapest’s many escape rooms with your mates or girlfriends? The deal is pretty simple: you’re locked into a room. You and your fellow stags and hens have to work together as a team, use logic, wit and common sense to escape from the room that’s filled with taxing puzzles and questions that you’ll have to solve in order for the room to become unlocked. To make it even more exciting you will be given a time limit which is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you like it playful this is the perfect ice-breaker before painting the town red!

The highest rated Escape room in Budapest has 6 different themes you can choose from, all of them will give you the chills.

https://escaperoom-budapest.com/

Home of the ruin pubs

Ruin pubs were born when people found authenticity in old, ran-down yet original places. The same way Shoreditch in London was lifted by artists, ruin pubs were created for everyone hungry for the cool, the authentic and denies everything fake. And the real story is, back in 2001 a bunch of young men were looking for cheap places to drink and so the story goes. And from their shallow pockets some of the most stylish places in Budapest were born.

Szimpla Kert is the first of its kind, still blooming today. If the downtown craziness of Kazinczy street and the Jewish quarter, the wilfully mismatched furniture and an old Trabant car, that doubles as a table and chairs from former East-Germany, sounds too hipster, don’t worry. People from 16 to 70 are all there ready for some pre-party drinks. Besides, it regularly hosts a farmers’ market and a flea market as well as live music and movie screenings.  There is no such thing as too hipster anyway.

http://szimpla.eu/

Bubble football for the boys

I bet most of you love football with the boys so it’s the perfect way to take it to another level and have the best fun ever. You will be thrown on a giant inflatable and transparent spheres (it has an open top) and take part in a series of fun and challenging games. But without having to use your hands to help you balance, you will discover how difficult it is to play this beautiful game with your feet only.

39 EUR per person for 2 hours.

http://www.hungaryforfun.com/activities/zumo-bubble-football

Cocktail making for the hens

Learning to make cocktails in Budapest is the perfect activity for the ladies that love the more sophisticated drinks. The good news is that you’ll be able to drink all your own creations once you’ve made them! You will be provided with an expert’s top tips to measuring, mixing and shaking your way to perfection, before pouring into a glass for the epic finish. Expect to learn a mix of all those classic cocktails – you’ll be able to take your new skills home with you to show your friends what you learnt in Budapest.

From 25 EUR per person.

https://partybookersbudapest.com/activities/cocktail-making-lesson

The best free attractions to see

The city is so pretty you can literally spend hours admiring its beauty and authenticity without spending any money. All the hottest spots are there for you to concur them all year round.

City of the 11 bridges

Quite a unique proposition that the capital is split into two by Europe’s second longest river. To unite the capital Budapest has 11 bridges of which at least 4 of them will take your breath away. For a historical moment cross the city’s first ever stone bridge, the now renewed Chain Bridge, where you can also have a picnic during the greatest national holiday for Hungarians that commemorates the Foundation of the Hungarian State on 20^th August (it’s like Hungary’s 4^th July). For a very special and absolutely stunning view, face Elisabeth Bridge on the Buda side – strictly during sunset. You’ve been warned.

Margaret Island

One of Budapest’s many little gems, Margaret Island needs to be on your list to visit. You either decide to run it or walk it, the island with its rich history and natural beauty will give you the ultimate relaxation. Locals love it, especially during the hot summer months as it has 2 outdoor swimming-pool complexes on site, parks, fountains and open-air bars.

One of the most beautiful spots however is the Japanese garden on the northern side of the park. It’s a serene environment with smooth paving, and calm waters replete with lilies and a grand waterfall that quietly trickles down into the central pond.

Gellert Hill Walking Tour

While you can take Bus 27 all the way up Gellert Hill, the full hike up only takes 20 minutes and covers more free sights with a combination of both history and beautiful views, including the most instagrammable places.

The Gellert Hill Tour starts in St Gellert Square through Liberty Bridge and leads to the most stunning sights in of the city. Some of the highlights are:

Saint Gellert Monument: This multilevel monument spans an artificial waterfall and is capped by a statue of Bishop Gellert holding a cross while boldly looking over Budapest. You can walk along all three levels of the monument gaining better and better views.  Directly across the Danube River from the Gellert Monument you can see the twin towers of the Inner City Parish which was built over the grave of Saint Gellert in 1046 A.D.

Citadel: The best things at the Citadel today are not only the spectacular and very unique view of Budapest, but outdoor exhibits of both Saint Gellert and Soviet Artillery Guns, besides the Citadel Museum  with its 3 levels of bunkers, prison yard, and a 1944 wax museum.

Liberation Monument: Sitting high above Budapest, the 46 foot tall Liberation Statue stands on a 84 foot tall pedestal while lifting a palm leaf toward the city as a symbol of peace.  The monument was built in 1947 in remembrance of the Soviet liberation of Hungary from Nazi forces during World War II.

To complete list of Budapest attractions on the walking path visit https://en.funiq.hu/3421-a-scenic-walk-on-gell%C3%A9rt-hill.

Budapest welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender, money or relationship status. It will spoil you with its beauty, its wonderful food and wine, long walks and even longer summer nights.

Get ready for a serious love affair – the one you’ll never forget.

Situated between Buda and Pest in the embrace of the blue Danube lies beautiful Margaret Island, a must-see destination for every visitor to Budapest.  Though a place whose special mix of towering ancient trees, shady footpaths, expansive lawns, spas, and entertainment venues are sure to inspire love at first site, the island is actually much more than just a treat for the eyes.  In fact, Margaret Island is also an exciting historical and cultural spot, whose past encompasses virutally all important eras of Hungarian history; commemorating the footsteps of the most famous of Hungarian poets and writers, while also harbouring valuable medicinal waters that spring forth from the depths of the earth.

The History of Margaret Island

Margaret Island is 2800 m long, 500 m wide at its widest point, and covers a total area of about 96.5 hectares.  Though it may be difficult to imagine now, the island once comprised several smaller islets formed of material deposited by the river.  For a long time, its shape was continually changing, until finally, Middle Island, Bath Island, and Painter Island all merged to form the single island seen today.

Margaret Island has borne a number of different names over the years:  Isle of Lords, Isle of Rabbits (Latin: Insula Leporum), Saint Andrew’s Island, Blessed Lady Island, Maiden Island, Kvsadasi (its Turkish name), Isle of Buda, and Palatinus Island.  Its current name, however, commemorates 13th-century Árpád Dynasty princess Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV, whose life and miraculous abilities occupy a special place in Hungarian history.  The story of Margaret’s life, together with her eventual beatification and canonisation, are collectively remembered as the Legend of Saint Margaret.

Though the history of Margaret Island traces back to Roman times, the first written record of it stems from a document dating to 1225.  The island has been home both to Árpád Dynasty kings, and to members of the Premonstratensian, Dominican, Hospitaller, and Franciscan Orders.  In 1790, it was gifted by the Hungarian Parliament to Archduke Alexander Leopold of Austria, who initiated its development on the model of the gardens of Schönbrunn.  Following Alexander as Palatine of Hungary was his younger brother Joseph.  Eminently cultured and well known for his love of gardening, Joseph set out to remake the island, finding in young head gardener Károly Tost, scion of the noted gardeners’ dynasty of Schönbrunn, an ally worthy of helping him realise his dreams; and indeed, the design that transformed the island into a place of enduring beauty stands to his eternal credit.  Joseph also had a summer residence arranged for his wife, Grand Duchess Alexandra Pavlovna, on the island.  Eventually, the Hungarian state purchased the island from Joseph’s great-great-grandson under Act XLVIII of 1908.

For centuries, the island was accessible only by boat, until in 1901 the connecting roads from Margaret Bridge – which had been opened for traffic in 1876 – were finally completed.   Árpád Bridge, which passes over the northern peak of the island and was completed during the Second World War, was connected in 1950.  Until 1919, visits to Margaret Island were subject to the payment of an admission fee.

Thermal Waters on Margaret Island

In late-1866, mining engineer Vilmos Zsigmondy, an eminent scholar of Hungarian artesian waters and medicinal springs, began drilling an artesian well along the island’s western bank.  In May of 1867, at a depth of almost 1200 metres, he struck medicinal waters of 43°C.  The discovery led to plans to develop the island into a spa.  Archduke Joseph engaged architect Miklós Ybl to devise a project that would extend to the entire island, resulting in the construction of a bathing complex, two restaurants, several villas, a (Lesser) Hotel, an engineering facility, and a Neo-Renaissance Grand Hotel.  It was also at this time that the artificial cliffs and waterfall, fed to this day by Zsigmondy Spring, were installed.

Today, the temperature of the waters below Margaret Island is 70°C.  Hotels, including the hydrotherapy units of the Danubius Hotel Helia, cool the inflow with its full mineral content to temperatures of 34°C, 36°C, and 40°C prior to use.  The island’s thermal waters are particularly effective in treating locomotor diseases, muscular and nervous complaints, peripheral circulatory disorders, and digestive problems.

5 legendary sites on Margaret Island

To stroll about Margaret Island is to take a walk back in time.  Once acquainted with the island’s centuries-old history, you are sure to find its oldest constructed monuments, sculptures, and buildings all the more impressive.  Grab a map and discover the island’s legendary sights!  Peek inside, climb up, go in, walk the distance, have a listen….

• Ruins of the Dominican convent and Saint Michael (Mihály) Church: See the place where the Árpád Dynasty princess, Saint Margaret, for whom the island was named, made her home, and spend a little time at the Romanesque chapel named for 12^th-century Saint Michael.

• Water Tower: You’ll spot this sight from far away!  Constructed in 1911 on the designs of Szilárd Zielenszky and Rezső Ray Jr., the tower rises high above the island’s venerable trees to form an integral part of both the Budapest cityscape, and the profile of the island as a whole.  The octagonal tower with its symmetrical layout was originally created to supply water to all greenery in the zone.  As the oldest and largest water tower in the country, it is a true tourist attraction, offering a uniquely stunning 360-degree view of the capital, its buildings and sights, and the hills of Buda.  The structure, a protected monument, also houses an exhibition that brings Water Tower history to life, while also exploring key events in the development of Hungarian radio and television through contemporary recordings, photographs, displays, and media history artefacts.

• Artists’ Promenade: Take your time and have a good, leisurely look at the likenesses that line Artists’ Promenade!  The earliest of these bronze and stone statues of Hungarian cultural greats originally stood in the City Park, but were moved to their current positions under the leafy canopy of Margaret Island between 1966 and 1968.  Since then, many others have been added, so that visitors walking the promenade from the Water Tower to the Grand Hotel are accompanied by such figures as Milhály Csokonai, Bálint Balassi, Franz Liszt, János Arany, who dedicated his life to the island, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, and the poet Attila József.

• Japanese Garden: A place where one can be in harmony with nature.  Located on the northern part of the island, the Japanese Garden was constructed in the 1970s and was most recently renovated in the autumn of 2014.  The garden is accessible by a small wooden bridge, followed by paths edged in centuries-old plants leading further in.  Awaiting you inside, among other things, is a delicately cascading waterfall.  The garden’s reservoirs and channels form a system of small ponds in which goldfish, turtles, wild ducks, and water lilies all live out their tranquil lives.  Adorning the centre of the fishpond since 1954 is a statue known as “The Little Mermaid of Budapest,” the work of Imre Csikász.

• Bodor Fountain: A separate sight from the much-talked-about musical fountain near Margaret Bridge, Bodor Fountain is a work of historic import found at the northern end of the island, near Árpád Bridge.  A faithful reproduction of a creation of Transylvanian gadgeteer Péter Bodor constructed in Marosvásárhely (Târgu Mureş, Romania) in 1820-1822, but dismantled in 1911, the fountain harbours hidden speakers that play turn-of-the-century music every hour, on the hour.

5 great things to do on Margaret Island

Margaret Island, the jewel of Budapest, holds experiences for people of all ages.  Whether you’re an athlete hitting the island’s peripheral track or doing a few laps at Alfréd Hajós Pool; a mother taking your little ones for a walk amidst the island’s greenery; a couple out for a romantic rendezvous in the Japanese Garden; a happy dog owner giving your four-legged friend his daily run; a leisurely pensioner out for a regular stroll and chat with friends; or just someone longing for a bit of quiet in an idyllic natural setting, on Margaret Island everyone will find what they are looking for.

Musical fountain:  You’ll hardly believe your eyes:  Hungary’s largest musical fountain entertains visitors to the island every day from 1 May until 31 October.  The fountain boasts a basin 36 m across, a surface area of 1000 m², a central jet that shoots water 25 m in the air, and 154 internal nozzles illuminated by 227 coloured lights.  The fountain program features a musical selection played every hour on the hour with curtains of water that in the evenings are lit up by a spectacular laser show.

Game reserve:  To see animals is always a treat!  Margaret Island’s miniature game reserve harbours a deer enclosure at one end which, in addition to deer native to Hungarian forests, is also home to a number of hopping meadow rabbits.  On the other side of the reserve, visitors can marvel at a variety of water birds and other decorative avians, among them Bahama, Mandarin, and Caroline ducks and Asian silkie hens.  Inside the reserve area is a stable which, when the weather is good and the pedestrian traffic high, offers pony rides.  Beyond these, the park also houses numerous owls and other birds of prey.

Pedal-cars, go-karts, monster scooters, and boats: You really can’t go wrong with fun-filled vehicles like these on your wish-list of things to do on the island.  The experience of pedalling with friends or family through spreading trees and verdant scenery is something everyone can enjoy, so why not hop onto one of the vehicles available near Margaret Bridge and take to the island on wheels!  During the summer months, arriving by boat is a trendy thing to do, so feel free to choose a ride time from the BKK timetables and head to the island by water.

Evening open-air theatre performances:  Mid-June at the island witnesses the start of a series of cultural events for music-lovers that includes symphony and popular music concerts, ballet performances, and opera and folklore shows.  The special open-air stage carries with it the wonderful additional experience of bringing you close to nature.

Take a dip on Margaret Island:  The near-century-old Palatinus bathing complex is an experience to remember!  In addition to medicinal pools constructed over the island’s thermal springs, there are swimming pools, fun pools, and even water slides for a family that longs for the cooling power of water.  Although the complex enjoys protection as a national monument, a multimedia slide that lets you enjoy a music and light show as you descend proves that the facility is not without its modern touches.

The famed trees of Margaret Island

If you like trees, you’ll love the some of the unique specimens this well-known dendrological site has to offer.   Throughout its history, island caretakers have been developing, beautifying, safeguarding, and propagating the zone’s many trees.  The result, still there for the enjoyment of all, speaks for itself, holding wonders for visitors in every season.

Collected here are descriptions of the most interesting trees notable for their age, size, or history:

• At nearly 40 m in height and 635 cm in circumference, the 190-year-old virgin sycamore found between the chapel and the convent ruins is one of the most expansive trees of its species in Europe.
• Though it was not beneath them that the verses about them were composed, the János Arany oaks near the water tower are, historically speaking, one of the best-known stands of trees on the island.
• Visible opposite the entrance to the Palatínus bathing complex is the “Seven Leaders Sycamore,” which, following near-destruction by a World War I bomb strike, sprouted seven fresh trunks from its base. It is one of the Best Thermal Baths in Budapest.
• Since 1958, the Japanese Garden has been home to three Chinese dawn redwoods, each about 20 m in height.
• Adorning the bank of the Fishpond is a 60-year-old Virginian bald cyprus, a species of tree noted for its adaptive columnar aerating roots, or “knees,” which jut from the soil around it.
• Across from Saint Michael (Mihály) Chapel is a near-century-old Chinese Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair tree.
• Located in the pinewood adjacent to the main walkway are four 210-year-old Austrian or black pines, the oldest trees of their species in Budapest.
• South of the road with the red benches stands an Osage Orange tree, whose trunk has been growing at a tilt since the great flood of 1838. The tree is one of only a handful that survived the massive flood that destroyed nearlz all vegetation on the island.

You’re certain to have heard already that beautiful Margaret Island is named for Saint Margaret, a Hungarian Princess of the Árpád Dynasty, whose brief life – filled with religious service and divine miracles – was spent in the cloister there.  Margaret’s very special life story is told as The Legend of Margaret, a work written posthumously in the 13^th and 14^th centuries. To know Margaret Island, one must also know the legend, since traces of the centuries-old events are still found throughout the park today.

Who was Margaret and how did she come to live on the Isle of Rabbits?

Margaret was born in 1242 in the Dalmatian castle of Klis, where the royal family, fleeing from the Tatar armies, had taken refuge.  Her father, King Béla IV, who had close ties to the Dominican order (or “Dömések,” as the medieval Hungarians called them), had sworn an oath that if Hungary were to be saved from the continued ravages of the Tatars, he would offer up his yet-unborn daughter to the church.  Thus, Margaret was handed over to the Dominican nuns in Veszprém at a very young age.  In order to be closer to the tiny princess, Béla had a cloister built on the Isle of Rabbits, a place whose pleasant-sounding name was actually the result of a “misreading” (perhaps an intentional one).  In fact, during the early Middle Ages, the island had been dubbed Isola Leprorum, or Isle of Lepers, as the place where people with that disease were segregated from the rest of society.  In later parlance, a letter was dropped, and the name became Isola Leporum, or Isle of Rabbits.

The young Margit and 17 of her companions were moved to the new convent on the Isle of Rabbits in 1252.  King Béla IV and his wife often visited their daughter, whose entire life was characterised by an abiding sense of commitment.  She expressly asked that she be treated as a “natural person” and was unwilling to accept any favouritism on the part of others of her order.

The news spread to nearby countries and even more distant places that King Béla had a fabulously beautiful daughter, and one after the other, suitors began to arrive in Hungary to ask for her hand in marriage.  The eligible men included the Czech King and many others, but Margaret so despised all worldly conceits and delights, that she refused to entertain the idea, even if her father, driven by political considerations, had several reasons for wanting her to wed the heir of another royal house.  Margaret resisted each solicitation with an iron will, remaining steadfast in her oath – even when her enraged father, in return for her resistance, withdrew all support from the cloister.

During her lifetime, the bitter-fated princess, who walked about in rags and cheerfully carried out even the filthiest of work, was regularly visited by the sick and dying, whom she consistently helped, prompting contemporary reports of miraculous abilities.

The convent became a place of devotion and pilgrimage, a hub and custodian of the faith of the nation.  Margaret, who was made the Hungarian capital’s patron saint, died there in 1270 at the age of twenty-eight.  Located in the cloister’s own church, her grave became a much-visited pilgrimage site.  The nuns at the cloister continued to respect and preserve her memory and to follow her example for another two and a half centuries, until they were forced to flee the island in the wake of the destruction wreaked by the invading Ottoman forces.  The nuns left the island for good in 1540, taking with them the earthly remains of Margaret the Blessed, which were lamentably lost some time later when the Dominican order was abolished.

Margaret was canonised by Pope Pius XII on 13 July 1943.  Three decades earlier, in 1914, a storm on Margaret Island had uprooted a tree, revealing the cloister’s still-intact bell.  Excavations were begun, though to this day, the full extent of the cloister ruins remain to be unearthed.  The sections currently visible include the western court, chapel, queen’s residence, tower, sacristy, church, ambulatory, chapter hall, kitchen, furnace room, dining hall, well-house, laymen’s dining room, and study.  The Dominican cloister gardens – which boasted piped-in water as early as 1251 – double as the first Hungarian monument to the horticultural arts.

The Legend of Saint Margaret

The Legend of Saint Margaret is a priceless work written in the Hungarian language:  a codex relating the story of Margaret (1242-1270), daughter of Árpád Dynasty King Béla IV, her life in a convent of the Dominican order, the miracles she performed, and various testimonies to her deeds.

The codex was written at an unknown time by an unknown author based on two sources in Latin.  The first is believed to have been written by Marcellus, head of the Hungarian Dominican order and Margaret’s confessor and spiritual guide, shortly after her death.  The other is a written record of various eye-witness accounts of Margaret’s life given in the year 1276.  Most researchers agree that the legend was probably originally written in Latin at the end of the 13^th century, with the Hungarian translation providing the basis for the late-14^th-century text – a product of multiple rewritings and stylistic redactions – known today.

The text of the Legend of Margaret is preserved by a codex copied – and presumably also edited – by Sister Lea Ráskay in 1510 at the Margaret Island Dominican Convent (where Margaret herself had lived centuries earlier).  In 1529, the codex, and with it the legend, found its way to the Clarisses of Nagyvárad when the nuns of Margaret Island fled there from the Ottoman forces.  From Nagyvárad, it then travelled to Nagyszombat and Pozsony, until it finally found a home with the National Széchényi Library, where it resides today.

Pictures and sculptures of Margaret portray the saintly princess in a white Dominican robe and black mantle, with a lily in her hand and a crown on her head.  Devotion to Margaret is widespread not only in Hungary, but also abroad.  Fourteenth-century frescoes of her can be seen in both Assisi and Florence, while a third fresco in Treviso bears the inscription “Beata Margareta Regina Ungariae Ordinis Fratrum Predicatorum”.  A carved wooden likeness of Margaret also adorns the pulpit of the church in Ragusa.  Additional images of the fragile princess feature among those of other saints in the Dominican churches in Perugia and Bern, on the altarpiece of the cloister in Weesen, and on a column of the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.

The Earth is in trouble. We hear, see, say and feel it with increasing frequency: our planet and our environment are in great danger. It’s very clear that we must pay more attention to our natural resources, protect our green environment and take action day in, day out against over-consumption in the interests of sustainability and environmental protection. There are many ways and opportunities in our day-to-day lives to make responsible choices, to make smart decisions and to show our commitment to the Earth through our actions.  The stakes couldn’t be greater: ensuring that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren can enjoy the natural treasures of this beautiful planet, stopping the threat posed by climate change, and slowing down global warming…
Earth Hour is one such opportunity. Did you know that with just a bit of attention you can do something for the Earth every day?
We’ve collected a few simple but highly effective green methods that you can apply every day, and we’ll also tell you what Danubius Goes Green stands for.

Earth Hour
Since 2006, on the evening of the last Saturday of every March, non-essential lighting is switched off all over the globe for one hour and all electrical devices are unplugged. Sixty minutes are devoted to the Earth in numerous countries around the world, with cities and homes going dark, decorative lighting switched off, and the importance of conscious environmental protection is highlighted through various exciting challenges.

History of Earth Hour
Earth Hour was launched in 2006 in Sydney at the initiation of WWF Australia, by switching off the city’s lights. From a local initiative, the event has grown to become a worldwide movement mobilising more than one billion people over the past 11 years.
In 2017, Earth Hour was celebrated in 178 countries, and the Earth Hour logo symbolising the 60 minutes was supplemented with a ‘plus’ sign, encouraging everyone to go beyond the 60 minutes and think of their environment on all other days of the year, as our lives are surrounded by excessive and often unnecessary energy use.

The message of Earth Hour 2018
In addition to the 60-minute symbolic lights-out, on 24 March 2018 the initiative will also call attention to natural values, communicating the message: “Connect2Earth”. The symbol embodying this message is one of the most well-known representations of connecting today: the Wi-Fi symbol.

This year, Earth Hour focuses on preserving our planet’s biodiversity, as well as on ensuring we notice and protect our own environment, and that we contribute to its healthy functioning. Be it forests or rivers, seas or water habitats, it is of the utmost importance for us humans that these habitats are preserved in their natural state, safeguarding the rich flora and fauna that are continuously threatened by grave dangers.

Switch off and Connect2Earth – in Hungary too!

With the involvement of WWF Hungary, we have been participating in this worldwide initiative for 10 years, since 2008.  In recent years, the programme’s Hungarian host has linked special attractions and exciting initiatives to the international green event held annually at the end of March. In 2013, as part of a large-scale candle collection promotion, a 5-metre high giant wax candle provided light for the 60 minutes of darkness. In 2015, as part of the Great Greenification Project, volunteers cleaned public areas, while in 2016, in addition to turning off the lights, participants undertook resolutions to plant trees, clean water, compost, hold meat-free days or become car-free.
In 2018, we can say yes to even more challenges:

• Switch off! Take part in Earth Hour: switch off the lights and ask your friends to do the same.
• Protect the forests! Undertake not to print anything for a week and only use your documents online.
• Drink smartly! Undertake not to buy any PET bottled products for an entire week, drinking only tap water instead.

12+1 tips that will help you protect the Earth

1. Don’t use plastic bags.
2. Drive less.
3. Plant trees.
4. Don’t throw food away.
5. Collect waste selectively.
6. With each meat-free day, you can reduce the Earth’s carbon footprint.
7. Drink tea instead of PET bottled waters and soft drinks.
8. Take a shower instead of a bath.
9. Don’t have the heating on if your window’s open.
10. Use water-saving perlators on your taps.
11. Use natural cleaning agents instead of chemical detergents.
12. Buy local.

+1. Be environmentally conscious even when staying at a hotel.

Danubius Goes Green

For Danubius, besides preserving traditions, one of our key values is protecting the environment. Danubius does not just exploit natural treasures (thermal water, mud, gas, green environment), but also provides for their replenishment. Establishing a sustainable, responsible, environmentally-friendly GREEN hotel culture is no longer a matter for debate – it has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, and indeed, we also involve our guests in these efforts:

• 3-in-1 BATHROOM: In order to reduce the volume of waste from single-use soap, shampoo and shower gel packaging, more and more of our hotel rooms come equipped with liquid soap dispensers.
• TOWEL CHANGES: Many tons of towels are washed unnecessarily every day around the world. Guests at our hotels have the opportunity to do something against environmental pollution. A towel thrown on the floor clearly indicates that the guest would like to have it replaced, but if they wish to go on using it, they can simply hang it back on the rack.
• WASTE: More and more of our hotels apply selective waste collection, which is why we also ask our guests to help us in this endeavour. We ask that glass and plastic waste and newspapers be deposited separately next to the waste bin in the room, in order for these to be subsequently placed in the appropriate selective containers.
• ELECTRICITY: Our guests can use the multifunctional key-card received at check-in to power lamps, the air conditioner and the television. Please don’t forget to turn off the lights when leaving your room!
• AIR CONDITIONING: Most of our rooms are air-conditioned. Our guests can turn on the air conditioning and set the desired temperature by inserting the key-cards into the key-card slot next to the door.

Earth Hour at Danubius Hotels

For Earth Hour on 24 March, our hotels again have the opportunity to prove Danubius’ commitment to environmental protection. The hotels have numerous initiatives planned for Earth Hour. On Saturday between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, the hotels’ reception and lobby area will go dark, with restaurant guests offered dinner by candlelight. Other hotel activities are a testament to the creativity of our staff: in the wellness hotels, guests can relax at the bath areas by candlelight; at  Hilton Budapest, guests are served muffins with a small candle as decoration, and there will even be some flaming drink specialities that can be purchased at the bar. By writing their name, city and country on the globe placed in the lobby, hotel guests can symbolically join this worldwide initiative. At the restaurant of Danubius Hotel Helia, patrons can dine by the light of special floating candles and will also be treated to a glass of the house wine. Reflecting our commitment to nature and what it has to offer, our buffet selection includes artisanal cheeses and organic ingredients.

The world focusses on Budapest from 30 March to 22 April 2018, when the Budapest Spring Festival, the largest cultural event in Hungary, takes place in 23 venues all over town. Culture lovers will enjoy around 100 exciting events in more than 20 categories.

This year’s Budapest Spring Festival is already celebrating its 38th birthday! The Budapest Spring Festival was created in 1980 with the honourable intentions of using high-quality productions to stimulate the Hungarian capital’s spring tourism. The initiative was so successful that the series of events won the 2005 European Cultural Award. Famous artists, and also amateurs, consider it an honour and distinction to perform at this prestigious, all-encompassing arts festival. At the beginning of the year, many culture lovers in Hungary as well as increasing numbers of tourists hungry for cultural entertainment when visiting Hungary, eagerly await the details of the Budapest Spring Festival. It’s a good idea to check out the programme and reserve tickets in advance as the majority of productions sell out in minutes.

What’s the Budapest Spring Festival 2018 all about?

Nowadays, the BSF doesn’t only present the world-class stars of Hungarian culture to a curious audience, the stages of Budapest attract cutting edge artists from the international cultural world, and, in a similar cultural mission, the BSF provides a space to introduce young talent, too.

This year’s colourful spring collection – following a theme akin to the now well-established traditions – includes classical music, opera, popular music, jazz and world music, dance, theatre and photographic exhibitions. What’s more, during the festival, Budapest’s galleries and museums organise a series of events under the title; Budapest Art Week – Everything that’s Fine Art. Renowned soloists display their knowledge of their pianos or stringed instruments, while symphony orchestras and distinguished opera and theatre companies come, bringing their thrilling new performances. Fans of jazz will enjoy the taste treats of many musicians presenting their new albums, moreover the Hungarian Jazz Celebration 2018 offers some special delicacies.

If you haven’t already got your tickets, click on the Budapest Spring Festival’s official website, where you can find out all the information about ticket purchase.

Venues

Budapest’s most prestigious, best-known concert venues are all taking part in this year’s BSF: the Palace of Arts, the Academy of Music, the Old Music Academy, the Erkel Theatre and the Pest Music Hall to name but a few. Other excellent venues include the Budapest Jazz Club, the A38 Music Boat, the Budapest Music Centre, the Aquarium Club, the Trafó Contemporary Arts Centre and the Castle Garden Bazaar. Leafing through the comprehensive, bulging festival programme booklet reveals more stand-out names: the Inner City Saint Michael’s Church, the Hungarian National Museum, the József Katona Theatre and the Uránia National Film Theatre.

Performers

It’s a hard task to pick out one or two musicians or an orchestra from the outstanding collection of artists appearing at the BSF 2018. However, fans of Hungarian popular music will not doubt be delighted to attend concerts such as the ‘Ákos 50’ concert, Hobó’s ‘Visionaries, Poets & Vagabonds’ show, or KATIKOVÁCS Symphonic Live. The names Kodály, Bartók and Liszt appear often in the programme listings, but fans can also expect moments of intense pleasure and musical delight from Bernstein, the Vienna Philharmonic and the Danube Artist Ensemble. Notable soloists are coming from all corners of the planet, if we want to mention some of the names, please stand up Yefim Bronfman (piano), Cosima Soulez-Larivière (violin), Anneke Boeke (flute), Danyiil Trifonov (piano), Maxim Vengerov (violin), Gergely Ittzés (flute), Lucie Horsch (recorder) and also the Hungarian opera soprano Andrea Rost. Jazz buffs will be enchanted by The Bad Plus, Chapelier Fou, the Grandbrothers and Tale of Us.

For a detailed programme with videos, please look at the www.btf.hu web page.

Accommodation in  Budapest during the BSF 2018

Check out all the tempting offers from the Danubius Budapest hotels ! We offer discount room packages and high quality hospitality at numerous hotels located all over Budapest. This spring, you can be sure of finding a hotel close to the venues of the cultural festival.