What to do in Budapest for a weekend
With so much to do in Budapest, it can be difficult to narrow down your breadth of choices for a weekend trip. That said, we've spent some time developing the following basic plan you can adopt and adapt to your needs.
Day 1: Unwind in one of Budapest’s spas
Feeling exhausted after a flight is natural, even though Budapest time is only an hour ahead of London time. To recover, you might choose to whet your appetite for the weekend ahead with some sweet chimney cake or warming goulash. Don't worry if you've dietary restrictions either, goulash is also available in vegan or vegetarian varieties.
With a full belly, you might choose to relax at a spa like the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Watching the stars come out while recuperating in the warm waters is always a lovely experience, just remember to stay hydrated.
To cap off your night, you can work yourself up for a full day tomorrow by taking a long-distance walk down the famous Danube River. Famous Budapest landmarks like the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge get illuminated at night and light up the Danube with glittering reflections, revealing what you can expect from Budapest's splendour. Remember you've got a full day tomorrow!
Day 2: Explore the Great Synagogue and museums
Your second day is probably one filled with adventure, so it can be best to greet the morning with something filling. To get in the Budapest spirit, a full Hungarian breakfast can really hit the spot. Must-try dishes include kolbasz (Hungarian sausage), langos (fried bread), bundas kenyer (kind of like French toast), and the requisite tea or coffee.
Heading out, check ahead to see if any festivals are being held, for a taste of real Budapest culture. For something more general, you can check out the fascinating history of Budapest by visiting the Hungarian National Museum. Art fans could also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian National Gallery.
Weather permitting, heading into the Jewish Quarter reveals a stunning mix of contemporary restaurants, shops, and street art. This area also hosts the Great Synagogue, the largest and arguably most impressive in Europe. Completed in 1859, this centre of prayer was built in the Moorish Revival style. Borrowing from a range of Islamic architectural concepts, the designer intended the Great Synagogue to represent a broad inspiration as a perfect microcosm of Budapest's diverse history.
At night, you might experience the vibrant Budapest nightlife in the party hub of Instant-Fogas, or a bar like Szimpla Kert. We doubt we have to espouse the combination of meat and beer, but there's enough available to cater to all other tastes and sensibilities too.
Day 3: Try the traditional hungarian street food
Hopefully, you're not too tired from whatever the Queen of the Danube threw at you last night, because it's time to make the most of your last day. Hold your hunger, and consider checking out some traditional Hungarian street food at the Karaván Street Food Court. Instead of looking for something in particular, let your nose guide you, and be adventurous!
Before packing and heading into a flight, a memento could be the perfect item to remind you of your experience. The bustling indoor market of the Great Market Hall (also called Nagyvásárcsarnok) is full of nicknacks and gifts often made by hand. Select one or a few that best represent your time in the Heart of Europe, sigh at having to return to real life, and be sure not to miss your flight home, no matter how tempting that might be.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Budapest and travel the open road.
The best time to visit Budapest
The best Budapest time of year can depend on what you're looking for. Making the most out of the Heart of Europe will depend on your wants and needs, your passions, your hobbies, and your budget. With that in mind, here are a few of the most popular times and what you can expect if you travel to the city in these months.
The best months to visit Budapest are generally considered to be May and September. During this time the Budapest weather is a mild 15°C to 25°C, and the city won't be as crowded as it is in the busier summer months. It's the perfect time to take a tour of the Danube and check out the sites like the astounding Hungarian Parliament building. The Art-Nouveau Gellért Spa is open during this period, offering a great time to relax in legendary Budapest baths while taking in the sights.
Visiting Budapest on a budget can be best planned in the winter months of October to February. The average high during this time is around 5°C to 10°C, and the Budapest weather from October to February can provide rain, so you'll want to pack warm and waterproof clothes. That said, the low travel costs, smaller crowds, and increased hotel availability can still do great things to warm you up. Bold Budapest foods are fantastic in the cold, and sitting in a spa while the rain or snow falls around you is an experience that sticks with you.
Earning a title like the Capital of Festivals means that you might be considering when to make the most of this claim. August stands out as the best time of year for these travellers, as the city comes alive with celebrations and opportunities. From the week-long Sziget Festival for music to the self-explanatory Budapest Wine Festival, or the fireworks of St. Stephen's Day, this one month will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Of course, don't worry if you can't make it in August, the Heart of Europe offers enough festivals year-round that you can always track down something. The Christmas markets in Budapest's winter in Vörösmarty Square are an engaging way to experience famous holiday cheer. On the other hand, a springtime holiday a few months later brings the calm Budapest weather in March with the offerings of the Photo Festival, Pancake Festival, and a perfect time for bike tours.
Airport code
BUD
The IATA code for the arrival airport on flights to Budapest is BUD
Most popular airline
Wizz Air
Most popular airline with flights to Budapest
High season
August
According to search data from our customers, August is the busiest time to fly to Budapest
Low season
January
According to search data from our customers, January is the least busy time to fly to Budapest
