There’s no doubt Budapest is having a moment – the city constantly evolves and exudes a vibrancy that often surprises visitors. Budapest’s charm shines throughout every season, luring tourists with its famed baths, ruin bars and fascinating history. But when is the best time to visit Budapest? Unfortunately, we don’t have a simple answer for you. The city is a stunner through all seasons, but deciding which season to visit Budapest depends on what type of holiday you’re planning. Here, we run through each season, and what you can expect from the Hungarian capital throughout the year.
Winter in Budapest:
Christmas is a magical time of year in Budapest. The city has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe – visitors can expect endless stalls selling beautiful gifts from local artisans, roasted chestnuts and warming mugs of mulled wine. The city comes to life during the festive season and is worth a visit, even if the chilly temperatures have set in for the winter season.
November, January and February are the most relaxed times of year for tourism. The crowds die down, mostly due to the cold and grey weather, but you’ll surely get deals on flights and Budapest hotels. The capital is also well known for its museums, theatres and buzzing nightlife, so you’ll still experience much of what the city offers. But we’d recommend always checking the hours of these attractions as they tend to close a little earlier during the winter season.
Autumn in BudapestGetty Images
Spring and autumn in Budapest:
It is no surprise that Budapest’s spring and autumn are some of the best times to visit. It’s not too hot or cold, and visitors can expect to see beautiful displays of colour, whether that be blossoming flowers or the oranges and yellows of autumn.
October is a wonderful time to visit Budapest. Oktoberfest is in full swing (yes, they celebrate here) in various locations across the city, along with DJs, entertainment and cultural programs. Not to mention, local and international breweries are participating in the festival, making it a must for beer lovers. The Art Market also runs in the autumn – Hungary’s largest contemporary art exhibition. This year, the market is presenting works for ~500 artists, so we recommend adding this experience to your list of things to do in Budapest.