15 best things to do in Budapest in winter [2024]
- things to do
- January 3, 2024
Embrace the charm of Budapest in winter with our curated list of 15 must-try experiences in 2024. As the Hungarian capital dons its winter coat, it transforms into a magical wonderland, where thermal baths offer solace from the cold, festive markets beckon with warm treats, and historic sites wear a timeless, snow-kissed beauty.
Read this guide to ensure you make the most of your winter escape in Budapest.
TABLE OF CONTENTS / QUICK JUMPLINKS
• Budapest – things to do in winter:
1. Christmas markets
2. City Park Ice Rink
3. Basilica light show
4. Christmas light tram
5. Thermal baths
6. Warm Hungarian food
7. Hungarian Parliament
8. Budapest River Cruise
9. Hungarian State Opera House
10. Ruin bars
11. Buda Castle and Várkert Bazár
12. Andrássy Avenue
13. Vajdahunyad Castle
14. Budapest’s prettiest library
15. Hungarian wines
• Budapest in winter – frequent questions
Best things to do in Budapest during winter:
1. Explore the city's Christmas markets
Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a delightful array of experiences, from savoring the iconic chimney cake (kürtőskalács) to relishing traditional Hungarian meats, goulash, and sweet strudel. Explore local arts and crafts to discover unique gifts in a warm, festive atmosphere. Live music and folk dances add to the festive spirit, making these markets not just a shopping destination but a cultural celebration.
There are two main Christmas markets in Budapest:
1. VÖRÖSMARTY SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET (officially known as the Budapest Christmas Fair)
• Likely dates: 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
• Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm
• Fri-Sat: 11am to 10pm
• Christmas eve: 11am to 2pm
• Christmas day: 12pm to 6pm
📍Location on Google Maps
2. ST STEPHEN’S BASILICA CHRISTMAS MARKET
• Likely dates: 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
• Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm
• Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm
• Christmas eve: 11am-3pm
• Christmas day: 11am to 8pm
📍Location on Google Maps
2. Glide on the City Park Ice Rink
Located at the edge of City Park, right in front of the impressive Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink is a renowned winter attraction. This historic rink, dating back to 1870, is one of Europe’s oldest and largest. During the summer, it transforms into a serene boating lake, allowing tourists to leisurely pedal under the sun. Just a short walk from Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Baths, it’s an ideal way to conclude a day of sightseeing and relaxation in the nearby spas. The rink is typically open from late November to mid-February.
ON-PEAK HOURS (2024)¹
• Friday: 5–9pm
• Saturday: 10am–2pm and 5–9pm
• Sunday: 10am–2pm and 4–8pm
📍Location on Google Maps
ON-PEAK TICKET PRICES²
• Pensioners/students: HUF 3,000
• Adults: HUF 4,000
• Families: from HUF 9,000
3. Witness the Basilica light show
St. Stephen’s Basilica stands as a magnificent piece of architecture, and what elevates its grandeur is the mesmerizing year-round light show it hosts. During the winter season, this light show truly shines, recounting religious tales and fables with vivid lights and accompanying sounds. The front of the Basilica becomes a canvas for dazzling 3D animations that create the illusion of movement and wonder. Witnessing this groundbreaking display is an essential experience if you visit Budapest in winter.
• The Basilica light show runs every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter season.
•📍Location on Google Maps
4. Ride the Christmas light tram
Budapest’s Christmas “light tram,” known as Fényvillamos, is a captivating holiday spectacle adorned with over 39,000 twinkling lights. It embarks on its journey at 5 p.m. every evening in December and early January, weaving through the city’s charming streets. This whimsical attraction infuses visitors with the festive cheer, offering a unique perspective of Budapest during the winter season. The 50-year-old Ganz UV tram primarily follows tram line 2, with occasional routes on other lines across the city. Enjoying this enchanting tram ride doesn’t require special tickets – but do note that the tram doesn’t operate on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Tickets for one tram single ticket are priced at 450 HUF (prices updated on Wed 3 Jan, 2024).
5. Relax in Budapest's thermal baths
In Budapest, the thermal baths are an essential experience, their roots reaching back to the Ottoman era. These baths not only offer therapeutic waters but also provide tranquil havens for relaxation. What makes them particularly inviting in winter is the presence of warm outdoor pools – just picture yourself amidst the cold, sometimes snowy outdoors, while you luxuriate in the embracing warmth of the thermal waters. But to make the most of your visit, familiarize yourself with the best thermal baths in Budapest.
Our top 3 thermal baths are:
• Széchenyi (📍location on Google Maps)
• Géllert (📍location on Google Maps)
• Rudás (📍location on Google Maps)
Related articles:
• Budapest Thermal Baths: All Prices and Hours
• Best thermal baths in Budapest
6. Savor warm Hungarian food
Influenced by hearty ingredients like paprika and lard, Hungarian cuisine shines in the cold season. Must-try dishes include goulash (traditionally with meat, but sometimes you can find the bean version), flavorful meat stews, paprikás delights such as chicken and veal. The matzo ball soup is also common, and the fisherman soup too, alongside appetizers like kőrözött (a cottage cheese blend with paprika and onion) and crispy goose cracklings. And if you want to try the typical Lángos, any Christmas Market will do.
Finally, let’s not forget the Hungarian desserts, like the walnut-infused Zserbó (Hungarian Gerbeaud cake) or the Dobos Torta, with 7 layers of sponge cake and 7 layers of chocolate buttercream, topped with crisp caramel wedges.
7. Tour the Hungarian Parliament
The Budapest Parliament, arguably the city’s most iconic structure, was designed by Imre Steindl and finalized in 1902. This Neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece stands as the world’s third-largest parliament building, adorned with a plethora of sculptures, statues, and intricate Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque elements on its exterior.
Its symmetrical design extends to the 691 rooms housed within, featuring one parliamentary chamber on each side. One hall remains an active venue for the Hungarian National Assembly’s sessions, while the other serves for ceremonies, conferences, and guided tours.
TICKETS
For EEA Citizens:
• Adults: HUF 5,000
• Ages 6-24: HUF 2,500
For Non-EEA Citizens:
• Adults: HUF 10,000
• Ages 6-24: HUF 5,000
OPENING HOURS
• In the winter time (from November to March) it opens from Monday to Sunday, between 8 am – 4 pm.
•📍Location on Google Maps
8. Embark on a River Danube Cruise
Often referred to as the “Paris of the East,” the Hungarian capital presents a captivating winter experience on the Danube. Budapest River cruises and boat tours are simply enchanting, especially during the winter. From themed voyages celebrating local traditions to evening escapades under a starry sky, Budapest’s cruises cater to various tastes. Whether you’re interested in wine cruises, scenic sightseeing tours, live music serenades, lively boat parties, day-time tours or night cruises in Budapest, each offers its unique charm.
Prices vary depending on the cruise’s duration and amenities, but you’ll find budget-friendly options starting at approximately 10-15 euros.
9. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House
The Budapest Opera House, a local cultural gem, has charmed visitors since its 1884 opening. Architect Miklós Ybl’s neo-Renaissance design showcases opulence in both facade and interior. And beyond its regular world-class performances by renowned artists (it hosted luminaries like Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss), the Opera House also offers tours, revealing its ornate corridors and the opulent royal box. It’s a symbol to Hungarian national pride that you’ll want to see.
• Entry: the individual ticket costs HUF 9,000; group tickets costs HUF 5,000 per person.
•📍Location on Google Maps
10. Immerse yourself in Budapest's ruin bars
Ruin pubs, a distinctive Budapest attraction, can also be a great escape from the streets during the cold season. Repurposing wartime relics into vibrant nightlife venues, these old buildings bear the scars of World War II but come alive after dark, offering spaces to dine, drink, and dance.
Inside, the spotlight shines on a blend of eclectic decor, which defines the individual character of each pub. Each room is adorned with an array of artifacts, predominantly antiques, illuminated by a colorful array of lighting.
Related articles:
• Best ruin bars in Budapest
• Szimpla kert guide
11. Discover the history of Buda Castle and Várkert Bazár
Buda Castle and Várkert Bazár stand as Budapest’s most splendid treasures. The castle, with its commanding presence, offers panoramic views of the city, while the garden, Várkert Bazár, combines art and nature, housing charming bars, restaurants, and hosting outdoor events.
Beyond the architectural grandeur, these venues are hubs for cultural experiences. Notably, the winter season is a highlight – in December, the castle grounds come alive with local poets, authors, actors, and ballet dancers, adding a touch of magic to the holiday season.
It’s free to stroll around castle, but to get in you have to visit the Museums:
• National Gallery – HUF 4,200 per adult, HUF 2,100 for students/pensioners
• Budapest History Museum: HUF 2,400 per adult, HUF 1,200 with discounts
•📍Location
12. Stroll down Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue, often called Budapest’s Champs-Élysées, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lined with magnificent neo-Renaissance buildings, it offers a blend of history, culture, and…shopping. Yep, that’s right – running from Heroes’ Square to Elizabeth Square, it’s home to brands like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Rolex, among others.
In winter, Andrássy Avenue sparkles with festive decorations, creating a delightful atmosphere for holiday shopping. From luxury brands to unique Hungarian finds, Andrássy út is a must-visit for shoppers seeking a touch of elegance and local flair.
• During the cold months, the shops typically operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
•📍Location on Google Maps
13. Visit the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle, a remarkable architectural fusion in Budapest’s City Park, is a tribute to Hungary’s history. It was built for the 1896 Millennium Exhibition to showcase various architectural styles throughout the country’s history. As a result, the castle features sections modeled after iconic Hungarian edifices, including the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania.
Visitors can explore Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements within its walls. This eclectic blend of architectural styles, alongside the striking man-made lake in the castle’s vicinity, creates a picturesque and historically rich setting – and it’s even better when covered in snow.
📍Location on Google Maps
14. Delight in the diverse flavors of Hungarian wines
Hungarian wines are a testament to the country’s rich winemaking tradition. Among the most common types, you’ll find the renowned Tokaji, celebrated for its sweet, botrytized white wines, and Eger, famous for its full-bodied reds like Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood). Villány, on the southern slopes, produces exceptional red wines, while Somló offers distinctive volcanic terroir whites. In Budapest’s cold months, indulging in a glass of Egri Bikavér or a robust red from Villány is a perfect choice to ward off the chill. These wines, with their full-bodied and warming characteristics, complement the city’s winter ambiance, making them an excellent option for cozy evenings in the Hungarian capital.
15. Explore Budapest's most beautiful library
Ervin Szabó Library, a painstakingly preserved 19th-century aristocratic mansion, provides a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the once-wealthy Wenckheim family, whose former residence it was. In 1931, the City Council acquired the mansion and transformed it into a public library, although the unassuming entrance might deceive first-time visitors. However, ascend to the upper floor, and you’ll step into the Neo-Baroque architectural splendor of well-lit rooms, where locals can be found engrossed in their studies or leisurely enjoying a book. Located just a few blocks from Kalvin tér metro stop, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library may seem like an ordinary city library at first glance – but do make your way to the information desk and ask for access to the exquisite upper floor.
• Administration fee: HUF 1,500
• Opening hours: open daily, except on Sundays, from 10 am to 8 pm, closing at 4 PM on Saturdays.
• Location on Google Maps📍
Budapest in winter - frequent questions:
Is it worth visiting Budapest in winter?
Visiting Budapest in winter is totally worth it. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, the capital of Hungary boasts year-round attractions. Known for its affordability, stunning scenery, and all-around fun, the city’s winter charm is simply exceptional.
Is it cold in Budapest in winter?
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, experiences frigid winters. In the coldest period, typically between December and February, temperatures range from 29°F to 34°F (-1°C to 1°C), with occasional drops to as low as -4°F (-20°C). High temperatures hover between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C) on average.
How should I dress for Budapest in winter?
Dressing for Budapest’s winter demands layers. Start with a thermal base, add insulating layers, and top with a warm coat. Don’t forget a cozy scarf, gloves, and a hat. Sturdy, insulated boots are essential for navigating snow and ice. Complete your ensemble with practical outerwear to ensure you’re well-prepared for Budapest’s winter weather.
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Is Budapest busy in winter?
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