Festivals, Concerts, Exhibitions, Outdoor Activities
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest in April, you’re in luck! Spring is a fantastic time to visit the city, with
- Warmer weather (see more below),
- Fewer crowds, and
- Plenty of exciting events and activities to enjoy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in April, including
- ✅ Why it’s a great time to visit,
- ✅ What’s the weather like,
- ✅ Must-see attractions and activities, as well as unique experiences to help you plan your sightseeing, and
- ✅ The best places to eat and drink.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents – April In Budapest
🌼 Why April/Spring is a Great Time to Visit Budapest?
Budapest is a beautiful city all year round, but there’s something special about visiting in the spring.
With temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, April is a perfect time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions without the sweltering summer heat.
Spring is also when the city comes to life after the cold winter months, with plenty of festivals, events, and celebrations taking place throughout the month.
Trees are turning to green, flowers adorn the parks, gardens, blossoming cheery trees paint the city scape in delicate white and pink.
🌤 What’s the Weather Like in Budapest in April?
As mentioned, the average temperature in Budapest in April is around 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night.
However, it’s worth noting that temperatures can vary quite a bit, and it’s not uncommon to experience a much cooler or warmer weather.
As a rule of thumb it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Additionally, it’s important to bring layers as temperatures can drop quite a bit in the evenings.
☝ For 1st Timers – Must-See Attractions & Must-Do Activitities
- 1. Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, and take a guided tour to see the Holy Crown of St. Stephen, Hungary’s first king.
- 2. Explore Buda Castle and take in the beautiful views of the Danube River and the city.
- 3. Stroll through the City Park, sprawling green garden with some awesome museums and architecture (Ethnography Museum, House of Hungarian Music, Vajdahunyad Castle) and enjoy the blooming cherry trees (see more tips where to view the beautiful cherry blossoms).
- 4. Take a river cruise on the Danube and admire the city from the water:
🚢 ✅ TOP Danube River Tours with Dinner Travellers Highly Recommend:
- 5. Visit the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden to see the animals and plants in their springtime habitats.
- 6. Take a dip in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért, and enjoy the warm waters.
- 7. Visit the Hungarian National Museum to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
- 8. Take a walk along the Danube Promenade and enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.
- 9. Explore the historic Jewish Quarter on a guided tour and visit the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe.
Jewish Heritage Guided Tour with Synagogue visit
Tour starts: 10:00
Duration: 120/240 min.
Price: From €59
Kazinczy Synagogue Entry (with Optional Kosher Food Tasting)
Synagogue Opening Hours:
- Sun –Thurs: 10.00-18:00
- Friday: 10:00-16:00
- Saturday Closed
Price: From €9
- 10. Take a bike tour through the city and see Budapest’s landmarks from a different perspective.
- 11. Visit the Central Market Hall and sample some of Hungary’s traditional foods and drinks.
- 12. Take a trip to Margaret Island, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Danube, and enjoy its parks and gardens.
- 13. Attend a performance at the stunning Hungarian State Opera House, located on the chic Andrássy Avenue.
- 14. Visit Heroes’ Square and see the statues of Hungary’s most famous historical figures.
- 15. Take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Danube Bend or the charming town of Szentendre.
🌸 Sakura Celebration/Cherry Blossom Festival In Budapest, April 13 – 14, 2024
Budapest is welcoming spring with blooming flowers and stunning pink cherry blossoms.
If you’re interested in joining the famous Sakura holiday that celebrates the appearance of the first cherry flowers, look no further than the ELTE Botanical Gardens.
- Address: ELTE Botanical Gardens/Füvészkert, Illés utca 25., Budapest 1083, district VII. (View on Map)
Opening Hours:
- 09.00 – 18.00
Tickets:
- Purchased online: full price: 2 900 HUF, students/seniors: 1 900 HUF
- On the spot: 3 400 HUF, students/seniors: 2 400 HUF
The Sakura celebrations are an annual tradition at the ELTE Botanical Gardens (known as Füvészkert in Hungarian) that draw inspiration from Japan’s traditional festivity, the Ohanami.
The festivities begin with the very first cherry blossom and continue with communal activities.
On select dates, visitors can
- Bring a picnic blanket and relax and enjoy the gardens, much like they do in Japan.
Other Highlights Of The Festvities Include:
- Immersing yourself in Japanese language, music, martial arts and other cultural programs
If spending your weekend enjoying good food and drinks with your friends or family while surrounded by beautiful blossoms sounds appealing, be sure to drop by on any of the two April weekends.
Bartók Spring International Art Festival, April 05-14, 2024
Venues:
Various cultural and art venues in Budapest host the programs including the
- Palace of Arts (Müpa)
- House of Hungarian Music (Magyar Zene Háza)
- Liszt Academy of Music
- Vigadó Hall
- Szimpla Kert (ruin pub)
The Bartók Spring International Arts Weeks enlivens the cultural scene of the capital with the most exciting performers of domestic and international culture,.
Esteemed early music and symphonic ensembles, the living legend of flamenco, award-winning children’s opera, and diverse musical shows offer entertainment for lovers of culture.
Here are some of the upcoming events of the art fair:
05. April:
- 19:30 Dénes Várjon and the Concerto Budapest – Liszt Academy
- 20:00 Nik Bärtsch Reflecting Bartók – House of Hungarian Music
06. April:
- 19:30 Péter Eötvös and the Klangforum Wien – Müpa
07. April:
- 19:30 György Vashegyi, the Orfeo Orchestra and the Purcell Choir – Vigadó Hall
09. April:
- 19:00 Hungarian State Folk Ensemble: The Blossomed Cross – Müpa
Ticket prices to the programs vary between cc. 2500 HUF – 10.000 HUF (depending on venue and seat category).
It’s good to buy tickets well in advance because lots of programs sell out quickly.
See more programs on the event’s official website.
Maker’s Market – Design Fair, Fény Street Market, April 21
Venue:
- Fény utcai piac, Lövőház u. 12, Budapest 1024, District II., Buda
- Getting there: Tram 4 or 6 to Széna tér stop, a 3-min walk from there (cc. 300 m)
Opening Hours
- April 21/Sunday, 10.00 – 17.00
For a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience pop in the Fény Street Market behind Mammut II. shopping mall will to browse among the colorful creations over sixty local deisgners.
In addition to the amazing creations from top Hungarian designers, the event will welcome visitors with
- Acoustic concerts
- Delicacies provided by small artisan food stalls alongside the market’s restaurants.
The participants of Makers’ Market Budapest are among the top contemporary design talents, making it a great opportunity for you to meet Hungarian deisgners in person!
Highlights – Why Go?
- A place for one-of-a-kind local designer products, ideal for thoughtful gitfs
- Taste delicous street food
- An opportunity to learn more about the works of Hungarian designers
- All in all an awesome program to round up your visitt to Budapest in May.
- Entry is FREE.
Vivicitta Half Marathon Festival, April 20 – 21, 2024
Spring’s biggest running event is the Vivicitta Half Marathon with the main races – 21 km and 10 km – taking place on Sunday.
Saturday is dedicated to shorter distances and family programs.
Note: Expect changes in public transport schedule on these two days!
The route offers a complete sightseeing experience since runners will see many famous Budapest landmarks:
- Chain Bridge,
- Buda Castle,
- Parliament, and
- Margaret Island.
Sightseeing Tips & Tour Recommendations
👉 Top-Rated Sightseeing Tours For You In April:
April is an ideal month to explore the city by walk or bike: pleasant spring weather, warm sunny days, longer daylight hours.
The most scenic parts of the city perfect for a short or longer stroll are:
- The Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó) – a riverbank on the Pest side stretching between the Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge – lots of terraced cafes to have a bite or a cup of coffee.
- The Várkert Bazár and Gardens (Castle Bazaar & Garden) that celebratesits 3-year anniversary on 02-03. April 2017, on the Buda side at the southern foot of Castle Hill also offers plenty to see – you’ll enjoy an amazing vista on the walkways meandering on the slopes of the Neo-Renaissance garden that is in full bloom and green by mid-April.
- Take the escalator from Várkert up to the Royal Palace of Buda: rich in historic sights, museums (Budapest History Museum, the National Gallery and National Széchenyi Library), charming coffee houses and bistros, not to mention the amazing view from Fishermen’s Bastion.
Ferris Wheel on Erzsébet Square
The Ferris Wheel of Budapest ak Budapest Eye offers an amazing birds’ eye view of the city from its 42 cabins.
The tall attraction is open every day, 11.00 – 23.00/24.00, all year.
Explore Green Budapest! – Parks, Gardens To Take a Walk In
April is also ideal for leisurely strolls in parks, gardens and arboretums.
Here are some tips where to enjoy a bit of green in the city!
Kopaszi Dam & Park
The Kopaszi Dam in southern Buda close to Rákóczi Bridge was turned from a neglected area into local’s favorite park in 2007.
The 10 hectare/24.7 acre landscaped area surrounds Lágymányosi bay and is bordered by the artificial Kopaszi dam south of Rákóczi Bridge.
Great for
- Family outings,
- Picnics,
- Jogging, and
- Enjoying a meal or just a drink at one of the terraces (Veranda, le Bistro, Fruska Bistro).
TIP: View our photos taken on a Sunday morning in April!
Find more tips on parks and arboretums in Budapest.
Concerts
Budapest is home to a couple of great concert halls like the
- A new venue the Budapest Music Center in district IX.,
- The refurbished Vigadó Hall,
- The Neo-Baroque Danube Palace
- Basilica, Matthias Church, and other churches.
Church Concerts In Budapest In March 2024
12, 15, 19, 22, 26 – APRIL 2024
14, 16 , 21, 23, 28, 30 – APRIL 2024
13, 17, 20, 27, 29 APRIL- 2024
Exhibitions in Museums
The more than 100 museums of Budapest offer exciting exhibits all year round. Here’s our top choice for the month of April:
📸 Hungarian Press Photo Exhibit, April 12 – June 02, 2024
You can view Hungary’s best press photos carefully curated in 14 categories.
The display accurately showcases what happened in the world of politics, culture and life itself.
Venue & Address:
- Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center
- Address: 1065 Budapest, Nagymező u. 8. (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 13.00 – 18.00
- Sat – Sun: 10.00 – 18.00
- Closed on Mondays and public holidaysCashier closes at 17.30
Van Gogh Budapest – The Immersive Experience, Feb 02 – Sept 01, 2024
The globally acclaimed Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience, a 360-degree multimedia art installation is in Budapest till September 01, 2024
Using the latest visual techniques, the exhibition helps visitors to immerse into the unparalleled world of Van Gogh.
If you happen to be in our city and haven’t seen the exhibition then this is a great opportunity to learn why visitors worldwide, from Seoul to Los Angeles, from London to Berlin, are captivated by this super production.
Address:
- BOK Sportcsarnok/BOK Sports & Conference Center, Budapest, Dózsa György út 1, 1146 (See on Map)
- Getting there: use M2 metro (red line) to Puskás Ferenc Stadium station, from there the xhibition venue is a 2-min walk
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 10.00 – 19.00 (last entry at 18.00)
Tickets:
- Ticket prices differ on weekdays and weekends and whether you go between 10.00 – 14.00 or 14.00 and 19.00. Prices are in the range of 6 000 – 7 500 HUF.
More info and ticket prices on the event’s official website.
Hotel Tips for April
Baltazar Hotel In Buda Castle
We recommend a lovely bohemian boutique hotel in Buda castle with a great restaurant and wine bar, the Baltazar Hotel in Országház utca.
Pick the Lovers package with your room to surprise your loved one with a bottle of champagne, chocolate glazed strawberries and a dessert in one of three cafes of your choice.
Great location in a historic area packed with
- Must-see sights (Matthias Church, Royal Palace with the National Gallery and the History Museum),
- Lots of cafes and
- Fantastic view.
Our other pick is the Hotel Nemzeti McGallery Collection, a 4-star establishment in a historic building on the József körút part Nagykörút.
The hotel belongs to the MGallery division of the Accor group, known for unique hotel all around the world highlighting local architectural and cultural characteristics.
The 80-room hotel offers modern, eclectic design combined with21-st century amenities.
Highlights You Can Appreciate Here
- The dazzling hall adorned with Venetian mirrors, the
- charming inner courtyard with statues, or the
- Stained glass ceiling.
An ideal choice if you look to stay at a place that offers something unique in a city!
🏊♀️ Thermal Baths – Relax and Heal
Baths in Budapest are a wonderful source of recreation, healing and historic ambience.
You can admire the architecture and enjoy the hot pools in baths from the era of Ottoman occupation (15-17. centuries): the Király Bath and the Rudas Bath.
Or you can have a great time and soak up he grandeur of two more recent spas: the Gellért in Buda and the Széchenyi in Pest.
👉 Skip-The-Line Tickets To 3 Budapest Baths
Past Events In April
More Program & Activity Tips
Budapest Event Calendar – Easter in Budapest – May Day Programs – More May Events, Programs – Gourmet Festival in Buda – Budapest Summer Festival – Top Summer Things To Do – Budapest in June
