What to Do in Budapest in April?

Festivals, Easter Programs, Concerts, Exhibitions

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.
Yellow and purple pansies planted next to the road near Heroes' Square in Budapest in spring. The Millennium Monument and statues can be seen in the background.

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.

View of the Parliament on the tree-lined Kossuth Squareon on a sunnyday in April.

TIP: See the Sakura Celebration & other places in Budapest where you can revel in the blooming cherry trees.

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.
  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.
  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.

Spring & Easter Markets At Two Locations

This year you can explore and enjoy the programs of two Spring & Easter Fairs in Budapets. Luckily both are located in the heart of the city so it’s a no brainer to include at least one of them in your itinerary.

The two events offer nearly the same experiences with craft fair, local food and drinks, art & craft workshops for children and adults, concerts and other cultural programs.

TIP: The fair at Városháza Park also offers a unique Easter Egg Exhibition by the Míves Tojás Museum from Zengővárkony.

Location I.:

  • Városháza Park/Townhall Park & Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest 1052

Getting There:

  • M1 underground stop, M2, M3 lines at Deák tér,
  • Trams 47 and 49 from the Buda side, both havr the termini at Deák F. tér
  • Tram 2, Vigadó or Széchenyi tér (a short walk from there, cc. 8 min)
spring easter fair budapest2023 06

Location II.:

  • Vörösmarty Square – this central plaza is where the popular Christmas Market takes place every year.

Getting There:

  • M1 Millennium Undergound (M1/yellow line) Vörösmarty tér station,
  • M2, M3, M1 lines Deák Ferenc tér station,
  • Tram 2 Vigadó tér stop on the Danube Promenade (3 minute walk).

Opening Hours – The Fair Is On Till 16. April, Easter Monday

  • Ever day: 11.00 – 20.00

These two easily accessible donwtown venues host colourful Spring & Easter Markets for two weeks.

The event is an ideal place to meet and chat with local craftsmen, and artists, taste local food and buy something unique in the craft fair.

Highlights Of The Spring & Easter Fairs

  • Craft markets where you can browse and shop for unique, handmade gifts.
  • A variety of cultural programs, concerts entertain visitors in the evenings at both locations especially on the weekends and during the Easter holiday.
  • Easter Egg Exhibition by the Míves Tojás Museum from Zengővárkony, in Városháza Park – this is a really fantastic exhibit that showcases the various egg decorating techniques charateristic to the various Hungarian regions.
  • Wide choice of food and drinks are the additional highlights of the more than 3-week Budapest Spring & Easter Fair.
10 artfully decorated Easter eggs in dark red and white colour showcased in a glass vitrin.

Sakura Celebration/Cherry Blossom Festival, 15/16. & 22/23. April

  • Address: ELTE Botanical Gardens/Füvészkert, Illés utca 25., Budapest 1083, district VII.
  • Dates & Opening Hours: 15 -16. April and 22 – 23. April

Tickets

  • Purchased online: full price: 2 500 HUF, students/seniors: 1 500 HUF
  • On the spot: 2 700 HUF, students/seniors: 1 700 HUF

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.

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, Till 16. April 2023.

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.

Vivicitta Half Marathon Festival, 22 – 23. April, 2023

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

April is an ideal month to explore the city by walk: pleasant spring weather, warm sunny days, longer daylight hours.

The most scenic parts of the city perfect for a short or longer stroll are:

View of Elizabeth Bridge and a boat on the Danube
  • 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.

Giant Ferris Wheel on Erzsébet Square

The Eye on Erzsébet tér
The Eye on Erzsébet tér

The Budapest Eye re-opened in mid-March and offers an amazing birds’ eye view of the city from its 42 cabins.

The new attraction is open every day, 10.00 – 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 terrace of Fruska Bistro at Kopaszi dam

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

an orchestra playing at the main altar
  • 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.

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 Press Exhibit

Venue: Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center

Address: 1065 Budapest, Nagymező u. 8.

Opening Hours:

  • Mon – Sun: 11.00 – 19.00 (cashier closes at 18.30)

Tickets: full price: 1 500 HUF, students/retiree: 800 HUF

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.

Hotel Tips for April

the terrace of Baltazar Hotel in Buda

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.

TIP: See also our comprehensive guide to attractions in Buda Castle if you consider staying here.

the facade of Hotel Nemzeti

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.

More Program & Activity Tips

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