Top 10+ Things To Do To Make The Most of Your Winter City Break!
Although the second month of the year is cold and the days are still short, Budapest offers a wide range of events and activities for a fun wintry city vacation.
February is also the month of
- Masked balls,
- Donut festivals, and
- Crazy parties since it’s the Carnival Season. Scroll down for more information and tips on what to do and see in our city in the middle of winter!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents – Budapest In February
🌦 Weather in February
February is the last month of the winter season with temperatures below zero on most days and even colder at nights.
The wind often makes you feel even colder.
It snows occasionally but in recent years it melted within a couple of days.
Bring warm clothes, sweaters, coat, winter cap, scarf, gloves and comfortable, warm boots.
Dress in layers so that you can shed some when going in a museum or stopping for coffee/tea or a lunch/ dinner in a restaurant.
Now, let’s see some upcoming festivals, major events in Budapets in February.
🍩 Nutella Days In SUGAR! Confectionery, February 03-05
Every year in February, for a few days it’s all about Nutella in this sweet Budapest confectionery & shop deservedly called SUGAR !
You can enjoy
- 10 types of Nutella cakes,
- Pastries,
- Shot glass desserts,
- Ice cream shakes,
- Hot chocolate, and
- Macarons.
Plus, if you buy three Nutella products, you’ll receive a complimentary Nutella macaron!
Well, it’s a no brainer for me. I’ll definitely drop by SUGAR! between February 03-05 to get my Nutella fix! How about you?
TIP: The shop is in the vicinity of the Opera House on Andrássy Avenue so you can do some exploring on foot to burn all the calories!
Address:
- Paulay Ede utca 48., Budapest 1064, district VI. (View on Google Map)
Date:
- February 03-05, 2024
🎭 Carnival In Tereza Mexican Restaurant, Februray 08 -11
Carnival Season also known as Farsang in Hungary quite a lively and colorful time of the year that usualyl kicks off in mid-Jnauary (depending on the date of Easter).
It’s a time when people really let loose before the solemnity of Lent sets in. Think of it as Hungary’s version of Mardi Gras or Carnival in other parts of the world.
Quite a few Budapest restaurants, cafes and bars celebrate this period with a special event. First off we recommend one in the city’s greatest Mexican restaurants, just off Andrássy Avenue.
Tereza will host a four-day carnival where Mexican culture, dance, and cuisine collide with carnival cheer.
They’ll be serving Tex-Mex dishes and offering special cocktail selections during the event.
Drop by at one of the four dates to enjoy a night filled with colors, music, and authentic Mexican vibe.
Location:
- Nagymező u. 3, Bp 1065 (View on Map)
Opening Hours of The Carnival Event:
- February 08 – 11, between 17.00 – 23.45
🥁 Carnival Day in Hunyadi Square Market, February 10 – Great For Families With Kids!
This smaller but nevertheless popular Budapest food market will have a special Carnival day on Saturday, February 10.
The bakery will bring traditional carnival doughnuts, while at the Lángosmanufaktúra you can munch on the locals’ favorite street food, lángos. They’ll too have doughnuts and hot tea.
Programs include free musical performances, creative programs, and face painting for children.
- 🐉 10:00- 10:45 The Snail Duo children’s band will perform their show “Adventures in Carnivaland” ↝ Difficult days have befallen Carnivaland! The evil Dragon Withoutaname has kidnapped Princess Vidoretta to make Carnivaland’s national holiday, Carnival, impossible. How we will rescue the princess with the help of children, you can find out on February 10 at Hunyadi Square!
- 🎭 10:00 – 12:00 Mask making
- 🎨 10:00 -13:00 Face painting
As usual on a Saturday at Hunyadi, you’ll have a wide selection of artisanal products to choose from, including
- Homegrown fruits and vegetables,
- Cheeses, sausages, cold cuts other meat products,
- Handmade pastas, jams.
Address & Getting There:
- Hunyadi tér Market, Terézváros, District VI. (View on Google Map)
- Getting There: take tram 4 or 6, get off at Király utca/Erzsébet körút stp, 450 m walk from there (cc 5 min)
🌹 Valentine’s Day – 14. February
One of the most notable days in February is Valentine’s Day or Bálint nap according to local traditions on Februray 14.
Here are some suggestions on programs to help you charm your loved one on Valentine’s Day:
💕🚢 Romantic Cruise on the Danube with Dinner/Drinks
Spend a memorable evening with your partner on a romantic sightseeing boat tour with
- Candlelit dinner: 4-course meal served at your table,
- Welcome champagne, and
- Live piano music with a solo singer’s performance. and
- Romantic gifts
- Private Table
Our city is even more enchanting at night with the lights reflecting from the river and illuminating the World Heritage listed historic and cultural sights.
You can see and experience it on the three-hour long excursion.
View Dinner Menu & Availability
Valentine’s Day Candleit Dinner Cruise
Cruise Starts: 19.30
Cruise Ends: 22.30
Duration: 120 min. – Price: From €99
Tickets:
- 99 EUR
Includes:
- A 3-hour river tour,
- Welcome drink,
- 4-course dinner at private table,
- Live piano music show
Romantic gift package:
- A stem of red rose,
- Strawberry-inspired cocktail, and a
- Heart-shaped chocolate bonbon.
Here Are More Valentine’s Day Programs:
Valentine’s Day 4 Course Dinner Cruise
ALL TICKET SOLD OUT!
Cruise Starts: 19.30
Duration: 180 min.
Price: From €99
TIP: A romantic meal in a fine restaurant is always a good choice on Valentine’s Day. See our best Valentine’s Day things to do recommendations in Budapest in 2024!
🍷 Wine Tasting & Foodie Programs On Valentine’s Day
Hungary produces some really great wines in its 22 wine regions. Sampling local wines is a fantastic way to learn more about a country and its culture.
Not to mention that wine conjures all things romance so it’s an ideal program to spend some lovely time with your partner in Budapest.
On the Danube, In A Downtown Wine Bar or in the Countryside?
Savouring fine wines with your loved one is a perfect program, not only on Valentine’s Day but any day.
Even better if it takes place on a sightseeing river cruise, you’ll be combining two wonderful programs:
- Savouring fine wines and
- Enjoying the captivating panorama from the warmth of the heated ship.
You can choose from a couple of splendid wine cruises in Budapest:
Wine Cruises With Various Departues Times & Durations:
- Wine & Dine Cruise with 5 Hungarian Wines & Cheese/Appetizer Plate: Departure: 19.00, duration: 80 minutes
- River Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco & Wine Departing at 17.00, 19:00 and 21.00, duration 85 minutes
- 1-Hour Evening Cruise with Premium Tokaji Frizzante with departures at 16.30, 18.00 and 19.30
Wine Cruises On The Danube – Check Available Places:
Wine & Dine – Cruise with 5 Local Wines & Hungarian Appetizer/Cheese Plate
Departure: 19:00 / Duration: 80 min. – From €49
Unlimited Prosecco & Wine Cruise
Departures: 17:00 / 19:00 / 21:00
Duration: 85 min. – From €32
Wine Tour With Luch/Dinner In Etyek Village – Discover The Romantic Countryside!
Tour Dates:
- Every day at 10.00, duration 4 hours
Price:
- 99 EUR/prs
If you wish to get away the bustling city for a couple of hours go on a wine tour with lunch to Etyek wine village, at just 40 km from Budapest.
Your guide will drive you to Etyek where you’ll visit 3 or 4 cellars and wine estates.
What Will You Do?
You’ll learn about local viticulture and the way of life in a wine village and sip some outstanding local wines and nibble on snacks.
The program ends with a 2-course home-cooked lunch at one of the estates. Then your guide will drive you back to Budapest.
Check Available Places & Book Tour:
TIP: Check out more of our recommended wine programs in and outside Budapest!
🐉 Year Of The Dragon Lampion Festival, Budapest Zoo, Till Feb 14, 2024
Venue:
- Zoo and Botanical Garden – Biodóm, Állatkerti körút 6-12., district XIV. (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Every day: 17.00 – 21.00 till Februray 14, 2024
Tickets:
- Adult: 4 500 HUF
- Students/Children aged 2 – 18: 3 200 HUF
- Seniors above the age of 65: 3 200 HUF
Details:
- Gate opens at 17:00.
- Recommended last entry time is 20:15.
- On-site daily ticket sales close at 20:30.
- Gate closes at 21:00.
The Year of the Dragon Lantern Festival transports you to a colorful and enchanting world, welcoming visitors till February 14.
Following the light of hundreds of lanterns in the garden and building of the Biodome on Állatkerti körút, you can step into the wonderfully vibrant world of the Year of the Dragon, capturing the beauty of various animals.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese calendar, so the central theme of the festival is closely tied to the Chinese New Year, with the hope that the new year brings luck, peace, and happiness to everyone.
The Year of the Dragon Lantern Festival invites not only enthusiasts of Chinese culture but also families and those who appreciate spectacular entertainment for a moonlit stroll.
The festival is open every day between 17:00 and 21:00.
🐷 Pig Slaughter In Buda, Fény Street Market, February 18
Pig slaughters (called disznótor in Hungarian) are essential part of winter traditions in Hungray.
Unfortunately the Mangalica Pork Festival is no longer held but luckily we have some other foodie events focusing on this tradition and characteristic meals one can taste on a pig slaughter.
Location & Address:
- Fény utcai Piac/Fény Street Market
This lovely food market in the Buda side will organize a pig slaughter aiming to bring the countryside winter tradition right in the heart of Budapest.
Admission:
- 11 999 HUF/person
Event Details:
Ticket includes:
- Welcome pálinka
- Unlimited mulled wine and tea consumption from 10:00 to 18.00
- Pork feast lunch: roasted blood sausage and sausage with pickles and fresh bread
Schedule:
- From 10:00 – Gate opening
- 10:30 – Breakfast: roasted blood sausage with fresh bread and pickles
- 14:30 – Pork feast lunch: roasted blood sausage and sausage with pickles and fresh bread
🍻 Indoor Beer Festival In Castle Bazaar, February 23-24,
Location & Address:
- Várkert Bazár/Castle Bazaar, Ybl Miklós tér 2-6, Budapest 1013 (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- February 23-24, 2024: 17.00 – 24.00
Tickets – Unlimited Beer Tasting:
- Early bird daily ticket: 9990 HUF,
- advance purchase daily ticket: 12 990 HUF
- On the spot: 14 990 HUF
All ticket types include a beer mug with the festival logo and unlimited beer drinking from the selection of nearly 50 breweries that will be present tat the event.
Things To Do in Budapest in February 2024
Besides Valentine’s Day programs and the festivals listed above you can do great many other exciting things in Budapest in February.
Even if it’s winter you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities especially if you catch a nice, sunny day.
TIP: If you get cold just hop on one of the major tram lines, such as Tram 2 or 2 B travelling along the Danube Promenade in Pest.
The ride offers a scenic view of the Danube, the bridges and many attractions in the Buda side.
Ice Skating – Recommended Ice Rinks In Budapest
February is your last chance to skate on one of the handful of the city’s ice rinks. Top spots for this cool winter sport are the
1. Ice Rink in City Park
One of the best places and definitely the largest to pursue this awesome winter sport is the Ice Skating Rink in City Park (Városligeti Műjégpálya) that was completely refurbished a couple of years ago.
What’s more, it’s not only the largest outdoor ice rink in Europebut also the oldest, looking back to more than 150 years of history.
Address:
- Olof Palme sétány 5., district XIV. (View on Map)
- Getting there: M1 underground (yellow line), Hősök tere station, 2 minutes walk from there, or trollies No. 75 and 79: Városligeti Műjégpálya stop
Opening Hours (Till Mid- February):
- Mon – Fri: 09.00 – 13.00 and 17.00 – 21.00,
- Saturday: 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 21.00,
- Sunday: 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 20.00
Tickets:
- Mon – Fri Mornings: adult: 1 500 HUF, student, senior: 1 000 HUF,
- Fri Afternoons: adult: 2 000 HUF, student, senior: 1 500 HUF,
- Sat-Sun all day: adult: 2 000 HUF, student, senior: 1 500 HUF,
- Free for children under 6.
Ice Rink In Budapest Park – Open Till February 04, 2024
Budapest Park, a popular outdoor concert venue in summer, has transformed into a vast winter park featuring a 2,000 square meter ice rink.
The expansive rink includes an ice corridor akin to the one in Csepel, providing an exciting space to skate for both kids and adults.
If you’re in need of a break, several huts offer hot drinks and a winter-themed menu, allowing you to recharge before hitting the ice again.
Address & Getting There:
- Soroksári út 60, Bp 1095, district IX (see on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Till February 04, Every day: 10.00 – 22.00
Tickets:
- Normal period: Mon- Thurs: adult: 2 499 HUF, student: 1 999 HUF, family (2 adults + 1 child under 14 yo): 6 499 HUF
- Weekends Fri – Sun and winter break (till Jan 07): adult: 3 499 HUF, student: 2 499 HUF, family (2 adults + 1 child under 14 yo): 8 999 HUF
👩🍳 Learn to Cook Hungarian Dishes!
Attending a cooking or baking course is a perfect way to find out about
- Local gastronomy,
- Unique cooking/baking ingredients and
- Traditional recipes.
What’s more it’s an indoor program if the weather turns too unpleasant for being outside for too long.
Depending on which program you choose, you will get insights into Hungarian gastronomy and food culture, prepare traditional meals, pastries (and eat them) and have a great time.
👉 Here are two highy recommended foodie programs:
1. Cooking Class With Market Visit – 4 Hours
In the first cooking program you shop for the ingredients in the iconic Great Market Hall where you’ll also have snacks like cold cuts and cheese.
Afterwards you’ll head to your guide’s apartment and make a typical Hungarian main dish of the group’s choice (chicken paprikash, goulash, stuffed cabbage).
During cooking you can nibble on more cold cuts, cheeses , bread, and dips.
What You’ll Get:
- ✅Cooking experience and insights into local food culture in a laid-back, fun way
- ✅Guided market tour with tastings. Hungarian cold cuts, cheese and meats
- ✅Local wines and sprits
- ✅Recipes of Hungarian Dishes
👉 See more details on the cooking class with market visit here.
2. Chimney Baking Workshop – cc. 1 Hour
Chimney cake (kürtöskalács) is a very popular local pastry that is an essential part of the food courts of every festival and fair in Budapest.
You can learn how to make this delicacy from scratch on this 1-hour baking class.
- ✅ Follow simple steps from dough-making to baking.
- ✅ Watch the sugar caramelize for a shiny, golden crust.
- ✅ Customize your cake with toppings like walnut, cinnamon, or chocolate sauce.
- ✅Enjoy your freshly baked chimney cake and take home a certificate to remember your experience.
Sightseeing TIPS In February In Budapest
🚢 River Cruises – Sightseeing In Comfort!
A boat tour on the Danube is an ideal sightseeing program on a cold winter day, since you’ll be in a heated room.
The panorama boats offer a fine view of the two river banks and the landmarks lining them:
- The Parliament,
- Buda Castle with the Royal Palace,
- Gellért Hill,
- The National Theatre and the Palace of Arts, and of course the
- Bridges: Margaret Bridge, the renewed Chain bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge.
Tours last from roughly 1 hour to 2 hours (or more if it’s a special event or a longer dinner is included).
You Can Select From Several Options:
- Daytime cruises with welcome drink
- Dinner Cruises with buffet meal or served at your table.
- Wine & Dinner Cruise
- Unlimited Prosecco & Wine cruise
- Evening cruise with Hungarian Dinner & Folk Show at 19.00
Dinner Cruises To Choose From:
Some of the river excursions offer not only dinner – either buffet style or served at your table – but live entertainment:
- Folk dance show with live music or
- Piano music with with live singing perfomance
This way you get to enjoy a whole evening complete with fine meals and entertaining program!
Evening Cruise with Folk Show and Hungarian Dinner
Departure: 19:00 / Duration: 120 min. – From €55
Cruise with 3 Course Dinner & Live Piano or Folk & Operetta BEST VALUE!
Departure: 19:30 / Duration: 180 min. – From €65
TIP: For more options check out also our curated list of the Best Dinner Cruises in Budapest In 2024!
🎶 Concerts, Cultural Entertainment – Top Picks In February
TIP: Find out about more concert venues concert venues and classical music programs in Budapest!
🏛 Museum Exhibitions We Recommend In February
No doubt the biggest and most popular exhibit in Budapest in February is the world-renowned yet controversial Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience.
The sensational exhibition kicks off on fberuary 02, 2024 in the BOK Csarnok.
Cafe & Restaurant TIPS
Besides having a tasty meal on Valentine’s Day, you really have to try new restaurants and cafes in Budapest on other days too (you don’t need a special occasion to eat good).
The restaurant scene has changed a lot in recent years.
Lots of quality places opened both in the fine dining/Michelin-star aspiring (Costes Downtown, Babel, Salon in New York Palace) and in the more budget-friendly or street food categories.
Buja Disznók
Address: Hold utca 13., on the gallery
Opening Hours: Mon: 11.30 – 17.00, Tue: 11.30 – 18.00, Sat: 11.30 – 16.00
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One of the iconic chefs of Hungarian gastronomy, Lajos Bíró (he runs Bock Bistro in Pest, a top-quality wine restaurant and its Buda-side sister the Vendéglő a Kisbíróhoz) opened the place in 2015 autumn on the gallery of the Belvárosi Piac/Downtown Farmers’ Market in Hold utca.
His aim is to entice its guests with breaded pork-chops/Wiener schnitzel the way our grandma makes it.
Other dishes made from less popular parts of pork are also on offer:
- Breaded pork ear,
- Boiled pork nose, and
- Szalontüdő: a kind of stew made from the lungs and heart of the pig.
The flag-ship dish, breaded pork chop is served with potato salad. The giant portion is enough for two people and costs cc. 3 200 HUF.
Note: Buja Disznó restaurant is usually packed to the brim – similarly to the other eateries on the gallery of the market – with office workers from the neighbourhood during lunch time.
TIP: The market’s gallery is becoming a real food court where you can eat tasty, simple dishes at fair price.
TIP: Visit our Top Winter Things To Do in Budapest page for more ideas on events, activities from December till February. Our Three Day Budapest Itinerary is also a good source to help you plan your trip.
More Program & Activity Tips
January in Budapest – March Programs – Easter & Spring Market 2024 – How To Spend Easter in Budapest? – Easter Festival In Gozsdu Court – May Day and May Programs In Budapest
