Visit Budapest in July

Events and Things to Do Recommendations

If you plan to visit Budapest in July you will enjoy a wonderful summer vacation in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

July in Budapest offers a perfect mix of summer weather with long daily hours and pleasant temperatures after sunset to let you

  • ✅ Explore the many historic sights,
  • ✅ Enjoy some exciting events, and
  • ✅ Cultural experiences.
Summer time in Budapest
Summer time in Budapest

Table of Contents

July Weather – Scorching Hot Days, Summer Storms

July is usually the hottest month in Hungary with daily temperatures reaching 30 – 35 ºC or higher with plenty of sunshine and UV radiation.

Bring your

  • Sunglasses,
  • A straw hat, and
  • A bottle of water with you when exploring the sights of the city.

Summer storms with thunders and lightning are not unusual during this period of the year.

They refresh the air after a long hot spell.

July offers a couple of great festivals and events including concerts, exhibitions, and other spectacular events.

Palatinus Beach
Palatinus Beach

The weather is perfect, especially at night when it cools to below 30 ºC, so many programs are held outdoor.

# Our Tip: Escape The Heat : Go On An Evening Wine Tasting Cruise – No-Risk, Free Cancellation

Your best option to escape the July heat is to hop on an air-conditioned sighseeing boat that takes you on a cruise on the Danube.

Why not take the opportunity to get to taste and learn about local wines and wine culture?

Here are our recommendations:

Cruise With 7 Local Wines or Tokaji & Folk Show

wine cruise budapest

Departure: 18:30 or 21:30 / Duration: 120 min. – From €27

Wine & Dine – Cruise with 5 Local Wines & Hungarian Appetizer/Cheese Plate

Wine & Dine evening cruise

Departure: 19:00 / Duration: 80 min. – From €49

Wine & Dine – Cruise with 5 Local Wines & Hungarian Appetizer/Cheese Plate

Wine & Dine night cruise

Departure: 20:30 / Duration: 80 min. – From €49

Quick Sightseeing TIPS – Top 10 Things To Do In Budapest In July 2023

Here are some sightseeing recommendations we pulled together for you to help you plan your city break.

The list is a mix of popular attractions and lesser-known gems to enhance your summer vacation in Budapest.

  1. Explore the Buda Castle: Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historical Buda Castle, enjoy stunning views of the city from the terraces Fishermen’s Bastion. Treat yourself to a delicious cake in Ruszwurm, one of the oldest confectionery’s in Hungary.
  2. Stroll along the Danube Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank, passing iconic landmarks like the Shoes on the Danube memorial. TIP: The riverbank is open to pedestrians every Saturday abd Sunday.
  3. Visit the Great Market Hall: Immerse yourself in Budapest’s culinary scene and explore this vibrant market filled with local produce and Hungarian delicacies.
  4. Have dip in the hot pools of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Relax in the famous thermal baths and enjoy the rejuvenating waters.
  5. Take a Danube River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Danube River, admiring Budapest’s beautiful landmarks.
  6. Have fun on Margaret Island/Margitsziget, a leisure park in the middle of the Danube: Escape the city and explore this peaceful island retreat with gardens, pools, and recreational activities.
  7. Discover the Ruin Bars: Experience the unique atmosphere of Budapest’s ruin bars, converted from old buildings and courtyards.
  8. See the Hungarian Parliament Building: Take a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece and learn about Hungary’s history. TIP: There will be free music performances in front of the Parliament on Kossuth Sqr. in July 2023. See details below.
  9. Explore the Jewish Quarter: Discover the rich Jewish heritage of Budapest, including the Great Synagogue and the Holocaust Memorial.
  10. Attend a Cultural Performance: Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Budapest by watching a ballet, opera, or traditional Hungarian folk performance.
view of Buda Castle and Elizabeth Bridge after sunset
Buda Castle at Sunset

More Sightseeing TIPS for July

A river excursion is always a pleasant way to delight in the wonderful city scape especially on sweltering summer days when walking long distances is just too exhausting.

You go crusing on the Danube during the day, in the afternoon, in the evening or at night. Tours are available with or withour meal.

TIP: A Dinner Cruise is however a unique program, that you must try at least once. There are several of them so we researched and compared the most popular 5 best dinner cruises in Budapest to help you choose one that best meets your preferences.

Evening Cruise with Folk Show and Hungarian/International Dinner

hungarian folklore dance

Departure: 19:00 / Duration: 120 min. – From €55

Read more details

Evening Cruise with 3 Course Dinner and Champagne

Evening Cruise with dinner and Champagne

Departure: 19:30 / Duration: 90 min. – From €65

Read more details

More Danube River Cruises:

  • Evening Cruise with Dinner/Wine Tasting/Craft Beers/cocktails – Starting at 19.00/7 pm – you can book it with Hungarian dinner where you can sample the best of local cuisine: goulash, stuffed cabbage, beef stew, strudels while enjoying the beauty of the city. The river tour is also available with wine or craft beer tasting or just cocktails.
  • Cocktail/Beer and Cruise – have a fine cocktail or beer while on a 1.5-hour, late afternoon river tour.
  • Budapest Night Cruise with Dinner/Drinks at 22.00/10 pm– The city is even more wondrous when illuminated at night, a nice buffet dinner or wines /beers/cockatils ensure a pleasant program.

RAKPART~2023/Danube Embankment, July 24-30.

This summer, between June 17 and September 24, 2023, there will be no car traffic on the section of the lower embankment in Pest, between the Chain Bridge (Lánchíd) and Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), specifically on Jane Haining rakpart (view on Google Map), during weekends. RAKPART~2023 is about the community and our river, the Danube.

This stretch of the riverbank turns into vibrant public area with exciting programs ranging from

  • Concerts,
  • Movie screenings,
  • Yoga (every Saturday & Sunday at 08.00-09.00, to
  • Dancing,
  • Art & carft fair,
  • Exhibitions,
  • Workshops and more.

Drop by Viadukt Teasz the gastro centre of the program (Jane Haining Rakpart, Budapest, Hungary, 1052) for a cold drink. The place also hosts a colourful array of programs.

RAKPART 2023 - pedestrians, bikers take over the Pest riverbank on weeknds in summer.
RAKPART – Pest Embankment On Summer Weekends

There’s even a Home Office with internet where you can work from 09.00 till 17.00, and for 4 000 HUF you’ll get unlimited coffee, lemonade or ice tea.

Viadukt Craft Fair On the Pest Riverbank, July 28.

As part of the RAKPART~2023 programs a craft fair welcomes everybody on July 28, starting at 14.00/2pm

You can spend the whole afternoon and evening browsing through a variety of jewelry, ceramics, and “I never knew I needed this” products. The team at Viadukt Terasz will provide refreshing drinks and craft beers.

During the fair, you will also have the opportunity to see the exhibition of Dávid Tripsnászki and the Budapest Archive embankment, and in the evening, the Rythmic Steps team will provide background music that perfectly complements the unparalleled panorama.

Parliament and Kossuth Square

Getting there:

  • Tram 2, M2 (red) metro Kossuth tér station

Do visit the largest building of Hungary dominating the Pest side of the Danube.

The Hungarian Parliament and its neighbourhood was completely refurbished a couple of years ago with

  • New or renewed statues,
  • A large green park,
  • New pavement tiles with built in vapour release system,
  • A long pool in front of the building and lots more.

TIP: Go on a guided tour (buy tickets online to avoid queuing ) to see the most revered treasure of our country: the Holy Crown of St. Stephen.

The Parliamaent on Kossuth tér
The Parliamaent on Kossuth tér
budapest parliament july23
The Parliament At Sunrise

Cafe TIP: Try the Szamos Cafe at Kossuth tér 10 for a coffee & cake break or a light lunch.

FREE Concerts At The Parliament, Kossuth Square

A series of special concerts entertains visitors to Kossuth tér and the Parlaiment Building every Thursday at 17.00/5 pm within the Tér-Zene (Square-Music) program.

Performances by various bands range from classical music, swing, to jazz and acoustic pop music.

All concerts are free.

Concert Program:

  • July 13. – Lajos Sárközy Jr. (violin) and Gyula Csík (cimbalom),
  • July 20 – Budapest Philharmonic Society – Solas Brass Ensemble,
  • July 27 – Bori Magyar Duo,
  • August 03 – Capriccio String Quartet and Nándor Götz (saxophone),
  • August 10 – Szabó Henrik Quartet,
  • August 24 – Woodwind Quartet,
  • August 31 – Concert of the Finance Guard Band (Magyar Pénzügyőr Zenekar.

Concerts start at 17.00/5 pm.

Walking Tour in Buda Castle

Historic Sights, Great Cafes, and Restaurants, Perfect View

If you don’t mind the heat, go on a self made walking tour in Buda Castle Hill.

Use our map-based itineraries to explore the attractions of the city’s oldest district on your own.

The first fortress was built on top of the hill in the 13th century after the Mongol invasion.

Most of the medieval buildings however had been destroyed during the many wars, sieges and fires, so most of the buildings date from the 18-19th century, but you’ll also find some architectural gems originating in the middle ages.

A walk in the castle area will treat you with charming streets, some lovely restaurants, confectioneries, and a fine view of the city.

The tower of Karakas Pasha in Buda Castle photograpged on a clear, sunny July morning
Tower Of Karakas Pasha In Buda Castle

NEW: Karakas Pasha’s Tower In Buda Castle

Getting There:

  • You can get to the tower from the Szent György Square via stairs and from Palota Street and Csikós Courtyard by an elevator.
  • Plan your route here!

The tower of Karakas Pasha originating from the 17th century has been renovated and now it’s open to visitors in the Buda Castle

As part of the revitalization of the Buda Castle District, the twelve-sided Turkish cannon tower of Karakas Pasha now houses a

  • Tourist nformation point,
  • Café, a
  • Gift shop, and
  • Restrooms.

Realx in the charming Turkish garden that has been created alongside the newly opened 17th-century building at the northern end of the Csikós Courtyard.

Good To Know: In the Middle Ages, the area around today’s Csikós Courtyard was surrounded by walls from all sides, forming part of the defensive system of the Buda Castle.

In this narrow passage between the walls, a city district called “Újnegyed/New District” was established during the Turkish era.

At the end of this district, Karakas Mehmed, the Pasha of Buda, built a tower around 1620.

Tired of Walking? Ride On An E-Scooter & Discover The City On Two Wheels

Restaurant TIP – Buda Castle:

While you there try one of the newest additions to the city’s restaurant scene:

  • Jamie’s Italian Restaurant in the heart of the castle district Address: Szentháromság utca 9. District I., or
  • the Baltazar Hotel, Grill and Wine Bar : a creative place offering gourmet street food, fine wines and luxury accommodation. Address: Országház utca 31., Buda Castle, District I.

Museum Tips, Exhibitions

Budapest is packed with museums of all kinds as well as exhibition centres and art galleries.

  • Tickets: 4 800 HUF, discount ticket(students, retiree): 3 600 HUF
  • Dates & Time: Wednesday on 05., 12., 29., 26. July 2023 at 18.00 – 22.00

Enjoy fine wines, music and art

  • from the panorama terrace of Buda Castle, National Gallery, Buda Castle-Royal Palace, building “C”, Szent György tér 2., district I. and
  • in the Gallery’s beautiful dome hall that is open till 21.30.

One of the most exciting cultural events, called Wine Wednesdays, is organised by the National Gallery in Buda Castle

Visitors can experience a vibrant program with special exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, live music, and wine tasting every Wednesday evening in July.

The Hungarian National Gallery, front view on a summer morrning
Hungarian National Gallery

This year, Wine Wednesdays will explore contrasting themes like

  • Light and shadow,
  • Classical and contemporary,
  • Sacred and profane, and
  • Joy and sorrow.

The following renowned Hungarian wineries will be present and offer tastings on the July evenings:

  • Abbey Winery Pannonhalma,
  • Laposa and Málik Wineries of Badacsony, and
  • Haraszty Winery of Etyek. As part of the events.

Wednesdays at 18.00 – 22.00.

Besides wines, some great exhibitions complete the program. Live music adds to the atmosphere.

Scenic vista, a historic setting, delightful wines, exciting exhibits with guiding, dance performances and jazz concerts.

A perfect program for a pleasant summer evening!

TIP: You can also view the Gallery’s new temporay exhibit showcasing Lajos Gulácsy’s life’s work: Gulácsy: Prince of Na’Conxypan, along with a graphic art exhibitionduring the events.

Dates & Program Of The Wine Wednesdays in 2023

19. July, 18.00 – 22.00: Classical & Contemporary

  • Wine: Haraszthy Winery
  • Music: Gábor Cseke and Márton Soós
  • Guided Tour at 19.00/7.00 pm: The Art of Lajos Gulácsy
  • English-language guided tour by art historian Enikő Várkonyi
  • Meeting point: Main building, at the exhibition Gulácsy. The Prince of Na’Conxypan. The Art of Lajos Gulácsy (1882–1932)

26. July, 18.00 – 22.00: Joy & Sorrow

  • Wine: Málik Winery
  • Music: Gábor Juhász and Bálint Gyémánt
  • Guided Tour at 18.30/6.30 pm, The Joy of Holiness,
  • English-language guided tour at the exhibition Late Gothic Winged Altarpieces by art historian Mária Váczi
  • Meeting point: Building D, 1st floor, at the Late Gothic Winged Altarpieces exhibition

Note: The Dome of the gallery building can be visited until 21.30/9.30 pm.

Summer Festival In Óbuda, Till End Of August

Main Venue:

  • Óbuda Fő tér (Main Square), district III.,
  • Getting There: take Tram 1, or HÉV/H5 line (suburban railway) from Margaret Bridge Buda end

A great festival in district III., Old Buda throughout the summer with concerts (classical and light music), theatre performances, and family programs at several spots within the district:

  • the Fő tér (main square, Zichy courts/Kobuci garden,
  • Museum of Óbuda,
  • Aquincum Museum
  • Lupa Beach at Lupa Lake
  • Children’s Island and more.

See more on the official website of the festival.

People at a summer concert in Kobuci Garden óbuda, Budapest
Concert in Kobuci Garden, Óbuda

A Unique Beach At The Danube River – Visit Római-Parti Plázs!

Address:

  • Kossuth Lajos üdülőpart 15-17., 1039 Budapest, District III., Óbuda

Getting There (from Nyugati tér/Western Train Station):

  • Take M3 metro (blue line) till Göncz Árpád városközpont.
  • Walk cc. 1 minute to the bus stop of bus No. 34.
  • Get off at Nimród utca (14 stops, cc. 16 min travel).
  • Walk cc. 600 m to the beach at Római-part.

Plan your route here!

At Budapest’s only free bathing spot on the Danube in the northern part of the city you can relive the genuine ambiance of a riverside summer.

  • Natural environment with a clean and well-maintained waterfront
  • Designated areas with buoys for safe and suitable swimming
  • Free drinking water, restroom access, diaper-changing facilities, and showers
  • Colorful sunbeds
  • Bicycle storage options
  • Ongoing water quality monitoring
  • UV radiation and water temperature reports
  • Lifeguard service
  • Nighttime security
Romai parti Beach in Budapest on the Danube bank - colorful, striped beach chairs arranged nicely on the sandy riverbank
Római-parti Plázs/Beach at the Danube

Take a refreshing plunge in the Danube at Római-part in Óbuda!

Classical Concerts In Budapest In July 2023

Budapest has many great concert halls, churches where you can enjoy classical concerts all the year round.

TIP: Besides cultural entertainment, a concert in a church offers respite from the current July heat.

Wednesday/ Friday

Classical Music Concerts in Matthias Church
Matthias Church

Tuesday / Sunday

the interior of St. Stephen's Basilica - the main nave during a concert
St. Stephen’s Basilica

Wednesday/Saturday

Classical Music Concert in St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s Church

TIP: You can bump into short summer concerts for free at some prominent locations across the city Várkert Bazaar, Buda Castle, and Kossuth Square at the Parliament) till 19. August 2023.

Wine Tour in Etyek with Transfer

July is also a great time to explore the charming wine cellars in Etyek village at just a short drive from Budapest in the Etyek-Buda wine region.

You can choose from several wine tasting programs (with cheese tasting or a substantial Hungarian-style lunch/dinner).

Friendly, English-speaking guides, fine wines and food, kind local people guarantee that you’ll have a fantastic time.

Reservation is required (min. 2 persons).

Etyek Wine Region
Etyek Wine Region

Book Your Wine Tour To Etyek Village!

Cooking Courses – Learn to Make Hungarian Dishes!

Join one our cooking classes to find out more about local cuisine and food specialties!

You’ll prepare a 3-course Hungarian menu with the guidance of the friendly, English-speaking chefs.

A guided visit to the famous Great Market Hall on Fővám Square can be included in the program. A great and fun way to see and experience a slice of local life in Budapest.

Book a Hungarian Cuisine Tasting Experience

Discover the best Hungarian cuisine tasting experience in Budapest with our guided tour! Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of traditional dishes and drinks while learning about the history and culture of Hungarian gastronomy.

Hungarian Cuisine Tasting Experience
Hungarian Cuisine Tasting Experience

Craft and Gourmet Food Markets

The climate in Hungary is very favourable to growing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.

In summer food markets in Budapest are packed with juicy fruits (strawberry till mid-June, then raspberry, sour cherry, cherry, apricot, peach, melon), and tasty veggies and greens.

Besides the well-known markets, there are a couple of great craft food markets in Budapest where you can get gourmet food stuff, bio vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers.

Central Market Hall – The Most Famous In Budapest

Address:

  • Vámház krt. 1-3., district IX., Pest end of Liberty Bridge, trams 2, 47, 49, the nearest metro station is at Kálvin tér (M3 blue line)
  • Opening hours: Mon: 06.00 – 17.00, Thues – Fri: 06.00 – 18.00, Sat: 06.00 – 15.00

The Great (or Central) market (Központi Vásárcsarnok) is the best-known and not to-be- missed food market in Budapest.

The historic market located in the city centre, right next to the green Liberty Bridge in the Pest side.

So you can’t miss it while exploring the downtown and riverbank area.

TIP: Drop by to have a look around and get some souvenirs and lángos or goulash at one of the eateries on the first level (although the palc eis not th ebst to have a taste of local gastronomy but it1s not that bad either).

Woman with grocery bags
A covered food market in Budapest

Open-Air Pools, Beaches and Baths

bathers in Szechenyi spa's outdoor pools

The best place to be in Budapest in July is in one of the handful of open-air baths and beaches.

So don’t forget to pack your swimming suit (you can buy one here if you did) and head for the Széchenyi, Gellért or Lukács.

For a Turkish bathing experience try the Király, Rudas, or the oldest bath of the our city: the Veli Bej.

TIP: Skip queuing and buy your ticket to the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths online. Convenient and simple: no need to wait in the long line at the cashier, with your pre-purchased ticket you can enjoy fast entry at the separate welcome desk!

TIP: Summer Night Parties in the Széchenyi Bath: from 1st June till September you can have a great outdoor party in the bath every Saturday starting at 22.30.

Tickets: from 35 – 60 EUR. Laser show, electronic music, lots of water fun ensure a fantastic summer night.

Night of Open-Air Pools,

On the Night of Open-Air Pools / Strandok Éjszakája, the last Friday in July most baths will stay open till midnight, some till 2 am or 4 am. Most baths will also have some special programs that’ll be posted on their websites.

For example the Aquaworld will have:

  • underwater laser show,
  • fire jugglers
  • nigth surf and slides
  • jacuzzi, and
  • cocktails

Admisssion to the Aquaworld’s Night of Baths is 2 700 HUF/prs. Program starts at 21.00 and lasts till 02.00 am. Address: Íves út 16. district IV., There’s a free bus service every day between 9.30-21.00 departing from Heroes’ Sqr. in front of the Hall of Arts.

Other Bp. baths participating in the event:

  • Paskál Fürdő (Egressy út 178 f., distr. XIV.)
  • Danubius Hotel Arena Premier Fitness (Ifjúság útja 1-3., distr. XIV.)
  • Danubius Hotel Flamenco Premier Fitness (Tas vezér utca 3-7., distr. XI.)
  • Holiday Beach Hotel Budapest**** (Piroska utca 3-5., distr. III.)
  • Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget**** Superior

Paddleboarding (SUP), Yoga, Salsa Parties in City Park

Address: Városligeti Csónakázó tó/City park Lake, 1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 5

From July 5, the oars can once again splash into the waters of Budapest’s City Park Lake, where this year, in addition to

  • Boats and pedal boats, you can rent
  • SUP boards too.

The novelty of this year is the rental of SUP boards, and they even offer SUP yoga sessions that nurture the body and soul on the lake. Every two weeks, you can join exotic Latin dance parties with dance lessons.

Good To Know: In winter, the artificial lake of the City Park functions as an ice rink, while in summer, it transforms into a boating lake a perfect venue for a romantic program in Budapest.

Restaurants, Cafes to Try in July

Try any of the following three Japanese restaurants: two of them are in the Jewish quarter, a vivid party and cultural centre of Budapest.

  • Ramenka, a Japanese soup bar in Kazinczy Street,
  • Komachi Bistro in Kertész utca,
  • the third one is Itoshii, an all-you-can-eat place on Teréz körút, close to the Nyugati Train Station.

A new sushi bar, Japanika, opened in 2016 at the Basilica on Szt. István tér. Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12.00-24.00. Besides sushi they have soups – miso, tom-yum, ramen – all sorts of salads, main dishes on the menu.

The drink list is extensive too, with Japanese cocktail specilaties, international cocktails, Hungarian beers, pálinka and wines, fruit juices and soft drinks.

Nightlife, Partying In Budapest In July 2023

2 ladies and a man sitting on the open deck of a party boat

The sultry July nights are ideal for outdoor clubbing.

TIP1: Head for Gozsdu Court in Király Street, in the Old Jewish Quarter.

It is packed with cool bars, and garden clubs, cafes and restaurants. An awesome place for partying in the middle of summer in Budapest.

A Party on the Danube on the deck of a sightseeing boat is another fantastic place to be in July. Enjoy nightlife, and see the best views of the city illuminated at night.

Drinks, sightseeing on the Danube and dancing for a memorable night out!

Some Other Great Open Air/ Garden Clubs:

Ankert

partying in Ankert Garden Pub

Address: Paulay Ede utca 33., district VI. Open: Mon-Sun: 16.00-04.00 Website

A spacious club á la ruin pub style in downtown, with a small sandy beach in the back garden.

It offers simple foods, a wide variety of drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks).

The interior can take in several hundreds of people. The bar has a large bike storage place should you plan to get their on two wheels.

Barba Negra Track

A very popular yet inexpensive open-air concert venue at the Buda end of the Rákóczi Bridge. This year they’ll have a very impressive concert series starting from the end of April.

Tickets: around 1500 HUF.

Rio Budapest

A trendy place with beautiful girls, and Latin music

Address: Hengermalom út 52. district XI.

Open: April – September, 20.00 – 05.00 every day

See more great Party places in Budapest

Related:

June Programs, FestivalsBudapest in SummerAugust Festivals, Activity TipsThings to do in SeptemberOctober Programs, Events