What To Do In Budapest in May?

May in Budapest is packed with all sorts of exciting events. Besides the program-packed 1st May/May Day, the whole month offers plenty to see and do in Budapest.

Let’s explore why May is a good time to visit Budapest,

• What are the hottest attractions and things to do,
• Unique experiences,
• Current exhibitions,
• Festivals,
• Outdoor programs, and more.

• First, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). This makes it a great time to explore the city on foot, take in the beautiful architecture, and appreciate the outdoor attractions.
• Second, May is still a relatively quiet month for tourism, meaning that you’ll have more space to enjoy the many sights without having to contend with large crowds.
• Finally, May in Budapest is a month of festivals and events, making it an excellent time to experience the Hungarian culture and traditions.

May is a wonderful time to cruise the Danube in Budapest!

Busk in the warm sunshine on the deck of a beautiful vintage ship while it sails past the historic landmarks.

Note: There are still blankets available if it’s get windy. Hot and cold drinks are also served.

Audio guide in 20+ languages is included (need your own phone and earbuds/headphones).

Available every day! Note: Cruises in the evening and on the weekends usually cost more.

👉 Book Your Place!

The 11th Corvin Beer Festival is a must for every beer aficionado since you can sample from a huge selection of local and international brews, including micro breweries and large beer makers.

As usual there will be no shortgae in food either, so prepare for a memorable week of

• Camaraderie,
• Clinking glasses, and most importantly indulging in the
• Finest brews and street food Budapest has to offer.

So to see what Hungarians offer in terms of this all-popular sweet dish head for the Pancake Picnic in Újbuda between May 16 and May 18

Opening Hours:

• Friday: 15.00 – 22.00
• Saturday: 10.00 – 22.00
• Sunday: 10.00 – 20.00

Venue:

• The bazaar in Kőrösy József utca, next to the Allee Mall in Budapest’s XI.
  District (View on Map)
• Taketram 4, or M4 metro (green line) to Újbuda Központ

Entry: FREE

Whether you’re a child or an adult, everyone loves pancakes in some form, and you can indulge in this passion at the Pancake Picnic in Újbuda, right next to the Allee Shopping Centre.

The Budapest 100 is a wonderful event devoted to all buildings in the city that that will built in the 1970s

From May 22nd to 25th, the city will come alive with events honoring the late modern architecture of the 1970s.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the unique style and stories of this era, often overlooked and underappreciated.

What to expect?:

• Open House Weekend: Explore a selection of iconic 1970s buildings, many of which are not usually accessible to the public. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their design, construction, and significance.
• Walking Tours: Join knowledgeable guides as they lead you through the city’s rich tapestry of 1970s architecture. Learn about the historical context, architectural trends, and social impact of these buildings.
• Exhibitions and Talks: Delve deeper into the world of 1970s architecture through engaging exhibitions and thought-provoking talks. Hear from experts, architects, and residents as they share their insights and perspectives.

Venue:

• Millenáris Park, Buda
• Trams 4, 6, M2 metro Széll Kálmán tér stop – a couple of minutes walk from there

Opening Hours:

• May 24 – 25/Friday-Saturday: 11.00 – 23.00,
• May 26/Sunday: 11.00 – 19.00

Tickets: 18 EUR/day

This is a must event for foodies especially if you want to sample the best of local gastronomy at one go!

Visit Budapest’s biggest market event, the PIACOK NAPJA x BELVÁROSI FESZTIVÁL in the heart of the city, where Erzsébet tér will once again transform into a huge community market!

The event is part of the two-day Belvárosi Fesztivál (Downtown Festival – see details below) happening at three venues in the city centre.

This is a special day when Budapest’s most popular community markets come together in one place to offer a huge variety of goods from vendors!

• Design, vintage, antique, retro, unique, handmade – wardrobe refreshers, high-quality treasures from Hungarian artists and designers,
• DIY and vintage products,
• Artisanal gastronomic creations,
• Natural cosmetics,
• Delicacies from Hungarian producers,
• Unique baby and children’s accessories and toys,
• Zero waste and eco-friendly alternatives.

Venue: Szabadság Sqr., Erzsébet Sqr., Zrínyi Street, Vigadó Square

The inner city of Budapest (district V.) organizes a festival each year in May or June.

Five venues in downtown offer.

• Concerts,
• Cultural programs,
• Kids’ activities during the 3-day event.

The main location is Szabadság Square, near the Parliament, where pop-rock concerts by popular Hungarian bands will be performed.

A world music stage on the revamped Erzsébet tér, and another pop music stage in Zrínyi utca welcomes everyone.

The motto of this year’s festival: The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

At this unique cultural festival, you can meet more than 100 Hungarian museums at one place: in the garden of the National Museum and the institution’s inner courtyard.

All programs are FREE

Venue:

• Several Museums in Budapest,
• Main event is in the Hungarian National Museum and its garden, Múzeum körút 14 – 16., district VIII., M3 metro (blue line), Kálvin tér station (View on Google Maps)

Tickets:

• Entry to the museum and all its exhibitions are FREE during the two days.
• Programs of the festival are also FREE to attend.

Budapest’s biggest summer kick-off garden party, the Rosalia Wine Picnic, awaits wine lovers and those seeking true relaxation in Budapest between May 29 and June 01.

Lively parties, high-quality creative children’s programs are on offer alongside hundreds of

• Different rosés,
• Sparkling wines and in addition to the many fine wines.

The Rosalia Wine Picnic is not a stuffy mass event in the middle of the city, but a wine-scented, leg-swinging picnic under the shady trees of the City Park, next to Vajdahunyad Castle.

Venue:

• City Park, behind Vajdahunyad Castle (View on Map)

Getting There:

• M1 (yellow line) Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő stop

Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.

But did you know that it’s also a fantastic city for beer enthusiasts?

If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar for May 25 – June 01, ’25, for the Budapest Beer Week.

The week-long event is a celebration of all things craft beer.

Main Venues:

• Dürer Kert: Öböl utca 1, Budapest 1117 (On Map): venue for main tasting sessions and after parties between May 20 – 26
• Hopaholic Craft Beer Bar: Akácfa u. 38, Budapest, 1072 (On Map), the HQ for the Budapest Beer Week. You can buy tickets and/or get your entry wristband on weekdays between 16.00 – 22.00
• Madhouse Bistro & Craft Beer Bar: Anker köz 1-3, Budapest 1061 (On Map) – venue for the BPBW meetup on 23.May and for the Opening Party

Venue: ice cream parlors at various locations in Budapest

The Day of Artisan Ice Cream held usually on 8th May is the perfect occasion to indulge in some of this icy and creamy delicacy.

To honor the day many gelaterias offer 50 % discount on the price of ice cream.

This yaer the price drop applies if you have 4

Have a scoop of ice cream at one of the following places:

👉 See also our list of Best Ice Cream in Budapest!

The varied two-day program include:

• Theatre performances, concerts
• Sport events, programs involving horses and dogs
• Children can learn rules of safe transportation in a fun way
• Quizzes, competitions
• Gastronomy offers, and the
• Usual fair where you can get all sorts of things that your kid will persuade you to buy.

Entry is free.

The city is also ideal for Segwaying around which is a great way to quickly see all the important landmarks and attractions and the wonderful view.

A visit to the Zoo is always a nice outdoor program for the whole family:

• Lots of green,
• Animals
• Playgrounds,
• Snacks, restaurants, and
• A fine confectionery (Gundel Patisserie).

The best thing is that the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is in the City Park, home to a colourful May Day Festival each year.

For those who seek cultural entertainment May in Budapest offers plenty of opportunities to attend great concerts – even in outdoor concert venues, like Budapest Park – folk programs and museum and art exhibitons.

The city’s stunning cathedrals and churches are especially popular venues for classical music concerts, and there are several organ concerts taking place in May.

Some of the top venues for organ and church concerts in Budapest include the

• St. Stephen’s Basilica – right in the centre,
• Church of St. Michael – located also in downtown, right in the hip shopping street Váci utca, and
• Matthias Church that stands in Buda Castle.

Indulge in an unforgettable evening of classical music in Matthias Church, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Choose from three seating categories that cater to your budget and preferences, allowing you to tailor your experience to your unique needs.

On Friday, May 24, music lovers will have the opportunity to hear one of Mozart’s most famous works, his Requiem, performed in a unique setting: the breathtaking surroundings of Budapest’s St. Stephen’s Basilica.

The ETUNAM Mixed Choir and the Solti Chamber Orchestra will bring this masterpiece to life, beginning at 8:00 pm.

Tickets:

• Tickets to the concert are available in three seat categories between 6 990 and 9 990 HUF

In addition to classical music concerts, Budapest also hosts the Budapest JazzFest this month, till May 14. to be precise, which features performances by some of the biggest names in jazz.:

Concerts take place at several venues with ticket prices ranging from 2 000 up to 18 990 HUF.

Some Of The Performers Include

• Simon Phillips Protocol V, 02. May – RaM Colosseum (Kárpát u. 23, Bp 1133, District XIII., Újlipótváros)
• Paal Nilssen-Love CIRCUS, 04. May – Lumen Cafe,Horánszky u. 5, Budapest 1085, District VIII.
• Anouar Brahem Quartet, 05. May – Franz Liszt Music Academy (Liszt Ferenc tér 8, Bp 1061, District VI.)
• Stanley Clarke N 4 Eever, 06. May – Erkel Theatre (II. János Pál pápa tér 30, Bp 1081)

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 holidays
• Cashier closes at 17.30

Date & Time:

• Every day at 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30 with guiding in English.

Prices:

• 9 000 HUF (full price only) – 1-hour guided tour in English with a mini concert.

On the tour you’ll explore the building and learn about its history and architecture.

The sightseeing program ends with 5-minute concert showcasing 2 popular arias presented by singers of the Hungarian State Opera.

We highly recommend this amazing exhibition to learn about thousands of years of history in a unique but exciting way – through jewellery and ornaments.

The The Shine! – Time For Jewellery temporary exhibition presents a selection of the most extraordinary jewelry from the rich collection of the Hungarian National Museum.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey from 40,000-year-old prehistoric artifacts to the ornate creations of the Baroque era and contemporary jewelry, offering insights into the historical and cultural significance behind these pieces.

• The oldest items on display are the 40,000-year-old mammoth ivory pendants
• Discover the priceless treasure from the settlement of Kölked,
• Probably the most uncomfortable pieces are the iron age Celtic anklets, and the unique “Lover’s Eye” necklace.
• You can also learn about the tragic loss of the Sárázsád hoard and marvel at a ring made from a horseshoe nail.
• Explore the fascinating story of the Székesfehérvár bracelet, repurposed from a 12th-century royal tomb.
• The largest piece in the exhibition is the nearly half-kilogram, Late Bronze Age Gyermely-Szomori fibula pair, while the smallest is a axe-shaped Sarmatian pendant, common among the Jazyges who lived between 1 and 5 AD.

Address: Március 15. tér 2., tram 2

Sitting on the terrace of Kiosk on the Danube Promenade with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and admiring the beautiful panorama of Erzsébet bridge, the Gellért Hill and the Danube is a perfect way to relax.

The place also offers tasty meals:

• Goulash soup with csipetke,
• Chicken paprikash,
• Grilled sandwiches and
• A good value 2- or 3-course daily menu.

• Outdoor area: The bar has a spacious courtyard with plenty of seating, perfect for enjoying a drink and socializing with friends.
• Themed rooms: Instant-Fogas boasts multiple themed rooms, each with its own unique ambience and decor. From retro and vintage to modern and funky, there’s a room to suit every taste.
• Live music: The bar regularly hosts live music events, featuring local and international artists from a variety of genres.
• DJ sets: Instant-Fogas is also known for its DJ sets, which feature a mix of electronic, house, and techno music.
• Affordable prices: Despite its popularity, Instant is quite budget-friendly, making it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

Budapest celebrates Hungary’s 20th anniversary of Joining the EU with a multi-day fetsival called “Hello Europe”.

The 5-day majális/ May Day festival in Városháza Park in downtown is part of the festivities.

The park will turns into a hub of Majális merriment, ensuring great entertainment for the whole family. The program includes concerts, children programs, and of course al kinds of street food and drinks.

Venue:

• Városháza Park/City Hall Park, Budapest 1052, district V. (See on Map)

On May 10th and 11th, the toga-clad people of Rome will once again take over the former civilian city of Aquincum to bring Budapest’s Roman-era heritage within palpable reach.

This unique cultural event in Óbuda evokes ancient Roman tradition, a Spring Festival with varied programs for the whole family over the 2nd weeknd of May.

The venue of the event, the ruin garden of the Aquincum Museum & Archaeological Park, lends an authentic atmosphere to the event, which has now grown into a festival.

Floralia traditionally begins with a festive procession, in which delegated members of heritage preservation groups march through the ruin garden.

Venue:

• Szabadság Square, city centre, near the Parliament

A festival celebrating Hungary’s joining the EU 21 years ago.

Programs Include:

• A 21 km running race starting at 10.00
• Concerts and children programs between 11.00 – 17.30.