Date: May 19 – 20, 2024
Location: Various Venues In Budapest
Pentecost is a two-day public holiday in Hungary: Sunday, May 19. and Monday May 20. in 2024.
It is a Christian holiday held on the 50th day after Easter. Many traditions and folk customs relate to the day that are kept alive on Pentecost festivals.
Although shops, markets, banks etc. will be closed, a couple of exciting festivals and programs await visitors in Budapest over the weekend.
Table of Contents – Pentecost In Budapest
- 🍺 Grand Beer Garden Margaret Island, May 17 – 19
- 🍻 Salvator Beer Festival Buda Castle, May 17 – 19
- 🚢🍹 Cruises on the Danube – All Pentecost Weekend
- 🎸☕ Pop-Up Park in City Centre, Opening Weekend, May 17 – 19
- 🍓 Market on Római Part (Romai Lido on the Danube Bank)
- 👜 Gozsdu Weekend Market, May 17 – 20
- 💃 Folk Show with Dinner on A River Tour
- 🏛 Museum Opening Hours
- 🏊♀️ Bath Opening Hours
- 🚋 Public Transport During Pentecost
🍺 Grand Beer Garden On Margaret Island
Spend the Pentecost weekend evenings on Margaret Island!
A pint of beer, some matching street food, and the company of friends?
The Grand Beer Garden festival is waiting for you with exactly this experience again this year.
Live music party and the foamy drinks of renowned breweries will fill this green oasis in the heart of Budapest.
Breweries That Will Be Present:
- Erdinger
- Fóti Kézműves Sörfőzde
- Szent András Sörfőzde and you can also taste the premium drinks of renowned
- Czech breweries.
In addition to the cold refreshments, you can nibble on beer snacks and street food delicacies to accompany them.
Location & Address:
- Ensana Grand Margitsziget terrace
- Address: Budapest, Zielinski Szilárd stny., 1007 (View on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Friday, May 17: 16.00 – 22.00
- Saturday, May 18: 12.00 – 22.00
- Sunday, May 18: 12.00 – 22.00
- Monday, May 19: 12.00 – 20.00
Live Music:
- Friday, Saurday & Sunday between 17.00 – 21.00
- Monday: 13.00 – 17.00
Entry: FREE
🍻 Salvator Beer Fest, Savoyai Terrace, Buda Castle, May 17 – 19
Enjoy pefect Oktoberfest atmosphere in late spring on the first Salvator Beer Festival on Savoyai Terasz in Buda Castle
The terraced bar in front of the National Gallery offers a premium spot to admire the picturesque panorama with a mug of chilled Bavarian brew in your hand.
Concerts and folk dance performances in the afternoons provide additional entertainment every day on the Pentecost weekend.
Program Schedule:
Friday, May 17, 2024
- 15:00 – 18:00: Heimatklang band
- 18:00 – 22:00: RETRO party in the castle by DJ Dominique
Saturday, May 18, 2024
- 14:00 – 14:20: Alpenrose Tanzgruppe Budakalász German dance group
- 14:30 – 15:00: Rozmaring German national choir
- 15:00 – 15:20: Alpenrose Tanzgruppe Budakalász German dance group
- 16:00 – 21:00: SWAB concert and madness…
Sunday, May 19, 2024
- 14:00: Greeting by Imre Ritter / Member of Parliament for Germans in Hungary
- 14:20: Beer blessing celebrated by Pater Klaus Wilhelm
- 14:40: Beer song and harmonica performed by the Pest-Buda Choir
- 15:00: Budaörs Wind Orchestra / movie soundtracks and hits
- 16:00: Sankt Martin German National Dance Group
- 16:30: German National Dance House
- 17:00 – 22:00: Musical dance evening with the Lohr Kapelle band
Take A Cruise On the Danube – The Best Way To See Some of the Top Sights of the City
River tours – available with meal and/or drinks – are a great and relaxing way to see the beautiful cityscape during the day, in the evening or at night.
Advanced booking is highly recommended because places tend to sell out quickly during major holidays like Pentecost. You can cancel anytime free of charge!
Happy Hour – 60 minute Cruise
🍸1 cocktail of your choice
Departures: 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:30 / 18:00 / 19:30 / 21:00
Duration: 60 min.
Price: From €19
Tokaji/Prosecco Cruise
- Tokaji Cruise – 1 glass of Tokaji Aszu
- Cocktail / Beer Cruise – 2 cockatils or 3 beers
- Unlimited Prosecco / Open Bar
Departures: 19:00
Duration: 120 min.
Price: From €29
Sunset Cocktail Cruise
🍹🍸🍹3 cocktails of your choice
Departures: 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:00 / 22:00
Duration: 80 min.
Price: From €34.9
TIP: For more river tour options browse our Danube Cruise in Budapest page, or see a list of the best-value dinner cruises (according to our honest opinion)
Pop-Up Park Opening Weekend, Városháza Park, May 17 -19
Parking Lot Transformed into a Vibrant Community Space
The city’s newest community hub, the City Hall Pop-up Park, opens on Friday, May 17 and welcomes visitors with concerts, food and drinks throughout the weeknd till Whit Sunday.
The recently transformed courtyard, formerly a parking lot, now boasts
- Street food bar,
- A series of seasonal and themed events, workshops,
- Concerts, and a
- Joint cheering section for the upcoming European Football Championship.
The opening weekend’s program features a diverse array of activities, including a dance performance, stand-up comedy, a literary program, and a workshop.
On Saturday, May 18, a grand party will be held in honor of DJ Palotai.
The park is right in the city centre, next to Erzsébet Square, so you won’t trouble finding it.
Location:
- Városháza park/City Hall park, Károly krt., Budapest 1052 (See on Map)
Detailed Program on the Opening Weekend:
Friday, May 17
- 17:00 – Gate opening
- 17:00 – 17 – Opening speech by Mayor Gergely Karácsony
- 18:00 PM – 19:00 – Pure Lust DJ set
- 19:00 PM – 19:30 – Willany Leó Improvisation Dance Theater performance
- 19:30 PM – 20:30 – Pure Lust DJ set
- 20:30 PM – 21:00 – Budapest stand-up comedy
- 21:00 PM – 22:00 – Pure Lust DJ set
Saturday, May 18
- 11:00 – 12:30 – “Reading is Allowed!” Literary program
- 13:30 – 14:30 – “City Walk” in the renovated park, exploring interesting facts about the City Hall and its surroundings
- 15:30 PM – 17:00 – “Let’s Develop the Park Together!” Workshop with Újirány
- 18:00 PM – 22:00 – DJ Palotai Memorial Night
Sunday, May 19
- 11:00 AM – 20:00 – Community sandpit fun in the city’s newest giant sandbox
- 14:00 – 15:00 – “City Walk” in the renovated park, exploring interesting facts about the City Hall and its surroundings
🍓🥦 Pentecost Market on Római Part, Saturday, May 18 2024
Location:
- Nánási út 47-49., Budapest, 1031, district III.
Getting There:
It will take cc. 50 minutes to get to Római Part/Roman Beach by public transport. It’s much quicker by bike, only 35 minutes and you will definitely enjoy the ride along the scenic Danube river.
If you still prefer to use public transport the best option is to take suburban railway H5 (HÉV) from Margaret Bridge Buda end, get off at Aquincum stop. Then look for the stop for bus No. 106. Get off at the 5th stop at Nánási út.
Here are the directions on map.
Opening Hours:
- 08.00 – 14.00
For an off-the-beaten-path, memorable experience visit the Róma-parti Piac farmers’ market right on the bank of the Danube in Óbuda district, held on Saturdays.
From the vendors stationed along the lovely promenade you can buy
- fresh fruits, veggies,
- bread and pastries,
- cheese and sausages from local, small producers.
This time the organizers welcome families with exciting kids’ programs to celebrate International Children’s Day.
Kids can have fun in the Village PLayhouse, participate in a Mushroom Hunting Adventure
You can grab some really tasty, authentic local food too.
- Dumpling soup Nyírség style,
- Lángos – round dough deep-fried then topped with sour cream and cheese, and
- Nutella-banana pancakes (OK this isn’t really typical Hungarian food, but who doesn’t love pancakes!
🛍 Weekend Market in Gozsdu Court, May 17-19
If you’re looking for a charming and authentic neighbourhood market experience stop by Gozsdu Udvar, a series of connected courtyards in Budapest’s hottest party district.
It’s a great palce for finding
- Antiques and vintage treasures
- Local art and crafts by Hungarian artisans
- Jewelry with unique designs
What To Expect Beyond Shopping?
- Street food vendors offering delicious Hungarian and international treats.
- Live music performances by local musicians, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- A great place to people-watch and soak up the city’svibes.
All in all, the 4-day long market is a nice program for Pentecost. Entry is FREE.
Location:
- Gozsdu Courtyard, District VII, Király utca 13. – Dob utca 16. (See on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Friday – Monday: 10.00 – 17.00
💃 Folk Dance, Concerts, Cultural Programs
Hungarian Folk Dance
Indulge in a 20-minute folk dance performance on a river tour.
Besides admiring the city scape from the Danube – and savoring a delicious dinner or refreshing drink – you get to experience a spectacular journey into Hungarian folklore.
The show will captivate you with traditional music, mesmerizing dances, and vibrant costumes.
Highlights:
- Witness the fascinating performances of a dynamic folk duo, as they showcase their talent in authentic traditional clothing.
- Enjoy awe-inspiring dances that have been passed down through generations, dating back hundreds of years.
- 1.5 hour/2-hour Danube excursion with dinner (local gastronomy or international dishes in buffet style) or 3 drinks of your choice
- Take amazing photos at sunset or night when the city’s attractions rae illuminated gainst the dark sky
👉 Dazzling Folk Dance Show on a Danube Cruise At Pentecost Weekend:
Museums/Exhibitions on the Pentecost Weekend
Some museums will be open on Pentecost Monday – Budapest museums are usually closed on Mondays – others will be closed.
Note: Please visit the website of individual museums for up-to-date information.
Divas & Icons Exhibition in the House of Hungarian Music Opens on May 18, 2024
The highly successful traveling exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Divas & Icons, is moving into the temporary exhibition space of the House of Hungarian Music.
The exhibit kicks off on May 18, Friday so it will be a great program for the Pentecost holiday weekend.
Alongside global stars like
- Rihanna,
- Whitney Houston,
- Edith Piaf, and
- Billie Eilish, the international exhibition will also showcase the lives of Hungarian music legends, including Blaha Lujza, Cserháti Zsuzsa, and Péterfy Bori.
The exhibition, which will be open throughout the Pentecost weekend, will feature original costumes and performance attire, while also shedding light on how women assert themselves in the male-dominated world of music and film.
Venue & Address:
- House of Hungarian Music, Budapest, Olof Palme stny. 3, 1146 (View on Map)
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday till September 15, 2024, 10.00 – 18.00
- The exhibit
Tickets:
- Weekdays – Full Price: 5 200 HUF,
- Weekends – Full price: 5 900 HUF
Highlights:
- Features global and Hungarian music icons
- Displays original costumes and performance attire
- Explores the role of women in the music industry
Overall, the Divas & Icons exhibition promises to be a fascinating and entertaining look at the lives and careers of some of the most influential women in music history.
Van Gogh Budapest Exhibition – Open During Pentecost
Budapest hosts the globally acclaimed Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience, a 360-degree multimedia art installation.
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.
Hungarian National Gallery (Buda Castle)
Address: Szent György tér 2., district I. inside the Royal Palace
The National Gallery in Buda’s Royal Palace will be open between 10.00 – 18.00. on the following days:
- May 17, Friday
- May 18, Saturday,
- May 19, Whit Sunday
- May 20, Whit Monday
- Closed on May 21, Tuesday!
Hungarian National Museum
Address: Múzeum krt. 14-16., district VIII.
The museum will be open on Pentecost Sunday, May 19 between 10.00 – 18.00, but remains closed on May 20, Monday.
It has an extensive exhibit on the history of Hungary. The most precious treasure you cna view is the coronation mantel of King St. Stephen.
House of Terror
Address: Andrássy út 60., district VI.
Getting there: Millenium Underground, get off at Vörösmarty utca or trams 4, 6, Oktogon stop, a short walk from there
General opening hours:
- Tue – Sun: 10.00 – 18.00, cashier closes at 17.30
- Will be closed on May 20, Pentecost Monday
Note: The Great Synagogue in Dohány Str. and the Jewish museum will be closed.
Bath Opening Hours
The Gellért and Széchenyi Baths will be open as usual on both days of the holiday (with weekend pricing):
- Gellért Spa: 09.00 – 19.00, saunas & steam cabins: 10.00 – 18.00 (cashier closes at 18.00), the open air pool is open.
- Széchenyi Bath Complex: 08.00 – 20.00, open air pools are open, saunas & steam cabins: 10.00 – 19.30.
- Cashier closes 1 hour before the closing time in all baths.
Some of the seasonal outdoor pools – like the Palatinus on Margaret Island – are also welcome visitors over the Pentecost weekend.
Veli Bej Turkish Bath:
The Veli Bej Bath will be closed on Whit Sunday/Pentecost, May 19 and Whit Monday, May 20.
The bath will be open on Saturday, May 18 according to weekend operating hours:
- 06.00 -12.00
- 15.00 – 21.00
Normal Opening Hours of the Veli Bej:
- Monday – Friday: 15.00 – 21.00
- Saurday – Sunday & Holidays: 06.00 – 12.00, 15.00 – 21.00
Rudas Bath – Rooftop Jacuzzi
The Széchenyi and Gellért Baths tend to be a bit crowded on special occasions like Pentecost so we recommend instead to try the Rudas Bath also near the Gellért Hill.
This more than 450-yrs old historic spa has an
- Amazing rooftop panorama jacuzzi besides the
- Hot Turkish pool, and offers a
- Range of various massages.
Check out the couple’s massages for a romantic experience!
Take your loved one to the Rudas Thermal Bath, a 450-year-old historic spa complex and treat her/him to a memorable evening!
Enjoy the
- Healing warm waters: 42-degree pool, an
- 11-degree plunge pool,Sauna zone, and a
- Pool on the sky terrace with panoramic views of Budapest.
- Later, relish a 3-course meal at the bistro.
- Choose wine or champagne to accompany your meal.
Dine With A View Of The Danube River And The City!
A unique wellness experience in Budapest.
Public Transport on the Pentecost Weekend
On May 18/Saturday metro, tram bus and other public transportation will run according to Saturday schedule on May 19 and 20 (Whitsun and Whit Monday) according to Sunday-holiday schedule.
- The M2 and M4 metro lines will operate till 01.00 am on Friday, Saturday and Monday.
- M3 (blue) line: on Saturday/08. June replacement buses will operate along the whole line. On Sunday and Monday M3 metro will run between Kőbánya-Kispest termini and Lehel tér all day. Between Lehel tér and Újpest termini replacement buses will carry passengers every day.
Opening Hours of Shops, Markets
Grocery stores, shops, food markets (the Great Market Hall) will be CLOSED on 20 – 21. May.
Most restaurants, cafes, bars will be open though over the weekend.
Related:
May Day Things To Do – Programs in Budapest in June – Summer Festival – Top Summer Activities
