September in Budapest

Festivals and Programs in the First Month of Autumn

Picture this: the sun-kissed Danube River, a faint hint of autumn in the air, and the city of Budapest in all its glory.

September in Budapest is a magical time, where summer’s warmth mingles with the crispness of fall.

The summer holiday is over and the kids are back to school.

The weather is usually still very warm and sunny in September, with daily temperatures in the 20ies (Celsius). Light showers, rainy spells may occur so pack accordingly.

You can choose from many things to do in September in Budapest whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, a foodie, or a nightlife lover.

An ideal time for outdoor things Budapest in September.

The neo-Renaissance garden of Castle Bazaar in Budapest in September
The garden of Castle Bazaar in Buda is still lush green in September

Good To Know: The price of public transport single ticket has gone up to 450 HUF as of September 01. Pack of 10 single tickets cost 4000 HUF.

Exploring Budapest Outdoors – Quick TIPs

Early autumn is my favourite time of the year and I try to spend as many hours outdoors as possible. This the perfect time to hike in the Buda Hills or just stroll leisurely in the greener neighburhoods of the city.

#1 – Walk In Buda Castle

Start with the classics. Wander around Buda Castle, enjoy the stunning views of the city from up there, and visit the Fishermen’s Bastion for some Instagram-worthy pics.

TIP: Take a look at also our post about the top attractions in Buda Castle District!

#2 – Margaret Island

Rent a bike and pedal around Margaret Island/Margitsziget. It’s like a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Danube River, perfect for a picnic or just chilling by the fountain.

TIP: For an ever more fun try riding on the bringo the island’s charateristic 4-wheel bike.

#3 – City Park (Városliget)

Head over to City Park for a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a paddleboat, and say hi to the ducks. You can also visit Vajdahunyad Castle, a mock fortress reminiscent of Dracula’s fortress – it’s like a fairytale and houses the Musuem of Agriculture.

#5 – Climb Gellért Hill:

Hike up Gellért Hill, for the best experience, all the way up to the Liberty Statue. Trust me, it’s worth the climb, and it’s a bit less crowded than Buda Castle and offers an incredible view of the city

#6 – Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd):

Take a walk on Liberty Bridge – the green connection between the two city parts -, especially in the evening when it’s beautifully lit up. You might even catch some street performers.

#7 – Caving Under Budapest

For something unique, explore the underground caves below Budapest. It’s an adventure you won’t forget!

#8 – Outdoor Baths:

Don’t miss out on Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Széchenyi and Gellért are the most popular therefore most touristy ones. Both have outdoor pools where you can soak and relax. Széchenyi Bath is the largest and you can connect it with visiting the City Park.

TIP: Budapest also known for its Turkish Baths – try one of them for a more distinctive experience.

#9 – Wine Tasting

Hungary is known for its wines and September marks is the start of grape harvest. Consider a wine tour in the Etyek-Buda wine region, just a short drive from the city. Note: The tour includes trnasfer as well as lunch or dinner).

#10 – Hidden Gardens

Seek out Budapest’s secret gardens and less-known green neighbourhoods, like Orczy Garden or Semmelweis Garden. They’re tranquil escapes from the city buzz.

#11 – Bike along the Danube Promenade

Rent a bike and ride along the Danube Promenade, taking in the striking views of the Parliament building and Chain Bridge.

TIP: Guided Downtown Budapest Electric Bike Tour

Budapest Electric Bike Tour
Budapest Electric Bike Tour

Explore the heart of Budapest on our Guided Downtown Electric Bike Tour. Experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere as you ride through its streets on an electric bike, accompanied by an expert guide.

Chain Bridge Festival, September 16

The completely refurbished stone bridge is the No.1 symbol of Budapest, connecting the the two city parts for more than 150 years.

We celebrate the Chain Bridge and its peculiar lion statues with a festival on Sep 16, Saturday.

Programs between 10.00 and 18.00 include free children’s programs and a historical exhibition about the Chain Bridge, in addition to the Valyo’s – an NGO about building sustainable connection between the city, the Danube and the people – regular programs.

You can also visit the stand of the “My Budapest” application.

The festivities continue ith concerts starting at 19.30 concerts at Clark Ádám Square.

people walking on the Chain bridge on a festival

Dinner Cruise On The Danube – The Program You Didn’t Know You Needed!

A sightseeing boat tour is no doubt a must-do activity in Budapest, especially on a beautiful early autuman evening when the pleasant temperature ensure that you’ll have a wonderful time and you can enjoy a nice dinner while the setting sun bath the city in striking pastel colours.

On most ships there is an upper, open deck where the view is even more captivating in the cool September breeze.

We offer several Danube cruises with meal and drinks, most of them also have special programs like Hungarian Folk Dance Show or piano performance for a lovely evening.

TIP: Places to dinner cruises usually sell out rather quickly so make sure you secure your place!

hungarian folklore dance
Dinner Cruise With Hungarian Folk Dance

Evening Cruise with Folk Show and Hungarian Dinner

Cruise Starts: 19.00/22.00

Duration: 120 min/90 min – Price: From €55

Wine & Dine evening cruise
Cruise With Wine & Cheese/Hungarian Appetizer Plate

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

Cruise Starts: 19.00

Duration: 80 min. – Price: From €49

Two guys playing the piano and a young woman singing onboard the cruise ship at night
Cruise With Wine & Cheese/Hungarian Appetizer Plate

Cruise with 3 Course Dinner & Live Piano or Folk & Operetta  BEST VALUE!

Cruise Starts: 19.30

Duration: 180 min. – Price: From €65

Corvin Beer Festival, September 20 – 24

Location: Corvin Promenade, behind the Corvin Plaza, address: Bp, 1082. Corvin Sétány

Getting there: M3 (blue) metro, trams 4 & 6 – Corvin-negyed stop

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours:

  • 20. Sept/Wed: 16.00 – 24.00,
  • 21. Sept/Thurs: 12.00 – 24.00,
  • 22. Sept/Fri: 12.00 – 24.00,
  • 23. Sept/Sat: 12.00 – 24.00
  • 24. Sept/Sun: 12.00 – 23.00
the poster of the festival: a beer glass full of light beer placed on the tarmac

Kick off the weekend on the Beer Festival that welcomes everyone for 5 days behind the Corvin Shopping Plaza.

Sample the best IPAs, EPAs, APAs, exotic fruit beers, wheat beers and lagers.

Some of the brewers that will be present:

  • Pilsner Urquell
  • Pivovarve Kozel
  • Krak’n Town
  • Mort Subite
  • Etyeki Sörmanufaktúra
  • Sümegi Sörház
  • Fehér Nyúl Brewery
  • ERDINGER Weissbräu, Dab (beer), Bitburger Fan Force One
  • Yeast Side Sörfőzde
  • Pivovar Holba a.s. + Pivovar Černá Hora
  • Hedon
  • Hara’Punk Brewing, and more…

Grilled meats, snacks to go with the beers!

Day of Markets/Hello Piac, Erzsébet Sqr, September 23

Address, Getting There:

  • Erzsébet tér, district V.
  • M1, M2, M3 metros, Deák F. tér station

Opening Hours:

  • 11.00 – 19.00

Entry: FREE

If you love vintage style accessories, furniture, textiles head for Erzsébet tér that turns into a vast community market on Saturday, 23. September.

The main objective of the event is to promote high quality handcrafted products made by people with disabilities.

an open air market on Erzsébet Square Budapest on a cloudy day
Market In Erzsébet Square

You will surely find something exciting among the many items:

  • retro-style graphic prints,
  • fridge magnets,
  • jewelry,
  • vintage lamps,
  • handmade lace,
  • kitchen and garden accessories.

Sweet Days Chocolate Festival, Sept 22 -24, 2023

Venue, Getting There:

  • Szent István tér at the Basilica and Zrínyi utca
  • M1, M2, M3 metro Deák tér station,
  • Tram 2., Eötvös tér stop, then a few-minute walk

Admission:

  • Free entry. You pay for food and drinks.

The Sweet Days Chocolate Festival at the Basilica/Zrínyi Street is a must if you have sweet tooth.

The festival moved to a new location a couple of years ago from the Castle:

  • The square in front of the Basilica and
  • Zrínyi utca (the street leading to the riverbank).
Front photo of St. Stephen's Basilica and lots of festival visitors on the square in front of it
Sweet Days Festival At St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is the place to sample quality chocolates, cakes, donuts, pastries and a range other sweet treats. There will be music and workshops by chocolatiers and pastry chefs.

Besides chocolates and cakes you can indulge in street food, whiskey, pálinka, coffee,

If you pay attention to your diet or have intolerance to something choose from the raw and other healthy desserts.

Sip wines from Tokaj and other regions in the VinCE Borsarok.

The Sweet Days Festival is a fun gastronomy event right in the city centre so do drop by.

cakes, desserts behind a counter
Cakes, Macarons & Other Goodies

Concerts, Folk Dance Performances

Folk Dance Show In A Downtown Theatre

Enjoy a unique show demonstrating Hungary’s versatile folk and music traditions.

The 90-minute (2 x 45 minutes) program takes place at a cultural centre in the city centre:

  • The Aranytíz Cultural Centre in Arany János utca, at just a short walk from the Danube and the Basilica

Classical music, operetta, gypsy folk music, ballet make up the program of the evening

Hungarian folk dance performed by a group of men and women on a theatre stage
Dazzling Dance Show in A Downtown Theatre

Tickets

TIP: You can combine the above cultural programs with a river cruise starting at 22.00. Book as a package and SAVE some money!

  • Folklore performance with a night cruise on the Danube complete with dinner.
  • Organ concert with cruise and dinner

Concerts In Matthias Church

Fridays Starting at 19.00/7 pm

The Church of Our Lady in Buda Castle (better known as Matthias Church) gives home to wonderful classical music performances played by orchestras from around the world.

The repertoire includes classical pieces ranging from Gregorian, Baroque to spiritual music and contemporary church works.

Tickets To The Concert

Prices depend on seat category.

  • Category A tickets price (right behind the VIP seats): 40 EUR
  • Category B tickets price: 32 EUR
  • VIP tickets (at the best spot for the best experience): 48 EUR.

Free cancellation if something comes up and you aren’t able to attend the program.

An orchestra playing in front of the ornate main alatra of Matthias Church
Concert In Matthias Church

Organ Concerts In The Basilica

Address: Szt. István tér, district V., M3 (blue line) metro Arany János utca station

The grandest church of the city on Szt. István Square is an ideal venue for organ and other classical concerts.

It hosts 70-minute organ recitals every Thursday evening.

Concert Dates in September 2023: 

  • Sept 07, 14, 21 and 28
  • Duration: 70 minutes (no break)

Tickets

  • 25 – 38 EUR depending on seat category
An older, grey and balding male artist playing on an electronic organ in the main nave of St.Stephen Basilica, a young lady, with long blonde hair , possibly an artist as well stands next to the instrument.
Organ Recital In The Basilica

Good To Know:

The more than 110-year old organ was constructed when the Basilica was finished in 1905.

The lead musician is Miklós Teleki, one of the best organ player in Hungary.

The 70-minute concerts include works by

  • Bach,
  • Mozart,
  • Tommaso Albioni complete with
  • Arias and solo pieces.

Organ & Choir Concerts in the Church of St. Michael

Dates:

  • Every Saturday at 19.00 – 20.00

Address:

  • Váci utca 47/b, in Váci Street

Tickets:

  • 4 500 HUF/18 EUR, students, seniors: 4 000 HUF/16 EUR

Tickets can be bought on the spot before the concert.

This charming baroque church stands in the famous pedestrian shopping street of the city, Váci utca. The the professional ETUNAM Chamber Choir performs here on Saturday at 7 pm.

The program includes Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Mozart: Lacrymosa, Händel: Halleluja, etc.

Shopping TIPS

The Klauzal tér Markets' spacious iron structured interior
The Klauzal tér Markets’ spacious iron structured interior

Market at Klauzál Square

Address: Klauzál tér 6., district VII., trams 4 and 6., Király utca stop

Open: Mon-Sun: 07.00 – 22.00

To see where and how locals do their everyday shopping drop by the refurbished Klauzál Square Market in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter.

The market opened at the end of the 19. century roughly at the same time as the famous Great Market at Fővám tér.

It was one of the 5 covered and modern food markets of Budapest at the time.

It’s less crowded than the Great Market, perhaps not as huge but still a beautiful, airy place where you can shop for local goods and some lángos, the Hungarian street food (try Marika néni Lángos sütője on the gallery).

On the ground floor you’ll find a PrímaPék Cafe & Bakery, a pretty good place for a leisurely pastry + coffee breakfast.

There’s a

  • Boci dairy shop,
  • a butcher selling quality Hungarian sausages, salamis and other pork delicacies.

TIP: Visit also some great Farmers’ Markets in Budapest!

Museum Exhibitions – in September in Budapest

This month offers a range of great exhibits for both grown ups and kids.

Rembrandt and His Pupils, 20. Sept, 2019 – 05. Jan, 2020, Fine Arts Museum

Address: Dózsa György út 41., 1146 Bp, next to Heroes’ Sqr.

Getting there: M1 underground (yellow line), Hősök tere stop

Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 10.00 – 17.40, closed on Mondays

Tickets: 3 400 HUF

The exhibition marks the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s death.

The works on display – around 40 drawings and etchings – come from the museum’s collections of Prints and Drawings and Old Master Paintings.

TIP: Parisi Courtyard – Historic Sight & Luxury Hotel

the ornate, glass-roofed passage of the hotel/courtyard
The ornate passage of the Parisi Courtyard Hotel

Location: Ferenciek tere, district V. downtown, M3 metro (blue line)

The magnificent Parisi Courtyard’s (Párisi Udvar) restoration works have been finished this year to give home Hungary’s first Hyatt Hotel.

The 110-room luxury establishment joined the Unbound Collresturant ection of the international hotel chain.

The historic building functioned as a shopping centre in the early 20. century.

It boasts an amazing glass arcade with a hexagonal dome that have been restored to its original look.

A blend of several architectural styles – Art Deco, Moorish, Venetian – result in a unique sight worth exploring while in Budapest!

The beautiful passge – as well as the hotel’s cafe and restaurant – are open not just for the guests of the hotel but for walk-in visitors, so do include Párisi Udvar in your must-see list!

Past Events – September In Budapest

Beer Festival in Liberty Square, 29. Aug – 03. Sept, 2023

Location: Szabadság tér/Liberty Sqr.

Entry:

  • Free, but you need to buy a festival glass to taste beers (2 799 HUF) and you pay for the beers, other drinks and food

September kicks off with a 6-day beer festival on Liberty Square right in the heart of the city.

So if you want to have a terrific time at a central location with quality beers and food then do drop by this event.

Entry:

  • FREE – to taste beers you have to buy your beer glass for 2 790 HUF

Opening Hours:

  • Tuesday – Wednesday: 11.30 – 00.00
  • Thursday- Saturday: 11.30 – 02.00 am
  • Sunday: 11.30 – 00.00

What Can You Do At The Festival?

  • Sample from beers by 250 Hungarian breweries
  • Taste the best of local food: Hungarian specialties like lángos and stuffed cabbage as well as quality street food
  • Enjoy concerts, mainly by local bands await visitors during the first week of September at Szabadság tér.

The best breweries in the country all in one place for 6 days!

beer festival downtown budapest02
Beer Festival at Szabadság Tér
a red food truck at the Beer festival in Liberty Square
Kolbice Food Truck: A Local Street Food Specialty

Opening Hours:

  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM

Wine Festival In Buda Castle, Sept 07 – 10, 2023

Location:

  • Buda Castle & Its Terraces

Entry:

  • Daily tickets: between 5 500 – 6 400 HUF (depending on the day)
  • Included is a crystal tasting glass
  • Can be bought online at the organiser’s webiste or at the venue.
bird's eye view of the western side of Buda castle during the wine festival
Buda Castle’s Terraces & Courtyards Give Home To The Wine Fest

Guest Nation: Souh American Wine Producers

Splendid wines, tasty food, gorgeous venue – an excellent combination for a trully amazing program in Budapest on the second weekend of the month.

Besides top quality local and international wines the 4-day event brings Buda Castle the best champagnes, cavas and crémants. Wine and champagne are best enjoyed with delicious food, and rest assured that you can indulge in it on the festival.

You can also sip the fantastic wines by wine makers of South America.

6 bottles of Tokaji aszu wine at a booth at the Budapest wine festival
Tokaji Aszú – the famous dessert wine of Hungary

Gourmet & Street Food At The Wine Fest

Look for the Chef Market Gourmet Food Court where you can meet and taste the creations of Hungary’s top restaurant chefs as well as feast on quality street food by Zing Burger or Pizza me.

TIP: Find out more about the programs of the 2023 Wine Festival in Buda Castle!

bread pizza with cheese and sour cream topping place on a stone wall in Buda castle

Related

Budapest in JuneAugust Things to Do23. October National HolidayHalloween Programs BudapestNovember ProgramsOur Facebook Page