Things To Do in Budapest November

Programs in the Last Month of Autumn

November, with its crisp air and vibrant autumnal hues, adds an extra layer of magic to the city’s already alluring ambiance.

As the Danube River flows gracefully between the Buda and Pest sides, Budapest in November offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending history, culture, and culinary delights.

From exploring architectural wonders to indulging in traditional thermal baths Budapest offers something to all interests.

Budapest celebrates its 150th birthday with a wide range of programs in November. See details below.

a woman with long blonde hair reading on a bench on the Danube Promenade
Danube Promenade In November

Table of Contents

Weather In November

In November, Budapest experiences the transition from autumn to winter, with temperatures gradually dropping.

The average temperature hovers around 6 to 9 degrees Celsius, making it essential to pack warm clothing.

While occasional rainfall is common, the city often enjoys clear, crisp days that are perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and admiring the stunning fall foliage before winter sets in.

panoramic view of Budapest in late fall with the foliage turned red and orange, the Chain bridge, Buda castle and the Parlia,ent in the distance can be seen on the photo
Budapest in Late Autumn

TIP: For rainy days we recommend a visit to one of the thermal baths, going on a cruise on the Danube, and a classical music concert for the evening. The many museums also offer great shelter and cultural entertainment in nasty weather.

For First Time Visitors: All In One Walking Tour With Strudel & Coffee

Get a crash course in all the essentil sights and history of Budapest on small-group tour lead by a local guide!

Visit Heroes’ Square and City Park, walk along Andrássy Avenue. wander around the charming cobbled stone streets of Buda Castle, and relax with a delicious local pastry, strudel with a cup of hot drink.

Heroes Square Budapest
Heroes’ Square
The Basilica and Zrinyi street on a summer day
The Basilica and Zrinyi street on a summer day
Budapest City Park
Budapest City Park
lots of tourists strolling around at Fishermen's Bastion on a summer day
Fishermen’s Bastion
The Parliament photographed form a cruise boat on a summe afternoon
Parliament building
3 pieces of strudel with cottage cheese, apple and sour cherry filling, a cup of espresso to the left of the plate
Strudels

Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Strudel Stop

Explore the best of Budapest on this fun walking tour! Your friendly local guide will take you to some of the city’s top highlights, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Heroes’ Square, the City Park, the historic Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Take a break with two traditional Hungarian pastries and a warm drink.

Duration: 3 hours 30 min.

Price: €68

All Saints Day , November 01 – Public Holiday

November 01, Wednesday is All Saints Day and a public holiday in Hungary. Shops, services will be closed. Most restaurants, cafes and bars will be open though.

Museums in Budapest will also be open.

Public transport services run according to holiday schedule, which means sligtly less frequency. Thermal baths are open according to holiday hours and weekend ticket prices.

If the weather allows you can admire autumn colours in the parks, and gardens.

FÉNYDÓM/Light Art in Biodome(Budapest Zoo), Nov 06 – Dec 08, 2024

After the success of the March edition, FÉNYDÓM is back, bigger and brighter than ever.

Budapest Zoo’s Biodóm will be transformed into an otherworldly realm between November 6th and December 8th, 2024, filled with spectacular works of art by both Hungarian and international artists.

From tiny microbes to the vast universe, nature is the star of the show this time.

Explore interactive installations and appreciate the beauty and fragility of our planet.

Another fitting indoor program for “bad weather days“.

light installations in Biodome in purple, green and pink colour

Location, Address:

Opening Hours:

  • Every day: 16.30 – 21.30 (between Nov 08 – Dec 06 2024)

Tickets:

  • Full price: 6 900 HUf
  • Students, seniors: 5 500 HUF
  • Children under 14 years of age: 3 500 HUF

Can be bought online or at on-site at the ticket office at the Biodome’s entrance. With your ticket you can visit the exhibition at any time between November 6th and December 8th.

St. Martin’s Day, November 11, 2024

You can choose from many things to do in Budapest in November. One of the most important days this month is St. Martin’s Day on the 11th when we celebrate the new wine and everything goose.

A couple of festivals, gastronomy programs take place on this day.

Most restaurants prepare with special goose menu for St. Martin’s Day and often for the week preceeding it.

Christmas Is Around The Corner …

The three most popular Christmas Markets of the city start in mid-November:

  • The oldest and most famous one is at Vörösmarty Square, located downtown begins on November 15, 2024 (see more details below).

Other Christmas Markets and Advent Festivals begin around the last weekend of November/start of December.

You can find them:

  • in Erzsébet Square,
  • behind Corvin Plaza
  • On the Roof Terrace of the WestEnd Shopping Centre
  • At the Castle Bazaar & Garden in Buda,
  • In Óbuda/distr. III.
a tall Christmas tree with red and wgite ornaments standing in Vörösmarty Square
Christmas Tree In Vörösmarty Square

Christmas Fair At Vörösmarty Square, November 15 2024 – January 01 2025

Venue:

  • Vörösmarty tér, district V.
  • M1, M2, M3 metro lines, tram 2 Vigadó tér stop (a couple of minutes walk form there)

The official Christmas Fair of Budapest launches in on November 15, Friday.

The holiday fair offers a wide range of

  • Cultural programs (around 200 concerts in various genres from folk to jazz, children activities, craft workshops) on the central stage and
  • A taste of Hungary’s culinary delights (goulash, stuffed cabbage, roasted and grilled meats, cheeses, Sekler cake, strudels, artisan chocolates, gingerbread, beigli).
the Christmas tree in the centre of Vörösmarty Square lighted up at night
Christmas Market In Vörösmraty Sqr.

You can browse among hand-crafted products offered in around 120 stalls, a great opportunity to get unique, quality Christmas presents for your loved ones.

You can also learn about Hungarian folk traditions and craft from wood carving, blue dyeing, to pottery and leather crafting.

👉 Learn more details about the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square.

⛸ Opening Day – Winter Park & Christmas Market At City Hall Park, Nov 15, 2024

The Winter Park & Christmas Market in Városháza Park/City Hall Park in downton Budapest kicks off the holiday season on November 15, Friday.

Last year’s special ice rink with its winding corridor was a huge success, so it’s returning this winter! What’s more, if you download the ÉnBudapestem app, you can enjoy a 15% discount on ice skating!

On the opening day, the ice rink will be open from between 18.00 – 21.00.

At the nearby Deák Ferenc Square Christmas Market you can hunt for handmade gifts and refresh with hot drinks and food.

skaters on the ice rink at City Hall park, late fall foliage of trees in the foreground of the photo
Ice Rink – Winter Park/ City Hall Park

Location:

TIP: Budapest has some other Christmas Markets that you might want to check out. The Advent Fair and Festival in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica starts on November 15 2024 and lasts till January 1, 2025.

🍷 Wine Tasting in The City Centre

November is the time for tasting the new wine of the year so here’s a very good program highly recommended for wine lovers.

small group clinking glasses on a wine tasting

Essentials of Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest

Taste and learn about Hungarian wines on this fun 2-hour evening tasting in Budapest! Guided by a wine expert, you’ll explore the chracteristic flavors of the region while sampling eight different wines at a cozy local wine shop. Enjoy delicious pairings of artisanal bread, local cheeses, and charcuteries.

Duration: 120 min.

Price: €60.5

GREEN MARKET, Klauzál Square Market Hall, Nov 17, 2024

Discover a World of Sustainable Treasures at GREEN MARKET!

Visit the Klauzál Square Market Hall – a cool neighboorhod grocery and food market in district VII – on November 17th for a a one-of-a kind shopping experience.

What to Expect:

  • Vintage finds: browse among unique vintage clothing and accessories – find your dream earing or a cool vintage dress.
  • Handmade treasures: Shop from talented Hungarian designers and artisans.
  • Eco-friendly products: learn about sustainable and zero-waste options.
  • Sample tasty local produce and food

It’s a family-friendly event so feel free to bring your kids or pets.

people browsing among the vintage and designer products at the Green Market in Klauzal Square Market hall
Green Market, Klauzál Sqr. Market Hall

Enjoy a fun couple of hours to a relly experience the atmosphere of a hip city market with all the hustle and bustle, flavours and scents.

Admission is free!

Location, Address:

  • Klauzál téri Vásárcsarnok/Klauzál Square Market Hall: Akácfa u. 42-48, 1072 (See on Google Maps)

Opening Hours:

  • November 17, Sunday: 10.00 – 15.00

Ice Rink In City Park – Opening Weekend, Nov 15 – 17

Address:

  • Ice Rink in City park (Városligeti Műjégpálya) Olof Palme stny. 5, Bp 1146 (On Google Maps)

Opening Hours:

  • Friday, Nov 15: 17.00 – 21.00
  • Saturday, Nov 16: 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 21.00
  • Sunday, Nov 17: 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 20.00

Tickets:

Peak time tickets are valid all through the opening weekend

  • Full price: 4 000 HUF
  • Students/seniours: 3 000 HUF

⛸ 🥌Freeze Fesival – Ice Rink In City Park, Nov 28-30, 2024

Enjoy ice skating day and night, try out new sports, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or tea at the 3-day Freeze Festival on the ice Rink in Városliget.

The bulding of the Ice Rink will be bathed in colourful light art show.

Some of the Cool Activities You Can Try:

  • Curling
  • Darts on Ice
  • Ice Hockey
  • Table Tennis on Ice
  • Ice Board Blade
  • Night Skating and Ice Disco

There will be also figure skating performance.

Top Hungarian DJs provide live music to move to.

people skating on the ice rink in City park at night
Ice Rink City Park

Food trucks and vendors will be on-site to offer an assortment of street food should you get hungry during all the winter activity.

Tickets:

  • Between 2 900 – 5 490 HUF

Address:

  • Ice Rink in City park (Városligeti Műjégpálya) Olof Palme stny. 5, Bp 1146 (On Google Maps)

☠ A Thrilling Program For Rainy Days

Are you ready to face your fears at Budapest’s horror theater, “The Nightmare.”? Step into a world of dark chambers and twisting labyrinths, where skilled actors in full costume deliver spine-chilling, multi-sensory thrills.

With small group sizes limited to just six people, you’ll experience an intense and personal journey through the horrors that await.

Book in advance to secure your spot, and brace yourself for an fright-filled adventure! Ideal program for a cold, wet day in November!

scary face

Nightmare in Budapest Interactive Horror Experience

Dare to enter Budapest’s one-of-a-kind horror theater, “The Nightmare,” where you’ll navigate eerie chambers and labyrinths.

Inside, performers will deliver you a truly terrifying experience..

Duration: 30 min.

Price19,5/person (from 2 person)

🎵 Concerts, Classical Music in November

The charming churches of the city offer a refugee from the unpleasant late autumn weather.

Combine visiting them with attending a lovely classical music performance. See our top recommendations below!

Organ Concerts in St. Stephen’s Basilica

Venue:

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • M3 metro (blue line), Arany János utca stop

Dates:

  • November: 07. 14. 16. 21. and 28.
  • Dates in December: 05. 12. 19. 26.

Tickets:

  • 25 – 38 EUR depending on seat category

Enjoy an enchanting organ concert in the Basilica of Budapest.

The neoclassical church has outstanding acoustics providing an ideal venue for classical music concerts.

A flute performance is included in the program ensuring a memorable evening in Budapest.

👉 Learn more about the organ concerts in the Basilica.

the interior of St. Stephen's Basilica - the main nave during a concert
Concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stepehen's Basilica from the direction of Zrínyi Street on a clear October day
The Largest Church Of Budapest On A Gorgeous Autumn Day

Organ & Choir in St. Michael Church

Address:

  • Váci utca 47/B., (Belvárosi Szent Mihály Templom)

Dates in November (Wednesdays and Saturdays):

  • November 06, 09, 13, 16, 20, 23 and 30

Tickets:

  • full price: 18 EUR, student: 16 EUR (can be bought in the church on Tuesdays , Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00)

This lovely church tucked away in the busy Váci Street hosts organ and choir performances by the Danube String Orchetra on

  • Wednesday and
  • Saturday evenings strating at 19.00.

Program Includes:

  • Vivaldi: Four Seasons
  • Mozart: Requim,
  • Organ concert featuring:
  • J.S. Bach – Toccata, Air, G. F. Handel – Oratorio Messiah, Rejoice, T. Albinoni – Sonata di Chiesa, G. F. Handel – Xerxes, Largo, A. Vivaldi – The Four Seasons, Largo from winter, Ch. Gounod – Ave Maria and more

Classical Music Evenings in Matthias Church

Dates (Mondays and Fridays):

  • November 01, 04, 08, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29

Address:

  • Szentháromság tér 2., Buda Castle, district I.

Tickets: 34 EUR/prs

The Zsolnay-tiled famous church in the castle regulary gives home to concerts.

In the Music Evenings program features classics like:

  • J. Pachebel – Canon
  • A. Vivaldi – The four seasons, Winter (2nd movement), Gloria (Domine Deus)
  • J.S. Bach – Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 (1st movement)
  • G.F. Haendel – Water Music. HWV. 348. in F. major
  • T. Albinoni – Adagio
  • W.A. Mozart – Church Sonata in D major no. 4 KV 144
  • Saint-Saens – The Swan
  • C. Frank – Panis Angelicus
  • J.S. Bach – Air
  • J. Massenet – Thais Meditation
  • W.A. Mozart – A Little Night Music, Alleluja from Exsultate, Jubilate

The 70-minute program features works by famous composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, Albinoni, Mozart, Sibelius, Bizet etc.

➡️ Check Concert Dates & Booking:

Grand Organ

Organ Concerts Basilica

Every Thursday

 Price: From €38

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Powered by GetYourGuide

Sightseeing in November

Despite the colder temperatures and less daylight hours you have plenty of options to see the top attraction of Budapest.

What’s more we can get beautiful, sunny days even in November that are ideal for explorations on foot.

TIP: Boat Excursions On The Danube

The best and most convenient way to admire the World Heritage-listed vista of the two riversides is a boat trip on the Danube.

The Danube sigthseeing programs are available

  • During the day – November is ideal for an early afternoon tour starting at 16.00 or
  • You can go in the evening (at 19.00 or 19.30) while the
  • Nnight tour departs at 22.00.

Plan ahead and choose one that best suits your schedule and most importantly the weather in November.

Some days are really nice with plenty of sunshine, but on most days it’s  cold, rainy, foggy and windy not too mention the shorter days.

The Royla Palace of Buda castle at the blue hour
Royal Palace In Buda Castle

You can have good quality four-course buffet meal at the Evening and Night Cruises.

The air-conditioned/heated boat will take you on a 1.5 or 2 hour tour during which you’ll the most famous monuments of our city

  • The Parliament,
  • Buda Castle with the Royal Palace,
  • Gellért Hill with the Citadel perched on its top,
  • The Chain Bridge (Széchennyi Lánchíd) and
  • Other bridges (Margaret, Elizabeth, Liberty, Petőfi Rákóczi).

Jewish Walk Tours – History & Culture

Explore Budapest’s rich Jewish Heritage on a guided tour.

Discover the main synagogues and other monuments, sights in the historic Jewish Quarter on a 2 or 3 hour guided walk tour.

Dates in November:

  • English-language tours: every Friday, Sunday at 10.00.
the two towered Great synagogue in Dohany Street on a sunny autumn afternoon
synagogue tour

Jewish Heritage Guided Tour with Synagouge visit

Explore Budapest’s rich Jewish history and heritage on a captivating walking tour include the Dohany Street Synagogue

Tour starts: 10:00 / Duration: 120/240 min.

Price From €49

Castle Hill

The Castle District with the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion is a must-see sight for everyone visiting Budapest.

The district has a range of good restaurants, and cafes.

TIP: Do visit the Bell & Lookout Tower of Matthias Church to enjoy the fantastic view. The tower can be visited between 10.00-17.00 every day, hourly.

197 steps lead up to the lower lookout terrace that is at 47 m height.

Tickets:

  • Full price: 2 900 HUF,
  • Students/retirees: 2 400 HUF.

A Walk on Margaret Island & Lumina Park

Despite late autumn, you can catch great sunny days in Budapest in November that are ideal for a walk in the green parts of the city.

Margaret Island (Margitsziget) is the local’s number one spot for long walks and jogging.

The Water Tower hosts exhibitions, and other cultural events and the cupola offers a fine panoramic view.

The island boasts some historical sights as well like the remains of medieval monastery.

The other favored green spot of the city is the City Park, where you also find the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

tree lined walkway with benches on Margaret Island in late autumn
Margit Island In Late Fall

Lumina Park – A Fairytale Film Festival in the Palatinus Bath

Go on a magical fall adventure in Lumina Park located in the Palatinus Bath on Margaret island!

A dazzling display of light installations inspired by everyone’s favorite films create a spectacular experience for all ages.

What awaits you?

  • Over 200 stunning light installations: Immerse yourself in breathtaking displays that bring movies to life!
  • Unique art installations: Discover creations by renowned Polish artists Olena Glinka and Martha Mulawa.
  • Interactive elements throughout the park.
  • A 1.5 km adventure trail: Explore the park at your own pace and discover hidden surprises.
  • Magical atmosphere: Enjoy a delightful fall evening surrounded by enchanting lights.
Mr Bean, Superman and Darth wader LED light installations in the new exhibition of Lumina Park on Margaret Island
Movie Heroes at the Lumina Park (Margaret Island)

Perfect for a fun family outing!

Location:

  • Palatinus Bath Budapest/Margaret Island, Soó Rezső stny. 1, 1003 (View on Map)

Tickets:

  • Weekday: 4 100 HUF
  • Weekend: 4 900 HUF
  • Discounts for students, retirees, and families are available.
  • Can be bought at luminapark.hu or on-site until 20.00 every day.

Opening Hours:

  • Daily from dusk until 21.00/9:00 PM.

👉 Buy Your Lumina Park Ticket Online:

Luminous installations reflecting in water in Lumina Park
Illuminated armchairs in Lumina Park

Budapest: Lumina Park Entry Ticket

Step into a magical world at Lumina Park in Budapest, where enchanting lights and stunning installations await. Wander through the snowy landscapes of Narnia, come face-to-face with King Kong, or embark on an interstellar journey inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey…

Opening Hours:

Closed: december 3, 24
Last admission: 20:00
2024.10.27. – 2025.01.23.: 16.30-21.00
2025.01.24. – 2025.02.09.: 17.00-21.00
2025.02.10. – 2025.03.02.: 17.30-21.00

Meeting point Palatinus Bath
Budapest, Margaret Island Soó Rezső sétány 1.

Price: From €18

Excursion To The Gellért Hill Or The Buda Hills

To admire the coloruful late autumn city scape head for the hills!

chairlift up János-hegy (Buda Hills) with view of the rusty coloured foligae in the valley
Chairlift at János-hegy

For some light hiking Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy) is the best and closest destination to the city center.

The Citadel, a stone fortress and its immediate surroundings as well as the Statue of Liberty are under construction (will be finished in 2026).

But you can still do a pleasant stroll on the winding footpaths.

For more greenery, and cleaner air head for the Buda Hills.

Normafa is a highly favored place among locals (can be reached by bus No. 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán tér (M2 metro or tram 4).

János Hill (János-hegy), the highest point of Budapest, is also close by offering a wonderful view from the top of the Erzsébet lookout tower.

For a unique experience descend from János Hegy by the Chairlift (Libegő).

The Chairlift operates from 10.00 till 15.30 throughout November.

Chairlift Tickets:

Only two-way/return tickets are avialble.

  • Full price: 3 500 HUF,
  • Students (ages: 15-25):
  • Children – between ages 3 and 14: 1 000 HUF,

See detailed timetable of the Chairlift (Libegő) here.

A journey on the Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasút) is an ideal way to discover the Hills of Buda.

Each of the seven stops of the rail track are favored recreational areas:

  • Széchenyi Hill (Széchenyi-hegy),
  • Normafa,
  • Csillebérc,
  • János Hill,
  • Vadaspark,
  • Hűvösvölgy.
a red and white cogwheel tram
Cogwheel tram

The Fogaskerekű (Cogwheel tram, it is in fact tram No. 60) (see timetable here) is another peculiar means of transportation to get you to and back from hilly Buda.

Some stops have buffets offering some simple, quick meals, snacks and drinks.

Buffet at Szépjuhászné station: open from Tue-Fri: 10.00-22.00, Sat: 8.00-22.00, Sun: 8.00-20.00 all the year round, there is a buffet at Széchenyi Hill called Kőbüfé offering meals a la carte, it is open from 9.00 to 21.00 every day).

👉 See more activities for children in Budapest.

Thermal Baths – Perfect Program For A Cold Day In November

Visiting at least one of the world-famous thermal baths of Budapest is a must, especially in a cold month like November.

The Turkish Baths (Király, Rudas and the less-known Veli Bej Baths) date from the Ottoman era in the 16th-17th centuries, the Gellért, Széchenyi, and the Lukács Baths were built more recently, at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries.

Bath TIP: Do drop by the renewed Rudas Bath that has a great wellness department with 4 thermal pools, and an awesome jacuzzi on the rooftop where you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the city while soaking in the hot water.

The program includes a 3-course dinner with a glass of wine and prosecco in the bistro located in the bath.

steam rising over the outdoor hot pool of Szechenyi Bath on a grey, cloudy day in autumn
Széchenyi Bath

Wellness & Dining At Rudas Spa

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Some of Our Photos About The Program:

2 glasses of light red wine on a wooden table (Rudas Bath's Bistro)
Sip Local Wine
view of Elizabeth Bridge and the Inner City Parish Church in the Pest side on a grey autumn day - from the rooftop jacuzzi of the Rudas Bath
View from The Panorama Jacuzzi
Asian dish with edamame beans and shitake mushrooms on a brown round plate (Rudas Bistro)
Main Dish in The Rudas Bistro

Museum Exhibitions in November

The countless museum of Budapest offer a wide range of exhibitions all year round.

TIP: Hungarian Cooking Course + Market Tour

What better way to experience local culture than through food and cooking?

This cooking class combined with a market visit, tastings and wine is a great program for a rainy November day!

Small group program, so make sure you book your place in advance!

Price: 76,83 EUR/prs

What’s Included?

  • Guided visit to the Great Market Hall with tastings,
  • Hungarian paprika salami, sasusage and cheeses served as an appetizer,
  • Local wine and short drinks, followed by
  • A cooking class when you learn to make typical Hungarian dishes.

You’ll be preparing a 3-course meal with the expert aid of an English speaking chef. At the end you’ll eat what you cooked.

Fun, exciting program for all ages! Learn more and book your cooking class with or without a market visit!

Practical Information – Visiting Budapest

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