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.
Table of Contents
- 🌨 Weather in November
- All Saints Day, Nov 01
- 🔆 FÉNYDÓM/Light Art in Biodome (Zoo), Nov 06-Dec08
- 🍇 St. Martin’s Day, Nov 11
- 🎄 Christmas Markets: Opening Weekend, Nov 15-17
- ➡️ For 1st Time Visitors: All-in -One Walk Tour with Strudel & Coffee
- 🍷 Wine Tasting in the City Centre
- ♻ Green Market, Klauzál Sqr Market Hall, Nov 17
- Ice Rink City park Opening Weekend, Nov 15-17
- ⛸ Freeze Festival Ice Rink City Park, Nov 28-30
- ☠ Nightmare in Budapest – Intercative Horror Show
- 🏊♀️ Thermal Baths – Warm Up on a Cold day!
- ✨ Margaret Island & Lumina Park
- 🥾 Excursions: Gellért Hill, Buda Hills
- 🎵 Concerts in November
- Museum Exhibit TIP
- ❓ Practical Information – Visiting Budapest
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.
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.
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“.
Location, Address:
- Budapest Zoo, Biodome , Állatkerti krt. 16, 1146 (On Google Maps)
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).
- St. Stephen’s Square at the Basilica gives home to a charming festive market too that kicks off also on November 15, 2024.
- The Winter & Christmas Festival in Városháza/City Hall Park starts usually around mid-November and lasts till the beginning January.
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.
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).
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.
Location:
- Városháza Park/City Hall Park, Károly krt., Bp 1052 (See on Google Maps)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Price €19,5/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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.
Wellness & Dining At Rudas Spa
Some of Our Photos About The Program:
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
- Budapest for the 1st Time – Tips, challenges novice visitors might face
- What To Do In Budapest In 3 Days? – Itinerary suggestion for a 2 – 3 day visit.
- Weather in Autumn– To decide what sort of clothes to pack.
- Public Transport – Metro, tram, bus lines and other means of transportation.
- Costs and Prices – How much basic items and services cost.
- Safety in Budapest – Information and tips on how to ensure your and your belonging’s safety.
Related
September Programs – October in Budapest – Halloween in Budapes – December Things To Do