Best Things to do in Budapest in Winter: A Complete Guide
Winter is one of the most underrated times to visit Budapest. I originally wanted to visit for the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere, but I realized there’s so much more to this city than just the markets during Christmas season.
From ornate buildings lining the Danube River to dramatic viewpoints across the city, the Hungarian capital is one of the most visually striking capitals in Central Europe. I’ve totally fallen head over heels for this city, and I’m here to share all about it.
Despite the cold, there’s an plenty of things to do in Budapest in winter from charming Christmas markets to relaxing in steaming thermal waters and exploring cozy cafes.
If you are planning a cold weather getaway to Budapest, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the very best things to do in Budapest in winter, from iconic landmarks to cozy local experiences.
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Best Time to Visit Budapest in Winter
If you’re trying to catch the Christmas markets in Budapest like me, then you’ll want to visit late November through December. You’ll experience a lively holiday atmosphere with festive lights and charm everywhere, but prices will be higher during the holiday season compared to the rest of winter.
January and February are colder but much quieter, making them great months for budget friendly travel, thermal baths, and museum visits without crowds.
If you want the best balance of atmosphere and weather, early December is often the sweet spot.
How Many Days Do You Need in Budapest in Winter?
3 to 4 days.
Three days is enough to see Budapest’s main highlights in winter, including the Christmas markets, the Hungarian Parliament, thermal baths, and Buda Castle.
One important thing to keep in mind is that daylight hours are very short during winter. When I visited in December, sunrise was shortly after 7 am and sunset was before 4 pm. The combination of shorter days and colder temperatures can limit how much outdoor sightseeing you can comfortably fit into each day.
That said, winter darkness does not mean the city shuts down! Budapest is beautiful once the lights come on, and there are plenty of indoor activities and restaurants that make evenings just as enjoyable.
We stayed for three days and honestly wished we had one more. My personal recommendation for visiting Budapest in winter is four days, which allows you to explore at a slower pace and fully enjoy both daytime sights and cozy evening experiences without feeling rushed.
How Cold Does It Get in Budapest in Winter
Winter in Budapest is cold but manageable, especially if you dress properly. By properly, I mean layering.
Temperatures typically range from 25°F to 40°F or -4°C to 5°C between December and February.
December tends to be milder, often with the average temperature hovering just above freezing, while January is usually the coldest month.
When we visited in December, we actually experienced warmer than usual weather, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 52°F. This is exactly why layering is so important. I packed both thin thermal undershirts and thicker ones, along with sweaters to layer on top. If I had only brought heavy sweaters, I would have been too warm during the day.
At night times, I added a scarf and hand warmers.
What to Bring to Budapest in Winter
I always find packing more difficult in the winter due to all the bulky warm clothes. One long wool coat literally takes up like half of my carry-on suitcase, so you really have to be strategic when it comes to winter packing.
And I’m pretty sure a swimsuit and flip-flops aren’t the first things you think of when planning for a winter trip, but trust me, it’s a good idea to bring these. Let’s get into it.
Here are the essentials I recommend bringing:
- Thermal wear – I bring thin and thicker versions of long sleeve undershirts.
- Fleece lined tights – I love wearing skirts even in the winter, and these fleece lined tights keep my legs warm while looking stylish.
- High quality sweaters – good quality like cashmere and wool will keep you warmer.
- Bottoms – pants, skirts. I try to bring bottoms I can match with different tops.
- A warm winter coat – my black Aritzia slouch coat is my winter staple. Just make sure your coats have high wool content rather than low quality fabrics like polyester.
- Water-resistant jacket – wool coats aren’t the best for rainy weather.
- Accessories including scarves, gloves, and hats.
- Comfortable waterproof boots are highly recommended since streets can be wet, icy, or snowy.
If you plan to visit thermal baths, it’s recommended to bring your own swimsuit, flip flops, and a towel. I just brought my hotel towels to the baths but you’ll definitely need swim wear and water-resistant slippers. We visited Szechenyi baths and you could purchase slippers from them, but honestly no need to buy expensive slippers when you could bring your own.
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Where to Stay in Budapest
Choosing the right area to stay makes winter travel in Budapest much easier. You will want to be centrally located so you can minimize walking in the cold and easily access public transport.
If you didn’t know, Budapest is split by the Danube River with one side being Buda and the other side being the Pest side. These actually used to be 2 separate cities Buda and Pest, until they were merged in 1837 to become one city called Budapest.
Most of the activities on this list, or the most popular sights in Budapest, tend to be on Pest side so I recommend staying on the Pest side as a first-time visitor.
BEST HOTELS IN BUDAPEST
These hotels all have a rating over 9.0 on Booking.com, and you won’t regret staying in any of these! I recommend staying in the center of town on Pest side.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest – this is where we stayed. It’s right around the corner from the largest Christmas market and right next to a metro stop. The breakfast here was amazing!
$$$
Dorothea Hotel
Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest
Matild Palace
Aria Hotel Budapest
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20 Best Things to Do in Budapest in Winter
Explore Budapest Christmas Markets
Like me, many of you are probably visiting Budapest in winter for the Christmas markets. Visiting European Christmas markets is one of my favorite things to do during the winter season.
There are two main markets: Vörösmarty Square Market which is the oldest and largest market in Budapest, and the Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Both markets are open from November 14 to December 31 in 2025, are free to enter, and are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
They’re located close to one another, so it is easy to see them both in the same day.
In addition to the two large markets, there are a few smaller markets scattered across the city.
My personal favorite was the St. Stephen’s Basilica market, with a Christmas tree in the center of the square surrounded by charming wooden stalls and the beautiful basilica in the backdrop. Once it turns dark, every 30 minutes the facade of the Basilica displays a light show, and it simply feels magical.
We had a great time browsing the endless stalls of Hungarian crafts and gifts, eating chimney cake, and just soaking in the magical atmosphere.
I’ve been to Christmas markets in Strasbourg, Vienna, Prague and I think the food scene at the Budapest markets was the largest. There were food stalls one after another, offering traditional Hungarian dishes like langos and goulash soup to sweet treats. You could honestly spend hours just eating at the markets!
Visit St Stephen’s Basilica
As the largest church in Budapest and one of the most important monuments of the city, you can’t miss visiting the Roman Catholic church of St Stephen’s Basilica when visiting Budapest.
Not only is the exterior facade impressive, the interiors are stunning so you’ll definitely want to step inside to admire its ornate details and richly decorated chapels.
Even if you are not interested in seeing the interiors of a church, you should absolutely visit the church for its panoramic terrace which offers incredible views of the city, and the St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas market if you’re visiting while it’s open.
When buying tickets, you can choose between a church only ticket or a combined ticket that includes the church, treasury, and panoramic terrace. I highly recommend getting the option with terrace access so you do not miss the views from the top.
While you can choose to walk the 300+ steps up to the dome’s panoramic terrace, there is an elevator that take you up most of the way, so that you only have to climb a few steps to get to the terrace. Once at the top, you can walk around the dome for beautiful 360 degree views over Budapest.
I recommend buying tickets in advance here. Otherwise there is usually a queue for tickets to the church. Even with online tickets, you will need to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket, but you can skip the main queue and enter through the designated door next to the ticket line. The ticket office is across the street from the church and not at the entrance of the church itself, so keep that in mind.
Other ways to experience this architectural gem would be through a guided tour, or by attending a classical or organ concerts at the church.
You can also visit the cathedral for an organ concert. Check it out below:
Soak in Budapest’s Thermal Baths in the Cold
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and winter is actually the best time to visit them. Soaking in warm mineral water baths in the cold crisp air with steam rising around you is quite an unforgettable experience.
The baths have become very popular so they do get really crowded. I recommend going early in the morning around opening times and you’ll have a much more relaxed experience compared to later in the day.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most iconic, with large outdoor pools surrounded by grand yellow architecture. If you’ve seen photos of thermal baths from Budapest, chances are that it was probably taken here.
Rudas Baths is known for its Turkish baths and a panoramic rooftop pool with gorgeous views of the city and the Danube River.
Gellért Baths offer a more elegant and historic experience with beautiful, stunning Art Nouveau interiors. However, the Gellért Baths closed just 2 months prior to us visiting in October of 2025 and will be re-opening in 2028 after renovations.
The baths have many different booking options and schedules which can get a bit confusing. I was initially planning on visiting Rudas Baths for its rooftop tub views and as it was known to be more affordable compared to Széchenyi, but the weekend morning ticket for that time of year cost more than the entry ticket to Széchenyi, and the Turkish baths at Rudas are co-ed only on certain days so it was a bit difficult to fit this into our schedule.
In the end we decided to visit Széchenyi baths and it turned out to be a great experience. Read about my experience at Széchenyi thermal baths here*** Going early in the morning was definitely a good call. When we arrived around 9 am (an hour after opening on this particular day), the baths weren’t that crowded. By the time we left around 11:30 am, the pools were absolutely packed.
Visiting thermal baths is one of the most essential things to do in Budapest in winter and should be at the top of any itinerary.
Walk Across the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge, or Széchenyi Bridge, is a suspension bridge that connects Buda and Pest, offers stunning views of Parliament and Buda Castle.
It is constructed of cast iron, with lions carved in stone at the base of the pillars.
At night, the bridges and buildings are beautifully illuminated, making this one of the most photogenic experiences in Budapest.
Visit Fisherman’s Bastion (with a bonus Christmas Market)
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Budapest and feels magical at any time of year.
Located on the Buda side of the Danube in the Castle district, you can easily reach it by taking a bus, a funicular (honestly would not recommend given how easy it is to get to by bus for a fraction of the cost), or by walking up the hill.
The stone towers were built purely as a decorative lookout terrace to honor Hungary’s founding, and it serves its purpose well because the views here are some of the best. Walking through the structure feels like you’re in a fairytale castle of some sort. You can expect panoramic views over the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament.
There are lower terraces which are free, and upper terraces that cost a fee to access. The upper terraces cost 1500 HUF (about $4.50 USD) and are free before 9 am, and after 7 pm (during winter time). Curiosity got the best of me and I paid for the upper terraces but I don’t think you necessarily need to pay for it given the views from the lower terraces are just as amazing, and free!
During the festive season, there is a Christmas market at the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Magical Advent in Buda is taking place from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with daily opening hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
For a truly festive experience, visit after 4 PM when the lights come on and illuminate the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church.
Explore Buda Castle and Castle Hill
Buda Castle, or the Royal Palace, and the Castle District is home to several museums and important monuments including the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, Matthias Church, and the National Széchenyi Library.
You’ll find cobblestone streets, courtyards and medieval remnants at the Castle Hill District.
The Fisherman’s Bastion is also part of this district.
The museums here would be a great way to spend more time indoors if the weather is cold or rainy.
Visit Matthias Church
Matthias church stands adjacent to Fisherman’s Bastion and is open daily from 9 am, but for the day we visited the church was open to public starting at 1 pm, so we weren’t able to tour the inside.
Take a Winter Danube Cruise
If there’s one activity you have to put on your Budapest itinerary, it would be a cruise on the Danube. And I recommend doing it after sunset (which is easy in the winter given that the sun sets around 4 pm in December) because the buildings and bridges will be lit up, creating a breathtaking scenery.
Make it even better with unlimited Prosecco and beer on this 75 minute tour. Try to grab seats on the upper part of the boat where you can enjoy views from the open terrace. I would bundle up for this one though, because it gets really cold but I promise the views will be worth it.
Warm Up at New York Café
New York Café is often called the most beautiful café in the world, and indeed it is gorgeous.
The Italian-Renaissance style cafe is located inside the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, and is the perfect place to take a cozy break from sightseeing.
Be warned though, the cafe is not wallet-friendly by any means. I had the “24 Carat Gold New York cappuccino” which really is just a fancy name for a cup of cappuccino with a bit of gold sprinkles, and it cost 4995 HUF (or 13.5 Euros, $15 USD).
Still, I enjoyed it. I love spaces that glow in gold, and the café’s ornate interior, chandeliers, and grand atmosphere were a visual delight.
Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament is a stunning architectural gem.
You can tour the inside by joining a guided tour to see the grand interiors, including the crown jewels. Note that you do have to reserve tickets for a tour in advance, and they often sell out. I was not able to reserve a ticket, but I have heard that you can visit the ticket office at opening time for same-day tickets.
Even if you do not go inside, it is worth visiting to view the Parliament from the riverbank or across the Danube at night since it is completely free, and one of the most iconic scenes in Budapest.
Grab Drinks at the Parisi Passage Restaurant
Parisi Passage Restaurant is located at the beautifully restored Parisi Udvar Hotel.
The passage used to be part of a grand department store and a shopping arcade, but now has transformed into a luxury hotel while maintaining its beautiful Neo-Gothic, Moorish, and Art Nouveau style interior.
You can visit for a full meal, or just drinks like I did and admiring the stunning glass ceiling and intricate details.
Go Ice Skating at City Park
If you are visiting during colder months and you like ice skating, City Park Ice Rink is a must.
Located near Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, this is one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in Europe.
The scenery is like a winter postcard, especially in the evening when buildings surrounding the skating rink are lit up.
Enjoy Traditional Hungarian Food
Cold weather is the perfect excuse to indulge in Hungarian comfort food.
Generally, Hungarian food is rich and hearty, with many dishes containing meat, dairy and of course, the infamous spice paprika.
Try goulash, chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage, and langos, which are especially satisfying in winter.
Street food stalls at Christmas markets and casual local restaurants offer many seasonal dishes that help you warm up after exploring the city.
My favorite goulash was at Menza Étterem és Kávéház (Menza) and Gettó Gulyás.
Visit Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s most famous ruin bar and a fun stop year round, even in winter.
What are ruin bars, you might ask?
Ruin bars are unique, quirky bars set up in abandoned buildings such as old factories, located in the Jewish Quarter. You’ll find eclectic decor with vintage furniture, graffiti-walls, colorful lanterns and fairy lights laid out it multiple rooms with different themes. These ruin pubs have become an integral part of Budapest’s nightlife.
Szimpla Kert has multiple bars inside and felt like a maze. It’s free to get in, and you’ll be in for a truly unique experience.
On Sundays, the Szimpla Farmer’s Market takes place from 9 am to 2 pm at Szimpla Kert and you can browse fresh produce and local goods, with live music. If we were staying on a Sunday, I would have loved to visit to experience the contrast between the bustling nights.
Tour the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
The Ervin Szabó Library one of the most beautiful libraries in Budapest.
It’s actually multiple libraries housed in a 19th century palace called Wenckheim Palace. It is an actual public library so you’ll find students studying and people working.
There is a fee to access the library, and it has risen over the years to now 2000 HUF (about $6 USD).
You might be surprised to find a very normal looking library once you enter the building, but where you’ll want to head to is the fourth floor. This is where you’ll find the historic palace rooms, with spiral staircases and chandeliers.
This year the library will be closed from December 24th to January 4th 2026 for the holidays. You can visit this website for each week’s opening and closing hours.
M-F: 10 am – 8 pm
Sat: 10 am – 4 pm
Sundays: Closed
Explore the Central Market Hall
Also known as the Great Market Hall, the Central Market Hall is one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic architecture building.
Here, you’ll find lots of fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products.
On the upper floors, you can find food stalls selling Hungarian cuisine like goulash and langos.
A quick word of caution though. Many people recommended trying lángos here, so we headed upstairs to one of the stalls. After requesting our toppings, the employee making the lángos asked if we wanted extra cheese, a plate for the lángos, and a plastic cup for our beer. I didn’t realize that all of these things came at an extra cost.
I ordered a lángos listed at 2,900 HUF, but by the time everything was added, including a beer, paper tray, extra cheese, and cup, the total came to over 7,000 HUF. It wasn’t the best experience, so just be firm with what you want and say no to anything extra that you don’t want to pay for (although I’m honestly not sure what I would have ended up getting if I said no to the plate and cup…).
Photos at Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd)
The Liberty Bridge, formerly known as the Franz Joseph Bridge, may not be as famous as the Chain Bridge, but it is one of the most beautiful bridges in Budapest. Built in an elegant art nouveau style, it stands out with its green iron structure, mythological sculptures, and Hungary’s coat of arms on its sides.
It’s located next to the Central Market Hall in the city center, and really easy to get to.
Drinks from Leo Rooftop Budapest
This cozy bar called Leo Rooftop Budapest on the top of Hotel Clark Budapest has some of the best views across the Danube and Chain Bridge. The food is on the pricey side, but it’s the perfect spot for some drinks with a view. It’s right by the Chain Bridge on the Buda side, so it’s a great place to warm up after exploring the Buda side of Budapest.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
A powerful memorial to honor Hungarian Jews that were massacred during the Second World War. These victims were ordered to take their shoes off before being shot off the edge so that their bodies fell into the river.
You can find it here along the banks of the Danube River not too far from the Hungarian Parliament building.
Dine at For Sale Pub
This fun restaurant and bar has quirky, rustic atmosphere with thousands of notes from guests on the walls and straw covered floors. The original location is right by the Central Market Hall and gets quite busy. We visited the more recently opened second location in Jókai and it wasn’t busy at all. The goulash here was quite good, and came in a serving for two.
Google Map Pins
Here’s a map with all the locations on this post pinned! There are a few other cafes and restaurants you may want to check out as well.
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