The 10 Best Things To Do in Budapest in Summer
Budapest is at its most alive and popular during the summer. Discover how to get the most out of a trip to the Hungarian capital during the warm summer months.
Whether you’re a bargain hunter, an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a summery sweet treat, Budapest has you covered. The best things to do in the city in the summertime include indulging in a fröccs (Hungarian wine spritzer), attending one of Europe’s biggest music festivals and escaping to tranquil Lake Balaton.
Ride the wave at the Gellért Spa
Chill with a fröccs on PONTOON’s Urban Beach
PONTOON, located on the bank of the River Danube at the north pillar (Pest side) of the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, is the perfect summer urban chill zone. The bar is unique not only for its superb location but also for its selected music programme – PONTOON organises regular live-music events such as acoustic or DJ sets and reggae jams. Passers-by can stop and enjoy the live gigs thanks to the venue’s open layout. For those who wish to linger on the riverbank and take it all in, a fröccs makes an excellent accompaniment to a lazy summer evening.
Find your own freedom on Liberty Bridge
Every weekend in July, Budapest’s Liberty Bridge (or Szabadság híd in Hungarian) is lovingly referred to by its pet name: Szabihíd. It is also when the bridge transforms from a heavy traffic artery between the opposite sides of Buda and Pest into a pedestrian-only public space. Here, you can enjoy an early-morning yoga session, a picnic or barbecue with friends, a chilled bottle of wine at sunset or even a rave if you are so inclined. A programme of events is available, so be sure to check out what’s coming up on the bridge.
Feel the vibe at Sziget, the Island of Freedom
Sziget Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals, takes place on an island north of central Budapest in August each year. What started as a small gathering for music lovers in 1993 now boasts 1,000 shows across 60 stages over seven days. People from across the globe gather here to enjoy the lively atmosphere, positive vibes and world-class performances. Sziget has hosted major international acts over recent years, including Rihanna, Sum 41 and Florence + The Machine.
Seek out Budapest’s al fresco art
For those who enjoy urban, outdoor art, the city is home to colourful, often multistorey murals commissioned by the Színes Város Association. Focussing on urban regeneration, it aims to change the widespread distorted view on graffiti through artistic wall paintings that brighten the cityscape. With over 70 projects now complete, it’s not hard to stumble upon one of its murals without too much effort. If you’re keen not to leave it to chance, however, District VII is a great place to start your search.
Admire the city from the Danube
While riverboats play an integral part in Budapest’s public transport system, they are also a means of seeing the city from a fresh perspective and make for a breezy getaway from the city streets. Crossing the historical city centre, boats pass under seven of the city’s bridges and offer spectacular views of a host of significant sights. These include Margaret Island; the Hungarian Parliament; Gellért Hill; and the cultural complex comprising Müpa Budapest (Palace of the Arts), the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall and the Ludwig Museum. While BKK (Budapest’s transport authority) runs several boat services, the 440-horsepower REDJET – dubbed the fastest on the Danube – is your ride if you want more of a thrill.
Cycle to an urban oasis
If you seek a unique, magical spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then hop onto a bike, cycle your way up the banks of the Danube and prepare to step into the chilled-out summer paradise that is Fellini Culture Pub. Here, you can enjoy views of the Danube, the surrounding forest and the occasional kayaker from the comfort of a colourful deckchair. If your journey here has made you hungry, savour some freshly prepared local and international dishes together with an ice-cold beer or fröccs while enjoying a live gig or film screening.
Hunt for a vintage bargain at Ecseri Flea Market
If memorabilia, collectables, art and vintage items are your thing, then be sure to make your way to Ecseri Flea Market on the outskirts of the city. Budapest’s largest flea market is a paradise for shoppers looking for relics of the communist era – expect to find vintage photos, military uniforms and much more here. Antiques are also aplenty, as are pieces of vintage jewellery and analogue cameras. A visit to the market is well worth the 40-minute bus ride, especially on Saturdays when it is at its most vibrant.
Go gaga for Fragola’s gelato
With numerous shops throughout the city, Fragola’s ice cream is perhaps the most sought after and beloved by residents – and for good reason. Its unique and continuously renewed range of 120 ice-cream flavours is freshly made in its workshop from the finest ingredients. If you’re ready to tickle your taste buds with something sweet, the options are endless. You may opt for a scoop of Hungarian camembert ice cream, or perhaps some cashew and turmeric. For a taste of local history, try a double scoop of the delicious Hungarian-Jewish flódni cake flavour.
Escape to Lake Balaton
Located just a short train ride away from Budapest, Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake and an favourite destination among those who wish to escape the city for a couple of days in the sweltering summer months. After splashing the heat away in its refreshing waters, be sure to sample some of the culinary offerings of this historic Hungarian wine and cheese region. The shores of the picturesque Tihany Peninsula are a great place to discover the lake known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.