Planning your trip around the Budapest Easter events 2026? Here’s everything you need to know about what’s open, what’s free, and what’s worth visiting. Spring is one of the best times to explore Budapest, with outdoor festivals, markets, and family activities taking place throughout the long holiday weekend. This guide brings together the best free Easter events, opening hours, public transport tips, and a smart way to explore the city on foot.

City Park Easter Festival (Városliget)

Many of the Budapest Easter events 2026 are completely free, especially outdoor festivals and family activities. The City Park Easter Festival is the largest free Easter event in Budapest and a favourite among both locals and visitors. It’s especially ideal for families, but there is plenty to enjoy at any age.

What you can expect

• Traditional folk games and children’s activities
• Easter craft workshops and egg painting
• Live music and stage performances
• Food stalls and local products
• Bunny petting area and family‑friendly programs

Opening hours

• Dates: April 3–6, 2026
• Daily: approximately 10:00 – 18:00

How to get there

• Metro line M1 (yellow) to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő, then a short walk into City Park.

Vörösmarty Square Spring and Easter Market

The Spring and Easter Market at Vörösmarty Square is one of the most central Easter spots in Budapest and is easy to combine with general sightseeing, shopping, or a Danube walk.

What to see

• Handicrafts, Easter decorations and folk art
• Traditional Hungarian foods and sweets
• Street performances and live music
• Seasonal décor and photo‑friendly corners

Opening hours

• Dates: March 20 – April 6, 2026
• Daily: around 10:00 – 21:00

How to get there

• Metro line M1 directly to Vörösmarty tér.

Gozsdu Courtyard Easter Market

In the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Gozsdu Courtyard offers a lively Easter market surrounded by bars, cafés, and ruin pubs.

What to expect

• Handmade products and artisan stalls
• Street food and snacks
• Live music and evening vibes
• Family‑friendly atmosphere in the daytime

Opening hours

• Dates: April 3–6, 2026
• Typically 10:00 – 20:00 for stalls (bars stay open later)

How to get there

• Metro M1, M2 or M3 to Deák Ferenc tér, then walk about 8–10 minutes into the Jewish Quarter.

Free Outdoor Experiences During Easter

Beyond organised festivals, many of Budapest’s best experiences are completely free and perfect in spring:

• Walking along the Danube Promenade with views of Buda Castle and Parliament
• Exploring Margaret Island parks, mini‑zoo, and playgrounds
• Visiting the Buda Castle District viewpoints and Fisherman’s Bastion terraces
• Riding scenic tram line 2 along the Danube on the Pest side

These activities pair well with a market visit or an evening at the thermal baths. 

Budapest Easter Events 2026: Opening Hours (Shops, Baths, Museums, Banks)

Understanding Easter opening hours in Budapest will save you a lot of stress when planning shopping, sightseeing, or spa time:-) Opening hours during the Budapest Easter events 2026 vary depending on the day, so planning ahead is essential.

Shops, Supermarkets & Malls

• Closed days:
  On Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (April 3, 5, 6, 2026) big supermarkets, most shops and shopping malls are closed.
• Open day for shopping:
  Holy Saturday (April 4) is your main shopping day: large chains like Tesco, Spar, Lidl, Aldi, Auchan and Penny usually open roughly 07:00–20:00/22:00.
• Exceptions:
  0–24 mini‑markets, petrol‑station shops and some small convenience stores stay open on all days, but with limited selection and often higher prices.
• Malls:
  In big malls (WestEnd, Etele Plaza, Allee, Arena, Mammut), shops close on the main holidays, but many cafés, restaurants and cinemas remain open – always worth checking each mall’s website.

Thermal Baths (Széchenyi, Lukács, Rudas, Palatinus.)

The good news: Budapest’s thermal baths are open all Easter weekend, operating with Sunday/holiday hours and weekend pricing.

• General rule:
  All major baths open as on Sundays; tickets are sold at weekend/holiday prices.
• Széchenyi Bath:
  Easter opening times around 08:00–20:00 for pools and saunas
• Lukács Bath:
  07:00–19:00 every day, including public holidays.
• Rudas Bath:
  Wellness, Turkish pools & sauna generally 06:00–20:00
• Palatinus Bath:

It is the only thermal indoor bath in Budapest where children under 14 are allowed.

9:00-16:00 (in March)

Queues can be long (30–90 minutes) at Easter, so visiting early in the morning is strongly recommended.

Museums & Tourist Sights

Most major museums stay open during the Easter holiday, but some swap their usual Monday closure to Tuesday instead.

• Typical museum hours:
  Generally Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00, with last entry 30–60 minutes before closing.
• Hungarian National Museum:
  Open on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday 10:00–18:00; usually closed on Easter Monday.​
• Other museums & galleries:
  Many open on the public holiday Monday and close on Tuesday – always check the specific museum a day or two before visiting.
• Churches (St. Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church):
  Normal tourist hours (e.g. Basilica Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat 09:00–13:00, Sun 13:00–17:00) can change during Easter ceremonies, so expect short closures around masses.​ Matthias Church: Open to visitors: Good Friday: 9:00-14:30; Holy Sunday: 13:00-17:15 00; Easter Monday: 9:0017: 00; Holy Saturday: Closed to visitors; 

Banks, Post Offices & Services

• Banks and post offices are closed from Good Friday through Easter Monday; normal service resumes after the holiday.
• ATMs work as usual, and card payments are widely accepted in shops, markets and restaurants.​

Public Transport Tips for Visitors

Budapest public transport is easy to use and budget‑friendly, especially for longer stays.

• Children under 6 travel free on all services when accompanied by an adult.
• Seniors aged 65+ also travel free on public transport with a valid ID or passport.
• For children aged 6–14, passes can be very economical. A monthly pupil pass (if applicable for longer stays) becomes cheaper than buying single tickets after only a handful of rides.

For short trips (2–4 days), we recommend using 24- or 72-hour public transport travel cards (not the Budapest Card). They are simple to use, cover almost all public transport, and work well during holiday timetables.

Explore More of the Budapest Easter Events 2026 with a Free Walking Tour

Easter is an ideal time to discover Budapest on foot: mornings are fresh, streets are lively, and you can easily combine a tour with markets or a bath visit.

Our TripToBudapest.hu free Budapest walking tours operate daily, including around the Easter holidays, and are a great way to get oriented:

What you get

• Engaging local history and fun stories
• Hidden gems and great photo spots
• Practical tips on Easter events, baths, food, and public transport
• Tours lasting around 1.5–2 hours, ideal for first‑time visitors

You can find up‑to‑date schedules, meeting points, and booking information here.

FAQ – Budapest Easter Events 2026

Is Budapest a good place to visit at Easter 2026?
Yes. Budapest at Easter offers spring weather, fewer crowds than summer, free outdoor festivals, Easter markets, and long opening hours for baths and main attractions. 

What dates is Easter 2026 in Budapest?
In 2026, Good Friday is on 3 April, Holy Saturday on 4 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April and Easter Monday on 6 April. Most Easter programs in Budapest run across this long weekend. The spring markets usually start already in mid-March.

Are shops and malls open at Easter in Budapest?
Large supermarkets and most shops are closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Holy Saturday is the main shopping day, when malls and big grocery stores, food markets are open with near‑normal opening hours.

Are the thermal baths open during Easter 2026?
Yes. The main Budapest thermal baths, such as Széchenyi, Lukács, Rudas and Palatinus, are open every day over Easter with Sunday or holiday opening hours and weekend prices. They can be busy in the afternoons, so mornings are best.

Are museums open at Easter in Budapest?
Many museums are open on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and often on Easter Sunday, usually from around 10:00 to 18:00. Some close on Easter Monday or swap their closure to the following Tuesday, so it is worth checking the exact museum before you go.

Are there free Easter events in Budapest in 2026?
Yes. The biggest Budapest Easter events 2026 take place between April 3–6, with markets, concerts, and cultural programs across the city. City Park Easter Festival,  the Vörösmarty Square Spring and Easter Market and Gozsdu Courtyard Easter Market all offer free entry and free stage programs; you only pay for food and shopping.

What are the best free things to do at Easter in Budapest?
You can walk along the Danube promenade, explore Buda Castle District viewpoints, enjoy Margaret Island parks, ride scenic tram line 2 and visit free Easter markets and festivals around the city.

Is public transport running over the Easter weekend?
Yes. Budapest public transport runs throughout Easter, but with weekend or holiday timetables. Travel cards (24‑ or 72‑hour) are the easiest option for visitors and cover all metro, tram and bus lines.

Do children and seniors travel free on Budapest public transport?
Children under 6 travel free when accompanied by an adult. Senior citizens aged 65 and over also travel free with a valid ID. Other visitors need tickets or passes.

Can I join a free walking tour at Easter in Budapest?
Yes. Our TripToBudapest.hu free walking tours operate daily, including around Easter 2026. They are tip‑based, last about 1.5–2 hours and are ideal for first‑time visitors who want local stories, photo spots and practical tips.

Do restaurants and cafés close over Easter?
Many restaurants and cafés in the centre remain open throughout the Easter weekend, especially around Vörösmarty Square, the Basilica, the Jewish Quarter and the Danube promenade. It’s wise to reserve for Easter Sunday lunch or dinner.

What should I pack for Easter in Budapest?
Expect mild spring weather: cool mornings and evenings, with comfortable daytime temperatures. Pack layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella or light raincoat in case of showers.