Tag Archive for: spring

Planning Your Easter Weekend in Budapest: What’s Open and What’s Closed in 2024

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In 2024, Easter arrives on the final weekend of March, bringing with it a mix of closures and special openings across Budapest. For residents and visitors alike, this means navigating holiday hours to ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend. Here’s what you need to know:

Public Holidays Overview:

  • Good Friday: March 29th
  • Holy Saturday: March 30th
  • Easter Sunday: March 31st
  • Easter Monday: April 1st

Banks and Government Offices:

Expect closures throughout the Easter weekend, with banks and government offices shuttered on all four days.

Museums and Cultural Attractions:

Many museums and galleries will welcome visitors over the Easter period, including Easter Monday. Exceptions include the National Museum and House of Terror, closed on Easter Monday. Special openings are planned for cultural attractions typically closed on Mondays, offering ample opportunities for exploration.

Public Transportation:

Trams, metro, and buses will maintain their usual weekend and public holiday schedules from Good Friday through Easter Monday.

Grocery Shopping and Markets:

Plan ahead for grocery shopping, as supermarkets will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. However, Easter Saturday will see most shops and supermarkets open, along with the iconic Great Market Hall.

Thermal Baths:

Relax and rejuvenate at Budapest’s thermal baths, operating with weekend opening hours from March 29th to April 1st, 2024:

  • Széchenyi: 8am-8pm
  • Gellért: 9am-7pm
  • Lukács: 7am-7pm (sauna under renovation)
  • Rudas: 6am-8pm (Turkish baths available for coed use over Easter)

Religious Sites:

Explore Budapest’s rich religious heritage throughout the Easter weekend:

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica: Open to visitors from 9 am to 5:45 pm on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, open from 1 pm to 5:45 pm, with an English mass at 4 pm.
  • Matthias Church: Open from 9 am to 2 pm on Good Friday, closed on Holy Saturday, and open to visitors on Easter Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Latin service available at 10 am on Sunday.
  • Dohany Street Grand Synagogue:
    • March 29th: 10am-4pm
    • March 30th: Closed
    • March 31st – April 1st: 10am – 6pm.

Special Note:

Despite the holiday weekend, all of our free Budapest walking tours will proceed as scheduled. Join us to discover the city’s hidden gems and vibrant culture through the eyes of locals.

Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, relaxation, or culinary delights, Budapest offers something for everyone this Easter weekend. Plan ahead, embrace the holiday spirit, and make the most of your time in this enchanting city.

What to Expect on March 15th in Budapest: Useful Information for Travelers

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This day holds a special place in the hearts of Hungarians as it commemorates the historic Hungarian Revolution of 1848. March 15th in Budapest, the capital city,  is marked with various events and celebrations. Hungarians proudly display their cockades. This tradition harks back to a significant moment in Hungarian history when leaders of the radical youth received cockades from their loved ones on the eve of the revolution. Unlike the French cockade, which was pinned on hats, the Hungarian cockade was worn closer to the heart, typically affixed to the jacket or coat as a circular ribbon in the national tricolor with small straps.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here’s what you can expect on this significant day:

Commemorative Ceremonies about the revolution on March 15th in Budapest:

On March 15th in Budapest, everybody comes alive with patriotic fervor. Expect to see Hungarian flags adorning the streets, and locals dressed in traditional attire. Throughout Budapest, ceremonies are held to honor the heroes of the 1848 Revolution. One of the focal points is often at Kossuth Square, where speeches are delivered, wreaths are laid, and moments of silence are observed to pay respects to those who fought for Hungarian independence. Traditionally, at 9:00 a.m., the flag of Hungary is raised at Kossuth Lajos Square, followed by a ceremonial hussar march to the Hungarian National Museum, where a formal ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. 

Additionally, an anti-government commemorative ceremony will take place at the section between Andrássy Avenue, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, and the Opera House at 3:00 p.m.

Cultural Events:

In addition to the solemn ceremonies, Budapest offers a range of cultural events on March 15th. From 2:00 p.m. on March 15th, and then on the 16th and 17th, families are welcomed with programs related to the national holiday at the Hungarian National Museum. 

As part of the Open Parliament program, visitors can freely view the Holy Crown in the Parliament Building from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 15th. Expect large crowds and potential queues. 

On the national holiday, as well as on the 16th and 17th, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the facade of the Hungarian National Museum building will be adorned with light projections.

 

Opening Hours on this Day:

March 15th in Budapest is a bank holiday, meaning shops and malls are closed while restaurants and cafés are likely to be open. The Central Market Hall going to be closed as well!

Thermal Baths operate as on weekends, with the following hours:

  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath:: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (outdoor thermal pool is under renovation)
  • Gellért Thermal Bath: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Lukács Thermal Bath: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (drinking fountain will be closed)
  • Rudas Thermal Bath: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (the Turkish bath will be coed bathing all day)

List of museums offering free entrance on this day, including:

  • Budapest Gallery
  • Budapest History Museum / Castle Museum
  • Goldberger Textile Industry Collection
  • Institute and Museum of Military History
  • Hercules Villa
  • Holocaust Memorial Center
  • Kassák Museum
  • Kiscelli Museum
  • Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum and Research Center
  • Ludwig Museum
  • Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Catering (registration required)
  • Hungarian Agricultural Museum and Library
  • Hungarian Money Museum and Visitor Center (reservation required)
  • Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport
  • Hungarian National Gallery
  • Hungarian National Museum
  • Hungarian Natural History Museum
  • Hungarian Railway History Park
  • Museum of Ethnography
  • Óbuda Museum
  • Ráth György Villa
  • Róth Miksa Memorial House and Museum
  • Semmelweis Medical History Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (registration required)
  • House of Terror
  • Vasarely Museum

Dohany Street Synagogue Complex and Rumbach Street Synagogue will be closed on 15th March 2024.

All free tours are going as normal. Just show up at our meeting points for a priceless experience.

Budapest in March: 10 Unmissable Programs for Every Taste

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March in Budapest is a magical time, it brings a wealth of activities and experiences to the town. We finally see the sun more, the temperature gets slowly higher. The locals and visitors finally have a chance to enjoy some outdoor activities, besides the city’s plenty of special events at this time of the year. The other main advantage to visit Budapest in March, that it is not the high season yet, which translates to lower airfares and cheaper accommodation rates. More importantly, it means shorter queues at attractions and a chance to explore the city like a local.  Here’s your guide to making the most of it:

Roman amphitheater pictured from above in Budapest

1. The Best Historical Sites to Explore in Budapest in March 

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to delve into Budapest’s rich history and architectural wonders. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Wander through historic neighborhoods and explore outdoor museums like the Aquincum Museum and Memento Park.

One of the many thermal pools of Budapest, the beautiful Széchenyi Bathhouse

2. Relax in Thermal Baths

Escape the chill of March with a relaxing day at Budapest’s renowned thermal baths. Indulge in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Széchenyi, Gellért, or Rudas baths, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and massage services for the ultimate pampering experience.

Lots of people sitting outside on terraces that could reopen on the 24th of April 2021

3. Attend Cultural Events

Enjoy Budapest’s vibrant cultural scene with concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. Check out venues like Müpa Budapest and the Hungarian State Opera House for a taste of the city’s artistic offerings. Between March 1-17th, Budapest Zoo’s Biodome lights up as a modern sight. Explore a stunning display of light art inspired by natural phenomena. Installations by local and foreign artists showcase their glow throughout this special architectural wonder. More details and ticket info here.

Chain Bridge - in St Patricks day - Budapest in March

Photo by Russell Skidmore

4. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Locals are always looking for new excuses to party, so naturally we inherited happily a new tradition a couple of years ago. Join the festivities in Budapest in March, to be exact on the 17th of March, as Budapest comes alive with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Szabadság tér. From traditional Irish music to green-themed parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city’s bars, pubs, and restaurants.

5. Explore Outdoor Spaces

Embrace the arrival of spring by exploring Budapest’s picturesque parks and outdoor spaces. Take an easy stroll along the Danube River promenade, discover the green oasis of Margaret Island, or hike up Gellért Hill for stunning city views. 

6. Indulge in Hungarian Cuisine 

Treat your taste buds to the flavors of Hungary with traditional dishes like goulash, paprikash, and lángos. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with Hungarian pastries like chimney cake and strudel from local cafes and markets. Check out a culinary walk, if you want to experience the best Hungarian dishes and wines!

Parlament -one day itinerary in Budapest

7. Experience a Danube River Cruise

See Budapest from a different perspective with a scenic cruise along the Danube River. Choose from daytime or evening cruises with Mahart, departing from Pier N.5 at Vigadó tér 5. Timetable: 4:15 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM. Price: 5000 HUF.

8. Attend a Wine Tasting at the Prestigious New York Palace

Join a Wine Tasting event on March 23rd at the historic New York Palace. Experience luxury while enjoying delicious pastries and coffee. Secure your spot in advance for an unlimited wine-tasting experience priced at 15,900 HUF. For further details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with badacsonynewyorkban@gmail.com.

9. Best Markets to visit in Budapest in March

Discover creativity and community at Budapest’s bustling markets. From the Women’s Day Women’s Market on March 8th to the Maker’s Market on March 17th, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. Of course for culinary experiences the Central Market Hall is always available, but there will be another special food market in Budapest in March, called the Spring Fair of Hungarian Flavours. If you are looking for something truly homemade, every Sunday morning the Szimpla Kert ruin bar organizes a Farmer’s Market. 

budapest in March - March 15

10. Enjoy Free Museums and Parliament Access on Hungarian National Day – March 15th

Celebrate Hungary’s National Day by visiting state-owned museums and the Hungarian Parliament for free. Experience flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, patriotic speeches, and more as Budapest commemorates its rich history and values. Be aware, banks and shops are closed that day!

Whether you’re seeking culture, relaxation, or culinary delights, Budapest has something for everyone to enjoy this March. And don’t forget to join our daily Free Budapest Walking Tours.

Programs for the rest of April in Budapest

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Program recommendations for the rest of April by the Free Budapest Walking Tours Team (Triptobudapest.hu Team)

  • Opening of Budapest Garden, 21st-23rd April: Budapest Garden opens the season with varied and free programs for the whole family between April 21 and 23. This weekend, the Fröccsbár awaits wine lovers (fröccs in the Hungarian wine spritzer = wine and soda water), but you can also tune in to the seaside feeling at the cocktail-making workshop with the panorama of the Danube. On Saturday, you can get to know the world of whiskey, gin and rum at a tasting combined with a performance, and on Sunday, once you’ve set the mood, the Keep Swinging team will teach you a couple of jazz and Charleston steps. Meanwhile, the little people won’t be bored either: a sports field, a fire park and many guided games await them. Location: Buda side, Árpád Fejedelem útja 125.
  • Modern, Gastronomical and Musical Celebration of the 1st of May, 30th April – 1st of May: The following places (restaurants and bars) will have and extended Labor Day celebration starting earlier than the 1st of May: Nemdebár, 101 bistro, Pigrumba, Sárkány, Easy. They will have their stands on the street, on a quite local square on the Buda side, the Széll Kálmán square (on the metro line number 2). There will be good food and music, plus your kids and pets will not be bored either!
  • Budapest Spring Festival (Budapesti Tavaszi Fesztivál) 20th April- 2nd May: In the spring, Budapest’s cultural diversity is again in the spotlight. On the occasion of the 43rd Budapest Spring Festival, programs are organized at nearly 30 locations. The center of the event series, which features more than 50 programs, is the constantly changing artistic and cultural life of the city. You can expect an exciting line-up: the repertoire includes theater performances, round table discussions, digital art reviews, photo exhibitions, film screenings and big band concerts. Here is their website with the programs!

Also, Do not forget to join our daily free tours in Budapest! We are looking forward to seeing you! 🙂

2023 Easter in Budapest

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Dear Travelers,

Let us, the Free Budapest Walking Tours Team (Triptobudapest.hu Team) tell you about what is coming up next weekend (from 7th of April, Friday till the 10th of April, Monday), at Easter time in our capital city 🙂

First of all, OUR FREE WALKING TOURS IN BUDAPEST RUN AS USUAL! Even though on Friday the 7th of April on Sunday the 9th of April, and on Monday the 10th of April it will be a holiday, so banks, shops, shopping malls, markets will be closed, we do not stop! 🙂

Some smaller 0-24 supermarkets will be open, museums (except on Mondays), bathhouses and restaurants will be open, so do not worry, there will be things to do over the holiday as well.

What is more, there is a nice Spring Market (Budapesti Tavaszi Vásár in Hungarian)  going on from the 24th of March till the 16th of April, on Városháza Park (City hall park in English) and Deák Ferenc square. Spring comes to 150-year-old Budapest with colorful music programs, a craft fair, an egg museum (we paint eggs in Hungary  at Easter as a tradition) and a nostalgia carousel. In the heart of the city center, family and children’s programs, a craft fair and gastronomic specialties await you!

See you soon on our free and private tours in Budapest and all the best for the upcoming Easter holidays!