Discover the Hungarian traditions behind Márton-nap, why goose is eaten every November, and where to enjoy a traditional Martin’s Day feast in Budapest in 2026. Every year on November 11th, Hungary celebrates one of its most delicious autumn traditions: Márton-nap, or Martin’s Day. It is a day associated with roasted goose, rich Hungarian dishes, freshly made wine and centuries-old folklore. If you are visiting Budapest in November, this is a wonderful opportunity to experien

If you are visiting Budapest or travelling around Hungary, you might notice that tipping works a little differently here than it does in the United States or some other countries. One of the most common questions I get from visitors is whether they are expected to leave a tip in restaurants, how much they should tip, and what it means when a bill already includes a service charge. The good news is that tipping in Hungary is relatively straightforward once you understand a few

If you are planning a trip to Budapest, one of the practical questions you might have is whether you should bring cash, use your bank card or exchange money once you arrive. The good news is that Budapest is quite card-friendly, and you can pay by card in most restaurants, cafés, shops and tourist attractions. However, there are still situations when having some Hungarian Forints in your wallet can come in handy. Hungary's official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not

If you are planning to spend New Year's Eve in Budapest this year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and welcome 2027. Whether you are looking for a big party, a nice dinner, live music or something a little different, there are several options to choose from. Budapest has a great nightlife scene, but you don't necessarily have to spend the night in a nightclub to enjoy New Year's Eve here. You can book a special dinner overlooking the Danube, attend a live show, dance un

Budapest is a beautiful city with an incredible mix of history, architecture, culture, and everyday life. From the grand buildings along Andrássy Avenue to the charming streets of the Buda Castle District, there is so much to discover. But what makes exploring what-makes-budapest-tours-with-local-guides-specialBudapest truly special is not just the places you visit, but the stories behind them. While you can easily explore the city on your own, joining a tour with a local gui

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you are planning to spend the last weekend of October in Budapest, there are plenty of parties and events to choose from. Whether you are looking for a big Halloween club night, a themed party with a costume competition, a more glamorous evening out, or a proper electronic music rave, you will find different options across the city. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, in 2026, so many of the biggest events will take place that

If you are planning a Christmas trip to Budapest this year, one of the questions I get quite often is: when do the Christmas markets actually open? Budapest has several Christmas markets around the city, and they don't all start at the same time. The two big and most famous ones in the city centre usually open earlier, while some of the smaller, more local markets start around the beginning of Advent. One important thing before we get into the dates: not all of the 2026 dates

If you are visiting Budapest, one of the things I would definitely recommend experiencing is a ruin bar. They have become a big part of Budapest nightlife and are quite different from your typical bar or pub. When people search for the best ruin bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert is usually the first name that comes up, and for good reason. But there are actually quite a few different places to choose from, and they can offer very different experiences. Some are huge and busy, so

If you are visiting Budapest between September and November, you are coming at a great time of year to experience a different side of the city. The summer crowds begin to thin out, the weather becomes more comfortable for sightseeing, and Budapest's cultural and event calendar gets seriously busy. From wine and beer festivals to major concerts, contemporary art, running events and cultural festivals, there is plenty happening across the city. Here are some of the best events

If you are visiting Budapest in August, you are coming at one of the liveliest times of the year. Yes, it can be very hot, and yes, Budapest can get quite busy – but August is also when the city really comes alive with festivals, concerts, cultural events, food experiences and outdoor programs. As a Budapest local and a tour guide, I always recommend that visitors do more than just tick off the main sights from their Budapest bucket list. Of course, you should see the Parliam

Update: As of August 8th, 2026 the lights are turned back on for main monuments all across Hungary If you're visiting Budapest this summer, you may notice something unusual after sunset: the Hungarian Parliament isn't illuminated as it normally is. Don't worry—nothing is wrong. The lights have been temporarily switched off as part of a city-wide energy-saving effort during Hungary's ongoing heatwave. When did this start? The energy-saving measures were announced on July 31, 2

Planning to visit Budapest on August 20th? You are coming on one of the most exciting days of the year! August 20th is Hungary's national holiday, celebrating the foundation of the Hungarian state and St. Stephen, Hungary's first king. Every year, Budapest comes alive with concerts, cultural events, family programs, traditional celebrations, and, of course, the spectacular evening fireworks over the Danube. In 2026, the celebrations will once again take place across Budapest,

The Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Budapest. Every July, hundreds of thousands of Formula 1 fans from all over the world travel to Hungary to experience the race at the Hungaroring. The atmosphere is incredible, but if it's your first time visiting Budapest during F1 weekend, there are a few things you should know before booking your trip. A little planning will save you both money and a lot of stress. How to Get to the Hungarorin

If you're visiting Budapest during the summer, there is one thing you should definitely prepare for: the heat. Budapest can get incredibly hot during the summer months, but when a real heatwave arrives, temperatures can reach 35–41°C (95–106°F). As someone who lives here and spends hours walking around the city every day as a tour guide, I can honestly say that sightseeing becomes much more challenging—and sometimes even unsafe. At the end of June and the beginning of July 20

One of my favourite things about Budapest in the summer is how the city transforms during major sporting events. Terraces fill up, strangers become friends for ninety minutes, and you'll hear cheers echoing through the streets every time someone scores. If you're visiting Budapest during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you won't have to search hard to find somewhere showing the matches. Whether you're after a lively fan zone, a rooftop with cocktails, or a traditional sports pub, Bu

At the end of May, Budapest will host one of the biggest sporting weekends in Europe, and surprisingly, one of the main stars of the event will not just be the stadium — it will be Városliget, Budapest’s historic City Park. According to Liget Budapest, the park is preparing to host one of the largest events in its nearly 200-year history during the UEFA Champions League Final weekend. Tens of thousands of football fans from around the world are expected to arrive in the Hunga

The Pentecost weekend is one of the most special times to experience Budapest. As spring turns the city bright and lively, Budapest’s historic churches fill with festive liturgies, choir music, and holiday celebrations. Pentecost is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, and many of the city’s most beautiful churches hold special masses throughout the weekend. In 2026, Pentecost Sunday falls on May 24, while Pentecost Monday

Budapest truly comes alive during the Pentecost weekend. Cafés and terraces fill up, the Danube promenade becomes packed with locals and visitors, and the city shifts fully into early summer mode. If you are visiting Budapest during Pentecost in 2026, expect a mix of cultural traditions, outdoor festivals, live music, and beautiful spring weather. When is Pentecost in 2026? In 2026: Pentecost Sunday: May 24, 2026 Pentecost Monday: May 25, 2026 Both days are public holidays in

Budapest is preparing for one of the most historic and emotionally charged days the city has seen in decades. On May 9th, 2026, Péter Magyar is expected to officially become Hungary’s new Prime Minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule and the beginning of what many Hungarians are already calling a completely new political era. But this will not feel like a normal political transition. The entire center of Budapest is expected to transform into a massive public

Budapest in May is when the city stops warming up and actually starts performing. The terraces are full, the Danube banks come alive, and there’s a noticeable shift in energy—people are outside, events are everywhere, and the city feels social again. If you’re visiting Budapest in May 2026, you’re hitting one of the best possible windows. The weather is usually between 18–25°C, the crowds are still manageable compared to peak summer, and the event calendar is packed without f