Budapest in Summer: Should you go?

Looking for a great city-break but wondering how Budapest in summer is?

Hungary’s capital and most popular city, Budapest, has a special charm that draws people from all over the world. But what about Budapest in summer? Worth a visit?

With its long history, lively culture, and beautiful buildings, it’s not really a surprise that many people want to visit this gem of Central Europe.

But, as with any travel location, when you go can have a big effect on your overall experience.

So, today I’ll walk you through this city during the summer. This full guide will give you a clear picture of what summer is like in Budapest by going into detail about what makes this city a great place to visit when the weather gets hot.

Budapest in Summer

Usually, the summer in Budapest lasts from June to August. The normal temperature during this time is between 20°C and 30°C. Long hours of sunshine give the city’s streets, parks, and buildings a lovely golden glow. But it can easily be much warmer!

You can feel the city’s warm energy when you walk along the Danube River, which runs through the city and reflects the summer sun in gentle waves.

During the summer, Budapest comes to life with outdoor events, parties by the river, and busy street life that gives every spot a lively splash of colour.

What to do when it’s hot in Budapest?

When it’s hot in Budapest in the summer, there are a lot of fun things to do and places to go. Here’s a look at the whole picture:

• A Walk Along the Danube: A stroll along the beautiful Danube walkway is one of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do on a hot day in Budapest. When the sun turns the city a golden color, the walkway is full of people.
  
  In the summer, the cool breeze along the river is a nice break from the heat, and the view of the famous Chain Bridge and Buda Castle is nothing short of mesmerizing.

• Cool off in Budapest’s outdoor pools and baths. Budapest is known for its bath culture. There are many baths and outdoor pools in the city where you can cool off and take it easy.
  
  The outdoor pools at Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is one of the biggest bath buildings in Europe, are great for a hot summer day.
  
  Palatinus Bath on Margaret Island is another great choice, especially for children, because it has several outdoor pools, slides, and play areas.

• Check out the parks in Budapest. The city has a number of beautiful parks that are a nice place to cool off in the summer.
  
  Margaret Island is in the middle of the Danube River. It is a peaceful oasis with lots of trees, ponds, rose gardens, and even a small zoo.
  
  You can have a picnic in the City Park (Városliget), take a paddle boat to go on the lake, or go to the Budapest Zoo and the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle.

• Take a boat trip down the Danube River: This is the best way to see Budapest’s beautiful buildings and most famous sites.
  
  Cruises during the day are a great way to enjoy the warm summer sun, while cruises at night are cooler and more romantic because the city’s sites are lit up and look beautiful against the night sky.

• Visit Museums and Galleries: If you want to cool off and learn something new, you can do both by going to one of Budapest’s many museums or art galleries.
  
  The Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the new Ludwig Museum all have cool, air-conditioned galleries with interesting exhibits.

• Enjoy Eating Out and Street Food: Summer is the best time to enjoy the lively outdoor eating scene in Budapest. Many restaurants and bars have outdoor seating where you can eat Hungarian food and other popular dishes from around the world.
  
  Don’t miss out on tasty Hungarian street food at the local markets or food trucks, like the popular lángos (deep-fried dough with different toppings).

• Open air festivals and concerts: Summer in Budapest means a lot of open-air festivals, concerts, and cultural events. From music and dance to food and drink, these events are a great way to enjoy the lively summer atmosphere of the city.
  
  From June to August, there are a lot of shows at the Budapest Summer Festival, which takes place on several open stages. Another great option is to visit its famous ruin bars.

But no matter if you like the outdoors, culture, or food, the warm weather of Budapest’s summer has something fun for you. Even though it’s hot, the city makes sure there are lots of cool places to visit and things to do.

How hot does Budapest get in summer?

During the summer, Budapest has a warm climate, with normal high daytime temperatures between 20 and 30°C. But it can easily get much warmer!

But because the city is well planned, there are many places with shade where you can get out of the sun’s way.

There are also many water fountains all over the city, which are a quick and easy way to cool off and stay fresh.

How many days do you need in Budapest?

The length of your stay in Budapest will largely depend on things like your schedule, your interests, and how much time you have. However, three to four days is usually enough time to see the city’s main sights.

This should give you enough time to explore the different neighborhoods, go to a few museums, eat delicious local food in a cozy restaurant, and maybe even relax in one of Budapest’s traditional Hungarian thermal pools.

Is Budapest expensive to visit?

Compared to other European major cities like London, Paris, or Rome, Budapest is very budget-friendly. There are many different kinds of places to stay in Budapest, with choices for all kinds of budgets.

You can also eat at a wide range of places that won’t break your budget, from expensive restaurants to cheap street food.

Also, Budapest’s public transport is not only fast and reliable, but also quite cheap. And let’s not forget that many of the city’s most famous places, like the Fisherman’s Bastion or the Heroes’ Square, can be seen for free!

Does Budapest have a beach?

Even though Budapest isn’t exactly near the ocean and doesn’t have a beach in the usual sense, it has a unique feature called the beaches of the Danube.

During the summer, parts of the riverbank are turned into temporary beaches with sand, deck chairs, and beach bars. It’s not unusual to see both locals and other tourists enjoying the sun, sipping a cool drink, or playing volleyball on the beach.

Also, Budapest has many public pools and baths where you can cool off from the busy city. I can really recommend doing this!

Is Budapest crowded in summer?

In the summer, much more people visit Budapest, just like they do in many other famous tourist spots.

But it doesn’t usually have the huge crowds that you might find in other popular places in Europe. If you want to avoid the bigger crowds, try going to famous places early in the morning or late at night.

During these times, the places tend to be less busy, making the experience far more relaxing.

Is Budapest tourist friendly?

Yes, it is! Budapest is known for how friendly and welcoming it is to tourists.

It’s usually safe to walk around the city, and people who live there are usually friendly and ready to help. Also, tourists can find a lot of information, from maps and brochures to online tools.

And don’t forget that many locals, especially those who work in the service industry, know English. This makes it much easier for tourists to communicate and get around the city.

Hungary in general is tourist-friendly and there is a lot to explore with some great hidden gems!

Are Budapest baths hot in summer?

One thing that makes Budapest special is its famous hot baths, which have been around since Roman times and got even better when Turkey took over. During the summer, many of these hot baths are still open.

Even though the outdoor pools might stay at a nice, warm temperature, the inner thermal baths usually stay at a higher temperature, making them feel more like a spa no matter what the weather is like outside.

Is Budapest known for partying?

With its many bars, clubs, and ruin pubs, Budapest has a reputation for having a lively night scene. These so-called ruin pubs are especially interesting.

They are set up in abandoned buildings and decorated with an odd assortment of furniture, which gives them a unique atmosphere.

The nightlife of the city has something for everyone, whether you like traditional Hungarian folk music, current dance music, or just want to chill out with a drink.

The Wrap-Up: Budapest in Summer

Budapest in the summer is a great mix of busy streets, rich cultural experiences, and places to relax.

The city offers relief from the summer heat with its unique ‘beaches’ along the Danube and its many thermal spas.

Budapest is a great place in Central Europe to visit in the summer because of its friendly atmosphere, busy nightlife, and wide range of tourist-friendly sites and services.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or excitement, Budapest in the summer is a trip you should think about for your next trip.

Interested making a move to Hungary? Check out my blog on best places to live in Hungary!

Your restless voyager,

Dustin