10 Things to Do in Budapest in April

April is the quintessential spring month and, whilst there’s always plenty to do in Budapest, the range of things to get up to during your trip expands. The city seems to blossom at the same time as its cherry trees, one of the city’s finest spectacles.

I’ll warn you now that it’s hard to choose between all the activities, as you can combine more traditional events, such as Easter celebrations or a visit to the museums, with other more modern and lively plans. Shall we get started?

Budapest’s Art Week takes place around the third week of April. Make the most of this opportunity if you’re travelling during those dates, as you’ll be able to visit 50 cultural venues, such as museums, at a lower price, since you can access them all with a single ticket (from around €17).

Indeed, Budapest’s best museums lower their admission prices during the city’s Art Week. It’s the perfect time to visit them, though I should warn you that, like you, many others will want to do so, so buy your tickets in advance and go at times when it’s less crowded. In any case, here are some of my recommendations.

• Museum of Fine Arts: The Szépművészeti Múzeum is one of the most visited. Its collection includes paintings by Picasso, Cézanne and El Greco. There are also various artefacts from Ancient Rome, Greece and, above all, Egypt. Furthermore, its neoclassical architecture is impressive.
• Hungarian National Museum: At the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, you can experience Hungary’s history first-hand from its origins right up to 1990. Although the building is beautiful from the outside, the most interesting part is inside, filled with columns, marble sculptures and paintings on the walls and ceilings. However, its true treasure lies in its collection.
• Budapest History Museum: If you fancy learningabout history, pay a visit to the Budapesti Történeti Múzeum , located in Buda Castle, which you can also explore on a guided tour. The tour is quite an experience, allowing you to see the underground ruins, recreations of traditional Hungarian houses, and typical everyday objects from their culture.
• Budapest Pálinka Museum: Located in the centre of Budapest, this museum will immerse you in the tradition and history of Hungarian fruit brandy. You’ll also have the chance to sample this spirit and learn about the production process from a professional guide if you book a guided tour of the Pálinka Museum.

If you’ve been to Budapest in winter, you know that visiting the thermal baths isn’t always pleasant. Although the water in the pools stays warm, stepping out and fetching your towel leaves you freezing. With the arrival of fine weather and temperatures exceeding 14°C, April is the perfect month to relax in one of Budapest’s best thermal baths without feeling the cold.

There’s a reason why Budapest has been known as the City of Spas since 1934: it boasts over a hundred springs (both artificial and natural) from which millions of litres of thermal water flow every day. In short, it’s a real treat you simply can’t miss during your trip. What’s more, in April the outside temperature matches that of the thermal water, which reaches 80°C. There are plenty to choose from, but here are my recommendations.

Széchenyi Baths

Booking tickets for the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a must. It is one of the largest in Europe, which is hardly surprising given that it has 15 pools. What’s more, it is housed in a neo-Gothic building, making the visit even more incredible. Here you can book a massage, play chess in the pool or simply relax in the thermal waters, which are always warm even when the evening chill descends on the city.

Beyond the sheer size of its facilities, the best thing about Széchenyi is how well-maintained it is. Although it welcomes many visitors throughout the day, it is always spotless. What’s more, it’s open almost all day, from around 6 am to 10 pm, so you can make the most of your ticket. The value for money, at around €37 for a day pass, is unbeatable.

Other options include the Gellért Baths, one of the most famous and oldest in Budapest, whose facilities are somewhat outdated and where the entry price is €18; and the Rudas Baths, built by the Ottomans over 450 years ago and one of the most beautiful in the city, which costs around €12, but has been open to men since its inception and currently only allows women access at weekends.

Booking a cruise on the Danube is always a good idea if you’re in Budapest, but when the spring sunshine arrives, it’s an even better plan. The fine weather means you can head out onto the deck to get a closer look at the buildings as they come into view. Add to that a guide to explain everything and a soft drink (or a glass of cava), and you’ll surely have little doubt about whether to go for it or not.

The Danube has witnessed Budapest’s growth and transformation into the city it is today. During the cruise, you’ll be able to spot such iconic landmarks as the Parliament Building and Matthias Church, as well as passing under famous bridges such as the Elizabeth, Margaret and Chain Bridges. There are several options available:

• Danube cruise in Budapest, from S$30
• Evening cruise on the Danube in Budapest, from S$37
• Cruise with pizza and open bar in Budapest, from S$52
• Cruise in Budapest with dinner and live music, from S$85

The panoramic views are incredible at any time of day, but if you want to make the trip even more special, my advice is to book a night cruise on the Danube. Why? Because seeing the city lit up at nightfall is magical. What’s more, if you don’t mind paying a bit extra, you can also enjoy a VIP area on board whilst discovering Budapest from the river.

There’s a place just thirty minutes from Budapest that you simply mustn’t miss. Add to your list a guided tour of Sisi’s Godollo Palace, the second-largest Baroque castle in the world, but particularly famous for having been the residence of the Hungarian monarchy, including Sissi, the queen who was so dearly loved by her subjects. Beyond that, its spectacular gardens stand out; in April, when the flowers are in bloom, they look even more beautiful.

Visiting Gödöllő Palace is the best way to understand what the Hungarian Empire was all about. Its main façade, with its walls, has been restored and is steeped in history, as is its interior, which often hosts temporary exhibitions. As you tour the rooms, you’ll gain an insight into how Sissi and her husband Franz Joseph lived, as well as discovering some of the secrets of this palace, which has so often been compared to Versailles.

Before you leave, remember to set aside some time to stroll through the 26-hectare park that surrounds it. Designed in the English style, it was declared a Nature Reserve in 1998. There you’ll find one of Sissi’s favourite spots for horse riding: the Avenue of the Almond Trees. As you’ll be visiting in April, you’ll be able to see the blossoms and make this walk even more special.

It’s clear that Budapest is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to offer, but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, I recommend booking a trip to Szentendre, just 20 minutes from the capital. It is a beautiful, picturesque village that you can reach by car or boat.

Szentendre is a very international town, as during the Ottoman invasion of the 15th century it welcomed Greeks, Bosnians, Serbs… Today there are still businesses serving food from these regions, and even a Serbian church.

This town is one of the most beautiful in Hungary, which is perhaps why it was a favourite destination for so many Post-Impressionist artists during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its narrow, colourful streets, lined with Rococo-style houses, are perfect for strolling through in the fine spring weather. When you fancy a break, sit down for a drink on one of the terraces, which will already be set up by April.

April marks the start of the poolside night parties. Every Saturday, the best electronic music, accompanied by a spectacle of lights and colour, sets the pace at Sparty. This night-time party takes place at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which fills with young people, electronic music and disco lights.

Alongside booking a party tour of Budapest’s ruin pubs, Sparty is one of the many things to do at night in Budapest, which is why it attracts thousands of people every year. The party lasts around four hours and the atmosphere is spectacular, especially when the jugglers make their appearance. Fire, lights, DJs…

The original idea came from a group of friends who wanted to combine Budapest’s traditions with modern electronic music. Bear in mind that although this event takes place every week, it’s very popular, so I recommend buying tickets in advance if you don’t want to miss out on this party.

During the Second World War, more than half a million Hungarian Jews were killed. Every 16 April, the city commemorates them through solemn gatherings in schools and other public spaces. Usually, the main event takes place at the Holocaust Memorial Centre in Budapest, where concerts are organised.

On 16 April 1944, ghettos began to be established in Hungary, from where Jews were subsequently transported to concentration camps. This event forms part of the city’s history, so I recommend learning a little more about it during the anniversary of this event. To do so, there’s nothing better than booking a guided tour of Budapest or, more specifically, a tour of Budapest’s Jewish quarter.

No, you don’t need to go to Japan to witness the spectacle of the cherry blossoms. Budapest in April is just as wonderful a destination for admiring them, especially if you visit the Füvészkert Botanical Garden. As well as the plants and flowers that are there all year round, during the cherry blossom season you can stroll past Japanese-inspired stalls, take part in an origami workshop or visit a calligraphy exhibition.

During this cherry blossom festival, you can admire the delicate lilac hue of the blossoms, but there’s much more to it.

In April, the Füvészkert Botanical Garden looks like a scene straight out of Japan. One of my favourite things to do is wander around the different stalls, admire the incredible origami figures and then sit on the grass for a picnic or enjoy a delicious cup of green tea accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets. If you fancy something a bit more lively, you can always try your hand at being a samurai and learn how to shoot a kyudo bow.

Is there anything better than welcoming spring? Well, yes – doing it in Budapest. The most colourful season of the year arrives everywhere, of course, but in Budapest it’s celebrated as a major event thanks to the Spring Festival, where art blossoms alongside spring through exhibitions, events and activities taking place during the first days of April.

The arts take centre stage, and there are plenty of things to do. In total, there are around 200 events spread across 60 venues. The shows appeal to everyone, ranging from ballet and opera to jazz and folk music. What’s more, they are usually held outdoors. Prices vary depending on the specific show, but on average each costs around €13; tickets can be purchased via the website once the full programme is announced.

Although you’ll find a bit of everything, my advice is to check out the more traditional shows, where Hungarian folklore takes centre stage. Of course, listening to a good classical music concert is always a great idea, but since you’re in the Hungarian capital, I recommend discovering its culture and talents in spring.

Easter in Budapest is a major event in April, so make sure you note down all the things to do. The best part is that you can enjoy traditional events, such as Easter eggs, in a unique setting. You can also take part in other events, such as the huge market organised every year.

The Easter Fair

It’s never a bad time to visit Vörösmarty Square, where a craft market is held every April. At each stall, you can discover the creations of local artists and, if you like, buy something to take home as a lovely (and unique) souvenir of your trip to Budapest. If you fancy getting creative, you can sign up for a workshop and make something yourself.

The most typical items at this market are undoubtedly the Easter eggs. Painting them is part of Hungarian tradition, as they symbolise eternal life. Nowadays, different styles and colours are combined, resulting in beautiful pieces.

Easter food

Both at the Easter market and in Budapest’s restaurants, you’ll notice that many stews are served, as they are traditional during the Easter season. Above all, it is typical to eat langos, a potato-based flatbread topped with cheese, garlic and sour cream.

Without a doubt, the desserts are the most delicious, with marzipan, gingerbread and Kürtőskalács – a baked, very sweet cake – standing out. To accompany all this food, nothing beats a glass of wine or a craft beer. If you don’t want to miss a thing and want to savour the best of traditional cuisine, I recommend booking a food tour of Budapest.

The tradition of Hollókő

Just an hour from Budapest lies Hollókő, a village where a very traditional and unique Hungarian Easter event takes place. The men and boys of the village pour buckets of cold water over the women and girls. This pagan ritual was linked to fertility, which is why it was the male suitors who would splash water on the young women of marriageable age. Nowadays it no longer carries this courtship significance, but it has remained a festival.

It’s a somewhat chaotic celebration where you might end up getting soaked, but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so I recommend taking a trip from Budapest to witness it.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Budapest all year round, but you’d be wise to visit in April. Spring has not only arrived but has settled in, so temperatures reach 18°C, whilst the chance of rain drops to just three days. Generally, the minimum temperature is 11°C, so pack something warm for the evenings, when it gets a bit chilly.

The weather is a bit dry, but it’s lovely to be able to enjoy the outdoors, go on a bike tour of Budapest and not feel like the day ends at 5 pm, as happens in the winter months. In contrast, in April, there are over thirteen hours of daylight.

Although the peak season in Budapest is in summer, April is a month with a fair number of tourists. Why? You can tell the good weather has arrived, and what’s more, this month coincides with important dates, such as the Easter holidays, which attract many visitors.

What does this mean? It means you’d better book your hotel and flights in advance, as well as tickets for museums or any excursions you’d like to go on. On the other hand, bear in mind that prices will be slightly higher, though not quite as high as they get during the summer months.

Have you got everything sorted for your trip to Budapest in April? I hope my tips serve as a guide and that you enjoy yourself to the full.