10 Things to Do in Budapest in April

April is the quintessential spring month, and while there’s always something to do in Budapest, the range of activities available during your trip expands even further. The city seems to blossom along with its cherry blossoms, one of the city’s most spectacular sights.

I’ll warn you now: it’s hard to choose among all the activities, as you can combine more traditional events—like Easter celebrations or a visit to the museums—with other more modern and lively plans. Shall we begin?

Budapest’s Art Week takes place around the third week of April. Take advantage of this opportunity if you’re traveling during those dates, because you’ll be able to explore 50 cultural sites, such as museums, at a lower price, since you can access them all with a single ticket (starting at approximately €17).

Indeed, Budapest’s top 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 many others will want to do the same, so buy your tickets in advance and go during off-peak hours. 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 artifacts from Ancient Rome, Greece, and, above all, Egypt. Additionally, its neoclassical architecture is impressive.
• Hungarian National Museum: At the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, you can learn firsthand about Hungary’s history from its origins through 1990. Although the building’s exterior is beautiful, 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’re interestedin history, visit the Budapesti Történeti Múzeum located in Buda Castle, which you can also explore on a guided tour. The tour is a unique experience where you’ll see underground ruins, recreations of traditional Hungarian homes, and typical everyday objects from their culture.
• Budapest Pálinka Museum: Located in the center of Budapest, this museum will immerse you in the tradition and history of Hungarian fruit brandy. Plus, you’ll have the chance to taste this spirit and learn about the production process alongside 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. Even though the water in the pools stays warm, stepping out to grab a towel leaves your body freezing. With the arrival of warmer 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 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 liters of thermal water flow every day. In short, it’s a true luxury you can’t miss during your trip. Plus, in April, the outside temperature matches that of the thermal water, which reaches 80°C. There are many to choose from, but here are my recommendations.

Széchenyi Baths

Booking tickets for the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a must. It’s one of the largest in Europe, which is no surprise considering it has 15 pools. Plus, it’s housed in a neo-Gothic building that makes the visit even more incredible. Here you can book a massage, play chess in the pool, or simply relax in the thermal waters, which stay warm even as the cool night air settles over the city.

Beyond the sheer size of its facilities, the best thing about Széchenyi is how well-maintained it is. Even though it welcomes many visitors throughout the day, it’s always clean. On top of that, it’s open almost all day, from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can make the most of your ticket. The value for money—approximately €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 admission costs €18; and the Rudas Baths, built by the Ottomans over 450 years ago and one of the most beautiful in the city, with an admission price of approximately €12. However, since its inception, it has been open only to men, and currently, women are only allowed access on weekends.

Booking a Danube cruise is always a good idea if you’re in Budapest, but when springtime arrives, the experience is even better. The nice weather lets you go out on deck to get a close-up view of the buildings unfolding before your eyes. Add to that a guide who explains everything and a refreshing drink (or a glass of sparkling wine), 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 catch sight of iconic landmarks like the Parliament Building and Matthias Church, as well as passing under famous bridges such as the Elizabeth, Margaret, and Chain Bridges. Several options are available:

• Danube River Cruise in Budapest, starting at $24
• Night cruise on the Danube in Budapest, starting at $30
• Cruise with pizza and open bar in Budapest, starting at $41
• Cruise in Budapest with dinner and live music, starting at $66

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. Plus, if you don’t mind paying a little extra, you can also enjoy a VIP area on board while exploring Budapest from the river.

There’s a place just thirty minutes from Budapest that you can’t miss. Add to your list a guided tour of Sisi’s Godollo Palace, the second-largest Baroque castle in the world, but especially famous for having been the residence of the Hungarian monarchy, including Sissi, the queen who was so beloved 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 rich in history, as is its interior, which often hosts temporary exhibitions. As you tour its rooms, you’ll gain insight into how Sissi and her husband Franz Joseph lived, as well as discover some of the secrets of this palace, which has so often been compared to Versailles.

Before you leave, be sure to set aside time to stroll through the 26-hectare park that surrounds it. Designed in the English style, it was designated a Nature Reserve in 1998. There you’ll find one of Sissi’s favorite spots for horseback riding: the Avenue of the Almond Trees. Since 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’s a beautiful, picturesque town you can reach by car or boat.

Szentendre is a very international town, as during the 15th-century Ottoman invasion 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 destination for so many Post-Impressionist artists during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its narrow, colorful streets, lined with Rococo-style houses, are perfect for strolling through in the pleasant spring weather. When you feel like taking a break, sit down for a drink at one of its outdoor cafes, which will already be set up by April.

Nighttime pool parties kick off in April. Every Saturday, the best electronic music, accompanied by a spectacle of lights and color, sets the pace at Sparty. This nighttime party takes place at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which fills with young people, electronic music, and disco lights.

Along with 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 draws thousands of people every year. The party lasts about 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 tradition with modern electronic music. Heads up: 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 World War II, more than half a million Hungarian Jews perished. Every April 16, the city commemorates them through solemn gatherings at schools and other public spaces. Typically, the main event takes place at the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest, where concerts are held.

On April 16, 1944, ghettos began to be established in Hungary, from which Jews were later transported to concentration camps. This event is part of the city’s history, so I recommend learning 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 have to go to Japan to witness the spectacle of cherry blossoms. Budapest in April is just as wonderful a destination to see them, especially if you visit the Füvészkert Botanical Garden. In addition to the plants and flowers that are there year-round, during cherry blossom season you can stroll among Japanese-inspired stalls, take an origami workshop, or attend a calligraphy exhibition.

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

In April, the Füvészkert Botanical Garden looks like a scene straight out of Japan. One of my favorite things to do is stroll past 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 paired with traditional Japanese sweets. If you’re looking for something more lively, you can always try your hand at being a samurai and learn to shoot a kyudo bow.

Is there anything better than welcoming spring? Well, yes—doing it in Budapest. The most colorful 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 blooms alongside spring through exhibitions, events, and activities held during the first days of April.

The arts take center stage, and there are plenty of things to do. In total, there are about 200 events spread across 60 venues. The shows appeal to everyone, ranging from ballet and opera to jazz and folklore. Plus, they’re usually held outdoors. Prices vary by show, but on average, each ticket costs approximately €13; tickets can be purchased through the website once the full program is announced.

Although you’ll find a little bit of everything, my advice is to check out the more traditional shows, where Hungarian folklore takes center stage. Of course, attending a great classical music concert is always a wonderful idea, but since you’re in the capital of Hungary, I recommend discovering its culture and local talent this spring.

Easter in Budapest is a major event in April, so be sure to mark your calendar with all the activities on offer. The best part is that you can enjoy traditional events, such as Easter eggs, in a unique setting. You can also participate in other events, like the large market held 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’d like, buy something to take home as a beautiful (and unique) souvenir of your trip to Budapest. If you feel like tapping into your creative side, 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 symbolize eternal life. Today, different styles and colors are mixed together, 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’re traditional during the Easter season. Above all, it’s typical to eat langos, a potato-based flatbread topped with cheese, garlic, and sour cream.

Without a doubt, the desserts are the most delicious, including marzipan, gingerbread, and Kürtőskalács, a baked and very sweet pastry. 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 savor 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 this village pour buckets of cold water on the women and girls. This pagan ritual was linked to fertility, which is why it was the male suitors who doused the young women of marriageable age with water. Today, it no longer carries this courtship meaning, 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 throughout the year, but you’re wise to visit in April. Spring has not only arrived but has settled in, so temperatures reach 18°C, while the chance of rain drops to just three days. Generally, the low is 11°C, so bring a light jacket for the evenings, when it cools down.

The weather is somewhat dry, but it’s nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors, take a bike tour of Budapest, and not feel like the day ends at 5 p.m., as it does in the winter months. In contrast, in April, there are more than thirteen hours of daylight.

Although the high season in Budapest is in the summer, April is a month with quite a few tourists. Why? You can tell that the good weather has arrived, and this month also coincides with important dates, such as the Easter holidays, which attract many visitors.

What does this mean? It means you should book your hotel and flights in advance, as well as tickets for museums or excursions you want to take. On the other hand, keep in mind that prices will be slightly higher, though not as high as they get during the summer months.

Do you have everything ready to travel to Budapest in April? I hope my tips serve as a guide and that you enjoy your trip to the fullest.