I loved my first Christmas market trip to Europe in 2023 so much that I was determined to visit them all! Strolling around cute wooden chalets with mulled wine, watching the sparkling Christmas lights, and admiring the festive decorations. What’s not to love😉
A few years later, we decided to visit Vienna and were looking at adding a few more cities to our itinerary. The Advent Feast at Budapest’s Basilica is often voted as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Having never visited this city we were intrigued. Given its proximity to Vienna (3 hours by train/ car), it was an easy addition to the itinerary.
Since this was our first time in Budapest, we explored the city beyond the markets as well. So you can use this blog for both Christmas markets as well as general guide for visiting Budapest.
On this trip, we also visited other smaller Austrian towns, as well as Bratislava, and Cesky Krumlov.
For detailed guides on other Christmas markets, please click on the respective links:
A detailed itinerary on other towns will be up on the blog shortly.
Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian forint (“HUF”), but Euros are also accepted at most places throughout the city. However, the exchange rate may or may not be favorable at most places so advisable to keep some HUF handy. You can find exchange centers all throughout the city.
If you are planning to visit Budapest during the holiday season, then here are couple pointers to keep in mind:
- Budapest has several markets, usually open from mid-November to late December. While most European markets close by December 23rd or 24th, some of the markets in Budapest stay open until early January. Always check the official website while planning your trip.
- Most markets in Budapest only accept Credit Card.
- Unlike most European markets, Budapest markets usually serve dinks in paper cups instead of reusable mugs. So, you won’t be paying a mug deposit like other markets.
- The markets are at their busiest in the evenings and on weekends. So, if you are looking to peacefully browse thru the stalls and buy, then advise going early in the day. Even if you have strolled the market during morning time, you should go back at night since they look prettier with the lights on.
- The portion size of food in the stalls is very huge and filling. Additionally, we observed that the prices at these stalls are higher than those at other European markets we have visited.
What to Eat/ Drink at the Markets
- Goulash – A beef stew with paprika, often served in bread bowls.
- Langos – Deep-fried flatbread with sweet and savory toppings. For my Indian readers, it literally tastes like bhatura 😉
- Glühwein and Punch – Glühwein is essentially mulled wine, often infused with spices. You will also find rum punches with apple, orange, apricot and berries. They are both delicious and warming on a cold winter night.
- Pálinka – A strong Hungarian brandy with alcohol content ranging from 37.5% to 86%. The most popular flavors are apricot, pear, and plum. But sip slowly, it burns!
- Stuffed cabbage– A traditional Hungarian Christmas dish. Cabbage leaves are filled with ground beef and rice, then layered with homemade tomato sauce. It is usually served with sour cream and white bread.
- Sausages – Typically served with toppings of your choice.
- Potato Pancakes
- Roasted chestnuts – Classic winter street food, found at many stalls in the Christmas markets.
- Kürtőskalács/ Chimney cakes –The dough is rolled in sugar, wrapped around a cone and roasted over charcoal, creating a crispy caramelized crust. You can get them with a variety of toppings like walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cinnamon, chocolate and even ice cream.
How long do you need in Budapest during Christmas?
If this is your first time in Budapest, then you need at least 3 full days to explore this city. If your primary purpose is only Christmas market hopping, then 2 days are sufficient.
Best Way to Reach
Budapest is easily connected by flight from most European cities. If you are visiting from one of the neighboring cities, then here is the driving ditsance:
- From Vienna – 3 hour drive / 2.5 hour train ride
- From Prague – 5.5 hour drive / 7 hour train ride
You can even hop on to a Flix bus from either of these cities to reach Budapest.
If you are driving into Budapest, then you need to buy an e-vignette – click here for more information.
Best Way to Get Around the City
Most markets are close to each other and walkable. But if you want to explore rest of the city, then best to hop on buses and trams. Couple of ticket types are available – single tickets or block of 10 or multi-day options, which you can buy depending on your itinerary. Click here to read more.
We ended up buying a block of 10 tickets for HUF 4,500 and used it over a period of our 3 day stay. It was convenient and economical. Remember to validate your ticket before you start your journey. Ticket inspectors are stationed around the area, and you can be fined for non-validated tickets.
Depending on your itinerary, you can also looking into buying a Budapest Card. You can enjoy unlimited public transport (including from the airport), free admission to top attractions including a free thermal bath, a free Danube river cruise, discounts at restaurants and other experiences.
Taxis and Ubers/ Bolt are also readily available.
Where to Stay
The city of Budapest spans over two sides of River Danube, with two halves of the city – Buda and Pest.
Most of the main Christmas markets and cafes, bars and restaurants are on the Pest side of the city, so staying somewhere central will make it easy to explore them on foot.
- District V (Belváros–Lipótváros) is the most convenient area, as both the Basilica and Vörösmarty Square are just minutes apart.
- District VI (Terézváros) and District VII (Erzsébetváros) are also great options with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafés nearby. It is close to the main sights and public transport makes it easy to get around.
While Buda is beautiful, it is not quite as convenient as a base if you want to go to the liveliest part of town in the evenings.
Hence, Pest is a better area to stay and perfect for exploring the city.
We stayed at this lovely Airbnb near Gozsdu Udvar. The room was spacious and just 10-minute walk from Fashion Street and Vörösmarty Square.
For our last night in Budapest, we switched accommodation and moved to the fancy Anantara Hotel. We had a few credit card points to use and what better way to use it than an opulent stay 😍 Our room had a separate terrace area; too bad it was too cold to use it☹️ But the best part was NO wait lines at the iconic New York Café. We dined not once, but three times here during our stay 😍 More on that later.
Christmas Markets
There are several Christmas markets spread out in the city of Budapest. Apart from the markets, there are some streets beautifully lit up which are worth visiting.
Vörösmarty Square
The main Christmas market is held at Vörösmarty Square. During the holiday season, this square turns into a festive marketplace filled with stalls where you can shop for handmade gifts and try some of the best Hungarian food.
The food scene here is amazing and portion sizes here are HUGE, so ensure you come hungry😉 From traditional dishes to warm drinks and sweet treats, you can easily spend hours here.
There is a Christmas tree in the square and live performances are held on certain days.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market
Budapest’s second most popular market is located right in the square outside St. Stephen’s Basilica. Personally, I found this one better than the market in Vörösmarty Square.
The tall Christmas tree in the middle of the square is beautiful! I specially loved how even the bow garland on the tree was made of lights!
Like Vörösmarty Square, there are huge stalls selling a large variety of traditional Hungarian cuisine, as well as smaller stalls selling individual foods. I even found an Arabica coffee stall 😍
What makes this one stand out is the light show projected onto the Basilica every half hour from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. It is the largest 3D Christmas projection in Europe and one of the highlights of visiting Budapest at Christmas. The good thing is that there is a clock counting down to the start of light show, so you know exactly how long to wait for the next show. Each show is different so ensure you watch at least two shows 😊
Did you know that you can also go up to the top of the Basilica to get panoramic views of the city as well as a unique perspective of the markets from above? Click here for ticket information.
There is a Ferris wheel at Elizabeth Square, steps away from this market, from which you can get a lovely birds eye view of the city as well.
Városháza Park Christmas Market
This one is close to Vörösmarty Square. The highlight here is the large ice-skating rink!
Right behind the rink, you will find the Városháza Pop Up Park, where small wooden stalls sell street food, drinks, and a mix of local crafts. There are also a few extra stands scattered around the square, so it is easy to grab a snack or a mulled wine while you explore. The whole area is beautifully decorated too so worth stopping.
And since the market is open until early January so you can enjoy skating and the festive lights well after Christmas.
Fisherman’s Bastion Christmas Market
This is the only market on the Buda side of the city. Unlike other markets, stalls are not concentrated in one place but rather scattered around the castle area.
You will find a few stalls in the main square outside of Fisherman’s Bastion as well as right outside Buda Castle. We had the best langos of our trip outside Buda Castle.
The only way to reach here is via a furnicular, shuttle bus or climbing up the stairs. We chose to climb since it gave us an opportunity to stop and admire the views from different perspectives as well as burn the calories from all the food we ate at the markets😉 If you choose to take the furnicular, then note that a standard return ticket costs around HUF 5,000 for adults.
Gozsdu Court Christmas
Gozsdu Udvar (Godzsdu Court) in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is not a traditional Christmas Market. The court is filed with bars, restaurants, shops, pop-up stands and is beautifully decorated for the season.
Since we stayed in this area, we passed by this lovely décor every day and couldn’t help snapping away 😊
Obuda Market
The Obuda Christmas Market is a charming, cozy market located about 30 minutes away by public transport.
This market may be small but has a much more local feel. It tends to draw mostly locals, and is a great place to slow down and soak up the holiday magic. Unlike other markets, this one provides a cozy and authentic vibe.
The market is set up in Fő tér, surrounded by pretty historic buildings and twinkling lights. You will find wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, local food, and sweet treats, along with plenty of family-friendly activities and live performances. There is also an ice-skating rink, which adds to the festive atmosphere!
This market opens later than the other ones. So check the dates while planning your trip.
City Park and Ice Skating
Budapest’s City Park is home to Városligeti Műjégpálya — an ice rink overlooking the park’s castle.
This ice skating rink is the biggest and best spot for ice skating in Budapest. Sadly, it had not opened for the season when we visited in late November.
Right next to it is Happy Wonderland, a festive winter event featuring amusement rides, festive lights, and games.
City Park is located about 20 minutes north of the other two main markets and is just a couple minutes away from Szechenyi Thermal Baths. The perfect place to stretch your legs in between all the market hopping 🙂
Vajdahunyad Castle
This castle has some beautiful architecture worth admiring up close. Entry to the grounds and courtyards of Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest is free. However, if you want to enter some buildings then you need to pay an entry fee. Since we visited in late November, the whole area was filled with autumn beauty and was a visual treat.
See the Christmas lights on Fashion Street
The light displays and decorations here are the prettiest in the city! Since lights are the main attraction here, time your visit in the evening.
Right next to it is Vaci Street, the premier shopping street in this city. It is filled with branded stores, so add it to your list if you fancy shopping.
Ride the Christmas tram
During the holiday season, several trams are covered in thousands of lights and run across the city. These Christmas trams run between December 1, 2025 till January 3, 2025.
Tram 2 is the most scenic, offering a festive ride past iconic sights like the Parliament and Danube.
Other Things to Do
There is lot to do in Budapest in December than just the Christmas markets. The city feels extra magical this time of year, with twinkling lights, festive music, and plenty of cozy spots to warm up between markets.
Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and Buda Castle
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says Budapest? For me, it is the iconic staircase of Fisherman’s Bastion.
It is one of the best and most famous viewpoints in Budapest, providing panoramic views of the city and the Danube. The bastion looks like a fairy-tale castle with its intricate arches and turrets. It is always crowded, so plan to get here early if you want to see it with fewer people around.
Matthias Church, right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture with colorful roof tiles and intricate spires. It has been built over the centuries with various wings and architectural elements added. The interior is really lovely as well, and you can explore it for an additional fee.
Next, wander over to Buda Castle, a centerpiece of Hungarian history. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been a royal residence and a fortress. It now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. There was a LOT of construction going on here when we visited but it was beautiful nonetheless.
As you walk through the courtyards and admire the castle’s grand facades, take a moment to visit the Hungarian National Gallery, where you can view an impressive collection of Hungarian art from medieval times to the present. You can even climb up to the castle’s dome, which offers panoramic views over River Danube and Pest.
Apart from these sights, the Castle District, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares, is a lovely neighborhood to explore.
While sunrise offers a peaceful experience, I recommend going here during sunset as well. The views from the top are beautiful and they look even more beautiful at golden hour.
Admire the Bridges of Budapest
Budapest has some iconic bridges connecting Buda and Pest across River Danube. Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest and most famous, known for its lion statues. Any Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam fans here 😉
We also walked by this bridge one evening during sunset and were greeted with amazing sunset views.
One other bridge I really loved is Liberty Bridge. Known for its Art Nouveau design, green color, and bird statues on its towers, it links Gellért Square and the Market Hall. Take Tram 47 / 49 if you want a scenic ride across River Danube.
Elizabeth Bridge, Margaret Briddge and Megyeri Bridge and other lesser known bridges in this city.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, is the most impressive sight in the city (and maybe all of Europe!). While I know you all have seen pictures of it, be prepared to be awestruck by its beauty !
You can even see if from inside on a guided tour. Click here to book your guided tour tickets.
For best views of Parliament building, head to Batthyány tér (Square) on Buda side. We went during the day and went back at night – isn’t it simply stunning?
Which one do you prefer?
Central Market Hall
This is a historic, 19th-century covered market popular among both locals and tourists, and is open all round the year. The top level is primarily dedicated to souvenirs and a few food stalls, while the ground floor has a variety of market offerings like fresh meat and produce.
Whether you want to grab a bite to eat, browse for souvenirs, check out the local produce, a stop here is definitely worth your time!
However, we found limited vegetarian food options here so if you want a hearty meal, then better to visit Timeout Market.
Gorgeous Cafes
If you’re looking for Instagrammable cafes, then you are in the right city 😉Similar to Vienna, Budapest has a lovely cafe culture – unique coffee drinks paired with alcohol and delicious desserts !
New York Café, with its ornate interiors is a must visit! But it can have long wait even at 8 am in the morning. Since we were staying at the hotel (Anantara Hotel) that houses this café, we literally walked in! We passed by on weekdays and the wait wasn’t too bad but on Friday, there was a serpentine queue ! So try visiting during weekdays if you are in the city then. Or you can make a reservation for dinner (since they only accept reservations after 6 pm).
We had heard mixed reviews about this café but we had a lovely dining experience each time. We had breakfast, followed by coffee and desserts and then dinner too one of the days. My reviews may be biased since I didn’t spend a single minute waiting in line 😉 The food and drinks are on the expensive side but you are essentially paying for the experience.
If you don’t fancy waiting in line, then there are other equally beautiful cafes worth checking out.
Cafe Gerbeaud, is yet another historical cafe in this city. It is located right on Vörösmarty Square, making it a good place to warm up after visiting the Christmas Market. Try their Dobos Torte and Lanchid coffee (brandy based coffee).
Parisi Passage is equally beautiful and has live music playing during the day. We stopped by for breakfast one of the days.
While you will find chimney cakes at most market stalls, I advise trying one from Pichler. They are freshly baked so give it 5-10 minutes. We had their pistachio chimney cake and hot chocolate, which was literally melted chocolate – so delicious !
Ruin Bars
Did you know that Budapest has a ruin bar culture? These bars are made in formerly dilapidated buildings and have several levels, rooms, bars, and nooks, a mix of indoor and outdoor space. Each area is decorated interestingly and offers a unique experience!
Simplza Kert is the most famous ruin bar in the city. For Sale pub, while not a ruin bar is unique and worth checking out. Sadly, there was a long wait when we got here at noon, so chose to skip it.
Thermal Baths
Budapest is a city of thermal baths and there are many to choose from! On a chilly day, the outdoor bathing areas are nice and relaxing! Sliding into the hot baths while breathing in the cool, crisp air sounds like pure bliss, isn’t it?
The most famous thermal bath in this city is Szechenyi Baths located near City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle. This is the largest thermal bath in Europe. There are several indoor baths with pools of various temperatures. The outdoor bath is in a striking yellow adorned with statues and looks beautiful.
While Szechenyi Baths are the most famous, I have heard mixed reviews. Gellert and Rudas offer a better experience.
Gellert is currently closed for renovation. Rudas offers a lovely view of the city and try visiting during sunset time. Sadly, we were busy exploring the city and markets and didn’t have time for this 😞
Most of these bathhouses charge for towels and flip flops so ensure you carry your own. And the charges are ridiculously high.
Other Things to Do
Take a River Cruise – Seeing the city from the water is always wonderful! Tours start from as low as Euros 12 and can go up depending on whether drinks and food are included. While boat tours run throughout the day, recommend taking one during twilight hour / post sunset. We booked our tickets on Getyourguide. You can find similar operators on Viator as well. Check the sunset time before booking since the lights are switched on only after sunset, which can vary depending on the month you are visiting in.
Shoes on Danube Memorial – This is a memorial to the Jews who were told to take their shoes off and then were shot and dumped into the river during the Holocaust. People have placed candles near the shoes, and many shoes are filled with rocks – a sign of respect at Jewish burial sites.
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library – If you like beautiful architecture, then you must visit this library. It is housed in the opulent Wenckheim Palace, and is known for its breathtaking Neo-Baroque interiors, featuring ornate ceilings, grand staircases and intricate details. Entry fee is HUF 1900.
Heroes Square – One of Budapest’s most symbolic spots is Heroes’ Square. This place is a tribute to the founders of Hungary, and a memorial to the country’s historic figures.
Gellert Hill – The perfect place to visit during sunset since it provides the best views in Budapest. You can also spend some time in the park around the citadel. At the base of the hill, you can also visit the unique Cave Church, which is a church built straight into the rocks of Gellért Hill.
Margaret Island – A unique car-free island in the middle of the Danube. You can easily reach the island via Margaret Bridge or Árpád Bridge. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and surroundings.
Watch a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House – The Opera House is stunning inside, and catching a concert or ballet here makes for a lovely experience.
All prices as of November 2025