Y’all…I could not wait to write this Budapest autumn guide! Fall is my favorite time of year, and Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities to spend it in. Riverside walks along the Danube under changing leaves, lounging in the thermal spas as the weather gets cool, expeditions with friends to find the best mulled wine…there’s so much to do! Use this Budapest fall guide and plan your autumn visit to Budapest!
1. Visit the Thermal Baths
Budapest thermal baths have been around since Roman times, and they’re still a major draw today. Although there are hot springs all over Hungary, some of the country’s finest baths are located right in the capital. Széchenyi Bath, with its striking yellow arcade, is the most popular among tourists. Gellért Bath’s ornate art deco artistry and old-world charm are jaw-dropping. And Rudas Bath’s rooftop hot tub lets you take in the sights of historic buildings and Danube river views all while soaking your cares away. I especially love going to the baths when the autumn air is crisp and you can see the steam rising off the outdoor pools. Each bath offers different experiences, so choose the one that best suits your mood!
2. Warm Up With Classic Hungarian Food
Hungarian food is hearty fare, rich in flavors and spices. If you’re looking for a filling meal to chase the autumn chill away, you’re in the right place! What are some warm, classic Hungarian foods you can try?
Gulyás
(Often known as goulash). A beef, onion, and potato soup, colored red by Hungary’s famous paprika, this is an iconic Hungarian meal. I was surprised to find that it’s thinner, more like soup than the stew I was expecting. Either way, it’s delicious!
Try: Frici Pápá
Lángos
Although this flatbread is especially popular during the summer months (especially after a swim in Lake Balaton), I’d eat it any time of year. A disk of fried dough, traditionally smothered with garlic, sour cream, and soft, white cheese, it will certainly warm you up!
Try: Retro Lángos Büfé
Kürtőskalács
Literally translating to “chimney cake”, this is the perfect sweet treat to keep your hands warm. This cylindrical sweetbread is roasted over an open flame, and then rolled in all kinds of toppings. Some of the most popular are coconut, walnut, and cocoa powder, although my favorite is cinnamon!
Try: Hoppácska
3. Visit the Markets
Are you wondering where to eat classic Hungarian food in Budapest?
For truly local flavors, go to the markets. The Central Market Hall is the most famous indoor market in Budapest (and it’s quite photogenic, as well!). Built at the end of the 19th Century, it’s long been a place for locals and tourists alike to shop and eat. Do your shopping on the ground floor before heading upstairs to browse the food stalls. The prices are geared towards tourists, but you’ll find a wide range of Hungarian food.
More local markets are
- Ráckoczi Market Hall
- Lehel Piác
- Klauzal Square Market
4. Have Fun at a Budapest Fall Festival
There’s always a reason to eat, drink, and be merry in Budapest! There are plenty of fall festivals to keep you busy.
Budapest Wine Festival
This is one of the most eagerly-awaited festivals of the year! Taking place in the beautiful Buda Castle on Castle Hill, stroll through historic courtyards and sip on wine from all over Hungary. The Buda Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the panoramic views of the city are unreal on a clear day.
If you’ve missed the festival, why not snuggle up in a cozy wine bar once the weather gets chilly? In fact, did you know that Budapest has over 22 wine regions? Budapest offers visitors a wide variety of wineries to explore, offering everything from small family-run producers to internationally renowned brands. Bortodoor offers incredibly friendly and helpful tastings for any level of wine lover.
Pálinka and Sausage Festival
Can you think of anything more Hungarian to celebrate? Try variations of Hungary’s iconic fruit brandy, as well as its hearty sausages. My suggestion? Start and finish your time there with a shot of pálinka–it’ll help the heavy foods go down a lot more smoothly.The exact festival dates are TBD, but it takes place at Buda Castle, usually in early October.
Budapest Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest has also been gaining popularity in Budapest, with more and more festivals popping up around the city. Sponsored by Paulaner, this free festival offers Bavarian music, German beer, and tasty food. Learn more about Oktoberfest programming here.
5. Explore Autumn Colors on a Fall Walk
The best way to experience Budapest’s beautiful fall weather is to get outside! There are many trails and parks throughout the city where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while getting some exercise. You’ll find yourself surrounded by beauty and wonder. Some of my favorite spots are:
Normafa
Up in the Buda hills and accessible by a 20-minute bus ride, Normafa provides acres of hiking trails and a sweeping view of all of Budapest! There are a few refreshment stands as well, so bring cash and enjoy some mulled wine or a lángos!
Margaret Island
A pedestrian paradise, this island is nestled in the Danube river, just above Margaret Bridge. Go for a long, leafy walk–or even rent a fourTh-person bike!
City Park
Accessible with the historic Metro 1 and located just behind Heroes Square, Városliget is one of the largest green spaces in Budapest. If just walking around gets boring, you can rent a rowboat for the lake of Vajdahunyad Castle, or have a relaxing day at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
6. Catch a Movie at a Classic Art Cinema
Getting cozy in a Budapest art cinema is one of my favorite rainy day activities. As opposed to the bigger chain, like Cinema City, each art cinema has its own vibe and personality. Although they show some blockbusters, their program also includes foreign films–which means many of them are shown in English! The art cinemas are often the first place I look for English movies in Budapest. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! Find the list of art cinema locations here.
7. Go Apple Picking
Coming from the States, there are plenty of fall traditions I miss, hay rides and corn mazes among them. Thankfully, there’s one fall activity that I don’t have to miss: apple picking! It’s a perfect way to get some fresh air, have a little city break, and stock up on fresh, crunchy apples. Apple pie, apple cobbler, apple muffins…the possibilities are endless!
So, where can you go apple picking in Hungary? There are two options just outside of Budapest that are accessible via public transportation, Doma Farm in Törökbálint or Breier Farm in Pomaz.
8. Take a Daytrip
Sometimes it’s just good to get out of the city–even one as beautiful as Budapest. If you feel the need to stretch your legs and get some fresh air, maybe a day trip is for you! What are some of my favorite Budapest daytrips?
The medieval town of Szentendre is only 40 minutes north of Budapest and has colorful buildings dotted along winding, cobblestone streets.
Lake Balaton has so much to offer even once the summer heat has faded. Check out We Love Balaton for wine tastings and other harvest festivals!
Something that’s always been on my bucket list is to see the autumn colors in Bükk National Park by taking the train to Lillafüred (bonus–stay overnight in the castle for a special experience!)
9. Dodge the Rainy Weather in a Budapest Museum
Autumn is bound to have some rainy days now and then, which is the perfect excuse to try Budapest’s wide range of museums. Sure, if you want to go the classic route, you can visit the National Gallery or the Museum of Fine Arts, but did you know there’s a Pinball Museum as well? For a somber and heartfelt look at Hungary’s harrowing history, the House of Terror or the Hospital in the Rock are quite immersive. And if it’s photo opportunities you’re after, spend a rainy afternoon at the Sweets and Selfies Museum!
10. Prepare to Celebrate Halloween in Budapest
Halloween may be an imported holiday, but it’s been gaining popularity in recent years. Even though celebrations aren’t as widespread as they may be in the States, there are still clubs and expat bars that throw Halloween parties–so you’ll be able to put your costume to good use! How else can you celebrate Halloween in Budapest? For the kiddos (or adults with a sweet tooth), some pedestrian streets put on a trick-or-treat event. My favorite event is the Jack-O-Lantern Festival in Hosök Tere (Heroes Square), which doubles as a charity event–bring your carved pumpkinand some dry food to donate! The whole square lights up with a family-friendly glow.
Budapest is one of my favorite European cities to experience the autumn season in. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to take in nature or get cozy away from the elements. Put on a sweater, grab your camera, and get ready to explore fall in Budapest!
Happy Sweater Season!
Denae Xx
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