If you’ve known me for awhile, you know that I absolutely love being from the Pacific Northwest–rainy days and all! But I’ll be the first to admit that soggy weather can put a damper on your plans. Now that the weather is cooling down, rainy days are becoming more and more common. Whether you’re visiting in the winter for the Christmas markets, or you’ve made Budapest your home, the rain doesn’t have to ruin your day! Here are 10 things to do on a rainy day in Budapest!
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1. Visit a Thermal Bath
Visiting the thermal baths is one of the best parts of living in Budapest. Can you think of anything better than escaping the chilly air by sitting in one of the deliciously steaming outdoor pools? The thermal waters are supposed to be good for your health, and it can be an adventure to explore the maze of indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The spa experience in this City of Baths is quite relaxing, and even more cozy on a rainy day!
Which Budapest thermal bath is the best? They all have their draws!
Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Perhaps the most famous, with its iconic yellow arcade and large outdoor pools
Gellért Bath: Jaw-droppingly gorgeous Art Nouveau design
Rudás Bath: With a bubbling rooftop hot tub where you can watch the city go by
Lukács Bath: With an outdoor whirlpool and hot tub
2. Spend Time in a Museum
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- Dive into an interactive exhibition at the Light Art Museum or Cinema Mystica
- Get the perfect pic at hands-on museums like the Sweets and Selfie Museum or the Pinball Museum
- Appreciate art at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian National Gallery
- Dive into Hungarian history at the somber House of Terror Museum or the chilling Hospital in the Rock
3. Hideout in a Board Game Cafe![]()
Board game cafes are a sort of paradise! Cozy rooms with an endless amount of games to choose from! Grab your friends and spend hours challenging each other to strategic battles while sipping on coffee/craft beer or enjoying snacks. Make a reservation, just to be safe! They can get popular! Whether you’re a hard core gamer or casual player, it can be a fun escape from the rain. Try the Board Game Café , Vault51, or Barcraft.
4. Solve the Puzzle in an Escape Room![]()
Budapest is the capital of escape rooms–they were basically invented here, after all. These interactive puzzle games are a fantastic way to engage your mind and have a blast while staying dry. There are an endless amount of options and themes, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Whenever I go with friends we always end up laughing and quite proud of ourselves by the end. Just make sure you solve the puzzles before the clock runs out!
Discount: Use code “DIDI” for 5% off these escape rooms!
5. Practice Your Aim Axe Throwing
If you need to release your inner lumberjack, axe throwing in Budapest may be the perfect activity for you. Don’t worry–instructors will show you the ropes before you take aim. Dodge the bad weather and sign up for this unique indoor activity. Afterward, you can head upstairs to the craft beer bar to celebrate your prowess! At the very least, it’s a great way to unleash some pent-up energy!
Discount: Use code “DIDI” for 5% off axe throwing!
6. Warm Up at a Cozy Cafe
Budapest’s cafe culture is a link to its illustrious past, when writers and intellectuals would gather to swap revolutionary thoughts and bright ideals. If you’d like to step back into history, a rainy day in Budapest is the perfect time to grab a coffee and cake at one of the classic confectioneries such as Gerbaud or Cafe Central (get the Eszterhazy cake–it’s my favorite!).
If you want something a bit more modern, Massolit is a cafe and bookstore, where you can cozy up with a new favorite read. Altair is a teahouse that’s almost like a hidden jungle, where you can settle in to different nooks and crannies and choose from their long list of teas. Ohana is a bright and friendly cafe not too far from the Parliament building that’s right in the city center.
7. Sip Wine at a Wine Bar
Did you know that Hungary has 22 wine regions? I’ve loved learning more about Hungarian wine (especially at this blind-tasting experience) since I’ve moved here, and I think that warm, fuzzy feeling that wine can be is nice during a rainy day. I know that Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, but I think settling in for a glass of wine and charcuterie at a wine bar can be even more satisfying in cold weather. Friendly expat bar, Bortodoor, cozy Palack, or the historic Faust Wine Cellar, are all good options for cozy ambiance and affordable wine.
Discount: Use code “DIDI” for 5% off this wine tasting!
8. Catch a Film at an Art Cinema
One of my favorite quirky things about Budapest is its vintage movie theaters. These art cinemas (art mozik) each have their own unique style and decor, but they all offer a glimpse into the past. From classy art nouveau architecture to funky mosaics to jaw-droppingly ornate cinema halls, they’re a pretty place to support a piece of Budpapest’s history and hide from the rain. Their show lists consist mainly of indie and foreign films, and I always find a decent selection of films in English. Explore their website for show times!
9. Explore the City’s Underground Labyrinths
Budapest’s subterranean chambers provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history–and even a surprise connection. Did you know that Vlad the Impaler–aka one of Bram Stoker’s main inspirations for Dracula–was once imprisoned in the labyrinths? Taking a tour of the labyrinth under Castle Hill (remember that the entrance fee is cash only!) is a great way to stay dry while delving into the mysteries of Budapest’s past.
10. Visit an Indoor Market
Budapest’s grand covered markets are a great place for souvenir/grocery shopping and overall people-watching. And look at it this way: you can support local businesses buying groceries and then go home to cook a warm and filling meal! Paying these markets a visit is one of the best things to do in Budapest regardless of weather. Budapest’s most famous market is probably Great Market Hall, which, true, is quite pretty to look at (and taste regional delicacies). But for something less touristic, try Lehel Csarnok or Fény Utcai Piac on the Buda side.
While Budapest is indeed a city best explored under the sun, don’t let a rainy day dampen your spirits. The city offers a wealth of indoor attractions and activities, ensuring that your time in Budapest remains enjoyable and memorable, no matter the weather. From relaxing in thermal baths to exploring museums and indulging in cozy cafes, Budapest has something for everyone to make the most of those rainy days. So, embrace the rain, and explore the city’s indoor gems on your next visit to this beautiful European capital.
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