20 Must-Do Things in Budapest This Summer!

If you and your family are vacationing in Europe, Budapest is an excellent choice. I've compiled the best must-do activities to help you deeply experience the summer charm of this capital city! If you want to immerse yourself in life as a Budapest local, don’t forget to book day tours, two-day tours, and three-day tours with guide Yang Qin Si! 1. Enjoy a Garden Cinema Under the Stars City Park and Margaret Island are some of the places where you can watch movies under the starry sky. One great advantage of outdoor night movies is that it’s a wonderful leisure activity for the whole family. The Prana Beer Garden on Margaret Island’s food promenade is open all summer, offering multiple movies daily. Enjoy free movies along with drinks. 2. Pedal Boat in the City Center You can see a completely different side of the boating lake in City Park: in winter, it’s a huge outdoor ice rink; in summer, colorful pedal boats, speedboats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) fill the area. Everyone wants to enjoy some water sports after an afternoon ice cream. 3. Cool Off at the Free Beach The Római free beach has reopened, offering a natural beach experience for all ages. Swim in the cool waters of the Danube, relax in the shade, and spend an unforgettable afternoon with friends and family at the free beach. 4. Watch Movies While Soaking in Széchenyi Thermal Bath As part of the CineSpa program, the outdoor adventure pool at Széchenyi Thermal Bath will screen exciting movies every Tuesday at 9 PM in July. Four screenings, four movies: A Star Is Born (July 1), The Greatest Showman (July 8), Pulp Fiction (July 15), and Cliffhanger (July 29). 5. Get a Glimpse of Animals’ Nightlife On August 28, zoos across Hungary will open their doors on the last Friday of summer, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Witness the nightlife of the animal world and learn interesting facts about these adorable creatures. 6. Head to the Beach Volleyball Courts Budapest has many free outdoor beach volleyball courts. Few sports are as fun and enjoyable as beach volleyball, and boys and girls usually play together. 7. Visit “Budapest Coast” This year, the “Budapest Beach” in the Buda-Kalász suburb—Lupa Beach—invites you to experience it. As one of the capital’s popular summer hangouts, it features clear lake water, well-equipped beaches, and a variety of sports, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a refreshing experience. 8. Enjoy the Gentle Waves of the Danube Mahart boat tours offer many exciting short trip routes. You can take a Mahart cruise to Szentendre. Besides Szentendre, you can also take Mahart to Esztergom and Visegrád, or explore the entire Danube Bend by hydrofoil. 8. Admire the Brilliant Starry Sky August is the most spectacular time of the year, with thousands of meteors decorating the summer night. Missing this dazzling starry sky would be a pity, but many places in Budapest have prepared exciting events. On August 9, the Svábhegy Observatory will host “Meteor Night,” and Hungary’s largest astronomy series event—the “Starry Sky Week”—will also be spectacular. 9. Taste the Capital’s Best Lángos A simple yet delicious Hungarian specialty is “lángos,” which comes in thousands of variations: thin, thick, crispy, flaky, eaten plain or with various traditional and special toppings. 10. Enjoy Classical Music Outdoors Classical music lovers always have music to listen to in summer, and beautiful melodies can be heard in the most beautiful places. Whether embraced by nature or in the dazzling bustling city, it’s definitely worth diving into a rich musical adventure even in the hot summer. 11. Hunt for Vintage and Antique Treasures In summer, many antique and vintage markets in Budapest open, allowing treasure hunters to find the finest antiques. 12. Visit Budapest’s Best Summer Exhibitions Although summer attracts many to the seaside, those staying in the city and craving culture won’t miss out on exciting events, as many special exhibitions await interested visitors. 13. Taste the Capital’s Best Ice Cream With the arrival of hot weather, nothing feels better than trying a new ice cream shop. Budapest has some great new spots where you can enjoy heavenly treats. 14. Swim at the Water Park on Beach Night You can enjoy the water park at night: on July 26, it’s Beach Night again! The Pesterzsébet Iodine Salt Spa extends its opening hours and offers exciting programs until 10 PM, allowing you to fully relax. 15. Stroll Through the Summer Capital and Feel the Excitement Explore the secret trails of Gellért Hill, stroll along Tabán Street, and wander the romantic cobblestone streets of Old Buda—all worth trying. If you want to go further, Szentendre is also a great summer choice. 16. Wake Up with the City This summer, you should experience the charm of this awakening city at least once. You can watch the sunrise in many places in Budapest. For example, the Philosopher’s Garden is a true island of tranquility where you can greet the morning sun while listening to birdsong—perfect for morning yoga! The morning view from Fisherman’s Bastion is also impressive, and taking photos of waking Budapest from the Liberty Bridge is equally worthwhile. 17. Enjoy the Glow of the Sunset Consider night cruises, as there are many boats on the Danube after dusk! Walk through the brightly lit Castle District, experience a night bath at Rudas Thermal Bath, or enjoy a delicious dinner in a city center restaurant garden.