Budapest in April: Weather & 20 Best Things to Do (2025)


PLANNING TO VISIT BUDAPEST IN APRIL?

I’m originally from Budapest and April is a great time to visit Budapest! The weather is warm and sunny, and you can also see the trees and flowers in bloom.

The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F). While it is warm during the day, it still gets a little bit cold in the evenings.

April is a good time to visit Budapest if you want to go at a time when the weather is sunny but not too hot yet. In addition, Budapest has many festivals going on in April, such as the Spring Festival, Art Week, and the International Day of Jazz.

The best things to do in April in Budapest is to go sightseeing, enjoy the thermal baths, go on a cruise on the Danube River, and celebrate Easter in Budapest!

Here is everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in April, including the weather, what to wear, and best things to do!

Budapest Weather in April

April is Spring season in Budapest and during this time the weather is warm and pleasant.

It is sunny during the day, but it is not too hot yet, so it makes it one of the best times to visit Budapest.

March can still be slightly cold (sometimes even snowy), but by April the chance of snow is very low. There is a lot of sunshine and good weather in Budapest in April.

Budapest Temperature in April

Budapest monthly temperature chart.
Budapest Temperature Chart (source: Weather Atlas)

The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F).

It is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities in Budapest, but not too hot yet to make you feel sweaty.

It is sunny and warm during the day, but it can get cold in evenings. Therefore, it is good to pack a jacket and warm clothes for the evenings in Budapest.

Is Budapest Warm in April?

Yes, it is warm in April in Budapest! The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F) and it is warm and sunny during the day.

It still gets cold in the evenings in April, so it is good to pack warm clothes for your trip to Budapest.

Is April a Good Time to Visit Budapest?

Flowers blooming in Budapest.

Yes, April is definitely a good time to visit Budapest. April is in the Spring season in Budapest and the weather is warm and sunny.

April is a beautiful time in Budapest as the flowers are blooming and you can even see some cherry blossoms in the spring.

The number of tourists start to increase in April, but there are still not that many tourists visiting to make it feel crowded.

The best things to do in April in Budapest is to go sightseeing, enjoy the thermal baths, go on a cruise on the River Danube, and celebrate Easter in Budapest!

Crowds

Spring is shoulder season in Budapest and April is still not that busy yet.

Nevertheless, in April, the number of visitors increase especially due to the Easter holidays, when many people plan trips to Budapest.

Prices

The prices in Budapest start to increase in April as the number of tourists arrival also increases.

The prices, flights and hotels, are higher around Easter, but if you book it in advance, you may be able to get a good deal.

If you want to visit Budapest at a cheaper price and don’t mind the cold, you could consider visiting anytime between January to March.

The Best Things to Do in Budapest in April

1. GO SIGHTSEEING

St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, Hungary.
St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube splitting the city into two sides: Pest and Buda.

Exploring the historic buildings is one of the best things to do in Budapest! The weather is  warm and sunny in April, and it is a great time to visit Budapest.

Budapest starts to receive a higher number of tourists from April onwards, but it is still not as busy as the peak summer tourist season.

As the weather is nice in April, it is a great time to explore the city and its main attractions. Many of the historic buildings are located along the River Danube and they are decorated with lights in the evenings which make it even more special.

Top 5 Attractions to See in Budapest:

  • Hungarian Parliament
  • Heroes’ Square
  • Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Buda Castle
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica

2. CHILL IN THE THERMAL BATHS

Outdoor pool at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, Hungary.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and one of the most popular things to do in Budapest is to chill in baths.

The thermal baths in Budapest are open all year around and they have both indoor and outdoor pool areas.

There are warm and cold water baths, so depending on the weather in April, you can enjoy both warm or cold water baths.

Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath.

Get a Full Day Pass to Széchenyi Thermal Bath here! (Rated 4.3/5 ⭐ on 16,293 Reviews)

The Széchenyi Bath also runs the ‘Sparty’ party night on Saturdays from April onwards. They have DJs and drinks and is a popular place for a unique party in Budapest.

The Széchenyi and Gellért Baths can feel very touristy but there are some baths that are used mainly by locals.

If you want to visit some less touristy baths, check out the Lukács Bath, Veli Bej Bath, or Király Bath – they are mostly visited by locals.

3. GO ON A RIVER DANUBE CRUISE

The view of Budapest and the Danube River at night.
Budapest, Hungary

A boat cruise on the River Danube is one of the best ways to see Budapest. A river cruise is a great activity all year round and the best time to go is in the evening to see the city decorated with lights.

Some of the Danube River Cruises include dinner, drinks and live music. Usually, when you sign up for a cruise, you can decide which type of cruise you’d like to go on.

In April the weather is sunny during the day, but if you go for an evening boat cruise, it can still get a bit cold and windy. If you go on an evening cruise, make sure to have warm clothes on.

Book a Cruise on the River Danube here! (Rated 4.6/5 ⭐ on 30,059 Reviews)

4. GET FULL EATING HUNGARIAN FOOD

Hortobágyi Pancake, a traditional Hungarian dish.
Hortobágyi Pancake (Hungarian dish)

Hungarian food is famous for goulash and paprika but it is so much more than that! You should try as many Hungarian delicacies as possible while you are visiting Budapest.

Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes are:

  • Goulash soup
  • Pörkölt (beef stew)
  • Stuffed cabbage
  • Lángos (deep fried dough with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It’s more like a snack)
  • Chimney cake (dessert)
  • Hortobágyi palacsinta (like a pancake but filled with meat)
  • Cherry soup

Easter usually falls in April, and if you visit Budapest at that time, you could also try some Hungarian Easter dishes. Traditional Hungarian Easter food is smoked ham with boiled eggs and horseradish.

There is usually an Easter Market at the Vörösmarty Square in Budapest where you can buy Easter decorations, as well as food.

To enjoy general Hungarian dishes, you can also join a food tour in Budapest. The food tour gives you a chance to explore the best Hungarian dishes with a guide and other travellers!

🥘 Follow you stomach and join a Food Tour in Budapest here!

For traditional Hungarian food, here are some of the best restaurants in Budapest:

5. GO ON A PICNIC ON MARGARET ISLAND

Margaret Island in Budapest, Hungary.
Margaret Island, Budapest

Margaret Island is a popular spot for locals coming to relax in the park, have a picnic or go for a run. There is also a water fountain pretty close to the entrance where there is a light show every hour.

The best time to visit Margaret Island is between April to September when the weather is nice to be outdoors.

From the Margaret Island, it is also possible to take a public boat that takes you on the River Danube and pass the most iconic buildings such as the Parliament and Buda Castle.

Banner for custom itinerary services.

6. HAVE FUN AT THE RUIN BARS

Inside the Szimpla Kert bar in Budapest, Hungary.
Szimpla Kert, Budapest

Budapest is known for its nightlife, and there are many bars and pubs in the city centre – especially on the Pest side!

The weather is warm in April and it starts to get more fun to go out at night. Although, it can still be cold at night, so you should pack a jacket for night outs.

Budapest is famous for its “ruin bars” that are bars made with unique designs and decorations. The ruin bars have a cool atmosphere with funny furniture, like bathtubs for chairs, or even furniture stuck to the ceiling.

Szimpla Kert and Instant are two of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest.

7. WATCH A HUNGARIAN FOLK DANCE SHOW

Watching a Hungarian folk dance show is great to see a traditional Hungarian dance performance, folk music and see the embroidery costumes of the dancers.

One of the best ways to see a Hungarian Folk Dance Show is on a river cruise on the Danube. The river cruises also include a dinner and you get great views of the historical buildings in Budapest in the evening time.

8. EAT STREET FOOD AT KARAVÁN

Logo of Karaván, a place for street food in Budapest, Hungary.
Karaván, Budapest

Karaván is located in District 7 in central Budapest. It is an open air street food heaven and there are around 10 food trucks serving various dishes and drinks.

They have a wide variety of beer and cocktails. As for food, they have tasty burgers, Thai food, Mexican food and traditional Hungarian dishes (e.g. goulash, beef stew, lángos, Hungarian pancake), vegan food and more!

Karaván is open air, so the best time to visit is during the summer. If you visit in April, it will be warm and sunny to enjoy it during daytime.

If you visit Karaván in the evening, you should wear warm clothes as it is still cold outside in the evenings.

9. CHILL IN THE CITY PARK

Fountain at the City Park in Budapest, Hungary.
City Park, Budapest
Vajdahunyad Castle at the City Park in Budapest, Hungary.
Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest

The City Park is located just behind the Heroes’ Square. It is a popular spot among locals in the summer for hanging out with friends and having a picnic.

There is also a small lake in the City Park where you can go boating in the summer time.

In the winter, the lake is turned into an ice-skating rink which is one of the biggest ice-skating rinks in Budapest.

10. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO SZENTENDRE

Colourful umbrellas hanged over a street in Szentendre, Hungary.
Szentendre, Hungary

The weather is warm and sunny in April in Hungary, so it is a great time to go on day trips from Budapest.

Szentendre is located 22 km from Budapest and they are connected by regular public transport.

Szentendre is a small town and it is famous for its cobbled streets, architecture, churches and museums. It is a great place for a day trip from Budapest if you want to explore a small town near Budapest.

There is good public transport from Budapest to Szentendre. You can take a HÉV train from Batthyány tér (Budapest) to Szentendre if you want to go by public transport. If you prefer to go by taxi, there are many taxis in Budapest.

11. WALK ALONG THE RIVER DANUBE

Boat on the River Danube in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest, Hungary

The weather is great in April to go on walks along the River Danube. It can still be chilly in the evening but during daytime, it is perfect weather to explore the city.

The River Danube splits Budapest into 2 sides: Pest and Buda. Along the river, you can see many famous historic buildings, so it is great to go on a walk.

On the Pest side, you can walk along the Parliament, the Shoes on the Danube, or even walk to the Margaret Island.

From Pest, you can also cross the Chain Bridge and walk across to Buda. Once you cross the bridge, you can either hike up to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, or take the Funicular.

The views along the river is pretty great, and if you go in the evening, you can also see the city decorated with lights.

For the best view of the Parliament, go to the Batthyány tér on the Buda side. From there, you can see the Parliament from across the river and it is the best place to take photos of the Parliament.

12. SHOP AT THE CENTRAL MARKET HALL

Stalls inside the Central Market Hall in Budapest, Hungary.
Central Market Hall, Budapest

The Central Market Hall is located in central Budapest and is one of the biggest market halls in Budapest. It is open all year around and it is a cool place to visit if you want to see a proper Hungarian market.

They sell many different Hungarian delicacies here including food and drinks, such as salami, pickles, spices, pálinka, wine and more!

The market has 2 floors, and there are restaurants on the second floor serving traditional Hungarian dishes.

Visiting the Central Market Hall is one of the unique things to do in Budapest as you can see what a Hungarian market is like, and you can also try various Hungarian dishes.

It is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs from Budapest, such as paprika, salami or pálinka!

13. VISIT THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE

The building of the Great Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary.
Great Synagogue, Budapest

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. It is an impressive building with beautiful design.

You can learn about the history of Hungarian Jews, but it is also emotionally heavy as you learn about the Holocaust victims.

The whole Synagogue complex consist of other buildings too, such as the Heroes’ Temple, Jewish Museum, Cemetery, and the Holocaust Memorial.

The Holocaust Memorial Tree is in the garden of Synagogue. It is weeping willow tree with metal leaves engraved with the names of Holocaust victims.

There is also the  Heroes’ Temple in the garden of the Synagogue. It is burial site of Jews who died during World War I. In the Hungarian Jewish Museum you can learn about Jewish heritage and traditions.

14. WATCH A PLAY AT THE OPERA

The building of the Hungarian State Opera in Budapest, Hungary.
Hungarian State Opera, Budapest

The Hungarian State Opera is the perfect place to see a play in Budapest. There are usually famous plays on all around the year, such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake or Aida.

You should book the tickets well in advance as the tickets sell out pretty fast. The ticket to a ballet shows, such as The Nutcracker costs around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115), depending on the type of seat you book.

15. RIDE THE TRAM LINE 2

Tram 2 in the evening in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest Tram

You might not want to get around using public transport in Budapest during your whole trip, but if you decide to take public transport in Budapest, it should be the Tram Line 2.

Budapest has a good network of trams for getting around the city and Tram Line 2 is great to explore and see the city.

Tram Line 2 starts from the Parliament and goes along the River Danube overlooking beautiful building and sights. It passes many tourist attractions and famous bridges.

As Tram 2 goes along the river, you also get to see over to the attractions on the Buda side of the city, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Citadella.

16. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

Building of the House of Terror in Budapest, Hungary.
House of Terror, Budapest

Budapest is full of great museums, so if you like to visit art exhibitions or want to learn about the history of Hungary, there are many museums to choose from.

The museums are open all year around with various exhibitions. Each museum have permanent exhibitions, with additional temporary exhibitions that change from time to time throughout the year.

Some of the best museums in Budapest are:

  • Museum of Fine Arts: Largest fine arts museum in Hungary. The collection includes artwork from pre-history to present.
  • Museum of Ethnography (‘Néprajzi Múzeum’ in Hungarian)
  • House of Terror
  • Hall of Arts (or Palace of Arts, it is called ‘Műcsarnok’ in Hungarian): Contemporary art museum.
  • Ludwig Museum
  • House of Hungarian Music
  • Hungarian National Museum: learn about the history of Hungary
  • Budapest History Museum: inside Buda Castle, learn about history of Hungary

17. GO ON A WALKING TOUR

View of River Danube and Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest, Hungary

The weather is warm in April so it is a great time to explore the city on foot. Although it can still get cold in the evenings, it is pleasant and warm during the day.

Budapest is a walkable city and there are many attractions in the city centre that are in close walking distance to each other.

A walking tour is one of the best ways to explore and see everyday life in a new place.

There are different options for walking tours in Budapest, such as visiting the Basilica, Buda Castle, or the Parliament. The walking tours usually last between 1.5-4 hours, and costs USD 10-70.

Book a Budapest Walking Tour here!

18. GO ON A TRIP TO LAKE BALATON

People kayaking at sunset on Lake Balaton in Hungary.
Lake Balaton, Hungary

Lake Balaton is the biggest lake in Hungary and it is a popular destination for Hungarians in the summer. It is 592 km2 big and there are many villages along the lake that you can explore.

Balaton is also known for its wineries and you can even go on a wine tasting tour. The best towns known for their wineries are Badacsony and Badacsonytomaj on the north side of the lake. They are really great places not just for wine, but also for their beaches and for having a fun time.

April is still low season at Lake Balaton and while the weather is warm in April, it is not yet peak summer season. The temperature of Balaton is still too cold to enjoy in April, but you can go hiking or explore the wineries around Balaton.

Balaton is a beautiful even in April and provides a relaxing escape from Budapest. If you want to go on some hikes, be in the nature and just relax with a good book, Balaton is a great escape.

19. GO ON A SEGWAY TOUR OF BUDAPEST

People on a segway tour.
Segway Tour

A Segway tour is one of the most fun ways to explore Budapest! After the winter season, the weather turns warm in April, thus it is a good time to be outdoors and try a Segway tour.

The Segway tours usually last between 1-2 hours and cover the most famous attractions in Budapest. You can choose between tours that cover different parts of the city.

On the Pest side, you can cover the Heroes’ Square, Hungarian State Opera, Andrassy Avenue, or you can go on a tour on the Buda side and cover the places around the Buda Castle and Fisherman Bastion.

The number of people in a group on a Segway Tour is usually up to 14 people and it costs around USD 50-80 per person.

Book a Segway Tour on Viator or GetYourGuide Here!

20. VISIT THE BUDAPEST ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

Monkeys at the Budapest Zoo in Hungary.
Budapest Zoo
  • Budapest Zoo Opening Times: Everyday 9 am – 4 pm

The Budapest Zoo is located near the Heroes’ Square in the City Park. Visiting the zoo is a great activity for everyone, especially for families with kids.

There are over 1,000 different species of animals in the zoo, including bears, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, tigers and lions. The zoo is spread out over a big area and it is easy to spend around 3 hours there.

Some enclaves for the animals are small, so don’t visit the zoo if you don’t like to see animals restricted to small spaces.

The information about animals is available in both English and Hungarian, so even if you don’t speak Hungarian, there is a text in English.

Events in Budapest in April

  • Budapest Art Week: 4-13 April 2025
  • Holocaust Memorial Day: 16 April 2025
  • Easter Holidays: 18-21 April 2025
  • Budapest Spring Festival: around 29 April-12 May 2025. Festival with music, dance, theatre and visual arts.
  • International Day of Jazz: 30 April 2025

Tips for Visiting Budapest in April

What to Wear in Budapest in April

The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F). The daytime is warm and sunny, but the evenings still get cold.

Thus, if you visit Budapest in April, you should pack items that will keep you warm in the evenings too. It is good if you pack a waterproof jacket and a light scarf that will keep you warm in the evenings.

Public Transport in Budapest

View of HÉV train in Budapest, Hungary.
HÉV Train, Budapest

The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and is an affordable way to get around the city.

The main modes of transport include the metro lines, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there is even a public boat!

The younger people speak good English in Hungary, so if you need directions, you can always ask someone.

Public transport runs as usual throughout April, however, during the Easter holidays,the services are limited. There is still public transport operating during Easter, but with a less frequent schedule.

Taxis in Budapest

If you want some comfort or save time, you can also get a taxi in Budapest. There are four taxi companies in Budapest: City Taxi, Fő Taxi, Uber and Bolt.

All the taxi companies in Budapest are regulated under the same rules and fare. Even Uber and Bolt have the same taxi fares as the other Hungarian taxi companies.

Nevertheless, Uber and Bolt is easy to use through their apps. If you already have Uber or Bolt app downloaded on your phone, just log into the app once you are in Budapest and the location will update automatically.

Walking in Budapest

The Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary.
Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest

Budapest is a walkable city and there are many tourist attractions that are located close to each other.

The weather is warm and sunny in April, so it is one of the best times to explore Budapest.

Some of the best places to explore on foot in Budapest are:

  • Route 1: Deák Ferenc Square – St. Stephen’s Basilica – Shoes on the River Danube – Parliament – Margaret Island
  • Route 2: Deák Ferenc Square – cross the Chain Bridge – take the Funicular to Buda Castle – Buda Castle – Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
  • Route 3: Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church – Buda Castle – Gellért Hill/Citadella – Gellért Thermal Bath
  • Route 4: Opera – House of Terror – Heroes’ Square – City Park + Vajdahunyad Castle – Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Hotels in Budapest

Not sure where to stay in Budapest? Here are the best hotels for every budget:

📍 Budget Hostel: Maverick City Lodge

📍 Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel

📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Budapest Seasonal Guides

Want to visit Budapest at another time? Check out my Budapest travel guides for each season!

FAQs: Budapest in April: Weather & Best Things to Do

Is April a good time to go to Budapest?

Yes, April is definitely a good time to visit Budapest. April is in the Spring season in Budapest and the weather is warm and sunny.

April is a beautiful time in Budapest as the flowers are blooming and you can even see some cherry blossoms in the spring.

The best things to do in April in Budapest is to go sightseeing, enjoy the thermal baths, go on a cruise on the River Danube, and celebrate Easter in Budapest!

What is the festival in Budapest in April?

Budapest has a number of festivals in April. The most popular festivals are the Budapest Spring Festival, Art Week Festival, International Day of Jazz, and the Easter celebrations.

What clothes to wear in Budapest in April?

The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F). The daytime is warm and sunny, but the evenings still get cold.

Thus, if you visit Budapest in April, you should pack items that will keep you warm in the evenings too. It is good if you pack a waterproof jacket and a light scarf that will keep you warm in the evenings.

What is the weather like on a Danube River cruise in April?

The weather is warm and sunny if you go on a Danube River cruise during the day time in April.

However, if you go on a boat cruise in Budapest in the evening in April, it will be slightly cold and a little bit windy. For evening cruises, it is good if you wear a jacket and a light scarf.

What to do in Budapest in April?

There are many events in Budapest in April, so there are many things you can do.

Some of the most popular things to do in Budapest in April is to go sightseeing, relax in the thermal baths, or go on a boat cruise on the River Danube.

Budapest also has a couple of festivals in April, such as the Spring Festival, Art Week Festival, International Day of Jazz, and the Easter celebrations.

Does it snow in Budapest in April?

It usually does not snow in Budapest in April but weather patterns can be unpredictable and it has snowed in Budapest in April before.

If you visit Budapest in April, it is best to check the weather forecast just before your trip to see what the weather is going to be like.

What season is it in Hungary in April?

April is Spring season in Hungary. Spring runs from March to May and it is a great time to visit Hungary.

The weather starts to turn warm and sunny, and you can also see Budapest with the trees and flowers blooming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, April is a great time to visit Budapest! The weather is warm and sunny, and you can also see the trees and flowers in bloom.

The average temperature in Budapest in April is between 8-18 °C (46-64 °F). While it is warm during the day, it still gets a little bit cold in the evenings.

April is a good time to visit Budapest if you want to go at a time when the weather is sunny but not too hot yet. In addition, Budapest has many festivals going on in April, such as the Spring Festival, Art Week, and the International Day of Jazz.

The best things to do in April in Budapest is to go sightseeing, enjoy the thermal baths, go on a cruise on the River Danube, and celebrate Easter in Budapest!


Hungary Quick Guide

The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.

For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.

Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?

If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.

They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.

Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?

Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.

Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.

What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).

You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.

Is the public transport good in Budapest?

Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.

The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!

If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).

Can I drink tap water in Budapest?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).

The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.

Do they speak English in Budapest?

Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.

The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.

In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.

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