Budapest in August: Weather & 25 Best Things to Do (2025)
PLANNING TO VISIT BUDAPEST IN AUGUST?
I’ve got good news! I’m originally from Budapest and August is a pretty good time to visit Budapest! August is high summer season in Budapest and there are so many cool things to do in the city!
The average temperature in Budapest in August is between 18-29 ℃ (64.5-84 °F). Although in reality, it can get much hotter than 29 ℃ during the day.
During the summer, Budapest has many festivals and events going on, and you can also enjoy the outdoor cafes and restaurants.
The best things to do in August in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a river cruise, relax in the pools or thermal baths, have fun at Sziget Festival, watch the fireworks on 20 August, and hang out in parks and outdoor cafes!
If you are visiting Budapest in August, you can wear summer clothes, like T-Shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses and sunhat. As it is hot, make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
So, here is everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in August, including the weather, what to wear, festivals and best things to do!
Budapest Weather in August
August is proper summer in Budapest and it is the hottest month of the year in Hungary!
As the weather gets really hot, you can easily get by wearing a T-shirt and shorts even at night.
As it can get really hot and sunny during the day in August, don’t forget to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water while sightseeing in Budapest.
During the summer in Budapest, the city receives the most daylight and the sun sets around 8 pm.
There can be some light rain showers in Budapest in August, but they are usually quick and does not last long.
Budapest Temperature in August
The average temperature in Budapest in August is between 18-29 ℃ (64.5-84 °F).
The average daytime temperature is might be 29 ℃ (84 °F), but in reality, it can get much hotter.
The night-time temperature is around 18 ℃ (64.5 °F) and it usually feels nice. You can wear T-shirts, shorts and summer clothes even late at night, you will not feel cold.
Is Budapest Hot in August?
Yes, August is the hottest month in Budapest during the year!
The average day time temperature in Budapest in August is around 29 ℃ (84 °F), but it gets much hotter than that.
As August can get really hot in Budapest, make sure to use sunscreen, sunhat and drink plenty of water.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Budapest?
Yes, August is great time to visit Budapest! August is during the summer season in Budapest and there are so many cool things to do in the city.
During the summer, Budapest has many festivals and events, and you can also get to enjoy the outdoor restaurants and cafes.
The best things to do in August in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a river cruise, relax in the pools or thermal baths, have fun at Sziget Festival, watch the fireworks on 20 August, and hang out in parks and outdoor cafes!
Crowds
August falls in the summer high season in Budapest when most of the tourists visit the city.
Due to the high number of tourists, it can feel very busy at the main tourist attractions. If you would like to visit Budapest at a less busy time, Spring and Autumn are less busy.
For the least busy time, consider visiting Budapest in the winter – although it can get cold!
Nevertheless, August is a pretty good time to visit Budapest because the weather is sunny, and there are so many activities you can do during the summer!
Prices
August is high season in Budapest, so the prices for hotels can be the highest at this time.
The prices for flights to get to Budapest is also the highest during the summer months (plus during Christmas in the winter), but if you book it well in advance, you may be able to get a deal.
If you want to visit Budapest at a cheaper price (hotels, flights), you could consider visiting anytime between January to March. January to March is cold but there are many things you can do in Budapest even in the winter.
🇭🇺 Best Tours in Budapest in August
Book the best Budapest tours for your trip here:
✅ Cruise on the River Danube
✅ Day Pass to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
✅ Walking Tour of Buda and Pest
The Best Things to Do in Budapest in August
1. GO SIGHTSEEING
Budapest is famous for its beautiful architecture and the River Danube that splits the city into two sides: Buda and Pest.
Exploring the historic sites is a must while visiting Budapest! The weather is hot in August, so it is best to go sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon. Also make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as it can get very hot.
There are many festivals and outdoor events in Budapest in August, and it is a great time to enjoy outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Many of the historic buildings are located along the River Danube and they are decorated with lights in the evenings. You should see the city both during day and night, as the city looks extra special with the lights on.
Top 5 Attractions in Budapest:
- Parliament
- Heroes’ Square
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
If you are only in Budapest for a short time, you can check out the main attractions in 1 day in Budapest. For this, the best is to hire a taxi to save you time to get around the city.
2. CHILL BY THE POOL
Best Pools in and around Budapest:
August is the hottest month in Budapest, so if you just want to chill by the pool, I’ve got the best Budapest pools for you!
Some of the best pools in Budapest are Palatinus Pool, Római Pool, Csillaghegyi Pool, Lupa Beach, and Paskál Pool.
Many of the pools also have warm thermal baths and spa, so if you are tired of the slides and just want to relax, you can also use the spas.
3. GO ON A RIVER DANUBE CRUISE
Going on a cruise on the Danube is one of the best ways to see Budapest. A boat cruise is a great activity all year around but summer is great because you can stay on the outer decks of the boat without feeling cold.
On 20 August, Budapest celebrates its State Foundation Day and there are fireworks in the evening. The fireworks take place by the Danube in Budapest and you can also book a river cruise to see the fireworks straight from the boat. It’s pretty cool!
On other days in August, the river cruises are like usual. There are both day and night cruises, but the best time to go is in the evening so you can see the city decorated with lights.
Some of the Danube River Cruises also include dinner, drinks, and traditional Hungarian folk dance and music. Usually, when you sign up for the cruise, you can decide which type of cruise you’d like to go on.
✅ Book a Cruise on the River Danube here! (Rated 4.6/5 ⭐ on 31,500 Reviews)
4. WATCH BANDS PLAY AT SZIGET FESTIVAL
August in Budapest means one thing: Sziget Festival!
Sziget Festival is the biggest music festival in Hungary and has been held in Budapest since 1993. ‘Sziget’ means ‘island’ in English and it got its name, well because, it takes place on an island in Budapest.
Sziget is also one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Europe and is popular for many foreigners to come to Sziget to see bands. There is even a party train (Sziget Express) that goes from the Netherlands to Budapest – so you can start to get into the Sziget party mood well before arriving to Budapest!
It’s a week-long festival and if you want to stay at the island for the whole week, you can also get camping tickets.
Apart from live music, there is so much more to Sziget. There is art, performances and workshops that you can take part in. It’s like an island of art!
You can get a pass for the whole week or day passes. Usually there are early bird tickets at a lower cost, so if you are sure about attending Sziget, it is worth to buy the ticket well in advance.
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5. GO ON A TRIP TO LAKE BALATON
If you are spending 1-2 weeks in Budapest, you don’t have to stay in Budapest for the whole time – you could explore other places in Hungary!
In the summer in Hungary, Lake Balaton is the place to be! Balaton is called as the “Hungarian Sea” as it is the biggest lake in the country and Hungary has no sea of its own.
There are many towns along the lake where they have beaches, hotels, bars and restaurants, and it’s a proper summer vibe.
August is high summer season in Hungary, and it is one of the best times to visit Balaton. It might be very busy but the temperature of the lake is the warmest during July-August.
As August is the high summer season, the prices for accommodation tend to be higher around this time at Balaton. If you book it well in advance, you may be able to get a good deal.
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.
6. TRY HUNGARIAN FOOD
Trying the local cuisine is a must in any place you visit and you should not miss out on it in Budapest!
Hungarian food is famous for goulash and paprika but there is so much more to it than that. While in Budapest, you should try as many Hungarian dishes as possible.
Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes are:
- Goulash soup
- Pörkölt: beef/pork stew
- Stuffed cabbage
- Lángos: deep fried dough with garlic, sour cream and cheese. (It’s more like a salty snack)
- Chimney cake: sweet pastry, with different flavours (cinnamon, coconut, vanilla)
- Hortobágyi pancake: crepe filled with meat
- Cherry soup
To try traditional Hungarian food, you can also join a food tour in Budapest. The food tour gives you a chance to learn about Hungarian traditions and try delicious Hungarian dishes!
The food tours usually last around 2-3 hours and cost USD 65.
Hungary is also famous for its wine and if you want to do something fun, you can also go on a wine tasting in Budapest. The Budapest Wine Tasting Tours last 2 hours and cost USD 56.
🥘 Join a Budapest Food Tour or Hungarian Wine Tasting here!
Check out the best restaurants in Budapest for traditional Hungarian food:
7. RELAX IN THE THERMAL BATHS
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and one of the most popular things to do in Budapest is to chill in the baths.
The thermal baths in Budapest are open all year around and they have both indoor and outdoor pool areas.
August is the hottest month in Budapest, so you are more likely to enjoy the cold water pools. Nevertheless, you should also try the warm thermal baths as they are good for health.
Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath.
✅ Book a Full Day Ticket for the Széchenyi Thermal Bath here! (Rated 4.3/5 ⭐ on 16,231 Reviews)
The Széchenyi Bath also runs the ‘Sparty’ party night on Saturdays during the summer. They have DJs and drinks and is a popular place for a unique party in Budapest.
The Széchenyi and Gellért Baths can be very touristy and crowded but there are some local baths that are not that busy.
For some less touristy baths, check out the Lukács Bath, Veli Bej Bath, or Dandár Bath.
8. WATCH THE FIREWORKS ON 20 AUGUST
On 20 August, Hungary celebrates the foundation of the Hungarian State. It is a national holiday and in the evening, Budapest has a big firework show every year.
If you are in Budapest on 20 August, you should definitely not miss out on the fireworks.
You get the best views from the bank of the River Danube in the city center and you can even book a boat cruise on the Danube and see the fireworks from there!
✅ Book a river cruise to see the fireworks here!
9. ENJOY THE OUTDOOR CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Budapest does not have that many outdoor cafes like France or Belgium, but there are still many outdoor cafes and restaurants that you can enjoy during the summer.
August is peak summer season in Budapest and it can get pretty hot, so it is a great time to relax a bit, and have food and drinks at an outdoor restaurant.
There are many outdoor cafes and restaurants in the city centre of Budapest. For the best outdoor cafes and restaurants, check out the restaurants at the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Bálna, Duna Corso (Duna sétány), and Akvárium.
10. HAVE FUN AT THE RUIN BARS
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 hot in August and it is the most fun to go out at night in the summer. Budapest is full of events and festivals in August and there are many outdoor places where you can have fun.
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.
11. CHILL IN THE PARKS OF BUDAPEST
Best Parks in Budapest:
- City Park
- Margaret Island
- Erzsébet Square
- Gellért Hill
City Park
The City Park is located just behind the Heroes’ Square and it is a great place to relax during the summer. 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.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a popular spot for locals coming to chill in the park or to go for a run. There is also a water fountain pretty close to the entrance where there is a light show every hour during the spring and summer.
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.
Erzsébet Square
Erzsébet Square is located in central Budapest and it has many bars, restaurants, and even a Ferris Wheel.
There is a venue, Akvárium Klub, at the Erzsébet Square where they hold many live music events. It also has an outdoor seating area, which is cool to enjoy during the summer.
Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill is on the Buda side of the city but it can be easily reached by walking across the Freedom Bridge, or by taking the metro or tram from Pest to Buda.
It is right next to the Gellért Bath and it takes a short walk to get up to the Gellért Hill.
You can also get up to Gellért Hill, if you cross the Erzsébet Bridge. If you go from there, then you will first be closer to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Keep walking towards the Citadella to reach the Gellért Park.
Gellért Hill is great if you want to take some break from the city and be in nature. It is across a pretty big area and has many flowers and trees to bring you peace.
12. PARTY ON A BOAT
Budapest is famous for its nightlife and although there are parties all year around, the best parties and festivals are in the summer!
There is a boat, A38, in Budapest that has been functioning as a music venue for over 20 years. It is very popular in Budapest as it has been a very unique place for a party.
A38 has both indoor and outdoor party area, and has many different events, live music and DJs playing there every night.
During the winter, A38 has events in its indoor area, but once it is summer, A38 is great for events on its outer deck.
13. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION
Escape the summer heat and see a museum exhibition in Budapest! August is the hottest month in Budapest, but you can go for an indoor museum exhibition to get away from the sun for a few hours.
Budapest has over 100 museums and exploring the different exhibitions is a great way to learn about Hungary’s history.
The museums in Budapest 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
- Museum of Ethnography (‘Néprajzi Múzeum’ in Hungarian)
- House of Terror
- Hall of Arts (or Palace of Arts, it is called ‘Műcsarnok‘ in Hungarian)
- 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
14. SHOP AT THE CENTRAL MARKET HALL
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 great place to visit if you want to see a traditional Hungarian market.
They sell many different Hungarian delicacies 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!
15. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO SZENTENDRE
The weather can get hot in August in Budapest, but it is still a great time to go on day trips!
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 cobblestone 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.
16. HAVE A DRINK AT A ROOFTOP BAR
Best Rooftop Bars in Budapest:
- High Note SkyBar
- 360 Bar
- Leo Rooftop Bar
Summer in Budapest is great for its rooftop bars! The rooftop bars are a cool place to have some food and drinks, and at the same time, see Budapest from high up.
The weather in August is great for being outdoors and you will not feel cold even at nights.
Some of the best rooftop bars in Budapest are the High Note SkyBar, Leo Rooftop, and 360 Bar.
You get really nice views of the city from these rooftop bars, so make sure to be there for sunset and then to see the city in the evening with the lights on.
17. VISIT THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE
The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. The Great Synagogue is impressive with beautiful design both inside and outside of building.
It is a good place to visit, if you want to learn about the history of Hungarian Jews. It is also emotionally heavy as you learn about the Holocaust victims.
The whole Synagogue is a complex of buildings, together with 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.
18. GO ON A SEGWAY TOUR
A Segway tour is a fun way to explore Budapest!
The weather is really hot in August, so the best time to go on a Segway tour is in the morning or late afternoon. Also, make sure to have sunscreen with you to protect you against the sun.
The Segway tours usually last around 1-2 hours and cover the must-see attractions in Budapest. You can choose between tours that cover different parts of the city.
On the Pest side, you can explore the Heroes’ Square, Hungarian State Opera, Andrassy Avenue, or if you go on a tour on the Buda side, you can see 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 in Budapest here!
19. WALK ALONG THE RIVER DANUBE
The weather in August is really hot, so exploring Budapest on foot is the best in the mornings or late afternoons.
The River Danube splits Budapest into 2 parts: Buda and Pest. Along the Danube, 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.
✅ Join a Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Budapest if you get tired!
20. EAT STREET FOOD AT KARAVÁN
Karaván is located in District 7 in central Budapest. It is a heaven for open air street food lovers and there are around 10 food trucks that serve various food and drinks.
They have a wide variety of beer and cocktails for drinks. 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 August, it tends to remain warm even at nights, so you will not feel cold.
21. 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.
22. GO ON A WALKING TOUR
The weather is hot in August but you can still explore Budapest on foot – just make sure you go sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
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 cost USD 10-70.
✅ Book a Budapest Walking Tour here!
23. WATCH A PLAY AT THE OPERA
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 show costs around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115), depending on the seat you book.
24. RIDE THE TRAM LINE 2
You might not want to use public transport in Budapest for the whole duration of your 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 see the city’s main attractions.
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.
In December, the trams (including Tram 2) are even decorated with Christmas lights to get you into the festive season.
25. VISIT THE BUDAPEST ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
- Budapest Zoo Opening Times: 9 am – 4 pm Everyday
The Budapest Zoo is located near the Heroes’ Square in the City Park. Visiting the zoo is a great activity for all ages, 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.
Festivals in Budapest in August
- Sziget Festival: 6-11 August 2025
- Hungarian State Foundation Day: 20 August 2025 (national holiday)
The two most important events in Budapest in August is the Sziget Festival and Hungary’s national holiday on 20 August.
Sziget Festival
Sziget Festival is the biggest music festival in Hungary and has been held in Budapest since 1993. ‘Sziget’ means ‘island’ in English and it got its name, because well, it takes place on an island in Budapest.
Sziget is also one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Europe and is popular for many foreigners to come to Sziget to see bands. It’s a week-long festival and if you want to stay at the island for the whole week, you can also get camping tickets.
Hungarian State Foundation Day (20 August)
On 20 August, Hungary celebrates the Foundation of the Hungarian State. It is a national holiday and in the evening, the city has a big fireworks show every year.
If you are in Budapest on 20 August, you should check out the fireworks. You get the best views from the bank of the River Danube or you can even book a boat cruise on the Danube and see the fireworks from the boat!
✈️ Budapest Trip Planning
Ready to book your trip to Budapest? Plan your trip with my favourite travel resources:
✔️ SafetyWing: Get travel insurance here!
✔️ Booking.com: Book accommodation here!
✔️ GetYourGuide: Book activities here!
Tips for Visiting Budapest in August
What to Wear in Budapest in August
The daytime temperature is around 29 ℃ (84 °F) in Budapest in August but it can get much hotter than that!
The days are hot and sunny in August, so when packing for Budapest, you can pack summer clothes, like T-Shirts, shorts, skirt, dresses, sandals, sunhat and sunglasses.
The nights are around 18 ℃ degrees (64.5 °F), and it also feels warm at night, so you can wear summer clothes even at night too and you will not need any jumper.
Public Transport in Budapest
Public transport in Budapest runs as usual in August, except for 20 August. 20 August is a national holiday in Hungary, so the transport will have less frequent services.
The public transport in Budapest is well developed 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.
You can also get a Budapest Card that includes the use of all public transport in Budapest, plus you get a free or discounted ticket to over 100 attractions!
Taxis in Budapest
If you want some comfort or save time, you can also easily get a taxis 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
Budapest is a walkable city and there are many tourist attractions that are located close to each other.
The weather is hot in August, so it is the best to explore Budapest on foot in the morning or late afternoon. As it is very sunny, make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water during the day.
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 Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Budapest in August? Check out my Budapest monthly travel guides!
Budapest Seasonal Guides
Want to visit Budapest at another time? Check out my Budapest seasonal guides!
FAQs: Budapest in August: Weather & Best Things to Do
Is it worth visiting Budapest in August?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Budapest in August! August is during the summer season in Budapest and there are so many cool things to do in the city.
During the summer, Budapest has many festivals and events, and you also get to enjoy the outdoor restaurants and cafes.
What to do in Budapest in August?
The best things to do in August in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a river cruise, relax in the pools or thermal baths, have fun at Sziget Festival, watch the fireworks on 20 August, and hang out in parks and outdoor cafes!
What’s happening in Budapest in August?
There are many events going on in Budapest in August but the two most important events are the Sziget Festival and the national holiday on 20 August.
Sziget Festival is the biggest music and art festival in Hungary and has been held in Budapest since 1993. It’s a week-long festival and if you want to stay at the island for the whole week, you can also get camping tickets.
On 20 August, Hungary celebrates the foundation of the Hungarian State. It is a national holiday and in the evening, there is a big fireworks show in Budapest every year.
What clothes to wear in Budapest in August?
The days are hot and sunny in August in Budapest, so you can wear summer clothes, like T-Shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals, sunhat and sunglasses.
The nights are around 18 ℃ (64.5 °F), and it also feels warm at night, so you can wear summer clothes even at night too and you will not need any jumper.
What is the national holiday in Budapest in August?
The national holiday in Budapest in August is the Foundation Day of the Hungarian State on 20 August.
It is a national holiday and in the evening, there is a big firework show in Budapest every year.
What is the music festival in Budapest in August?
The music festival in Budapest in August is the Sziget Festival.
Sziget Festival is the biggest music and art festival in Hungary and has been held in Budapest since 1993. ‘Sziget’ means ‘island’ in English and it got its name, because well, it takes place on an island in Budapest.
It’s a week-long festival and if you want to stay at the island for the whole week, you can also get camping tickets.
Is Budapest friendly to American tourists?
Yes, Budapest is friendly to American tourists and to all foreign visitors regardless of their nationalities.
Budapest is a safe city and you can explore the city safely whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends.
Is Budapest worth visiting in summer?
Yes, Budapest is definitely woth visiting during the summer! Budapest has many events and activities going on during the summer, and in addition, you can also relax by the pool or at outdoor cafes and restaurants.
It is worth mentioning that summer is the high season in Budapest when the city receives the most number of tourists. If you want to visit at a more quiet time, you can visit during Spring, Autumn or even Winter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, August is a pretty good time to visit Budapest! August is high summer season in Budapest and there are so many cool things to do in the city!
The average temperature in Budapest in August is between 18-29 ℃ (64.5-84 °F). Although in reality, it can get much hotter than 29 ℃ during the day.
During the summer, Budapest has many festivals and events going on, and you can also enjoy the outdoor cafes and restaurants.
The best things to do in August in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a river cruise, relax in the pools or thermal baths, have fun at Sziget Festival, watch the fireworks on 20 August, and hang out in parks and outdoor cafes!
If you are visiting Budapest in August, you can wear summer clothes, like T-Shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses and sunhat. As it is hot, make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
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.
