Budapest in October: Weather & 16 Best Things to Do (2025)
PLANNING A TRIP TO BUDAPEST IN OCTOBER?
I’m originally from Budapest and while the weather turns cold in October, the good thing is that it is not too cold yet.
If you like the autumn vibes with falling leaves and less tourists around, then October is the right time for you!
The average temperature in Budapest in October is between 8.5-16 °C (47-61 °F). As the temperature turns cold, it is good to pack clothes you can wear in layers. You should also have a waterproof jacket and shoes as it can rain sporadically.
The best things to do in October in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and see a Hungarian folk dance show or theatre play.
So, here is everything you need to know about visiting Budapest in October, including the weather, what to wear, festivals and best things to do!
Budapest Weather in October
October is autumn season in Hungary, and the weather turns cold and little bit gloomy.
October is still a nice time in Budapest as it is not too cold and there is still some sunshine during the day. There can be some rain in October, but it usually only rains a little.
The trees start to wither and the view of Budapest with the autumn falling leaves is pretty beautiful.
In October, the days start to become shorter and it gets dark earlier. The sun usually sets around 5 pm.
Budapest Temperature in October
The average temperature in Budapest in October is between 8.5-16 °C (47-61 °F).
As the weather turns colder in October, it is good if you bring clothes that you can wear in layers. Waterproof jacket and shoes are also handy, in case it rains.
Is Budapest Warm in October?
No, Budapest starts to turn cold in October. Although it is not too cold, it is also not so warm.
The average daytime temperature in Budapest in October is around 16 °C (61 °F). While, it can still be sunny during the day, it is not so warm and there is also a chance of rain.
Does it Rain a Lot in Budapest in October?
It does not rain all the time in Budapest in October but usually there is some rainfall.
There is usually rainfall in Europe during autumn. It is not excessive rainfall but it is something to keep in mind, especially when planning what to pack (e.g. waterproof jacket and shoes).
Is October a Good Time to Visit Budapest?
Yes, October is a pretty time to visit Budapest! Although the weather starts to turn cold in October in Budapest, there are not that many tourists in the city so it is a better time to explore.
October is a good time to visit Budapest if you are looking to visit at a time when it is not too cold yet and there are not that many tourists around.
October is shoulder season in Budapest, and after the summer holidays are over, you can also get some good discounts and deals for hotels in Budapest.
The best things to do in October in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and see a Hungarian folk dance show or theatre play.
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Crowds
October is during the autumn shoulder season in Budapest when there are less tourists in the city.
October is a good time to visit Budapest as it is not too cold yet, there are not many tourists and you can also get some good deals for hotels.
The shoulder seasons in Budapest are Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May). They both offer good weather and the city is not so crowded.
Prices
October is shoulder season in Budapest, and the prices are lower during this time.
The prices for hotels are higher during the summer, but once summer is over, you can get some good holiday package deals or discounted rates for hotels.
The prices for flights to get to Budapest is the highest during summer and Christmas, but you can catch some good deals for October if you book it in advance.
The cheapest time to visit Budapest is between January-February. It is the coldest at this time in Budapest, but it is also the time when the least tourists come to Budapest – so you’ll be able to get good deals both for flights and hotels.
Hotels in Budapest
📍 Budget Hostel: Maverick City Lodge
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: D50 Hotel
📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Best Things to Do in Budapest in October
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 one of the best things to do in Budapest! The weather turns cold in October but it is still not too cold yet, so it is a good time to explore the city.
There are also much less tourists in October, so the historic sites are not crowded.
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:
- Hungarian Parliament
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle
- Heroes’ Square
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
2. WARM UP IN THE THERMAL BATHS
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and one of the best things to do is to relax in the baths.
The thermal baths in Budapest are open all year around and they have both indoor and outdoor pools.
The weather turns cold in October, so you are more likely to enjoy the warm water baths than the cold ones.
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 and Gellért Baths can be very touristy and crowded but there are some local baths that are not that busy.
If you want to relax in some less touristy baths, check out the Lukács Bath, Veli Bej Bath, or Rudas Bath.
3. GO ON A RIVER DANUBE CRUISE
Going on a cruise on the Danube is one of the best ways to see Budapest!
A river cruise is a great activity all year around and you can also book a cruise that includes traditional Hungarian music, food and drinks.
There are both day and night cruises, but the best time to go is in the evening so you can see the city in the evening lights.
The weather is a little bit cold in October, so you should dress in warm clothes if you go for an evening cruise as it will be cold on the outer decks.
➡️ Book a Cruise on the River Danube here! (Rated 4.6/5 ⭐ on 31,530 Reviews)
4. TRY HUNGARIAN FOOD
Trying the local cuisine is a must in any place you visit and you should not miss out on Hungarian food in Budapest!
Hungarian food is famous for the goulash soup and paprika powder 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 stew)
- Stuffed cabbage
- Lángos (deep fried dough with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It’s more like a snack)
- Chimney cake (dessert)
- 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 costs 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 tour in Budapest. The Budapest Wine Tasting Tours last 2 hours and cost USD 56.
🥘 Join a Budapest Food Tour or Hungarian Wine Tasting here!
Best restaurants in Budapest for Hungarian food:
5. HAVE FUN AT THE RUINS BARS
Budapest is famous for its nightlife, and most of the pubs and bars are on the Pest side of the city.
The weather turns cold in October but it is still a good time to go out at night. Make sure to have a warm jacket and scarves if you go out at night in October.
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.
6. SHOP AT THE CENTRAL MARKET HALL
The Central Market Hall is one of the biggest markets in Budapest. It is open all year around and it is a great place to see a traditional Hungarian market.
They sell many different Hungarian delicacies, 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!
7. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION
Budapest has lots of museums and exploring the different exhibitions is a good way to learn about Hungary’s history and culture.
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
8. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO SZENTENDRE
The weather is little bit cold and chilly in October in Budapest, but it can still be sunny during the day. Thus, going on a day trip is still a fun activity to do so in October.
Szentendre is one of the best options for a day trip from Budapest. It is located 22 km from Budapest and can be reached 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.
9. VISIT THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE
The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest Syangogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. The 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.
10. EAT STREET FOOD AT KARAVAN
Karavan 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 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 when the weather is good. If you visit in September, it is still warm during the day. It might get a little bit cold in the evenings, so it is good if you have a jumper or a light jacket with you.
11. 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.
12. WALK ALONG THE RIVER DANUBE
The weather is slightly cold in October, but it is still a good time to explore Budapest on foot!
The River Danube splits Budapest into 2 parts: Buda and Pest. Along the Danube, you can see many famous buildings, so it is great to go on a walk.
Budapest is a walkable city and there are many attractions in the city centre that are in close walking distance to each other.
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.
If you want, you can also join a walking tour in Budapest. The Walking Tours cover historic places such as the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, or the Parliament. The walking tours usually last between 1.5-4 hours, and costs USD 10-70.
🚌 Join a Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Budapest and relax while exploring the city!
13. 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 shows, such as The Nutcracker costs around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115), depending on the type of seat you book.
14. GO ON A TRIP TO LAKE BALATON
If you are spending 1-2 weeks in Budapest, you could check out other places in Hungary!
Lake Balaton is the best to visit during the summer but there are many activities you can do there even in the Autumn.
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 small towns along the lake where they have beaches, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Some of the best things to do at Balaton in the autumn is to go hiking or go on a wine tasting tour. There are many wineries at Balaton, and the best ones are near the towns of Badacsony.
As October is low season, you can even get some good deals for accommodation and holiday packages.
15. 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.
16. 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.
Events in Budapest in October
- Commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution: 23 October
- Art Market at Millenaris: around mid-October every year. Information here.
- Lumina Park Light Show: from end of October every year
- Halloween: 31 October
Commemoration of 1956 Hungarian Revolution
Every year on 23 October, Hungary commemorates the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the Russian Occupation. It is a national holiday, so almost all shops are closed on this day.
Lumina Park Light Show
Lumina Park Light Show takes place on the Margaret Island in Budapest. It usually runs from the end of October until March the next year.
Halloween
Halloween was not really celebrated that much 20-30 years ago in Hungary but in recent years it has become popular for kids to celebrate.
In the city center in Budapest, there are also some Halloween themed parties at bars.
Tips for Visiting Budapest in October
What to Wear in Budapest in October
The daytime temperature in Budapest in October is around 16 °C (61 °F).
The weather turns cold in October so in general, it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers. You can pack clothes for Budapest like jeans, T-shirt, jumper, waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and scarves.
The temperature at nights can be around 8.5 °C (61°F), so you will mostly need the jacket and scarves for the nights.
There can also be some sporadic rains, so good to have an umbrella, waterproof jacket and shoes to withstand the rain.
Public Transport in Budapest
Public transport in Budapest mostly runs as usual in October. There is a national holiday on 23 October, so there is less frequent public transport on that day.
In general, the public transport in Budapest is well developed and affordable, so it is a good 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 Budapest, so if you need directions, you can always ask someone.
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 taxis 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 turns cold in October but it can still be sunny during the day. It is not too cold yet in October, so it is still a nice time to explore the city.
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
Budapest Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Budapest in October? 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 October: Weather & Best Things to Do
Is Budapest worth visiting in October?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Budapest in October!
The weather starts to turn cold in October, but there are not that many tourists in the city so it is a great time to explore Budapest.
The best things to do in October in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and see a Hungarian folk dance show or theatre play.
What is happening in Budapest in October?
There are not that many events in Budapest in October but there are still a few events organized.
The Art Market takes places every year around the middle of October and the lighshow in Lumina Park starts around the end of October.
In general, there are many activities you can do in Budapest at any time of the year, including river cruises, thermal baths, museum exhibitions and sightseeing.
What clothes to wear in Budapest in October?
The weather turns cold in October so in general, it is good to have clothes that you can wear in layers. You should wear clothes, like jeans, T-shirt, jumper, waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and scarves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you like the autumn vibes with falling leaves and less tourists around, then visiting Budapest in October is the right time for you!
The weather turns cold in October, but the good thing is that it is not too cold yet!
The average temperature in Budapest in October is between 8.5-16 °C (47-61 °F). As the temperature turns cold, it is good to pack clothes you can wear in layers. You should also have a waterproof jacket and shoes as it can rain sporadically.
The best things to do in October in Budapest is to explore the city, go on a boat cruise, warm up in the thermal baths, and see a Hungarian folk dance show or theatre play.
Hungary Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Hungary:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com!
🏠 Book Hotels for Hungary:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hostelworld.com: best for cheapest hostels!
(P.S: The best areas in Budapest are District 5 and 6, right in the city center)
🥘 Book Activities for Hungary:
Book the best activities, tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. There is everything from river cruises, thermal baths and walking tours to food tours and pub crawls!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: Be on the safe side and get the SafetyWing Travel Insurance – one of the most affordable international travel insurances!
💳 Get Your Travel Cards: Wise and Revolut have travel cards that you can top up with multiple currencies. They have great exchange rates and you can easily use them for payments in shops and restaurants worldwide.
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
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.
