When summer comes to an end and nature debuts its vibrant new hues as leaves start falling off the trees and clouds drape the sunlight, urban dwellers can still frolic at a wide assortment of outdoor celebrations while also enjoying more indoor attractions around Budapest. From rejoicing at fantastic fall events to admiring the changing city scenery while devouring delicious dishes at panoramic eateries to indulging in local wines, the Hungarian capital is blooming with attractions during the autumn season – here we suggest a few fun things to do during the upcoming months.
1/11
Enjoy autumn city vistas from panoramic eateries
Whether it’s bright sunshine, light drizzle, or pouring rain outside, we can immerse in attractive autumn sights while pampering our taste buds with delicate treats and fine potables at many of Budapest’s eateries that provide direct views through panoramic windows over the hazel-hued cityscape. Looking through the large glass walls of Up & Down on Budapest’s Fővám Square, guests not only enjoy high-quality Hungarian cuisine, but they are also provided with all-inclusive views over the Liberty Bridge and the majestic settings towering above the Danube. Those who want to combine their casual culinary getaway with enjoying first-class vistas of St. Stephen’s Basilica should pick one of the window-side tables at Platz on St. Stephen’s Square, while from Peppers! on the Danube Promenade, guests can admire the stunning riverscape and the autumn colors on the trees of Gellért Hill.
2/11
Immerse in intoxicating pleasures at Budapest’s baths
Budapest’s mineral-infused thermal waters are revered for their naturally curative effects that draw crowds of soakers to the city’s historic bath complexes – and at some of these healing havens, in addition to ordinary treatments like massages, we can enjoy inebriating services that are certainly considered unique inside these otherwise traditional spas. Amid the Gellért Bath’s Art Nouveau settings, guests can submerge in a red-wine bath inside an ornate tub that’s filled with beneficial grape-based substances that help hydrate and regenerate the skin. Meanwhile, those who prefer beer instead of wine can dive into suds at the recently opened BeerSpa beneath Széchenyi Bath – here multiple wooden tubs are filled with a mix of mineral-rich hot water infused with the natural extracts used to brew beer, and during the stay soakers can drink unlimited amounts of beer on tap within reach from the tub. Those who are looking for even more potent wellness services can try the distinct body scrub with salt and pálinka at the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget: this 40-minute therapy is based on a traditional Hungarian folk recipe, where the local fruit-based brandy is mixed with sea salt and a special massage oil.
3/11
Embark on an inexpensive city-sightseeing trip
Those who want to skip the often-overpriced urban adventures organized by various tour companies in Budapest can instead embark on panoramic rides for the price of a chocolate bar aboard varied vehicles operated by the city’s BKK public transport company. Tram 2 takes passengers along Pest’s riverfront and passes by various landmarks, including the Parliament, many of the city’s statuesque bridges, and the Great Market Hall – plus during the ride travelers can catch glimpses of several Buda-side sights, like the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church, or Gellért Hill. For a rail ride on the Buda side, hop on tram 41 to glide past such stunning settings as the guidebook superstar Chain Bridge, the majestic Várkert Bazaar, or the centuries-old Rudas Bath. If you are ready to venture outside downtown and discover Buda’s hidden attractions with their changing scenery, validate your ticket on bus 29 that crosses a considerable part of the Buda Hills, traveling from Óbuda to the Hűvösvölgy suburb in about 45 minutes – during the trip the bus approaches the Aquincum, the Szemlő-hegyi Cave, and the Pál-völgyi Cave, before it starts climbing to the city’s posh Rózsadomb district. Finally, traversing the Danube by a public ferryboat is an ideal way to explore several key Budapest sights from a central perspective, while the boat also reaches outer-district attractions, including the charming Római Part.
4/11
Learn about Hungarian wines
Offering humorous insight into the world of Hungarian wines, the Little Wine-opedia is part of a book series that presents the cultural heritage and history of the Magyars through funny but informative thematic descriptions. This recently released pocket-size publication presents Hungary’s wine heritage through stories by young writers styled in a witty way, providing readers with plenty of useful information about the unique relationship of Hungarians and wine, and giving insight into the country’s aromatic libations. This playfully illustrated paperback is complete with a wine dictionary, a collection of oenological misconceptions, and a graphic that presents Hungary’s wine regions. The book is available in English, as well.
5/11
Visit superb exhibitions
Autumn in Budapest is complete with several high-profile exhibitions, including world-class fine arts, contemporary photo displays, a musical retrospective, and much more. Through October 2nd, the Hungarian National Gallery presents a one-of-a-kind exhibition by Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, displaying artworks covering the artist’s entire oeuvre that includes numerous avant-garde portraits depicting his fellow artists, a collection of nude portraits, and several stone sculptures. Those interested in the history of pop culture will be fascinated by the “Total Records” exhibition at the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, presenting numerous album covers and images created by outstanding photographers and visual artists, like Andy Warhol or Annie Leibovitz – exhibited pieces include album covers of the Rolling Stones, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and David Bowie, all on display through October 2nd. And for an entire month beginning on September 23rd, the Museum of Ethnography displays some of the best visual journalism of the past year through compelling high-quality photos at the World Press Photo 2016 exhibit.
6/11
Eat (and drink) your way through gastronomy festivals
Plunge into the city’s annual culinary feasts happening citywide during this harvest season to sample many of the country’s traditional treats. Whether you are a born wine connoisseur or just simply love good libations, the Olaszrizling October event at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest on October 8th will bring some of Hungary’s best Rieslings under one roof, and with the entrance ticket wine-lovers can enjoy an unlimited consumption of aromatic liquids throughout the festival. During October 7-9, the sweet scent of Hungary’s favorite sugar-dusted dessert lingers in the air at the Chimney Cake Festival held amid fairy-tale settings at inside , while carnivorous crowds can get a taste of a hardcore Hungarian tradition at the that fills the open spaces of the Hungarian Railway Museum – expect a massive amount of luscious links hanging from timber stalls and various pork-based meals (October 21-23). If you can’t get enough of the sweet treats this season, visit the Cake Festival on November 12-13th at the , offering lots of creative desserts in varied flavors.
7/11
Join fall’s cultural events
Even though flowers are wilting these days, exciting events are blossoming all across the city throughout the autumn months to bring fresh color into city dwellers’ life. During the Budapest Design Week (September 23-October 2), international visionaries transform the city into an extensive showcase for modern fashion, furniture, art, and much more at multiple locations, presenting a variety of events, workshops, exhibits, and many other creative gatherings. Culture aficionados eagerly anticipate the expo year after year, where exhibitors from many different countries come together to fill a maze of viewing spaces with their finest contemporary artworks that are all available for purchase (this year the event is organized during October 13-16). On October 23rd, join thousands of Magyars commemorating the 1956 Revolution against the Soviet occupation of Hungary with historic events, including political speeches, military processions, and cultural programs organized at multiple locations citywide. Movie fans can watch a collection of the latest films depicting today’s Jewish culture and heritage at the Budapest Jewish Film Festival, spanning November 17-20th – this motion-picture event qualifies as the largest festival of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe.
8/11
Check out vibrant murals citywide
Many of the city’s ordinarily gray firewalls and unpretentious concrete constructions are now splashed with colorful artworks depicting everyday city scenes, fictional figures, or abstract designs, and discovering these visuals is like navigating an extensive alfresco gallery where a collection of vibrant street art is presented at unpredictable corners. On Klauzál Square in District VII, a multistory mural enchants passersby, portraying a photorealistic image of a local greengrocer, while the painting nearly comes to life enhanced by ordinary city characters. Not far from this plaza, psychedelic paintings turn heads on Kazinczy Street’s firewalls, and those who stroll down this bustling lane can spot an in a cosmic outfit towering above , while a few blocks down the road of overlapping shapes enlivens the building by . Those passing by Boráros Square on their daily commute now find , inspiring pedestrians with vibrant modern design. Besides the artistic scenes that are currently enhancing some of Budapest’s drab walls, we can always watch out for more murals that keep popping up citywide as we are out and about.
9/11
See a fairy-tale circus performance
Staging incredible acts of mind-blowing jugglers, agile acrobats, and trapeze artists, the historic Capital Circus of Budapest has been attracting an ever-increasing audience ever since its foundation in 1889. Standing within ’s sylvan settings, the colorful permanent big top hosts varied performances year after year, with the newest show scheduled to kick off on October 1st – a high-flying version of Lúdas Matyi, a beloved Hungarian fairy tale written by Mihály Fazekas in 1804. This brand-new circus performance will reflect Magyar folk motifs through its spectacular physical feats, costumes, and brilliant backdrops, making it a fun family getaway during the season. For Lúdas Matyi show times and ticket information, log onto the official English-language website of the Capital Circus of Budapest.
10/11
Go beyond in Budapest
Autumn season is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing hike surrounded by pristine nature, and luckily we don’t have to head too far out of town to embark on a miniature excursion, as numerous sylvan destinations are available within the city’s boundaries, just a short public-transport ride from downtown. Found in the Buda Hills, Anna-rét (“Anna Meadow”) is an easily accessible clearing between the parkland and the upper station of the János Hill Chairlift, and it’s an ideal spot for those who seek tranquility amid panoramic settings ( provides directions for getting there). Found along the hilly ridge of Buda’s District XII, the fascinating rocky formation of Ördög-orom is one of the most pleasant excursion spots of the city, complete with a six-stop educational path and plenty of panoramic stopovers overlooking Széchenyi Hill, Sas Hill, and the Tétényi plateau (see how to get there ). Those who want to head out to nature on the city’s Pest side can embark on a train ride from all the way to Merzse Marshland, where fascinating wildlife awaits hikers with plenty of opportunities to spot foxes, deer, various birds, or turtles, while this rural region is also perfect for Nordic walking, cycling, or a romantic getaway (for transport options from downtown Budapest, read ).
