Shows, concerts and cultural attractions – Budapest is always buzzing. Each week, we gather all of the important happenings taking place in our favourite city so you can plan ahead.
Friday, 26 January
ODA: Aperitivo
ODA is a laidback Buda locale, where duck bao meets sourdough pizza and Wiener Schnitzel. It's worth a visit anytime, but on Friday, you can expect some special treats as they host an Italian-style feast. Picture tables pushed together with mouthwatering tramezzini, cheese, cicchetti, salami and ham laid on them. You can wash down the Italian bites with natural wines and cocktails, then start all over. Music is also 'on the menu'.
More details here and book a table here.
MORDÁI concert
MORDÁI is a local folk-rock band, drawing inspiration from the experimental Hungarian folk tunes of the '60s and '70s. Brace yourself for an exhilarating musical journey as they take the stage at Manyi this Friday at 8 pm.
Get tickets on-site.
Be Massive Party: Hello 2024
If you are a fan of electronic music, you might want to go to the BudapestMarriott Hotel, where the 20-year-old party series Be Massive spices up the vibes in the hotel's panorama room. Kicking off at 10 pm, you'll not only be treated to great music but also an insane view – including the Buda Castle.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 27 January
Vintage Kilo Sale
If you are all in for sustainable shopping, mark your calendar! Vinokilo's Vintage Kilo Sale is coming to Budapest between 26-28 January. Within the gorgeous building of Studio Kvarda, you can dive headfirst into an array of vintage items from all over Europe while vibing to awesome music and sipping on wine.
More details and tickets here.
Open House and Children's Day at the Paloma Artspace
Within the walls of a former 19th-century mansion on Kossuth Lajos utca, you can browse handmade goods; nearly 50 artists have small showrooms at Paloma Artspace. And on January 27th, they will swing their doors open and let you get a sneak peek of the products in the making. Children can join workshops, while parents wander around the building uncovering its hidden corners. At 3 pm, adults can have their fair share of arts and crafts too at an enamel workshop.
More details here.
Budapest International Documentary Festival
If you are after a thought-provoking cinematic experience, join the Budapest International Documentary Festival, held between January 27th and February 4th. It will be nothing short of extensive: you can enjoy 80 films and 200 screenings at Cinema City Mammut, all revolving around the question: 'How was your last 10 years?'. International and Hungarian films and short films are screened in their original language and with English and Hungarian subtitles.
More details here.
Budapest Central European Fashion Week
If you are a fashion enthusiast, you simply can't miss the Budapest Central European Fashion Week between 22-28 January. The event serves as a bridge connecting industry players from Hungary and neighbouring regions, meaning you can not only experience cutting-edge creations from emerging local designers but also international talents. The main shows happen on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing more than 20 brands at the Museum of Fine Arts. If we were you, we'd snag tickets quickly.
Get tickets here .
Sunday, 28 January
Brunch & Vinyl Fair at MOST
As a Sunday treat, downtown basement bistro Most brings two great things under one roof: bakelite discs and delicious breakfast bites. After enjoying some tunes spinning on the record player, browse the selection and get your hands on some vinyl. Then stay for a hearty brunch: Budapest Bagel is bringing its mouthwatering bagels, while coffee, cocktails, smoothies and other breakfast dishes (including French toast and oatmeal) will be offered by the restaurant.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Sightseeing aboard a vintage bus
This is the last weekend you can embark on a journey through downtown Budapest aboard a restored Ikarus 66 or Ikarus 311 bus. Starting from the Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport, you can explore the city in a unique and very cool way. As a bonus, you'll get to know more about the fascinating world of these era-defining vehicles. Occasionally, the ride will be accompanied by period-appropriate live music.
See the timetable and get tickets on the Hungarian website or call +36 70 702 4024!
Photo exhibition: Budapest in the seventies from a boy's perspective
If you've ever wondered what Budapest looked like half a century ago, head to Robert Capa Centre and see it yourself through the photos of Hungarian photographer Sándor Kereki. At the age of 16, armed with a camera gifted by his father, he embarked on a photographic journey that has made him what we call a street photographer today. Through his lens, he captures the essence of Budapest in the '70s, freezing everyday moments in the streets.
Sneak peek and more details here.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Chinatown Budapest is all set to welcome the Chinese New Year in style. What's more, they will double the fun this year as they host activities on two weekends. First up, we have January 28th, dedicated to the ancient city of Quanzhou. Spoiler alert: its culture and traditions are so rich that learning about them will fill a whole day. The seaside town boasts such heritage as the Chinese classical music Nanyin, marionette, and a special tea-making technique.
More details here.
