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, 2 February
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
The Budapest International Documentary Festival is still in full swing until February 4th. So if you are after a thought-provoking cinematic experience, just make a pick and head to Cinema City Mammut. There is still a fair amount and variety of films you can enjoy, such as The Dream of a Horse, Alone, Four Daughters, and The Last Seagull. The films are screened in their original language and with English and Hungarian subtitles.
More details here.
Carnival delicacies at Marischka
Hungarian carnival season brings a special chef offer to Marischka, a loft restaurant nestled at the foot of the Buda Castle. Until February 4th (3 pm), you can not only try csörögefánk (crunchy Hungarian doughnut ribbons) topped with homemade apricot jam and paired with cocoa, but indulge in the combination of veal sausage with roasted purple cabbage, baked pumpkin cream and potato dumplings, too. Bid farewell to winter with delightful cocktails crafted specifically for the season.
Folk night at MANYI
If you are curious about classic Hungarian folk music, this event is not necessarily it. It's much better. You can be part of a truly amazing musical experience at MANYI: a mixture of folk music and folk punk played by two brilliant local bands. You will likely find yourself on the dancefloor showcasing moves you never knew you had. Gates open at 6 pm, and at 9:30 pm, a jam session kicks off. Tickets are HUF 3,500 (to be paid on the site), and you can book them here (Hungarian-only).
More details here.
Saturday, 3 February
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Budapest's Chinatown
We are soon stepping into the Year of the Dragon, and that means a massive celebration for Chinese communities worldwide, including the Hungarian capital. On the first weekend of February (3-4th), you can be sure to find yourself amidst festivities in Budapest's Chinatown: the Monori Center, in the 10th district, will be decked out in decorations, offering an array of culture-infused activities and delicious food. Among many highlights, inheritors of 8 national intangible cultural heritage from Chengdu (capital of Sichuan province) will showcase their special craftsmanship. Enjoy a lion dance and dragon dance, learn bamboo dance, try your hands at making jiaozi, tangyuan, or Chinese walnut cake. Entry is free.
More details here.
Nutella Days at the SUGAR! Shop
Nutella makes the world move. At least at downtown SUGAR! Shop, which puts the famous hazelnut cocoa spread in the spotlight for 3 days (between 3-5 February) in celebration of the World Nutella Day. Picture a massive amount of Nutella shakes, macarons, cakes, and cake pops – in addition to the shops's usual selection of sweet treats.
More details here.
Ice World Closing Weekend
This weekend is your last chance to glide across the dance floor turned ice rink at the beloved concert venue Budapest Park. But before closing its gates on February 4th, an ice disco is popping up, making you dance in your skates. Illuminated by fairy lights, and offering hot cocktails and good vibes, Ice World is a great spot for a first date, a fun activity with friends, and also a perfect family adventure.
Get tickets here.
Sunday, 4 February
Farmers' Market at Szimpla Kert
There is not better way to start a Sunday than with a beautiful spread of fresh and local products. Being a true gem in the middle of Budapest' Jewish Quarter, the farmers' market at Szimpla Kert's has been ruling the roost for 10 years now. Every Sunday (9 am - 3 pm), the city's iconic ruin pub is transformed into an open-air market to give space to 30-40 Hungarian producers and their goods. Fill your basket with cheese, honey, jam, syrup, fruit and vegetables and meat of mangalitza and game, freshly picked and dried mushrooms, truffle specialities, spices, and sandwich spreads. Once you are finished with your shopping spree, settle down upstairs for a hearty brunch.
More details here.
A Little Fair for Babies and Mums
A design fair but for babies and parents! If you are eager to get something local for you or your baby, head to Larus on February 4th as a special market is displaying adorable baby, and mum-friendly products of 50 local designers. Imagine all you or your little one might possibly need: clothes, accessories, toys – browse the selection here.
More details here.
Van Gogh – The immersive experience
A visual exhibition like no other: after captivating audiences in New York, London, Berlin, and Seoul, Budapest is now the proud host of one of the world's most popular multimedia art exhibitions (opening on February 2nd). Spanning two thousand square meters across multiple rooms, prepare to be amazed as you step into the most iconic paintings of the Dutch master. No typo there; you will actually step into them, immersing yourself in pure art while gaining unique insights into the painter's life along the way.
Get tickets here.
