Last year, Budapest Airport, which recently turned 75, was named Best Airport in Europe – for the second time – in the 15–25 million passenger category. But that's not the only cool thing about it. Have you noticed you can sit down and play the piano while waiting for your flight? Sure, it's not a brand-new idea. The public piano movement kicked off in London back in 2008, when British artist Luke Jerram launched the 'Play Me, I'm Yours' project. Pianos were placed in public spaces for anyone to play, sparking spontaneous music-making and real moments of connection. The idea caught on fast, and today, you'll find public pianos in cities all over the world – including right here in Budapest.
The first piano at Budapest Airport was installed on May 7, 2023, marking both Mother's Day and the airport's 73rd anniversary. A second piano followed exactly a year later, on May 3, 2024, landing in the sleek new Pier 1 passenger hall. This top-quality Irmler instrument was crafted by the world-famous German manufacturer Blüthner – a family-run company founded in 1853 and known for its next-level piano craftsmanship.
Whether it’s a talented amateur or a seasoned pro taking a seat, their spontaneous playing often stops passersby in their tracks. People pause, listen, and get swept up in the moment. Many of these impromptu performances – or full-on mini concerts – end up on social media, and the Budapest Airport team recently picked a few of their favourites. Take a look!
5. One of Beethoven's most iconic pieces, Für Elise, comes to life in a charming duet by two young men at the airport piano.
@armin.nicoara #pian #budapesta #foryou #fyp #arminnicoara #adiflondor #viral #aeroport ♬ sunet original - Armin Nicoara
4. Kids and teens love the pianos too! During her visit to Budapest, 16-year-old Canadian-born pianist Natasha M. Webb wowed fellow travellers with her talent.
3. A talented young boy treated travellers to a spontaneous mini-concert at the gate.
2. A man and a group of young singers brought real Italian vibes to the terminal with their rendition of a song by Gianluca Grignani.
@music_by_lozio Mentre aspetto di salire sull'aereo suono sempre, a volte tra la timidezza generale. Ieri invece abbiamo trasformato l'aeroporto di Budapest in una sala karaoke degna di via Sarpi. Auguri alla sposa e a Gianluca Grignani 👑🔥❤️ #aeroport #budapest #pianist ♬ suono originale - music_by_LoZio
1. Hungarian pianist Péter Buka, who's been playing since he was seven, stunned travellers with Experience by world-renowned composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi.
(Cover photo: Attila Polyák - We Love Budapest)
