From celebrating Budapest's 150th birthday to visiting the first Christmas markets and indulging in Thanksgiving feasts, here are the best things to do in Budapest in November.
1/11
Stroll among fallen leaves
Even with some overcast and drizzle on the cards, we can't help but pine for the outdoors. Autumn is a special season for long walks – exploring the city by meandering among colourful trees and crunchy leaves just adds that romantic touch. If you agree, read on as we have rounded up our favourite parks and promenades in Budapest, from the City Park and the Castle District to more off-the-beaten tracks.
2/11
Indulge in a goose feast on St Martin's Day
During the week of November 11th, sumptuous goose-filled feasts pop up across the country, and bottles of 'new wine' crack open in celebration of St Martin. Recently, we have explained the tradition, and rounded up some feasts to indulge in, with some of them available long after the actual festivities.
3/11
Drink Pumpkin Spice Latte
A sweet and steaming mug of pumpkin spice latte is as much of an autumn essential as a fluffy scarf. And the good news is that local coffee shops make them so yummy that Starbucks won't even cross your mind. At downtown speciality café CAUSE Roastery, you can pair it with a slice of moist banana bread and a view of the Basilica (in the whole of November). If you don't mind venturing outside the city centre, the adorable ZUG Café in Zugló offers Stars Hollow vibes and delicious cruffins alongside your latte which is available until January.
4/11
Wander among light installations
Once the sun sets, pack a camera (and some extra layers) and make your way to one of the stunning exhibitions that have (literally) lit Budapest up. Lumina Park offers a 1.5-kilometre-long route of light installations on Margaret Island, where you meander along thematic installations, such as the Parliament, tram 2, or the Chain Bridge, evoking and celebrating different eras of Budapest's past. At the ELTE Botanical Gardens, you can step into Alice's Wonderland and be greeted by the Cheshire Cat, and the Caterpillar, and even join the Mad Tea Party!
5/11
Be there at the Reflektor Festival 2023
Who said the festival season is over? On November 16th, Reflektor will bring you all the vibes with a series of concerts at Dürer Kert. At the Great Hall, you can catch the English post-punk band Shame, along with two Hungarian bands Galaxisok and Middlemist Red. The Small Hall is hosting several other local musicians, such as Hiúz, kisbetűs ünnepnapok, Hocuspony and Denevér, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore contemporary Hungarian music and get to know young talents. After the concerts, stay for a party – or actually, two – as both halls will give way to banging DJ sets.
Get tickets here.
6/11
Slide on the City Park Ice Rink
City Park Ice Rink is an iconic spot for some alfresco skating, making it a must-visit place during a wintertime trip to Budapest. You can rent skates on the site, drink hot tea between laps, and get a unique perspective on the Vajdahunyad Castle, which majestically backdrops your figure eights. The ice rink is set to reopen for the season on November 17th, and unless another heatwave strikes, we can start counting back the days.
More details here.
7/11
Celebrate Budapest's 150th birthday
Budapest is turning 150 years old on November 17th, and the city will go big on celebrating the birthday. Besides visiting Lumina Park, you can enjoy a variety show with dancers, aerialists, and illusionists (18 November, Eötvös10), join free concerts in the City Hall's courtyard (18 November, Városháza), or browse local designer products at the Makers Market (18-19 November, Városháza).
More details here (Hungarian-only).
8/11
Go under cover on a rainy day
Let's face it: downpours are likely to make an appearance in November. But that doesn't need to put a damper on your mood and you certainly don't have to scrap your sightseeing plans. We have put together a list of 10 attractions, from the Gellért Baths to the Pálvölgyi Cave, which not only offer cover but amazing ways to spend your time.
9/11
Verzió International Film Festival
Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival is an important meeting place for the documentary film community – both filmmakers and film lovers. Between November 22nd and 29th, you can join screenings, discussions and accompanying events with the participation of invited filmmakers and experts at the Toldi, Művész and Corvin cinemas, the Blinken OSA Archivum and the CEU in Budapest. See 80 documentaries from 40 countries, including award-winning ones. The question this year is: where are we headed?
See the programme here.
10/11
Succumb to a turkey-filled Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving might be an American tradition, but if you are looking to tuck into a festive feast in Budapest, you will be in abundance. Indulge in a festive meal of sizzling roast turkey alongside dollops of creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce at the riverside DNB, downtown Bortodoor Wine, Erasmus hotspot Hoff House, or international bar Ruin Brew. You can also have it for takeaway at the InterContinental Budapest.
11/11
Catch festive spirits at the reopening Christmas Fairs
That's right, Christmas is coming early, and you can sip on the first mulled wine of the year as soon as November 17th. Advent festivities filling the square before St Stephen's Basilica, voted Europe's best Christmas market three times, will be back in full swing, stretching into the new year ( January 1st). While at the Christmas fair on Budapest's focal Vörösmarty tér, which is probably the most renowned of all, you can enjoy the festive spirit, a massive Christmas tree, mulled wine, chimney cake, and a free train ride (if you are a child) until December 31st.
