10+1 best things to do in Budapest in January 2024

Try newly opened spots 

If you're on the lookout for new hotspots, here's some good news: 2023 has seen the opening of many exciting places in Budapest. Including shiny new restaurants offering comfort food, innovative Asian flavours and juicy burgers, as well as breakfast spots with buttery pastries, bars serving fermented cocktails, coffee shops with creative caffeinated creations, and glamorous 5-star hotels. Check out our full list here, and make your picks.

Experience one of the world's best nightlife scenes

Did you know that Budapest is the second-best destination for a night out? That is according to the Consumer Choice Centre, which evaluated cities based on various factors, such as mandated opening hours, last calls, the cost of a pint of beer and a Big Mac, and the availability of nighttime transport services. So if you've ever hesitated to dive into the party district, hesitate no more! Discover yourself what all the fuss is about. Check out the best places to visit here.

Cosy up in an igloo

Sometimes winter means one thing (if you haven't signed up for dry January): hot cocktails. With the temperature dropping under 0, a terrace might not be your first choice. But plan again! Several downtown spots installed igloos this year, meaning you can still enjoy the outdoorsy vibes within a toasty bubble of your own. Try top-notch rooftop bars, such as 360 Bar and Intermezzo Roof Terrace, which serve delicious seasonal drinks, such as hot Aperol. You can also explore City Park, where you will be spoiled with igloo-offering places, such as Buja Disznó(k), Pántlika, or Zöld Küllő.

Slurp steaming hot soup

January can be (and is) freezing cold, but if you ever find yourself trembling, Hungarians have the perfect cure: goulash soup. Or chicken soup. Or fisherman's soup. Or any kind of soup, just make it hot. If you are after the best traditional restaurants to try these heart and bodywarming delicacies, check out previous roundup. 

Skate alfresco

Ice skating shall be on all our Budapest bucket lists until March, as the city has some true gems of skating rinks to offer. City Park Ice Rink, for instance, is a historical location for alfresco figure eights backdropped by the Vajdahunyad Castle. Ice World at the concert venue Budapest Park is another curiosity: the dancefloor might have turned into ice, but the party doesn't stop (check out their ice disco events here). Csepel Ice Park is another big favourite: it is more local thus less crowded, and features an amazing ice corridor you'll never want to stop gliding through. See our full list here.

Swap the thermal bath to a Beer Spa

Budapest is a city of thermal water, so visiting baths is surely on your bucket list. But if you'd take it a step further and are fond of beer, you can also try the Beer Spa. A quick note to say: they don't just pour beer into a tub for you to soak in, but they do mix its ingredients (malts, hops, yeast, barley) with 36°C hot water. And while you are getting your well-deserved relaxation in this special concoction, you can pour and enjoy an unlimited amount of Czech beer on tap within reach of the tub. The Beer Spa is available at Széchenyi Baths and Lukács Baths.

More details here.

See Alice in a Multimedia Wonderland

Whether you are an Alice in Wonderland or Tim Burton fan or just up for a family-friendly light exhibition that will make some jaws drop, head to the oldest botanical gardens in Budapest. In the heart of the city, the Garden of Lights welcomes you in a surreal yet oh-so-fun realm, which will definitely brighten any chilly winter evening. Grab a glass of mulled wine and set off on a journey down the rabbit hole (and along a 52-metre light tunnel), meet the Cheshire Cat, spot the Caterpillar, and experience a Mad Tea Party!

More details and a sneak peek here.

Catch the Renoir exhibition

The Renoir – The painter and his models exhibition is slowly drawing to an end, but with an extended opening until January 21st, you still have time to see the iconic French figurative painter's work. In the majestic building of the Museum of Fine Arts, you can explore Renoir's relationship with the models who inspired his art through captivating paintings, graphic works, and sculptures.

More details and tickets here.

Start the new year with a hike

If you are pining for a refreshing hike in the hills (maybe to burn some leftover calories from Christmas), Budapest has some really pretty routes to offer. The closest would be Normafa (hop on bus 21/221 at Széll Kálmán tér), a popular hiking destination and home to forest trails, breathtaking views, and Normafa Ski House (serving seasonal treats). Hármahatár Hill is another accessible spot for getting those steps in, and if you are up for a bit of a journey, Pilis offers a unique experience. These locations are also at a high enough elevation to catch some snow, so if luck is on your side, you can even grab a sledge at some point this month.

Grab a healthy bite

Whether it is a New Year's resolution or just a newly found need, going for healthy options over deep-fried meat, burgers, shakes and cakes is always a good idea. We have rounded up a list of the best eateries in Budapest offering wholesome meals, so if you are after something nurturing yet delicious, have a look here.

Listen to live folk music at the Heritage House

Students of the Franz Liszt Music Academy showcase their knowledge in the form of a concert at the end of each semester, and the event is traditionally open to the public as well. In other words, starting from the morning of January 19th, you can enjoy almost six hours of the folk music program at the Heritage House.

More details here.

More free things to do in January here.