1. Spot blooming flowers
With the city's most famous almond trees now in full bloom, spring has officially made an entrance. The mild weather spoils us with early blossoms all over town, so if you'd like to add a splash of colour to your day, climb up to Gellért Hill, offering a picturesque view of the Liberty Bridge and the Danube framed by blooming almond trees. ELTE Botanical Gardens boasts daffodils and lilies of the valley, while Buda Arboretum features crocuses and unexpected cherry blossoms.
2. Escape the city buzz at Normafa
Normafa is a local-favourite hiking destination in the Buda Hills. It's easy to reach (hop on bus 21/221 at Széll Kálmán tér), and it not only comes with pleasant walking trails and stunning views but also delicious treats. You can look around at the al-fresco food court (make sure to try lángos), or settle down at Normafa Síház, where amazing strudels, homemade lemonades and Hungarian wines await.
3. Indulge in fixed-priced menus at top-notch restaurants
Restaurant Week (March 7-24th) is in full swing, offering you the perfect chance to catch deals and savour exquisite 3-course meals, specially crafted for the occasion. Three price categories are available: HUF 5,900 (approx. €15), HUF 7,900 (approx. €20), and HUF 9,900 (appr. €25), service charge included. The list boasts high-end restaurants, such as Costes Downtown, Flava Kitchen, Aranybástya or Spago by Wolfgang Puck. You can delve into Taiwanese flavours at 101 Bistro, Lebanese dishes at Baalbek, or Italian treats at Allegro Ristorante & Bar. You can also indulge in Hungarian gastronomy at iconic spots such as Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant in the City Park or Első Pesti Rétesház (Strudel House) in downtown Pest.
More details and bookings here.
4. Sip cocktails at an iconic location
Ever dreamt of sipping a Cosmopolitan like Carrie Bradshaw or indulging in a champer with a dash of bitters, sugar, and cognac just like Laszlo in Casablanca? Well, here's your chance! The breathtaking Párisi Passage Restaurant invites you on a journey through Hollywood classics by offering a selection of famous drinks during cocktail hours. Join the fun every Thursday (starting at 7 pm), and celebrate the greatest characters and their iconic concoctions, all accompanied by timeless movie songs and an awe-inspiring setting.
5. Explore non-touristy spots in Budapest and feel like a local
Spring is for long walks. And if you'd go beyond the usual tourist attractions, such as Margaret Island and the Parliament, on your next trip, consider discovering some lesser-known neighbourhoods. From hidden stairways up the Buda Castle to a suburban Villa Quarter, we've rounded up areas yet to be explored by crowds, giving you a chance to experience a more authentic side of the city.
6. Familiarise yourself with Hungary's March 15th holiday
March 15th is a bank holiday, commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The uprising paved the way towards establishing the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, granting the country partial independence from the Austrian Empire. Today, March 15th is honoured with celebrations nationwide. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony before Parliament and family-friendly events then take place around Buda Castle and elsewhere across town. You can also visit some museums free of charge (such as the Hungarian National Gallery, Hungarian National Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest Aquincum Museum, Ludwig Museum, Hospital in the Rock, or House of Terror).
Read more here.
7. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Guinness and a parade
For those with Irish roots, March 17th means one thing only: St. Paddy's Day. Luckily Budapest gets its fair share of the celebrations, and you can enjoy a major part of it free of charge. Head to Szabadság tér between 1-5 pm, and immerse yourself in the revelry: green hats, shamrocks, dancing, the lively music of fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns, face painting, Guinness, and Irish food await in abundance. At 2 pm, a parade sets off from the square crossing Kossuth tér, Akadémia utca, Zrínyi utca and reaching St. Stephen's Basilica, then heading back to Szabadság tér.
More details here.
8. Explore the caves of Budapest during the Month of the Caves
Did you know that there is a complete cave system below Buda weaving from Castle Hill to distant Pál-völgy. March, the Month of Caves, is the perfect time to dive deep into discovering them. Read our article on the 3 main underground attractions here, and sign up for an underground adventure or explore the labyrinth beneath the Buda Castle.
9. Experience a new dimension at Budapest's Lightdome
If you are in Budapest between March 1st and 17th, don't miss out on this new attraction; an array of light installations illuminating the Budapest Zoo's majestic glass structure, the Biodome. Behind the installations stand local and international light artists, who specifically crafted their creations for this space. Also, this is the first time guests can explore the whole of the glass structure at their own pace – leave at least 1.5 hours for the adventure.
Read more here and get tickets here.
10. Marvel at enchanting buildings that could belong in the Harry Potter Universe
We are part of the Harry Potter generation, and if you are too, keep an eye out for these magical buildings in Budapest! We've rounded up 10 locations that instantly transport us to the world of Defense Against the Dark Arts or Charms lessons. Now, we're sharing the secret, encouraging you to embark on a spring tour to explore them.
Read more here.
10 +1. Join an authentic dinner party at a 70's styled apartment
Ever toasted with pálinka (the local spirit) and tucked into chicken paprikash in a Hungarian home? Hungry for Hungary offers this experience: you can not only indulge in homemade traditional meals but also step inside a typical panel flat within the József Attila Housing Estate. Chat with your hosts about local history, art, and music – your call.
Our review and more details here.
