1. Float on City Park's Boating Lake
City Park is the most beloved green space on the Pest side, where you can easily spend a whole day exploring and relaxing - see here how. And if you'd like to add a fun activity to your itinerary, head to the boating lake! Here, you can hop on a pedal or normal boat and enjoy a romantic ride backdropped by the Vajdahunyad Castle. And that's not all: every Wednesday, you can salute the sun aboard a SUP at a SUP yoga session, and every fortnight, you can salsa the night away at a Latin fiesta!
More details here.
2. Discover Banksy's art in Budapest
Experience Banksy's art right here in the heart of Budapest, at a new exhibition! The World of Banksy – The street is a canvas delves into the mysteries of the artist, exploring their location choices, artistic philosophy, and the captivating power that has the world listening. The collection on Király utca features graffiti, photos, video installations, imprints, and other unique pieces – all collected and reproduced for this exclusive exhibition, open until September.
More details here and get tickets here. (x)
3. Have a beach day
Budapest's open-air baths and spas are now open (at least most of them), meaning you can jump headfirst into outdoor pools in several pretty locations. Pop to Dagály, Pesterzsébet Iodine-Salt Thermal & Open-Air Baths, Csillaghegy Árpád Thermal Baths, Paskál Open-Air Baths, and Palatinus, roll out a blanket, put on some sunscreen, and work on that tan!
More details here.
4. Run, spin, or rollerblade on Heroes' Square at the Night of Movement
If you are up for a special and active night, head to Heroes' Square on June 14th. This special place will be the main location of the Night of Movement, meaning you can do Zumba or join a rollerblade disco surrounded by Hungarian kings. Between 8 pm and 2 am, you'll be showered with fun workout sessions and activities in and around City Park: try yoga, dancing, cycling, playing badminton, running, or SUP – all free of charge. No need to register, just show up at Heroes' Square and start warming up.
See the programme on the Hungarian website here.
5. See Henri Gonzo perform at the foot of the Chain Bridge
If you are up for going local for a night, mark your calendar and head to Pontoon! To the glee of city dwellers, this riverside hangout recently reopened for the season and is ready to amaze with stunning views of the Buda Castle and Chain Bridge, wine spritzers, great vibes, and hip concerts. On June 15th, for instance, you can get to know the multi-instrumentalist Caribbean-Hungarian musician Henri Gonzo! He'll perform his latest compositions and reworked personal favourites, accompanied by guitar and kick drum.
More details here.
6. Be there at the Coldplay concert
If you'd keep up with the concert vibes, but would go even bigger, we've got some good news: the Coldplay are coming to Budapest! What's more, the British band is hitting the stage on three nights, on June 16th, 18th and 19th, at Puskás Arena to promote their 9th studio album 'Music of the Spheres'.
You can still snag some tickets here.
7. Soak up some sunshine on a terrace
No summer should pass without enjoying alfresco drinks and dinner! And if summer finds you in Budapest, you're in luck as the city boasts some truly scenic places for those grubs. We've recently rounded up 25 terrific terraces, including the iconic House of Music Hungary in the City Park and The Duchess atop Matild Palace among other rooftop bars, fancy stationary boats, riverside restaurants, old coffee houses, and laidback locales. If you'd rather go off the beaten track, you can explore more hidden gardens with our guide.
8. Celebrate Pride Month
Pride Month is in full swing in Budapest, and if you'd stand up for and celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and equality, you can join more than 50 exciting events across town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of English-friendly activities to enjoy, and we have handpicked 9, from stand-up comedy night and zine making to the March and the Rainbow afterparty.
More details here.
9. Get your hands on Hungarian designer gems at the Makers' Market
If you're in search of unique souvenirs or local designer pieces that speak to your heart, Makers' Market is the place to go. This vibrant fair pops up once or twice a month, and lucky for you, it's making its next appearance on June 23rd. Head over to downtown's MOST Bistro, where you can browse through an array of creative goods, chat with the designers, and then stick around for lunch or some drinks!
More details here.
10. Gárdonyi Piknik
This one is for those who'd go beyond a typical sightseeing tour. Bartók Béla út and its surroundings is a laidback yet culturally-fuelled and café-filled neighbourhood on the Buda side, you'll love. And it's the location of Gárdonyi Piknik – a street festival, with free concerts, good food, board games, and workshops. On June 22nd, come and join locals in celebrating the area, and don't miss out on the concert of Ferenczi György és az 1-ső Pesti Rackák, a band fusing the love of Hungarian culture and the rock'n'roll revolution.
More details here (Hungarian-only).
(Cover photo: Pakló György - Liget Budapest)