The best things to do in Budapest in July

1. Set sail!

Whether you sign up for an hour-long sightseeing tour, a dinner cruise, or an adrenaline-filled speedboat ride, marvelling at Budapest's iconic landmarks from the river is an unbeatable experience. For a fairly cheap tour, opt for Budapest Transport's riverboat services, taking you from the Parliament to the Danube Promenade, passing Margaret Island and Várkert Bazár. For a romantic dinner, get tickets for Legenda's cruises and savour a four-course menu – don't miss the cold goose liver and the roasted trout – as you watch the sunset. And if you're seeking an adrenaline rush, hop on a Redjet, and let the splashes from a 360-degree turn cool you down on a hot summer day.

2. Embark on a SUP tour during sunrise or sunset!

Boats are not the only way to conquer the waves of the Danube. You can also join SUP tours, which, let's be honest, is quite epic. Starting from Római-part and ending at the foot of Elizabeth Bridge, these 2-hour long trips run several times a week throughout the summer. No prior experience is needed, as a mini-training session is provided for beginners before setting off. The stunning setting is given, and whether you choose to see the city's iconic sights during sunrise (6 am) or sunset (6 pm) is up to you.

More details and tickets here.

3. Make a splash!

And after embarking on SUP tours and boat trips on the Danube, you can actually take a plunge into the river as well – but only in designated areas. The city's only public beach has recently reopened on Római-part, where you can enjoy refreshing dips until August 20th. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, the beach is free to use and offers amenities like toilets, showers, diaper-changing facilities, and sunbeds, and there are also lifeguards on site. If you prefer pools and open-air baths that are perfect for families, check out our recommendations here.

More details here.

4. Let locals host you for a laidback dinner party!

Airbnb offers some truly unique experiences, and one of them is this welcoming apartment restaurant in the heart of café-lined Újlipótváros, near the Margaret Bridge. Here, a lovely Hungarian couple, Zita and Gabe, often accompanied by their super friendly dog and adorable baby, treat you to the best local dishes made from their granny's recipes. The menu may vary, but you can expect to taste incredibly delicious liver pâté with sourdough bread, golden pea soup, creamy chicken (or mushroom) paprikash and crumbly strudel – but only after toasting with a shot of Hungarian spirit pálinka. Your meal will be complemented by organic wines and great stories – leaving you feeling like you're at a friend's dinner party.

More details and bookings here.

5. Taste the world's best ice cream!

Each year, the world's finest gelato artisans flock to Italy to compete for the title of World Master. This year the title has been awarded to Ádám Fazekas, the man behind the top-notch confectionery and ice cream shop Fazekas Cukrászda, which, lucky you, happens to be in Budapest. Head to the 16th district – a lush residential area that's absolutely worth a visit. Here, you can sample the dangerously delicious, award-winning creations, with all options free from additives and artificial food colouring and come in various flavours. Our all-time favourite? Anything with pistachio.

More details here.

6. Catch some intriguing art!

If you are an art enthusiast, don't miss our curated list of the best exhibitions this summer! We've rounded up 8 collections, ranging from dazzling wedding gowns spanning centuries to fashion shots capturing Eastern European beauty, striking stage costumes, and the mysterious world of Banksy, all on display until autumn.

More details here.

7. Dance with your eyes closed at Ed Sheeran's upcoming concert!

Warm up your vocal cords because Ed Sheeran, one of the most popular singer-songwriters of recent times, is heading to Budapest! You can catch him live at Puskás Arena on July 20th, marking his first solo concert as part of his tour for his sixth and seventh albums. Sheeran, who has not toured since 2019, released two albums last year, so those who have already seen him at the Sziget Festival five years ago will have plenty of new material to enjoy.

More details here.

8. Make the most out of the festival season!

And speaking of concerts...while we're eagerly waiting for the Sziget Festival to kick off in August, you can already warm up with some truly exhilarating events in and around Budapest! Take some days off work and pitch a tent at a unique location: discover Hungarian bands by Bánk's picturesque lakeside, prepare for three days of earth-shaking bass at Bass Paradise, or grab tickets for an underground electronic music festival held in a quarry.

More details here.

9. Sip G&Ts by the river

To spice up your night, visit Port de Budapest, a riverside bar and restaurant. This lively downtown spot does not only come with tiger prawn pil-pil and G&Ts but also features live DJ sets and breathtaking views of the Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, and even Gellért Hill. So grab your loved one, book a table on the terrace, and order some summery cocktails like Lisa and Liberty. (x)

More details here.

10. Watch films under the stars!

It's the time of the year when open-air cinemas are popping up all over town, for us to enjoy films sitting on or wrapped up in blankets with popcorn and a drink in hand. Some of them are absolutely English-friendly and even free to attend! For example, catch the Hungarian drama Larry and the American rom-com As Good as It Gets – both to be screened in downtown park Hunyadi tér. You can also watch Poor Things just outside the City Hall, or head to the riverside bar Budapest Garden's free events for the free screenings of Hair, Mamma Mia - Part 2, Star Trek, or Transformers.

+1 Explore charming towns near Budapest

If you're ready to leave the city buzz behind and set off on a day trip, we've got good news! We've rounded up a list of 5 adorable towns, all easily accessible by public transport from Budapest. These towns offer beautiful scenery, fun things to do, and some peace of mind. So if you fancy strolling through charming streets lined with colourful houses, admiring a majestic basilica, or escaping to a wild lake or a peaceful English park, read on!

More details here.