World music, the prettiest promenade, stand-up comedy, the Budapest Photo Festival, Easter brunches, and the SANTSAT picnic – here’s what not to miss this April.

Table of Contents

1. Enjoy world music at Budapest Ritmo

If you're up for a truly exciting musical ride, Budapest Ritmo is a must! Being one of the city's most diverse festivals, it's back for its tenth edition from 10-12 April. This year's journey spans from Indonesia to Canada, and from chanson to trance dance. The full line-up includes Indonesian psych-pop (Nusantara Beat), gospel-disco (Arp Frique and The Perpetual Singers), and animal-mask-wearing jazz parades (FÜLÜ), alongside local talents and special collabs.

Details here.

2. Catch the cherry blossom in the Buda Castle

If you're up for a memorable stroll in the coming days, head to the Castle District's prettiest route: Tóth Árpád sétány. The cherry trees lining the promenade are just starting to bloom, promising Insta-worthy views and the dreamiest backdrop for your photos.

Tóth Árpád sétány can easily be accessed via the 'Bécsi kapu' entrance.   

3. Stroll on Margaret Island

Spring is the perfect season to explore Margaret Island – and yes, bringing a picnic blanket is highly recommended. It's easily reachable via tram 4/6, so you'll be surrounded by greenery in no time. There’s plenty to fill an afternoon: wander through the Japanese Garden at the island's northern tip (near Árpád Bridge), hop on a four-wheeled family bike (bringóhintó), catch the music fountain's show, visit the animals at the mini zoo, explore the ruins of the Franciscan monastery, or have a full-on picnic on Nagy-rét (Big Meadow).

4. Have a proper belly laugh at this stand-up comedy night

Cinema City's first live stand-up comedy event is coming on 15 April, hosted by Budapest-based comedian and actor, StandOut. He's toured stages across Europe and co-organised the city's first English comedy open mic back in 2017. Now, he's back with a fresh show – this time bringing live laughs to the plush comfort of a cinema. Think cosy seats, epic sound, plus your favourite movie snacks. Headlining the night: two brilliant British comedians, Prince Abdi and Joe Bor.

Get tickets here.

 5. See amazing photo exhibitions at the Budapets Photo Festival

If you're into photography, the 9th Budapest Photo Festival is a must. Running through May 11, it brings the national and international contemporary art scene right to you. Explore the city's top galleries, museums, and International Cultural Institutes while checking out one (or several) of the festival's 50 exhibitions – most of them totally free. We've rounded up our favourites, including the iconic works of Peter Lindbergh, a showcase of the youngest contemporary Hungarian photographers under 35, and a street photography exploration of Budapest, Vienna, and Belgrade.

Details here.

6. Celebrate Easter in style – with brunch

Celebrate Easter the Hungarian way: with food. Locals go all in on the Easter spread – think beautiful home-cured ham, egg and lamb dishes,braided bread, and carrot cake. Sign up for a generous brunch on the Intercontinental Hotel's terrace, offering not only delicious bites but also a stunning view. Or book a table at the award-winning boutique hotel, bar, restaurant and art hub Brody House, for their Resurrection Brunch on Sunday (20 April) or Get Wet Monday Brunch (21 April). For something a little more refined, treat yourself to Easter specials at the elegant Spago by Wolfgang Puck Budapest or indulge in Easter benedicts and free-flowing Prosecco at W Budapest.

7. Browse local design markets

If you're on the hunt for locally made, unique gifts, a design market is the perfect place to go. This month, explore prints, clothes, ceramics, and many more at WAMP Design Market, hosted at the industrial Eiffel Art Studios on 13 April. Then, on 26 April, snag even more designer items at central Erzsébet tér during Hello Piac. Or, on 27 April, swing by Makers' Market, popping up at Fény utca Market, you can shop, sip amazing coffee, and enjoy a DJ set.

8. See a fashion show that's all about body positivity

On 25 April, it's all about body positivity and acceptance at Pikszis. At 7:30 pm, the fashion show for Fannica Alta Moda's Azure Collection kicks off — the pieces capture the contrast between the calm sea and stormy waves, with silky surfaces hiding hidden depths where passion and fragility meet. Just like in the brand itself, where couture elegance blends with the freshness of everyday wear.

The event is free, but you need to sign up here.

9. Explore the city on a bike!

The easiest option is probably renting a MOL BUBI – just download the app and sign up. It's a bike-sharing system that works perfectly if you want to explore the city centre at your own pace. But if you'd rather join a group, the Budapest Historic Downtown Bicycle Tour is a fun way to sightsee and get a taste of the city’s community vibe.

10. Kick off the festival season!

Celebrating a good life, the first SANTSAT picnic of the year is happening on April 26! This daytime festival is all about laidback vibes – sure, you'll have to head over to the Szabadkikötő SE sports grounds in Csepel, but trust us, it'll be worth it. Mark Gill and Tania Just will be joining the party, along with Ad is OK and the Shakar Trio. Besides dancing, there'll be plenty of chill time too – Szilvia Bagdal (aka sziszi.yoga) will lead some relaxing yoga and meditation, and Lilla Csernai's got a self-awareness workshop lined up.

Details here.

(Cover photo: Tamás Kőrösi - We Love Budapest) 

Tags