1. Catch a show at the Budapest Dance Festival
For 25 years, Budapest Dance Festival has brought the best contemporary dance to town, and this year's no different. And you can still snag tickets for an amazing performance on 10-11 May: the Gauthier Dance JUNIORS are taking the stage at the National Dance Theatre Budapest. They're a group of young talents, masters of energy and dynamics, with their diverse performances. The Dream Team show brings together four different choreographies, where the stamina and artistic harmony of the six dancers play a key role.
Get tickets here.
2. Soak up some sun – and wine – on a terrace
As soon as the sun comes out, locals flock to the terraces. Whether it's a riverside hangout like Kabin, a chic downtown brunch spot like KIOSK, a laid-back venue in City Park like Zöld Küllő, or a family-friendly favourite like Budapest Garden, you'll want to follow their lead. Here's a handy list to help you choose the perfect spot for some alfresco dining and wining when the weather plays along.
Details here.
3. Check out the Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition
To see the most impressive Hungarian press photos of 2024, swing by Capa Centre. Here, the 43rd Hungarian Press Photo Exhibition showcases standout shots across 16 categories. And we're proud to say several We Love Budapest photographers (Attila Polyák, Márton Mónus, Márton Koncz) took home awards. So if you're into everyday photography or curious about Hungarian public life, don't miss this freshly opened exhibition (launched on 7 May).
Details here.
4. Find your zen in a secret garden
Sunny spring days usually equal fully-packed parks, so if you're after something a little more secluded, we totally get it. That's exactly why we've rounded up five secret gardens in the city, from exotic Eastern retreats and lush inner courtyards to medieval monastery gardens.
Details here.
5. Savour modern Hungarian flavours in the Buda Hills
Gléda is a beloved modern Hungarian restaurant on the Buda side, with elegant interiors, laidback vibes, and a shady terrace you'll want to sip your sparkling wine on (we recommend the Gléda Hárslevelű 2018 from Tokaj). The food is hearty, full of flavour, and adds a creative twist to the classics. From May, you can try their summer menu featuring beef goulash, duck liver mousse with Tokaj wine chutney, chicken paprikash, a superfood salad, and the all-time favourite: túrógombóc (sweet cottage cheese dumplings). Come for a date or bring the whole family – either way, it’s bound to be an evening well spent.
Book a table here.
6. Explore local businesses at Hello Margit! festival
Hello Margit! festival is a brand new arts festival in the beloved – and not yet touristy! – Margit Quarter. And it's spoiling us with a series of events from 15-18 May: nearly 50 venues will host more than 100 programs, some of which can be attended for free. You should check out Pezsgő (Sparkling) Margit, a series of exhibition openings and, yes, toasts. Enjoy a concert by Danubia Orchestra or sign up for a Sofar Sounds Budapest session. Explore local designer shops, like Alapdarab, CAKO, Dugattyús x Kamay Ko, MUMU, NOS, or ViktoriaBolla – where you can collect stamps for gifts and claim discounts. Attend a fashion show, or check out Makers' Market for local finds.
Details here (Hungarian-only).
7. Enjoy urban garden vibes at riverside Dürer Kert
Dürer Kert might be known for its epic concerts and metal gigs, but it’s far more than just a music venue. If you're craving a dose of nature without leaving the city, this riverside hangout by the Danube is a great place to go! Lush greenery, cold beers, live music, craft markets, and laid-back vibes all come together. Bring your kids, and even your pup, and make a day of it: rent your own grill, cauldron, or skewer and cook up something tasty. Whether you're into daytime chilling or evening fun, this beloved underground spot has summer written all over it. It's also easily accessible: come by bike or public transport (just hop on bus 133E).
Details here.
8. Indulge in the best of Hungarian gastronomy at the Gourmet Festival
MBH Bank Gourmet Festival is back from 22-25 May, celebrating the creativity of the country's best chefs, bakers, winemakers, and brewers. This year, there's a special spotlight on the ingredients, producers, dishes, and food stories they love most. Expect everything from Mangalica treats to artisanal pizza and kombucha – 70 foodie spots are serving up their most inventive bites. Whether you're craving a Michelin-starred masterpiece, a hearty Hungarian classic, laidback street food, or a trendy international twist, you'll find it (and probably more) here.
Details and tickets here.
9. See an old mill transform into a community hub
Hengermalom (a former roller mill in Újbuda) is reopening this month, with a new purpose! And based on last year, that's great news for anyone eager to see an abandoned industrial site transform into an open, inclusive space full of exciting events. This unique spot will once again become a vibrant community hub from 23 May to 12 October – spanning fifteen weekends packed with things to do. Expect workshops, kids' and family programs, markets, open-air cinema, music, installations, and performances. Or just come to hang out in the courtyard, now upgraded with public seating, a pop-up bar, and plenty of greenery.
O pening weekend: 23–25 May!
Details here.
10. Catch future award-winning films on the big screen at Friss Hús
Attention, film lovers: Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival is back from 29 May to 4 June! And for the first time ever, it's officially Oscar*-qualifying. That means the stakes – and the quality – are higher than ever. This year's Hungarian competition lineup features 34 fresh short films, many of which have already wowed audiences on the international festival circuit. You'll see work from acclaimed directors alongside exciting newcomers making their debut. Expect bold, original stories that dig into generational tensions, social issues, and deeply personal narratives – all told in a distinctly modern film language at the Puskin Cinema and the City Hall.
Find the full programme here and get tickets here.
11. Taste local and international craft beer at Budapest Beer Week 2025
Named Europe's 3rd Best Beer Festival last year, Budapest Beer Week is back for its 6th edition, running from 26 May to 1 June. That means a real treat for craft beer lovers: all-week-long tap takeovers at Budapest's top craft beer bars, followed by two full days of a proper beer festival at Dürer Kert. The event brings together beer enthusiasts and brewers: you'll meet 45 rockstar breweries from around the globe and can sample 360 different brews, unlimited – all included with a single ticket. Craft beer, great vibes, community, street food, and live music – what a way to end May!
Details and tickets here.
(Cover photo: Gábor Szabó - We Love Budapest)
