Sakura at ELTE Botanical Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Budapest's 8th district, the city's oldest botanical garden, ELTE Botanical Gardens, is not a place to miss if you're after cherry blossoms. You can not only feast your eyes on the pretty flowers but also spread your picnic blanket beneath them (maybe not in the rain though). From 29 March to 6 April, with additional activities popping up on the weekends, you’ll even get a chance to dive into Japanese culture.
Update: If it rains, activities will move indoors.
Details here.
Buda Arboretum
If you're after a secluded spot that even locals don't always know about, head to the Buda Arboretum near Móricz Zsigmond körtér transport hub. Here, one of the most beautiful ornamental cherry trees resides, and it has already burst into bloom. Tucked behind one of the buildings, this short but incredibly lush specimen flowers a little earlier than its peers, creating a fairy-tale-like scene in the sunshine. The best part? Entry to the garden is completely free.
Details here.
Tóth Árpád sétány – Buda Castle
Tóth Árpád sétány is, without a doubt, the most picturesque promenade in Buda's Castle District. It's also conveniently tucked away from the crowds, so you might even find a peaceful moment here, though perhaps not in peak cherry blossom season. Come April, this idyllic, Instagram-friendly spot boasts breathtaking views and a double row of cherry trees bursting into pink bloom. Definitely one not to miss! (Take a sneak peek from a previous year here).
Update: As of writing, the flowers haven’t popped yet – we’ll keep you posted.
Tóth Árpád sétány can easily be accessed via the 'Bécsi kapu' entrance.
Japanese Garden in Zugló
Spring has officially arrived in Hungary's first Japanese Garden, nestled in the greenery of suburban Zugló. As picturesque and inviting as ever, it welcomed its first OKAME cherry blossoms in mid-March. And for the next month or so, we get to enjoy a rotating display of blooming varieties. If you'd like to join in the celebrations, visit the garden during opening hours or sign up for Spring Japanese Garden Day on 12 April, when various activities will add even more colour to the hanami (the Japanese tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms). Snag your tickets (HUF 2,000) in advance at the garden's reception or on the day!
The garden is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm, find the location here.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
