The dual city of Budapest is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The city is known as the ‘Paris of the East and ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and venturing through Budapest’s history, exotic cuisines, and thermal bathhouses is every traveller’s dream. To bring those dreams into reality, we have curated an encompassing Budapest February travel guide for you that will give you a complete insight into the country’s tipping culture, popular events, and top things to do on your visit. Budapest is a dynamic and lively city with so much to explore and is a hard miss!
What makes Budapest in February special?
Budapest is famous for its incredible architecture, museums, and restaurants which make it a great place to visit all year round. Winters can be a bit frigid, but Budapest in February is all about discovering fun ways to avoid the cold and explore the culture that the city offers.
Between all the local pubs, exotic restaurants, and thermal baths, it is not difficult to enjoy this historic city even when the temperature tends to drop. What makes the city special in February? One important highlight is the Carnival celebrations called Farsang, which takes place at this time of the year. While most cities in the world celebrate the Carnival for a day or a week, the Hungarians stretch the celebration for a month. So, when you are around Budapest at this time of the year, it sure is a treat to join in on the debauchery.
Budapest in February Weather
Budapest has a typical continental climate which means that the region has some rainfall throughout the year, and experiences snow in the winter. February in Budapest is quite cold with an average high of just 4°C. During the night, the temperatures drop to -2°C, so make sure you keep yourself warm if you plan on exploring the nightlife in Budapest. Light snow is possible but it is highly unlikely towards the end of the month when the temperatures begin to rise.
Budapest in February : Top Things To Do On Your Visit!
Jotted below is a list of the top things you should do in Budapest. If you are wondering what they are, take a quick look!
1
Visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica
Situated in the heart of Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city that is extremely breathtaking to admire during the evening hours. Enjoy an outstanding classical concert with excellent artists performing from 3 different concerts and 4 different seating categories, depending on your budget.
February Timings
Monday-Friday : 9 AM to 5:45 pm
Sunday : 1 PM to 5:45 PM
Szent István ter 1, 5th district, Pest
Getting There ›
2
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts will give you an insight into the work of El Greco, or Domenikos, a popular master in the history of European art, with almost 70 works on display.
February Timings(General Timings)
Tue to Sun: 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays.
Museum of Fine Arts, Dózsa György út 41, XIVth district, Pest
Getting There ›
3
Go on a Cruise on the Danube
Discover Budapest with a cruise on the Danube and admire the famous attractions like the Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament, Matthias Church, Citadel, and more. You can also enjoy an exotic dinner while you are on the cruise every evening. In the evening, you can enjoy a four-course meal accompanied by a musical performance by local Hungarian artists.
Danube,
Hungary
Getting There ›
4
SPARTY parties at Széchenyi baths
The Széchenyi Bath conduct Sparty Parties in their outdoor baths every Saturday evening. This is an impressive experience where you get to witness animations, 3D projections, dancers, and a live DJ, suitable for a great winter evening. This is a must-attend event when in Budapest in February.
February Timings
Guided Tours start daily at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM
Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
5
Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Enjoy a pleasant evening with delicious dinners as you cruise through some iconic sights in Budapest like the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill, the historic Chain Bridge, and the House of Parliament. Accompanied by live music, start and end your journey at the Academia ferry terminal.
Budapest in February : Events to Look Out For
Even though it may be cold outside, the people of Budapest don’t let the weather come in the way to have fun. Carnival is the main event in February that is a combination of different parties. Below are some of the events that could be a part of your Budapest Itinerary.
James Arthur Concert
25 February, 2024
Head out for an unforgettable evening as James Arthur, takes the stage in Budapest on February 25th. Get ready to be serenaded by his voice and experience a soulful performance.
Budapest Bachata Festival
16th - 19th February, 2024
Dive into the rhythm at the Budapest Bachata Festival - Immerse yourself in a world of dance, music, and lively festivities, featuring renowned artists and thrilling performances.
Budapest Boat Show
22nd February, 2024
Discover the latest in nautical innovations, from sleek yachts to cutting-edge equipment. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a maritime enthusiast, this event promises an exciting glimpse into the world of boating.
St Valentine’s Day
14th February, 2024
If in town with your loved one, then celebrate Valentine’s Day in Budapest on Feb 14 by attending a nice concert, going on a romantic dinner and trying some of the seasonal delicacies, or taking a trip to the thermal baths.
Budapest in February : 3-day Itinerary
If you're visiting Budapest in February and are looking for an itinerary that you can simply adapt, here's our handcrafted 3 day itinerary. You can also take a look at our 2 day and 1 day itineraries to visiting Budapest.
Budapest Essentials
LanguageHungarian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+36
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyHungarian Forints (HUF)
Budapest Weather in February
February is a very dry month of the year in Budapest, so you don’t have to worry much about heavy rainfall during your stay in the city. It is cold, but you get to equally enjoy more sunshine during the day as spring is just around the corner.
Where to Stay in Budapest in February
5 Star Hotels: Prestige Hotel Budapest, Hotel Moments Budapest, ARCadia Hotel Budapest, Medosz Hotel Budapest, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Budapest M-Square
4 Star Hotels: Continental Hotel Budapest, Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher, Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Centre , Hotel Parlament, Bohem Art Hotel
Budget-Friendly Hotels: ibis Budapest Centrum, Impulso Fashion Hotel, Hotel Vision Budapest
What to Pack for Budapest in February
Budapest’s weather is quite unpredictable and one should pack accordingly. Sweater and warm clothing that can be layered is a good idea for the freezing cold, apart from the waterproof clothing. In general, pack:
Getting Around
The Budapest Card offers free and unlimited public transportation throughout its validity. You can enjoy admission to selected museums, take advantage of the complimentary tours and get great discounts.
If you prefer cycling around the city, choose MOL Bubi as your mode of transport.
Students can enjoy great discounts on various modes of transport by simply flashing their student card.
Another alternative can be using the taxis as it can be fast and cheap in the city.
Use buses or trolley buses that are available in 13 routes in Pest only to go around the city.
Budapest in February - Must Try Delicacies
Budapest offers many delicious dishes and here is a list of the top 5 cuisines you should try and where you can have them in Budapest.
A Hungarian veggie stew or soup, fozelek is a lunch time favourite. It can be a meal in itself or is seen as a side to various meat entrees. If served as a main course, it is served with thick pieces of bread, egg-fried sunny side up and sausages. Try this dish here: Főzelék Varázs Önkiszolgáló étterem
These Chimney cakes are cooked over charcoal after being brushed with butter and wrapped in strips around cone-shaped spits of sweet dough. The sugar on the dough releases steam when it is from the spit, when cut into pieces. Christmas markets in the city sell them and it is an extremely popular dish and a must try in Budapest. Try this dish here: Molnár's kürtőskalács
A lot of the famous Hungarian meals do well with these egg noodles which are very similar to German Spaetzle. It is very interesting how these are made: a grater-like equipment divides the dough and moulds the noodles as they immerse into the boiling water, thus creating a unique shape for each noodle. Try this dish here: Momotaro Ramen Restaurant
These are meat pancakes that are minced and seasoned with tomatoes, onions and paprika. These pancakes are then stuffed, rolled, folded and then baked and served with a delicious sauce and sour cream on top. These are very similar to enchiladas, a delectable Mexican dish that is highly recommended to try. Try this dish here: Nagyi's Crêperie
A popular Hungarian meal, originated from Germany. The chicken breasts are deep-fried until they turn golden brown. Sesame seeds, chicken cordon bleu and mushroom gravy are just some ways this dish has been made in Budapest. Try this dish here: Costes Downtown
Tips for Visiting Budapest in February
We are here to provide you with some useful tips before your trip to Budapest in February:
- Want to get rid of the cold? Spend a day in one of Budapest’s thermal baths. There are a lot of these naturally occurring spas throughout the city where you can soak yourself just the way the locals do.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will have a lot of walking around to do in the streets of Budapest.
- Pack warm clothes and winter essentials as February continues to experience winters in Budapest.
- Take advantage of the weather by putting on your skates and head out to one of Budapest’s ice rinks. Varosligeti, in City Park, is Europe’s largest ice rink.
- Hungarian cuisine taste better during the cold days. Find a restaurant and try their local dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and fisherman’s soup.
- Witnessing the city from the river can be a great outing experience, but if you do so in February, make sure you opt for a tour that offers a heated panorama boat.
FAQs
What are some of the must-see attractions in Budapest in February?
What are some hacks for shopping in Budapest?
What are some travel tips before visiting Budapest?
How do I make the most of my time in Budapest?
Where can I grab good food in Budapest during my February visit?
Is it worth visiting Budapest in February?
More Budapest Guides
Looking for more things to do in Budapest? Here are a few guides that will help you plan your Budapest vacation better.
