Central and Eastern Europe were relatively late to arrive at the tourism scene. While the likes of Paris, Barcelona, and London have been a traveler's favorite for centuries, destinations like Prague has made rapid strides in the last few decades. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one such Eastern European gem. The city has been shaped by centuries of history, its highs, and lows. It has learned the significance of cherishing its legacy, as well as keeping up with the tides of time. Budapest will teach you the art of tasting wine and make you fall in love with hot springs. The summer months bring a lively atmosphere, with numerous festivals and events, such as rock concerts and dance parties. The city's thermal baths and spas are also a popular attraction during this time. You will know why Budapest is called the Heart of Europe, especially if you visit the city in July.
Why is Budapest in July a must visit?
Warm, sunny weather
July brings hot, sunny days to Budapest, ideal for exploring outdoors and relaxing by the Danube. As an inland city, Budapest has chilly winters but glorious summers. July's weather is perfect for sightseeing in the sun and enjoying pleasant evening walks. It's also the best time for activities on the Danube.
Exciting festivals and events
Budapest bursts with life in July, hosting many festivals and events. The week-long Sziget Festival on Hajógyári Island features top international and local music acts. Throughout the month, the city also hosts numerous rock and pop concerts.
Thermal baths and spas
July is perfect for enjoying Budapest's famous thermal baths. Top spots include Gellért Baths, Széchenyi Baths, and the seasonal Palatinus Baths on Margaret Island. Many feature outdoor pools for cooling off in the summer heat.
Sightseeing and activities
Long daylight hours and pleasant July temperatures are perfect for sightseeing. Explore top attractions like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen's Basilica in the sun. Take a Danube boat tour, hike the Buda Hills, or bike through parks and gardens.
Budapest Weather in July
July is the hottest month of the year in Budapest. The noons may produce an average high of 27°C. The nights may drop to 15°C on an average. Budapest receives over 15 hours of daylight during the month, which makes it the ideal time for sightseeing. Rain can be expected on 12 days during the month.
Budapest in July: Things to do
1
Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most magnificent government buildings that you are ever going to lay your eyes on. The building was brought to life over a period of 17 years beginning in 1885. With 27 points of entry and a total of 18000 square meters of floor area, you will definitely need the assistance of the warm July weather to explore this one.
July Timings
Daily 8am to 6pm
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
Hungary
Getting There ›
2
Budapest Thermal Baths
Dubbed the ‘ City of Baths’ or the “Spa City”, Budapest is a city rich with thermal springs, many of them dating way back to the 16th century. A haven for spa and wellness lovers, ‘taking the waters’ is as routine as buying groceries. No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to the historical baths.
July Timings
Daily 9am to 6pm
Budapest,
Hungary
Getting There ›
3
Guided Tour of Buda and Pest
Buda and Pest are two sides of the same coin, and a guided tour is the best way to see both in one go. From the top of Gellért Hill, you’ll get an overview of the cityscape before descending into the labyrinthine Buda Castle District. The tour continues across the Chain Bridge to the 19th-century Andrássy Avenue and ends at Heroes’ Square.
Along the way, your guide will share insider information and interesting stories about Hungary’s capital. You’ll learn about the city’s Roman roots, its medieval history, and its role in World War II.
July Timings
Depends on tour chosen
Buda, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
4
Danube River Cruise
Budapest is bifurcated by the river Danube. Consequently, a cruise on the river can afford a unique perspective of the city. You will be treated to a view of the Elisabeth Bridge, the Margaret Bridge, and the Chain Bridge. If you are looking for a romantic experience, you can choose a nightly cruise that includes an Operetta and Folklore show. You can enjoy the beauty of Budapest as you relish Hungarian cuisine. The July weather is known to be a wonderful companion as well.
July Timings
Depends on chosen cruise
Danube,
Hungary
Getting There ›
5
Dohany Street Synagogue
The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue, is a synagogue located on Dohány Street in Budapest, Hungary. It is the largest synagogue in Europe, seating 3,000 people, and is the center of Jewish life in Hungary.
The synagogue is open to the public for tours and services, and is a popular tourist destination in Budapest.
July Timings
Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 4pm, Thursday, Saturday closed
Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074
Hungary
Getting There ›
6
Budapest Food Tour
No tour to a foreign land is complete without learning about the native culture, and nothing reflects indigenous culture better than the local cuisine. You can try a number of delectable Hungarian cheese specialties and salamis. You must try the high-end restaurants, as well as the street vendors as all of them, represent a separate aspect of Budapest’s history. Once you are done eating your way through the city, guzzle a pint of artisanal beer and take a walk in the pleasant July night.
July Timings
Food Tour starts at 2 PM on Fridays
Budapest, Báthory utca 21-25, 1054
Hungary
Getting There ›
7
Light Art Museum
Visit the world's largest light art museum in Budapest for an immersive experience. The Light Art Museum showcases the captivating interplay of nature and technology through light-based installations. Highlights include crystallized Northern Lights and cosmic portrayals of black holes and supernovae by over 40 renowned artists. As the first museum dedicated to light art, it offers a unique and illuminating journey that will ignite your imagination.
July Timings
Daily 10am to 10pm
Budapest, Hold u. 13, 1054
Hungary
Getting There ›
8
Szentendre Village Tour
Szentendre is a charming Hungarian town located just north of Budapest. Its name means “Saint Andrew” in Hungarian, and it is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and quaint cobbled streets. The town has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and scenery. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets, browse the shops and galleries, or take a boat ride on the Danube.
Want to check out more day trip options from Budapest? Head here.
July Timings
Organized day tours starts at 10am on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Szentendre
2000
Hungary
Getting There ›
Budapest in July: Events to Look Out For
Rock and Pop concerts
All of July
The music scene in Budapest is thriving and come summer, music concerts are the best way to spend your evenings in the city. In July, Guns N' Roses, Deep Purple, The HU, Asking Alexandria are all performing in various venues across the city.
Dance Bazaar
All of July
July sees another significant cultural event hosted at the Hungarian capital. Dance Bazaar consists of a number of dance nights that are hosted at the Várkert Bazár. Multiple dance forms find their place in this event, including folk dance, tango, and flamenco. The event is organized by the National Dance Theatre.
Budapest in July: 3-day Itinerary
If you're visiting Budapest in July 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.
Day 1
• Széchenyi Bath
• Budapest Parliament
• Budapest Food Tour
• Danube River Cruise
Day 2
• Danube Bend Tour
Day 3
• Walking Tour of Pest
• Walking Tour of Buda
• Margaret Island
Budapest Essentials In July
LanguageHungarian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+36
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyHungarian Forints (HUF)
Where to Stay in Budapest in July
Budapest is fairly used to high volumes of visitors in the summer. You will not have a problem in finding accommodation of your choice. But the high volume also means that the hotel rates will go and stay up throughout the month. Thankfully, a little research will let you come up with cheaper options. Here are some of the most popular hotels in different budget levels. .
What to Pack for Budapest in July
First things first, you need to have enough breathable clothing for the Hungarian summer. Lighter colors are also favorable. If you choose to do a lot of walking, pack comfortable walking shoes and a small water bottle that you can carry around. Applying enough sunblock can be crucial, so keep them handy as well. Pack your swimsuits for your day at one of the thermal pools. Rain is not uncommon, so carry waterproof jackets, boots, and umbrellas.
Getting Around in Budapest in July
Budapest has a functional public transport system that is well spread across both sides of the Danube. Buses are a reliable and comfortable way of getting around the city. You must go on a ride on bus number 16, also known as the Castle Bus. It takes you from the Deák Ferenc Square to the Castle Hill. You may also opt for trams, which are a bit slower and therefore are better for sightseeing. Cabs are possibly the fastest option, and its prices in Budapest are regulated at all times of the day. If you are looking for a more eco-friendly mode of transport, bicycles can be rented and dropped off at a number of docking stations across the city.
Budapest in July - Must Try Delicacies
The first dish on the list is an obvious one. If you have tried this dish in your part of the world, it’s time for you to discover the authentic version. Goulash is basically a thin broth made with beef and flavored with onion, paprika, pepper, and tomatoes.
Where to eat: Baltazar Budapest
This is a kind of a flatbread that is seen more like comfort food in Budapest. The deep fried dough is slathered with any combination of sour cream, grated cheese, and garlic butter. They are also served with sausages on top.
Where to eat: Retro Bufe
This is a staple sweet item that is consumed all across the country. Also known as the drummer’s cake, Dobos Torta was named after its creator. It consists of multiple layers of sponges covered in buttercream and groundnuts. At the top is a layer of caramelized sugar to give it a distinct crunch.
Where to eat: Százéves Restaurant
A less global Hungarian soup, Paprikás Csirke is no less in terms of flavor and national popularity. There are many variations that are widely consumed in Hungary. In Budapest, you will be able to taste the one with stewed chicken leg flavored with spicy and creamy paprika.
Where to eat: Dunacorso Restaurant
Tips for Visiting Budapest in July
- Carry a lip balm with yourself on your sightseeing trips as the dry weather may mean that you will end up having chapped lips.
- Do not try to use bicycles in Buda as the terrain isn’t as flat as in Pest. Cycling up and down the rolling hills could be inconvenient.
- Avoid taking freelance cabs in Budapest. These cabs are also yellow but have the words "freelance" or "független szolgáltató" written on its side.
- Attend at least one bath party during your stay. The city is full of thermal baths, and some of them host parties after sundown.
- Do the summer thing and grab a gelato or frozen yogurt as you continue sightseeing. There are a number of streetside outlets that sell a great variety of ice creams.
A Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Budapest
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FAQs
July is the hottest month of the year in Budapest. The noons may produce an average high of 27°C. The nights may drop to 15°C on average. Budapest receives over 15 hours of daylight during the month, which makes it the ideal time for sightseeing.
Summers can be hot and humid in Budapest. So it's best to pack light cotton or linen wear.
Since July and August are peak travel seasons, you can expect crowds at the major tourist attractions and in restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Budapest.
Some of the best attractions in Budapest in July are The Hungarian Parliament, the Thermal Baths and Danube River Cruise.
While walking is the best option, you can use the Subway lines and Tram to travel around the city.
