Backpackers, savvy globe trekkers and luxury holidaymakers, everyone’s making a beeline to Budapest. The city is emerging as a popular destination in Eastern and Central Europe and is a departure from the traditional Euro-hopping tours. Authentic Magyar cuisine, spectacular Baroque and neoclassical architecture, relaxing baths and natural spas, there is a lot going on for Hungary’s capital, Budapest. In October, the city experiences pleasant weather and is enjoying the fall colors. The tourists have also long gone, leaving the way for you to enjoy just as the locals do! Here is a guide for all the iconic attractions you can visit and exciting events you can attend in Budapest in October.
Why is Budapest in October a must visit?
- Breezy Weather: The fall foliage in Budapest is a sight to behold, the trees turn into a variety of shades of red, yellow, and gold and form the perfect backdrop for the historic architecture. The weather is pleasant and suitable for walking and spending the day outdoors.
- Bustling events: Budapest has gained the reputation of being a cultural city in the past decade and it is owing to the variety of cultural events that take place. October is a particularly interesting month with the Contemporary Arts Festival and the array of food festivals that offer something for everyone in the family.
- Breathing Space: Budapest in October is experiencing a slump in tourist numbers as the international tourists have long gone home. You can enjoy exploring the attractions at a leisurely pace and also benefit from perks like lower accommodation rates and air fares. It is one of the best months to visit Budapest.
Budapest weather in October
Budapest experiences beautiful fall weather in October, the day time temperatures are pleasant around 16°C and goes down to 7°C at night time. There is a 50% chance of rain but it’s moderate and you won’t get stuck for hours! October, with its fall colors and temperate weather, is one of the best times to visit Budapest.
Budapest in October: Things to do
1
Gellért Spa
Budapest is well-known for its spa baths and one of the most famous baths is the Gellért Spa. Located in the Gellért Hotel it included a variety of pools and baths ensconced in beautiful Art-Nouveau architecture. Take your relaxing experience up a notch with a couple’s private bath.
October Timings
Open daily from 9am to 7pm
Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118
Hungary
Getting There ›
2
Danube River Cruise
The Danube is the lifeline of Budapest and has witnessed its growth over millennia. A river cruise is the best way to explore the attractions along the river including the famous bridges – Charles Bridge, Margaret Bridge, and Elisabeth Bridge. Enjoy more than just sightseeing with theme cruises.
Danube,
Hungary
Getting There ›
3
Guided Tour of Buda
Autumn is a spectacular time to explore the romantic town of Buda. The cobblestone streets lined with trees that drape colorful foliage are a sight for sore eyes. A walking tour will take you to iconic sights such as Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Royal Palace and the 19th century funicular.
Buda, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
4
Guided Tour of Pest
Across the Danube River is the expansive city of Pest, which has now seamlessly become a part of Budapest. Stroll along the banks of the Danube and learn about the rich history of the city. Soak in the sights of St. Stephen’s Basilica, Hungarian Parliament, Liberty Square, and House of Hungarian Art Nouveau.
Pest, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
5
Budapest Parliament Tour
Not many Parliament buildings around the world can boast of being a UNESCO World Heritage, but the Hungarian Parliament House can! This iconic landmark was built in 1902 and is a symmetrical beauty that reflects the culture of Hungary. Take a guided tour of the interiors and extend it to a city tour to know everything about the great country.
October Timings
Open daily from 11am to 5pm
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
Hungary
Getting There ›
6
Danube Bend Tour
Take a trip down the Danube to where the countryside opens up to picturesque villages and spectacular landscapes. In autumn, the scenery becomes all the more breathtaking and October is a perfect time to take a Danube Bend tour and explore the towns of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre.
Budapest,
Hungary
Getting There ›
7
Budapest Night Tour
Budapest sparkles at night and it seems that its monuments turn magical at the bewitching hour. A night bus tour that starts at St. Stephen’s Basilica will take you through all the sights and bridges included. The cool evenings of October are a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
Budapest,
Hungary
Getting There ›
8
Budapest Segway Tour
Make the best of that pleasant October weather and glide across the streets of Budapest on a Segway tour. Give your legs much-needed rest without compromising on sightseeing! Explore Vörösmarty Square, Danube Promenade, Andrássy Avenue and more sights with the help of an expert guide.
Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061
Hungary
Getting There ›
Budapest in October: Events to look out for
Oktoberfest
October 4 - 6, 2024
Budapest hosts an exciting and fun-filled Oktoberfest that can rival the best in Europe! Over 100 national and international breweries participate in the festival alongside craft and microbreweries, leaving visitors spoilt for choice. Add to that the array of events and activities to ensure it’s a happening time for the entire family.
Art Market Budapest
October 17 - 20, 2024
Art Market Budapest is an event with purpose; it brings together upcoming and new artists from across the world. Over the years, it has become a leading event on the art world’s calendar and artists from more than 40 countries, across 5 continents, participate in this event.
Budapest in October: 3-day itinerary
If you're visiting Budapest in October 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 in October
LanguageHungarian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+36
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyHungarian Forints (HUF)
Budapest Weather in October
Autumn in Budapest manifests with cool weather and cloudy days, which break into rainfall every now and then. The days are about 10 hours long with sunrise at around 6:30am and sunset around 5:30pm. It gets colder over the month and towards November, you will have to wrap yourself with more layers.
Where to Stay in Budapest in October
Budapest is a tourist friendly city and one of the cheaper European destinations, which means you will get more value for every Euro. Some of the great neighbourhoods to stay in Budapest are the Castle District (Ideal for sightseeing), Belvaros (Classy and downtown vibe), Terézvaros (Good connectivity), Erzsébetváros (Historic Jewish Quarter and cheap accommodation). Here are some of our favorite picks of accommodation: .
What to Pack for Budapest in October
Budapest in autumn is similar to most European cities; the temperature fluctuates from cool and pleasant during the day to chilly in the evenings. It is best to pack layers including thin sweaters, leather jacket, rainproof jacket, scarf, and gloves (for those who feel colder than usual). Ankle-length boots that are meant for walking will be useful.
Getting Around in Budapest in October
Budapest in October is a great time to be outdoors and while it’s best to explore the city on a walking tour, you can also choose to go on a unique segway tour or rent a bike to get around. If you wish to use public transport then invest in a Budapest City Card which offers unlimited use of public transport. Here are all the transport options at your disposal in Budapest:
Metro – The lines M1, M2, M3, and M4 cover the entire city.
Tram – Tram is ideally suited for short distances and the lines 2,4, and 6 cover all the main attractions.
Bus – With over 200 bus routes, you can go anywhere in Budapest!
Budapest in October: Must-try delicacies
It’s often the simplest dishes that pack a flavourful punch, and the Túrós Csusza is exactly that. This hearty dish uses just four ingredients - Túrós which is a fresh soft curd cheese, egg noodles, fried bacon and all of it topped with sour cream. It is a perfect dish for those cold fall evenings.
Where to order: Pozsonyi Kisvendeglo
Hungarian cuisine is not complete with the unique spice ‘paprika’ and no better dish to sample this fiery ingredient than in a beef paprikash. The meat is stewed in paprika gravy and served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It is comfort food at its best for those chilly days in October.
Where to order: Getto Gulyas
A staple at dinner tables across Budapest during the autumn season, this savoury dish has also taken over restaurant menus. Cabbage leaves are filled with a delicious mix of rice, beef, tomato sauce and paprika, to create a flavour explosion. Even those who don’t like cabbage will find themselves enjoying this dish.
Where to order: Hungarikum Bisztro
The Jokai Bean Soup is literally soul food and is the perfect way to nourish your body after a long day of sightseeing in Budapest in October. The soup includes a variety of ingredients like pinto beans, pork, Debrecen sausage, vegetables like celery and carrot, and spices like paprika, vinegar and sour cream.
Where to order: Hungarian Hell's Kitchen
Every European country has its own version of pancakes and the Palacsinta is the Hungarian version. The thin crepe-like pancakes come in both sweet and savoury versions. The sweet type is filled with fresh fruits like strawberries and laden with sauces like chocolate and nutella.
Where to order: Buso Bistro
Tips for visiting Budapest in October
- Budapest has several forested and park areas peppered throughout the city where you can view the pretty fall colors. Some of the famous spots to watch the autumnal shades are Normafa and János Hill, Ördög-orom Nature Reserve, Hárs Hill, and Ferenc Hill.
- Make sure your flights are timed properly as the Daylight Savings Time ends on October 27, 2024 and clocks are turned back one hour.
- Nothing beats ending a cold day in Budapest in October than partying away in a heated natural spa! The Szechenyi Baths host spa parties every Saturday in October and you can find yourselves truly experiencing the youthful Hungarian spirit.
- Classical music is celebrated in Hungary and October is the season when famous performers hold concerts. The Budapest Festival Orchestra conducts concerts throughout the month at Franz Liszt Academy of Music, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and St. Michael’s Church.
- Ruin bars are iconic on the Budapest nightlife scene and you should give a visit to at least one on your trip to Budapest. Some of the best ruin bars in the city are Szimpla Kert, Anker't, Instant & Fogas Ház, Ellátó Kert, Csendes, and Szatyor Bar.
Month-on-month guide to visiting Budapest
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More Budapest guides
Looking for more things to do in Budapest? Here are a few guides that will help you plan your trip to Budapest in October.
