Budapest in April is a fantastic experience. The sun is coming out more often, and the temperatures in the city are downright comfortable. You wouldn’t want to take a swim in one of the outdoor pools at the Turkish baths most days, but it is also undoubtedly pleasant enough to take in the blooming cherry trees.
If you take some time to get outside of the city, you’ll discover that the spring season in the Hungarian countryside is just as magnificent.
April is also one of the last chances that you’ll get to enjoy the city before the crush of tourists starts funneling into Budapest. That means there are some opportunities available to expand your travel budget.
How to Plan for Budapest in April
You’ll get a half-day of sunshine each day when you visit Budapest in April, which means some shops begin to extend their hours for you. That means you have more opportunities to start exploring the city, especially since the rainfall from March is coming to an end. You’ll want to bring something that can keep you warm during a surprise drizzle, and an umbrella often comes in handy.
The temperatures can still get a little cold when you explore Budapest in April, especially if you go in the early morning hours. It is invigorating to see your breath in the air as you walk, but a sweater or jacket will make the experience more comfortable.
If you have an evening outing planned as part of your itinerary, you’ll find low heels or a pair of flats is bearable. It can be a little chilly if you’re out late near the beginning of the month, but the experience isn’t overwhelming like the chills of winter can be.
Best Events to Experience in Budapest in April
The move toward spring brings out several fun events and experiences to enjoy during your stay in Budapest. April allows you to experience the end of the Spring Festival, which is two weeks of folk music, stage performances, and art exhibitions. The city hosts a different theme each year, and it is one of the most popular events.
When Easter occurs during April in Budapest, then you’ll get to take part in several Hungarian traditions. Edible treats, souvenirs, and decorations are everywhere in the city during this time. If you didn’t make it to the Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square in December, then the Easter fair is equally fun to explore. Vajdahunyad Castle hosts an egg exhibition that is a fun, family-friendly event.
The Budapest Spring Festival is a fun time in the city. You’ll see a variety of venues providing some delicious food, excellent local wine, and popular jazz tunes into this fun event.
The Szechenyi Spa and Baths become the place to be every Saturday night in April when you are in Budapest. It’s a “SPArty” that requires tickets for entry, and the fun goes deep into the night. You can enjoy a favorite beverage, spend time with your friends, or meet new people at this exciting event.
There’s also the Oldtimer Show that Budapest hosts each year during this month. It is a two-day event that typically happens in mid-April, bringing together antique motorcycles and automobiles for a unique experience.
Tips to Help You Enjoy Budapest n April
The weather in Budapest is perfect for walking when you visit in April. That means you’ll want to bring a comfortable pair of shoes along for the trip. Whether you visit the 60+ exhibitions at the Art Week or you want to take in all of the holiday traditions that happen if Easter is in this month, your feet will be happy with this choice.
April is also the perfect time of year to visit the Opera House. It has remained unchanged since its opening in the late 19th century, although renovations have been happening as of late. Tours are available even when the building is closed for repair work, so you’ll want to see this stunning Neo-Renaissance structure before leaving.
If you have a particularly warm day during your stay in Budapest, then consider taking a leisurely cruise down the Danube. It’s one of the most impressive ways to catch the city’s best landmarks, especially if you can be on deck with a slight breeze to enjoy.
When the city feels like it is too much to handle, then consider taking a hike in the Buda Hills. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, and there are also several marked trails for you to explore. You’ll want to make sure you have a camera ready when you see the views from Elizabeth Lookout Tower.
If you feel like a day trip, then a trip over to Szentendre will let you explore small, winding streets filled with boutiques. It’s the perfect spot to find a hidden gem.
What Will You Discover in Budapest in April?
One of the best reasons to go outside on a Sunday in Budapest is to tour the farmers’ market. The most popular one is in the popular Szimpla, but there is a handful around the city for you to visit. Combine a stop with some time in one of the ruin clubs to get a taste of what it is like to be a local. Sweets, buts, Hungarian honey, and lots of snacks are always available, along with some fantastic beer and live entertainment.
Tickets for the jazz concerts at Opus Jazz Club go fast during the Spring Festival and the following concert-based events, so you’ll want to get those when you start planning your trip. If you prepare for something cool and rainy, then it is easier to dress in layers when exploring or enjoying a night out.
Then make sure to linger while visiting Gozsdu Passage because the floating smells from the restaurants and clubs will make you hungry. When the sun comes out, so does the outdoor seating. It’s the perfect way to recharge after you spend the day exploring all that Budapest in April offers!
