Budapest’s christmas markets: In winter, in Budapest, Hungary, the air fills with the aroma of mulled wine and the sound of cheerful Christmas carols. The city’s Christmas markets open around mid-November, inviting locals and tourists to enjoy the holiday atmosphere until the end of December.
Vorosmarty Square
The crown jewel of Budapest’s Christmas festivities lies in the city’s heart – the Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square. Since its inception in 1998, this market has symbolised this Christmas advent tradition. Running from November 17 to December 31 in, 2023, it promises an authentic Christmas experience.
As you walk through the historic District V and get to the square, you will see a bustle of visitors exploring stalls decorated with holiday delights. Handicraft shops offer handmade wonders that you can take home with you and give to your family and friends. The market tour and wine-tasting experience add a touch of sophistication to the festivities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true essence of a Budapest Christmas.
Stephen’s Square – the Basilica’s Winter Wonderland
Not too far from Vorosmarty Square, St. Stephen’s Square hosts the Budapest Christmas Market by the Basilica. Open from November 17 to December 31, this market is a haven for those seeking quality handcrafts and a taste of Hungarian culinary delights. Usually, there is a small ice skating rink, which is a great way to move a little and enjoy the sights. Here, you will also find everything from savoury sausages to the famous Chimney Cake. You will see a Christmas Laser Projection on the Basilica, which adds to the experience. Food stalls, handicraft shops, and the allure of Hungarian traditions make this market a must-visit during your holiday in Budapest.
The authentic markets in Budapest
What makes Budapest’s Christmas markets truly exceptional is the city’s commitment to preserving authentic Hungarian folk art and traditions. Wander through the stalls, and you’ll discover the work of local artisans engaged in glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, and more. The gifts, far from the dazzle of commercialised offerings, reflect a genuine warmth, making them perfect gifts. The markets are a holistic experience of sipping mulled wines, savouring chimney-shaped ‘Kurtos kalacs,’ and relishing the joyous ambience of Christmas concerts. You will find many other smaller markets as well, both in the centre and in the outer districts, so it is worth discovering Budapest during this time, too. Let us help you with a list of four apps you can use to navigate in the city.
BKK Futár: Your Handy Budapest Transit App
Exploring Budapest on foot is absolutely great, but when you need a break, the weather turns, or the mulled wine at the Christmas market does not warm you up, BKK Futár has your back. It’s a free app from BKK, a navigation app about Budapest’s public transport system. Futár, meaning “messenger” in Hungarian, gives you real-time updates on where the buses and trams are. Easy to use and available in English and Hungarian, grab it on the App Store or Google Play for a stress-free journey around the city.
GreenGo: Eco-Friendly Rides in Budapest
GreenGo is your ticket to a greener Budapest. This car-sharing app lets you zip around in electric Volkswagen Up cars, paying by the minute. Just pay a small fee online (which gets credited to your account), and you can unlock a car in minutes. With a special parking spot at Liszt Ferenc Airport, GreenGo makes your journey from plane to city a breeze. Find it in Hungarian and English on the App Store or Google Play.
SmartCity Budapest
SmartCity is your ultimate companion in Budapest, ensuring you never take a wrong turn in this city. This free and user-friendly app boasts offline maps, guaranteeing you will keep your way in the charming streets.
The app goes beyond the basics, providing comprehensive offline information on public transport – metro, bus, tram, suburban railway, and night lines are all covered. Did I mention it’s free? SmartCity is a must-have for locals and visitors alike. You can download it on iOS or Android.
Pocket Guide: Your Audio Tour Buddy
If you like solo tours but not group settings, Pocket Guide is your audio companion. Available in 15 languages, this app provides location-based audio guides that you can download and use offline, so there are no roaming charges. The app is free, but you’ll need to make a small in-app purchase for offline audio guides. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
