EVENTS

Budapest is a cultural mecca and has a long tradition of celebrating its chequered history; each of the four seasons has its own festivals. Budapest Búcsú (June) is a fervent rock and pop festival held at several open-air venues around Budapest and celebrates the last Russian soldiers' departure from Hungary in 1991. September's International Wine and Champagne Festival is held in the Castle District. The Budafest Summer Opera & Ballet Festival provides the opportunity to see some of the world's finest high culture in Budapest's amazing Opera House at very affordable prices. Not to be missed.

If the classics are not your thing, join the frenzied throng on Óbuda Island - an old disused shipyard - at the Pepsi Island Music Festival, where you'll find central Europe's highest concentration of the 'mullet' hairstyle and a crowd moshing and doofing with the best of the West. Hungary's premier sporting event is the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix, held in mid-August each year.

Public Holidays
25 Dec - Christmas Day
1 Nov - All Saints’ Day
23 Oct - 1956 Remembrance/Republic Day
20 Aug - St Stephen’s/Constitution Day
May/Jun - Whit Monday
1 May - Labour Day
Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
15 Mar - 1848 Revolution/National Day
1 Jan - New Year’s Day

When to Go

Budapest averages 2000 hours of sunshine a year, among the highest in Europe. Although we're not sure who measured this, it means there are opportunities to visit Budapest throughout the year in reasonably fine weather and avoid the madness and expense of Europe's high season. Both spring and autumn are glorious in Budapest, with plenty to see and do, and the winter cold doesn't really hit until mid-December when many museums and tourist sights close. However, even in winter there are occasionally spectacular blue skies. Summer can be hot and lazy, perfect for soaking up a Dreher (Hungary's local beer) at a hip outdoor cafe or any of the myriad festivals occurring around town.