Looking for a fun, unique and uncrowded European city break before Christmas? A weekend in Budapest in November offers cultural sights, festivals, fun things to do and delicious local food that doesn’t cost a fortune. From outdoor thermal baths to night cruises on the Danube, the capital of Hungary has lots to offer all year round but autumn is an especially good time to visit.
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My son Nick and partner spent a weekend in Budapest in November. They wanted a destination that’s easy to reach from London, fun to explore and not too busy.
8 Good Reasons to visit Budapest in November
Budapest is one of the best European cities to visit in November. Here’s why:
✅ Budapest in November is quiet. Peak season in Budapest is May to September (December is popular too). In high season the weather is at its hottest and the city is crowded with visitors. By contrast, Budapest in November is peaceful: you can enjoy the sights with far fewer crowds.
✅ The month of November in Budapest can have sunny days. It’s milder than the winter months and Nick found the temperatures very similar to London.
✅ It’s a good time to visit the thermal baths. The weather is also surprisingly good for visiting Budapest’s thermal baths. With fewer tourists and cooler temperatures than in summer, but without the freezing chill of the winter months, you can really enjoy the warm outdoor pools.
✅ The city of Budapest is beautiful at night. Shorter days, without freezing temperatures, mean it’s the perfect season to see the sights of this spectacular city illuminated at night.
✅ Cheaper flights and accommodation. You might find some bargains as flights and accommodation are cheaper than in the peak tourist season.
✅ Festivals are a highlight in Budapest in November. Key events include All Saints Day on Nov 1st which is a public holiday. The feast day of St. Martin on Nov 11th, is a holy day in which the saint is traditionally celebrated with processions. The new wines of the season are tasted in the St Martin’s Day wine festival. Whilst November 17th is the anniversary of Budapest’s unification in 1873.
✅ Enjoy hearty Hungarian food. Hungarian cuisine majors in hearty and warmly spiced meat and fish dishes. These typical Hungarian recipes are perfect for the cooler weather of autumn and winter.
✅ Catch Budapest’s world famous Christmas markets before the December crowds. They begin to open in the middle of November which is a lovely time of year to see them without queues.
Weather in November in Budapest
Budapest is a four-season city likely to have some snow in winter, hot summers and some rainy days all year round. Although the weather is chilly in Budapest in November the average temperature is higher than the colder winter months. Weather averages for Budapest in November are:
- Average daytime high temperatures in November: 7°C / 45°F
- Average daytime low temperatures in November: 2°C/ 36°F
- Average days of rain/mm per month: 13 days / 60mm
- Sun rises at approx 6.30 am at the beginning of November and sets around 4.30 pm
November isn’t the wettest month of the year in Budapest, nor is it the coldest, and you can have beautiful days. There may also be a chance of snow by late November. Nick went to Budapest in the second week of November and had clear cold days with some blue sky, some cloud cover and some typical, British-style drizzle!
Where to stay for a weekend in Budapest in November
Nick stayed in the Pest side of the river Danube by Deák Ferenc tér, the busy central square, and close to Váci Utca, the main pedestrianised thoroughfare in Pest. This location is District V, also called Belváros-Lipótváros or Downtown, and it puts you in the heart of the action. It has grand architecture, sights like the Ferris Wheel and plenty of restaurants, shops and elegant cafes. In Budapest in November it was peaceful at night too.
Recommended Hotels in central Budapest
ROOMS WITH A VIEW Intercontinental Budapest by IHG Stay here for the views of the Danube, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. Also recommended for its big comfy beds, indoor pool and gym. Check reviews and book here.
AFFORDABLE Hotel GIN Budapest A stylish comfortable 4-star hotel in District V city centre. Check reviews and book here
MID-RANGE Corinthia Hotel Budapest An elegant 5-star hotel in District VII with Art Deco spa and pool. It’s pretty much a destination in its own right and helped inspire Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Check reviews and book here
LUXURY Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, part of Hyatt Opulent Art Nouveau splendour meets chic modern rooms in this grand hotel. Check reviews and book here
Check the map below for places to stay and our top sights in Budapest
Best Things to do in Budapest in November
The Feast Day of St. Martin
Nick says: Our visit coincided with St Martin’s Day on 11 November, and we duly found a busy procession, with hundreds of people and families, complete with a marching brass band and a man trailing two geese in cages. St Martin’s Day traditionally marks the end of the harvest and the start of advent, and goose dishes are a feature of the celebrations. As my partner’s vegetarian we didn’t go all out on these particular delicacies – but you certainly can if you’re a carnivore!
Szechenyi Baths Budapest in winter
The highlight of our weekend was a trip to the Széchenyi thermal bath in Budapest’s City Park. We caught the Budapest metro to Széchenyi fürdo station from Deák Ferenc tér. and it only took about 10 minutes.
Széchenyi Baths are arguably the most famous of Budapest’s thermal baths, although the Art Nouveau Gellért thermal bath is also very popular. Despite it being November we booked in advance, to beat the queues, and to make sure we didn’t miss the chance to experience one of the big attractions of Budapest.
Fortunately, it was a beautiful crisp autumn day, with not a cloud in the sky. This did mean that the thermal baths were busier, but it was still perfect weather: I’d much rather get out of a steam bath in the sun than in the rain!
The outside area features two huge open air thermal pools: both are warm although one is hotter than the other. There’s an outdoor swimming pool too. Széchenyi also has indoor baths, saunas and steam rooms so you don’t have to brave the outdoors if you’d rather not.
It feels slightly odd at first to share the waters with hundreds of other people, but you get used to that quickly. The steam rooms and saunas can get quite busy, but we definitely felt the benefits of both the next day.
However, the real highlight is the outdoor thermal pools. It was quite cold to be outside in swimwear, but once we were in the warm waters we could have stayed there for hours relaxing, enjoying the scenery and people watching.
Tips for visiting Széchenyi Baths
- We’d definitely recommend spending a little extra and booking one of the bigger locked cubicles (private cabins). They have enough space to store valuables and clothes and for one person to change at a time.
- Bring flip-flops/sliders and towels It’s compulsory to have footwear, or you can buy them at the Baths.
- You need a swim cap for the outdoor swimming pool but not the thermal baths.
- There is a restaurant and bar, and the option to book massages.
A Sightseeing Walk in Budapest in November
The Hungarian capital is divided into two parts by the Danube river: Buda and Pest. The historic old town on the Buda side, now called the Castle district, is a complete UNESCO World Heritage site. Beautiful architecture, rich history: like London this is a very walkable city and you can easily spend all day exploring.
Apart from some drizzle on the first day we had dry weather and so we did all our sightseeing on foot. This is our walking route that took in all the city highlights.
1. Jewish Quarter → Danube Promenade
- Walk: 15–20 minutes (1.2 km)
- This will take you through central Pest, passing through Deák Ferenc Square or near it.
We started the day by heading to District VII, or the Jewish Quarter. This is on the Pest side of the river and nowadays is a hip part of the city. It has lots of places to eat and we had brunch here.
After this we strolled through town to the river. We could have crossed the Chain bridge directly to the Castle district – and you can shorten the route by doing just that. But we wanted to have a look at the Parliament building so we walked along the Pest riverbank first.
2. Danube Promenade → Hungarian Parliament Building
- Walk: 20–25 mins (1.5 km)
- This is a scenic walk along the river that passes the Shoes on the Danube memorial.
On our way to the Hungarian Parliament Building we passed the poignant and powerful memorial Shoes on the Danube Bank. The sculpture represents the shoes left behind by the thousands of Jewish victims shot or drowned on the banks of the river by Fascist militia during World War 2.
We walked on to the huge and ornate Hungarian Parliament building, which stretches along the riverside between the Chain and Margaret Bridges. We decided not to go inside – tours take 45 mins – and instead walked around it, before continuing our walk up the river Danube.
3. Parliament → Cross Margaret Bridge to Buda side
- Walk: 20 mins (1.6 km)
- Cross the bridge’s pedestrian path. Optional: take a short detour to Margaret Island.
We crossed over to Buda on the Margaret Bridge, a striking three-way bridge, the second oldest in Budapest. It was a clear day and we had excellent views of Budapest to the south, including the Parliament building on the left bank, and Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and Gellert Hill to the right.
4. Margaret Bridge → Fisherman’s Bastion
- Walk: 25–30 mins (2 km, uphill toward the end)
- Be prepared for a climb – use the stairs or zigzag paths.
Once we got to the Buda side we walked back towards Fisherman’s Bastion. one of the best known monuments in Budapest. It was built at the turn of the 20th century, to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. The restored Matthias Church is its centrepiece and it has fantastic views.
5. Fisherman’s Bastion → Buda Castle area (Castle Hill)
- Walk & Explore: 30–60 mins
- Explore Matthias Church, the Bastion itself, then walk south along Castle Hill to the Royal Palace
Buda Castle is also called the Royal Palace or Royal Castle and is the historic residence of the Hungarian kings. It’s free to wander around the whole complex of gardens and courtyard, but the museums in the main buildings, including the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, do charge entry fees. The castle district has restaurants and cafes too.
6. Buda Castle → Gellért Hill
- Walk: 30–40 mins (2–2.5 km, uphill at the end)
- This is the longest stretch and includes a significant uphill walk, but the panoramic view is worth it. If you don’t fancy a long walk you can take a bus or taxi up the hill instead.
As it was a lovely day we carried on walking and headed up Gellert Hill. The Citadel fortress at the top was closed for renovations. So we couldn’t get close to the magnificent Liberty Statue that overlooks the city. But there are great views on the way up, especially in November when the trees have bare branches.
7. Gellért Hill → Chain Bridge back to Pest
- Walk: 25–30 mins (2 km)
- Notes: Steep descent at first, then cross the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
8. Chain Bridge → St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Walk: 10–15 mins (0.8 km)
We crossed the Bridge back to the Pest side of town and made a quick stop at St Stephen’s Basilica. We paid an entry fee to go inside and gaze at the magnificent architecture, ornate artefacts and even the right fist of St. Stephen, a 1,000 year old reliquary known as The Holy Right.
More things to do in Budapest
Go to a concert
November is also a great time of year to enjoy a classical music concert in Budapest. St Stephen’s Basilica and Matthias Church both hold regular recitals. And check out free concerts at the Budapest Jazz Club
Cinema Mystica Budapest
Before dinner one evening, we headed to Cinema Mystica the museum of lights and magic, on Ferenciek Square. A friend had recommended it and it’s fun and also quite hard to describe! I’d go for a 3D/sensory art exhibition. Definitely book in advance, as it’s in a very busy area, and is a perfect pre-dinner activity.
Great Market Hall Budapest for souvenirs
Just before we went home, we headed once more down Vaci utca, to the Great Market Hall for souvenirs.
Our eyes, noses and taste buds were greeted with fresh goods, vegetables, meats and a huge array of paprika and spices. Other souvenir shops sell plates, scarves, and other Budapest-based memorabilia. And we made a quick pit-stop at a market stall for a final helping of authentic Hungarian goulash.
Visit the Winter Markets
The Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square opens on Nov 15 2025, as does the festive market by St Stephen’s Basilica and the Winter Park and Christmas Market, plus ice rink, in City Hall Park.
Things to do in Budapest at night
Go for an evening walk
Budapest is a grand and beautiful city that looks spectacular at night. November in Budapest, with its early sunsets, is the perfect time to enjoy nighttime views of the city.
After sunset one evening we crossed Liberty Bridge and walked up the streets on the Buda side, following the river. This gives you a lovely view of the river and the Parliament building illuminated against the night sky.
Then we turned away from the river and headed uphill towards Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s free to walk around the magnificent walls and turrets at night, with incredible panoramic views over the city.
Take a dinner cruise
A cruise on the Danube is a really popular option for visitors. We loved walking in the evenings, but in colder weather or for a more leisurely treat a candle-lit dinner cruise with live music, like this one, is a great way to see the city’s iconic landmarks, lit up and sparkling on the water. The reviews for this particular cruise are excellent and the Danube by night is a must-see sight in Budapest in November.
Visit the High Note SkyBar
On Sunday evening after dinner we headed to the High Note SkyBar. This is the roof-top bar in the music-themed Aria Hotel Budapest in District V. It’s another fab hotel, by the way, if you want to splash out on your weekend in Budapest.
High Note SkyBar has been named one of the best rooftop bars in the world and it definitely has an exclusive feel. We had cocktails on one of the split-level terraces with blankets and heaters to ward off the evening chill although it has indoor areas too. The rooftop has fabulous views of St Stephen’s Basilica and the city.
It was very quiet around the city after 10pm in Budapest in November, so we could walk in without a reservation but it’s probably safer to book your table in advance.
See the Ruin bars
After dinner on Monday we dropped into Szimpla Kert in the Jewish Quarter. This is the original of the famous ruin bars or ruin pubs of Budapest, an abandoned building that was re-purposed in the early 2000s instead of being demolished. Its rundown condition was turned into a positive with quirky decor and it was so successful that more ruin bars sprang up in the city.
Szimpla Kert was vibrant and busy even on a Monday night. The sprawling complex is a bit of a maze with lots of small bars, street food, craft beer, local spirits and live music. Drinks aren’t particularly cheap but it’s still a must see on a weekend in Budapest.
Enjoy a premium wine-tasting evening
Hungary has produced wine for more than 1000 years. This small group 2 hour food and wine tasting event is a chance to sample six of the country’s high quality wines with the guidance of a local sommelier. The wines are accompanied by tapas-style food platters so you won’t go hungry, and the tasting takes place in a Downtown restaurant by St Stephen’s Basilica. We didn’t have time to do this but it’s a great way to learn more about Hungary’s wine culture as well as spending a fun evening in the city centre.
Things to do in Budapest when it rains
Nick was lucky with the weather in Budapest in November. If you need to take shelter – or crave a cultural fix – then here are some suggestions:
- Visit the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum which are both in the Buda Castle complex.
- The Hungarian National Museum is a fascinating collection housed in a palace in District VIII on Museum Boulevard.
- The Museum of Fine Arts has an important collection of European art and is easy to reach by metro from Deak Ferenc ter.
- Take a private city tour in a vintage Russian military jeep, suitable for all weathers. The tour makes plenty of photo stops, including Gellert Hill and a shopping visit to the Central Market Hall.
- Learn to make Hungary’s delicious Chimney Cakes in a 1 hour workshop in the city centre. You can take the secret recipe home with you!
What to pack for a weekend in Budapest in November
The weather in Budapest in November was very similar to London. So Nick packed the same warm clothes that he’d have worn at home.
Make sure you pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes that are water resistant
- A warm hat, gloves and scarf for chilly days.
- Plenty of layers so you can be flexible depending on the weather.
- You’ll definitely need a warm coat, especially when you’re walking around the city at night.
- It’s a good idea to take a lip balm too because the air is dry.
- And don’t forget swimming kit, flip flops or sliders if you plan to go to the thermal baths (and you should!).
Where to eat in Budapest
Nick says: Food in Budapest is fun and affordable with lots of choice of Hungarian and international menus as well as vegetarian options. These are the places we liked best:
Breakfast and brunch in Budapest
Arioso, in the Jewish Quarter, is a florists and cafe with an understandably flowery interior. Reasonable prices and very good coffee too.
Cirkusz It took us two attempts to get a seat at Cirkusz. But it’s famous for one of the best breakfasts in Budapest. Even on a weekday we had a 30 minute wait in line, but I guess that’s what to expect from one of TripAdvisors’ Top 25 World Brunch spots.
Supper in Budapest
M. etterem (M Restaurant). This small dinner-only restaurant at the edge of the Jewish Quarter is traditional, hip and a little bit eccentric. The menu is mainly Hungarian food, but despite the meat and fish-laden cuisine, there is enough choice for vegetarians too. This is definitely one to book ahead, and definitely worth doing so!
Tapassio is a Hungarian/Spanish tapas restaurant a short hop from St Stephen’s Basilica. It had a great choice of small plates, meat, fish and vegetables and the waiters were very helpful
Chimney cakes in Budapest
After a day’s sightseeing we stopped off for a snack at Molnár’s Kürtõskalács. This is the home of the kurstos or chimney cakes, one of Hungary’s favourite snacks. Molnár’s is one of the top places in the city for a chimney cake and the scent of caramel in the air as you watch them cook the cakes is delicious. You can get a full-sized ‘plain’ cake, or half-sized with a range of sweet ice cream flavoured fillings. This is a must eat!
Weekend in Budapest in November FAQs
Regular flights to Budapest depart from many UK airports as well as London, year round, and include several low cost carriers.
All direct flights to Budapest arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt also known as Ferihegy airport which is 16km from the city centre. Flights from London to Budapest take around 2hr 25m. Hungary is one hour ahead of GMT.
From the airport you can catch a direct bus to the city center. The 100E bus runs every 10 minutes around the clock and the journey takes 40-45 minutes. The 100E bus runs to Deak ferenc ter, one of the main squares on the ‘Pest’ side of the city.
Taxis may be slighter quicker depending on road congestion and are more expensive at about €30.
The Hungarian Forint is the official currency of Hungary and the one you should use.
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Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
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