How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Budapest?

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities is the perfect way to see off the old year and welcome in the new one. The Danube running through the city, the classic architecture from the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and the vibrant nightlife make Budapest the ideal location to have a memorable start of your year. The possibilities are endless when planning your New Year’s Eve and there are plenty of fascinating activities to take part in and give you an evening to remember.

What to Expect on New Year’s Eve in Budapest?

The festivities start early in Budapest on New Year’s Eve. People start gathering around 4-6pm and can be found along Vaci Street in the downtown area. Here you will find a variety of pubs and restaurants, food trucks and vendors, entertainment, and an exciting atmosphere. All day, firework shows will amplify the city’s skyline with vibrant colors. Home to well over a million people, Budapest is large enough to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style but not so overwhelming as cities like London or Paris.

When the clock strikes midnight, bells will chime from St. Stephen’s Basilica and everyone in the city will join together in a rousing rendition of Hungary’s National Anthem. This beautiful moment is one to remember, especially for those that have never been a part of such a powerful celebration. Afterward, expect much revelry and plenty of opportunities for enjoying drinks and making lasting memories throughout the night.

Fireworks Show at Heroes’ Square

Around 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, spectators flock to Heroes’ Square – part of City Park – to witness an amazing fireworks display that lasts around 20 minutes. This is one of the biggest and best ways to end the year with a bang and definitely something you should put on your list of things to do when you visit Budapest at this special time of year.

Heroes’ Square also offers plenty of shops and stalls to buy snacks, drinks or other items up until midnight. During this time there will also be multiple performances and shows that you can watch while you wait for the clock to strike 12 o’clock. While this activity can be crowded and it can start raining at any time, the festive atmosphere more than makes up for it. It is an amazing way to spend a unique New Year’s Eve in Budapest, so make sure you add Heroes’ Square to your itinerary when planning your trip.

Viewpoints over the City

Budapest is one of the prettiest cities at night and there are plenty of viewpoints overlooking the cityscape when it is lights up for New Year’s Eve celebrations. You can try searching for sites around Budapest such as Gellért Hill or Fisherman’s Bastion that are favorite locations for newcomers to marvel at the city from. However, those two spots can be quite crowded during this celebration so we recommend that you plan ahead and look for alternative spots like Margitsziget island, or one of the many beautiful bridges crossing the Danube in Budapest.

One way to guarantee a perfect view of the city on New Year’s Eve is by reserving a seat aboard one of several river cruises that take place during this night. Be sure to book a spot on one of these wonderful vessels several days before the 31st – they might sell out quickly so you don’t want to be left landlocked! Onboard you will be served complimentary drinks and snacks, and you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks spectacle in comfort, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Budapest.

Partying Downtown Budapest

If you want to extend your holiday celebrations after all the festivities surrounding New Year’s Eve have come to an end, then one of the best things to do in Budapest is go downtown and join in with the lively nightlife that pervades all year round. Vaci Street is home to some of Budapest’s trendiest bars and clubs like Moricz András Tere, Brody Studios and Gozsdu Courtyard all offering their own unique experiences for their patrons. For those looking for something a bit different, you can take advantage of all that Budapest has to offer by opting for a guided pub crawl that’ll take you off the beaten track into some truly subterranean clubs tucked between buildings within small alleyways like Pecsa Park.

Spending an evening of luxury

If all else fails, it is possible to spend your night in one of Prague’s luxury hotels such as the Boscolo or Four Seasons which both offer elite services including bars, spas and guest rooms with excellent views from which you can take in all the nightlife activities from a comfortable distance. You could also venture into one of Budapest’s most high-end restaurants such as Costes which offers some exquisite traditional Hungarian cuisine worthy of celebration. There are also multiple wine bars such as Szinbád or Dürer Kert located throughout the city serving craft beers and local wines that’ll satisfy even connoisseurs.

A Truly Memorable Evening

Spending New Year’s Eve in Budapest gives you plenty of experiences unique to this grandiose city. From exploring its world-famous sights during the day, being mesmerised by its night-time beauty, seeing in the new year surrounded by Hungary’s proud people singing its national anthem, joining its vibrant nightlife, or simply spending some quality time in comfort and luxury in one of its many fabulous venues, any plan promises a truly memorable evening that marks the start of your new year with a memorable experience. For those looking for something extra special, why not book on GetYourGuide’s Budapest: New Years Eve Pub & Party Crawl, where visitors get exclusive entry into some simply stunning venues whilst gaining insight from their knowledgeable guide into bohemian nights out that are out of reach for even most locals! Whether you decide to go all out or take it easy on this special evening, there’s something unforgettable waiting for everyone who finds themselves in Hungary’s magical capital city on New Year’s Day!