Things to Do in Budapest in December

Budapest, Hungary, is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to do, even in the colder winter months. The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a city steeped in a rich history and culture that can be experienced through multiple walks of life. Known for its iconic architecture and stunning landscapes, Budapest is the perfect destination for tourists looking for a unique winter getaway.

Situated on the banks of the Danube River and home to many grand structures from its historic past, Budapest is one of central Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, relax in its many cafes, stroll along its picturesque riverbanks, and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. December in Budapest is especially magical, as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland of Christmas markets and lights.

A Brief History of Budapest

Budapest is a city full of stories and culture, with much of its history stemming from the Roman Empire. The Celts inhabited the area in 4th century BC, while Romans arrived later and made it a part of the Roman province of Pannonia. During this time, the Romans built an amphitheater and baths which are still visible today.

Budapest was created in 1873 when the cities of Buda and Pest merged, becoming the third largest city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city experienced a population boom during this period and was considered one of the most advanced cities in Europe. Unfortunately, during World War II Budapest was heavily bombed by Allied forces, resulting in much of the historic architecture being destroyed.

Since the fall of Communism in 1989, the city has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Visitors can explore its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and historical sites that have been restored to their former glory.

What to Do in Budapest in December

Budapest is a city that can be explored year-round. December is especially special as the city transforms into a winter wonderland, full of festive decorations, Christmas markets and lights. From sightseeing to festive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the winter months.

Explore Historic Sites

Budapest is home to a rich history and culture that can be explored throughout the many historic sites dotted around the city. For those who are interested in architecture and history, there are plenty of places to visit such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Heroes’ Square.

Buda Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is situated on the banks of the Danube River. It is home to several museums as well as an interactive audio-visual tour which showcases the history of the castle. The Fisherman’s Bastion is another popular site, offering stunning views of the city and Danube River. The Bastion was built in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century and offers visitors a unique perspective of the city.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is an impressive Baroque-style church located in the heart of Budapest’s city center. It houses several religious artworks as well as an organ which can be heard during mass services. The basilica is one of Budapest’s most important landmarks and is also open for private tours.

Finally, Heroes’ Square is another must-see attraction located on Andrassy Avenue. It features statues of Hungarian rulers from throughout history as well as a museum which details the country’s past.

Enjoy The Seasonal Markets

December is one of the best times to visit Budapest as it transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive decorations and seasonal markets. Vorosmarty Square hosts one of the city’s largest Christmas markets with over 140 stalls selling traditional food and drinks, handmade crafts and more. There are also plenty of fun activities such as ice skating and carousel rides for adults and children alike.

The Christmas market at St Stephen’s Basilica is another popular event which takes place every year during December. Here visitors can browse through stalls selling traditional Hungarian food such as lángos (fried dough), kettle corn and hot mulled wine (forró bor). There are also plenty of entertainment options including carolers, live music and various performances throughout the day.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, then make sure to visit the Christmas market at Városháza Park which takes place every year from December 25th to January 6th. Here visitors will find an array of arts and crafts stalls selling handmade souvenirs, decorations and festive treats. There are also plenty of activities for children such as puppet shows, face painting and Santa Claus visits.

Visit The Thermal Baths

Budapest is home to some of the world’s most famous thermal baths which are perfect for relaxing during winter months. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most popular baths located in City Park and features several pools filled with healing mineral water as well as saunas and steam rooms. It is also home to an ice rink which makes it a great place to visit during winter months when it gets too cold outside.

The Gellért Thermal Baths are another popular destination located on the banks of the Danube River. This bath is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and healing waters which are said to have healing properties. It also features a range of other amenities such as saunas, steam rooms and massage rooms for ultimate relaxation.

Experience Budapest At Night

Budapest is known for its vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs and pubs scattered throughout the city. During December there are several places to visit such as Ruin Pubs which are bars located inside old buildings with unique decor and atmosphere. Some popular bars include Szimpla Kert which features live music events, craft beer bars such as Hopaholic, or cocktail bars like Ellátó Kert which offers an extensive menu of creative cocktails made with local ingredients.

There are also plenty of clubs to choose from if you’re looking for a more energetic night out. A few popular spots include Akvárium Klub which hosts regular techno parties or Corvin Club which boasts multiple rooms playing different genres of music from hip-hop to house music.

Tours Worth Doing

Budapest has plenty to offer visitors looking for a unique experience during their stay in December. To make the most out of your trip you can book a tour to explore some of the city’s best attractions and experience them in an entertaining way. Here are two popular tours worth considering:

Danube Cruise Tour

A Danube cruise tour provides an ideal way to explore Budapest from a different perspective while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline from onboard a boat. During this tour you will sail along the Danube River while learning about Budapest’s rich history from your guide as they provide interesting facts about the city’s architecture and landmarks along the way. You will also have plenty of time to take in the views while listening to live music played by local musicians onboard the boat. This tour typically lasts for about 2 hours and is a great way to spend time with family or friends while seeing some of Budapest’s best sights from up close. Book a Danube Cruise Tour here.

Food Tour

For those looking to sample some of Budapest’s best food, there’s no better choice than a food tour. This tour will take you around some of Budapest’s top restaurants where you can try traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash or paprikash while learning about their history from your guide. You will also be able to sample local desserts such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake) or palacsinta (crepes) while enjoying live music played by local musicians at one of Budapest’s popular ruin pubs. This tour typically lasts for about 3 hours and provides an ideal way to learn more about Hungarian cuisine while experiencing some of Budapest’s best restaurants up close. Book a Food Tour here.

Beer Tour

For beer lovers visiting Budapest, there’s no better way to experience local beers than with a beer tour! During this tour you will visit some of Budapest’s most popular breweries where you can sample various craft beers while learning about their production process from your guide who will share interesting facts about Hungarian beer culture along the way. You will also have plenty of time to talk to local brewers who will provide insight into their process while allowing you to sample unique beers that are not available anywhere else in Budapest! This tour typically lasts for about 4 hours and provides beer enthusiasts with an ideal way to get an insight into Budapest’s craft beer scene while sampling some delicious beers along the way! Book a Beer Tour here.

Conclusion

Budapest is one of Europe’s most iconic cities with plenty to explore even during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing level! From exploring historic sites like Buda Castle and St Stephen’s Basilica to enjoying seasonal markets or relaxing at thermal baths, there’s something for everyone during December in Budapest! The city also offers plenty of nightlife options with numerous bars, clubs and pubs scattered throughout its streets! Furthermore, visitors can book various tours that provide unique experiences such as Danube cruises or food or beer tours which offer visitors an insight into local culture!