Look out, winter is coming! The months leading up to Christmas can be some of the most exciting (but stressful) times. Figuring out what to buy for whom, when and where to shop, and all the family gatherings and reunions are a lot to juggle. But in addition to all these necessities, you should also treat yourself this winter season. What better way to do that than by visiting the world-famous Christmas Markets in Budapest?
The famous city of Budapest in Hungary is beautiful. It is the tenth-largest city in Europe, and the architecture, history, and layout all contribute to a beautiful setting during the Christmas season. This year, Budapest is hosting some of the best Christmas Markets you won't want to miss. Here's a little about what you can expect:
Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square
The Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square is generally considered the smaller of the two Budapest Christmas Markets. But don't let that fool you! The fair hosts some of the best entertainment, events and food in the country. Take your Budapest car hire to Voeroesmarty Square and join the locals in the Christmas celebrations!
Entering a Christmas Market can be a bit intimidating - after all, with all the hustle and bustle, it's not easy to find the best way to spend your time! That's why the Christmas Markets in Budapest offer a Budapest Christmas Market Tour. The tour lasts a whole 2.5 hours and costs only 40 euros. If that's not worth it, we don't know what is!
The best part about the Christmas Market tour? Included in the price of the tour is an incredible wine tasting. Sample some exquisite wines on the tour, and for those travelling with families, there are plenty of kid-friendly snacks and food options to keep them excited throughout the tour. Try a slice of delicious cake at Szamos Pastry Shops, where they have the best cakes in town.
Christmas Market by Basilica
The Christmas Market by Basilica is the larger of the two Budapest Christmas Markets. Again, you may have trouble deciding exactly what to do because there's just too much to see in one evening (we recommend going a few times if you're up for the adventure).
What's unique about Budapest Basilica Christmas Market is its commitment to Hungarian folk art. You won't find too many factory-made, cliché Christmas decorations here. Many of the vendor tables offer authentically handmade Hungarian art and souvenirs.
The Christmas Market by the Basilica also impresses with its selection of traditional Hungarian snacks and foods. You'll find great pastries and desserts, amazing mulled wine, and foods like sausages and roasted chestnuts.
Both Christmas Markets offer live entertainment and other events throughout the evening, so you always have the option to sit down, watch and take a breather if you need to!
The Budapest Christmas Markets are truly events worth experiencing. There is so much to do in any city, it's hard to fit it all in in a single day! Luckily, Christmas Markets offers 2.5-hour tours for only 40 euros where you can explore the market, participate in a wine tasting, and see the live events during the festival.
If you are looking for a cheap way to get to Christmas Markets and around the city, you can find a cheap car hire in Budapest.
Christmas Market in Óbuda
Óbuda is also known as "Old Budapest" and is located in the northern part of the city. Drive your Budapest car rental towards the charming old city centre, where you will find the Christmas market in front of the beautiful City Hall! This Christmas market begins its festivities four weeks before Christmas and usually lasts until a day or two before Christmas Eve. So be there or in the square.
Go ice skating and then warm up with a plate full of goulash, which is a traditional Hungarian dish! Once your belly is full, grab your loved one and take a romantic ride on the carousel. The Christmas market in Óbuda has many free concerts that you can attend during your stay in Budapest.
You probably didn't know this, but Budapest was an important strategic destination for the Roman Empire. Once you are in the area, drive your rental car to Budapest and visit one of the amazing Roman sights, such as the Aquincum Museum, Civil Amphitheater or the Flórian tér!
We hope you will have the most festive time in Budapest!
