10 Things to Do in Budapest in March
Budapest in March begins to give way to the first warm days, although it can still be snowy and cold. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of it.
March is a month of great importance for Budapest, as it is the date on which Hungary Day is commemorated. If you like history, this will undoubtedly be one of the most important reasons for choosing to visit the Hungarian capital in March. But you will also enjoy many tourist attractions in one of Europe's must-see capitals.
1. Take a relaxing cruise on the Danube to welcome spring
The Danube River is truly a spectacular sight, and if you book a cruise along it you'll get to see some incredible sights.
There are cruises to suit all tastes and needs: night cruises, day cruises, cruises with dinner and live music...
2. Enjoy the nature in the city and its surroundings
March is the month when spring begins in Budapest, which means that, as far as the local flora is concerned, it is an excellent time to visit the Paris of Eastern Europe.
Moreover, the natural environment options in Budapest are not only ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, but also for those who want to add colour and a connection to the earth to their social media. If you like photography, March is definitely for you. Just don't forget to bring a coat, because you never know.
You can take a bike tour of Budapest for the best outdoor experiences.
The best rides in the city
Here are just a few of the parks, walks and trails to choose from:
- Margaret Island: duration 2 or 3 hours. Ideal to disconnect from the noise of the city.
- Normafa Park: duration of 2 or 3 hours. One of the best places to enjoy the sights of Budapest.
- Füvészkert Botanical Garden - Botanical Garden of ELTE: duration 1-2 hours. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic walk in Budapest.
- Sas Hill Nature Reserve: this is a protected area where you can enjoy a unique environment.
- Hármashatárhegy: more than 3 hours. A beautiful area to enjoy a panoramic view. But be prepared for the wind.
3. Relax in the thermal waters of its spas
Hungary is a land of hot springs, and Budapest has more than 100 hot springs for you to enjoy when the cold weather is not yet gone, soaking in hot waters that will relax you like nothing else.
Here is a selection of these hot springs, but first, a word of caution: please note that some of the pools are not mixed:
- Széchenyi: its waters are hot all year round, so if you travel to Budapest in March you can still enjoy them. It is the largest spa on the continent, and even its building is an attraction in itself. Besides, you can go there at night.
- Gellert: this is one of the most photographed spas in history. Its indoor pool, the most famous, is cold all year round.
- Rudas Baths: the aesthetics of this place are astonishing. Its baths date back to the time of the Ottoman Empire invasion and this can be seen in the architectural style.
- Lukács: its entrance is included in the Budapest Card. While the baths are ideal for a day of relaxation, you can also go on a Saturday night to see the place partying.
By the way, if you finally decide to enjoy an experience at the Széchenyi Spa, the ticket includes a guided tour of the Palinka Museum and a tasting of palinka, a traditional Hungarian alcoholic beverage.
4. Tour the city with the best tours of Budapest
If you're planning a trip to Budapest in March and want to start getting to know the city, you can take advantage of **Budapest'**s tour options:
- Take a guided tour of Budapest: the best option to get a first glimpse of the city, as for 3 hours you will tour the most emblematic places.
- Take a private tour of Budapest: this alternative allows you to customise the tour to go to the places you are most interested in.
- Take a night tour of Budapest by scooter: explore the streets of the city on two wheels and from a different point of view, that of the night.
- Take a tour of Budapest's Jewish heritage: this themed tour on an electric scooter will take you to the highlights of the Jewish community in Budapest.
5. Taste the Restaurant Week
You're sure to want to experience Budapest' s best dishes, and Restaurant Week is an ideal occasion. It's ten days in March when around 100 restaurants will be serving special menus at prices you can't resist.
Of course, you must make your reservation on the official website at least two days in advance.
But if, unfortunately, your stay doesn't coincide with Restaurant Week, you can always take a 6-course dinner cruise where you will taste six traditional Hungarian dishes while sailing on the Danube and enjoying a piano concert. Sounds good, doesn't it?
6. Immerse yourself in Budapest's Spring Festival
At the Budapest Spring Festival, the whole city turns into an open-air theatre. It is a series of events that usually takes place from around the last two weeks of March in Budapest and continues into April.
This is one of the most important events in Hungary, not only in March, but all year round. International artists converge in Budapest, with an extensive programme and a variety of offerings to suit all tastes.
It's a fun way to welcome spring, and celebrate the break in the cold that plagues the city during the winter months.
7. Celebrate the Hungarian National Day Festival
March 15th is Hungary's National Day, and there are many celebrations you can take part in. It's a date that commemorates the uprising against the Habsburgs and the celebrations take place in various parts of the city, including squares and museums.
You can soak up the folklore of this culture, enjoy typical food fairs, and even take part in the odd craft workshop. Without a doubt, a cultural experience that will be worthwhile.
By the way, booking a guided tour of Budapest can be the best way to get to know the history and culture of the city, as an expert guide will tell you all its secrets.
8. Join the Budapest Photo Festival
The Budapest Photography Festival aims to make Budapest the City of Photography. It does this through a series of exhibitions throughout the year, representing contemporary and classical photography from the Hungarian and international scene, as well as lectures, workshops, photo marathons and educational events in museums.
If you are travelling to Budapest in March and you are interested in art, photography and culture, you should take a look at this irresistible plan.
And, if this is the case, don't forget to buy the Budapest card, which gives you free access to cultural centres such as the Budapest History Museum or the Hungarian National Gallery.
9. Don't miss the fish festival in Budapest!
The Budapest Fish Festival comes to Hungary in March to celebrate the city's freshwater fish, and how it contributes to local culinary traditions.
At the festival you'll find food stalls, workshops, tastings and other activities related to this culinary phenomenon. Whatever you do, be sure to try the spicy fisherman's soup!
And, of course, if you want to praise the river as it deserves, be sure to take a sightseeing cruise on the Danube
10. Visit the Ecseri Flea Market
A great place to visit if you're travelling to Budapest in March is the Ecseri Flea Market, where you can find all kinds of bargains.
While you can go all year round, the truth is that as March is mid-season, you'll find much better prices than if you went during the height of the tourist season.
If you want to return home with amazing Budapest souvenirs, you should mark this spot on the map and don't miss it for anything.
Weather in Budapest in March
March is the beginning of spring in Budapest:
- The chances of rain are about 5 days per month.
- In addition, humidity increases, and cloudiness decreases, although it is still ever-present, as usual in Hungary.
- You can also expect winds.
- The maximum temperature is 14° and the minimum temperature is 4°.
Ideally, you should bring warm clothes, but also warm clothes, an umbrella and a windbreaker, so that nothing will spoil your well-deserved holiday in Budapest. In addition, I recommend you visit our tips for travelling to Budapest.
Please note that at this time of year the days get longer and start to last approximately 13 hours. The hours of sunlight also increase, so it's an ideal time to take pictures- don't forget to bring your camera!