Events and Things to Do Recommendations
If you plan to visit Budapest in July you will enjoy a wonderful summer vacation in one of the best-value cities of the world.
Colorful programs, lots of sights and attractions, rich history and cultural heritage, great restaurants, fabulous nightlife: that’s what our city offers you in the middle of summer.
Summertime on the Chain bridge
Quick Links: July Weather – Events, Festivals – Gastronomy Programs – Concerts in July – Sightseeing Tips - Restaurant & Cafe Tips – Museum and Exhibit Tips: – Ice Cream Tips – Baths, Beaches - Party on the Danube – More Nightlife Tips
July Weather
July is usually the hottest month in Hungary with daily temperatures reaching 30 – 35 ºC or higher with plenty of sunshine.
Take your sunglasses, a straw hat, and a bottle of water with you when exploring the sights of the city.
Summer storms with thunders and lightning are not unusual during this period of the year: they refresh the air after a long hot spell.
Events, Festivals
July offers a couple of great festivals and events including concerts, exhibitions, and sport events like the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. The weather is perfect so many programs are held outdoor.
Budapest Summer Festival July-August
July is a busy month in the schedule of the 3-month Summer Festival that began in June.
The festival celebrates its 77th anniversary with outstanding programs.
Concerts, opera, dance, and theatre performances, children programs welcome visitors on three venues: the Open-air Stage and the Water Tower on Margaret Island, and the Városmajor Open-air Theatre.
Some of the program offers in July:
At the Open- Air Theatre of Margaret Island:
Karl Goldmark: Queen of Saba, opera (premiere) – 03. and 05. July at 20.00 : see the spectacular work of the Hungarian Composer Károly Goldmark staged to commemorate the 185th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death. Tickets: 3 900 – 9 900 HUF (based on seating position).
Carl Orff: Catulli Carmina & Carmina Burana dance performance of the Szeged Contemporary dance Company – 10. and 12. July at 20.00. Tickets: 3 900 – 9 900 HUF (based on seating position).
TIP: You can also explore Margaret Island on thematic tours departing from the Water Tower every Sunday at 10.00.
Vajdahunyadvár Summer Music Festival, mid-July – August 2015.
The Vajdahunyad Castle is a mock castle in City Park (Városliget) that provides an ideal background to romantic summer evening concerts.
The fortress is a copy of castle located in Transylvania under the same name. Besides being a cultural monument, the building gives home to the Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture and its museum.
The concert programs includes a Tchaikovsky evening by the King St. Stephen Symphony Orchestra, a Latin Evening by the Mendelsshon Chamber Orchestra, a klezmer concert, a Haydn and Mozart evening by the Budapest Strings etc.
The summer concerts start on Wednesday and Sunday at 20.30 from.
See the concert schedule.
Tickets: 10 – 13 EUR.
More Classical Concerts July
Budapest has many great concert halls where you can enjoy classical concerts all the year round. See a selection of performances in July.
Organ Concerts in St. Stephen’s Basilica
Address: Szt. István tér, district V., M3 (blue line) metro Arany János utca station Concert Dates in July: 3. 10. 17. 24. 31. at 20.00
Details and ticket reservation.
Concerts in St. Michael Church, Váci Street
Address: Váci utca 47/B, district V.
Dates in July: 01., 08., 15., 22., and 29., concerts start at 18.00
Enjoy a wonderful church concert Wednesdays in a lovely Baroque temple (Belvárosi Szent Mihály Templom) in the historic city centre.
Tickets: full price: 18 EUR, students, retiree: 16 EUR (can be biught on the spot pn Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Concerto Summer Nights in the Courtyard of Pest County Hall
Address: Városház utca 7., district V.
Dates: Thursdays at 20.00
Tickets: 3 500 HUF
Summer evenings are ideal for open-air concerts.
The courtyard of the Pest County Hall in the city centre hosts a wonderful series of classical music performances by the Concerto Budapest ensemble founded in 1907 and a resident group of the Music Academy since 2013.
Relax to the tunes of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven (in case of rain concerts will be held in Church of St. Anne on Batthyány Square, Buda).
See program and tickets.
Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 24 – 26. July
Venue: Hungaroring, Mogyoród village The F1 Hungarian Grand Prix will be held on 28. July at the Hungaroring race track in Mogyoród village, cc. 20 km north of the capital city.
Although the main race takes place on Sunday, 26.07., the previous days are also full of programs.
You can take a public pit walk with your F1 grand prix ticket on 24. July, Friday from 16.00 to 19.00.
Find more details on the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Óbuda Summer Festival – first weekend of June – 30. August, 2015.
Main venue: Óbuda Fő tér (Main Square), district III., Tram 1, and HÉV/H5 line (suburban railway)
A great festival in district III., Old Buda throughout the summer: concerts (classical and light music), theatre performances, family programs on several spots within the district:
the Fő tér (main square, Zichy courts/Kobuci garden,
Museum of Óbuda,
Aquincum Museum,
Children’s Island and more.
See more on the official website of the festival.
Gastro Festivals in Budapest, July 2015. – Best Places to Sample Hungarian Food
Although July offers less foodie events than June had, you can still enjoy some good gastro programs in the Hungarian capital.
Bubble Festival Akvárium Club, Erzsébet Square, Last Weekend of July
Venue: Akvárium Club, Erzsébet tér How about a glass of chilled champagne or prosecco? Refreshing on a hot afternoon.
You can get it at the Buborék (bubble) Festival between around the last weekend of July on Erzsébet Square, downtown Budapest.
You can sip the best of local and international bubblies. Concerts and other programs make the festival even more tempting on the last weekend of July.
There will be also food should you get hungry after a couple of glasses.
See official website for more information.
Craft and Gourmet Food Markets
The climate in Hungary is very favourable to growing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. In summer food markets in Budapest are packed with juicy fruits (strawberry till mid-June, then raspberry, sour cherry, cherry, apricot, peach), and tasty veggies and greens.
Besides the well-known markets, there are a couple of great craft food markets in Budapest where you can get gourmet food stuff, bio vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers.
TIP:Közös Piac Farmers’ Market
Dates: Every Saturday 10.00-17.00, at Király Street 8., Central Passage, at the Gödör Klub Getting there: trams 47, 49 or M1 M2 M3 metros Deák tér station
Another great market to shop for artisan food products: bread and pastries, strudel, paprika paste, honey, jams, fruit syrups, gourmet cheese, ham, sausages, salamis, spices and more.
Friendly vendords and farmers, you can taste most items before purchasing.
Tourist Programs in the Central Market Hall – National Gastro Days
Address: Vámház krt. 1-3., district IX., Pest end of Liberty Bridge, trams 2, 47, 49, the nearest metro station is at Kálvin tér (M3 blue line)
Opening hours: Thurs-Fri: 9.00-18.00, Sat: 9.00-15.00 Each week a different nation showcases its gastronomy and culture in the Great (or Central) market in Budapest.
The two nations in July will be: 07-09. July, 2015: Indian days, 28-30. July, 2015: Brazilian days
Wine Tasting Program – Taste Wines in CultiVini Wine Gallery
If you wish to learn about Hungarian wines and wine regions head for a new place just off Váci utca.
In CultiVini you can choose from around 60 bottles on tap from the top-notch wine tasting machines to try, and from more then 150 different bottles on display to purchase (worldwide delivery is available, no need to carry the bottles with you).
Kind owners, expert sommeliers, a custom mobile application – all to best enjoy our country’s finest wines.
See tasting programs for individuals and groups.
Sightseeing in July
The enormous Ferris wheel called Sziget Eye stands on Erzsébet Square in the centrum so if you wish to enjoy a spectacular view of the city have a ride on Budapest eye.
Cruise & Wine on the Danube – (at 21.00 every day in July)
Sightseeing on Air-Conditioned Boats: enjoy the UNESCO-protected sights of the Danube banks by a glass of fine Hungarian wine.
During the 1 hour and 40-minute tour you’ll be served 7 glasses (5 cl) of different local wines.
Price: 16.50 EUR, student price: 14.30 EUR.
Walking Tour in Buda Castle
Historic Sights, Great Cafes, and Restaurants, Perfect View
If you don’t mind the heat go on a self made walking tour in Buda Castle Hill.
Use our map-based itineraries to explore the attractions of the city’s oldest district on your own.
The first fortress was built on top of the hill in the 13th century after the Mongol invasion.
Most of the medieval buildings however had been destroyed during the many wars, sieges and fires, so most of the buildings date from the 18-19th century, but you’ll also find some architectural gems originating in the middle ages.
A walk in the castle area will treat you with charming streets, some lovely restaurants, confectioneries, and a fine view of the city.
Restaurant TIP: While you there try one of the newest additions to the city’s restaurant scene: the Baltazar Hotel, Grill and Wine Bar : a creative place offering gourmet street food, fine wines and luxury accommodation. Address: Országház utca 31., Buda Castle, District I.
You can also explore Buda Castle on guided tours, that you can reserve here.
Museum Tips, Exhibitions
Budapest is packed with museums of all kinds as well as exhibition centres and art galleries. Visiting some of them is a great program either on a rainy day or on a sultry afternoon.
Wine Wednesdays in the Hungarian National Gallery
Dates: 09., 16., 23., 30. July from 18.00 to 22.00,
Tickets: 2 800 HUF (tickets are valid for the temporary exhibit Dada and Surrealism. Magritte, Duchamp, Man Ray, Miró, Dalí. A selection from the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Rearranged Reality staring on 09. July).
Address: National Gallery, Buda Castle-Royal Palace, building “C”, Szent György tér 2., district I.
Enjoy fine wines and art from the panorama terrace of Buda Castle. Each Wednesday a different wine region of Hungary introduces its wines within a specific theme.
Scenic vista, a historic setting, delightful wines, exciting exhibits with guiding, dance performances and jazz concerts. A perfect program for a warm summer evening!:
09. July: In the Focus: South, Wine Region: Villány, Southern Transdanubia, Kiss Gábor Winery
16. July: In the Focus: North, Wine Region: the area along the Garam, Bott Frigyes Winery
23. July: In the Focus: West, Wine Region: Pannonhalma, Pannonhalma Abbey Winery
30. July: In the Focus: East, Wine Region: Tokaj, Sauska Winery
See detailed program on the National Gallery’s website.
Open-air Pools, and Baths
The best place to be in Budapest in July is in one of the handful of open-air baths and beaches.
So don’t forget to pack your swimming suit (you can buy one here if you did) and head for the Széchenyi, Gellért or Lukács.
For a Turkish bathing experience try the Király, Rudas, or the oldest bath of the our city: the Veli Bej.
TIP: Summer Night Parties in the Széchenyi Bath: from 1st June till September you can have a great outdoor party in the bath every Saturday starting at 22.30.
Tickets: 6 000 HUF/25 EUR. Laser show, electronic music, lots of water fun ensure a fantastic summer night.
Restaurants, Cafes to Try in July
Try any of the three new Japanese restaurants opened in the city: two of them are in the Jewish quarter, a vivid party and cultural centre of Budapest.
Ramenka, a Japanese soup bar in Kazinczy Street,
Komachi Bistro in Kertész utca,
the third one is Itoshii, an all-you-can-eat place on Teréz körút, close to the Nyugati Train Station.
Cafe NOMURI
If you love great coffee and delicious pastries and food skip Starbucks and head for Cafe NOMURI in Sas utca, opposite the Basilica. Carefully roasted single origin coffees by a local micro-roastery (Casino Mocca), expertly prepared coffee drinks by champion baristas, spacious modern interior, craft bakery goods are the highlights of the place located on the ground floor of a beautifully refurbished historic building.
NOMURI is part of a bigger project called Hotel NOMURI carried out by the Baldaszti Group. It is not a hotel in the traditional sense, but an urban centre for creative companies, young designer groups (USE unused, Hosszúlépés – an organiser of alternative sightseeing tours).
It also houses the popular Urimuri party place on the ground floor, and a Japanese restaurant, , Omu, will open towards the end of summer.
Ice Cream Tips in Budapest
Sweet, cool, creamy delight: ice cream, gelato, sundae: the best dessert in summer. Here are some places where you can get the best ice cream:
Gelateria Pomo D’oro – Our Absolute Favorite
Address: Arany János utca 12., district V.
Gelateria Pomo D’oro belongs to Ristorante Pomo D’oro, – an excellent Italian restaurant with a spacious terrace – located also in Arany János utca accross the gelateria.
They make the best ice cream in the city using only 100% natural ingredients: cremay lush delight in served in crunchy cone or a paper cup.
Their traditional Italian gelato come a wide varitey of flavours: refreshing fruity flavours: mint-lemon, forest fruits, traditional flavours: punch, chocolate (two types), tiramisu, coffee. A portion (cc. 7 dkg): 300 HUF.
Levendula Artisan Ice Cream Parlor
Address: Szent István krt. 21., district V., Vámház krt. 6. district V. (opposite the Great Market Hall), Rákóczi út 25. ditrict VIII. Open: Mon-Sun: 11.00-22.00
Levendula (Lavender) is one of the top ice cream makers in Budapest currently with 3 shops.
Their ice cream is made without any artificial aromas and colourings and they offer gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar-free ice cream as well.
Some of the flavours you can choose from: Gorgonzola, Tokaj aszú wine, ginger, lavender fondante, Sicillian pistachio. A portion (5 dlkg) is 250 HUF.
Fragola – Another Italian-Style Ice Cream Parlor
Address:Nagymező utca 7. district VI., Károly körút 3/a district VII., Katona J. utca 37. district XIII., Ráday utca 14. district IX., Csévi utca 7. district II., Buda, (new shops will be opne in Kígyó utca district V., and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca) Open: Mon-Thurs: 11.00-20.00, Fri-Sat: 11.00-21.00
With 6 shops across town Fragola is expanding dynamically showing an increasing demand for quality ice cream.
The secret of their success lies in the exclusive use of natural ingredients e. g. at least 60% fresh or frozen fruit in fruity ice creams, glucose instead of sugar, new inventive tastes like the Gorgonzola or the Tihany Camembert.
Smooth, delicious gelato Italian-style that you can enjoy now at several places in the city centre. A portion (5-6 dkg) costs 250 HUF.
Nightlife Tips for July
The sultry July nights are ideal for outdoor clubbing. TIP1: Head for Gozsdu Court, in the Old Jewish Quarter. It is packed with cool bars, and garden clubs, cafes and restaurants. An awesome place for partying in the middle of summer in Budapest.
TIP2: A Party on the Danube on the deck of a sightseeing boat is another fantastic place to be in July. Enjoy nightlife, and see the best views of the city illuminated at night.
Drinks, sightseeing on the Danube and dancing for a memorable night out
Some Other Great Open Air/ GardenClubs:
Ankert
Address: Paulay Ede utca 33., district VI. Open: Mon-Sun: 16.00-04.00 Website
A spacious club á la ruin pub style in downtown, with a small sandy beach in the back garden.
It offers simple foods, a wide variety of drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks).
The interior can take in several hundreds of people. The bar has a large bike storage place should you plan to get their on two wheels.
Barba Negra Track
A very popular yet inexpensive open-air concert venue at the Buda end of the Rákóczi Bridge. This year they’ll have a very impressive concert series starting from the end of April. Tickets: around 1500 HUF.
Rio Budapest
A trendy place with beautiful girls, and Latin music Address: Hengermalom út 52. district XI. Open: April – September, 20.00 – 05.00 every day
See more great Party places in Budapest
Related: Budapest in Summer – June Programs – August in Budapest – September Programs – Things to do in November – Why Visit Budapest
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