A stroll down the banks of the Danube in Budapest will tell you all the stories of the city. Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the Chain Bridge showcases the union of the towns that has now become a major capital city of Europe. The Aquincum tells tales of the great Roman Empire, while the Hungarian Parliament and Heroes’ Square narrates the Hungarian Revolution and the persistence to rise above the struggles of independence. Today, Budapest is thronged by tourists who wish to explore its treasures, everything from the architecture to its culinary delights. Budapest in March is shaking off the chills of winter, and the people are gearing to welcome spring. Here is a guide on places to explore and experiences to enjoy in Budapest in March.
Why is Budapest in March a must-visit?
- Goodbye winter – The temperature is steadily rising, and Budapest in March is gearing up for the spring. There are very few rainy days and almost no snow, making it ideal to explore Budapest on foot and venture outside the city on day trips to Danube Bend and towns around it.
- Bona Fide Budapest – Budapest in March is enjoying the shoulder season, the tourists are not yet at their peak which translates to lower airfares, and cheaper accommodation rates. It means shorter queues at attractions and a chance to explore the city like a local. Go on guided tours with smaller groups and enjoy activities like shopping and sightseeing without feeling crowded!
- Time to be a Culture Vulture - From food fairs to parades, folk music concerts to bath parties, there is a lot to experience in Budapest in March. The city has many activities lined up to suit all kinds of connoisseurs, be it culinary, artistic, or those with just a zest for life!
Budapest Weather in March
Budapest in March experiences slightly warmer weather than the previous months and witnesses the end of winter. The average daytime temperature is around 10°C with night-time temperature around 1°C. There will be about 5 to 7 days of rainfall but cloud cover is pretty consistent through the month. Daylight increases from 11 hours to 12.5 hours till the end of the month.
Budapest in March : Things to do
1
Budapest Parliament
The National Assembly of Hungary is an iconic landmark on the banks of the Danube. Completed in 1904, it is built in classic Gothic-Revival style and is the tallest building in Budapest. One part of the building is used as the parliament, while the other symmetrical half is accessed by guided tours.
March Timings
Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
Hungary
Getting There ›
2
Gellért Spa
Located within the Hotel Gellért, the thermal spa complex is one of the most popular baths in the city. The complex was opened in 1918 and is built in a beautiful Art-Nouveau style. It houses several thermal spas, swimming pools and saunas that are fed by the spring water under the Gellért hill.
March Timings
Daily: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3
Explore the Ancient Capital of Buda
The ancient capital of Hungary, Buda is filled with historic landmarks. All the attractions are located close by making it ideal to explore them on a walking tour. You will cover places like Buda Castle, Citadella, Sandor Palace, Margaret Bridge, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion on this tour.
March Timings
Guided Tours start daily at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM
Buda, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
4
Explore the Touristy Pest
Pest on the other side of Danube has its share of historic landmarks and exciting attractions. The flat city is great for walking and a tour will take you past the Hungarian Parliament, St.Stephen’s Basilica, House of Hungarian Art Nouveau, Liberty Square and other sites along the banks of the Danube.
March Timings
Guided Tours starts daily at 10:00 AM
Pest, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
5
Danube River Cruise
The Danube witnesses the most spectacular buildings and attractions along its European journey in Budapest. You can take a trip on the river and see the remarkable beauty for yourself! Go on unique theme cruises including dinner cruise, sightseeing cruise, lunch cruise, Pizza & beer cruise and craft beer cruise.
March Timings
Timings vary according to the chosen cruise
Danube,
Hungary
Getting There ›
6
Take a Day Trip to Gödöllő
A 30-min drive from Budapest will take you to the town of Gödöllő whose palace was a favorite of Queen Elisabeth, who was nickname Sisi. The18th century palace is sprawling and constructed in typical Baroque and Zopf style. A tour of Gödöllő will be ideal to explore the palace and surroundings with an expert guide.
March Timings
Tour starts at 10:00 AM on Thursdays and Saturdays
Gödöllő,
Hungary
Getting There ›
7
Visit the Danube Bend
The Danube River takes a unique U Turn just before entering the city of Budapest and is famously known as the Danube Bend. A scenic tour of the region will take you to the ancient cities of Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Take in the panoramic views of the Blue Danube!
March Timings
Tour starts at 9:00 AM on Thursdays and Saturdays
Budapest,
Hungary
Getting There ›
8
Go on a Hungarian Food Tour
Take a walk down downtown Pest and Jewish Quarter to learn about and sample Hungarian delicacies. Visit the market hall, street food stalls and a pub to taste dishes like Langos, Hungarian cheese and beer, Turo Rudi, Kürtőskalács, Flódni, and Kolbász & Hurka. Just bring an appetite!
March Timings
Food Tour starts at 2 PM on Fridays
Budapest, Báthory utca 21-25, 1054
Hungary
Getting There ›
9
Visit the Szentendre Artists Village
Once you step into Szentendre you will not be surprised why the picturesque town is known as an Artist’s Village! The town at the gate of Danube Bend has inspired generations of Hungarian Artists and has ten famous museums and several art galleries. Take a day tour to enjoy this pretty town!
March Timings
Organized day tours starts at 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Szentendre 2000
Hungary
Getting There ›
10
Segway around Budapest
Give your feet a rest and enjoy a Segway tour of Pest and banks of the Danube. The flat terrain of Pest is perfect for the Segway and this small group tour (max 6 guests) will take you across landmarks like Vörösmarty Square, Danube Promenade, Chain Bridge, Andrássy Avenue, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
March Timings
Tours start daily at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061
Hungary
Getting There ›
Budapest in March : Events to Look Out For
Budapest Fish Festival
2nd March – 4th March
Far from being a fishy affair, the Budapest Fish Festival celebrates the freshwater fish of the city and its contribution to the culinary tradition. From food stalls to workshops and tasting sessions, there is a lot to do at the festival. Don’t miss out on tasting the spicy Fisherman's Soup!
Flavors of Hungary Gastro Fair
3rd March – 4th March
This semi-annual food fair is your chance to sample traditional Hungarian recipes that have been cooked in homes for centuries. The fair will witness over 150 vendors with homemade foods like cheese, ham, sausage, honey, and pálinka. There are a lot of activities like arts & crafts and entertainment to keep the kids occupied.
Revolution Day
15th March
Revolution Day is a national holiday in Budapest and commemorates the revolution of 1848 which led to the War of Independence. Several events take place at the Hungarian National Museum, Parliament, Kossuth Square and Capital Hill, and you can enjoy free entry at museums like Budapest History Museum and National Gallery.
St Patrick’s Day Parade
18th March
Pick a shamrock and dress in green for the annual Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Budapest. Starting at the Szabadság Square, this afternoon parade involves dancers, performers and floats celebrating the Irish culture and festivities. After the parade head to the Irish bars for some Guinness!
Budapest in March : 3-day Itinerary
Budapest Essentials
LanguageHungarian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+36
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyHungarian Forints (HUF)
Budapest Weather in March
Winter is losing its sting in Budapest in March, the temperatures are increasing and the last week of March witnesses highs of around 15°C, however the first week minus temperatures rule. Spring is on its way at end of March with brighter sunny days and more sunshine. The sunrise time changes from 6.25 AM in beginning of March to 5:30 AM end of March, while sunset changes from 5:30 PM to 6:10 PM.
Where to Stay in Budapest in March
The heart of Budapest is at Budapest I or the Castle district with the Budapest Castle and several tourist attractions, it’s an upmarket and quiet area with luxury accommodations. You can choose Maison Bistro & Hotel or the Hilton to stay there. Budapest V or Belvaro is good for all types of travelers, its located near the Parliament, Hotel Rum and Prestige Hotel Budapest are good places to stay. Budapest VI and Budapest VII is where the party is, you will find lots of restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues. It’s also good for budget accommodation and hostels like the Hostel One and Wombat’s Hostel.
What to Pack for Budapest in March
The weather in Budapest varies from the first to the last week of March, so pack accordingly. In the first couple of weeks the weather is colder so carry sweaters, waterproof jacket, warm gloves and socks. The last weeks you can do with a jacket layered in long-sleeves. Additionally, bring a scarf, and ankle-length shoes for anytime of the month. Layering works best for such periods and avoids taking up space in the luggage with bulky winter jackets.
Getting Around in Budapest in March
A majority of Budapest attractions are centrally located and you can easily walk around. You can also choose to take the public transport which connects all parts of the city and suburbs conveniently.
Metro – There are four metro lines – M1, M2, M3 and M4 which cover pretty much the entire city.
Tram – The trams or streetcars are all over the city and you can take the numbers 2, 4 or 6 to access most of the city’s attractions
Buses – There are more than 200 bus routes, buses are cheap and fast, pick the red numbers for faster service.
You can choose to buy a Budapest City Pass for unlimited public transport in the city.
Budapest in March - Must Try Delicasies
Czech cuisine is famous for being exotic but healthy, and there’s no dearth of restaurants to sample this fare. Presenting some of the top dishes for you to try when visiting Prague:
This Goulash soup is an instant pick-me-up in the cold weather of Budapest in March. The hot soup made of meats like beef, pork and lamb is stewed with vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and spices to add that zing! Pasta and potatoes are sometimes added for the extra filling. Where to order: Pipa Etterem
Chicken Paprikas is one of the most famous Hungarian dishes and the perfect dinner dish in the wintry evenings. Made with paprika, this Chicken gravy dish is served with thick egg noodles. The starchy-spicy combo is wholesome and tasty making it the perfect winter comfort food. Where to order: Paprika Jansci Restaurant
Hungarians love their cabbage, and this dish is a favorite at family meals. This baked dish resembles a lasagne and is made with alternating layers of cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, rice, minced pork, spices and of course lots of paprika. It will convert the most cabbage-averse eater into a Káposzta connoisseur! Where to order: Nagyi Kifozdeje
This is undoubtedly Hungary’s most favorite dessert! The dessert starts off with layering sponge cake with custard and raisins, like a trifle, and then scooping it in balls. The balls are then topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The different textures melt in your mouth, a perfect addition to your meal. Where to order: Stand Restaurant
– No list of Hungarian foods is complete without the mention of sausages! Kolbász is the smoked sausage that is often made with spices and the famous paprika. You can find it at street food stalls or as a part of other meals like casseroles, stews and soups. Where to order: Porc & Prezli Budapest
Tips for Visiting Budapest in March
- The Budapest Dance Festival finale will be held on 2nd March and will be a show by the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble performing at the National Dance Theatre. It will showcase historical events, famous personalities and struggles of the Hungarians through folk music and dance.
- Budapest is known as the City of Baths for its thermal baths that are fed by over 120 natural hot springs. The most popular baths are Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas, Lukács, Király and Császár Baths. They often have night bath parties on weekends that last till morning.
- You can spend the long evenings of Budapest in March shopping for souvenirs. You can visit the Central Market Hall, Vaci utca, Gozsdu Bazar and Ecseri Flea Market to buy these souvenirs. Some of the uniquely Hungarian souvenirs to pick include Palinka (Fruit Brandy), Tsokaji Aszú (Dessert wine), Szamos Marzipan (Candy), Hungarian Paprika (Spice), and Matyó embroidery items.
- Hungarian Folk Music and Dance is a unique art form and the fast-paced performances are meant to be experienced in person! There are several concerts in March where you can view these Gypsy performances. You can check out the venues at City Centre Venue (Inside Danube Palace), Palace of Arts, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Matthias Church.
- Ruin Bars are very popular in Budapest and they are essentially underground bars located within old buildings and have eclectic decor. It’s the best way to keep warm and dance the night away in Budapest in March. Some of the best ruin bars are Szimpla Kert, Instant, Fogasház, Doboz, Corvin Teto, Grandio, Dürer Kert, and Mazel Tov.
More Budapest Guides
Looking for more things to do in Budapest? Here are a few guides that will help you plan your Budapest vacation better.
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