15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUDAPEST IN MARCH.
We visited Budapest during an extended trip in Europe – having spent the entire winter in Belgrade, we were relieved to visit Budapest just as signs of spring were beginning to show.
March is a great time to visit Budapest if you want a quieter, cooler city break. The weather still leans wintery, but the first signs of spring start to appear, giving the city a nice in-between feel, crisp days, lighter evenings, and fewer tourists.
It’s an easy few-day getaway: thermal baths without the queues, comfortable walking conditions, and plenty of good food and interesting neighbourhoods to explore at a relaxed pace.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Budapest in March.
What’s the weather like in Budapest in March?
As with much of Europe, March sits right between seasons in Budapest. Expect daytime highs around 10–14°C (50–57°F) with chillier nights closer to 3–6°C (37–43°F).
It’s usually just the right weather to allow you to stroll around for a few hours, before ducking into a warm cafe for a hot drink and pastries.
What to wear in Budapest in March
Bring layers, a medium-weight coat, and waterproof shoes – especially if you’re walking between viewpoints and markets. A scarf, gloves and woollen hat will be handy for evenings near the river, and if you’re planning a visit to the Opera House or a special dinner (like a tasting menu), consider something a little dressier.
15 best things to do in Budapest in March
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the city as early spring arrives.
1/ Thermal Spa Day
Budapest’s bath culture is wonderful at any time, but in March it’s especially atmospheric. Széchenyi Baths is perhaps the most famous – although it can get crowded even in March. Alternatives are – Gellért Baths for stunning Art Nouveau interiors, or Rudas Baths for something more local, intimate, and architectural.
2/ A Tasting Menu Dinner
Budapest’s fine dining scene is both impressive and surprisingly good value. For an evening treat, head to Mák Bistro, which offers a beautifully crafted tasting menu with an excellent Hungarian wine pairing. The setting is stylish yet relaxed – exactly the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy.
If Mák doesn’t suit your plans, the Michelin Guide has a brilliant list of spring-friendly restaurants across the city.
3/ Visit Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion fortress sits high in the Castle District on the Buda side of the Danube.
Often used as a filming location, its fairy-tale towers and sweeping staircases make it feel a bit cinematic the moment you arrive. The views across the river to Pest are some of the best in the city.
It’s an easy, rewarding stop during a March visit, especially if you’re already exploring nearby Matthias Church or wandering through the historic streets of Buda.
4/ Wine Tasting at Faust Wine Cellar
Tucked into the Buda castle district, Faust Wine Cellar is an intimate and atmospheric spot for sampling Hungarian wines. It’s small, so bookings are essential, but it’s one of the best places to learn about local varietals in a cosy cave-like setting.
If it’s fully booked, pre-arranged tastings available through major tour platforms are a great alternative.
5/ Explore the Jewish Quarter
March is a lovely time to wander the Jewish Quarter without the summer rush. Street art, independent boutiques, hidden courtyards, and inventive eateries make it easy to fill an afternoon just meandering.
Be sure to wander down Kazinczy Street.
For a lively and stylish dinner, head to Mazel Tov. A great restaurant in the Jewish area of Budapest.
6/ Visit a Ruin Bar
Budapest’s ruin bars are iconic, and visiting them in March means fewer lines and a more relaxed vibe. Szimpla Kert remains the classic choice, chaotic, creative, and full of surprises, but you can also dip into some of the smaller, more atmospheric bars scattered around the neighbourhood for a quieter drink.
7/ Sunday Farmers Market at Szimpla
If you’re visiting on a Sunday morning, don’t miss Szimpla’s Farmers Market, set in the same courtyard as the famous ruin bar. It’s a charming, local-feeling space perfect for grabbing a pastry, cheese, or a small brunchy snack. A great place to pick up Hungarian ingredients or simply people-watch with a warm drink.
8/ Coffee Culture + Budapest’s Best Bakes
Budapest takes its coffee seriously, and March is the perfect time to hide from a cold breeze in a gorgeous café.
Two favourites to include in your itinerary:
- Fekete – A trendy brunch spot near the Hungarian National Museum. Excellent coffee, great breakfasts, and a lovely courtyard that starts to come alive again in March.
- Central Grand Café – A stunning Art Nouveau café in the inner city. Grand ceilings, beautiful detailing, and indulgent cakes. Ideal for a mid-afternoon pause between sights.
9/ A park walk with something warm and comforting
As the city defrosts, City Park (Városliget) becomes a wonderful place for a long, gentle walk. Grab a hot chocolate or a lángos from a stall and wander past Vajdahunyad Castle, or head to Margaret Island for a peaceful, green escape right in the Danube.
10/ Take a Danube boat tour
With the chill fading from the river, March is a perfect time for aDanube cruise. Go for a late afternoon or sunset departure if you can, the views of the Parliament building, Castle Hill, and the city’s bridges are unforgettable.
Cruise tours are also inexpensive, starting from around €15. You can even include unlimited prosecco on your cruise if you fancy it, prices start at €25.
11/ Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
The Hungarian National Museum is a great refuge on a cooler or rainy day. The museum walks you through Hungary’s history in a thoughtful, accessible way. We spent a good few hours here exploring.
12/ The Opera House
Budapest’s Opera House is as beautiful inside as it is outside. If you’re able to catch a performance, it makes for a sophisticated and memorable night out. Otherwise, join a daytime tour to see the opulent interior and learn about the building’s history.
13/ Board Games in a Cosy Bar
Budapest has a handful of relaxed bars and cafés perfect for cosying up with a board game, perfect for a low-key evening. Order a glass of Hungarian wine or a hot tea and settle into a warm corner while the city buzzes outside.
If you need to borrow a game, try the Board Game Cafe. If you happen to be travelling with a game (we always do), then the world is your oyster! We loved the vintage bar, Csendes Létterem – super cosy.
14/ Explore Creative Neighbourhoods
Districts like Újlipótváros and Palotanegyed (Palace District) are lovely in early spring, with independent bookshops, design stores, and cafés ideal for slow exploration.
15/ Walk or run along the river
As the days get longer, the paths along the Danube are ideal for morning runs or scenic strolls. The breeze still carries some winter crispness, but the views- especially towards Parliament – are spectacular.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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