Budapest is a vacationer's paradise for all the right reasons ranging from breathtaking sights and attractions to events and festivals that bring together the biggest names in entertainment from across the globe. The capital of Hungary, Budapest features a strikingly unique landscape with two distinct divisions, the hilly Buda and the flat Pest.
The two parts are separated by the beautiful Danube River and connected by the 19th century Chain Bridge. Apart from all the landmarks, including the Hungarian State Opera House, Matthias Church, Budapest History Museum and many others, the city is also renowned for its epic nightlife. With so much to see and do in the city, you need to time your visit in a way that allows you to venture out and explore everything on offer. Here's why September is the perfect month to visit Budapest if exploration is on your mind!
Why is Budapest in September a must visit?
- Delightful weather: One of the biggest reasons for visiting Budapest in September is the magical weather that shrouds the city. The sun is out but not blinding hot and there are occasional rain showers that keep the temperature in check. In fact, September happens to be one of the few months where you can step out in the city for a considerable amount of time without the heat bothering you.
- Crowded but not quite: Another great thing about Budapest in September is that hits the sweet spot between being overcrowded and having no crowd at all. Since June, July and August experience maximum footfall, the month of September has a lower influx of tourists. Still, there are enough people around to keep the lively vibe Budapest is known for going!
- Festivals for all: Like the months preceding it, September also has a lot of festivals that are organized in the city. From the fabulous Budapest Wine Festival to the exciting Duna String Orchestra, there are many exciting events you can attend in September. If you're a runner, there's the Budapest Half Marathon on September 8th you can partake in.
- Theatre season: September is also the month when a brand new season of theatre, opera, and ballet begins. Experience authentic European theatre in Budapest by heading to the nearest opera house or theatre. There's something uniquely charming and old school about watching a play or musical in a foreign land and Budapest in September gives you this magical experience.
Budapest Weather in September
Budapest in September features the perfect outdoor weather. With an average high of 21°C which comes down to 19°C by the end of the month, the entire month waltzes around the fine line between hot and cold. Each day has 12 hours of sunshine, making September the 4th sunniest month in Budapest.
Budapest in September : Things to do
1
Danube Bend Tour
The beautiful Danube River is one of the biggest attractions of Budapest and for all the right reasons. The majestic river offers spectacular views of both the hilly Buda and the plain Pest and gives tourists a ride worth remembering. This is there are tons of cruises and tours that are organised in the river including the Danube Bend tour. This tour will take you on a journey through the middle ages and showcase the charming artistic village of Szentendre.
Budapest,
Hungary
Getting There ›
2
Gellért Spa
There's nothing quite as relaxing as a couple of hours at a spa and when the spa is in Budapest, you know you're in for the ultimate bliss. Gellert Spa features a thermal pool along with a wave pool, offering patrons fun and relaxation in equal doses. Relieve the stress of traveling and take a dip in the mineral rich water or head over to the wave pool for fun with friends and family. Visit the Gellert Spa on one of the colder September days for the best experience.
September Timings
Daily: 6 AM – 8 PM
Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118
Hungary
Getting There ›
3
Guided Tour of Buda
Like we mentioned before, there are two cities forming Budapest. The hilly city of Buda is ripe for exploration and that's exactly what this guided tour offers. Go on a fascinating journey and discover iconic landmarks including the Matthias Church, Castle District, Gellert Hill, and Fisherman's Bastion. A guided tour of Buda is the best way to explore everything the city has to offer and you can pick from many great options depending on the time you have in hand.
September Timings
Timings depends on the tour chosen
Most Guided Tours start daily at 2:00 PM
Buda, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
4
Guided Tour of Pest
No trip to Budapest is complete without a tour of the city that makes up the second half of the Hungarian capital. This guided walking tour is a great way to get up close and personal with the ancient city and uncover all its secrets. Explore the majestic architecture on display or learn more about the 19th century buildings that dot the city landscape. Some of the landmarks you'll explore include the Liberty Square, Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, and more!
September Timings
Timings depends on the tour chosen
Most Guided Tours starts daily at 10:00 AM
Pest, Budapest
Hungary
Getting There ›
5
Budapest Parliament Tour
There's something deeply charming and educative about visiting and learning more about a city's parliament. This Budapest Parliament tour takes you on a remarkable journey through the third largest parliament building in the world. Walk around the majestic Hungarian Parliament and stop at iconic places like Old Upper House Hall, Dome Hall, and others. The guided tour is the perfect blend of informative and fun, making it a great way to spend time in Budapest.
September Timings
From April 1st to 31st October: 8 AM - 6 PM, daily
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
Hungary
Getting There ›
6
Budapest Segway Tour
Ever wanted to zip around in a foreign city with no care of the world? This Budapest segway tour offers you the perfect opportunity to do just that. You'll be trained before the tour begins and a guide will accompany you for the duration of the tour. Some of the landmarks you'll get to witness during your ride include the Danube Promenade, St. Stephen's Basilica, Chain Bridge, Vorosmarty Square, Liberty Square, and many others.
September Timings
Timings depend on the tour chosen, however most tours usually start daily at 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM
Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061
Hungary
Getting There ›
7
Danube River Cruise
There's no better way to unwind after a day of walking and exploration than a leisurely cruise on the beautiful Danube River. Offering breathtaking views of some of the most popular and iconic attractions in the city, the Danube River cruise allows you to explore everything the city has to offer from the comfort of a cruise. Depending on your preference, you can opt for anything from a dinner cruise with your partner to pizza cruise with your family.
September Timings
Depends on chosen cruise
Danube,
Hungary
Getting There ›
8
Budapest Food Tour
One of the many highlights of visiting a foreign land is the food you get to try. Given how culturally diverse and rich Budapest is, you can bet you'll have tons of decadent food options to choose from. Make your job easier by opting for a Budapest food tour where you get to try 8 different tastings of authentic Hungarian cuisine. The guided tour will take you to the downtown area of Pest and the Jewish Quarter where you can try a variety of cheeses and beers.
September Timings
Timings depend on the tour chosen
Budapest, Báthory utca 21-25, 1054
Hungary
Getting There ›
Budapest in September : Events to Look Out For
Maroon 5 - Live
September 17, 2023
Catch Maroon 5 live in Budapest on September 17, 2023, for an electrifying performance. The renowned band's melodies will fill the air, creating an unforgettable musical experience for fans. Get ready to groove to their hits and enjoy a night of captivating entertainment.
Budapest Wine Festival
September 7 - 10, 2023
One of the most popular events in Budapest, the Budapest Wine Festival is a joyous celebration of wines and the art of winemaking. Featuring the famed Harvest Procession in the Buda castle along with loads of epic concerts and performances, the Budapest Wine Festival is four days of non-stop fun and frolic. Each year, a guest country is invited to the festival to showcase its wine culture, making the whole thing even more special.
Introduction Festival 2023
September 7 - 8, 2023
Experience the vibrant vibes of Introduction Festival 2023 in Budapest on September 7 and 8. This dynamic event promises a diverse showcase of emerging talents across genres. With an array of performances, art, and culture, it's a captivating opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's creative essence.
Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
September 10, 2023
If you enjoy participating in marathons and runs, September is a great month to visit Budapest. The International Marathon, in its 38th year in 2023, attracts runners from across the globe and is a big deal. The half marathon is also a great way to discover the scenic city of Budapest in all its glory. You can run as a team of two or three, or run the 21 kms individually.
Budapest in Sept : 3-day Itinerary
If you're visiting Budapest in September and are looking for an itinerary that you can simply adapt, here's our handcrafted 3-day itinerary. You can also take a look at our 2-day and 1-day itineraries to visiting Budapest.
Budapest Essentials In September
LanguageHungarian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+36
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyHungarian Forints (HUF)
Budapest Weather in September
September features the most pleasant weather in Budapest, hitting the fine line between hot and cold. Perfect for outdoor adventures, Budapest in September is a sight to behold. With average temperature falling in the range of 12 - 22°C, you know you'll be comfortable no matter what time of day you step out. There are occasional hot days but they are generally followed by a spell of rain, keeping the overall temperature in check.
Where to Stay in Budapest in September
Given just how popular Budapest is with tourists in September, you'll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. There's something for every traveler and budget available in Budapest. Here are some of the best across three categories: .
- Luxury - Ritz Carlton Budapest, Aria Hotel Budapest, Four Seasons Budapest
- Mid-Range - Hotel Moments Budapest, Hotel Mika Superior, Hilton Budapest
- Budget - Marco Polo Top Hostel, Bohem Art Hotel, D8 Hotel
What to Pack for Budapest in September
Given the comfortable weather Budapest experiences in September, you don't have to worry about packing too many winter clothes. A light jacket and scarf should do the trick for when it gets too windy. For the days when the sun's out, bring along cosy cotton clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Since September is a month which allows for outdoor explorations, do carry a pair of good walking shoes.
Getting Around in Budapest in September
One of the best ways to discover a city is by taking public transport and Budapest has a pretty reliable transport system. You can get to any area on either side of the Danube using buses, trams, boats, metro, trolleybus, and suburban railways. Public transport is available 24/7 in Budapest with two separate categories of transport for daytime and nighttime. There are bicycles available on rent as well across various docking stations in the city. If you're planning on using public transport extensively, we would recommend opting for a convenient travelcard.
Budapest in September - Must-Try Delicacies
Often referred to as communist pizza by locals, langos is essentially deep fried dough which is topped with sour cream, shredded cheese and toppings of your choice. Try langos at Retro Langos located in Budapest, Podmaniczky Frigyes tér 4, 1054 Hungary.
No trip to a Hungarian city is complete without trying goulash. A stew made primarily with meat and vegetables and seasoned with a generous amount of paprika and other spices. Head to Frica papa kifozdeje, located in Budapest, VII. ker. Kiraly u. 55., for some of the best goulash in the city.
With a Greco-Roman origin, palacsinta is the spiritual sibling of crepes. This pancake-style dish can be paired with vanilla creme, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and many other toppings. Visit Bank3 Palacsinta Bar for decadent palacsintas in the city.
Best described as the Hungarian version of mozzarella sticks, rantott sajt comprises of mild cheese which is breaded with flour and then deep fried. Frica papa kifozdeje, located in Budapest, VII. ker. Kiraly u. 55., serves great rantott sajt.
While gelato is traditionally associated with Italy, this special rose-shaped gelato has become popular in many parts of Europe, including Hungary. Try this decadent sweet at Gelarto Rosa located at 1051 Budapest, Szent Istvan ter 3, Hungary.
Tips for Visiting Budapest in September
- If you're visiting Budapest with the hopes of exploring and discovering the city like a true local, there's really no better month than September to do just that. To make things easier for you, opt for guided tours of different parts of the city since these offer you an in-depth look at the city and its rich history and also takes care of the planning bit.
- There are a lot of events and festivals that take place in Budapest in September and it's easy to get confused about which ones you should attend. Do proper research and figure out which events align with your interests and attend only those. Unless you would rather surprise yourself and discover something new, of course!
- It goes without saying that there's a lot to do and see in Budapest. If time and budget are constraints you need to factor in while planning your trip, we would recommend opting for a one or two day guided tour of the city. These tours not only work out to be more economical but provide you with a comprehensive look at everything Budapest has to offer.
- Budapest features a robust public transport system and you can save a lot of money on travel by opting for public transport. Another great thing about public transport over something like a cab is that you can truly explore the city and not miss out on hidden gems that the city offers.
A Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Budapest
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
More Budapest Guides
Looking for more things to do in Budapest? Here are a few guides that will help you plan your trip to Budapest in September.
