May in Budapest sees the arrival of spring in earnest which makes it one of the best months to visit the city. Not only is May nice and warm but it’s also much less crowded than July or August since all the tourists are yet to come to Budapest. That’s why we put together this small overview of things you can do in Budapest in May 2022.
Best May events in Budapest
From the 21st to the 22nd of May, Budapest’s museums are opening their doors to the public during The Festival of Museums. With free admission and opening hours between 9:00 and 21:00, you can explore museums and art galleries to your heart’s content without having to pay a single forint. Many of the fifty institutions that participate in this event also have a special program for kids and exciting events for adults including special shows and concerts.
Each Saturday, you can also be part of the most unique raves you’ve ever seen. Taking place in the iconic Budapest Széchenyi Baths, the Sparty parties have DJs from all over the world, 3D projections, light shows, dancers and much more.
And if you want something a bit calmer why not check out the Gourmet Festival in the Millenáris Park. Taking place between the 27th and 29th of May, Hungary’s largest gastronomy festival features chefs from all over the world, concerts going well into the night, and the very best of foods and wine you can get in Hungary. This is absolute heaven for foodies of any kind.
Sightseeing in Budapest
May in Budapest is one of the best times for sightseeing – both because it’s warm (but not boiling) and because the tourist season has not completely engulfed the city yet. It’s the perfect time to go see the Hungarian Parliament by the Danube River, stroll around the Buda Castle and the nearby gardens and relax on the island below the Margaret Bridge.
The Danube also separates two halves of the city, Buda and Pest, both of which have gorgeous waterfronts and important landmarks near the river. This is why you should go on a cruise for a few hours, perhaps even with a good drink or nice food on deck. And further down the stream is the Danube bend which boasts the picturesque villages of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre, all of which are well worth your time, especially in May.
Budapest and spas
Budapest is well known for its spas and May is one of the first months of the year when you can finally enjoy not just the thermal springs inside but also the large pools outside. One of the most famous and beautiful spas is the Széchenyi Baths (where the Sparties take place) which offers luxurious surroundings together with over eighteen pools, massages, saunas, mud-baths as well as restaurants and more. It’s easy to spend the whole day here, especially since the baths open from 6:00 to 22:00. So dive in and enjoy a relaxing time in a spa.
