What to do and see in Budapest in October ?
Discover the events and activities we have selected for your visit to Budapest in October.
Our calendar of Budapest in October is updated as soon as new events are announced.
CONCERTS ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA in October 2023
In the center of Pest enjoy an organ or a string concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful neo-classical buildings in Budapest. Take your pick from 3 concerts, each with 4 seating classes, to tailor your experience to your taste and budget.
Concert every Sunday and Tuesday at 8:00 pm
Duration: about 70 minutes. Information on Classical Music Concerts in St Stephen’s Basilica
and tickets – click here
Address: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, Szent István ter 1, 5th district, Pest – map –
National Gallop Race – 7 and 8th October 2023
The equestrian competition, Galop National, celebrates the history and equestrian tradition of Hungary. At this 15th edition, you will discover the imposing Heroes Square in Pest, and the various races and attractions of the festival (concerts, culinary and wine stands…). For the program by day, go to this link from the official website in English.
Address: Hősök tere, 14th district, Pest – map – website –
Check out this video presenting the 2022 edition:
MATTHIAS CHURCH CONCERT – Budapest in October –
every Friday
The beautiful Matthias Church in Buda’s Old Town holds classical music concerts several times a month with the Budapest Duna String Orchestra. Spend an evening in this unique venue and enjoy a magical classical concert performed by the Duna String Orchestra and violin soloist Gabora Gyula. Concert every Friday:
Information about Matthias Church Concerts and tickets – click here
Address: Matthias Church, Szentháromság tér 2, 1st district, Buda – map –
Exhibition ‘Renoir – The painter and his models’ until 7 January 2024
The Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay in Parisand the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, is organising a unique exhibition on the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Renoir is considered to be one of the most famous Impressionist painters, whose rich and varied oeuvre spans six decades, from the early 1860s until his death in 1919.
This exhibition is both chronological and thematic, exploring Renoir’s relationship with the models who inspired his art, through paintings, graphic works and sculptures.
Address: Museum of Fine Arts, Dózsa György út 41, XIVth district, Pest – website.
Open hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays.
BUDAPEST ART MARKET from October 19th to 22th
The Budapest International Art Fair is the largest event in Central Europe that has hosted exhibitors from more than 40 countries since 2011. An Art Photo section is now also present in the adjoining building. Many conferences also animate this fair. Full program on this link of the official website.
Address: Art Market, Millenáris Park buildings B-C-D, IInd district, Kis Rókus utca 16-20.
National Opera in Budapest
After more than 4 years of renovation, the Hungarian National Opera reopened its doors in 2022! With a capacity of 1200 seats, the National Opera of Budapest inaugurated in 1884 is an iconic place of the Hungarian capital. Discover its architectural beauty and the quality of its representations for an unique evening!
Information about the Budapest Opera, programs and tickets – click here
Budapest Opera House Guided Tour
Discover the second largest stage in Europe on this guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House, a must-see on your trip to Budapest!
A tour of the Opera House of about 60 minutes starts daily at 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30 in English, including a 10mn concert! Booking at least 1 week in advance strongly recommended:
Information Opera House Guided Tour
and booking – click here
World Press Photo 2023 exhibition – until 5 November
From 20 September to 5 November 2023, the World Press Photo 2023 exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum will present 138 images selected by an international jury from 64,823 photos taken by 4,000 photojournalists from 130 countries. Discover this unique exhibition on its world tour, which presents the most important news and images of the year through the photographs of the 65th edition.
Address: Hungarian National Museum, Múzeum krt. 14-16, Budapest 1088, Pest – map – website – Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Commemoration of October 23, 1956.
October 23rd is a national holiday in Hungary. It marks the anniversary of the revolution of October 23, 1956: the beginning of the Budapest uprising, which originally pitted the people of Budapest against Soviet repression.
The stores and a majority of local restaurants are closed.
Numerous commemorations are held on October 23rd, including:
- The hoisting of the Hungarian flag at Kossuth Lajos Tér Square at 9:00 am alonng with various commemoration programs.
- Open House Day at the Hungarian Parliament:
From 10:00 to 17:00, the Hungarian Parliament of Budapest will be open to visit and free for all. Further information on the Hungarian Parliament is on this link to our article, ‘Visit the Parliament of Budapest’.
- Museum House of Terror: Free entry on the 22nd and 24th of October (closed on the 23rd). Address: Andrássy út 60., Pest VIth district.
Museum information on this link to our article, ‘The main museums of Budapest’.
Cruises on the Danube River – Budapest in October
Discover Budapest with a cruise on the Danube (45mn-1h), day and night, to admire Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Hungarian Parliament, Citadel, Hotel Gellért, and more.
For Cruise information in Budapest – click here
There is also the possibility of a dinner cruise every evening (two hours and forty five)!
In the evening departing at 19:45, you can enjoy a two and a half hour cruise on the Danube accompanied by a four-course dinner and the musical performance of local Hungarian artists:
For information and booking a dinner cruise – click here
CONCERTS AT SAINT-MICHAEL’S CHURCH
VIVALDI’s 4 SEASONS – every Wednesday and Saturday
Enjoy an evening of classical music in Budapest’s city centre with a concert of Antonio Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons by the Danube String Orchestra at St. Michael’s Church. Performances at 7.00 pm lasting around 70 minutes. Choose from 3 seating categories to tailor your experience to your needs and budget:
Information Concert Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons and Tickets – click here
SPARTY bath parties at the Széchényi baths – Budapest in October.
The Széchenyi Baths host the Sparty parties on Saturday evenings in their outdoor baths. In this impressive setting you will experience animations, dancers, 3D projections and DJs live sets for a unique party in Budapest !
Information SPARTY event and tickets – click here
Video of the Sparty event:
The Széchenyi baths can be reached by public transport via the Metro M1 – Széchenyi fürdő station – and the trolley bus 72 – Széchenyi fürdő station.
Address: Széchenyi baths, Állatkerti krt. 9th – 14th district, Pest.
