What to do and see in Budapest in October 2024?
Discover the events and activities we have selected for your visit to Budapest in October.
Our calendar of Budapest in October 2024 is updated as soon as new events are announced.
CONCERTS ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
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 – 4,5 and 6th October
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 every Friday – Budapest in October –
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 –
BUDAPEST ART MARKET from October 17th to 20th
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 2024’ exhibition from 20 September to 27 October 2024
The World Press Photo exhibition has been held in Hungary every year for the past 48 years, and this year it is taking place in a new exhibition venue, the huge entrance hall of BIODÓM, at the far end of the Budapest zoo. This new edition of ‘World Press Photo’ presents the best and most important photojournalistic and documentary photographs of the past year, selected by an independent jury.
A total of 3,851 photographers from 130 countries took part in this edition, and in the end the 31 winning photographers representing 24 countries are on show. The World Press Photo exhibition presents authentic images, true stories, stories that are sure to make you think. The exhibition will be open to the public every day from 20 September to 27 October.
Address: Biodóm, Állatkerti krt 16, 14th district – map – website – FB.
Open every day from 10am to 6pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
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.
Frida Kahlo photo exhibition from 18 October to 12 January 2025
The Frida Kahlo Photographic Collection exhibition offers a glimpse into the hidden moments of the Mexican artist’s life, providing a new perspective on the tumultuous destiny of one of Latin America’s most enigmatic and emblematic figures. Since its premiere in Mexico City in 2009, the exhibition has toured the world, welcoming nearly a million visitors in twenty cities. In Budapest, it will be presented for the first time at the Mai Mano House of Photography from 18 October 2024 to 12 January 2025.
Address: Mai Mano House of Photography, Nagymező u. 20, 1065, Pest – map – website.
