What to do in Budapest in January?
Discover the numerous events and activities we have selected for your visit to Budapest in January 2026.
The Budapest calendar for January is regularly updated as soon as new events are announced that attract our full attention.
CONCERT ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA – 1st of January
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. Concert on January 1st, 20h00:
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 –
MATTHIAS CHURCH CONCERT
Information Concert and tickets – click here
Address: Matthias Church, Szentháromság tér 2, 1st district, Buda – map –
Budapest ‘Városliget’ skating rink
The ’Városliget’ ice rink in Budapest is the largest open-air skating rink in Europe located on the edge of the city’s woodland, the largest green space in the capital with a magnificent view of Vajdahunyad Castle!
This unique ice rink in Budapest is open from mid-November to the end of February.
Open hours: Monday to Friday from 9h to 13h and from 17h to 21h; Saturday and Sunday from 09h to 13h and 16h to 21h (20h on Sunday).
Price: ≈ 6 € entry on weekdays until noon Friday; on weekends ≈10 €. Skate rental: ≈ 8 € – Website.
Address: Városliget’ ice rink, Olof Palme sétány. 5, XIVth district – Map.
Budapest Cruises on the Danube River – Budapest in January
Discover Budapest with a cruise on the Danube (45mn-1h), day and night, to admire Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament, the Citadel, Hotel Gellért, and more:
Cruises information in Budapest: click here
You also have the opportunity to dine
during your cruise while admiring Budapest by night!
In the evening departing 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:
Information and booking – dinner cruise – click here
William Blake exhibition until 11 January 2026
The exhibition ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, William Blake and his contemporaries’, which presents the most important works by the British artist from the Tate collection in London, will be open to the public at the Museum of Fine Arts until 11 January 2026.
William Blake (1757-1827) is an iconic figure in British art and literature. His visionary works, whether paintings, engravings or watercolours, have inspired entire generations and are now, two hundred years later, recognised as a unique contribution to world culture.
This is the first time that a comprehensive exhibition devoted to the work of William Blake, poet, painter and engraver, has been organised in Hungary. The exhibition, which features more than 100 works, includes not only Blake’s works, but also those of his contemporaries, such as Henry Fuseli, Benjamin West and J. M. W. Turner.
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.
CONCERTS AT LISZT ACADEMY OF MUSIC
The Liszt Academy of Music is a jewel for its unique architecture and classical concerts. Located in the center of Pest on the Liszt Ferenc Square, it is one of our favorites and a unique experience even if you are not a music lover. (Tickets from 15 euros for some concerts). The Academy has several concert halls, so check that your concert is in the ‘Great Hall’ (the one shown in the photo).
For information and concerts tickets – click here
Address: Liszt Academy of Music, Liszt Ferenc ter 8, 6th district, Pest – plan –
Discover the beautiful Budapest Academy of Music in video on this link.
Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Folk Dance Show
Enjoy the evening views of the city accompanied by live music, while having a great dinner on board. Start and end your journey at the Academia ferry terminal. Spot sights like the iconic House of Parliament, the historic Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill. Relax while listening to live salon music is performed by 3 members of the Rajkó Folk Orchestra and Ensemble:
Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Folk Dance Show information
and booking – click here
National Opera in Budapest
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!
Information about the Budapest Opera, programmes and tickets on this link.
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
Medieval dinner and show
Spend an evening in the heart of Budapest enjoying a medieval Hungarian dinner in a warm setting and atmosphere. Be entertained by a show that includes swordsmen, jugglers and belly dancers, all accompanied by music. A fun and festive experience with several menus available:
Medieval Dinner Show information and booking – click here
