Budapest Music Center 

As the chilly months roll in, there’s no better way to beat the cold than by cozying up at the Budapest Music Center on Mátyás Street. This vibrant venue is the ultimate spot to warm your soul with an exciting mix of performances. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming classical concert or something jazzy at the Opus Jazz Club, you’ll find plenty to keep you toasty and entertained. With a lineup that’s always fresh and fun, it’s the perfect place to escape the cold and enjoy a magical night of music. Grab a seat, relax, and let the music heat things up! 

1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8. | Website

Naruhiko Kawaguchi // Liszt Academy of Music (November 29, 2024)

If you are in the city at the end of November, head to the Liszt Academy of Music on November 29, where Naruhiko Kawaguchi will take the stage to perform on the fortepiano! At just 35, the Japanese pianist has made a name for himself internationally as a virtuoso in the realm of Romantic music over the past decade. In the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy of Music, he will breathe new life into 19th-century compositions with his fortepiano playing, featuring works by the Schumann couple, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and the lesser-known Spanish composer Santiago de Masarnau. 

1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 8. | Website

Budapest Jazz Club 

Set inside a former movie theater, Budapest Jazz Club is known for its relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and an outstanding lineup of both Hungarian and international jazz artists, along with musicians from various other genres. As the beating heart of Hungary’s jazz scene, this cozy jazz café is a go-to spot when you’re in the mood for light yet top-tier entertainment paired with great eats. The menu features a tempting selection of Hungarian and international specialties, making it the perfect place to enjoy both live music and a memorable meal. 

1136 Budapest, Hollán Ernő utca 7. | Website

MÜPA 

Müpa, short for the Palace of Arts in Hungarian, isn’t just one of Budapest’s top cultural hotspots—it’s also one of the most famous venues in Hungary. As it gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, Müpa continues to offer something for everyone, no matter your taste in music or art. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, contemporary, or something in between, there’s always a show or event to enjoy. From kids to adults, everyone can find something to love at Müpa, where both local talent and world-class artists take the stage for unforgettable performances. 

1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1. | Website

Opera House of Budapest 

The Opera House in Budapest offers an incredible array of live performances for music lovers, from captivating ballets to world-class operas. Recently renovated, the building stands as a stunning blend of historical grandeur and modern elegance. This iconic venue offers an incredible variety of live performances, including ballets, operas, and symphonic concerts, each one brought to life by world-class artists. Music lovers can immerse themselves in this unique cultural experience while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Opera House itself. And during the holiday season, the magic of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” enchants audiences, making it the perfect place to celebrate the festive spirit in one of Budapest’s most beautiful landmarks. 

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22. | Website

Don’t Miss Budapest’s Secret Museum:

A Secret Museum Has Opened in the Depths of a Downtown Budapest Hotel

Walking along Kazinczy Street, you wouldn’t think that a secret museum takes you time travelling.

Funzine

Makers’ Market (7 May and 11 June 2023)

Makers Market Budapest is one of the most popular design markets in the city, offering a wide range of contemporary art-crafted products every single month. The selection includes handmade jewellery, pottery, textile accessories, plants, illustrations and candles, usually sold straight by the artists, which creates a nice atmosphere and a sense of connection between the seller and the buyer. The market is usually accompanied by live music and delicious goods from artisan bakeries.

Budapest100 (11-14 May 2023)

Budapest100 is an architectural and cultural festival which aims to build a bridge between citizens and highlight the architectural treasures and hidden gems of the Hungarian capital. Every house and building have its own secrets which are usually kept between those who live there: between 11-14 May you can get to know all the stories straight from the residents. The event started as the celebration of the 100-year-old buildings, but this year, as Budapest celebrates its 150th birthday, the focus shifts to buildings built in 1873. The original purpose remains: to unveil buildings from basement to attic, get to know the people behind the walls, and create new communities.

MBH Bank Gourmet Festival (2-4 June 2023)

If you are open to new culinary experiences and interested in food culture, you cannot miss out on the MBH Bank Gourmet Festival which is the most popular gastronomy festival in Hungary. In the kiosks of over 100 exhibitors, you can try out the finest dishes and the delicious drinks of the best restaurants, wineries, beer breweries, and confectioneries of the Hungarian capital. As a bonus, you can also choose from the selection of different pálinka breweries and taste the iconic Hungarian spirit. With ’the New Generation’ being this year’s theme, the festival is all about innovation, renewal, new trends, technologies, new ingredients, and even new styles.

Danube Carnival (9-17 June 2023)

The Danube Carnival is a unique colour patch in the cultural life of Budapest, celebrating the rich local folk dance and music heritage, as well as versatile types of folklore traditions from around the world. This year, the original carnival vibe will spread to several points in Budapest with the help of national ensembles and music bands, as well as guest performers from abroad. Adult, youth and children’s groups will all represent the professional, traditional, and amateur folkdance movements. The Gala at the Margaret Island Open Air Stage crowns the series of programmes with guest performers. The second part will feature Hungarian ensembles joining the Duna Art Ensemble and the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble in commemorating the Petőfi anniversary with an unmatched and special dance show.

MOL Campus SkyDeck

Hungary’s tallest office building, the recently built MOL Campus has opened its doors to the public, including the observation deck high above the city. The tallest building not only in Budapest but in the whole of Hungary, standing 143 meters high, has a public balcony on the 29th floor, offering a spectacular view over the city. From the top, you can see all the main sights of Budapest from a bird’s eye view, including the Danube and the surrounding buildings. Admission to the interactive visitor centre is free, however, you need to buy a ticket for the SkyDeck.

Organized for the very first time in Budapest, Like the Gypsies is a cultural mission launched by Laci Rácz, who is a proud descendant of famous Roma musicians. Some of his ascendants were invited to play music in royal courts, they even visited the palaces of the Russian Tsar and the Prince of Wales!

The pride Laci feels for his Roma ancestors brought the unparalleled, yet intimate event of Like the Gypsies to life. The next event of this pioneering gathering will be held on 29-30 April (from 12 pm to 3 pm), at 78 Dohány Street, Budapest, right next to the building of the National Roma Municipality of Hungary. The venue is just a few minutes’ walk from the Wesselényi Street stop of tram 4-6.

Like the Gypsies events will be organized on Fridays and Saturdays (from 12 pm to 3 pm) throughout the upcoming months.

Like the Gypsies – 29-30 April 2023 – Dohány Street, Budapest

As far as the program schedule is concerned, Like the Gypsies boasts a versatile array of activities, including an introductory presentation with genuine Roma foods and drinks to try. What’s more, visitors can also learn how to sing, dance and play music – the Gypsy way. The highlight of the day is, without doubt, the live Gypsy concert, which will be accompanied by fortune-telling and blessing-giving sessions.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! For more info, visit likethegypsies.com.

Art Market Budapest

Central and Eastern Europe’s leading international contemporary art fair returns to Bálna Budapest this month: the four-day event will bring us some of the best, freshest, and most inspiring artists and galleries of the region, placing a huge emphasis on up-and-coming creators as well as the progressive new generation of Western artists. Gain insight into current trends and acquaint yourself with the art scene of over 40 countries from 6 to 9 October!

Website | 1093 Budapest, Fővám tér 11-12.

WAMP Design Fair

The long-awaited fall edition of Hungary’s most popular design fair will be held on 9 October inside building ‘D’ of Millenáris Park, awaiting customers with the products of more than a hundred designer brands, ranging from unique and handmade jewellery and custom-made clothes to limited edition bags, accessories, stylish homeware, and delicious culinary products. For more info about the free-to-attend event and the full list of exhibitors, go to wamp.hu.

Website | 1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 16.

Liszt Fest

Celebrating the 210th anniversary of influential Romantic composer and pianist Ferenc Liszt, Müpa Budapest’s Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival (held between 7 and 22 October) will present concert-goers with the leading artists and the latest productions of the Hungarian and international music scene, offering a variety of performances, from classical chamber music productions and jazz concerts to dance shows and literary & visual art events on more than a dozen locations.

Website

Chimney Cake Festival

A beloved sweet treat known for its shape resembling a chimney, kürtőskalács has been reborn as an exciting, cream-filled dessert dream. Thanks to open-air Kürtősbon Fesztivál, organized at Zoo Budapest from 14 to 16 October, visitors get the opportunity to experience the flavour explosion. One can choose from several mouth-watering fillings such as raspberry-chocolate, cinnamon-plum and walnut-apricot. The family-friendly mini festival offers entertainment as well including concerts and arts & crafts for children. To attend, purchase a ticket to the zoo!

Website | 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 14.