How to celebrate an epic Easter in Budapest

Easter in Budapest signifies the arrival of spring, and the holiday is celebrated with fervor. The long weekend is marked with religious ceremonies, like Easter masses, and longstanding Hungarian customs — from painting eggs to locsolkodás (an Easter Monday tradition where boys sprinkle girls with water).

Whether you’re hunting for artisanal treats at the Vörösmarty tér Easter market or joining locals for a morning dip in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, here’s how to spend Easter in Budapest.

Everything you need to know about Easter in Budapest

Easter traditions: Easter markets, egg painting workshops, and locsolkodás
Best free Easter activity: Wandering through the Castle District seeing the sights and watching the traditional sprinkling ceremonies
Key Easter dates: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, so expect most shops to be closed
Average temperatures around Easter: Spring in Budapest can be unpredictable; temperatures are usually around 55-65 F (13-18 C), but it’s common to experience rain, wind, and sunshine over the course of a day

1. Enjoy the buzz of the Vörösmarty tér Easter market

Easter in Budapest is synonymous with markets, the biggest being in Vörösmarty tér. This Easter market is full of craft stalls, street food (including delicious Hungarian Easter specialties like spiral-shaped kalács bread and painted marzipan eggs), and interactive workshops. Head straight for the local artisans demonstrating traditional egg painting techniques.

Insider tip

The market gets packed by early afternoon. Arrive when it opens at 11:00 AM to watch craftspeople at work and nab the best treats before they sell out.

Address

Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051.

Opening hours

The Easter market is open from 11.00 AM to 9.00 PM, Sunday to Thursday; 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM, Friday and Saturday.

2. Head to the Castle District for a modern take on locsolkodás

One of the most fun things to do in Budapest on Easter Monday is wander the streets of Castle Hill for the humorous sprinkling ceremony. While you’ll still see boys performing the centuries-old custom of reciting poems and sprinkling girls with water (or, more recently, perfume) to ring in the spring season, today’s celebration includes street performances, craft beer stations, and pop-up food stalls.

Insider tip

Factor in some time to visit Matthias Church, which sits on top of Castle Hill. Its Neo-Gothic architecture makes it one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings.

3. Track down the best Easter Brunch

Smoked ham with horseradish, boiled eggs, and túró rudi (a sweet cottage cheese bar covered in chocolate) are just some of the delicacies enjoyed over Easter in Budapest — most notably at brunch on Easter Sunday. While classic spots serve traditional Hungarian dishes, trendy restaurants in the Jewish Quarter offer more modern takes on Budapesti food.

Highlights

Mazel Tov, the Fröhlich Bakery, and Cirkusz are some of the most popular brunch spots in the Jewish Quarter.

4. Join an egg-painting workshop at the Várkert Bazár

Easter weekend egg-painting is a beloved Hungarian tradition. Eggs symbolize life and rebirth, and artisans hold workshops all over the city to teach the techniques. One of the most popular events is at the Várkert Bazár, a Neo-Renaissance building with landscaped gardens worth visiting.

Highlights

Attendees can learn how to paint leaves, flowers, geometric shapes, and wax-resist techniques, in which designs are drawn with melted wax before being dyed with colors.

Address

Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 2-6, 1013.

Opening hours

Open daily, 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM.

5. Enjoy the outdoors on an Easter bunny hunt on Margaret Island

If you’re traveling to Budapest with kids, you’re in luck: Margaret Island hosts an epic Easter bunny hunt across its sprawling parks and gardens on Easter Sunday. With bikes and paddle boats also available to rent, there are plenty of activities to keep kids big and small entertained all day.

Insider tip

The Easter bunny hunt usually begins near the musical fountain on the island’s southern end, which is easily accessible by walking across Margaret Bridge.

Address

Budapest, Zielinski Szilard stny, 1138.

Opening hours

Open daily, 24/7.

6. Take a morning dip in a thermal bath

One of the most relaxing things to do in Budapest at Easter is visit a hot spring — many locals maintain the tradition of taking a morning soak in one of Budapest’s thermal baths over the long weekend. The city is prone to showers in spring, and the outdoor pools are particularly atmospheric if you catch some raindrops.

Insider tip

The baths tend to be less crowded over traditional lunch hours (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM), when locals often head home for Easter meals.

FAQs: Easter in Budapest

Generated with the help of AI

Are places in Budapest closed during Easter?

Most shops and markets in Budapest close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. Public transportation follows a holiday schedule during this period.

How is Easter celebrated in Budapest?

Easter in Budapest is marked by distinctive traditions, especially on Easter Monday or “Húsvét hétfő in Hungarian. One popular custom is “locsolkodás” or “sprinkling,” where young men sprinkle perfumed water or cologne on women and girls. This playful act is a symbol of fertility, health, and prosperity.

Is Easter a good time to visit Budapest?

Easter in Budapest offers rich cultural experiences and festive events. However, some attractions and restaurants might be closed or have limited hours. If you’re interested in local traditions and celebrations, it’s an ideal time to visit, but for a more typical tourist experience with everything open, consider another time.

Are there Easter markets in Budapest?

Budapest hosts an Easter Market at Vörösmarty Square, famous for its festive atmosphere. The market features wooden stalls offering a variety of arts and crafts, handmade pottery, and traditional foods, making it a perfect spot to find unique souvenirs and enjoy the local culture.

What do Hungarians eat for Easter?

During Easter in Hungary, traditional meals often feature meat dishes such as pork, poultry, rabbit, roast lamb, beef, and meatloaf, accompanied by various garnishes.