In recent years, Budapest has managed to secure a position in the ranking of most requested European destinations. Its good location, near Prague and Vienna, and its indisputable monumental beauty are two of the ingredients of its success; although, when the cold arrives, you have to add an extra one: its Christmas markets. Although it is true that they are not as big as London, with more than 100 attractionsits traditional charm and its location in the squares of the capital of Hungary, are an indisputable attraction.
It is now that winter begins when Budapest begins the countdown to set up its Christmas markets and, therefore, it is also time to organize our trip to see the Pearl of the Danube. Above all, taking into account that two of the most attractive bridges to travel from Spain: November and the Constitution. Shall we go?
How to get from Barcelona or Madrid to Hungary
One of the advantages of choosing Budapest as your next destination is that the plane connections with the main cities of Spain are very good. In fact, from Madrid and Barcelona It is easy to find an economical and direct Wizz Air flightHungarian low-cost airline, which operates throughout Europe, having a physical office in Madrid-Barajas in Terminal 1 and in Barcelona-El Prat in terminal 2.
Furthermore, if you go only for a weekend or for one of the upcoming long weekends, such as November or Constitution Day, you don’t have to worry about the flight hours from Spain to Budapest. From Barcelona, ​​for example, it takes approximately two and a half hours between two points; while, from Madrid, the trip is slightly longer than three hours.
When does the Christmas market start in Budapest?
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, Christmas opens in Budapest with the opening of its famous Christmas markets. And the capital of Hungary, in addition to the traditional lights typical of these dates, enjoys a great tradition of themed stalls that, every year, attract the attention of numerous tourists. And what better than to reserve a Christmas tour of Budapest to discover them all.
The Civitatis option, for example, lasts two hours in which the visitor will be able to learn about the Christmas decorations of the capital of Hungary led by a specialized guide who will take the opportunity to tell some of the traditions and popular stories of these dates.
Thus, from the Erzsébet tér square to Gresham Palaceyou can visit the different Christmas markets, including the one in the Vörösmarty Squarethe largest in the city, or the one in the St. Stephen’s Squareunder the immense tree that they install in front of the cathedral. And what will be found in these positions? Food stalls, craft stalls and Christmas decorations to ensure the perfect souvenir.
What is the temperature in December?
While it is true that the charm Central Europe in winterwhen Christmas lights and traditions take over the streets, it is immeasurable, so is the cold. Starting in November, the drop in temperatures is much greater than what we experience in our country, so it is advisable visit them well dressed to avoid a bad experience while sightseeing.
Thus, the usual thing is that the Average daily temperature is between 0ºC and 5ºCand the thermal sensation may be lower than expected, since sunny days are less abundant than those in southern Europe. Furthermore, as expected, as the day falls the temperatures also plummet, and can be recorded minimums of up to -5ºC.
Main excursions to do in Budapest
In addition to visiting the Christmas markets in Budapest, the capital of Hungary is one of the European cities that is worth visiting for the monumental beauty that dots its streets. Therefore, if you travel this winter, these are Top 5 Budapest Tours and Activities:
- Boat ride at dusk: On this cruise you can see the best views of the Hungarian capital when the Christmas lights are turned on, since the ship is completely panoramic.
- Guided tour of the Budapest Parliament: It is, without a doubt, the most emblematic building in the city, so one cannot go away just visiting it while listening to an audio guide in Spanish that tells all the history and culture that surrounds this monument.
- ‘Free tour of Buda Castle: If Parliament is one of the city’s icons, Buda Castle is another of the most impressive monuments. And what better way to discover it with a tour that reveals the secrets of the former royal residence.
- Entrance to the Széchenyi Spa: to ward off low body temperatures, what better than visiting the one that
- Party tour of Budapest’s ruin pubs: If at the end of the day you feel like having a beer or a cocktail, what better way to do it than in these traditional bars with such curious decoration that it will be difficult to forget.
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