Are you planning to spend the last day of the year in Budapest? Wow, what a great decision you've made! Budapest is a beautiful capital city of Hungary where you can explore many interesting things, especially during New Year. Also, it is on the top list among locals as well as travel enthusiasts to welcome the fresh year with a bang. Be it watching massive fireworks displays, attending lush parties, or following the popular Hungarian traditions, there are plenty of things to do on New Year in Budapest. Are you interested in knowing more about the best places and ways to see in the New Year? Finish this blog until you are satisfied. Who knows, you might get a memorable and incredible experience to cherish forever. Happy New Year in advance!
6 Splendid Ways to Celebrate New Year in Budapest
As the clock strikes 12 AM on December 31st, Budapest gears up for dynamic celebrations and popular traditions that make New Year’s Eve a special night to remember forever. Everyone wants to be in the Hungarian capital for the official New Year countdown due to its unique celebration. Hungarians welcome the fresh year in some unique and different ways as they believe whatever happens on the first day of the year will repeat throughout the year. Whether you want to follow the old Hungarian customs, watch fireworks displays, or enjoy a cruise along the Danube River, there are various ways to celebrate an amazing New Year in Budapest. Here, we have mentioned a few of the top ways to see this stunning city on NYE 2024. If you are interested in knowing more, give this blog a read. Also, if you are planning your visit to Budapest other than this special occasion, visit between May to September and December due to the pleasant weather and you can easily explore major sights and attractions.
- River Cruise on the Danube River
- Enjoying a Bath Party at Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Watching Fireworks or Light Displays
- Attending Lavish Party at SOLID Budapest
- Following Popular Traditions
- Join the Pub Crawlers at Hoff House
1. River Cruise on the Danube River
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable journey along the majestic Danube River for an amazing New Year's Eve in Budapest. A river cruise offers a luxurious way to celebrate the start of the fresh year, with delicious food and drinks, live music, and spectacular views of iconic landmarks, such as Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge. Celebrate in style with a champagne toast, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and witness breathtaking fireworks that light up the night sky. Whether you're on board with loved ones or making new friends, this magical NYE cruise is the perfect way to create unforgettable memories. The Danube River is one of the best destinations to celebrate the New Year in the world.
Location: Hungary, Europe
Nearby Hotels:
- Knáb Panzió
- Duna Wellness Hotel
- Donautica Hotel & Restaurant
- Bristol Apartments
- Sugó Panzió
Nearby Restaurants:
- Rév Csárda
- Don Roberto Pizzéria
- Fehér Akác Vendéglő
- Akác Bisztró
- Lenes Csárda
Nearby Attractions:
- Shoes on the Danube Bank
- Danube Tower
- Danube Gorge
- Source of the Danube
- Danube Park
2. Enjoying a Bath Party at Széchenyi Thermal Bath
For a truly unique New Year’s celebration, dive into the healing waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest. The world-famous thermal baths come alive in Budapest on NYE with a vibrant bath party. This iconic experience combines relaxing thermal waters with pulsating electronic music, flashing lights, and an energetic crowd. The Széchenyi Bath's stunning architecture provides a historic backdrop as you soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by other revelers. Immerse yourself in Budapest’s unique bath party culture and start the year with fun, relaxation, and a splash of excitement, making it the top splendid places to visit in Europe.
Location: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Contact Number: +36204350051
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday – Friday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Nearby Hotels:
- ibis Budapest Heroes Square
- Benczúr Hotel
- Mamaison Hotel Andrássy Budapest
- Alice Hotel
- Mirage Medic Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Andrássy Garden
- Széchenyi Garden Restaurant
- Alice Terrace
- Nyereg étterem
- Robinson Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Gatehouse Tower
- City Park
- Gellért Thermal Bath
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath Park
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Suggested Read: Best Places to Celebrate Dazzling New Year in Sydney
3. Watching Fireworks or Light Displays
Budapest is also one of the best cities in Hungary that hosts stunning fireworks displays at midnight on the 31st of December. There are plenty of places from where you can witness the breathtaking fireworks and festive decorations, including the Danube River, Váci Street, and Fashion Street. Also, attending Budapest’s NYE party lies on every traveler's bucket list. The Chain Bridge and Buda Castle are popular spots for watching the show. Watching colorful light displays on NYE is one of the most amazing things to do in Europe.
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Nearby Hotels:
- City Hotel Matyas Budapest
- Boutique Hotel Budapest
- Hotel Erzsébet City Center
- Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest
- Alta Moda Fashion Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Indian Palate - Indian Restaurant in Budapest
- Bangkok Thai Étterem
- Trattoria La Coppola
- Street Bistro Budapest
- Piazza Italia Restaurant & Bar
Nearby Attractions:
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Vörösmarty tér
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Buda Castle
- Kisfiús díszkút
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4. Attending Lavish Party at SOLID Budapest
If you are a party crawler, you will have amazing options to attend the New Year party in Budapest as there are many places that organize NYE events with lively ambiance throughout the night. Also, interested ones can join the yacht parties with refreshing beverages, delicious dinners, and live music DJs along with having a perfect view of the fireworks from the Danube. Also, there are various party locations in Budapest that host lush parties including SOLID Budapest and Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest.
Location: Budapest, Királyi Pál u. 4-7th Floor, 1053 Hungary
Contact Number: +36703332113
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – 7 AM to 12 PM
- Thursday – Friday – Saturday – Sunday – 7 AM to 2 PM
Nearby Hotels:
- Mercure Budapest Korona Hotel
- Danubius Hotel Astoria
- Ramada by Wyndham Budapest City Center
- Giselle Vintage Doubles
- Estilo Fashion Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Café Astoria Restaurant
- Bamba Marha Burger Bár #Astoria
- Pata Negra Pest restaurant
- Byblos Restaurant - Fine Lebanese & Levantine Cuisine
- Flour Style Wok Bar
Nearby Attractions:
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Gellért Hill Cave
- Károlyi Garden
- Dohány Street Synagogue
- EZRaider Budapest by Voy PRO
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5. Following Popular Traditions
There are various New Year traditions that Hungarian people follow to bring luck in the coming year. Do you know about those customs? Let's discuss those old customs, or even what some call them - superstition. Hungarians eat some popular dishes, including pork, lentils, and pastries to determine the good fortune for the entire year. Also, people tend to follow a few superstitions like making loud noises, not cleaning, and lead pouring to bring good luck in the coming year. Visting Vorosmarty Square on New Year's Eve in Budapest is among the great places where crowds gather to count down to midnight and follow these old traditions.
Location: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051 Hungary
Opening Hours: 24/7
Nearby Hotels:
- InterContinental Budapest
- Budapest Marriott Hotel
- D8 Hotel
- Prestige Hotel Budapest
- Exe Carlton Hotel Budapest
Nearby Restaurants:
- Kisharang Étkezde
- LR Italian Lounge & Restaurant
- Fehér Hajó Étterem
- Il Pastaio
- Meatology Budapest
Nearby Attractions:
- Lion Fountain
- Elizabeth Square
- Fisherman's Bastion
- The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle
- Heroes' Square
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6. Join the Pub Crawlers at Hoff House
Budapest is known for its vibrant nightlife, and NYE is no exception to this. What could be a better way to welcome the year ahead than by visiting popular pubs, bars, and clubs and attending some of the best parties, with live music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere? Also, it is one of the most interesting ways to celebrate an amazing New Year in Budapest. There are various lush parties at renowned bars, restaurants, and resorts, including Hoff House and Leo Rooftop Bar where you can dance the night away along with enjoying your favorite food and drink. Book the best and most affordable flights to Budapest to have a memorable and incredible New Year countdown to 2025.
Location: Budapest, Nagymező u. 40, 1065 Hungary
Contact Number: +36306811778
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 3 AM
- Friday – Saturday – 12 PM to 4 AM
Nearby Hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Centre
- Mystery Hotel Budapest
- Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre
- Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments
- K+K Hotel Opera
Nearby Restaurants:
- Twentysix Budapest
- St. Andrea Restaurant
- The Pointer Pub & Restaurant (Bajcsy Zs. út)
- Bob's Kitchen Budapest
- SZÉK Restaurant & Bar
Nearby Attractions:
- Budapest Walk of Fame
- Szimpla Kert
- Nagy-rét
Hungarians NYE 2024 offers a perfect blend of joyous celebrations, incredible experiences, deep-rooted traditions, rich culture, and traditional meals with a festive atmosphere. Whether you choose to attend the lush New Year parties or just want to witness the massive fireworks near Vörösmarty Square, Nyugati Square, and Oktogon, there are many incredible ways to celebrate New Year in Budapest. So, pack your party hat, bring your festive spirit, and step into the fresh year in an extraordinary style. Don't forget to opt for the best Hungary tour packages for a great and memorable countdown to 2025 with your favorite people.
New Year in Budapest - FAQ’s
There are various ways to celebrate New year in Hungarian capital, Budapest including:
- You can watch mesmerizing fireworks displays
- Attend NYE gala dinner
- Enjoy major events
- Take a cruise on River Danube
You can watch astonishing jaw-dropping fireworks on NYE 2024 in Budapest at these locations:
- Danube River
- Váci Street
- Buda Castle
- St Stephen’s Basilica
Here we have mentioned a few places where you can attend interesting NYE events in Hungarian capital including:
- Danube River
- Váci Street
- Varosliget
- Vorosmarty Square
You can expect cold weather, with temperatures typically ranging from –2 to 3 degrees Celsius on NYE in Budapest. Bundle up to stay warm!
Yes, a majority of shops, cafes, and restaurants stay open on NYE 2024 and operate till the late hours. However, a few small shops remain closed.
Yes, 1st of January is a public holiday in Hungary and all the government offices stay closed.
Some of the most famous New Year traditions that Hungarians follow are as follows:
- No cleaning on New Year’s Day
- No borrowing or lending money on the first day of the year
- Making too much noises at midnight on the last day of the year
- Eating traditional food like pork and lentils
Some of the popular traditional food that Hungarian prefer to eat on NYE are as follows:
- Pork
- Lentils
- Cabbage Rolls
- Pastries and Sweets
NYE in Hungary isn’t just about partying; in fact, it’s a night filled with popular customs that many Hungarians still follow to date:
- Hungarians make loud noises by banging pots, ringing bells, and setting off fireworks to scare away evil spirits and energies.
- Meeting the first person on New Year’s Day matters. If it's a man, the whole year will be good, and if it's a woman, they might face challenges.
Yes, obviously. There are various places in Budapest that host family-friendly events, such as those at St. Stephen’s Basilica or Heroes’ Square, and children can attend these events.
