Planning to spend the last day of the year in Budapest? Well, that's probably the best decision for an extraordinary start to the new year! Budapest, the beautiful capital city of Hungary, is packed with surprises for the New Year, making it the sought-after destination among locals as well as tourists to welcome the fresh year with a bang. From watching the dazzling fireworks displays over the Danube and attending lavish parties to enjoying traditional Hungarian celebrations, New Year in Budapest is as magical as it can get! So, if you are interested in learning about what places and festivities to expect for Budapest NYE, then give this blog a good read until the last word. Maybe you will find exactly what you are looking for to make the start of 2025 the most memorable and incredible experience to cherish forever. Happy New Year in advance!
Celebrate New Year in Budapest in the Most Memorable Way
As the clock strikes 12 on the midnight of December 31, 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 are seeking to enjoy a cruise along the Danube River, experience old Hungarian customs, or watch fireworks displays, there are so many ways to celebrate an amazing New Year in Budapest.
In this blog, we have curated some of the best ways to see this stunning city on Budapest New Year's Eve 2025. Also, the pleasant weather of Budapest during this period makes it all the more inviting, allowing maximum exploration of 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
- Join New Year Masses & Concerts at St Stephen’s Basilica
- Enjoy Traditional Outdoor Festivities at Vorosmarty Square
- Step into Hoff House for a Fun Bingo Pub Crawl
- Celebrate at Hungarian State Opera House
1. River Cruise on the Danube River
Looking forward to an exclusive New Year celebration in Budapest? Then take a cruise along the majestic Danube River and make your New Year's Eve in Budapest special and memorable. While sailing across the waters on a winter cruise, enjoy the spectacular views of iconic landmarks, such as Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge. Relish delicious food and drinks while the live music plays alongside, adding a soft yet festive vibe to the night. From intimate candlelight dinners with your better half to a family feast, the magical NYE cruise is the perfect way to create unforgettable memories. Join the others aboard in countdown to 12 and raise a champagne toast to the fresh beginning. Watch the sky get illuminated with fireworks, creating an absolutely breathtaking gaze. With enchanting experiences accompanied by amazing views, the Danube River cruise promises one of the best festivities of the New Year in the world. When in Budapest for NYE festivities, cruising at Danube has to be the first experience you add to your bucket list!
Location: Hungary, Europe
NYE Cruise Price (Est.): €144/ 545 QAR for Adults and €84/ 318 QAR for Children
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
What is a New Year in Budapest without a crazy Bath Party? Let the new year begin with a unique celebration as you dive into the healing waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest. Watch this world-famous thermal bath come alive with the festivities of Budapest New Year 2025, featuring a vibrant bath party with flashing lights, electronic music, 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.And if you are willing to celebrate the new year like never before, Bath Party in Budapest is what you need to try this New Year.
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
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3. Watching Fireworks or Light Displays
Budapest in Hungary hosts one of the most stunning fireworks shows in the world, painting the skyline into a masterpiece! At midnight on the 31st of December, the city transforms into a massive party with lights, festive decorations, and a lively crowd ready to glide into the next year. Watching the colorful light shows is one of the most amazing things to do in Budapest for New Years, which will leave you amazed. There are plenty of spots for witnessing the breathtaking fireworks, including the Danube River, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. So, Budapest fireworks New Year 2025 is definitely a yes on your bucket list.
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
For all the party crawlers out there, SOLID Budapest is your ultimate destination! Step into this rooftop venue on the 7th floor of Hotel Rum to experience the New Year party in Budapest, promising more excitement than you expect. The venue offers a quirky combination of party music, lively ambiance, and special delicacies for marking the night with memories and amazing experiences. The best part is its outdoor seating that provides you with an enchanting view of the fireworks over the Danube River. Besides this, the city also has an array of eclectic bars, pubs, and nightclubs that host NYE events with lively ambiance throughout the night. Other options include yacht parties offering refreshing beverages, delicious dinners, and live music DJs along with firework shows. Don't waste time – make Budapest’s NYE party a must on your checklist!
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. Join New Year Masses & Concerts at St Stephen’s Basilica
Standing in the heart of the city, St Stephen’s Basilica becomes the focal point of New Year in Budapest festivities. As the clock hits 12, the grand architecture of the Basilica gets illuminated with the brightest of lights, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Churchgoers can join the New Year mass and attend one of the largest concerts held at the church. This time, St. Stephen's Basilica is set to host a special New Year’s Day Organ Concert to welcome 2025, where you can enjoy music by the greatest composers in an immensely decorated setting of the church. But the Budapest New Year celebrations at St Stephen’s Basilica don't end here - the church will again host another New Year’s Organ Concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica. So, if you are looking forward to a unique new year celebration that is a mix of blessings and enjoyment, add St Stephen’s Basilica to your list!
Location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5:45 PM - Monday to Saturday (1 PM to 5:45 PM on Sunday)
Nearby Hotels:
- Three Corners Downtown Hotel
- Hotel Central Basilica
- Hotel President
- Hotel BB Palace
- Hotel Geeta Saar
Nearby Restaurants:
- DiVino Wine Bar
- Nonloso Bistro
- KOLLÁZS - Brasserie & Bar
- Akademia Italia Budapest
- Trattoria Cardinale BDPST
Nearby Attractions:
- Buda Castle
- House of Parliament
- Chain Bridge
- Dohány Street Synagogue
- Hungarian State Opera House
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6. Enjoy Traditional Outdoor Festivities at Vorosmarty Square
Yet another popular place to enjoy the best of New Year's Eve in Budapest is Vorosmarty Square, which transforms into a festive hub as the day arrives. Being one of the most vibrant and historic public spaces in the city, it is here that lively crowds gather on the night of 31st December to count down to 12 and welcome the fresh year, but in a traditional way! Yes, this is the place where the new beginning is marked by following various Hungarian traditions to bring luck in the coming year. As the city rings in the New Year, the crowd starts making loud noises, which they believe bring good fortune for the entire year. Indulge in popular dishes, mulled wine, and enjoy dancing to the party music under the night sky. To enjoy traditional cuisine, you can visit one of the many Budapest New Year's Eve restaurants lined up in the area. If you are seeking to enjoy the outdoor festivities of NYE, head to Vorosmarty Square!
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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7. Step into Hoff House for a Fun Bingo Pub Crawl
If you are looking for an ultimate banger this new year, join the Bingo Bar Crawl at Hoff House, one of the most legendary NYE celebrations in Budapest. Just as you step into the venue, enjoy the free shots and get ready for the most exciting bar party with unlimited food, drinks, and loud music. It is the biggest opportunity to experience the best of the city's nightlife, wherein you visit three other bars, with the last one being the Instant-Fogas Complex. Doesn't that sound like the most interesting way to celebrate an amazing New Year in Budapest 2025 already? So, why not give it a try when you are in the city to welcome the fresh year? Besides this, there are many other popular pubs, bars, and clubs where you can attend some of the best parties, with live music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere. 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
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8. Celebrate at Hungarian State Opera House
Enjoy an elegant and cultural New Year in Budapest celebration at the Hungarian State Opera House. Renowned globally for its exquisite architecture and world-class shows, the Opera House hosts a grand New Year's Eve gala that features a dazzling array of ballet and opera performances. Symphony No. 9, staged for the twelfth time, will be the main highlight of the New Year celebrations on January 1, 2025. The evening at the Opera House is no less than just an 'out of the movie' experience, with classical music adding a soothing vibe to the atmosphere, enough to immerse the guests in the festivities of the night. For those seeking a sophisticated start to 2025, this is your place to be at!
Location: Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM - Monday to Saturday (4 PM to end of show on Sundays and holidays)
Nearby Hotels:
- City Hotel Budapest
- K+K Hotel Opera
- Three Corners Avenue Hotel
- Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments
- Casati Budapest Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Cork breakfast & wine
- Teátrum Cafe & Restaurant
- The MAGIC Budapest
- Két Szerecsen
- Twentysix Budapest
Nearby Attractions:
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Budapest Andrassy Avenue
- Jewish Quarter
- Danube River
- Fisherman's Bastion
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.
