Budapest Christmas markets: 6 tips I wish I knew before visiting

Nothing in the United States compares to the magic and charm of European Christmas markets. From sparkling lights to festive stalls filled with handcrafted goods and mulled wine, it’s easy to see why travelers flock to Europe during the holiday season. With Budapest at the top of my bucket list, my husband and I jetted off to Hungary for five days this past December to experience the city’s legendary holiday atmosphere.

Because I’ve visited Christmas markets in other countries, including Vienna, Prague, London, Germany, and France, I thought I knew what to expect. But Budapest surprised me in many ways, both good and bad. While the markets themselves were enchanting, I learned a few lessons along the way that could help any first-time visitor better prepare for their own trip.

Here are six tips I wish I had known before my visit.

1. The city is essentially cashless

Unlike some European destinations, Budapest has widely adopted cashless transactions. This includes the Christmas markets, where most vendors prefer credit or debit cards. Before our trip, we assumed that cash would be king at the markets, but we decided to hold off on withdrawing cash from the ATMs. Luckily, this was a smart move and we didn’t need cash at all during our visit. 

Save yourself the trouble and bring your credit cards. Don’t overestimate the need for cash. Most places, including restaurants, tourist attractions, and public transportation, accept cards. However, it’s a good idea to check if your bank charges foreign transaction fees before you travel.

2. Budapest has fewer markets than other European cities

Compared to destinations like Vienna or Germany, Budapest has fewer Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. While this doesn’t take away from their charm, it means you might not need as much time to explore them.

This can actually be an advantage, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. You’ll have more time to see Budapest’s main tourist attractions, such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and St. Stephen’s Basilica, while still enjoying the festive atmosphere. The smaller scale of the markets also means less walking between locations, which is a blessing when temperatures drop below freezing.

3. Weekday afternoons are the best time to visit the Christmas markets

If you’re hoping to enjoy the Christmas markets without the stress of navigating crowds, plan your visits for weekday afternoons. We learned this lesson after braving the markets on a Saturday evening when it felt like half of Budapest had descended upon the stalls.

During the afternoons, the atmosphere is calmer, making it easier to shop for trinkets, sample local treats, and take in the festive decorations. You’ll still get to experience the holiday magic without needing to elbow your way to the mulled wine stand.

4. Public transport is easier to use than you think

We avoided Budapest’s public transportation system during our first two days, assuming it would be complicated to navigate. That was a mistake. Once we gave it a try — and walked 20,000 steps each day — we realized just how efficient and user-friendly it is.

The city’s metro, buses, and trams are all well-connected, and you can even purchase virtual tickets using your phone. This makes it incredibly convenient, especially since you don’t have to deal with paper tickets or worry about having exact change. Public transport is also a great way to explore the city without spending too much time walking in the cold.

5. Visit the thermal baths early — and bring your own essentials

No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of its iconic thermal baths, and winter is a particularly magical time to experience them. The warm, mineral-rich waters feel even more soothing when surrounded by frosty air and twinkling Christmas lights.

We chose the Széchenyi Baths, one of the most famous in the city. While the experience was unforgettable, we wished we had arrived earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. We also learned that renting towels and sandals on-site is pricey, so bring your own to save money.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you’ll be delighted to find a small Christmas market near the Széchenyi Baths. It’s a charming bonus and a great way to round out your visit. Ice skating is available in the area too, along with the Vajdahunyad Castle. 

6. Plan to splurge at the markets

One of the biggest surprises for me was the cost of food and drinks at the Christmas markets. I had assumed that the favorable exchange rate would make market cuisine more affordable, but the reality was quite different. Many dishes and drinks were nearly as expensive as what you’d find in a sit-down restaurant.

To make the most of our budget, we decided to stick to snacks, drinks, and light lunches at the markets while saving our splurges for evening dinners at restaurants. This allowed us to enjoy local specialties like chimney cakes and goulash without overspending.

Budapest’s Christmas markets are truly magical, and the city itself is a winter wonderland during the holiday season. While there are a few quirks to navigate as a first-time visitor, these tips can help you make the most of your trip. From embracing the cashless culture to timing your market visits wisely, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

If Budapest’s Christmas markets aren’t already on your bucket list, they should be! There’s nothing quite like sipping mulled wine under a canopy of sparkling lights while the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air.