24 hours in Budapest: A guide to the city after sunset

CNN

12-05-2025

As twilight envelops Budapest, new avenues for exploring the Hungarian capital emerge, with each one bringing the possibility of discovering something extraordinary.
Perhaps nowhere captures the energy of Budapest after dark quite like Margaret Island—a lush green haven perched in the middle of the river. Loved by both locals and visitors alike, Margitsziget, as it is known, is 225 acres of tranquility, where sunsets spent lounging in landscaped gardens blend into evenings exploring food pop-ups and enjoying classical open-air concerts.
Winding nature paths guide visitors past the island's manicured gardens and the ruins of a Dominican convent, which was once home to Margitsziget's namesake, Saint Margaret of Hungary. Passing the late-night joggers and couples relaxing on the grass, one final stop is essential—the legendary Margitsziget Musical Well, which performs a kaleidoscopic light and water show every hour, on the hour.
Back on the mainland, night spas are a fantastic way to relax at the end of a busy day. The Veli Bej Bath—Budapest's oldest Turkish spa—is the perfect spot to unwind. Housed within an Ottoman-era bathhouse, its indoor and outdoor thermal pools host dedicated evening sessions, where guests can step into soothing, mineral-rich waters beneath the stars. As you sink deeper into relaxation, moonlit Danube cruises drift in and out of view, each one carrying visitors past landmarks like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, both glowing gold against the night sky.
Even as night falls, Budapest's cultural scene stays buzzing. Nowhere is this more evident than at the city's celebrated music venues, including the Hungarian State Opera House. A Neo-Renaissance masterpiece that has welcomed opera and ballet lovers for over 130 years, the Hungarian State Opera House stages world-renowned classics, such as The Nutcracker, as well as new works including a ballet reimagining of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. And with the recent completion of a five-year renovation project, the building has been returned to its former glory, making the setting just as memorable as the performance.
Steps away, the Recirquel Contemporary Circus at Müpa Budapest offers a unique experience that complements and contrasts the city's traditional cultural offerings. Their latest internationally acclaimed production, Paradisum, blends dance, acrobatics, and theater to push the boundaries of art and enchant audiences in the heart of Budapest.
To end on a final, musical note, a short walk through Liget City Park brings you to one of Budapest's most exciting new cultural landmarks: House of Music Hungary. Outside, the striking glass structure, designed by celebrated Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, is born out of its natural surroundings, with sycamore trees growing through the building's sculpted roof. Inside, the venue pushes the boundaries of performance with a diverse program of live concerts—from jazz improvisations and folk revivals to contemporary pop and classical ensembles.
Prev
Next
After an evening filled with culture, it's only fitting that Budapest continues to delight at the table. And on Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site awaits, full of hidden bars, and high-concept gastronomy.
The W Budapest, which repurposed the 1886 Drechsler Palace through the vision of architects Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, typifies the city's blend of gastronomic heritage and modernity. Behind an ornate façade, Nightingale by Beefbar serves Japanese izakaya-style dishes with a contemporary Hungarian twist. The adjoining W Lounge channels the glamor of Budapest's old underground speakeasies, offering a menu of cutting-edge cocktails in a velvet-draped setting.
Elsewhere, Budapest's culinary scene continues to take flight, with seven Michelin-starred restaurants, all headed up by local talent. At the two-starred Stand, chef duo Tamás Széll and Szabina Szulló are transforming humble Hungarian classics into exquisite, contemporary dishes. Meanwhile at the one-star Borkonyha, wine is king, with a menu designed to pair with an ever-growing list of Hungarian vintages.
There is an undeniable magnetism about Budapest at night, where the city takes on a new electric rhythm. Just as exploring Budapest by day is an adventure, the evening enables visitors to peel back another layer of Hungary's historic capital. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Budapest under the stars has a way of capturing hearts and minds all over again.
Find out more about making the most of Budapest at night here.