Budapest Local City Tips And Events

If you're thinking about spending Halloween in Budapest in 2024, don't think twice. Halloween didn’t always use to be observed in Hungary – in fact, the Hungarian holiday early November (the Day of the Dead) is a somber, reflective day when a lot of families lay flowers on the graves of their loved ones.

Today, especially among younger people, Halloween is getting more popular every year, with tons of parties, events and special offers all around the Budapest restaurant-café-party-fun event scene. So just like Valentine’s Day, it is fairly new but by now has come to be loved and celebrated wildly.

So you can expect a bunch of Halloween-themed specials all around the city. The big party venues such as Instant or Dürer will have plenty on their plates (ask the staff at Maverick who will be happy to help you get around, and, of course, we're your hostel to come to Budapest).

In this post, we look beyond the usual party circuit, from Dracula’s prison to Szechenyi Baths Spa Party and the Lantern Festival to help you find the most fun possible during your late October visit to Budapest.

Remember: November 1st All Saints Day is a public holiday in Budapest, Hungary. Shops, markets will be closed. Public transport services operate according to holiday schedule.

Budapest Halloween Lantern Festival: Pumpkin carving

Do you want to show off your carved pumpkin? You can do it on the chilly night of 29 October on Heroes’ Square at 7. This is a charity and free event that has been organized for more than 10 years – all participants are asked to bring some non-perishable food that the organizers collect and hand out to families in need. The occasion is a perfect treat for children. 

Photo by David Menidrey

Halloween Boat Party Budapest

You can celebrate Halloween in Budapest in 2024 on a special way: a party on the Danube!! A terrifying boat ride on the Danube with a Halloween Party! If you are an adventurer and you are not afraid of the dead, it can be a great option to have fun with your friends.

Credit: Budapestbylocals.com

Escape rooms!

Yes, Budapest has a bunch of them, and many will host Halloween specials. Nightmare in Budapest, for example, will hold a special halloween horror event from 28th to 31st of october. You have to be a big scare-lover or crazy to go. Tell us, are you willing to go?

Szechenyi Baths Spa Party Budapest

 If you want to have a great Halloween party but you don't have costume... NO PROBLEM! Head to Szechenyi Baths for a Halloween themed pool party, and wear some spooky swimwear: Szechenyi Bath isthe most popular thermal bath in Budapest, and also Szechenyi Spa & Baths is famous for its night spa parties. Don't forget buy your tickets.   

Ruin Bar and Pub Crawl Halloween

Being in Budapest on Halloween and not going to some ruined bar is a crime. You should visit at least Szimpla Kert, Budapest's iconic ruin bar. If you visit a ruined bar, you will be surprised. You can ask the Maverick staff for information about our pub crawl and ruined bars.

Credit: Liam McKay

Halloween Run 

Do you have the guts to enter a race to the death where you never know who will be waiting for you around the next bend? We think you'll easily break your personal record if you're picked by a team of zombies... The adrenaline rush is guaranteed!

Distances: preschool (300 m), school (700 m), family (700 m), 4.3 km, 7 km and 21 km (individual and relay), quintathlon (8 km)

Date: October, 29th, Where: 1105 Budapest, Előd u. 1.