Budapest in August:
The Ultimate Summer Day Plan
Budapest in August is buzzing – hot sunny days, long warm nights, and some of the year’s biggest events. Whether you’re here for the food, the festivals, or just to soak up the summer vibes, this itinerary will help you squeeze the best out of a full day in Hungary’s capital.
Here’s the plan: eat well, cool off, soak up the culture, and end with one of Europe’s most epic firework shows.
HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Bolt App – quick rides to dodge the heat
- AWOL App – discounts, deals, and sneaky perks
- Comfy shoes & water – it’s August, it gets hot!
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Szimply Café 🥑☕
Start the day at Szimply, a small but brilliant breakfast spot tucked into a courtyard downtown. Their dishes look like they were made for Instagram, but they taste even better. Think avocado toast stacked high, shakshuka, and pancakes that hit just right.
It’s light, fresh, and exactly what you want before a hot day of exploring.
11:00 AM – Chill on Margaret Island 🌳🚲
Before the midday heat gets serious, head to Margaret Island – Budapest’s big green oasis right in the middle of the Danube. Rent a bike, cruise the shady paths, or just lay on the grass under a tree.
There’s even a musical fountain that goes off every hour, blasting water jets to pop songs – it’s cheesy but fun.
Pro tip: Pick up cold drinks or lángos from one of the little stands on the island – cheap, tasty, and keeps you going.
2:00 PM – Cool Down at Széchenyi Baths 💦♨️
No Budapest trip is complete without the baths, and in August the outdoor pools at Széchenyi are the move. Slip into the warm water (or the cooler plunge pools if it’s roasting), and watch locals play floating chess like pros.
If you’re with your partner, the big outdoor pool in the sun is peak summer romance – sunscreen highly recommended.
4:00 PM – Coffee + Cake Break ☕🍰
After the baths, head for a caffeine fix at Gerbeaud Café – one of the city’s most famous coffeehouses. Yes, it’s a bit fancy, but it’s August, treat yourself. Order a strong iced coffee and a slice of their legendary Dobos cake (layers of sponge, chocolate, and caramel).
It’ll cool you down and fuel you up for the evening.
7:00 PM – Dinner by the Danube 🍽️🍷
As the sun dips, grab dinner at Dunacorso Restaurant, right on the riverside. Classic Hungarian dishes, cold wine, and a view across the Danube to Buda Castle as the lights flicker on.
Order the gulyás (goulash soup) or a plate of paprika chicken if you want the proper Hungarian experience.
9:00 PM – Fireworks on St. Stephen’s Day 🎆🇭🇺
If you’re in Budapest on August 20th, you’ve hit the jackpot – it’s St. Stephen’s Day, Hungary’s national holiday. The city puts on a massive fireworks show over the Danube, lighting up Parliament, the bridges, and the Castle.
Best spots: Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, or (if you’re smart) book a Danube river cruise for front-row seats.
No August evening beats this.
Wrap-Up
That’s a full August day in Budapest: fresh breakfast, lazy island stroll, spa vibes, sweet treats, riverside dinner, and fireworks to close it all off.
Summer in Budapest is hot, busy, and full of life – but with this plan, you’ll catch the best of it without burning out.
Now, grab a cold fröccs (wine spritzer), say Egészségedre (cheers), and let August in Budapest do its thing. 🍹