10 best things to do on your birthday in Budapest

Michael Jackson Memorial Tree, Budapest, Hungary (Ank Kumar) 01. Michael Jackson Memorial Tree is an unofficial memorial tree. Story: ~Michael Jackson traveled to Budapest in 1994 to film a promotional video for the HIStory album. He stayed in the Kempinski hotel at Elizabeth Square. Fans camped at a tree shadow (summertime) on the square, and they erupted in loud celebration when they suspected seeing Michael. Their reward was not lost: the ‘king of pop’ greeted them several times from the window. In 2009 the fans gathered again for the sad news of Jackson’s unexpected death. Candles and flowers were placed at the base of the tree. Several photos of the star were posted on the trunk of the tree. The memorial tree is truly revived twice a year: on Michael Jackson’s birthday (August 29) and on the anniversary of his tragic death (June 25), and new, heartbreaking memories are always added. – Erzsébet Square Park, Budapest, Hungary. Photo by Ank Kumar – Wikimedia Commons

10 Best Things To Do On Your birthday in Budapest

Budapest is a city of relaxation as well as partying. You will get to enjoy the thermal baths and the architecture of the city as well as the epic nightlife!

This Hungarian city is a great destination for a birthday celebration. Full of culture and a great party scene, you’ll be kept busy all day and night!

There’s something for everyone; you can relax in the city’s thermal baths after a busy day of walking around the city and seeing the sights or you could go to a spa but not to relax at a Spa Party in Budapest!

 On this visit to the spa, you’ll be able to celebrate your birthday by dancing in the warm water and enjoying the drinks!

1. A River Cruise would help you on your adventure around the city

Budapest. Photo by © Ralf Roletschek – Fahrradtechnik und Fotografie – Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a way to combine partying and exploring, then a River Cruise would help you on your adventure around the city.

You could be cruising along the river Danube on your birthday, enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner with a lovely welcome drink when you arrive on the river cruise before you enjoy the sights of Budapest!

Spas and river cruises, dinners out, and spa parties, Budapest has it all for a great birthday party!

 If this has left you Hungary for a birthday in Budapest, then come and explore this amazing city with your friends and enjoy some of the many parties and activities Fizzbox has to offer!

2. Begin with a birthday breakfast while in Budapest

Budapest Chain Bridge. Photo by Mmullie (WMF) – Wikimedia Commons

One of most people’s favorite places for breakfast in Budapest is the London Coffee Society. It’s tiny, it’s cozy, and it serves damn good food.

If you believe sourdough bread is a gift from the gods like I do, London Coffee Society is a must on your birthday. The toast with cream cheese smoked salmon, a fried egg, and avocado is perfection.

3. Do not forget to celebrate your birthday with a cake while in Budapest

Budapešť. Photo by Dezidor – Wikimedia Commons

It does not matter, how old one is turning, a cake will always be involved in birthday celebrations.  For your birthday in Budapest, they are two great options.

They have a huge selection of donuts and the infamous (in my mind, at least) “Freak Shakes.” These massive conglomerations have ice cream, whipped cream, brownies, cake, or even multiple donuts on top.

4. Try these places for good eats while in Budapest

View from Buda Castle towards the Northern west Budapest. Photo by Jakub Hałun – Wikimedia Commons

Daniel and I just had a run of five, yes five, amazing meals in a row on my birthday weekend. If you’re looking for a birthday meal in Budapest and all you care about is flavor, try Bors Gastro Bar. 

The sandwiches are cheap and unbelievably good. You’ll know you’re there when you see the line spilling out the door. Just be prepared to wait a bit and know that there’s no seating.

5. Stay somewhere crazy

Budapest’s Ferris wheel, the Budapest Eye, was taken at dusk in Budapest, Hungary in May 2019. Photo by FeldBum – Wikimedia Commons

There are tons of beautiful places to stay in Budapest on Airbnb, but why not make your birthday weekend a little more memorable?

Book something unique – like this converted nightclub (with space for 16 people), this vintage boat, or this cozy yurt in the countryside to try something new!

6. Extra itinerary suggestions for a birthday in Budapest

panorama of Budapest taken in the evening at Gellért Hill. Photo by Jean Eti – Wikimedia Commons

Go on a hike to work off your cake. I recommend visiting the Janos Hill Chairlift in the Buda Hills or tackling the more difficult trek fromnZebegeny to Remete Cave. Relax in the sun at City Park or on Margaret Island.

Treat yourself to the Thermal Beer Spa, where you can pour a glass from the tap while you bathe. Drink coffee at New York Cafe, wine at the famous Szimpla Kert ruin pub, or a local craft beer at Hedon Brewery (with a self-serve beer wall) or the Jonas Craft Beer House.

Finish it off with shisha at Kelet Csilliga, a fat burrito from Papitos, or a good old-fashioned Netflix binge sesh. The weekend was nothing fancy, but it was perfect for me.

I know birthdays are subjective. You might hate every second of this itinerary and prefer to get dressed up to splash out at the clubs. But, for anyone that wants to keep it low-key and relatively cheap, I got ya covered.

7. Széchenyi Chain Bridge is an exceptional 19th-century masterpiece of engineering

17-es villamos, Budapest. Photo by VinceB – Wikimedia Commons

Let’s start with the only Budapest attraction that unites Buda and Pest: Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The bridge is an exceptional 19th-century masterpiece of engineering and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary.

Connecting Széchenyi Square behind Gresham Palace in Pest to Buda’s Adam-Clark Square beneath Castle Hill’s Funicular, the bridge has become a symbol of the unity of people.

If you take a walking tour of Budapest, you’ll get the opportunity to understand the history of the city and that of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Statues of lions guard each end of the bridge but don’t let that stop you from crossing on foot. It’s worth it: The view from the middle of the bridge is fantastic!

8. Castle Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

BUDAPEST, – Okt.61 – Ungarn. Photo by Peter H. Feist – Wikimedia Commons

Castle Hill in Budapest (Várhegy) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering above the Danube, this is where the town of Buda began in the 13^th century, and you can still find traces of its medieval roots.

The Castle Quarter has many important historical monuments and museums. Its (mostly pedestrian) cobblestone streets are full of medieval, Neoclassical, and Baroque houses, churches, public buildings, and statues.

9. Buda Castle complex (Budevari Palota) replaced a medieval castle fortress

Buda Castle by night September 2008. Photo by Eastfarthingan – Wikimedia Commons

Built in the mid-1700s, the Buda Castle complex (Budevari Palota) replaced a medieval castle fortress that had been constructed to protect the city against Mongol and Tartar attacks.

The castle is worth visiting, either with a guided tour or on your own. The former Royal Palace now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, where you can see the Hungarian coronation jewels, older than the Imperial Crown in Vienna, and other pieces of art in their permanent collection.

10. Matthias church stands above the Castle Hill with a beautiful red-tiled roof and an ornate white exterior would be a great place to visit on your birthday while in Budapest

Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) and Margaret Bridge (Margit híd) with the Danube, Budapest. Photo by Felix König – Wikimedia Commons

Another top thing to see in Budapest is Matthias church stands above Castle Hill with a beautiful red-tiled roof and an ornate white exterior. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Budapest as well as Hungary as a whole.

Officially named The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle, Matthias Church was named for King Matthias Corvinus the Fair, who restored the structure after a fire in 1458.

Inside the Matthias Church, you will find a treasure trove of historic artifacts and artistic wonders, including religious artifacts and replicas of royal jewels. You will also get to see the medieval crypt where 10th-century King Béla III and his wife Agnes were buried.

Get to celebrate your birthday in Budapest with these tips and you are sure to have an awesome time there.