New Year is approaching quickly in Budapest, which is a perfect place to welcome the New Year since people will say farewell to the old year at countless parties on 31 December, last but not least by the picturesque river Danube.
Pre New Year’s Eve Party in Budapest
Just one day before the actual NYE (on Dec 30), the city will be rocking an absolutely must see / must plunge Szechenyi Baths NY Pool Party in one of the best thermal baths in Budapest: Szechenyi Spa & Baths.
Hurry, tickets are already on sale and will run out quickly!
Parties on the Danube on 31 December
There is no doubt that some of the best programs for New Year’s Eve in Hungary are the New Year’s Eve Budapest River Cruises.
These cruises offer dinner, drinks, party and show, and UNESCO World Heritage sites all in one! Warm gala dinners served, a wide choice in drinks, live music, great atmosphere! All seats will be booked up in advance, so secure your tickets now.
If you want to be seated separately, at your own table, please make sure to pick a NYE cruise, which guarantees a table for 2 or for a group of guests. One of the biggest party boats will have shared tables where guests can get to know each other and enjoy the party together. Why not make friends on this special night?
New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration in the Danube Palace
A whole night’s festive program with a 5-course gala dinner and drinks starting at 7 pm in an elegant historic building, the Danube Palace, to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Booking and details: New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration
A 2-hour concert and dance performance follows the dinner in the theatre hall of the Danube Palace including classical pieces, operetta songs and traditional Hungarian folk songs and music.
After toasting with champagne at midnight a second dinner will be served in a refined salon setting complete with a drink bar.
A great and elegant way to spend the last evening of the year.
Thermal Baths in Budapest on Dec 31
The main thermal baths of Budapest (Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Spa, Lukacs Baths, Rudas Baths and all their facilities are open from 6 am to 6 pm. Check-in for online reservations: 9 am – 5 pm.
Please note that massage appointments and the Gellert private bath are subject to availability as massage hours are limited.
Book a relaxing massage on the last day of the year, but book it well in advance.
Day Cruises on the River in Budapest
Admire the wonderful panorama of Pest and Buda from the river Danube from a daytime boat tour, check out the Winter Calendar with programs that are available every day all year round.
Enjoy a scenic Danube river cruise in the city of Budapest, taking in the dozens of beautiful sights along the riverfront, while sipping away 2 free drinks, or enjoying our lovely and rich buffet style lunch from 2 pm on the Lunch Cruise.
Should you wish to skip lunch, but you would enjoy a delicious pizza of your choice with unlimited drinks while you can admire the beautiful sights of Budapest along the river Danube, join the guided sightseeing cruise from 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm or 7 pm.
If you only want a Sightseeing Cruise with Guide on Panorama Boats, choose either the 2 pm or the 6.30 pm cruises.
Buda Castle Tours on Dec 31
The Castle District in Budapest inevitably attracts tourists all year round, whether it is hot or cold out there. Do not be the only one who is not familiar with the incredible history of Buda Castle, get to know it on a 2-hour-long Guided Walking Tour.
Christmas Markets on Dec 31 in Budapest
Spending a couple of hours in one of Europe’s best Christmas fairs before getting ready to party sounds ideal.
Both Vorosmarty Square in the city centre and St Stephen’s Basilica welcome visitors on the last day of 2018.
1, Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market on Dec 31
Address: Vorosmarty Ter, District V
Opening hours on Dec 31: 10 am – 4 pm (food stalls only as the handicraft shops are closed)
2, St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market on Dec 31
Address: Szent Istvan Ter, in front of the Budapest Basilica building, District V
Opening hours on Dec 31: 10 am – 10 pm (food stalls and handicraft shops) with laser show every half an hour between 4.30 pm and 8 pm on the Basilica’s facade.
Ice Skating –the No. 1 Winter Activity in the City
Should you choose the City Park or the City Centre + City Park Segway Tour, stay there a bit longer and go ice skating!
Opening hours on December 31.: 09.00-13.00
Public Transport in Budapest on 31 December
On 31st December after 23.00 night services carry passengers. Some services run more frequently on New Year’s Eve, like trams No. 4 and 6 along Nagykorut.
Last metro trains depart at 23.10 and first trains leaves terminus at 4.30 on 1st January.
Each year usually three tram lines, one of them is tram 2 along the Danube bank in Pest, are decked out in festive lights welcoming the approach of Christmas and the New Year with almost 40,000 blue and white LED lights. The interior of the trams is also decorated in holidays theme.
The best thing is that you can travel on these special trams with regular public transport tickets or the Budapest Card.