If you’ve known me for awhile, you know that I absolutely love being from the Pacific Northwest–rainy days and all! But I’ll be the first to admit that soggy weather can put a damper on your plans. Now that the weather is cooling down, rainy days are becoming more and more common. Whether you’re visiting in the winter for the Christmas markets, or you’ve made Budapest your home, the rain doesn’t have to ruin your day! Here are 10 things to do on a rainy day in Budapest!
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1. Visit a Thermal Bath
Visiting the thermal baths is one of the best parts of living in Budapest. Can you think of anything better than escaping the chilly air by sitting in one of the deliciously steaming outdoor pools? The thermal waters are supposed to be good for and it can be an adventure to explore the maze of indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The spa experience in this City of Baths is quite relaxing, and even more cozy on a rainy day! Which Budapest thermal bath is the best? They all have something special:
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Perhaps the most famous, with its iconic yellow arcade and large outdoor pools
- Gellért Bath: Jaw-droppingly gorgeous Art Nouveau design
- Rudás Bath: With a bubbling rooftop hot tub where you can watch the city go by
- Lukács Bath: With an outdoor whirlpool and hot tub
2. Spend Time in a Museum
I get goosebumps when I think of all the wonderful museums that Budapest has. I’m telling y’all–you could get lost for days in these if you really wanted to. Spending time in one of Budapest’s museums is actually one of my favorite things to do during a rainy day, and there are museums for all sorts of interests. You can:
- Dive into an interactive exhibition (and get amazing pictures) at the Light Art Museum, Cinema Mystica, or IKONO.
- Try something different at the Selfie Museum or the Budapest Cat Museum (yes, really!)
- Appreciate art at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian National Gallery
- Dive into Hungarian history at the somber House of Terror Museum or Hospital in the Rock.
3. Hide Out in a Board Game Cafe
Board game cafes are a sort of paradise! Cozy rooms with an endless amount of games to choose from! Grab your friends and spend hours challenging each other to strategic battles while sipping on coffee/craft beer or enjoying snacks. Make a reservation, just to be safe! They can get popular! Whether you’re a hard core gamer or casual player, it can be a fun escape from the rain. Try the Board Game Café , Vault51, or Barcraft.
4. Solve the Puzzle in an Escape Room
As a Pacific Northwest native, I can appreciate any activity that lets you unleash your inner lumberjack. Axe throwing in Budapest definitely fits the bill. If it sounds intimidating, don’t worry–instructors will show you the ropes before you take aim. Afterward, you can head upstairs to the craft beer bar to celebrate your victory! At the very least, it’s a great way to unleash some pent-up energy as you dodge the bad weather!
6. Warm Up at a Cozy Cafe
If you want something a bit more modern, Massolit is a cafe and bookstore, where you can cozy up with a new favorite read.
Altair is a teahouse that’s almost like a hidden jungle, where you can settle in to different nooks and crannies and choose from their long list of teas. Ohana is a bright and friendly cafe not too far from the Parliament building that’s right in the city center.
7. Sip Wine at a Wine Bar
Did you know that Hungary has 22 wine regions? I’ve loved learning more about Hungarian wine (especially at this blind-tasting experience) since I’ve moved here, and I think that warm, fuzzy feeling that wine can be is nice during a rainy day. I know that Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, but I think settling in for a glass of wine and charcuterie at a wine bar can be even more satisfying in cold weather. Friendly expat bar, Bortodoor, cozy Palack, or the historic Faust Wine Cellar, are all good options for cozy ambiance.
8. Catch a Film at an Art Cinema
9. Explore the City’s Underground Labyrinths
Did you know that there are extensive cave systems underneath Buda’s Castle District? These extensive underground labyrinths twist and turn underneath the city, having been used for all sorts of things, from shelters to prisons to escape routes. If you’d like an adrenaline rush, you can sign up for adventure caving (I, however, value my sanity, and will not be doing that anytime soon).
Budapest’s subterranean chambers provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history–and even a surprise connection. Did you know that Vlad the Impaler–aka one of Bram Stoker’s main inspirations for Dracula–was once imprisoned in the labyrinths? Taking a tour of the labyrinth under Castle Hill (remember that the entrance fee is cash only!) is a great way to stay dry while delving into the mysteries of Budapest’s past.
10. Visit an Indoor Market
Budapest’s grand covered markets are a great place for souvenir/grocery shopping and overall people-watching. And look at it this way: you can support local businesses buying groceries and then go home to cook a warm and filling meal! Paying these markets a visit is one of the best things to do in Budapest regardless of weather. Budapest’s most famous market is probably the Great Market Hall, which, true, is pretty to look at (and taste regional delicacies). But for something less touristic, try Lehel Csarnok or Fény Utcai Piac on the Buda side.
So, as you can see, poor weather doesn’t have to ruin your plans–you can just change them up a little. I hope that you can find something on this list that will make your rainy day in Budapest more than enjoyable.
Stay dry!
Xx Denae
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