Blooming cherry trees and tulip fields, Budapest Ritmo, Budapest Photo Festival, new Hungarian films, Spring Lantern Magic, and a cycle parade – these are among the best activities to experience in Budapest throughout April.
1. Admire blooming cherry trees
Budapest put its flower power into action, spoiling us with pastel pink blooms all over the city. You too can experience this fairytale-like sight: join Sakura celebrations in Budapest's oldest botanical gardens, take a stroll along Buda Castle's prettiest promenade, or head to the suburbs to explore a Japanese Garden.
Read more here.
2. Enjoy a concert at Bartók Spring International Art Week
Bartók Spring brings a cultural buzz to Budapest through classical and popular music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual arts. From April 5th to April 14th, enjoy performances by global stars and cutting-edge local artists at exciting venues – such as a dance performance by Company FrenÁK, the folk dance show Pure Source, or eclectic music festivals like Electric Field and Budapest Ritmo.
More details and programme here.
3. Explore the fun mini-statues of urban artist Kolodko
Guerilla artist Mihály Kolodko's figurines, scattered throughout the city, never fail to surprise. We have just spotted a new addition at the foot of Megyeri Bridge: a tied-up Chuck Norris. But there is a lot more to see, from Garfield and Winnie-the-Pooh to Emperor Franz Joseph. If you are up for an adventure, embark on a tour to discover them all – the map will help you.
4. See contemporary art at the Budapest Photo Festival
Budapest Photo Festival returns this April, running until May 3rd, curating a remarkable array of contemporary art from Hungary and beyond. Among the highlights is the Women's Focus exhibition at Kunsthalle, showcasing humanistic photographs by five female artists from Magnum Photos. Meanwhile, Turbina hosts an exhibition until April 19th, delving into techno and alternative subcultures rooted in the '90s- For a glimpse into Hungarian press photography, visit Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center from April 12th to June 2nd. Many events are free, such as Fresh Meat – spotlighting photographers under 35 (until April 23rd).
Flick through the programme and find the most fitting exhibitions.
5. Shop locally designed souvenirs
If you'd swap magnets for unique, creative and locally made souvenirs, we'll show you where to go. Step inside the new design shop at Astoria: Valamini boasts suitcase-friendly treasures such as prints and jewellery. For those who love browsing through design markets, mark your calendars for two upcoming fairs: WAMP will be at the Museum of Ethnography on April 14th, while Makers' Market awaits at Fény utca Market on April 21st.
6. Catch a new Hungarian film at the cinema
If you are up for watching a Hungarian movie, add Pelican Blue to your list, which premiered on April 4th. It's a rare gem, a blend of documentary and animation, equally entertaining and informative. With the Iron Curtain's fall, after the 40-year communist regime, and the borders opening, our heroes, Ákos, Laci, and Petya, decide to see the world. Fuelled by their chemistry knowledge, they forged train tickets using Pelikan blue carbon paper, a key tool in their operation. This act unlocked the gateway to Europe, not just for them, but for many others who followed their lead.
See it with English subtitles at Toldi or Művész Cinema. For more recently released Hungarian movies, check out our list here.
7. Marvel at hundreds of lantern creatures at the Budapest Zoo
Until April 21st, you can not only meet the long-term residents at the Budapest Zoo but also explore 'creatures of the light' in the eastern gardens (on the right side of the circus when looking from the Állatkerti körút). See illuminated birds, pandas, and gorillas, then stick around to pet adorable baby animals or take a ride on the vintage carousel.
More details here.
8. Discover all the design-led metro stations of the 10-year-old M4 line
Since its spring 2014 inauguration, Metro Line 4 has become a showcase of Hungarian contemporary art. You can read about interesting facts here, but we say, experience it firsthand by hopping on a train and enjoying the ride! That involves stepping outside from the carriage from time to time (don't worry, it only has 10 stops), and taking in the aesthetics of each station. If you prefer guided tours, check this site for available dates led by locals.
9. Be part of Hungary's biggest cycle parade
On April 20th, experience Budapest in a whole new way! Join the 'I bike Budapest' cycle parade and demonstration to pedal through the city like never before. Join like-minded people and pave the path to make Budapest a cycling-friendly capital. All are welcome, there is no age limit. Begin with a picnic and music in Népliget (People's Park) before embarking on the scenic route to City Park – passing through Üllői út, Petőfi Bridge, Attila út, Tunnel, Chain Bridge, József Attila utca, Andrássy út, and Heroes' Square.
More details here.
10. Bask in the sunshine on a terrace
Spring is in full swing, with temperatures set to be quite pleasant in April. By midday, it will be nicer outside than inside, so make the most of the good weather with a drink on the freshly opened terraces. Check out our list here to find the perfect spot.
10+1 Go on a day trip and pick tulips
To all the flower aficionados out there: if you are up for picking your own bouquet, here are two picturesque spots to visit on a day trip. TulipGarden Dunakanyar, nestled in the scenic Danube Bend of Northern Hungary, boasts 70 thousand vibrant tulips, while Kőröshegy (at Lake Balaton) awaits eager pickers with half a million colourful stems.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
