Is Budapest in Winter a Bad Idea?
 

My husband and I are going to be in Europe for a family member's birthday in early December and thought we would take a week to also visit a city that we had never been to before. Budapest sounds interesting - the sightseeing, the food, the atmosphere - and the baths. We both like the idea of "taking the waters". But some are saying to us that it will be cold and raw and we shouldn't consider it. I figure we will already have brought warm clothing for the birthday celebration which will be in Northen Europe so why not?

As always, I count on the Fodorites to give me sound advice. To Budapest or not in mid-December?

There is no such a thing as cold weather, only bad clothing :-D

Leo, I think you need to pay less attention to what other people (who must likely have never been anywhere in Mid-Dec) have to say about your plans....

You will be in Budapest no matter what, OF COURSE you should go and EXPERIENCE; what am I missing?... the only reason I would pay any attention to people's opinion on this is if they have been to Budapest in Mid-December...

The best I can offer is early November (I can also offer a July perspective, but it's not greatly relevant.

Sure, Budapest is cold in Winter. So what? Cut the sunbathing out of your programme. Put a slightly higher proportion of indoor stuff into your schedule, be it music performances, shopping, museums, or lengthy meals.

Hit the baths, and make your own judgement.

Bear in mind that Budapest is a major city with a permanent population, and they can cope with winter; are you a lesser mortal? Go. Enjoy one of Europe's great cities. Let the wimps stay at home.

Just got back last week from Budapest-despite the freak winter storm "Emma" that tore through eastern Europe with mammoth winds and rain, the trip was great! The temps were in the 40's and 50's and the hotel prices were low and the various museums had no lines.I am from Chicago and I thought it was downright warm!

I would definitely take the time to visit Budapest.The Museum of Terror;House of Hungarian Wines (over two hours of tasting over 55 different Hungarian wines) and Central Market were three of our favorite things there!

I would also highly recommend the Starlight Suiten Hotel(right next to the Chain Bridge and around the corner from the Four Seasons Hotel.It is a very reasonable hotel with a wonderfully helpful staff to guide you anywhere.It is a combo bedroom,living area with kitchen area and separate bathroom that was huge. Included is also a continental breakfast. The location is fabulous for walking,using the bus or walking a few short blocks and take the metro.
Have a great time and appreciate the living hell that these wonderful people went through the past 40 years.

Great advice from Dutyfree and Viajero; I love the concept that there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. We are headed there March 14th...I'm planning to prepare for the layering thing...with microfiber underwear, shoes that can handle rain, etc., but layering. We went to Japan last year in late March and they had a fluke cold snap even though the cherry blossoms were in bloom, so I was a bit chilly...I hope to avoid that in Eastern Europe. Dutyfree, the Museum of Terror is one of our priorities so I was grateful for your reinforcement.

We spent Christmas there one year & enjoyed it, although the weather wasn't good. We didn't get round to trying a spa (we were only there about 4-5 days I think) so want to go back.

Our trip to Budapest a few years ago was between Christmas and New Year. When we went it was cold and crisp, just above freezing in the day, just below at night. This was fine for sightseeing, as long as we wrapped up well. In December there is also the bonus of some (small) Christmas markets and decorations and we saw a couple of outdoor ice rinks.

Thank you all for your advice. We were all set to go when it turned out that medically it would not be good for my husband to be in a very cold, possibly damp climate. So I will go alone to the family birthday party (which takes place in Norway)and we will reserve Budapest for a visit during a warmer season.

I've traveled to Europe in December for the last three years. Its my favorite time of the year. Off season rates, no lines and you get to experience a different culture during the holidays.

I say go for it!

Hi.. Budapest in winter is a wonderful idea. We live in South Florida and spent Christmas there last year. It was wonderful.
There where days when it was cold, but nothing unbearable.

I would highly suggest layers. Most of our waredrobe consists of summer clothing, but we managed. Tank top under a long sleeve t-shirt and a good LLBean jacket was all that was needed. Warm socks and shoes hat and gloves. We did not even have a scarf. When we got to cold, we would stop for a mug of some forolt bor (boiled wine) and hot chocolate for our daughter.

However Beware.... all buildings are overheated. As soon as you walk into a store, the heat hits you hard and the jacket will come off. (Like I said we live in Florida, and I was hot)Utilize the coat check whereever you go. We never had a problem with them, but we never left anything to valueable in the jackets either.

Museums, plays, operas, baths, are wonderful during the winter season in HU. You will find plenty to do and make sure you DO NOT miss the Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Ter.

Just got back and can confirm the hotels and museums and restaurants tend to be overheated so you do need to do the layering thing. The House of Terror (which was fascinating) was like a sauna!

I lived in Budapest for a year back in 1999, and I would say the winter is no worse than anywhere in the Midwestern, MidAtlantic, or Northeastern U.S.

You talked about going to the baths...there is no better time to go than in the middle of winter. The water and saunas take the chill right out of your bones, warm you to the core. I found them to be really restorative during the winter, especially when followed by a hot, heavy Hungarian meal and a bottle of red wine.

Man, I am really jealous of your trip now! Have a wonderful time.