April on a Budget: A Student’s Guide to Enjoying Budapest This Spring

This season brings a wave of color, culture, and celebration, making it the perfect time to explore the city without stretching your budget. From vibrant festivals and blooming gardens to lively Easter markets, there are countless opportunities to enjoy Budapest without spending a fortune.
Here’s a guide to the best budget-friendly events happening this April!
April Events to Check Out
April is a fantastic time to experience Budapest’s lively festival scene. Many events are low-cost or free, offering a great way to soak in Hungarian culture.
Visiting the ELTE Botanical Garden (Füvészkert)
While the iconic Cherry Blossom Festival has already wrapped up for the year, the ELTE Botanical Garden (Füvészkert) remains a must-visit destination for anyone looking to make the most of spring in Budapest. As Hungary’s oldest botanical garden, Füvészkert is full of life this time of year with colorful tulips, magnolias, and a wide variety of exotic plants.
Location:
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
It’s a perfect student-friendly escape from campus stress. Come here to take aesthetic photos, journal under a tree, sketch the landscape, or work on group projects in the sunshine. Bring snacks and enjoy an outdoor study session or simply walk around to reset your mind between assignments.
Tickets can be purchased online !
Easter Markets
Dates: March 24 – April 16, 2025
Budapest's Easter markets offer a vibrant atmosphere filled with handcrafted goods, traditional foods, and live folk music. These markets provide an excellent opportunity to experience Hungarian Easter traditions and cuisine.
Locations:
- Vörösmarty Square: This central square hosts numerous stalls selling arts and crafts, pottery, and traditional Hungarian foods like lángos and chimney cake (kürtőskalács).
- Gozsdu Courtyard: Known for its lively atmosphere, Gozsdu Courtyard's Easter Market features handcrafted gifts, food stalls, and activities such as face painting and Easter egg painting for children. The market runs from April 18–21, 2025.
Admission: Entry to the markets is free, making them accessible for students looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere without incurring costs.
Note: Hungary observes Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays (April 18 and 21 in 2025), during which many shops and restaurants may be closed. Plan your shopping and travels accordingly.
Budapest Spring Festival
Dates: April 29 – May 12, 2025
The Budapest Spring Festival is one of Hungary's premier cultural events, showcasing a diverse array of performances including opera, ballet, classical music concerts, jazz, and contemporary dance. The festival features both Hungarian artists and international stars, making it a significant highlight in Budapest's cultural calendar.
- Venues: Performances are held at various iconic locations throughout the city, such as the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungarian State Opera House, and Palace of Arts.
- Tickets: While some events are free, many require tickets. Students can often avail of discounts by presenting a valid student ID. It's advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand.
You can find more deatiled information about dates, prices, and activities in !
Final Thoughts
April is a wonderful time to visit Budapest, with spring in full bloom and plenty of budget-friendly events to enjoy. Whether you’re attending a concert at the Spring Festival, admiring cherry blossoms, or browsing Easter markets, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the city without spending much.
Have fun and enjoy the spring season!