Visiting Budapest doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on programmes: our beautiful capital offers some amazing opportunities to have fun with your partner, family, friends or even alone: check out our top free programmes for May, at least for the first part of the month.

Embrace the beauty

The Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano di Cultura Budapest) is hosting a spectacular photography exhibition: Dancer Inside Budapest by Simone Ghera, which can be visited until 10 June. The exhibition is a combination of architecture and dance, creating a synergistic work of art in which the cultural diversity of the world is expressed through the universal language of dance.

Parks and gardens are the most beautiful in May, so we recommend spending some time in a nice park in Budapest. For example, the most unique oriental style garden, the one of Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts can be visited for free after 1 May. 

 

 

 

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Énidő Hangával (@enido_hangaval) által megosztott bejegyzés

Go on with counting experiences and beautiful things at the local Vintage Fashion Market or at the Sunday Market at Hedonist Budapest, or take part in the Budapest International Organ Festival. 

Gastro festivals with free admission

Sip into summer and the most unique gins combined with special tonic variations at the Gin Festival at Fény utcai piac (Fény Street Market). More than 20 types of gin awaits you at a friendly, child- and dog-friendly location, with great music and hopefully sunshine, as well. 

Not a fan of gin? Choose beer! Between the 14 and 18 May, Corvin Season Opening Beer Festival offers you 150 types of draught and bottled beers from around the world. IPA, EPA, APA, fruit beers with special spices are waiting for you, not to mention unfiltered wheat and lagers.

If you love sweet things, don't miss the sweetest weekend of the year: Sweet Days Budapest awaits you from 1 to 4 May at the beautiful Basilica in St Stephen's Square.

The best free programmes for May with children

Celebrate Europe Day and the 21st anniversary of Hungary's accession to the European Union on Sunday 11 May 2025 at Szabadság tér. There will be concerts, various activities for families and children, creative activities, quizzes and games, and you can learn more about the EU if you want.

Are you open for some more family fun? Müpa's Cifra Palota programmes offer musical dance and fairy-tale performances and creative activities for children and a lot of fun for the whole family. Cifra palota programmes are free every Sunday, and can be found in the Lobby of Müpa.