Introduction

Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll find plenty of history, beautiful buildings and lots of nightlife. If you’re a Budapest resident or just visiting, spending a Sunday enjoying the nightlife is something special. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to have a great Sunday night in Budapest.

1. Learn About Sunday Nightlife

The mood in Budapest on Sundays is not like it is the rest of the week. Although hours have been cut at some places, most venues feature great entertainment and are packed with people. You should know that Sundays are usually more relaxed, so they’re the perfect night for a peaceful yet lively night.

While Fridays and Saturdays bring energetic crowds, each Sunday attracts both local residents who want to relax and for tourists wanting something calmer. The Jewish Quarter and District V (VII) keep clubs open past midnight and you’ll find the most exciting place there: the ruin bars. Drinks haven’t become expensive—you can get a pint for as little as 700 HUF (£1.46) or a cocktail for between 1,800 and 2,500 HUF (£3.75–£5.21). On Reddit, r/paris admires the “chilled, social side of things” so much that a drink like a fröccs (1000 HUF, £2.08) is bound to spark many conversations on a Sunday. May’s pleasant 15–25°C climate improves outdoor venues, so courtyards are especially attractive.

2. You might want to start with Ruin Bars when in Budapest.

Those looking for a unique Budapest night out should start Sunday night at a ruin bar. Often, these spaces are found in empty buildings, outside areas and underground, creating a relaxed and oddly fascinating atmosphere. Many people visit Instant and Szimpla Kert to enjoy both music, drinks and a creative atmosphere.

It’s a good idea to show up early, since these venues can get completely full, especially on Sundays when many people stop by.

Acoustic performers or open-mic singers play at Szimpla Kert on Sundays and you can also buy a pint for 800 HUF (£1.67). For a gentle beginning, unwind in the courtyard which has hammocks and lights. Instant (Akácfa u. 49–51) is where you’ll find indie or chill house DJs and entry costs 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Because of the colorful lights and traditional designs, their rooms have a relaxed yet exciting mood. Both are about five minutes away from the M1 metro stop at Oktogon. Many reviews on TripAdvisor highlight Sunday’s special small-crowd feeling, but showing up before 8 PM makes it less crowded.

3. Have a look at Gozsdu Courtyard.

Right by the ruin bars, you’ll find Gozsdu Courtyard, a lively spot with lots of bars, restaurants and cafes. Sundays are particularly lively on this street, with live concerts, street artists and lots of visitors. Relax in the courtyard, eat tasty food vendors have to offer and enjoy all the hustle and bustle.

Gozsdu’s bars at Dob u. 16, for example, Spíler, have craft beer (1,200 HUF, £2.50), as well as popular street foods like lángos for 800 HUF (£1.67). You’ll find local buskers performing folk or jazz tunes on Sunday evenings, filling the atmosphere with fun. Being so near to Szimpla (only a three-minute walk away), the courtyard is the obvious next location. As the evenings get warmer in May, you can enjoy eating in the open air and Gozsdu’s Instagram gives you the schedule for each week’s musicians. For an authentic taste, get a shot of pálinka while you’re there (800 HUF, £1.67).

4. Check what Live Music Venues have to offer.

If you want to see live music, Sundays are the best time in Budapest. You can enjoy jazz, rock or local folk music whatever your musical taste. The A38 Ship at the Danube River is recognized for putting on concerts that people talk about. Budapest Jazz Club in the city center is the perfect spot for jazz lovers, staffed as it is by talented musicians.

Find out online what bands are playing at music venues on Sunday nights so you don’t miss them. You should book your tickets ahead of time, as some venues only let you in with a ticket.

Every Sunday, music at A38 Ship (Petőfi Bridge, Buda) is mostly indie and folk (tickets range from £5.21 to £10.42) and you can get there by taking Tram 19. Trios play at Budapest Jazz Club for 1,500 HUF (£3.13) and the average cocktail costs 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Both spots must close at midnight on Sundays, according to District XI rules about noise levels. Either book via A38’s website on Eventbrite or use Budapest Jazz Club’s Facebook to make sure you get a guaranteed seat. A38 is recommended by Reddit’s travel page for those who love concerts aboard a sailboat.

5. Join a Thermal Spa Party

On a Sunday, you can easily enjoy one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths. Some special spa parties are staged at thermal spas such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Rudas Baths every Sunday. The parties bring together thermal spas, music, drinks and even laser displays. Visiting a concert is a wonderful way to take it easy, make new friends and share a unique experience.

Tip: Don’t leave your swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel at home. Most thermal baths will give you a locker to use, but bringing your own supplies is simple.

At Széchenyi (Állatkerti krt. 9–11, District XIV), SPArty brings DJs and light shows, running until 2 AM at 7,000 HUF, £14.58; book your tickets online at spartybooking.com. Night bathers at Rudas (Döbrentei tér 9 in District I) can swim for 4,000 HUF (£8.33) and enjoy the Danube view from their rooftop hot tub. Prices for towels are 1,000 HUF each (£2.08). The nice weather in May brings people to outdoor pools like SPArty which keeps getting praised by Viator for its exciting atmosphere. Before the party starts, come at 9 PM to experience pre-party thermal relaxation.

6. Experience Traditional Food

A visit to Budapest after dark wouldn’t be the same without experiencing some traditional Hungarian food. When the evening ends, fill your stomach with classic Hungarian foods such as goulash, langos or chimney cake. Thanks to late nights at many restaurants in Budapest, you can eat before heading out or stop for food when you come back.

For budget travelers, go to street food stands or nighttime snack stalls and enjoy traditional snacks for less. You’ll find them in various areas and they offer a fast and yummy snack whenever you need it.

Practical Tips for Sunday Night

• Plan Ahead: Check venue hours (many close by midnight) and book spa or concert tickets online.
• Dress Casually: Jeans and sneakers suit ruin bars; bring swimwear for spas.
• Stay Safe: Use cross-body bags in crowded areas like Gozsdu to deter pickpockets.
• Navigate Easily: Use the M1 metro (Oktogon for District VII) or tram 2 (A38). Bolt taxis cost 2,000 HUF (£4.17) from District I.
• Budget Wisely: Expect to spend 5,000–10,000 HUF (£10.42–£20.83) for drinks, food, and entry.
• Respect Rules: District VII’s 10 PM noise curfew requires indoor partying; follow venue staff.

Why Sundays in May 2025?

May’s spring buzz, with festivals like Budapest Beer Week, adds pop-up events to District VII. Sunday’s relaxed vibe suits intimate venues like Budapest Jazz Club, while Széchenyi’s outdoor pools shine in warm weather. Pair nightlife with daytime visits to City Park (near Széchenyi, free entry) or a pre-party meal at Menza (mains 2,500 HUF, £5.21) near Oktogon.

Conclusion

As you can see, Budapest offers a vibrant Sunday nightlife scene catering to all tastes and preferences. From ruin bars and live music venues to thermal spa parties and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the unique Sunday night atmosphere and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.

Remember to explore other areas of Budapest and always prioritize your safety while enjoying the city’s nightlife. Now it’s time to dive into the Sunday night buzz of Budapest and have a fantastic experience!