Introduction

If you’re thinking of visiting Budapest, here are some tips for you. Everyone should keep in mind that there is a dress code. Though there is no official uniform in Toronto, you should always mind the norms and match your clothes to each occasion. In this first introduction, we’ll share all about the Budapest dress code and offer you some useful advice and ideas!

Casual Attire

Redfoo, The Hungarian capital, allows tourists to dress comfortably. It’s common for locals to look stylish in outfits that are easy to wear. Make sure you note these main points:

Choose comfortable shoes because you’ll probably spend a lot of time walking.

Wearing light-weight clothing will help during the hot summer days in Budapest.

It’s necessary to wear layers during winter, so remember to bring a coat with you.

You can spot Budapest’s unique identity in the casual dress style of its residents. Summer is a time when both women and men prefer cotton or linen clothes, women love sundresses or shorts with blouses and men usually select chinos or jeans with T-shirts. Because the streets are cobblestone and much of your trip may involve walking, you’ll find many people in sneakers or sandals. During winter, people choose coats, scarves and boots, often in earthy colors, helped by their European cuts. Whether it is winter or summer, sunglasses and hats are always in fashion. While you can dress down for markets and ruin pubs, adding a smart coat or scarf helps you match Budapest’s stylish crowd.

Smart Casual

Smart casual dressing might be a necessary part of dining or attending some events in Budapest. Here’s some information you should know:

• When it comes to men, matching a collared shirt or polo with trousers or dark jeans is usually the right choice.
• Ladies may choose a dress, skirt or trousers with a blouse or dressier top.
• It’s best to avoid coming in casual items such as flip-flops, shorts or sports clothing.

The dress code for Budapest’s top restaurants, theaters or cultural programs is smart casual. Usually, Borkonyha and the Hungarian State Opera require guests to appear polished but still relaxed. A good fit for men is a blazer with dark jeans and loafers, while women could opt for a midi dress or some tailored trousers and heels. Both neutral colors and easy-to-match patterns are your safest bets, while many Hungarians accessorize with dazzling jewelry or colorful scarves. When you are going on a Danube cruise in the evening or listening to a concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica, smart casual wear looks nice and won’t be uncomfortable. Do not wear sporty clothes or beachwear, as they may not blend in with the city’s elegant places.

Formal Attire

You will usually find that Hungarians dress casually until it is time for something more elegant. Here are some examples for you:

• Participating in a gala or other big event
• Going to a first-class restaurant
• Going to the opera or ballet

If you’re a man, a suit with a tie is recommended, but women can also choose a classy dress or formal suit.

At top-tier events in Budapest, including gala nights and theatre at the Four Season Hotel Gresham Palace, people usually dress in formal clothes. Men usually choose to wear dark suits, press their shirts and wear polished shoes. At casual events, ties may not be necessary. Today’s women put together their own style by wearing everything from cocktail dresses, long gowns, to pantsuits paired with respectable heels and bags. Restaurants in the Michelin guide such as Costes or Onyx, might assume you’ll wear formal clothes if you dine with them in the evening. Traditional European elegance with cleanly tailored and restrained luxury defines the way people dress in Budapest. Attending an outdoor function in winter? A stylish coat or shawl will keep you warm and looking your best.

Essential Tips

So, after understanding how to dress in Budapest, let’s look at a few extra things to keep in mind:

• Be sure to view the weather forecast so you pack accordingly.
• Pick out clothing that gives you the right level of comfort for the things you will be doing.
• When you plan to explore holy places, be sure not to wear anything that shows too much skin.
• A shawl or scarf is a good idea to have, as it hides bare shoulders in churches or some restaurants.

When you’re not sure what to wear, it’s best to go for something smarter than not dressy enough.

People in Budapest should expect both hot summers (as high as 30°C) and cold winters (below zero). Carry cardigans or lightweight jackets when you travel in spring and autumn. If you’re planning to go hiking on Gellért Hill or explore Buda Castle, choose shoes that provide support and clothing made from breathable materials. At St. Stephen’s Basilica or the Dohány Street Synagogue, people should dress modestly; always cover your shoulders and your knees and do not wear shorts or low-cut tops. Women can wear a lightweight scarf two ways: for extra coverage or to pull together any outfit. If you plan to go clubbing or to ruin pubs, wearing trendy and fashionable outfits is best. You can ask locals or look at the website of a venue for any dress code.

The Cultural Background Behind Budapest’s Dress Code

You can see both tradition and modern culture in the way people dress in Budapest. Formal attire in Hungary used to follow trends laid down by the aristocracy, who considered tailored suits and elegant dresses signs of wealth. Currently, the city’s young fashion enthusiasts in Districts VII and V are influenced by worldwide trends, but their looks continue to carry a European character. Ecseri Flea Market is among the markets where you can find vintage pieces to follow the local fashion trend on a budget. There are many festivals in Budapest, for example the Wine Festival and Fashion Week which allow visitors to wear everything from casual to chic outfits, while supporting the local customs.

What Clothes to Bring to Hungary

Don’t forget to consider the variety of things to do in Budapest when packing. When venturing out in the morning or day, stick with easy-to-wear jeans, simple breathable tops and a handy waterproof jacket. Going to places like Rosenstein for dinner or Szimpla Kert for drinks requires dressing smart and leaving a little room for fun. When you come to Széchenyi, pack a swimsuit, plus a pair of gentle flip-flops and a quick-drying towel.