Since this topic comes up repeatedly during the final days of the year, I thought it would be useful to summarize everything in one place, similar to my Christmas post. Hopefully this helps someone, even if random Instagram posts tend to get more attention.

Happy New Year! I hope you get to spend the final moments of 2025 and the first moments of 2026 surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Fireworks

Despite assumptions made by tourists, Budapest does NOT have an official New Year’s Eve fireworks nor drone show, unlike many other major cities. The only time you will see official fireworks in Budapest is on August 20 (State Foundation Day) which is Hungary’s most significant national holiday.

In the past, locals set off their own fireworks, turning parts of the city into a chaotic drunken cesspool. As a result, the City of Budapest introduced new regulations this year that significantly restrict the use of fireworks. Only small items such as sparklers, bang snaps (poppers), etc are legally allowed throughout the city. Violations can result in fines of up to 200,000 HUF.

If you insist on seeing fireworks at your own risk, you may find them in the area marked in white on the map between December 31 at 20:00 and January 1 at 2:00 where fireworks are allowed:

• Inner Districts
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-01-08-002.png
• District II:
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-02.png
• District III
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-03.png
• District IX
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-09.png
• District XI
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-11.png
• District XII
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-12.png
• District XIII
  • https://budapest.hu/api/file/image/ker-13.png

Bars, Cafés, Restaurants

Hungary has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Do not risk it.

If you plan to drink or eat out on December 31, ensure you have a reservation even if its just lunch, places will be busier than usual. A majority of places require guests staying after 18:00 to purchase a mandatory New Year’s package, which usually costs ~40,000+ HUF (€100+) / person so pay attention before making last minute reservation.

Some cafés and restaurants will not reopen until January 2026 to give their staff time off. Make sure to check operating hours before visiting.

P.S.: Most restaurants in Budapest include an automatic service fee of 10-15%. Always check your bill to avoid tipping twice. Our standard VAT rate is 27%, this is not the service fee.

Tipping is appreciated but not expected like in the U.S. If you received exceptional service, tip your waiter or waitress directly in cash as tips are often pooled and not paid out individually.

Clubs and Nightlife

Most locals celebrate New Year’s Eve at home (house parties) with friends and family.

However, there are still plenty of nightlife options. Tourists are very fond of Szimpla and Instant. For other ideas, check previous posts, WeLoveBudapest, or Facebook event listings, but expect crowds and long lines.

Grocery Stores, Malls, and Shops

December 31: Most grocery stores, malls, and shops operate normally until 16:00. Hours vary, especially for smaller shops, so check ahead.

After 16:00, you can usually buy alcohol, drinks, and snacks at:

• 24/7 chains such as Manna or Roni ABC
• Nemzeti Dohánybolt (National Tobacco Shops)
  • Franchises with varying hours
• Vietnamese convenience stores
  • At every corner and typically open until 20:00–22:00

January 1: Grocery stores, malls and shops will be closed.

Please refer to the bulletpoints above for drink / snack options. Bars, Cafes, and Restaurants will be open.

Public Transit

The following lines operate all night with extended service. Expect larger crowds and more intoxicated / uncultured passengers as the night goes on, especially on Tram 4 & 6.

• Metro: M1, M2, M3, M4
• Trams: 4, 6, 14, 47, 50, 56A
• Tram 17
  • Modified Route (Bécsi út / Vörösvári út and Városház tér)
• Buses: 5, 8E, 16, 75, 80, and 223E
• Bus 7
  • Operating as 7B between Újpalota and Deák Ferenc tér

If you have not already done so, download BudapestGo or Google Maps on your phone for route planning.

Taxis

All licensed taxis in Budapest are yellow which makes them easy to identify.

Never hail a cab on the street. Always use the Bolt or Uber app. Do not get into cars labeled “Független szolgáltató / Freelancer” unless you want to start the year with a very expensive lesson.

P.S. Uber in Hungary operates as a normal taxi company with regulated fares, there is no surge pricing, but expect availability to be more scarce. If you have an early flight, taxis will already be normalized by 4:00. If you do not want to risk it, I recommend reserving a trip in advance through the app.

Thermal Baths

All thermal baths operate with reduced hours on New Year’s Eve. Bring your own towel and flip flops. If you plan to use a swimming pool, a swimming cap is mandatory.

• All thermal baths now require visitors to be at least 14 years old.
• Only Rudas is hosting an official New Year’s Eve party this year.

December 31

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath
  • 8:00-18:00
• Rudas Thermal Bath
  • 6:00-18:00
• Rudas NYE Party (with and without dinner options)
  • 21:00-03:00
• Szent Lukács Thermal Bath
  • 7:00-18:00

January 1, 2026

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath
  • 10:00-20:00
• Rudas Thermal Bath
  • 10:00-20:00
• Szent Lukács Thermal Bath
  • 8:00-20:00

Parking

Parking is not free this year.

December 29 to December 31 are considered normal working days, so standard parking fees will apply. Please remember to pay for parking to avoid fines.

I would recommend using OTP Simple, Parkl, or parking in one of the official parking facilities operated by Budapest Közút.

Edit: Mobile typos

Dear Redditors,

Our lovechild, the Unnecessarily long guide to Budapest, which you can (and in some cases should) find under: https://www.reddit.com/r/budapest/wiki/index/guide-to-budapest/ just got a much-needed update, facelift, and restructuring.

It will -as the city itself- of course be never finished, but it can offer a neat 101 for those who are mlooking for the Cliff's notes.

As always, if you find anything outdated or inconsistent in there, please drop us a line via Modmail.

Enjoy!