Budapest Christmas Markets & "Best Christmas Market of All Time"

Updated some dates.

Thank you so much for this info. We will be in Vienna for 5 nights in early December, before continuing to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich. I was looking at a day trip to Györ, because I thought Budapest is too far for a day trip. We’re really just doing markets and popping into a cathedral here and there. My husband suggested we do an overnight to Budapest, in the middle of our Vienna stay. Do you think 1 full day is enough to be worth it? I’d want to stay into the evening to see the city lit up (knowing it gets dark early). And it looks like we can get a good hotel for about $125/nt. We would probably arrive by 11, then leave around 8 the next day.

I think you will enjoy it. The trip is on 2.5 hours on the train. With the limited time I think the hotel you choose will be important so you get the most out of the limited time. On a budget I would look at the Hotel Medosz or something similar on or near Andrassy ut and the M1 Metro (which has a stop in the center of the largest market). With a better budget the Marriott or the Intercontinental on the riverfront for really beautiful views and close to the markets. If you find others let me know and I can maybe tell you about the ease of the location. Then we work on easy transfer from train to hotel to the various markets .... and dinner (maybe river cruise dinner).

Mr E, I’m glad I asked! The hotel you mention is lovely, and we are very comfortable with metros. It looks like there might be a market in Jokai ter, right next to the hotel? My husband would love that!

I wouldn't count on much being on Jokai ter ... pretty small. But there is nice wine bar/shop. Walk down Andrassy ut and enjoy the lights and the beautiful buildings like the Opera. Lots of good restaurants along the way. At the end of Andrassy and to the right is the Basicila Market straight on towards the river is the Vorosmarty ter market. The M1 from Vorosmarty ter is a quick way to dinner or to the hotel. I think above is a link to a walking tour of a few markets.

Your hotel is also very near the Oktogon stop of the 4/6 Tram. So from Keleti Station use directions from Google Maps and the M2 and 4/6 Tram option. Along the way you will see typical Budapest and the famous NY Cafe
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/HY933A/an-interior-view-of-the-famous-new-york-cafe-in-budapest-hungary-HY933A.jpg.

Do buy a 24 or 72 hour travel card. The 72 hour might be better when you decide to take a later train back to Vienna.

If anyone is going to be here 24 December, let me suggest dinner at Cork Breakfast & Wine ... but its a small place so make your reservations now.