Halloween Events in Budapest: Cruises, Tours, and Fun
Discover the Spooky Side of Budapest
Looking for the best Halloween events in Budapest this year? You’re in the right place. The Hungarian capital transforms into a mix of history, legends, and spooky celebrations every October. Haunted tours, themed cruises, and special zoo nights await curious travellers. Whether you prefer parties or eerie adventures, there’s something for everyone among the Halloween events in Budapest. Let’s explore what makes this season truly haunting and magical.
How Hungary Celebrates and What to Know
In Hungary, Halloween is a newer celebration, blending Western customs with older national traditions. People carve pumpkins, wear costumes, and attend themed parties, especially in larger cities like Budapest. However, Hungarian families also honour their deceased loved ones on All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) by lighting candles and visiting cemeteries.
During this period, many shops and supermarkets are closed, and public transport follows a holiday schedule. Travellers can check updated routes on the BKK website. This mix of modern Halloween fun and traditional remembrance gives Budapest a unique atmosphere. Expect both spooky decorations downtown and candle-lit cemeteries glowing at night. Locals enjoy both, combining respect and fun — a truly special balance.
Halloween Cruise on the Danube
One of the most scenic Halloween events in Budapest is the themed cruise by Silverline Cruises. Step aboard a beautifully decorated boat for an atmospheric evening sail along the Danube. You’ll pass landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, glowing under spooky lights. Guests can enjoy music, a welcome drink, and optional snacks while admiring the illuminated city skyline. The Halloween cruise lasts about 60 minutes, with multiple departures throughout late October. Prices start from €39 per person.
Location: Dock 11, Jane Haining rkp. 7, Budapest
Ticket: from €39 / person
Contact: Silverline Cruise website
Date(s): several evenings in late October, not limited to October 31
Madame Tussauds Budapest: Horror Night Among the Stars
Step into a world of famous figures — and unexpected scares — at Madame Tussauds Budapest. During the Halloween period, the museum transforms into a spooky playground with eerie lighting, themed music, and special horror zones. You’ll meet creepy characters among the wax celebrities, and take part in fun activities and photo sessions. The event is family-friendly but still filled with thrilling details that fit perfectly among Halloween events in Budapest.
Location: Dorottya u. 6., Budapest
Ticket: from €32 / adult (12 490 HUF)
Contact: Madame Tussauds official website
Date(s): available on multiple nights around Halloween
Horror Escape Rooms and Haunted Houses
Budapest is known for its creative escape rooms — and Halloween brings an extra twist. Many offer dark, haunted, or thriller themes for the season. Players can face their fears while solving puzzles in rooms inspired by horror movies or urban legends.
One of the most intense experiences is Nightmare in Budapest, located in the city center. This venue combines a haunted house with live actors and an escape game. Visitors walk through eerie sets filled with jump scares and realistic effects. The show lasts around 25–35 minutes, perfect for adrenaline lovers.
Location: Rákóczi út 30, Budapest
Ticket: prices range from €18 to €28, depending on the number of participants.
Contact: Nightmare in Budapest website
Date(s): throughout October and early November
Halloween Tours in Budapest
Budapest’s dark history and mysterious streets make it perfect for Halloween walking tours. Guided by actors or storytellers, these night experiences mix legends, architecture, and eerie atmosphere — ideal for travellers who love spooky adventures among the Halloween events in Budapest.
Night-time Dark History and Vampire Tour (Mysterium Tours)
This tour explores the Buda Castle District after dark, revealing the city’s 15th–17th century history. You’ll learn about battles, vampires, and myths blending fantasy with chilling truth. Wander silent streets, admire the nightly panorama of the “Pearl of Danube,” and hear stories of Vlad Dracula and Elizabeth Báthory. The 2-hour tour offers an immersive, theatrical experience.
Location: Zero Kilometre Stone, Clark Ádám Square (Buda side, near Chain Bridge)
Ticket: Adult €20 / Student €18
Contact: Mysterium Tours website
Date(s): English tours at 19:45 / 20:00; Spanish tours at 19:00 — multiple nights around Halloween
BloodThirsty Hungary Buda Castle District (Legendary Tours)
Experience the Castle District with a focus on Hungary’s most notorious historical figures. Walk cobblestone streets, visit illuminated monuments, and listen to an actor-guide narrate tales of János Corvinus, Vlad the Devil, and Elizabeth Báthory. This 2-hour, photo-friendly tour blends history, legend, and dramatic storytelling.
Location: Saint Stephen’s Horseman Statue, right side of Matthias Church
Ticket: €15
Contact: Legendary Tours website
Date(s): multiple nights around Halloween
Halloween Parties in Budapest Clubs
For those who prefer nightlife, Halloween events in Budapest include unforgettable parties across the city. Clubs like Ötkert, Morrison’s 2, Heaven, and Instant-Fogas Complex host massive themed nights. Expect costume contests, special decorations, spooky cocktails, and DJs spinning until dawn. Arrive early, as lines can get long, and dress up for free shots or costume prizes. Entry fees vary, usually between €10–€20, depending on the venue and night.
Location: various clubs across central Budapest
Ticket: €10–€20 / entry
Contact: check event pages of each venue (Ötkert, Morrison’s 2, Instant-Fogas, Heaven)
Date(s): October 30 – November 2 (extended Halloween weekend)
Halloween at the Budapest Zoo
Final Tips for a Perfect Halloween in Budapest
To make the most of Halloween events in Budapest, combine at least two types of experiences — one cultural and one entertaining. Try a ghost walk before joining a themed party, or start with a sunset cruise and end your night at a local club. Book all events in advance, as tickets sell out quickly in late October. Check the BKK website for updated transport info, since public transport may run on a special schedule.
Dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and prepare for some unforgettable memories. Whether you choose fear, fun, or folklore, Halloween events in Budapest will surely leave you spellbound.
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