Budapest is known for its wide variety and number of activities, even during the winter. Here is just the tip of the iceberg of Top Things to Do in Budapest.
Top Things to Do in Budapest in January #1 :Concerts
Concerts abound at Budapest’s Opera houses all month long. Two of the best remaining in January are:
January 22: Brahms Marathon, all day at Palace of Arts Budapest
January 18-22: National Opera Exam Festival in Liszt Ferenc Music Academy
And then, on January 20, a special performance by legendary Spanish tenor, José Carreras. This concert, titled “A life in Music,” will be presented at the Papp László Sportaréna. Known especially for his performances of the operas of Verdi and Puccini, José Carreras is one of the most outstanding tenors in the world. He has performed more than 60 roles in the world’s leading opera houses. He also gained fame as one of the Three Tenors alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.
José Carreras @ Papp László Budapest Sport Aréna
1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 2.
Top Things to Do in Budapest in January #2: Festivals & Exhibitions
In January most of the Christmas and New Year festivals are over, but two other events are still ongoing:
Ongoing from January 13: The Champion: an Interactive Sports Exhibition at Millenáris Center.
January 28-29: Wedding Fair & Exhibition, an annual fair at Papp László Budapest Sport Aréna. During the two-day event you can see international and Hungarian wedding dresses, décor and accessories. Brides-to-be can plan their dream wedding and can meet wedding professionals from Hungary and other countries to assist in their plans.
Top Things to Do in Budapest in January #3: Scottish Burns Suppers
Robert Burns is one of the world’s best-known Scottish composers and poets. He is so well-known, in fact, that his birthday on January 25th is celebrated every year all over the world with special evenings devoted to haggis, poetry readings, songs, dancing and, of course, a nip or two of scotch whiskey.
Budapest will offer four Burns Supper events this year. The usual attendance is in excess of 400 revelers and would-be Scotsmen in their kilted finery. Try to attend at least one of these celebrations; you’ll be glad you did. (NB: the first two events are already sold out, but there are still openings at The Caledonia).
- Saturday, 21 January, at The Corinthia Hotel. A formal black-tie event to benefit local charities
- Tuesday, 24 January, at The Scottish Mission. Known as The Little Burns Supper, just as much fun as the Corinthia event, but without the black ties.
- Wednesday, 25 January, at The Caledonia Scottish Pub. Offering will be a three-course dinner of Salmon & Potato Fishcakes, Haggis, Neeps & Tatties and Apple Crumble with Irn Bru; ice cream will help soak up the three glasses of whisky and bottle of Robert Burns Ale. All this – plus live music from The Sweaty Socks – for a total cost of 7500 Ft per person.
4. And a bonus this year:
On January 26, Brody Studios will sponsor an Alchemists Burns Night, at which “…the whole world will sing a Scottish song.” This is a new twist on the traditional sit-down dinner. Brody Studios offers its own version of a Burns Supper, combining the great bard’s poetry with delicious drinks, mini tasters, and a tailor-made Scottish playlist.
Reservations:
Brody Studios
Vörösmarty utca 38
(1) 266 3707
info@brodyclub.life
1/26/2017 8:00 PM
And a few more fun activities for those adventurous enough to brave the sub-freezing winter
A weekend of English with the Native Speaker Network
A Weekend of English is an educational and social event where all participants have the opportunity to practice and improve their already existing English language skills with native speakers. It’s a great event at which to practice speaking or to meet new people.
1/21/2017 9:00 AM
1/22/2017 4:30 PM
At Nádor utca 20.
Story Slam
It’s another evening of tall tales and subversive stories! After three previously successful events, on January 24th Brody Studios will host the fourth “Story Slam” night. Some of Budapest´s best storytellers will set the tone of the evening; afterwards, the microphone will be open for anyone else who wishes to take to the stage and bedazzle the audience. The theme of the night is: “A Close Shave…” and admission is free.
1/24/2017 7:30 PM
Reservations:
Brody Studios
Vörösmarty utca 38
(1) 266 3707
info@brodyclub.life
Skating in the City Park
Budapest Ice Skating Rink by the Vajdahunyad Castle offers brave participants a 140-year-old ice skating rink in Budapest’s City Park. The ‘Városligeti Műjégpálya’ ice rink is big enough to accommodate hundreds of skaters and is almost always packed with locals looking to show off their winter skills. NB: Skates can be hired on the spot.