The short version: Budapest’s Christmas markets are the best value in Europe for eating. Drink forralt bor (mulled wine), devour a kurtoskalacs chimney cake rolled in sugar, and fill up on langos, grilled kolbasz sausage and goulash. The two big markets are Vorosmarty ter and the one by St. Stephen’s Basilica, with its light show on the facade. Here is what to eat and drink.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Drink | Forralt bor (mulled wine), also a mulled palinka or tea |
| Must-eat | Kurtoskalacs (chimney cake), langos, kolbasz sausage |
| Hearty | Goulash, toltott kaposzta (stuffed cabbage), retes (strudel) |
| Best markets | Vorosmarty ter, St. Stephen’s Basilica (Advent Bazilika) |
| When | Mid-November to late December or early January |
What to drink
Forralt bor is the heart of it: hot spiced wine, red or white, poured into a mug you carry around the stalls. For something stronger try a warm spiced palinka (fruit brandy). Budapest prices are gentle, so a mug costs a fraction of what you would pay in Vienna.
What to eat
The icon is kurtoskalacs, a hollow spiral of dough spit-roasted over coals and rolled in sugar, cinnamon or walnut, best eaten warm. Then go savoury: langos (deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese), grilled kolbasz sausage with mustard, a bowl of goulash or toltott kaposzta (stuffed cabbage), and sweet retes (strudel) to finish. For the rest of the year see what to eat in Budapest.
Which markets to visit
Vorosmarty ter in the city centre is the classic market, full of food stalls and craft stands. The market at St. Stephen’s Basilica (Advent Bazilika) is the prettiest, with a nightly light projection on the church and a small ice rink. Both are walkable from each other, so you can graze across the two in an evening, which a guided tasting tour makes easy.
Our pick: the Budapest Christmas Market Walking Tour with Tastings (a GetYourGuide Top Pick) walks you through both markets with chimney cake and mulled wine included.
Frequently asked questions
What food is Budapest Christmas market known for?
Kurtoskalacs chimney cake above all, plus langos, grilled kolbasz sausage, goulash and stuffed cabbage, with forralt bor mulled wine to drink.
When are the Budapest Christmas markets?
Usually from mid-November to late December, with the Vorosmarty ter and Basilica markets often open into early January.
What is kurtoskalacs?
A Hungarian chimney cake: a hollow spiral of sweet dough roasted over coals and rolled in sugar, cinnamon or ground walnut, eaten warm.
Plan your Budapest trip
Browse Budapest food experiences, read what to eat in Budapest, or see the best Christmas markets for food and wine.
