10 best ways to beat the heat in Budapest

What is it? Two caves in Buda open for visitors, where even on the hottest summer afternoons you can expect a constant 12 degrees.

Why we love it There are few places in Budapest in the summer where you can experience an environment that is at least 20 degrees cooler in a few minutes. Szemlő-hegyi Cave has special mineral deposits resembling flowers and cauliflowers, hence its nickname of Budapest’s underground garden. The easily accessible, well-facilitated pathway also a good choice for families, and the cave can be visited with strollers and wheelchairs.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous underground adventure, head to the Pál-völgyi Cave, which is part of Hungary’s longest known cave system of some 32 kilometres long. The one-hour guided tour will challenge visitors with fissured corridors, spectacular stalactites, calcite crystals, more than 400 steps and a seven-metre-high narrow ladder. By the time you reach the surface again, you’ll probably have completely forgotten that there might be a heatwave raging up there.

Time Out tip: Even on the hottest day, bring a light sweater and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. The Pál-völgyi Cave tour is only open to visitors over the age of five and at least 115 centimetres tall. On summer weekends, it’s a good idea to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the tour starts, as group sizes are limited.

Addresses: Szemlő-hegyi-cave, Pusztaszeri út 35, 1025 Budapest; Pál-völgyi-cave: Szépvölgyi út 162, 1025 Budapest

Opening hours: Szemlő-hegyi Mon & Wed-Sun, hourly 10am-4pm. Closed Tue; Pál-völgyi Tue-Sun hourly 10.15am-4.15pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Each Ft 3,900 (€10.80). Combined Ft 5,900 (€16.40)

What is it? One of the most beautiful panoramic itineraries in Budapest, ideal for pedestrians, cyclists and anyone looking to relax around the city centre without the nuisance of cars on weekday evenings, at weekends and on public holidays.

Why we love it Budapest has long needed this kind of outdoor communal space. Since this initiative, banning car traffic from the Danube embankment on weekday evenings and at weekends over the summer months, it seems as if half the city flocks to the riverbank these days. True, with the plentiful concrete of the five-star hotels overlooking the river, it’s best to leave your visit until the breeze wafts off the Danube, and the long, straight embankment becomes an urban getaway.

You can glide along the river on a bike, roller skates, skateboard or scooter, gawping at Buda’s historic cityscape, the bridges and the evening lights sparkling on the water. Sunset is particularly spectacular, and there are plenty of terraces to sit and take it in over a drink or two.

Time Out tip: Check out the new MOL Bubi app. The third generation of this communal cycle network now features classic and electric-assisted bikes, with a more comprehensive service expected later in the summer once its relaunch has been fully facilitated.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-5am, Sat-Sun/hols all day. Weekday evenings to come into operation from mid-September

What is it? Dip into Budapest’s best museums for few pleasantly cool hours, to escape the heat and discover the summer’s most exciting exhibitions.

Why we love it Two or three hours fly by quickly at the right exhibition, so you can get through the worst of the afternoon heat without even noticing. One of the best choices this summer is Dolce Vita – Impressions of Italy in Two Centuries of Hungarian Art at the Hungarian National Gallery. Continuing until August 23, it reveals through 150 works of art how the landscape, culture and lifestyle of Italy have inspired Hungarian artists from the 19th century to the present day. The sunny beaches of János Vaszary, the Taormina landscapes of Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry, as well as the paintings, graphics, photos and sculptures of nearly 75 artists evoke the Italian way of life.

To venture elsewhere, the Museum of Fine Arts is offering Capturing Eternity, showing how the Ancient Egyptians created their works; the House of Music Hungary is showing Freddie, presenting the life and career of Freddie Mercury, while the Ludwig Museum hosts Black Mirror - The Long Shadow of the Future, which examines dystopian ideas of the future, among other things.

Time Out tip: It’s worth buying tickets online in advance for popular temporary exhibitions and bringing a thin top – the air-conditioned rooms can feel cool even after coming in from the summer heat.

What is it? At a classic Budapest lido, the most important decision is whether to choose the wave pool, the slides or a shaded spot for your towel. And Budapest has plenty of options for all ages.

Why we love it Sometimes there’s no need to overthink it – when the heat is raging, just head to the pool. At the Palatinus, pools, slides, spacious grassy areas and a renovated wave pool provide the classic Budapest lido experience. For a more verdant, natural environment, the Római Strandfürdő or Csillaghegy, surrounded by trees, are ideal choices.

You can now also cool off in natural water this year: take a dip in the Danube at the Római-parti Plázs and the Árasztó-part in Újbuda, a designated, free-to-visit stretch of beach by the river. The Roman embankment up in Óbuda has more developed infrastructure and food outlets along the river, while the south Buda has a more romantic environment but more basic beach experience.

Of course, a day at the beach isn’t just about swimming: it also includes a good book, ice cream, a leisurely lángos and an afternoon siesta under an umbrella, all the perfect accessories for a scorching hot summer day.

Time Out tip: If you’re just looking for a quick dip after a long day in the city, several Budapest baths and lidos offer a discounted ticket two or three hours before closing.

What is it? Shaded paths, waterfront gardens and sheltering canopies attract those who don’t want to stay indoors all day, but still would like to keep cool.

Why we love it Not all outdoor activities involve the scorching sun. Budapest's parks and gardens offer plenty of spots in the shade where you can forget about the hot streets for a while.

At the ELTE Botanical Gardens, you can stroll amid centuries-old greenery, lakes and quiet paths, before discovering a Japanese landscape garden with its small lake, decorative rocks and bamboo grove. Be prepared for the tropical climate of the greenhouses, more an exotic experience than a cooling refuge on a hot summer’s day.

The rock and Japanese garden, tucked away at the northern end of Margaret Island, is also a great place to slow down among the lakes, aquatic plants, shaded benches and winding paths. For a longer walk or a leisurely afternoon, head to the City Park. Escape the heat of the day beneath the many trees and you don’t have to go far for an ice cream or lemonade.

Time Out tip: Throw a book, some snacks, and a picnic blanket into your bag and find a shady spot on Margaret Island or the City Park. Note that picnicking is not allowed in the Botanical Gardens, so come with a bottle of water and comfortable walking shoes.

What is it? Canopied forest paths and city panoramas await just half an hour from Budapest city centre, easily accessible by public transport – even the Children’s Railway.

Why we love it While Pest sizzles, summer feels much more bearable in the woods covering the Buda hills. The canopy filters the sunlight, the concrete is replaced by soft forest soil, and the noise of the city soon gives way to the chirping of birds. Normafa is the classic option, Budapest’s most popular hiking destination. From here you can set off on shorter walks and longer ventures, and between the shady forest sections, you’ll find clearings, resting spots and spectacular viewpoints. Beat the crowds and the strongest of the sun’s rays by coming on a weekday morning.

Time Out tip: Combine a hike with a ride on the Cogwheel Railway from Városmajor, which climbs up Sváb Hill and then over to Széchenyi Hill, all for the price of a regular city transport ticket.

What is it? A one-hour race against time, in which logic puzzles, hidden clues and unexpected twists lead you to the exit. Budapest is considered the home of the concept and many visit the city purely to tackle as many Escape Rooms as possible.

Why we love it If there are several of you, an Escape Room is one of the best indoor activities during the heat wave – solve the next clue and then the next in an air-conditioned or underground trail. There’s no shortage of stories – you can fight rogue AI, explore a cursed cathedral, descend into a secret subway tunnel or battle your way out of an Aztec tomb.

During the game, you will quickly find out who will notice the hidden key, who will think through the simplest puzzle and who will keep their cool even when there are only five minutes left of the hour as the clock ticks away. Book ahead for popular times, especially at weekends or with a larger group.

Time Out tip: For spectacular, high-tech trickery, check out Neverland or MystiqueRoom, or for truly baffling puzzles, try E-Exit’s Secret Subway, which challenges the best players over 75 minutes.

What is it? A sunset city tour on the Danube, where you can take in the panorama of Budapest while sipping unlimited prosecco.

Why we love it Budapest shows a completely different face looking back at it from the river. If you thought sightseeing boats were too touristy, a summer evening might be a good time to think again: the air often feels fresher on the open deck, as Parliament, Buda Castle, the Fishermen’s Bastion and the city’s illuminated bridges glide past one by one. In addition to classic sightseeing cruises, you can now also choose tours that combine Danube panoramas with prosecco, cocktails or dinner.

Time Out tip: MAHART runs 60-minute cruises on Fridays and Saturdays with unlimited prosecco, Aperol spritz or lemonade, and you can also book a city tour with unlimited prosecco at Silverline.

Time Out tip: Sailings around sunset can fill up quickly, so do book ahead.

What is it? Hiring a SUP board allows you to take an early-morning paddle on the Danube, where you can watch Budapest slowly wake up from the vantage point of the water, starting from the Római shore.

Why we love it Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to set off before the city really heats up. On SUP Budapest’s early-morning tours, you can get out on the water by the Római embankment in time for the sunrise and then paddle towards the city centre to explore the Danube. Over the two hours or more, you’ll see a completely different side to Budapest: quieter shores, bridges silhouetted in the morning light and a city that’s just waking up.

By the time the traffic in the city centre starts to mount and the temperature climbs, you’ll be able to sit down for breakfast at on the Római shore with a little Danube adventure behind you.

Time Out tip: If you've never been on a SUP board before, try a beginner’s lesson on a calmer section of the Római-part, and then tackle the dawn paddle when you're more confident in controlling the board. Always check the exact conditions and whether the equipment is included in the price with the selected tour before booking.

What is it? A panoramic gondola ride from Zugliget up to János Hill, from where you can continue the trip along shaded forest trails.

Why we love it The Zugliget Chairlift is a special experience – as you glide over the houses, gardens and trees of Zugliget, the panorama of Budapest gradually opens up before you. And when you reach the upper station, you’ll find yourself in the Buda woods, the setting-off point for shorter walks and longer hikes.

Normafa is a 20- 30-minute pleasant walk through the forest from here, so you can easily combine the Chairlift with a shaded hike or a leisurely morning’s wander.

Time Out tip: Single tickets (Ft 3,000/€8.30, discounts half-price) have now been re-introduced, so you don’t have to come back the same way. Due to the open seats, time your trip for the morning or early evening instead of the blazing afternoon sun.