The 10 best things to do in Budapest for Halloween

This Halloween, Brody House transports you into the realm of mythology and the supernatural. At the Brody Blood Bath, Medusas, centaurs, banshees and demons will make an appearance at this classy bar/bistro in a historic, neoclassical building by the National Museum. The evening begins with a gastronomic experience, followed by a focus on music and dance – organisers have prepared themed cocktails and a party that lasts long into the night. The artistic, bohemian ambience at Brody House is a perfect fit for this slightly decadent mythological world.

Time Out tip: Costumes are not merely optional here – they’re expected. If you need inspiration, take a look at the mood board they've together. Be warned: if the Grim Reaper at the door doesn't find your costume creative enough, you may be required to pay a higher entry fee.

When? Saturday, October 31, 7pm–12.59am

Where? Brody House, Bródy Sándor utca 10, 1088 Budapest

How much? Advance Ft 6,666 (€18), on the door Ft 10,000 (€27.50)

If you’d rather get your chills in front of a movie screen this Halloween, the Bem cinema has a full day of spooky programming planned for October 31. The Nightmare Before Christmas starts the gala at 1.15pm, followed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. At 9pm, catch Halloween and, to wrap up the night, Bem’s traditional secret screening begins at 11pm. Features are shown in English with Hungarian subtitles.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the late-night surprise screening! The team isn’t giving anything away beforehand – though, given the timing, it’s safe to assume it won’t be Snow White or Bambi.

When? Saturday, October 31

Where? Bem cinema, Margit körút 5, 1027 Budapest

How much? Each screening Ft 2,900 (€8)

Located in the Párisi Udvar, Cinema Mystica brings digital art to life through light installations, projections and sound. In this exhibition space, you are more than just an observer: surrounded by lights and imagery, you become an integral part of the spectacle itself. From October 30 to November 1, select installations will take on a Halloween theme, adding a touch of spine-tingling excitement to the visual experience.

Time Out tip: Arrive in costume and receive a 20% discount on a full-price adult ticket.

When? Friday, October 30-Sunday, November 1

Where? Párisi Udvar, Ferenciek tere 10, 1052 Budapest

How much? Ft 6,900 (€19), reduced Ft 5,800 (€16)

On Halloween night, you can pay homage to the futuristic, underground club scene at Turbina. At Hardboiled Halloween, the hypnotic pulse of techno and the visionary soundscapes of trance will fill the dance floors in both of Turbina’s halls. The Main Hall will feature sets by DJ Tool, Nu:s, Zituli Space Project, Slym and Szoliver, while the Club Room will host sounds by Pneumatix, Ruenge, Under Silk, Droidecca and Flipo. The party constructs its own mythology – for this night, electronic music becomes part of a dark ritual.

Time Out tip: Upstairs at Turbina, you can grab a bite to eat at the EMELET bistro and café until midnight, before diving into the beats below.

When? Saturday, October 31, from 11pm

Where? Vajdahunyad utca 4, 1082 Budapest

How much? Second-release advance Ft 4,500 (€12.40), for two Ft 8,000 (€22)

A new queer party series by Vörös Neon and BLO debuts this Halloween – and restraint is definitely not on the agenda. Under the motto, ‘Scary. Sexy. Unholy’, the event promises to be an uninhibited, bold extravaganza. DJs will be spinning pop and EDM hits, remixes and club favourites all night long, with a focus on dancing and top sounds.

Time Out tip: There will also be a surprise drag show. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but they’ll certainly blend in with the vibe.

When? Friday, October 30, 10pm-4am

Where? Dob utca 1, 1074 Budapest

How much? Early bird Ft 3,000 (€8.25), final release Ft 4,000 (€11)

This October, the downtown Toldi Klub is once again teaming up with the Back To Basics crew to fill the dance floor on Halloween night with darker grooves and high-quality house. If you’re looking for the more compelling side of club culture rather than mainstream chart-toppers, this event is a great choice. Among the performers, the appearance of Kaatniss – a rising talent from the French underground scene – is particularly exciting.

Time Out tip: Costumes aren’t mandatory, but they are highly encouraged.

When? Saturday, October 31, from 10pm

Where? Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 36-38, 1054 Budapest

How much? Early bird Ft 2,500 (€7), advance Ft 3,000 (€8.25), on the door Ft 4,000 (€11)

At the Paulay Ede utca location of SUGAR! – one of Budapest’s favourite sweet and dessert shops – Halloween treats are hitting the counter for the very last time. By this time next year, you’ll be able to sample their most creative confections at their new, yet-to-be-announced location. This year’s selection includes a double-chocolate cupcake topped with a tombstone (Ft 1,890/€5.20), a strawberry cheesecake adorned with a bloody eyeball (Ft 2,790/€7.70), and a bloody brain brownie with strawberry buttercream (Ft 2,290/€6.30).

Time Out tip: Wear your favourite Halloween costume when you stop by for a treat – there’s a gift in store!

When? October 29-November 1, 11am-7pm

Where? 48 Paulay Ede utca, 1061 Budapest

How much? Free (cakes and sweets available for purchase)

On October 30, the real party begins after closing time at Budapest Zoo. For Halloween, the gates will reopen at 6pm, revealing nature’s most chilling secrets until 11pm. Although some of the presentations takes place in Hungarian, revealing why some animals drink blood, everyone will enjoy watching feeding time for the tigers and giant otters, an elephant demonstration, pumpkin- carving and witchy face painting. Fire-juggling and LED shows also feature.

Time Out tip: Have you ever been up close with a real snake? If you’re feeling brave enough, don’t miss the Snake Encounter in the Palm House, taking place at 7pm 9pm.

When? Friday, October 30, 6pm-11pm

Where? Budapest, Állatkerti körút 6-12, 1146 Budapest

How much? Ft 5,900 (€6.25), children Ft 4,200 (€11.50)

The world of Jay Gatsby’s legendary parties comes to life at Orfeum’s Halloween event – think fringed dresses, long strings of pearls and Art Deco details. Kamilka & Pesti Sikk will take the stage, performing swing and jazz classics with a modern twist, alongside original tracks and exciting covers. The night continues after the concert with a DJ set, so once the live music ends, you can hit the dance floor.

Time Out tip: Dinner is served between 6pm-7.30pm select your menu options when you buy your ticket.

When? Saturday, October 31, from 6pm (entertainment from 8pm)

Where? Erzsébet körút 43-49, 1073 Budapest

How much? Deluxe table for 2 Ft 27,900 (€76.70)/person, standard Ft 22,900 (€63)/person; standing ticket (available on-site only) Ft 6,000 (€16.50)/person

While many think of the Aquincum Museum as focusing on the Romans, who lived right here 2,000 years ago, an important part of its remit is the Celts before them. Although we don't know for sure, it's likely that they observed Samhain – a festival known from Western Celtic tradition, upon which the original Halloween is based. To celebrate this Celtic holiday, the museum is putting on themed event on Saturday, October 31, featuring a Celtic fire duel, a costume contest, craft workshops and storytelling, not to mention a ceremonial torchlight procession.

Time Out tip: The museum lays on all kinds of guided tours in English for those keen on finding out more about the rich history of this stretch of the Danube.

When? Saturday, October 31, 4pm-11pm

Where? Szentendrei út 135, 1031 Budapest

How much? Accessible with a valid museum admission ticket