As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, travelers will look for their next summer getaway. According to a NerdWallet Travel Survey, 44% of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer that requires a flight or hotel stay. Travelers are sure to take advantage of the additional daylight that summer brings to explore destinations with outdoor activities.
Saturday, June 21st, 2025, is the Summer Solstice around the world, marking the longest day of the year. In Budapest there will be 16 hours of sunlight, making the Summer Solstice a perfect day to explore Hungary’s capital in broad daylight.
Morning (6am – 12pm):
- Sunrise Paddleboarding Tour: Travelers can start their day by gliding across the calm morning waters of the Danube on a sunrise paddleboarding tour. With Buda Castle and the Budapest skyline silhouetted against the rising sun, it provides a serene and unique way to see the city from a different point of view.
- Breakfast at Sitka: Sitka Budapest, a cozy café known for its artisanal coffee and seasonal breakfast menu, is a perfect spot for visitors to refuel before taking on the longest day of the year. The café offers many variations of its signature eggs benedict dish and delicious artisanal coffee options.
- Yoga Festival at Margaret Island: After a re-energizing breakfast, visitors can attend an open-air yoga class at the heart of Margaret Island in the Danube River, surrounded by nature and the sounds of birdsong. On the day of the solstice, yoga studios gather on the island for a morning yoga festival. Classes are free and all levels are welcome, offering a peaceful way to round out the morning.
Afternoon (12pm – 6pm):
- Lunch at Borkonyha Winekitchen: Borkonyha Winekitchen provides a Michelin-starred dining experience featuring modern Hungarian cuisine with a twist. The duck liver paté and wine pairings from local vineyards are highly recommended by past diners. The restaurant is spearheaded by owner and head chef, Ákos Sárközi, who is also a well-known celebrity chef in Hungary.
- Danube River Cruise: Returning to the Danube, visitors can embark on a panoramic boat tour to explore Budapest’s UNESCO-listed landmarks, including the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge. Options include an open-deck vessel for sunshine and photo ops or a glass-roof boat for comfort and elegance to take in the skyline in style.
Evening (6pm – 11:59pm):
- Dinner at Stand: Stand Restaurant, one of Budapest’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred establishments, is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Helmed by chef Tamás Széll, the seasonal tasting menu celebrates Hungarian ingredients with fine-dining flair. The pre-fixed menu includes 8 courses and has an option to pair each course with wine.
- Lucid Dreaming in the Sound Dome: Visitors can cap off the longest day of the year with a transformative experience at the House of Music Hungary. Inside its immersive Sound Dome, guests will be guided through a multi-sensory meditation journey blending ambient music, 3D soundscapes, and subtle visual stimuli designed to encourage lucid dreaming and inner exploration.
With 16 hours of sunlight and a dynamic mix of culinary, cultural, and wellness experiences, Budapest offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the Summer Solstice in 2025.
