Budapest Adventures on Land, in Air, and in Water in July, 2025

Budapest Adventures on Land, in Air, and in Water in July, 2025
Reading time 7 minutes
Published
Date 2025.07.12
Category What's On
Author Dani Pesti
Image source BKK

Planning a summer trip to Budapest? Buckle up, because July 2025 is serving up a smorgasbord of adventures that’ll have you traveling through time, soaring through the sky, and making a splash in the most unexpected ways. From vintage trams that’ll transport you to another era to chairlifts that turn you into a night owl, Budapest is pulling out all the stops this month. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most exciting events happening in Hungary’s stunning capital – and trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you later.

July 12: Night of the Chairlifts – Float Above the City Like a Boss

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Where: Zugliget Chairlift, Budapest
Price: 5,000 HUF (return journey), kids under 3 ride free
Last boarding: 12:30 AM

Picture this: you’re gliding through the night sky above Budapest like some sort of urban superhero, watching the city lights twinkle below as the sun sets behind the hills. The Night of the Chairlifts is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and Budapest’s Zugliget Chairlift is ready to give you the ride of your life.

This isn’t your average tourist trap – it’s a magical evening adventure that transforms ordinary chairlift rides into something straight out of a fairy tale. With sunset expected at 8:40 PM, you’ll witness the city’s transformation from golden daylight to a sparkling urban constellation. The chairlift operates until 1:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to soak in those breathtaking panoramic views.

Pro tip: Only cash is accepted at the venue, so hit up an ATM beforehand. You can grab advance tickets from June 26th at the Underground Railway Museum at Deák Square, or risk it and buy them on-site starting at 5:30 PM. Getting there is easy with Bus 291 from Nyugati Railway Station or the retro R158 bus from Széll Kálmán Square.

July 12: Budapest Night SUP Tour – Paddle Through Liquid Magic

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Meeting at 9:15 PM, tour starts 10:00 PM
Where: Starting at SUP Budapest HQ (Római-part 29), ending at Kopaszi-gát
Price: 20,000 HUF with equipment rental, 12,000 HUF if you bring your own board
Duration: Until 1:00-1:30 AM

Who says you can’t have two epic adventures in one night? After your chairlift experience, why not trade the sky for the water? The Budapest Night SUP Tour offers a completely different perspective of the city – one where you’re paddling silently through the Danube while Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle create the most spectacular backdrop you’ve ever seen.

This 15-kilometer journey from Római-part to Kopaszi-gát isn’t just about the exercise (though your core will definitely feel it tomorrow). It’s about becoming part of a floating constellation of SUP adventurers, each illuminated with colorful lights that transform the Danube into a river of stars. Without the usual boat traffic, you’ll experience an almost mystical silence broken only by the gentle splash of your paddle and the distant hum of the city above.

The tour includes all safety equipment, professional guidance, and motorboat support – because while adventure is great, safety is even better. Book your tickets at cooltix.hu and prepare for an experience that’ll completely change how you see Budapest.

July 14: Cogwheel Railway – Europe’s Third-Oldest Mountain Railway Still Chugs Along

When: Monday, July 14, 2025
Where: N60 cogwheel railway between Városmajor and Széchenyi Hill
Price: Regular BKK fare

Meet the N60 cogwheel railway – Europe’s third-oldest mountain railway that’s been chugging along since 1874, making it older than your great-great-grandmother’s favorite rocking chair. This legendary ride takes you through cool, green forests between Városmajor and Széchenyi Hill, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

This isn’t just transportation; it’s a journey through time on a railway that has witnessed nearly 150 years of Hungarian history. The vintage carriages and the rhythmic clacking of wheels on tracks create an atmosphere that’s part nostalgia, part adventure, and entirely unforgettable.

July 19: V. Blue Light Vehicle Meeting – Emergency Vehicles Take Center Stage

When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Aeropark Budapest (near the airport)
Highlights: 50+ emergency vehicles, live demos, helicopter appearances
Tickets: Available online from June

Best deals of Budapest

Ever wondered what it’s like to sit in a fire truck or explore a police helicopter? The V. Blue Light Vehicle Meeting at Aeropark Budapest is your chance to get up close and personal with Hungary’s emergency services and their incredible vehicles. This isn’t just for vehicle enthusiasts – it’s a family-friendly extravaganza that’ll have kids (and adults) grinning from ear to ear.

Picture this: dozens of fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and helicopters gathered among historic aircraft, creating a festival ground where heroes and their machines take center stage. You’ll witness live demonstrations that showcase the power and precision of these extraordinary vehicles, while kids can climb aboard fire engines and try out police equipment.

The event features over 50 emergency vehicles on display, including rare and vintage models that’ll make any vehicle enthusiast weak in the knees. Plus, there are helicopter appearances, thrilling vehicle parades, and hands-on activities for all ages. Don’t miss the aviation simulators that run continuously throughout the event – because why just admire vehicles when you can pretend to fly them too?

July 26: Night of the Beaches – Indoor Water Park Meets Night Club

When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM (pools close at 12:30 AM)
Where: Aquaworld Resort, Budapest’s largest indoor water park
Price: Adults 10,000 HUF, Children (under 14) 5,000 HUF
Gates open: 6:00 PM for early entry

Ready to cap off July with a splash? The Night of the Beaches at Aquaworld Resort transforms Budapest’s largest indoor water park into a spectacular evening playground where you can slide, splash, and party until the early hours of the morning. This isn’t your typical swimming pool experience – it’s an aquatic wonderland that combines the thrill of 11 giant water slides and 15 pools with live entertainment that’ll keep the energy pumping all night long.

The evening kicks off at 8:00 PM with DJ Wlash setting the mood, followed by an incredible acrobatic show at 9:00 PM that’ll have you questioning the laws of physics. Professional sauna sessions run at 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, and 11:30 PM (registration required at 6:00 PM), while a mesmerizing dance show takes center stage at 10:00 PM.

What makes this event truly special is the combination of world-class water attractions with professional entertainment. You’ll have access to adventure pools, wave pools, relaxing jacuzzis, and those 11 giant slides that’ll make you feel like a kid again. The facility includes everything from thrilling water slides to peaceful relaxation areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Booking tip: Get your tickets online until July 25 at 11:59 PM, because on-site sales are limited and start at 7:00 PM. Children under 14 must be accompanied by parents, and hotel guests enter free. Take Bus 230 for direct access or Bus 30 plus a 5-minute walk from Keleti Station.

Bonus: Vintage Transport Adventures Throughout July

While you’re planning your epic July adventures, don’t miss Budapest’s incredible nostalgia rides that run throughout the month. These vintage vehicles offer a chance to experience the city as generations before you did – and they’re absolutely magical.

Weekend Vintage Tram Tours

  • Saturdays: N2 tram along the Pest riverbank with stunning Danube views
  • Sundays: N19 tram on the Buda side for different perspectives of the city
  • Daily: N109 open-top cabrio bus cruising past Parliament and the Danube Promenade

Special Vintage Bus Services

  • N4 express bus: Fast-track from City Park to János Hill cable car via iconic Andrássy Avenue
  • R158 retro bus: Direct service to Zugliget Chairlift from Széll Kálmán Square
  • Ikarus 280T trolleybus: The “hundred series” returns to the old 72 trolley line
  • July 26: Retro ZiU trolleybus between Örs vezér Square and Öv Street/Egressy Road

Getting tickets: Use the BudapestGO app, visit any BKK customer center, or buy directly from the friendly nostalgia crew (they accept bank cards). No special tickets required – your regular fare covers these time-traveling adventures.

Planning Your Budapest July Adventure

Budapest in July 2025 isn’t just about seeing the sights – it’s about experiencing them in ways that’ll create memories lasting a lifetime. Whether you’re floating above the city on a chairlift, paddling through illuminated waters, exploring emergency vehicles, or splashing around in an indoor water park that transforms into a nightclub, this month offers adventures that cater to every type of traveler.

From vintage transport that lets you travel through time to modern adventures that push the boundaries of what a city can offer, Budapest proves that the best travel experiences happen when you’re willing to try something completely different. So pack your sense of adventure, bring your camera, and get ready for a July that’ll redefine what you thought was possible in a European capital.

Pro tip: Many of these events are popular with both locals and tourists, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Also, keep some cash handy – while many places accept cards, some venues (like the chairlift) are cash-only.

Get ready to discover why Budapest isn’t just a destination – it’s an adventure waiting to happen.

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