Visiting Budapest on All Saints’ Day: Store Closures on November 1

If you happen to be in Budapest around November 1, you’ll experience one of Hungary’s most meaningful traditions — All Saints’ Day, known locally as Mindenszentek. It’s a national holiday dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away, marked by candlelit cemeteries, flowers, and quiet reflection. For travelers, it also means a slight change in the city’s daily rhythm.

What Is All Saints’ Day in Hungary?

Each year, on November 1, Hungarians visit cemeteries to pay their respects. Families decorate graves with flowers and candles, creating a beautiful, golden glow throughout the evening. The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day (Halottak napja), another time of remembrance, but only November 1 is an official public holiday.

Interestingly, the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, meaning regular work schedules remain unaffected — there’s no long weekend. Still, the day will look quite different from a normal weekend in Budapest.

Store and Market Closures on November 1

Most shops and shopping centers across Hungary will be closed on All Saints’ Day. That includes major grocery stores, retail chains, and markets — so if you need to pick up something essential, plan your shopping for October 31 or November 2.
However, not everything shuts down completely. Some smaller stores, especially those operated by their owners, may remain open. Gas stations and their convenience shops continue to serve customers, as do newsstands, certain 24-hour stores, candy shops, and pharmacies operating on a duty schedule.

Restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues generally remain open, particularly in tourist areas such as the city center, District VII, and along the Danube. Still, it’s wise to check ahead or call before visiting, as some family-run venues might close for the day.

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Markets across Budapest, including the famous Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), will not operate on November 1. If you’re hoping for a market experience, plan it for Friday or Sunday instead.

Floral Traditions and Cemetery Visits

For flower shops, this is one of the busiest times of year. Many extend their opening hours, especially those located near cemeteries. Expect a wide range of chrysanthemums — the customary flower of remembrance — filling shop windows and street stands.

Cemeteries themselves also adjust their schedules to welcome more visitors. Budapest’s public cemeteries, managed by the BTI Funeral Division of Budapest Public Works, will be open longer than usual — from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm between October 30 and November 2. In some countryside areas, cemeteries open even earlier, from 6:00 am and close at 9:00 pm.
If you’re planning to visit a cemetery — for example, the beautiful Farkasréti temető (Farkasrét Cemetery) or Kerepesi temető (Kerepesi Cemetery) — you can expect a peaceful atmosphere filled with glowing candlelight after sunset. It’s recommended to go by public transportation, as parking near cemetery entrances can be difficult during this weekend.

Practical Notes: Transport, Post, and Waste Collection

Public transportation will operate on a weekend schedule. The city might see heavier traffic around cemeteries, so taking trams or buses is often the easiest choice.
Waste collection continues as usual — even on the public holiday — so residents can expect the bins to be emptied according to the normal weekly schedule.
Post offices, on the other hand, will be closed on Saturday, with normal service resuming on Monday, November 3.

A Peaceful Weekend in the City

With shops closed and streets quieter than usual, All Saints’ Day gives Budapest a unique charm. The city feels calmer and more reflective, offering visitors a chance to experience Hungarian culture in its most authentic, spiritual form. Evening walks across Margaret Bridge or Gellért Hill provide stunning views of thousands of candlelit cemeteries glowing softly across the city.

If you’re staying in Budapest this weekend, take time to pause and observe the local customs — maybe light a candle in memory of loved ones or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance that wraps around the capital. And by the next day, the city awakens again with restaurants, markets, and cultural spots returning to their usual bustling rhythm.