Budapest Winter Packing List: 9 Things to Pack and 3 to Leave
Budapest is an incredible city to visit in winter. The Christmas markets make it extra festive to visit in December. But, Budapest can be cold in winter. This Budapest winter packing list will detail what you should bring and what you should leave so you can stay warm while you’re exploring all of the great things Budapest has to offer.
Packing in winter is the worst. When do you ever need to have clothes warm enough for hours of walking around in 30-degree weather? Only when you’re traveling.Ugh.
Plus, everything is bulky.
Some of the links on the page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from one of the links, I earn money at no extra cost to you. I’ll only recommend brands I’ve used and love (or an alternative I would book myself). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I always pay for my own travel. I’ll be sure to let you know if that ever changes. If you choose to click through and purchase – thanks so much for the support!
Is winter a good time to visit Budapest?
Yes! I mean, I’m not sure there is a bad time to visit Budapest. (As a celiac, it will forever be one of my favorite places.)
In winter Budapest has festive Christmas markets with mulled wine to keep you warm as you explore them. Plus, the architecture of the city mixed with the lights makes it extra magical. The thermal baths are especially fun in winter because the steam rises off of them creating an experience that isn’t the same as the other seasons.
Things on My Budapest Winter Packing List
If you don’t pack well for Budapest in Winter you could struggle to stay warm. As someone who hates being cold, I knew I had to pack well or I was going to be insufferable. I put a lot of time and thought into developing my packing list. Some things worked and some didn’t.
These are the things I packed that made the trip go smoothly.
A Very Warm Coat
Temperatures in Budapest can drop below freezing during the winter months, so be sure to pack a warm coat.
I purchased my coat from Prana several years ago. I’m not an affiliate for Prana I just love this coat.
For a more reasonable option, Amazon has some. The longer length is clutch for the cold, windy days!
Scarf, hat, and gloves
A warm scarf, hat, and gloves are absolutely essential for your trip to Budapest in winter.
Scarves are one of my favorite accessories. So, I took a couple. But, a big blanket scarf was the way to go. It kept me extra warm. So, I wore the same scarf most days.
My cashmere scarf was a gift but there are some on Amazon too.
There are also knit options if you don’t want to splurge on cashmere (I get it).
I crocheted the hat I took with me but I love this option too (and my need to get it for myself).
I swear by my Smartwool gloves. My fingers are never cold when I wear them. As a person who hates being cold, I take them everywhere when the weather is cool!
Fleece Lined Tights, Leggings, or Thermal Underwear
Okay, real talk. TikTok got me on this one. I was very interested in the viral fleece-lined tights. Next, came the fleece-lined tights and leggings rabbit hole.
I settled on the leggings but I may still get the tights for my next winter trip.
One mistake, I forgot my thermal underwear. Or rather, I chose to leave them. Don’t be like me.
I wore my leggings under my jeans every.single.day. I needed more than one pair. This extra layer is a lifesaver. I can’t even explain.
Good Warm Boots
To keep your feet warm pack at least one good pair of boots. I underestimated the cold and packed a pair of canvas sneakers that I thought would be super cute. They weren’t cute. My feet almost froze off on the first day. It was a mistake.
Luckily, the boots I picked were comfy enough to wear every day.
Make sure your shoes have good traction to keep you stable on slippery sidewalks and streets.
I ordered a pair of Madewell boots on eBay because I was convinced they’d get ruined or I wouldn’t like them. I love them and I wear them all the time.
While they’re in style, go for a lug sole shoe. The cold from the sidewalks can go through your shoe to your sock after hours of exploring.
Be sure to waterproof your boots so nothing seeps in when you’re walking on the slushy/wet sidewalks. I used Snoseal since my boots were black. If you have brown shoes and you worry about the color changing look for a different product.
Thick Socks
Thick socks: Warm, thick socks will help keep your feet warm and dry.
I’m a big fan of my Bombas but my Smartwool are probably warmer.
Sweaters (and a base layer to go under your sweaters)
Bring a variety of sweaters so you can change up your options. ThredUp is my favorite place to shop for sweaters. Every sweater I brought with me was a ThredUp purchase!
I was shocked that a sweater wasn’t warm enough. But, it wasn’t. I wore a T-shirt under my sweater and wished for a base layer. So, take a base layer!
Layering is key in a Budapest winter.
Budapest Packing List
Now that you have the winter packing list covered there are a few other things to be sure to take.
A Good Backpack or Bag
You’ll need a good bag to carry with you as you explore the city. But, you’ll also want one that can store your scarf, hat, gloves, and extra layers as needed.
My Fjallraven Backpack will forever be my favorite bag for a trip like this (and most trips if I’m being honest).
Portable Power Bank
A power bank is a must-have for every trip. But, I found myself checking directions more frequently since taking a tram or bus was a great way to escape the cold and warm up.
Flip Flops & a Pack Towel (for the Thermal Baths)
You’ll need your own towel for the thermal baths. I forgot mine so I stuffed one from the hotel into my Fjallraven bag. Don’t tell on me.
I also had to buy flip-flops from the bath. This was fine but if you can bring your own is more environmentally friendly.
Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Packing Cubes or a Bag That Keeps You Organized.
Packing cubes have always been my packing secret weapon. They make it so easy to stay organized when you’re traveling. I’m obsessed.
Then, I found a Cotopaxi bag with built-in packing cubes. I found my suitcase soulmate and I will never use another bag.
What to Take off of Your Budapest Winter Packing List
Your Cute Shoes
If they won’t keep your feet warm they don’t make the trip. Looking cute is usually one of the things I strive for when I’m traveling. I don’t need to wear big flowy dresses or anything but I want to look marginally put together. But, winter travel is a different beast. Warmth is key. For you, every other traveler, and every local. It’s just too cold to worry about taking along those super cute canvas sneakers that will result in frozen toes.
Dresses
Don’t come for me on this. I love a dress. They are my favorite. But, Budapest is cold and windy in the winter. There is nothing quite as bad as a cold wind blowing right up your dress and freezing you. If you have a warm sweater dress it could be a maybe. Even my fleece-lined tights weren’t enough to convince me to wear my dresses.
Packing for Budapest in Winter
Budapest is amazing in winter. But, it’s worth putting in the time to be sure you have what you need to stay warm. Otherwise, you’ll just be cold and won’t get to enjoy everything the city has to offer!
