For its 30th anniversary, the Budapest International Book Festival is making a big move. In 2025, from October 2 to October 5, the festival will be hosted at a brand-new location: the trendy Whale (Bálna) building. Expect a four-day celebration of literature, packed with renowned voices from both Hungarian and global literary scenes.
What Awaits at the Festival?
Readers, writers, and literature lovers are in for a treat. This event isn’t just about rows of books—it’s a thriving hub of cultural happenings. There’s something for everyone who has ever swooned over a well-crafted sentence or scribbled in the margins of their favorite novel. Meet-and-greets between authors and readers, lively readings, book signings, sparkling literary evenings, book launches, roundtable discussions, and stimulating exhibitions fill the jam-packed agenda.
Visitors are encouraged to engage directly with the voices shaping literature today. With every program completely free, the festival offers a warm invitation to all, whether you’re an academic, a passionate bookworm, or just passing by and feeling curious.
Other Literary Events Worth Noting
Warming up for the grand festival, Hungary’s literary calendar brims with smaller book launches in the preceding months. On August 30 in Szentendre, Zsigmond Sugár presents Aquamarine Wisdom (Akvamarin bölcsessége). September brings a trio of launches: Ildikó Farkasinszki shares Grilled Desserts (Grilldeszertek) in Gyomaendrőd on the 3rd, Erika Tímea Gajdos debuts Nice View (Szépkilátó) in Balatongyörök on the 5th, and Csaba András introduces Consensual Cinema (Konszenzuális mozi) in Budapest’s Józsefváros (District VIII) on the 8th. Róbert Alföldi will showcase In the Leading Role (Főszerepben) on September 18.
Bookworms, mark your calendars: Budapest’s lively festival agenda runs all year long, so the city never runs out of reasons to celebrate books.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options Galore
Budapest expects a surge of literary tourists, and the city’s got you covered with a wide range of hotels, cozy guesthouses, and even a city-center campsite. If you’re arriving by air, the Actor Hotel Budapest on the Pest side of downtown offers complimentary airport transfers to guests staying three nights or more, provided you book ahead and arrive between 7am and 10pm. With excellent public transport nearby, exploring the city is a breeze.
Seeking a smaller, homier vibe? The Boulevard City Guesthouse (Boulevard City Panzió), located on the upper floors of a residential building in District IX by the Danube, is perfect for those who want to reach the city’s beating heart with just a short walk.
The Canada Hotel is ideal for groups and business travelers, complete with free Wi-Fi, spacious parking, and a hearty breakfast buffet included in the room rate.
If you love the outdoors but crave a central location, Haller Camping is nestled in a quiet park right in Budapest’s core, with 24-hour reception and fast transit to museums, restaurants, spas, nightlife, and historic sites. Supermarkets and a shopping mall are just steps away.
The Ibis Budapest Centrum is a favorite for its proximity to the Kálvin Square (Kálvin tér) metro station (just 50 feet away!) and the Hungarian National Museum (about 300 yards). Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden terrace, and rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV, and private baths. Or choose from several other Ibis branches: the Citysouth (Ibis Budapest Citysouth) location sits between the airport and the city, or opt for the stylish central branch by the Petőfi Bridge (Petőfi híd), offering scenic Danube and Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy) views.
Need something more private? Ráday Central Apartment (Ráday Central Apartman) offers new, upscale apartments just a stone’s throw from Kálvin Square and a lively pedestrian street full of cafés and restaurants.
Where to Eat and Drink: Budapest’s Tasty Corners
No literary festival is complete without sustenance, and the surroundings of the Whale (Bálna) are bursting with tempting food options. There are affordable self-service eateries and cafés on Czuczor Street (Czuczor utca), ideal for hungry students and workers. Craving burgers? Build your own or tackle the monstrous Giga Double Decker sandwich, or sample specialties from the grill alongside chicken and beef options.
For upscale vibes, try the Bohemian Restaurant and Event Venue tucked inside the Palace of Arts (MÜPA), Budapest’s celebrated music hall. Here, you’ll rub elbows with world-class musicians and enjoy refined dishes, fine wines, and rich coffee in an atmosphere humming with creativity.
Other highlights: the Bőségtál Restaurant offers hearty Hungarian meals and desserts at friendly prices in Lurdy House (Lurdy Ház). Café Intenzo, with its intimate garden terrace, is perfect for lunch or dinner, while other nearby spots serve everything from classic Hungarian cuisine to Italian delicacies. Whether you’re after traditional hearty feasts or global flavors, there’s a table waiting within walking distance of the festival.
Save the Date
Organizers reserve the right to modify programs and dates, so keep an eye on updates as autumn approaches. For four days, Budapest will truly become a paradise for lovers of books and words—don’t miss out!
