The Best Outdoor Venues in Hungary

With romantic architecture, breathtaking scenery, a vivid nightlife, more than 1,000 national springs, and an incredible musical culture, Hungary is a can’t-miss destination for any touring ensemble. In Hungary, you can walk in the footsteps of legends like Bartok, Kodaly, and Liszt as you experience the country’s rich history. Whether you’re looking for bustling metropolises or tranquil countryside’s, Hungary has something for everybody. Experience large cities with a vibrant nightlife, perform at historic gothic cathedrals, or simply enjoy some fun and relaxation by Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake.

Hungary has an eclectic musical culture that includes classical music, modern experimental music, electronica, alternative music, traditional Hungarian folk music, and so much more. This country is largely known for its countless spectacular churches and gorgeous concert halls, but Hungary also offers ensembles many unique opportunities for impromptu outdoor performances. Perhaps most notable, touring ensembles in Hungary are able to perform in the type of prestigious venues that are often inaccessible in other countries.

Are you interested in planning a performance tour to Hungary? Learn more about some of the wonderful outdoor performance venues available in Budapest and the surrounding area.

MOM Cultural Center (Budapest)

The MOM Cultural Center was built in 1951 in Bauhaus style. For a long period, this facility was the only place on the Buda side of the city where proper theater performances were held. In the early 2000’s, the local city district government developed and modernized the building, and now this new building, which seats up to 660 audience members, caters to many types of performances, including high quality musical and theatrical performances, ballet, folklore, and modern dance.

Castle Garden Bazaar (Budapest)

This completely renovated Neo-Renaissance building at the foot of Castle Hill is now a World Heritage Site. It is the capital’s special treasure chest, a historic monument, where art and nature live side by side. Within the Castle Garden Bazaar, there are two options for outdoor performance venues:

House of Hungarian Music (Budapest)

The House of Hungarian Music is a brand new, modern concert venue and museum that is currently being constructed next to the Városliget Lake near the Vajdahunyad Castle. The construction should be finished by the end of this year, and the opening is set for the beginning of 2022. The 9,000-square-metre building is being constructed as part of the Liget Budapest Project, in which several new museums and venues will be built within the Hungarian capital’s central City Park.

The building will be divided into three sections, with the two performance venues located on the ground level. This exceptional architectural accomplishment, which features an undulating roof punctuated by trees, is meant to “create exceptional harmony between the green and the built-up environments.” Your ensemble can be among the first to perform in this incredible setting.

Botanical Garden – Fűvészkert (Budapest)

This venue is located in the middle of the city, and offers a very special atmosphere for smaller choirs or orchestras. Part of Eötvös Loránd University, which was founded back in 1771, these historic botanical gardens provide lush greenery in an otherwise urban environment. There are over 8,000 plant species in the park, providing your ensemble with an opportunity to learn about the meaning of biodiversity. While there’s no formal stage available, this is an excellent opportunity for a small performance with a roughly 100-person capacity.

Assembly Court of the Royal Castle (Gödöllő)

The Gödöllő Royal Palace, the largest Baroque palace in Hungary, was built in the 18th century and has been recently restored to its original glory. While ensembles typically perform in one of two wonderful indoor venues (Riding Hall, which is ideal for large orchestral performances, and the Baroque Theater, which can accommodate smaller instrumental groups and choirs), there’s another venue that is ideal for outdoor performances. Every year, there are many programs held in the beautiful inner courtyard. Here, you will find spectacular views, great crowds, and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Skanzen Amphitheater (Szentendre)

The Skanzen of Szentendre is an open-air museum, established in the late 1800’s. At the Skanzen, you will find an 800-seat open-air theater, which would be a wonderful venue for your next outdoor performance. Located next to Villa Rustica, a Roman-style villa built in the 16th century, this is a traditional venue with a special atmosphere and picturesque environment.

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