Why Budapest is Emerging as a Cherry Blossom Destination This Spring

Why Budapest is Emerging as a Cherry Blossom Destination This Spring

• Japan cancels the Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival due to concerns about overtourism, prompting travellers to seek alternatives, with Budapest emerging as a more relaxed, crowd-free destination to enjoy the blooms without the long-haul travel. 
• Budapest’s cherry blossom season starts from mid-March

With global interest in cherry blossom season continuing to grow, Japan welcomed a record 3.91 million international visitors during the 2025 sakura season in April, according to figures released by JNTO. The surge in tourism even led to the cancellation of a Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival due to concerns about overtourism. 

Against this backdrop, Budapest is emerging as a quieter alternative for spring blooms, particularly for European travellers seeking the experience closer to home. For those planning a spring city break, Kimpton BEM Budapest offers the perfect place to stay while discovering the Hungarian capital at its prettiest. 

From mid-March to April, cherry trees flower across the Hungarian capital, bringing soft pink colour to many of the city’s parks, gardens and historic promenades. Less internationally known for its blossoms, Budapest offers several scenic locations to enjoy the season without the long-haul journey. Located on the Buda side of the Danube, Kimpton BEM Budapest places guests within easy reach of some of the city’s most beautiful cherry blossom, making it an ideal base for a spring escape. 

Kimpton BEM Budapest has compiled a list of the best places in the city to see the cherry blossoms:  

Tóth Árpád sétány

Among the most stunning locations is Tóth Árpád sétány in the Buda Castle District, where approximately 60 ornamental cherry trees bloom against sweeping views across the city. Widely considered one of Budapest’s most picturesque promenades, it remains tucked away from the busiest tourist routes, making it an ideal spot for a quiet spring walk and a few well-timed photos beneath the trees. 

Buda Arboretum

Another picturesque location is the Buda Arboretum, a lesser-known green space on the Buda side that even some locals don’t know about. Located near the Móricz Zsigmond körtér transport hub, the garden is home to several striking ornamental cherry trees that flower each spring. Entry is free, making it one of the city’s accessible gardens to enjoy the blooms.  

Japanese Garden in Zugló

Budapest is also home to Hungary's first Japanese Garden in Zugló. Here, cherry trees begin to bloom from mid-March, creating a rotating display of different varieties over the following weeks. The garden also hosts Spring Japanese Garden Day in April, where a programme of cultural activities brings additional colour to the celebrations of hanami – the Japanese tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms. Tickets can be purchased at the garden’s reception or on the day. 

 ELTE Botanical Garden

In Budapest’s 8th district, the ELTE Botanical Garden, the city’s oldest botanical garden, is one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Visitors can bring their picnic blanket and have their lunch beneath the flowering trees, making it a popular spot for spring afternoons. Between March and April, the garden also hosts a series of weekend events celebrating Japanese culture, such as traditional Ohanami (picnic under blooming trees), Japanese music, martial arts, ikebana workshops, and bonsai exhibitions, offering visitors the chance to experience traditional activities alongside the blooms. 

Where to stay

Kimpton BEM Budapest is ideally positioned for travellers visiting the city’s cherry blossoms in spring, with the closest Cherry blossom spot being only a 20-minute walk away. Set within a restored 19th-century mansion on the Buda side of the Danube, the boutique hotel is within easy reach of many of Budapest’s parks, riverfront walks and historic neighbourhoods where the blooms can be found. The hotel’s location also places guests close to major sights, including the UNESCO-listed Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and the Chain Bridge. 

The hotel has 127 guest rooms, including eight suites, and three dining concepts. Designed by internationally recognised Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, the interior draws on Hungarian folklore and craftsmanship, with references to local symbols and traditions throughout the property. With its central Buda-side location and strong identity, Kimpton BEM Budapest is a convenient and distinctive place to stay while exploring the city during cherry blossom season. 

Ends

Editors notes

Rates at Kimpton BEM Budapest start from € 200 per night. The rate is based on double occupancy. For more information, visit https://kimptonbembudapest.com/ 

About Kimpton BEM Budapest

The opening of Kimpton BEM Budapest in September 2024 marked Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ first boutique luxury hotel in Hungary and their first property in Eastern Europe. Set within a restored 19th-century mansion on the Buda side of the Danube, the 127-room property – including 8 suites – has been designed by Dutch visionary Marcel Wanders (one of just ten fortunate hotels he’s designed in the last two decades of his career, with Kimpton BEM Budapest being his final project). The hotel’s interiors draw inspiration from Hungarian folklore and yet are contemporary in design, with features ranging from upside-down egg-shaped reception desks to a glass atrium showcasing a golden stag.

 Kimpton BEM Budapest offers views across the river to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and places guests within easy reach of the UNESCO-listed Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Budapest’s famed bathing culture. Three inventive dining concepts form part of the experience, underpinned by a strong sustainability ethos that incorporates energy-efficient systems, waste reduction measures, and a commitment to local sourcing. Their restaurant AGOS has been awarded two Toques by Gault&Millau, and is amongst the Top 35 Restaurants in Hungary. Wellness is also central to the hotel, with a tranquil spa and treatments influenced by the city’s thermal history and heritage.

As part of IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneer program, Kimpton BEM Budapest leads the way in sustainable hospitality with energy-efficient systems, eco-certified suppliers, and a deep commitment to local sourcing and environmental responsibility. They have also been awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2025 and have been chosen as Tripadvisor’s number one Luxury Hotel in Hungary.

The Kimpton group has around 79 hotels currently open globally. With two hotels opening in 2025, Kimpton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 471 rooms, and Kimpton Sicily, Italy, which is opening late 2025.

With more exciting new openings happening in 2026:

• Kimpton Era Midtown New York, USA – 529 rooms
• Kimpton Bali Ubud, Indonesia – 101 rooms
• Kimpton Dubai, UAE – 280 rooms
• Kimpton Quinta da Marinha Cascais, Portugal

Press kit available to download here.

@kimptonbembudapest | @agos.restaurant | @barhuso | @fennen.skybar 

UK Press Enquiries:

Charlotte Williams, Elinor Fresson, and Magda Maslanka at Lemongrass Travel PR

E: KimptonBEMBudapest@lemongrassmarketing.com

T: +44 (0)1865 237 990