Budapest is gradually opening up from Monday, May 18

From May 18 on, the government is lifting the curfew restrictions imposed due to the novel coronavirus epidemic in Budapest as well, with measures in the capital to follow the rest of the country with a two-week delay.

The number of those who have been infected with the virus is low and the number of new cases is also showing a favourable trend. Responsible behaviour and social distancing are particularly important in the capital until further notice. It would still be compulsory to wear a mask in shops and on public transport in Budapest in order to prevent the spread of the infection. Public areas, parks and outdoor playgrounds can be visited from Monday. Parents and escorts over the age of 18 may only be stay on playgrounds with noses and mouths covered by a cloth, mask or scarf.

From Monday, all shops and service providers will be allowed to open, and at restaurants, cafes and bars, the outdoor areas and terraces can be opened in the capital. Outdoor swimming pools, museums and the Zoo can reopen to visitors within a few days, after consulting with the Mayor’s Office. The outdoor exhibition areas of ELTE Botanical Garden also reopen from May 18, asking visitors to wear a mask and keep a distance of 2 meters from other visitors. Budapest's indoor spas are still closed until further notice.

Religious services and weddings attended by up to 200 people will be permitted after June 15 in Budapest. Family events can also be held at hotels and restaurants. Catering units will not have to pay a fee for using public spaces for their terraces from Monday until September 1 having regard to the huge losses they have suffered.

Initial measures of the Municipality serve to reduce overcrowding: the lower Danube embankment opened up for pedestrians and cyclists last weekend while banning cars from the quays as part of the Budapest Restart policy. Margaret Island and Óbuda Island (Hajógyári-sziget) can be visited continuously from the second weekend of May. Nevertheless, the reopening of the capital must be done cautiously and gradually: consultations with local district mayors were under way on the possibility of reopening playgrounds and sports grounds.

People violating the protection measures will be fined at the minimum amount of HUF 5,000. The highest amount of fine may be imposed is HUF 500,000.

For more information about Budapest Restart after the COVID-19 lockdown visit https://koronavirus.budapest.hu/en.

Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre

www.budapestinfo.hu