Just when you thought spring in Hungary couldn’t get any better, along comes Magyar Fagylalt Napja – Hungarian Ice Cream Day – to add a cherry on top. Celebrated annually on May 8th, this delightful tradition offers ice cream aficionados the chance to indulge in their favourite frozen treats at half the price. It’s the perfect excuse to embark on an ice cream parlour tour across the city, sampling the finest scoops Budapest has to offer.
The Date with a Delicious Twist
Why May 8th, you ask? Well, there’s a playful logic behind it. The Roman numeral for May is ‘V’, resembling an ice cream cone, and the number 8, when turned on its side, looks like two scoops stacked atop. It’s a visual pun that’s as sweet as the treats it celebrates.
Supporting Local Artisans One Scoop at a Time
Magyar Fagylalt Napja isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s a celebration of locally made, high-quality ice cream and the small businesses behind it. Participating parlours across Hungary commit to offering at least four flavours at half price, spotlighting the craftsmanship and creativity of Hungarian confectioners .
Budapest’s Must-Visit Ice Cream Spots
If you’re in Budapest, you’re in for a treat. Here are some top spots to consider on your ice cream adventure:
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La Susanna Gelato Downtown: Nestled near St. Stephen’s Basilica, this parlour is known for its Italian-style homemade gelato, with flavours like salted caramel and pistachio that are sure to delight.
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Kő fagyi? on Bartók Béla: Originally from Balaton, this legendary shop offers unique flavours such as Bronte pistachio, mango, IPA beer, and wine-infused ice creams, making it a must-visit for adventurous palates .
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Strudel Garden Café & Bakery: Celebrating the day with 50% off all gelato, this charming café invites you to enjoy award-winning flavours in a cozy setting .
Lavender, túrórudi, apricot, and poppy seed with plum jam? Hungarian ice cream doesn’t mess about. Forget vanilla—this is where the real flavour adventure begins.
Indulge with a Purpose
Beyond the joy of discounted ice cream, Magyar Fagylalt Napja has a charitable side. Proceeds from participating shops support children’s experiences through the Élmény és Szakértelem Alapítvány (Experience and Expertise Foundation). So every scoop you enjoy contributes to a good cause, making your indulgence all the more rewarding .
Plan Your Ice Cream Tour
To make the most of this sweet celebration:
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Check Participating Parlours: Visit the official Experience and Expertise Foundation page for a list of participating ice cream shops.
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Arrive Early: Popular spots can get busy, so beat the crowds by starting your tour early in the day.
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Try Something New: With so many unique flavours on offer, it’s the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new favourite.
See You in the Queue
I’ll be honest—I didn’t need a national holiday to justify my ice cream habit. But if Magyar Fagylalt Napja gives me an excuse to sample five different flavours before lunch and call it “research,” then I’m all in. Last year, Andrew and I found ourselves in a queue of toddlers at one of the city’s busier gelato joints, each of us pretending it was “for the dog.”
There’s something lovely about seeing people—grumpy commuters, grandparents, students, tourists—all united by the sheer joy of a half-price scoop.
So this 8 May, whether you’re a salted caramel loyalist or a basil-lime thrill-seeker, get out there and lick your way across the city. Support the small parlours. Try something weird. Get brain freeze. Laugh at yourself. That’s kind of the point.
And if you want more of this—Hungarian life, minus the sugar-coating (but with plenty of dessert recommendations)—my ebook HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond is the cherry on top. Hundreds of tips, local insights, and real stories from someone who’s lived the paperwork, potholes and pastry.
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Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches—fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.