Tourist season

It seems April 1st is the time when tourists seriously begin to materialise in Budapest.

Austrians and Germans are the first early visitors. But within a week tourist walks near the Danube become increasingly populated by a patchwork of linguistics.

Groups of the middle-aged can be seen standing motionless in the street, pointing uncertainly in all directions. Backpacked youngsters rest on walls, steps or benches, lost in study of the large city map.

The first five days of this April delivered a bonus for early travellers, with temperatures rising to 22C. But the Easter weekend was enveloped by an icy northern wind that muted the outdoor celebrations I visited high up on Buda's castle district.

The blend of coolness and humidity that followed is a curious experience. But the third week of the month is forecast more definitely to be cool and probably wet. A disappointment for tourists and for the many businesses that rely on tourist traffic.

But one week does not a summer make – and this is only spring. Budapest for sightseers is a magical world, with sufficient museums, fairs, festivals and events to satisfy, even in unpromising weather. I personally hope to take advantage of the free, 2-day door-opening of many of Budapest's 100-year old buildings this weekend.

Meanwhile, here is a sunny spring view from my window!