Long weekend ahead in Hungary, multiple stores to close – here is the list

Today still feels like an ordinary working day, but from tomorrow we enter a four-day long weekend. Friday was already worked off last Saturday. The long weekend will begin with the national holiday on 23rd October, when Hungary commemorates the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight (’56-os forradalom és szabadságharc). Nearly all shops will be closed on this day. Public services are also preparing for the holiday and extended weekend.

Numerous stores will be closed tomorrow

Pénzcentrum has gathered information about which stores will close nationwide. According to their list, the following chains will be closed:

• Tesco
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Auchan
• Penny
• CBA/Príma
• Spar/Interspar
• Reál
• Coop

It is important to note that some outlets from these retail chains will remain open during the holiday, including Spar and Tesco branches located at petrol stations. From 24th to 26th October, all shops will reopen according to their regular opening hours. Therefore, only one day will see limited shopping opportunities. However, smaller shops, corner stores, and convenience stores — including 24-hour outlets — are likely to stay open on Thursday, as these are usually run by their owners rather than employed staff.

Pharmacies to operate according to on-duty schedule

According to the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service (NNGYK), on Thursday, 23rd October, pharmacies operating on an on-duty basis will be available, alongside 24-hour pharmacies and others that remain open on public holidays.

They added that on Friday, 24th October, pharmacies that normally open on rest days will provide medication services following their regular Saturday or rest-day schedule. However, it is advisable to check the NNGYK website for any variations, as schedules may differ.

Autumn break, roadworks and lorry ban

Good news for schoolchildren: the autumn break also begins on Thursday and lasts until Sunday, 2nd November. According to previous experience shared by the specialist website autopalyamatrica.hu, particularly heavy traffic is expected across the country on both weekends.

It is worth noting that several motorway sections are currently undergoing refurbishment, leading to lane reductions, temporary speed limits, and diversions. Major autumn works include resurfacing on the M7 and a large-scale expansion project on the M1. Contrary to earlier plans, the long-closed section of the M30 will not be completed by the end of October.