Budapest

Budapest Travel Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Planning Your Trip
  2. Getting There
  3. Where to Stay
  4. Places to Go
  5. Things to Do
  6. Food and Drink
  7. Tips and Tricks
  8. Transportation

Planning Your Trip

When to Go

  • Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, and the city is less crowded than in the summer months.
  • Summer (June to August): This is peak tourist season, with warm weather and long days. However, it can get very hot, especially in July.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a great time to visit Budapest, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer.
  • Winter (December to February): If you don’t mind the cold weather, winter is a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.

How Long to Stay

  • 3-4 days: This is a good amount of time to get a feel for the city and see its main attractions.
  • 5-7 days: With more time, you can explore the city’s neighborhoods, visit some of its many museums, and take day trips to nearby cities like Szentendre or Eger.

Budgeting

  • Accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels start from around €20-€30 per night. Mid-range hotels cost between €50-€100 per night. Luxury hotels can cost upwards of €200-€300 per night.
  • Food: Eating out at mid-range restaurants costs around €10-€15 per meal. Street food and snacks are generally cheaper, while higher-end restaurants can cost up to €30-€40 per meal.
  • Transportation: Public transportation costs around €1-€2 per ride, or you can buy a 24-hour pass for €7.50.

Getting There

By Air

  • The closest airport is Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which is located about 16 kilometers southeast of the city center.
  • You can take bus 100E from the airport to the city center, or a taxi costs around €25-€30.

By Bus and Train

  • If you’re coming from another European city, you can take a bus or train to Budapest’s main railway station (Keleti pályaudvar).
  • From here, you can take public transportation or a taxi to get to your accommodation.

Where to Stay

Districts to Stay in

  • District 5 (Erzsébetváros): This is the heart of Budapest’s nightlife and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
  • District 7 (Erzsébetváros): This area is known for its historic buildings and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the city center.
  • District 9 (Ferencváros): This is a lively neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Accommodation Options

  • Hostels: Budapest has plenty of hostels that offer affordable accommodation in dorms or private rooms. Prices start from around €10-€20 per night.
  • Budget Hotels: These hotels are generally cheaper than mid-range hotels and cost around €30-€50 per night.
  • Mid-range Hotels: These hotels usually have a 3-star rating and offer comfortable accommodation at prices starting from around €50-€100 per night.
  • Luxury Hotels: If you want to stay in style, luxury hotels are available for prices upwards of €200-€300 per night.

Places to Go

Must-see Attractions

  • Parliament Building (Országház): This stunning parliament building is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Buda Castle: This historic castle complex includes several museums, gardens, and a beautiful view of the Danube River.
  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Relax in one of Europe’s largest thermal baths, which offers a spa experience like no other.

Other Attractions

  • Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház): Catch a performance at this stunning opera house, which is known for its beautiful architecture and high-quality productions.
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica: Climb to the top of this iconic church for panoramic views of the city.
  • Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út): This historic street is lined with cafes, shops, and museums.

Things to Do

Outdoor Activities

  • River Danube Cruise: Take a romantic boat ride along the Danube River and enjoy stunning views of the city.
  • Walking Tours: Explore Budapest’s neighborhoods on foot and discover hidden gems like street art, historic buildings, and local markets.
  • Cycle Hire: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.

Cultural Experiences

  • Visit a Market: Try some local food at one of Budapest’s many markets, such as the Great Market Hall or the Ecseri Flea Market.
  • Attend a Festival: Catch a performance at one of Budapest’s many festivals, which include the Sziget Festival and the Budapest Spring Festival.

Food and Drink

Traditional Hungarian Cuisine

  • Goulash: Try this hearty beef soup that is a staple of Hungarian cuisine.
  • Paprikás csirke: This traditional chicken dish is flavored with paprika, garlic, and sour cream.
  • Dobos Torte: Enjoy this classic Hungarian cake made with ground nuts and chocolate.

Where to Eat

  • Mid-range Restaurants: These restaurants offer affordable meals in a cozy atmosphere. Prices start from around €10-€15 per meal.
  • Street Food: Try some local snacks like langos, szalagyi, or pogácsa at street food stalls.
  • Higher-end Restaurants: Enjoy fine dining at one of Budapest’s many high-end restaurants, which offer menus starting from around €30-€40 per meal.

Tips and Tricks

Safety

  • Pickpocketing: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.
  • Scams: Be cautious of scams like taxi scams or fake street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
  • Demonstrations: Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, as they can turn violent.

Language

  • Hungarian: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Hungarian phrases like “sajnálom” (sorry) or “köszönöm” (thank you).
  • Language Services: If you need help with translation or interpretation services, there are several companies that offer this service in Budapest.

Other Tips

  • Cash: While many places accept credit cards, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. Aim to tip around 5-10% of the total bill.
  • Weather: Budapest can be quite rainy at times, so bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket.

Transportation

Public Transportation

  • Buses: Budapest has a comprehensive network of buses that cover most areas of the city. Fares start from around €1-€2 per ride.
  • Trams: Trams are another popular mode of transportation in Budapest, with fares starting from around €1-€2 per ride.
  • Metro: The metro system is efficient and convenient, with fares starting from around €1-€2 per ride.

Private Transportation

  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available but be aware that prices can surge during peak hours. Fares start from around €5-€10 per kilometer.
  • Ride-hailing Services: Uber and local competitors like Bolt operate in Budapest, with fares starting from around €3-€5 per ride.

Car Rental

  • Car Rental Agencies: Several car rental agencies have offices at Ferenc Liszt International Airport or in the city center. Prices start from around €20-€30 per day.
  • Traffic Rules: Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, such as driving on the right-hand side of the road and using roundabouts.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and stress-free trip to Budapest. Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings, respect local customs, and enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.