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Hungary Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Hungary is one of the many underrated gems of Europe . Compared to pricey Western Europe, Hungary offers incredible value. It boasts beautiful landscapes, rich history, hearty food, and affordable nightlife ( Budapest is one of the best nightlife spots on the continent).

You’ll also find fewer crowds, cheaper prices, beautiful national parks, historic city centers, and friendly people.

It’s one of my favorite places to explore in Europe!

While most visitors only visit Budapest, there is so much to see elsewhere around the country. It always surprises me that, for a country in the middle of Europe, so few people actually bother to explore it!

This travel guide to Hungry can help you visit the country on a budget and ensure you have an epic trip without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Hungary

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in hungary.

1. Explore Budapest

With its cheap accommodation, a multitude of thermal baths, and historic castles, Budapest is always a big hit with travelers. On a visit to Hungary’s capital city, you can explore underground caves, marvel at the stunning architecture, and enjoy the incredible nightlife. Cruise the river Danube on a riverboat to check out the views during the day, and then dance the night away when the boats turn into some of the city’s best late-night clubs. It has lots to do, cheap food, and a lively atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world!

2. Visit the ruin bars

After World War II, many buildings in the city were left ruined and abandoned. Squatters, then artists, and now hipsters moved into them and have turned them into eclectic “ruin bars” that even the locals love. The atmosphere is grungy and unique with rundown exteriors that open into hip spaces for dancing, performance art, and theater. Decorated with reclaimed materials and quirky antiques, the ruin bars are an iconic part of Hungary’s nightlife. Szimpla Kert and Fogasház are among my favorites.

3. Soak in the largest thermal lake in the world

Hévíz is located near Lake Balaton and is home to the largest swimmable thermal lake in the world, Lake Hévíz. Whatever the season, the lake remains a perfect temperature for taking a dip in the therapeutic waters which are rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and hydrogen carbonate (Hungary’s thermal waters have been used for thousands of years for their health benefits). In the early 1900s the area became a popular spa resort destination, with visitors flocking from all around Europe. There isn’t much to the town beyond this, but it makes for a neat day trip if you’re in the area. Single entry tickets are 3,500 HUF for three hours and there is a range of spa services available too.

4. Hike Gulács Hill

This inactive volcano stands around 400 meters (1,312 feet) high and makes for a wonderful hike. The path is rugged and often covered in dense forests or fallen trees, so it’s not ideal for children. Various trails snake up the mountain, and on the way, you can visit other landmarks like an old, abandoned quarry. Mysterious paths continuously intersect and lead to nowhere, so it’s easy to get a little lost, and dense woods add to the mystique of the hike. From the first observation point, you can see all the way to Lake Balaton. You’ll get stunning views of the entire area and it’s only a 3-kilometer (2-mile) trek. It makes for an easy day trip from Budapest.

5. Take a trip to Eger

Tucked away in northern Hungary near the Bükk Mountains, this town dates all the way back to the 10th century. It is known for its historic castle, which was originally a manor house and chapel that overlooked the valley. Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries, the castle suffered major damage and was rebuilt and fortified multiple times until the church began to demolish the structure in the late 1700s. Luckily, the demolition was stopped, and archeological digs and excavations began in the 20th century. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the medieval bishop’s castle for 2400 HUF. Eger is also famous for its stunning Baroque and architecture and Turkish ruins, thermal baths, and the best red wine in the country. You can buy wine directly from those who make it, so this is a good place for souvenirs — or to stock up for yourself!

Other Things to See and Do in Hungary

1. dance at the sziget music festival.

The Sziget Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Europe. It takes place every August for one week on Margaret Island in Budapest, right on the Danube River. Because of its size and international popularity, tourists and locals alike flock to Budapest to take in the scene. With over 1,000 performances, there is something for most musical tastes. You can book tickets online. Prices start around 132,000 HUF for a full festival pass.

2. Relax at Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is the biggest freshwater lake in Central Europe and is known affectionately as the Hungarian inner sea. It’s a popular tourist destination both for visitors and nationals thanks to its beaches and volcanic hills. In Tihany, you can visit a Benedictine Abbey that dates to 1065 CE (admission is 2,200 HUF). Towards the north of the lake is a wine-growing region, wetlands, and some epic hiking trails. For those looking for more relaxation, you’ll find over 1,000 hot springs famed for their medicinal properties here. One of the most popular is Héviz Lake (mentioned above) which also offers visitors a whole range of different spa treatments. Treatments start from 3,900 HUF for a 35-minute massage.

3. Cruise along the Danube

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe (the Volga is the longest). The river runs through the entire country and you can visit many of the small towns that line its coast by taking a boat cruise (you can even cruise into Germany if you have time). Expect to pay around 22,000 HUF for a full-day cruise that includes lunch. For a shorter 4-hour cruise without food included, prices start at 4,000 HUF.

4. Visit the Necropolis in Pécs

Located just a couple hours from Budapest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to the 4th century. It’s the largest necropolis in Europe, with several burial chambers open to the public, including multi-level chambers. Admission is 1,700 HUF. It’s currently closed for renovations and expected to reopen in early 2023.

5. Take a food tour

Hungarian cuisine is both delicious and hearty. If you’re a foodie like me and want to sample the country’s most popular dishes (while learning about their cultural importance), take a food tour. Food Tour Budapest runs in-depth guided tours around Budapest that can introduce you to the region’s best dishes and teach you how they came to be. Tours last a few hours and start at 18,200 HUF.

6. Admire the National Gallery

Established in 1957 and located in the Royal Palace in Budapest, the National Gallery is home to works from prominent Hungarian and European artists. There are a lot of paintings and sculptures here, as well as a collection of altarpieces from the 1400s. You can also tour the building’s dome for views of the city. It’s not a huge gallery, so you only need a few hours to take it in. Admission to the gallery is 3,400 HUF per person and an audio guide is 1,100 HUF.

7. Go birdwatching

Hungary is home to a surprising number of bird species. Hot spots for birding include Hortobágy, Lake Ferto, Kiskunság, Lake Tisza, Bükk, and the Zemplén Mountains. In these places, you have a fair chance of seeing great bustards, sakers, imperial eagles, pygmy cormorants, woodpeckers, and even Ural owls. There are several companies that can arrange small group trips to these places (often combined with other activities, like wine tastings). Tours aren’t cheap, though — multi-day tours cost upwards of 240,000 HUF — so consider a self-guided trip if you’re on a budget.

8. Visit the House of Terror museum

Hungary is infamous for the brutality of its leaders under the Nazi and Soviet regimes. This building is both a museum and a memorial paying homage to the thousands of people who were tortured and brutally killed here. It’s not a light way to spend your afternoon, but you’ll get heaps of insight into Hungary’s complex history. Admission is 4,000 HUF.

9. Cycle the countryside

There are over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) of cycling paths in the Hungarian countryside (and 200 kilometers/125 miles around Budapest). Lake Balaton has a popular cycling route that runs all the way around its perimeter. For those looking to go further afield on a multi-day excursion, the paths in Hungary also connect with routes in Germany and Austria . The routes are easy to navigate, though if you prefer to take a guided tour there are plenty available. A one-day guided tour costs between 22,220-55,550 HUF per person. If you are traveling with a bicycle, it can be transported by train within Hungary.

10. Explore Tengerszem Nature Preserve

This nature preserve is in an old stone mine, which closed in 1907. Nature has slowly reclaimed the area and water has filled the massive gorge. The site was declared the most beautiful area in all of Hungary in 2011. It’s a unique location to spend the day as its protected status means there are all kinds of incredible flora and fauna to be seen. The preserve is near Sarospatak in the northeast of the country (it’s just 20 minutes from the border with Slovakia ).

11. Soak in the baths

Thermal baths are a big part of Hungarian culture. Whether you’re relaxing in the famous Szechenyi Baths in Budapest or checking out a small hot pool in the countryside, you can’t leave Hungary without partaking in this local pastime (there are over 1,300 thermal baths in the entire country). Weekday admission is around 3,800 HUF per person, with prices rising slightly on the weekend.

12. Visit the Royal Palace (Buda Castle)

They call it a castle, but the Royal Palace in Budapest is more of a palace complex than a proper ‘castle.’ Though it was originally constructed in the 13th century, the huge Baroque complex you see today was built between 1749 and 1769. The palace’s days of being a luxurious living space ended in World War II when Nazi (and then Russian) troops looted it. Today, it’s home to a collection of museums. Beneath the castle, there is a spooky labyrinth that tourists can explore for 3,000 HUF.

13. Wander the Great Market Hall

At the head of Budapest’s Vaci Utca, the kitschy shopping street in town, is the Great Market Hall. Built in 1897, this is the oldest and largest indoor market in the country. Its incredible exterior is covered in the same ceramic tiles as are on the roof of Matthias Church on the top of Buda Hill. Walk the aisles and check out local produce and artisanal crafts, buy local spices like paprika, and sample the tasty food stalls. This is the perfect place to people-watch, have lunch, and pick up souvenirs. Food tours are also available at 11am every Saturday and cost around 13,300 HUF for a two-hour tour. The market is open Monday-Saturday.

14. Soak in the Cave Bath

If you enjoy spas and are in need of some pampering, the Cave Bath at Miskolctapolca is a must. Located within a natural cave system two hours east of Budapest, here the water is rich in natural minerals and is said to contain healing properties. The water is a relaxing 30°C (86°F) and there are several different pools to enjoy as well as reasonably priced spa treatments available. The baths are open year-round (except January) and admission starts at 3,500 HUF.

15. Attend the Busójárás Festival

This slightly scary festival happens annually in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday in the town of Mohács. During this time, locals parade through the town dressed in traditional clothing and wearing demonic face masks. No one is 100% certain where the tradition comes from as there are two very different stories, so it really depends on who you ask. One story is that it stems from an attempt to frighten off the Ottoman invaders. The other is that it’s part of a pagan tradition to frighten away the winter. Either way, it’s an interesting festival to witness. The dates of the festival change each year to coincide with Easter.

16. Tour the wine region

If you are a wine fan, the region of Eger in northern Hungary is where you’ll find the country’s best wines. There are many vineyards here where you can take a tour as well as sample and buy wine. A private wine tour and tasting costs upwards of 60,000 HUF so if you are on a tight budget keep an eye out for special wine-tasting evenings. Here you can tour the cellars and enjoy plenty of samples at a discount. Two of the most popular wineries to visit are the Gál Tibor winery and Bolyki Pincészet.

17. Explore the Caves of Aggtelek Karst

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst are part of Aggtelek National Park, one of the only UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. There are 712 caves spread out over 138,000 acres that run along the border of Hungary and Slovakia. The site is made up of seven areas with five in Hungary and two in neighboring Slovakia. Within the caves, you can see some of the largest stalactites and stalagmites in Europe. You can also book a tour that takes you across the border to see the caves in Slovakia. To enter the caves, you must be part of a guided tour. Admission is 2,200 HUF. For more information on tour times check the official website .

18. Go hiking in Hortobágy National Park

Located in the eastern part of Hungary, this is the largest protected landscape in the country. The park was created in the 1970s and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The grassy plains (also known as a steppe) are home to all sorts of domestic animals, including cattle, horses, and water buffalo tended to by traditional herdsmen. Some of the rarest animal breeds can be found here, including great bustards, lesser white-fronted geese, white-tailed eagles, and falcons. The landscape is incredibly stunning.

19. See the Bokod Floating Houses

Bokod and Oroszlány are two towns located outside Budapest. The towns are home to a collection of cottages and cabins on stilts that line the coast of Lake Bokodi. The cabins and cottages are popular with the locals in the summer months, though there are some fishermen who spend time here in the winter as well (the lake is famous for almost never freezing, even though Hungary has cold winters). It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination that few tourists visit.

20. Visit the Hungarian Versailles

Eszterháza is a vast palace located near the border with Austria and is often considered the Hungarian version of France’s Versailles . Constructed in the late Baroque style, the palace was built throughout the 18th century after being commissioned by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, who wanted a palatial getaway for his hunting expeditions. There are 126 rooms in the palace and the library houses over 22,000 books. Daily tours are available in English if you want to see this decadent getaway with your own eyes. Admission is 6,000 HUF and guided tours are 7,300 HUF.

For information on specific cities in Hungary, check out these guides:

• Budapest Travel Guide

Hungary Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels are incredibly affordable in Hungary, costing around 3,200 HUF per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. Private rooms can be found for as little as 9,000 HUF per night. Free Wi-Fi is common, and a few hostels also offer free breakfast. Most hostels have kitchens if you plan on cooking your own meals.

Campsites can be found around the country, usually costing 3,500 HUF for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity. Wild camping is not legal.

Budget hotels can be found for as little as 9,800 HUF per night. For a double room with Wi-Fi and free breakfast, expect to pay closer to 15,300 HUF.

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 7,000 HUF per night (though they average 15,000 HUF). For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay closer to 15,000-20,000 HUF.

Food – Traditional Hungarian food is inexpensive and hearty. It’s very much a “meat and potatoes” country, with popular dishes being meat stew, smoked meats, casseroles, and dumplings. Túró is a popular local cheese and fruit pastries are a popular (and traditional) dessert. Be sure to try halászlé , a hot and spicy fish soup with paprika.

A meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 2,000 HUF. For a multi-course meal and a drink at a restaurant with table service, expect to pay closer to 6,000 HUF. In the larger cities, fast food (think McDonald’s) can be found for around 2,200 HUF.

You can find pizza for around 2,100 HUF for a medium while Chinese food costs around 2,900 HUF. Beer costs around 500 HUF while a latte/cappuccino is 450 HUF. Bottled water is 275 HUF.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 12,000 HUF. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Hungary Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 11,500 HUF per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook most of your meals and eat a little fast food, limit your drinking, use public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like walking tours and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add another 600-1,200 HUF to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 29,500 HUF per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at cheap restaurants serving traditional cuisine, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and lounging in the thermal baths.

On a “luxury” budget of 48,000 HUF per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, rent a car for day trips, and do more guided tours and paid tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in HUF.

Hungary Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Hungary is a very affordable destination. It’s hard to spend money here unless you’re out partying all the time or splashing out to visit spas. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget in Hungary:

• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are available in Budapest and are the best way to get the lay of the land for cheap. You’ll learn a lot about the city and get access to an expert local guide who can answer your questions. Be Original Tours runs an interesting tour to get you started. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and meet a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it’s cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save money!
• Rideshare – Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar allow you to share rides with locals in order to get around the country (it’s best for medium and long distances). Everyone is registered and verified so it’s quite safe, and while it isn’t free it’s likely more interesting (and faster) than taking a train or bus.
• Walk everywhere – Most cities in Hungary are quite walkable (even Budapest). Plan your days strategically so you can limit your use of public transportation and capitalize on the opportunity to explore on foot.
• Get the Budapest Card – The Budapest Card is a travel pass that provides discounts and deals on attractions and activities in the city. You get free public transport, entry to the Lukács thermal baths, and entry to 17 museums. A 24-hour card costs 11,870 HUF, a 48-hour card costs 17,600 HUF, and a 72-hour card costs 23,000 HUF.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Hungary

Hungary has lots of hostels in its major cities. Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Hungary:

• Vitae Hostel (Budapest)
• Carpe Noctum Original (Budapest)
• Wombats City Hostel (Budapest)
• Tisza Corner (Szeged)
• Active Hostel & Guesthouse Keszthely (Keszthely)
• Nap Hostel Pecs (Pécs)

How to Get Around Hungary

Public transportation – Public transport is well developed in Hungary. Most cities have buses and trams, and Budapest has an underground. Single-journey tickets vary by city but expect to pay around 350 HUF, while a day pass costs around 1,650 HUF.

When using the local public buses in Hungary, you need to validate your ticket when you board. Traveling without a ticket is a fineable offense so be sure to validate your ticket before you ride.

Train – Hungary’s train network is still being modernized and there is a big difference in comfort between local trains and long-distance and international trains. As the Hungarian rail network was built around Budapest, most long-distance journeys take you through one of the capital’s three train stations (Keleti, Nyugati, or Deli).

When traveling by rail in Hungary you can choose to take the cheaper and slower local trains, or pay extra for more modern and faster InterCity rail services (be sure to reserve a seat in advance if you’re taking the InterCity train).

From Budapest to Lake Balaton, the train takes around 90 minutes and costs 3,000 HUF. From Budapest to Pécs, the journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs just 4,000 HUF. If you want to take the train into Slovakia, the train from Budapest to Bratislava takes around 2.5 hours and costs 3,500 HUF.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – Volánbusz is the main bus company in Hungary. It’s cheap and is sometimes even faster than the train. Flixbus also has routes that connect to nearby countries like Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia.

The ride from Budapest to Pécs takes around 4.5 hours and costs around 3,500 HUF. The 2.5-hour bus from Budapest to Bratislava costs around 3,200 HUF.

Flying – Flying around Hungary will not save you any time or money compared to the train so I’d avoid it. You can fly to nearby countries though, such as Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland, for under 18,000 HUF with Ryanair or Wizz Air (if you book early).

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 6,500 HUF per day for a multi-day rental, though this isn’t necessarily the most economical way to get around as the buses and trains here are super affordable. If you’re driving, make sure to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) — you’ll need one for any car rental.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Hungary

The most popular time to visit Hungary is June-August. Temperatures hover around 23-29°C (73-84°F) and Hungary (especially Budapest) experiences an influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well, but the cities are lively and there are lots of events and festivals.

Winter stretches from November to March. Expect rain and snow, with many tourist attractions shutting down for the season. Temperatures drop below freezing so it’s too cold for hiking and exploring on foot. That said, November-December brings Christmas markets galore, so it’s a fun time for shorter city trips.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Hungary is the shoulder season in the spring and fall. Temperatures hover between 10-17°C (50-62°F) so it’s still warm enough to hike and explore but prices are a little lower and there are fewer crowds.

How to Stay Safe in Hungary

Hungary is a safe country and travelers shouldn’t worry about violent crimes here. However, in the tourist areas of Budapest (as well as on crowded public transportation), scams and pick-pocketing can occur. Avoid flashing your valuables around and always keep an eye on your things when on the bus or train.

If you head out to the ruin bars, only bring enough cash for the night. Take a taxi home if you’re intoxicated.

For more information on potential scams in Hungary, here is my list of common travel scams to avoid

Solo female travelers should feel safe here but will want to take the standard precautions (avoid walking alone at night while intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink at the bar, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Members of the LGBTQ community will want to be mindful here as the government has been cracking down on the LGBTQ community in recent years.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Hungary Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Hungary Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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Stunning architecture, vital folk art, thermal spas and Europe's most exciting capital after dark are Hungary's major drawing cards.

Attractions

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Castle Hill

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Great Synagogue

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Memento Park

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Basilica of St Stephen

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House of Terror

The headquarters of the dreaded ÁVH secret police houses the disturbing House of Terror, focusing on the crimes and atrocities of Hungary's fascist and…

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Hungary and beyond

The Perfect 2-Week Hungary Itinerary

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From thermal spas and fairytale architecture to towering mountain peaks and endless steppe, Hungary is a destination that never fails to entrap even the most seasoned European vacationers. 

Your 14-day Hungary itinerary begins in Budapest , where you’ll explore the castles and palaces of Buda before soaking up the culture and nightlife in Downtown Pest. You can follow up a night out in the Hungarian capital’s famed Ruin Bars with a soak in the soothing mineral waters of Budapest’s historic public baths before day-tripping north along the Danube to ancient royal capitals and crumbling castles. 

But remember, Hungary is more than its iconic capital city. While Budapest has enough allure to keep you for 2 weeks – if not longer – our Hungary itinerary sees you traveling to parts unknown. First, you’ll journey to the mountainous northeastern border with Slovakia, where you can scale high peaks, explore deep subterranean cave systems, or relax in rural vineyards in the Hungarian countryside. 

From the mountains, you’ll travel to the broad steppe of Hortobagy National Park, where the first Hungarian horsemen and herders settled in Europe. Explore Debrecen, then visit the southern cities of Szeged and Pecs before you arrive on the banks of Lake Balaton for a well-earned break at Hungary’s most popular holiday destination. 

Your 2 weeks in Hungary come to a close when you reach the wineries of Sopron in the northwest, where you’ll sample the nation’s finest vintages before saying goodbye. If you’re getting set for a Central European adventure, then keep reading as we explain exactly how to plan the perfect 2-week Hungary itinerary! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Hungary

Preparing for hungary.

A little bit of advance preparation can ensure that your trip to Hungary goes smoothly. Firstly, it’s helpful to know that Hungary is a European Union member nation in the Schengen Zone. If you’re also from a European Union member nation, you’ll be able to live and work in Hungary with no restrictions. 

For other nationalities, such as the UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand, you can enter Hungary visa-free, but your stay counts toward the total number of days you’re allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone. Currently, this is 90 days within 180 days. If you’re on an extended European trip, remember to keep track of how long you’ve been in the Schengen Zone. Other nationalities may need a Schengen Zone visa to enter Hungary. 

Although Hungary is in the Schengen Zone, it’s not in the Eurozone. Hungary’s currency is not the Euro, but the Forint (HUF), which currently holds a low value against the Euro, Dollar, and Pound Sterling (1 USD is worth around 350 HUF at the time of writing). Forint isn’t widely available outside of Hungary, but you’ll be able to exchange cash when you arrive or, better yet, withdraw money straight from an ATM. 

As soon as you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the Hungarian language. Unless you’re a linguist, though, don’t expect to be able to speak too much Hungarian after only 2 weeks in Hungary. 

The language isn’t related to any neighboring European languages, although it’s written in the Roman alphabet. Instead, Hungarian is related to languages that developed in the Urals several thousand years ago, and it’s distantly related to modern Finnish rather than German or Slovak. 

Hungarian is notoriously difficult to pronounce, but you’ll endear yourself to the locals if you try. In Budapest and other areas of Hungary that see large numbers of tourists, English is widely spoken as a second language. 

The Best Time to Visit Hungary

Hungary is located in Central Europe, and its landlocked geography ensures that the country experiences a continental climate. This means that seasonal differences can be extreme in Hungary.

The winters are cold, with snow and ice turning Hungary into a wintery wonderland between November and February. Temperatures often drop well below freezing even in big cities like Budapest, while in the mountains, conditions are even harsher. Winter is the perfect time for a thermal bath in Budapest, while the cities are packed with tourists visiting the Christmas markets . 

The summers couldn’t be more different, and the long, hot days can become unbearably hot in June, July, and August when temperatures reach highs in the late 20s (80s in Fahrenheit). 

It’s swelteringly hot in Budapest, and it might seem that all of the capital is in Lake Balaton, where Central Europe’s largest lake offers a refreshing escape. Summer is the time to revel in Hungary’s festival season, although you’ll have to endure higher prices and larger crowds.

If you’re in Hungary for hiking, then spring or autumn are beautiful times to visit. The countryside (and the wineries, in particular!) is a fantastic place to stay during autumn when the harvests are being collected. Any time of year is a good time to visit Hungary, and the best time to visit really depends on what you’re planning to see and do.

Getting Around Hungary

Hungary sits at the crossroads of Central Europe. The large nation shares land borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, with excellent road and rail connections to major European capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, Zagreb, and Belgrade, to name just a few. 

This makes it easy to arrive and depart Hungary by bus, train, or car, and it’s a popular stop on European travel circuits. Hungarian cities are well connected internationally by long-distance sleeper trains, while major airlines fly into Budapest International Airport and budget airlines connect smaller cities like Debrecen.

If you’re arriving in Budapest, you can transit into the city center on trams, buses, and by using the metro system. Just remember to validate your ticket before you get on any public transport in the capital. 

From Budapest, you can take trains and buses all over Hungary (try Flixbus for affordable buses that can be booked online). In other cities, there are trams and public buses, while ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are an excellent way to get around quickly. 

Hungary might be landlocked, but you’ll be able to spend some time getting around on boats. The River Danube is the lifeline of the nation, and it’s plied by ferries and cruise ships throughout the year. You can even take a cruise all the way to Vienna.  

Hungary Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Budapest – 3 nights.

Budapest has enthralled travelers for centuries. Divided by the River Danube, the glamorous regal heights of Buda overlook the flat streets of Downtown Pest, and you’ll explore both sides of the Hungarian capital as you spend 3 nights in the city .

Budapest is the perfect place to start your Hungarian adventure. You can fly in from most major international airports, or you can arrive by bus, train, or boat as generations of tourists did before the onset of mass air travel. Jump on Budapest’s metro (it’s the second-oldest underground railway in the world), and make your way to Deak Ferenc Square to settle into the city.

Budapest Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Downtown Budapest

You can spend a lifetime in Budapest and still find new things to do, so with just 3 days, it’s time to get started on the highlights. We recommend a walking tour of Downtown Budapest (this is the Pest side of the river) to gain an overview of the city’s layout, its character, and its history. 

There are several walking tour companies in Budapest, and while you’ll want to start with the standard tours, you can also pick from communist-themed tours, tours of the Jewish District, or nightlife tours in the evenings. 

Walking tours will take you to highlights like the Hungarian Parliament Building (one of the largest buildings in Europe), St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera. Take a stroll along the River Danube, where you’ll see the “Shoes on the Danube,” a moving memorial to the Jewish victims killed here during World War II. 

Visit the Parliament Building

You can also visit museums like the House of Terror to learn more about the secret police’s reign of terror during Hungary’s fascist and communist eras in the 20th century. You can visit the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts , and you can forge on food peppered with paprika at the Great Market Hall .

Explore the Hungarian National Museum

Castle Hill

Across the river, prepare yourself for a stunning panorama when you take the funicular to the top of Castle Hill. The views are glorious when you stand at Fisherman’s Bastion, while the sunset over Szechenyi Bridge below from the heights of Gellert Hill by the Liberty Statue is phenomenal. 

On Castle Hill, you can also tour the former royal palace, explore the historic architecture of the Old Town, and learn about the Siege of Budapest during World War II at the Hospital in the Rock Museum .

Tour the Hospital in the Rock

Memento Park

If you’ve still got time, you can take a half-day tour of Memento Park , where Budapest’s communist statues were sent to an open-air museum after the fall of the regime in the 1990s, or you can take a boat north along the River Danube to the former royal city of Visegrad.

You’ll be on the go constantly in Budapest, and nightlife lovers will have a roaring time at the iconic Ruin Bars in Pest. These were once abandoned buildings, and they were taken over by makeshift bars that have now morphed into huge quirky drinking bars, complete with art galleries and street food markets that form the core of the city’s nightlife offerings. The original is Szimpla Kert , while you’ll also love Mazel Tov and Instant-Fogas .

Get a Memento Park Ticket

Thermal Bathhouses

Szechenyi thermal baths.

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths

If you’re feeling the strain the next day (or just love a good spa session), then you’re in the right city. Budapest is also renowned for its thermal waters, which have been channeled to bathhouses since Roman times. The biggest bathhouse is Szechenyi Thermal Baths , but you can also try smaller art deco bathhouses like Gellert Baths and Lukacs Baths , which are often quieter. 

Gellert Baths

Enjoy the Gellért Spa

Miskolc – 2 nights

Now it’s time to escape Budapest. If you can draw yourself away from the bathhouses and bars of the capital, you’ll find that you’re one of just a handful of travelers who do so. That’s just perfect, though, because you’ll have the next stop all to yourself.

Bukk National Park

You’re traveling 2 hours east to the city of Miskolc, which just happens to be the gateway to some of the most beautiful places to see in Hungary. While Miskolc is a fairly industrial city, it’s just a short drive away from the tranquility of Bukk National Park. We recommend booking a room at the Palace Hotel in Lillafured, an opulent neo-renaissance building that sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Hamori. 

Book a Room at Palace Hotel

Bukk National Park is where the northeastern mountains begin, and you can hike to Hungary’s largest waterfall, explore Lake Hamori, and ride the magnificent narrow-gauge Lillafured Forest Railway. This is Hungary’s largest national park, and you’ll find it’s home to Istvan Cave , the country’s deepest and longest cave. It’s some 400 meters long and 245 meters deep (1,312 feet long and 804 feet deep)!

Aggtelek National Park 

You can also day-trip to Aggtelek National Park, where extensive cave systems cross the border into Slovakia. The nearby city of Eger is an art deco dream, while the Tokaj Wine Region is renowned for its vineyards and rolling hills.

Debrecen – 2 nights

From Miskolc, you’ll be journeying southeast to the city of Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city. Although Debrecen is only 1/10th the size of Budapest, the city has a stronghold on the national character, and it’s a wonderful place to visit on your Hungary itinerary. 

Debrecen was founded by the first Hungarians to arrive on the steppe, and the city is the gateway to the great Hungarian plains. For centuries, it was the most important city in Hungary and even served briefly as the Hungarian capital during the 1848-49 Hungarian Revolution.

You’ll love the laid-back feel Debrecen has (compared to Budapest), and you can spend your first day strolling between historical sites like the Great Reformed Church (where independence was declared in 1848), the Deri Museum (a baroque museum dedicated to art and history), and the MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts . 

Great Plains 

Your second day is going to be spent on the Great Plains as you venture into Hortobagy National Park. Make your way to the Hortobagy National Park Visitors Centre, where you’ll learn about the lives and culture of the traditional Hungarian shepherds who roamed the plains. 

You can then join a “Steppe Safari” into the vast national park as you look out for wild horses, wolves, and eagles. There’s so much more you can do in Hortobagy National Park if you have extra days, including hiking, camping, biking, horse riding, and boating.

Discover the National Parks

Szeged – 1 night

Your next stop is Szeged, one of the best cities to visit in Hungary. It’s a 3-hour drive from Debrecen to Szeged. It’s best to get an early start, so you’ve got time to explore. This is Hungary’s third-largest city, and it’s best known for its glorious art nouveau architecture.

Nouveau Architecture

Despite being settled since Roman times, take a tour of Szeged, and you’ll learn that the city was almost completely wiped out by a flood in 1879. From the ruins of this great catastrophe, the old city was rebuilt in the art nouveau style that was flourishing throughout Europe at the time. 

You’ll see this distinct style across Szeged, with notable examples being the magnificent Reok-Palota (a palace turned cultural center) and the buildings around Szechenyi Square. You can also visit the world’s fourth-largest synagogue and stop off at the Mora Ferenc Museum to learn more about local history. 

Wander the Historic Center of Szeged

Pecs – 1 night

You only need one night to see the main sights in Szeged, and your whistle-stop tour of southern Hungary continues as you travel west. It’s another 3-hour drive to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city, which is found close to the Croatian border.

Pecs is a great place to unravel the unique layers of history that make Hungary the country it is today. This has traditionally been a multicultural city, a status it’s held since it was first founded as the Roman city of Sopianae in the 2nd century BC. 

In later centuries, the city became one of the first centers of Christianity in Europe, and today, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Early Christian Mausoleum to learn more about this intriguing era of Pecs’ history. 

Pecs was then conquered by the Hungarians, who arrived here in the 9th century AD. The cathedral dates to the 11th century AD, although it was heavily redeveloped in the 19th century. Pecs was also conquered by the Ottomans, who left behind an Islamic legacy in the 16th century Yakovali Hasan Pasa Mosque , which you can visit during your stay. 

Much of the city center architecture then dates to the 19th and 20th centuries, including grand squares and museums. Take a tour with a local guide to learn more about the layers of history. 

Day Tour around Pécs

Lake Balaton – 3 nights

After two fast-paced days of city hopping in the south, it’s time for a well-earned break on the beautiful banks of Lake Balaton. At around 50 miles in total length, Lake Balaton is the largest lake found anywhere in Central Europe. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Hungary, and we recommend spending three nights here to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sights. 

The lakeside is lined with little tourist towns and resorts. One of the best bases is Siofok on the southern shores, although this popular town gets busy in summer when all of Budapest descends on the lake. 

On the northern shore, you’ll find volcanic hills and beautiful vineyards that produces excellent vintages from the fertile soil. One of the best bases here is Balatonfured, where you’ll find lots of apartments and hotels for rent. 

Bathhouses in Heviz

Once you’re settled in, it’s time to take a well-earned rest day around the lake. Take a stroll along the lakefront, rent a bicycle, or visit one of the many outdoor pools for a swim in the fresh water. You could travel to the nearby town of Heviz (just inland from the lakeshore), where thermal waters have been channeled to the bathhouses for centuries. 

The next two days are yours to enjoy. You can soak up more mineral waters in Heviz or take a cruise across Lake Balaton. The charming town of Tihany, with its 11th-century Benedictine Abbey and famous “Tihany Echo,” is one of the must-see places in Hungary, while Szigliget Castle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In summer, the lake plays host to Balaton Sound , one of the best music festivals in Central Europe. 

Lake Balaton Paddle Board Tour

Sopron – 2 nights

After an action-packed trip exploring the best Hungary attractions, it’s time for one last stop as your 2-week Hungary itinerary comes to a close. Suitably refreshed after your break in Lake Balaton, it’s a 2-hour drive north to Sopron. 

This wonderful city is located just miles away from the Austrian border, and it’s the traditional crossroads between the two nations. Take a tour through the city, and you’ll see Austrian influences in the architecture, while the “Loyalty Gate” went down in local history as the location where citizens were made to choose between Austrian and Hungarian citizenship.

Discover the Best of Sopron

Sopron Wineries

Explore the sights of the Old Town, then take a trip into the surrounding vineyards. Sopron’s wineries are known for producing a delectable range of red and white wines (Hungary is predominantly a red wine-drinking nation, so the white wine is fairly unusual here). 

Ferto-Hansag National Park

Take a tour of the wineries, then visit the nearby Ferto-Hansag National Park, a marvelous area of wetlands that stretches across the border into Austria. It’s a beautiful yet relatively unknown section of wilderness in Hungary’s northwest, and you’ll love the space, the unique scenery, and the wildlife that’s protected here. 

Sopron is closer to Vienna (a 1-hour drive) than it is to Budapest (a 2-hour drive), so you can travel onwards into Austria rather than backtracking to the Hungarian capital if you prefer. You’ll find that Vienna is well connected to the rest of the world, so this often makes for a more convenient departure point than Budapest. 

Vienna Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Hungary itinerary. Where will you be traveling during your trip to Hungary?

Planning a trip to Hungary? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Hungary Travel Guide

Your ultimate hungary travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in hungary. great for first-time and returning travelers..

After WW2 in 1949, Hungary was declared a people’s republic and was ruled by communism.

The iron curtain fell in 1989 but when you tour Budapest, you will see that there are reminders of the Communist regime scattered throughout the city today. 

This Hungary travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Remarkable Pictures of Budapest

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Hungary

• Hungarian power voltage is 230 V 50Hz;  Plug C & F
• The Hungarian currency is the  Hungarian forint  and is around 280 HUF to 1 USD.
• The signature national dish is gulyás, which you probably know as goulash. Make sure to try a bowl or attend the annual goulash festival held in September in Szolnok.
• Sip on some tokaji or tokay wine from the Tokaj wine region. In fact, tokaji is so good that Louis XIV of France called it the “Wine of Kings the King of Wine.”
• Although Hungary is a Schengen member state, you will need to have a return ticket or proof of funds to purchase a visa when you enter the country.

Things to See and Do in Hungary

• Thermal Lake of Heviz – This is the second-largest thermal lake in the world and a great place to spend the day outdoors in the summer.
• Segway tour – Take a tour of Budapest and other larger cities by way of a Segway tour.
• Visit Budapes t – It truly is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities on the continent.
• Take a history tou r   – The iron curtain fell in 1989 but when you tour Budapest, you will see that there are reminders of the Communist regime scattered throughout the city today.

Hungary Travel Guides

• Budapest Bamako Rally – The Ultimate Overlanding Adventure
• 23 of the Best Things to do in Budapest (Hungary)
• Budapest Communist Tour

Accommodation

Budget – You can stay in budget hotels in Hungary starting at $10 US. These often have safes, free Wi-Fi, and TVs.

Mid Range – Mid-range hotels can be found in Hungary starting at $50. They often have family suites available, a breakfast buffet, and a pool.

High End – Luxury hotels begin at $100 and may include balconies with a view, minibars, restaurants, and a fitness center.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and Air B&B for the best deals on accommodation in Hungary.

• Lángos – This tasty snack is made of fried dough and topped with cheese and sour cream, garlic sauce, or ketchup.
• Palacsintas – If you love crepes, you’ll love palacsintas. They are often filled with meat, fried onions, and paprika sauce or sour cream.
• Rétes – This is similar to a strudel and a popular dessert filled with poppyseed, cherry, or apple filling.
• Töltött Káposzta – This stuffed cabbage dish is often filled with meat, rice, cabbage, and sour cream.

The Best Ways to Get Around Hungary

Getting to hungary.

Flights: There are 6 airports in Hungary, with the most popular one being the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. You can fly direct from many countries in Europe.

You can check for the best flights to Hungary on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : A one-way bus ticket costs around 350 HUF, or one euro.

Taxis / Uber : Taxis in Hungary have a base price of 700 HUF plus a mileage rate of 300 HUF/km. There are no Ubers in Hungary.

Car Rental:  Car rentals in Hungary start at $40 for a basic car and increase with the make and model. You can also compare prices here .

When to go To Hungary

• The best time to visit Hungary is between April and May or September or October.
• These are the times the weather is still pleasant, but accommodations can be cheaper, as there are fewer tourists.
• But November and December are also great times to visit as the Christmas markets are in full swing and it is a magical time to be in places like Budapest.

Where to Stay in Hungary

• Hotel Palazzo Zichy – This Budapest hotel is close to a tram stop and located in a 19th-century palace. There is free breakfast each morning, a lobby bar, and a fitness center.
• Malom-tó – This beautiful hotel is a great place to stay when you’re looking to relax. The hotel offers rooms with terraces, family suites, and many nearby attractions.
• Danubius Hotel Gellért – This luxury hotel is close to the Danube River and many restaurants. Some rooms have balconies, breakfast is free, and a spa is available.

What to Pack for Hungary

Hungary has four very distinct seasons, a very warm summer from June to August, a very cold winter and spring and a mild autumn. Rain falls during the whole year with snowfalls in winter.

• Swimsuit  – Hungary has more than 1,000 natural springs in the country and the largest thermal lake at Hévíz. There are around 118 natural springs in Budapest alone so make sure to bring along a swimsuit and towel.
• Classic Basic items  – You do not need to be a fashionista to blend in. The key is in embracing neutral toned items that can be mixed and matched easily. Avoid logos, baseball caps, shorts, hoodies, flip-flops and running shoes as these items scream  tourist!
• Leave your heels at home  – Cobblestone streets are common in many cities and towns across Hungary. Heels and cobblestone do not mix so opt for flats, boots and/or sandals.
• Footwear  – Pack a pair of lightweight, durable and comfortable shoes. Known for its outside activities, including breathtaking hiking trails in the countryside, travellers eager to hike should also pack a pair of hiking boots or trainers.

Hungary Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Hungary Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Hungary click here.

33 Best Things to Do in Budapest In 2024

Hungarian Food: 21 Traditional Dishes to Try in Hungary or At Home

The Complete Guide to Sziget Festival

• Destinations

Our Wanders

130+ Travel Tips For Budapest, Written By A Local

Are you planning your trip of a lifetime to Europe and want to see the best of Budapest? You’re at the right place. This post is a massive collection of the best things to do in Budapest, including seasonal and lesser-known attractions, what to eat and drink in Budapest and tips for getting around .

We are Hungarians, and Budapest was our home for about a decade. Who knows, maybe it’ll be our home again someday – or it never ceases to be home, because some of our family, friends and part of our hearts are still there. It’s a vibrant, wonderful city, one of the most exciting European cities! Call us biased, but read on: this post is our chance to tell you why.

Budapest has stunning architecture, exciting museums and festivals, rich history, a wonderful river panorama and busy nightlife. It has something for everyone, and we’re here to help you find that something that’ll make you fall in love.

Whether you’ll be here for the first time or the fifth, Budapest never gets boring. Let’s see…

Best place to stay in Budapest:

• luxury : Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
• mid-range : The Magazine Hotel & Apartments
• budget : Maverick Urban Lodge (hostel)

Best things to do in Budapest for first timers

Walk on Váci Street. It’s the main walking and shopping street of Pest with fashion stores and gift shops. And with amazing architecture. It leads you to Vörösmarty Square. This lively and newly renovated square hosts different festivals throughout the year.

Take a walking tour in the city center. If you prefer to be taken to the most famous spots and told the best stories about them by enthusiastic local guides, choose a guided walking tour. This one is a small group tour that also includes a dessert stop on the way, to taste the delicious Hungarian strudel.

Take pictures of our Parliament from every angle. It’s beautiful! See it from Kossuth Square, from the Danube Bank, from Margaret Bridge, from the Buda side. It’s an iconic building in the Hungarian capital, and you can even see it from the inside…

Take a tour of the Hungarian Parliament. Yes, you can go inside. Sign up for a guided tour in the visitor center on Kossuth Square. Or book it online in advance, especially if you visit in the summer or on a weekend. If you choose the latter option, buy your ticket directly here – it’s the same audio guide tour everyone else is selling, but for half the price.

Shoes on the Danube Bank. Not a large but a moving monument close to the Parliament. It’s a memorial to the Jews who were killed by the fascists in Budapest during World War II. Why empty shoes? These people were ordered to take off their shoes, then they were shot at the edge of the Danube so that their bodies would be carried away by the river.

Hop on Tram 2 for great views. Every Budapest travel guide mentions Tram 2, we call it “the tourist line”. It’s a regular tram line, but its route is along the Danube, and it offers amazing views of the city all the way. You can get off at the Parliament at the end. Just try to avoid the rush hours.

Look around on Vigadó Square. It’s a lovely square by the Danube River. Its famous concert hall “Vigadó” looks like a palace with its lovely little formal garden, and there are pretty statues in front of the garden. And you have views of Buda Castle and the Danube.

Walk through Chain Bridge. It’s one of the most famous icons of Budapest. Opened in 1849 it was the first permanent bridge across the River Danube in Hungary. And it’s still the most beautiful of all the Budapest bridges with great views of both Buda and Pest.

Walk up or take the funicular to Buda Castle. Once the seat of Hungary’s kings, it’s not a furnished castle these days. But most of its inner courtyards and gardens are open to the public for free. Its upper terraces look towards the Danube and offer stunning panorama over Budapest. Matthias Fountain is a pretty piece of architecture, and there are other fountains and statues there waiting to be found in the courtyards. Then you can continue to the lower terraces that have been renovated and reopened recently.

Read this, too: The Best Castles In Hungary

Walk in Buda Castle District. Its narrow streets impress with medieval, Baroque and 19 th -century houses and churches. We like taking a walk there in any season. Don’t miss Trinity Square (Szentháromság Square in Hungarian) where Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion stand next to each other. They offer more unique architectural beauties and more amazing panoramas, and they’re among the best photo spots in Budapest.

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica. This Neo-Classical church is 96 metres tall – which is the same as the height of the Parliament. They are the highest structures in Budapest. St. Stephen’s Basilica has a stunning interior, and entrance is free. You find the mummified right hand of St Stephen in a glass case to the left of the main altar. Yes, his hand. He is the patron saint of this church and the first king of Hungary.

Visit the second largest synagogue in the world: Budapest’s Great Synagogue . Built in the Moorish Revival style, it hosts the Hungarian Jewish Museum, and there’s a Holocaust Memorial Park in the courtyard. Even if you don’t have time for the interior tour, include it in your walking route as the buildings looks very impressive from the outside, as well.

Join this guided Jewish Heritage Tour that takes you to the important Jewish sights in the city, including the Great Synagogue.

Learn about history at Heroes’ Square. This square played an important role in Hungarian history and has been a place for many political events. Enclosed by two pretty buildings, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Műcsarnok, there’s an iconic statue complex in its center: it features important national leaders of Hungary. In front of it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – not a real tomb but a memorial for all the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of Hungary.

Walk on Andrássy Avenue. This avenue that connects the City Park and Heroes’s Square with the city center is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It’s home to amazing Eclectic Neo-Renaissance palaces, houses and embassies, including the neo-Renaissance State Opera House and elegant boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna or Gucci. Take a guided tour to see the amazing interior of the Opera House!

Take a walk in the City Park ( Városliget in Hungarian). It’s one of the first public parks in the world, and it hosts some spectacular sights like Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath or Budapest Zoo. It’s right behind Heroes’ Square.

Relax in a thermal spa. Budapest is the city that has the most spas in the world. Five of them are famous historical thermal baths: the amazing Art Nouveau building complex of Gellért Thermal Bath , Széchenyi Thermal Bath with its 21 different pools, Rudas Thermal Bath with its amazing panorama pool, Lukács Thermal Bath and Király Baths – a small Turkish Bath. Dandár Baths on the other hand is located a bit outside the city center, in an Art Deco building, and it offers a much more local experience.

Escape the city by visiting Margaret Island ( Margitsziget ). It’s our favorite park in Budapest. As its name suggests, it’s an island in the Danube. It’s a popular recreation area, and it’s home to medieval ruins, pretty fountains and gardens, running tracks, an open-air theater stage and open-air baths. Cars are not allowed to enter.

See the night lights from the Danube. Cruise along the river after dark. Some cruises even include dinner . Here’s a short one that only takes one hour. Or if you want the views for free, just walk on the Danube Bank, walk on Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge to see the Parliament and Buda Castle lit up.

Buy the Budapest Card and get unlimited public transport, free museum entries and discounts at restaurants and spas for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.

Even more beautiful views in Budapest

Walk up to Gellért Hill. This hill is in the heart of the city, and it’s our favorite place to enjoy the panorama of Budapest day and night. The hill itself is especially colorful in spring and autumn.

Climb up to the bell tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica for panoramic views. Check the opening hours here .

Take a walk through Margaret Bridge, then walk to Chain Bridge on the Buda side. It’s a panoramic Budapest walk that offers great views of our Parliament standing proud at the bank of River Danube on the Pest side.

Take a ride on the Budapest Eye. The 65 meters height ferris wheel on Erzsébet Square offers fantastic views. It goes more rounds and you can stay for 5-10 minutes.

Enjoy city views from a thermal pool. 450 years old Rudas Thermal Bath has a unique rooftop panorama pool – and you can’t miss visiting a thermal pool when visiting Budapest, anyway.

Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar. 360 Bar at Andrássy Avenue 39 or High Note Skybar at Hercegprímás Street 5 are popular places to enjoy views above the city while drinking a cocktail – or two.

Hike to Elizabeth Lookout on János Hill. This easy hike in the Buda Hills takes you to a pretty lookout tower with distant views of Budapest. It’s the nicest in spring with all the blooming flowers. János hill is reachable by chairlift, too, if you’d spare the walk.

Read this, too: Your Complete Guide To Danube Ipoly National Park, Hungary

Adventurous things to do in Budapest

Take a driving tour in a 2-stroke Trabant. Trabants were produced from 1957 to 1990 by a former East German car manufacturer, and this was the usual car of everyday people in the Communist era.

Have fun in one of the countless escape rooms. How could one make use of the basement of old houses in the city center of Budapest? By turning them into quirky and exciting escape rooms. Lots of these escape games can be played in English and are suitables for families, as well. As Star Wars fans we really liked the Star Wars game of Magic Rooms Escape Empire .

Crawl through a cave system under Budapest. It’s among the most thrilling, unique things to do in Budapest! Those hot springs that feed the famous thermal baths of Budapest also carved out huge cave systems in the limestone rocks under the city. Pál-völgyi Cave , the most popular one, offers marvelous limestone formations and dripstones, as well. Guided tours start hourly throughout the year.

Join a Pálvölgyi Cave guided tour here.

Go diving in the flooded cellars of a beer factory. Okay, Kőbánya beer factory is not in operation anymore. But as its underground cellars got flooded by water from the wells, it turned into a unique dive site. Most of the tunnels are only accessible to certified full cave divers. They’re worth the effort though, since the pure fresh water offers perfect visibility, and different artefacts which were left behind when the factory closed are still there. Here’s a short video to get a taste of it.

Dive in the underwater Molnár János cave below Buda. This natural thermokarstic cave system is filled with water which is between 20 and 28°C. It’s an actively forming cave even today. There are also cave diving courses organized – more info here . It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Budapest, surely an unforgettable experience.

Have fun at a bath party. Budapest has a lot to offer for party lovers, and the city of thermal spas is home to pool parties, as well. Széchenyi Baths has crazy Summer Sparties with live DJs, a laser show, acrobats and dancers on Saturdays between April and November. Lukács Baths hosts parties in the autumn-winter season.

Go paragliding above the Buda Hills. If you’ve never tried it before, you can choose tandem paragliding with a skilled pilot. Or you can do a course if you have more time.

Go canoeing or kayaking on River Danube. If you long for something more active than just sitting in a boat, enjoy the scenery from a canoe or kayak. You can find most rentals on the outskirts of the city. Kolonics György Water Sport Centre in Csepel has kayak and canoe rentals. Béke Csónakház (on Római Part) is an even more popular place to rent out kayaks and canoes.

Go wakeboarding on Lake Lupa in Budakalász. They call themselves the “seashore of Budapest”, and they do have a long sandy beach. But Lake Lupa offers tons of other fun summer activities, like three wakeboard parks. Different courses are designed for beginners, intermediate and pro wakeboarders. You can also get individual coaching.

Take the kids to the Palace of Miracles. Or become a kid yourself. The Palace of Miracles is an interactive science museum designed for kids. Learn in a playful and fun way!

More museums in Budapest

Museum of Fine Arts on Heroes’ Square. Reopened in 2019 after two years of restoration work, this museum is to charm all art lovers. The building itself is very impressive, and the museum hosts exhibitions about the European and Hungarian arts, and also about ancient Egypt, Hellas and Rome. There are exciting temporary exhibitions, too. But what we found the most breathtaking are the two main halls, the Marble Hall and the Roman Hall.

Buda Castle is home to the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library. Established in 1957, National Gallery covers Hungarian art in all genres, including the works of modern artists. The Budapest History Museum showcases the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the present day, including traditional rooms in Hungary’s traditional culture or the magnificent Gothic and Renaissance Halls and 14 th -century Tower Chapel.

House of Terror on Andrássy Avenue. This museum inside the building that once headquartered the Communist secret police has exhibits about the fascist and communist dictatorial regimes in the country, and covers everything from Second World War to everyday life in the communist era. Buy your ticket in advance here.

Hungarian National Museum. Again, an impressive Neoclassical building. It hosts Hungary’s most important collection of historical relics such as King St Stephen’s coronation mantle or a piano used by both Beethoven and Liszt Ferenc. There’s a nice garden with statues around the museum.

Museum of Applied Arts. This gorgeous Art Nouveau building decorated with Zsolnay ceramic tiles is home to Hungarian and European furniture collections from the 18 th and 19 th centuries, other Art Nouveau artefacts and objects related to trades and crafts.

Hospital in the Rock. Hospital, bomb shelter, prison, nuclear bunker – this place served several functions throughout the years. Opened in 2008 as a museum, you can learn about the impacts of World War II, the 1956 revolution against the Soviets and the Cold War on Budapest. Admission includes a one-hour guided tour.

the new House of Music in the City Park

House of Music in the City Park. It’s one of the newest museums in Budapest, built between 2019 and 2021. Its permanent exhibits give you an introduction into Hungarian and worldwide music history, and it’s home to various concerts, workshops and other musical events throughout the year. The building itself looks very impressive, designed by Fudzsimoto Szószuke, and it’s one of the best examples of sustainable public buildings in Budapest.

Museum of Ethnography in the City Park. This museum got a new home for its 150th anniversary in 2022, and it’s also in the City Park, a short walk away from the House of Music. It’s a modern building, with a green roof where visitors can walk and enjoy nice views of the City Park and the surrounding area. The interior is home to permanent and temporary exhibitions, but also to a café, restaurant, bookshop, visitor and event center. We visited it for the first time on our visit to Budapest in December of 2022 (the first visit as non-residents…) and found it quite spectacular.

the green roof of the Museum of Ethnography

Ruins of Aquincum in Óbuda district. Looking for ancient ruins in Budapest? Aquincum was an ancient city in the province of Pannonia within the Roman Empire. Ruins of houses, baths, courtyards, fountains and sophisticated underfloor heating systems can be seen there today. And Aquincum Museum has a collection of Roman daily life objects and wall paintings.

Vajdahunyad Castle. Modelled after Corvin Castle, a fortress in Transylvania , it hosts the biggest museum of agriculture in Europe. It’s one of the best attractions in the City Park.

Hungarian Railway Museum. A fleet with locomotives of the Hungarian State Railways – of which some are still operational. Hand-powered cars. Soviet Chaika – an automobile that was the official car of a Hungarian Prime Minister once. A ridable miniature railway for children. Many of the exhibits are open-air. It’s one of the best family-friendly museums in Budapest.

Pálinka Museum . It’s actually a museum, shop and bar, and it’s all about pálinka . But what’s pálinka? It’s the national spirit of Hungary, a unique distillate made from fruits, mainly from plums ( szilvapálinka ), apricots ( barackpálinka ), cherries ( cseresznyepálinka ) or pears ( körtepálinka ). In this museum you can learn about the long history of pálinka, its role in Hungarian gastronomy and culture, and you can buy a few bottles, of course.

Flippermúzeum . Another very Hungarian thing: flipper – or pinball. What is it? Well, go figure it out, because Flippermúzeum is the largest interactive pinball exhibition in Europe, with 115 pinball machines and some more old-school arcade games. It’s located in a windowless Budapest basement, illuminated only by the light of the machines. Sure, it has a unique vibe!

Chocolate Museum with chocolate tasting. Learn about chocolate, make chocolate, eat chocolate. You need to book the chocolate tour in advance though. They have English tours, as well – see more info here .

House of Houdini in the Buda Castle District. This small museum is dedicated to the Hungarian-born magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. It features Houdini artifacts and also treats visitors with a short magic performance at the end.

Béla Bartók Memorial House. This small museum is a bit further from the city center, located inside the house where composer Béla Bartók lived before leaving Hungary. You can see his phonograph and metronome on display, and folk clothes and other items that he collected on his trips in Transylvania.

Goldberger Textile Museum. An interactive exhibit about the Goldberger family’s thriving textile manufacturing business which even Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph paid a visit to in the glory days. Learn about the company’s development, the Goldberger family history and blue-dyeing in this museum.

Places to visit in Budapest for history lovers

Kerepes Cemetery. Also called Fiumei úti sírkert in Hungarian. You find gravestones of statesmen and national heroes like Lajos Kossuth, Ferenc Deák or Lajos Batthyány, and graves of many who died in the 1956 Uprising. Get a map that indicates the location of noteworthy graves at the entrance.

Explore the Jewish Quarter. Walk on the streets of the former Ghetto, visit synagogues, monuments, kosher restaurants and kosher shops. It’s a colorful neighborhood with a tragic past and a lively present.

Marvel at giant statues in Memento Park. What to do with statues of Lenin, Marx or Béla Kun after the Communist era? Instead of being thrown away, they were moved to Memento Park. Called the “socialist Disneyland”, this park showcases 42 pieces of art from the Communist era between 1945 and 1989. You can also watch old propaganda films in the on-site cinema – funny, or not so much. Buy your ticket in advance here.

Visit some lesser-known, beautiful churches. Like the Neo-Gothic Church of St. Elizabeth with its rose garden on the Square of Roses ( Rózsák tere ). Or the medieval Jewish Prayer House on Táncsics Street in the Buda Castle District.

Reflect on the past in the Holocaust Memorial Centre. It’s in the Páva Synagogue since 2004. The building complex itself is an interesting mix of classical and modern architecture.

Relax in the prettiest parks in Budapest

Sit out on Erzsébet Square. Just a stone’s throw away from majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica and Fashion Street, there’s a lovely park with benches, fountains and playgrounds on Erzsébet Square. Take some time to relax here in the middle of a busy sightseeing day. (You can get drinks and ice-cream, too.)

Have a picnic on the lawn on Liberty Square. Surrounded by some of the most impressive old palaces of Budapest, there’s a nice green park on Liberty Square. Check out the interactive fountain, too!

Visit the cool social space and playgrounds in Olimpia Park. Redesigned and renovated in 2014, it’s only a short walk from the Hungarian Parliament, and also rewards with pretty Danube views.

Take a walk at Millenáris Park. In place of a factory Central Europe’s largest recreational park was built, along with an exhibition and conference center. Walk among its 300+ trees, lie on the lakeshore, marvel at the hanging gardens, the blossoming cherry trees (usually some time in April) and the water displays. Millenáris Park is one of the best parks in Budapest, but even more than that: a social and cultural space.

Enjoy a drink at Kopaszi gát. Located a bit out of the city center, Kopaszi gát is one of the most beautiful places to relax by the Danube. Countless restaurants and bars offer tables outside along the promenade. It’s also a popular place among bikers, runners and yoga practitioners.

Relax in Thurzó Park in Újlipótváros. Haven’t you ever heard about it? Fair enough, it has been recently opened in 2023, and it occupies a place which was home to an old and quite ugly parking area. 80% of this park is covered by green, including 70+ trees. You can choose your bench, sun lounger or hammock, and kids will appreciate the giant wooden swing. It’s one of the lesser-known places in Budapest that locals love and appreciate so much. Moreover, it’s located in Újlipótváros district – a hip area not many tourists know about. Stroll the streets and keep your eyes open for quirky cafés, bookstores and fascinating modernist buildings from the 1930s and 1940s on Pozsonyi Road.

Hidden architecture gems in Budapest

Take a walk around Nyugati Train Station. It might not be so hidden since it’s one of the busiest railway stations in Budapest, but it’s not a typical sight that people include in their sightseeing walk. (Except those who travel to Budapest by train.) But you definitely could. This giant iron-and-glass building built in 1877 is quite impressive.

Visit a library that takes place in a palace. Neo-Baroque Wenckheim Palace hosts Szabó Ervin Library since 1931. This is the place where many local students go to study. Buy yourself a day ticket and look around inside.

Take a walk in the Palace District ( Palotanegyed in Hungarian). This area is roughly from Astoria to Múzeum Avenue. This was a prestigious place to live so lots of wealthy families built their palaces here in the 19 th and 20 th centuries. Some magnificent pieces are Festetics Palace (Pollack Mihály Square 3), Károlyi Palace (Pollack Mihály Square 10), Keglevich Palace (Bródy Sándor Square 9), Bókay Palace (Múzeum Street 9) or Eszterházy Palace (Pollack Mihály Square 8).

See the colorful interior of Kazinczy Street Synagogue. Built in Art Nouveau style, it’s one of the largest operating orthodox synagogues in Europe.

Wander on the streets around Liberty Square. Find the amazing Art Nouveau building of Royal Postal Savings Bank with its colourful tiles and folk motifs (Hold Street), Walkó House, one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest (Aulich Street 3), the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau (Honvéd Street 3) or the National Bank of Hungary.

Take an interior tour of Liszt Music Academy. Or go for a concert. The interior of this Art Nouveau concert hall has been renovated and is richly embellished with Zsolnay porcelain and frescoes.

Enjoy luxury in the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel . The Art Nouveau Gresham Palace facing Chain Bridge houses this luxury hotel today. If you’re on budget, take a look at it from the outside, that’s worth a photo, as well.

Visit the Cave Church of Gellért Hill. This small chapel was built into a cave on Gellért Hill in 1926. It’s free to enter, and masses are held there regularly.

Hunt for even more stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Find the National Institute for the Blind, Miksa Róth Memorial House, Sonnenberg House (Munkácsy Mihály Street 23), Sipeki Villa (Hermina Way 47) or Fasori Reformed Church – all near the City Park. The Hungarian Royal Geological Institute with its roof decorated by Zsolnay ceramics is a bit longer walk from the City Park. Dob Street High School in the city center (Dob Street 85) has a beautiful, colorful facade. You can even find an Art Nouveau piece in Budapest Zoo: the Elephant House.

Find award winning modern architecture. Namely the Palace of Arts (MÜPA) near Rákóczi Bridge. It’s home to Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, a modern Festival Theatre and a gallery of contemporary art. New additions to the best modern buildings in Budapest are the Museum of Ethnography (opened in 2022) and the House of Music (opened in 2021) – both are in the City Park.

Get romantic at Barabás Villa at Városmajor. This Neo-Classicist building, once the summer home of Miklós Barabás, a famous Hungarian painter, is a popular wedding venue these days.

Walk on the bridges. Budapest has eight bridges. Though Chain Bridge is the oldest and most famous one, there are some more that look pretty and offer pretty views of the city – Liberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, Margaret Bridge or Rákóczi Bridge.

Mihály Kolodko’s tiny sculptures. The tiny statuettes are created by Mihály Kolodko , and they depict random aspects of Hungarian life. Dotted around Budapest, you can find them near famous sights and vantage points. Like big-eared cartoon character “Kockásfülű nyúl” at the upper station of the Funicular, a Rubik’s Cube and a “Sad Tank” along Bem rakpart by the Danube, or a Trabant statue at Margaret Bridge (on the Buda side).

Climb the stairs to the tomb of Gül Baba for pretty views. Gül Baba was a muslim monk who died in 1541, the year when Ottoman Turkey occupied Budapest. You find his tomb ( türbe in Hungarian) on a tranquil hillside in Buda. Start from Mecset Street, walk in the rose garden, and leave on the other side, down to Gül Baba Street.

What to eat and drink in Budapest?

Eat goulash or Fisherman’s soup. They are the most iconic and quite fulfilling Hungarian dishes. Goulash is somewhere between a soup and stew, with beef, carrot, potato and paprika. Fisherman’s soup is prepared from mixed river fish and with a great amount of hot paprika that gives it a typical red color. You can find them in any Hungarian restaurant, but they’re often sold as prepared street food at festivals and markets, as well.

Visit the Great Market Hall to taste some local food. This large indoor food market is close to Váci Street. It’s not only known for the great variety of food offerings, but also for its amazing architecture. Prepared food are sold on the second floor – try stuffed cabbage, goulash soup, lecsó (a local ratatouille), sour cherry soup, lángos (somewhat like a donut, but it’s salty, not sweet) or Hortobágyi palacsinta (a salty version of crêpes filled with meat).

Check out one of the ruin pubs in Budapest – or many of them. What’s a ruin pub? The recipe is as follows: find an old abandoned building in downtown Pest, occupy it (rent it, I should say), fill it with furniture as old and rickety as possible, invite some contemporary artists to decorate the walls, serve some drinks, and people will love it. And well, people do love ruin pubs. They are among the most funky places to visit in Budapest, and locals love them just as much as visitors. Szimpla Kert is the oldest one, but there are dozens more. If you need help, take part in a guided pub crawl or a local guided small group ruin bar tour.

Go where the locals go for fresh produce: Lehel Market. This quirky (or ugly, it depends on your taste) postmodern building is home to one of Budapest’s liveliest markets. Less touristy than the famous Great Market Hall, but full of Hungarian cold cuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and prepared food. Prepare to practice your Hungarian here. 🙂

Taste Hungarian street food. Lángos, roasted sausage with mustard, pogácsa (something like a biscuit, but it’s not sweet), palacsinta, fánk (the Hungarian donut) or kürtöskalács (chimney cake). The latter is an essential part of any Hungarian Christmas Markets.

Eat typical Hungarian sweet pasta dishes. Not every Hungarian dish has meat as an ingredient. These pastas are cheap (not in the elegant restaurants though) and can be easily made. You’ll unlikely to see any Hungarian eating it in a restaurant, because we eat it at home. And any Hungarian kid can name their favorite – noodles topped with jam ( lekváros tészta ), ground walnuts ( diós tészta ) or poppy seeds ( mákos tészta ).

Spoil yourself with a special Hungarian dessert. Rétes (the Hungarian version of strudel) filled with apple, cherry, cottage cheese or poppy seed is a popular dessert, especially at Christmas time. Somlói Galuska is made of sponge cake, layered with chocolate cream, walnut kernel, rum and whipped cream. Legendary Dobos Cake was invented in 1885 by the Hungarian confectioner József Dobos. It’s made of sponge cake, layered with chocolate buttercream, and topped with crispy caramel. Then there’s chestnut purée – made from chestnut (yepp, they’re not just for roasting).

Cook some easy Hungarian dishes yourself. There are those foods that Hungarians would never order in a restaurant. They’re typical and easy to make. Like layered potato casserole ( rakott krumpli ), green pea stew ( zöldborsó főzelék ) or lecsó.

Cook a traditional three-course Hungarian lunch. This tour takes you through the process, and you can also dive into the secrets of Central Market Hall with your guide.

Try a typical dish – savory or sweet – with cottage cheese. If you ask us, cottage cheese ( túró ) is the best ingredient used in lots of Hungarian dishes. Some of these dishes are savory, some are sweet – and there’s one that can be both (though there could be serious fights in the family about which version is the original 😀 ). Our favorite is cottage cheese dumplings ( túrógombóc ) that you’re unlikely to find outside of Hungary. Then palacsinta filled with cottage cheese is a typical street food. Rákóczi túrós is a sweet-pastry topped with cottage cheese and apricot jam. Baked noodles can also be made with cottage cheese and sour cream ( túrós csusza ) – in certain families it’s a savory dish with crispy pork cracklings, in others it’s turned into a sweet dessert by using powdered sugar instead.

Drink pálinka . It’s a popular and strong Hungarian alcoholic beverage that’s traditionally distilled from different kinds of fruits – plums, pears, peaches, cherries or grapes. When you drink it, it warms you up from the inside.

Taste a famous Hungarian wine. Because Hungary is famous for wines. A sweet dessert wine called Tokaji aszú is an authentic and unique wine from Hungary’s most well-known wine region, Tokaj.

Try the special sweets and handmade bonbons at Szamos Gourmet Palace and Cafe on Váci Street. It’s one of our favorite places to go for sweets – or delicious ice cream in the summer.

Sip gourmet coffee at New York Café. It’s probably one of the most beautiful places in the entire world to have a coffee. Or hot chocolate. Or tea. Or apple pie.

Visit a milk bar. Yes, it’s a thing in Budapest. Offering a large selection of pastries and dairies, they’re great places to have a delicious breakfast. The most well-known milk bar is Cserpes Tejivó .

Buy Túró Rudi in any supermarket. This chocolate bar is filled with sweet cheese and also available in flavoured versions, like with different jam fillings. Pöttyös is the most popular brand.

Taste the best lángos at Ufo Lángos . It’s a small business run by mother and son, and they offer a variety of this popular Hungarian street food: the traditional ones with garlic and cheese-sour cream, but they also have unique ones, topped up with lecsó or bacon.

Seasonal goodies in Budapest

Visit the Christmas Markets in December . Marvel at the decorations, try delicious meals, drink hot mulled wine and share some good laughs with your friends.

Go ice-skating on the rink in front of Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park. This is a lovely artificial lake in summer and an open ice rink in winter.

If it’s cold outside, treat yourself with a hot chocolate. Here are our favorite places to get one!

We could continue the above advice differently: if it’s cold outside, drink mulled wine. Sweet, spicy and hot. It’s not only popular at Christmas markets but anytime in winter.

Have a fröccs in the summer. Though this drink exists throughout the year, people usually drink it on hot summer days. It’s red or rosé wine mixed with different quantities of soda water.

Have fun at Sziget Festival in August. Each August the island of Óbuda turns into one of the largest music festivals in Europe: Sziget Festival. It offers more than a thousand different performances and a unique atmosphere.

Go roving in front of Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park. Ice rink in winter, lake in summer. It’s not just New York’s Central Park where you can go roving even though that’s what we usually see in movies. 😀

Marvel at fireworks over the Danube on the 20 th of August. This national holiday celebrates Hungary’s first king, St Stephen, and the foundation of our state. It ends with spectacular fireworks in the evening.

Visit one of the open-air bars in Budapest in the summer. Some of them are truly quirky – like Pagony, AnKERT or Fellini Római with its own little beach.

Stroll beneath blossoming trees in spring. Blossoming cherry trees included. Some nice places for a spring walk are Baross Street, Reviczky Street, Gellért Hill, Kopaszi-gát, Erzsébet Square, Károlyi Gardens or the streets of Buda Castle District. Or you can visit Füvészkert, the botanical garden of ELTE University.

Visit Budapest Spring Festival in April. Taking place at multiple venues across the city, you can enjoy concerts, listen to readings or see theater shows.

Experience a traditional Hungarian Easter at the Open Air Ethnographic Museum (Skanzen) in Szentendre. Take part in Easter activities like egg painting and other arts and crafts.

Get impressed by unique architecture pieces during Budapest100 each May. It’s an annual celebration of 100-year old buildings in the city, first held in 2011. You may visit residential houses, schools, museums and offices that are otherwise closed to the public.

Enjoy wildflower blooming in the Buda Hills in spring. Countless popular trails start from Normafa, Hűvösvölgy or Csillebérc.

Marvel at the countless shades of autumn in the city parks and in the Buda Hills. Budapest has four seasons, and autumn can be just as spectacular as spring blooming. You already know the parks and trails, but what’s the best time? Usually, autumn is the most colorful in October.

Read this, too: Why Should You Visit Budapest In Autumn?

Choose your festival for autumn. Several festivals take place in Budapest in autumn. Budapest’s Pálinka and Sausage Festival. Budapest Wine Festival. Two-weeks Café Budapest Contemporary Art Festival that’s focused on contemporary arts like film, dance, music, photography and theater.

Best photo spots in Budapest

Pose next to a Trabant in Memento Park. Trabant is the famous “people’s car” of the communist era, it was made of pressed plastic units.

Take a picture with Ronald Reagan on Liberty Square. The statue honors Reagan’s efforts to end the Cold War. Ironically, it looks directly to the monument commemorating the Red Army.

Sit next to The Little Princess. This statue of a little girl sits on the railings of the Danube promenade at Vigadó Square.

Hug the Fat Policeman. The statue of a policeman stands on the corner of Zrínyi Street and Október 6 Street since 2008. It’s said that patting his belly will bring good luck.

Join Attila József, a famous Hungarian poet, staring at the Danube near the Parliament. He is one the most significant Hungarian poets whose poems are taught in every school. He had a difficult life and committed suicide at the age of 32.

Stroll the Ecseri Flea Market. This will be a cultural experience, and you’ll see the quirkiest things offered, including retro clothing, artworks and staff from the Communist era. If you like photographing weird subjects, you’ll be obsessed with this place!

Get your shot at Fisherman’s Bastion. One of the most popular Instagram spots in Budapest is definitely Fisherman’s Bastion. With the views and the architecture, it’s not really surprising.

Take a picture with a historical tram. Several lines run on the streets of both Pest and Buda. Famous tram 2 running along the shore of the Danube is also a historical tram.

Take a picture with Columbo near the National Comedy Theatre. What the greatest detective of all times has to do on a street in Budapest? Peter Falk, the actor who played Columbo, was born from a Jewish Hungarian mother.

Take your shot with the Millennium Underground Railway. Metro Line 1. It’s the oldest metro line in Budapest, having been in operation since 1896. Both its trains and stations have a retro look.

Get your retro shot at Csepel Művek. Csepel is famous for being the working-class borough in socialist Hungary, with several factories. Though this neighborhood changed a lot since that era (and for the better if you ask me), you still find places that have that vibe. Like Csepel Művek, once a busy iron and metal factory, today merely a shadow of it. This abandoned feel is what makes it special.

Watch the sunset over the city from Liberty Statue at the top of Gellért Hill. And, of course, don’t forget to take tons of pictures.

Budapest travel tips for getting around

You don’t need a car, public transport is good. Actually, a car only causes headaches because of crazy traffic and limited parking. Public transport is okay even during the night. Tram 4 and Tram 6 have a 24 hours service; otherwise night lines have different routes and timetables than regular ones so check it if you need to use them.

Get the Budapest Card for getting around and visiting the best places in Budapest. This tourist card offers unlimited public transport, free museum entries and discounts at restaurants and spas. Cards are available for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.

Get to Budapest from Liszt Ferenc Airport by public transport, too. 100E is the express bus from the airport to Deák Ferenc Square, you need a special ticket for it. Bus 200E and metro line M3 also takes you to the center with regular line tickets or passes. Between 12 am to 4 am in the night, check the night service.

Plan public transport routes in Budapest with the BKK Futár app. Alternatively, you can plan with Google Maps, as well, it’s pretty accurate for Budapest public transport.

Use Mobiljegy app to buy tickets and passes for Budapest public transport. Metro stations and most of the main bus and tram stops have ticketing machines where you can pay with card or cash. But if it’s not working or there’s no machine, you can buy your ticket or pass on your phone with Mobiljegy app. As a last resort, you can buy it when getting on the bus, but it’s more expensive then – and drivers rarely have change, so you need the exact amount in cash.

Parking is usually free in the city center on weekends. No guarantee though that you actually find a free spot anywhere, and there are a few parking zones where a fee is charged even on weekends. We prefer public transport.

Use the Simple app to buy parking tickets with your phone. Of course, the app tells you whether you’re in a toll zone or whether a toll is charged on that particular day. You can also use this app to pay for toll roads, taxi, or buy different kinds of tickets.

Über is not available in Hungary, but you can use Taxify/Bolt. Download the app to your phone, request a taxi and pay through the app. It’s the safest way to get a taxi for a reasonable price.

Easy to get around by bike. The city center of Budapest is quite walkable, but there’s also a bike-sharing system that you can make use of if you prefer exploring it by bike. More info about “MOL Bubi” bike-sharing and their available tickets here .

Now you tell us, what did you like the best in Budapest? Or what would you like to see the most, if you haven’t been yet?

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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Travel Guide Hungary

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Bordered by countries as diverse as Austria, Serbia and Ukraine, Hungary is a crossroads at the centre of the continent - what was once known as Mitteleuropa – and it fuses old Europe and new in its mix of Hapsburg grandeur and Communist-era grittiness. There is a Central European solidity to its food, buildings and culture, but the more exotic, and undeniably romantic, founding myth of the nomadic, warrior Magyars from the Central Asian steppe is also key to Hungarians’ fiery national pride.

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Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia

From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

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Fairytale Czech Republic and Hungary

Visit 3 countries at once: Czechia with the beautiful cities of Prague, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora. Afterwards, visit Bratislava in Slovakia before continuing to Budapest. Hungary's capital is full of interesting activities and wonder.

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Danube capitals

Keen to explore three of Europe's capital cities but short on time? This three-country trip allows you to visit Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, three remarkable capital cities with a wealth of history and culture at your fingertips.

Budapest , the capital, is a city of imposing scale and wide Danube vistas, split by the river into historic Buda and buzzy Pest, and offering both the old (imperial-era boulevards, Art Nouveau coffeehouses, bubbling Turkish baths) and the new (quirky warehouse bars and summer riverboat clubs). A few hours’ travel beyond Budapest is enough to access Hungary’s other key charms, from Serb-influenced Szentendre , a short way north along the Danube bend, to the lush wine-growing Badacsony region on the shores of Lake Balaton to the southwest. Balaton, the “nation’s playground”, also plays host to crowded summer party resorts such as Siófok , or gentler Keszthely . Hungary’s three most culture-rich towns beyond Budapest are scattered across the country but not to be missed: Sopron , close by the border with Austria; Pécs , on the far southern tip, ringed by alpine hills; and Eger , just northeast of Budapest, a mellow, historic city famous for its Bull’s Blood wine. Across southeast Hungary stretches the enormous Great Plain, covering half the country and home to some beautiful national parks and the cities of Szeged , Kecskemét and Debrecen .

Whilst Budapest deservedly takes centre stage, there is much more besides; gorgeous Baroque towns stand cheek by jowl with ancient castles and fortresses, while nature asserts itself spectacularly in the form of Lake Balaton, the thickly forested Northern Uplands, and the immense sweep of the Great Plain, not to mention one of the grandest stretches of the great Danube River. Aside from the country’s extraordinary concentration of thermal spas, there is a wealth of other activities available, including watersports, horseriding, cycling and hiking, while nearly two dozen wine regions offer the chance to sample a range of quality wines little known beyond its own borders.

Top image: Parliament building, Budapest © photo.ua/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Hungary

Population 10 million

Language Hungarian

Currency Forint (Ft)

Capital Budapest

International phone code t 36

Time zone GMT 1hr

Travel advice for Hungary

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Hungary

• Culture and Etiquette in Hungary
• Eating and drinking in Hungary
• Getting around Hungary: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Hungary
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Hungary
• Travel Tips Hungary for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Hungary

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updated 26.04.2021

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33 Budapest Travel Tips: How to Best Visit Hungary’s Capital

• Post author: Naddya
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: January 27, 2021

The Capital of Festivals .

The Queen of the Danube .

And the Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths all refer to the same gorgeous European city.

Located in the heart of Europe on the banks of the mighty Danube River, Budapest will enchant you with its diversity. The Hungarian capital offers visitors unparalleled experiences you can’t find elsewhere.

The following 33 Budapest travel tips will help you prepare for your visit to this magnificent city.

In the travel guide, you’ll find how to avoid the most common scams, what bars you should visit, and what peculiar customs you must be aware of.

Use the navigation below and explore all of Budapest’s secrets!

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Preparation – Things to Do Before You Visit Budapest

Before you visit Budapest , there are a few technicalities you need to know and prepare for . From the visa requirements through the language hacks to the unusual clothing you must pack, carefully read the following Budapest travel tips.

Note : If you want to be able to get ready for a trip within minutes, better yet grab our battle-tested Travel Checklist .

• Do you need a visa to travel to Budapest? Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. If you travel with a U.S. passport, valid for at least another 6 months, you can explore the country for 90 days max without a visa. Find the whole list of visa requirements on the official website of the European Union .
• Hungarian is the official language of Hungary. Also known as Magyar, Hungarian is a Uralic language. Approximately 13 million people speak it natively worldwide. In the tourist spots of Budapest, you’ll get along with English. Many of the signs and menus come in multiple languages. However, if you want to impress locals and show respect to their culture, here are several common phrases for you:

• Is Budapest safe to visit? Be cautious around landmarks and crowds. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers are quite the plague. Other than that, Budapest is a very safe place to travel to. Naddya explored the city on her own and never had any issues during her four-day trip.
• Never clink beer glasses in Budapest. In 1848, the Hungary Revolution was overthrown by the Habsburgs. To celebrate their victory, Austrians cheered with beer. 173 years later, Hungarians have not forgotten and never clink their beer glasses. While it won’t put you in trouble, it would be advisable to avoid raising your beverage.
• Pack your best swimsuit. The Hungarian capital was crowned the Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths for an obvious reason. One of the coolest facts about Budapest is that it boasts five huge spa complexes, featuring a total of 47 mineral pools. Visiting a thermal bath is not only a must but also a great way to relax and rejuvenate. The city’s first bath – Szechenyi Bath – opened in 1913. Apart from being the oldest, it is also Budapest’s largest, grandest, and busiest spa.

Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit Budapest

The moderate climate of Hungary offers four distinctive seasons. In Budapest, it’s often windy due to the city’s location on the banks of the Danube River.

Summers are hot and winters are snowy. You’ll find spring and autumn to be the best time to visit Budapest as they are less rainy than other major European cities.

The Christmas holidays and the summer vacations bring the most visitors. However, you’ll find enough awesome activities in all seasons .

• Winter Budapest seduces with Christmas markets, outdoor ice-skating rinks, and thermal baths. The city is magical under the snow duvet. Explore the landmarks and the Christmas Markets stalls. Keep yourself warm with hearty foods and steaming-hot drinks. Get your heartbeat pumping with ice skating. Or spend a relaxing day at the spa.
• In spring, the city awakens for new adventures. You can picnic between the cherry blossom trees in the Füvészkert Botanical Gardens . If you’re an art fan, the Budapest Spring Festival in April is for you. It brings together a diverse range of performances. Tens of venues invite to everything from classical music, opera, and jazz to dance, contemporary circus, and visual arts. And if that’s not enough to seduce you to visit Budapest in spring, how about Hungarian Ice Cream Day ? On May 8, popular parlors provide extraordinary gelato foodgasms at great discounts.

• In summer, Budapest holds one of the largest festivals in Europe. The Sziget Festival takes place in August. The week-long event is one of the largest musical and cultural gatherings on the Old Continent. The 266-acre Óbudai-sziget (Old Buda Island) in the Danube River hosts 1,000+ performances. If the music fans aren’t your crowd, you can relax on one of the three public beaches. Palatinus Beach, Római Beach, and Csillaghegy Bath welcome visitors from May to September.
• Fall is the most photogenic season in Budapest. When autumn arrives, the countless parks and gardens in the Hungarian capital change their crowns to uncountable shades of gold, amber, and red. To make your visit even more tempting, Budapest hosts its own Design Week in October. During this time, the city boasts various events at over 100 locations. Add a fashion twist to your stay by attending one of the talks, exhibitions, projections, design tours, or fashion shows. Also in autumn – at the end of November – Budapest holds the Wine and Cheese Festival . You get the chance to taste the first vino of the season accompanied by artisanal cheese from local farmers.

Money-Saving Travel Tips: How to Stretch Your Bucks in Budapest

Despite being an EU member, Hungary still doesn’t use the Euro. The national currency remains the Hungarian forint . That’s why one of the most important travel resources in your arsenal should be a currency converter .

The following Budapest travel tips will teach you how to stretch your budget and not overpay when you shouldn’t.

• Be careful with the banknotes’ denominations. The forint is quite inexpensive. A banknote of 1,000 HUF currently trades for about $3.35 (€2.77). Don’t get tempted to pay your bill in dollars or euros as the exchange rate won’t be in your favor. When you withdraw cash, avoid the Euronet ATMs. Their exchange rates are the worst. Instead, search for a bank and use its cash machines to withdraw forints .
• Budapest is very walkable. You can wander from one end of the city center to the opposite in about 45 minutes. Still, if you don’t want to use your feet everywhere, public transportation is quite comfortable and affordable ( see the section on transport below ).
• The tap water in Budapest is safe to drink. If you want to stretch your budget, drink tap water. It is healthy and safe to consume. In fact, it is the most strictly controlled substance in Hungary. You can also order a glass of tap water in restaurants. Just make sure it’s not the only thing you order. 😉

• Do you tip in Budapest? In sit-down restaurants, it is customary to leave a 10% tip on top of the bill. If you found the service exceptional, leave 15%. Give the tip to the waiter or drop it in the tip jar. Just make sure the establishment hasn’t already charged you a service fee ( szervidij ). It is usually 12.5% of the total check.
• You can find many free things to do in Budapest. Marvel at the most famous landmarks of the Hungarian capital for free. The Heroes Square , the Parliament Building , Castle Hill , and the Great Market are just a few of the places you can explore free of charge.
• Avoid eateries around tourist attractions. This Budapest travel tip has to be obvious, but every once in a while, even the most well-traveled among us fall for it. Instead of overpaying for a mediocre meal, check the foods & drinks section of the Budapest travel tips.

Food & Drinks in Budapest: What You Shouldn’t Miss Tasting

You can have an extraordinary culinary experience with the Queen of the Danube . Find the hidden gems of Budapest and the quintessential spices of the Hungarian cuisine with these food & drinks travel tips .

• Budapest rivals Paris and Vienna for the coffee house culture. Hungarians love to start their day with a strong brew. The tradition of the cafés – kávéház – started at the beginning of the 16 th century. The Turks brought coffee to the Hungarian lands. The boom of the cafés started three centuries later. Many of the coffee houses still keep their rich history alive.
• If you want a quick and cheap bite, try lángos . The fried flatbread is served with different toppings. They vary from garlic and butter through grated cheese, sour cream, ham, and bacon to powdered sugar and jam.

• Sample at least one of the most famous Hungarian dishes. The quintessential goulash is a thick soup of red meat and vegetables seasoned richly with paprika. Chicken paprikash is the most popular Hungarian stew. The ample use of paprika gives the dish its name. The chicken typically simmers for a long time in a paprika-infused roux sauce. And if you haven’t noticed from this food tip, we’ll spill it out for you. Hungarian cuisine uses paprika . A lot.
• Try the mouth-watering pastries. Budapest’s sweet treats seduced even royalties like Sisi, the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary ! If you’re looking for a sugary delight, try the scrumptious Strudel . You can order the filo pastry with a filling of apples, cherries, plums, apricots, poppy seeds, cheese, or custard crème. Not craving sugar? Then, the savory variation with cabbage is for you.
• Taste the Bull’s Blood if you’re a wine lover. Winemaking traditions in Hungary date back to Roman times. Although the best-known wines are the white dessert Tokaji Aszú and the Villány red wines, we recommend that you try Egri Bikavér . This dark, full-bodied red wine is also known as Bull’s Blood . Legend says that the name originates from the Siege of Eger. The outnumbered soldiers were served delectable food and plenty of red wine to keep them motivated. A rumor started among the enemy that bull blood was mixed into the wine. The enemy couldn’t otherwise explain the strength and resistance of the castle’s defenders.

• Include a visit to a ruin bar on your itinerary. Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter hosts the most unusual establishments in the city. Housed in the ruins of crumbling, abandoned buildings, these bars offer an unparalleled experience. The hype started with Szimpla Kert in 2001. Currently, there are numerous ruin bars in Budapest and they are as big attractions as the Buda Castle and the Parliament Building. Apart from drinks, you’ll also find art installations, dance parties, and arts & crafts markets in the recycled spaces.

Traveling in Budapest: How to Get There and Getting Around the City

You’ll barely find another city on the planet with a UNESCO World Heritage subway and funicular. If that’s not enough to make you want to ride the public transport in Budapest, how about the ferry boats included in the travelcard price or the historic trams?

Discover what other peculiarities the transportation system of the Hungarian capital hides in this section of the Budapest travel tips.

• The transfer from Budapest International Airport (BUD) to the city takes half an hour. Public transport provides easy access to the city center. You’ll find the bus stop at the arrivals level. The direct, non-stop bus 100E operates around the clock between Terminal 2 and Budapest’s center. From there, you can quickly get to every part of the city. Alternatively, you can book a shared transfer directly to your hotel via this link .
• Budapest is easily reachable from neighboring countries. If you’re visiting Austria or Slovakia, for example, consider adding Budapest to your itinerary. These countries are members of the EU and the Schengen Zone, so traveling between them is a breeze. Ticket prices vary from €4.85 ($6.00) all the way up to €57.00 ($70.00). Here are some of the distances and trip durations:
• From Vienna to Budapest, you’ll arrive in about 2:40 h by train.
• From Bratislava to Budapest, you’ll travel approximately 4:00 h by train.
• The best way to explore the city is on foot . We always recommend this way of transportation, especially for walkable cities like Budapest. Wear your best pair of sturdy shoes and immerse yourself in the Hungarian capital’s vibrant atmosphere. Cross at least one of the eight bridges over the Danube, stroll the pedestrianized shopping Váci Street, and take a leisurely walk along the Danube Promenade.
• The public transportation system is vast and easy to navigate. It consists of four metro lines, trains, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and the Buda Castle funicular. You can buy your ticket in advance online, from a vending machine, or from the vehicle operator. Have in mind that the pre-sold tickets are cheaper than the ones you can buy onboard. The single pre-sold tickets currently cost 350 HUF ($1.20), but if you purchase them in the vehicle, you’ll have to pay 100 HUF ($0.35) more and have exact change. A 10-ticket block costs 3,000 HUF ($10.35), while a 24-hour Budapest travelcard is 1,650 HUF ($5.70). The 72-hour Budapest travelcard comes at 4,150 HUF ($14.30). The travelcards also have group options. Plan your trip on this website .

• Ride the Buda Castle Funicular which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The most authentic way to travel in Budapest is riding the Buda Castle Funicular. It links the banks of the Danube River with the fortification and has been operating since 1870. The track is 312 ft. (95 m) long and surmounts an incline of 164 ft. (50 m). The panoramic views of the city during the short ride are captivating. The 95-second journey costs 1,400 HUF ($4.85) for a one-way ticket and 2,000 HUF ($6.90) for a return ticket. 
• Two historical trams and one vintage bus operate in Budapest. You can ride them every weekend from May to October. Their routes are along the Danube Corso and pass near the Buda thermal baths. The single-ride ticket costs 500 HUF ($1.72) and the daily pass comes at 2,000 HUF ($6.90).
• Ride the iconic subway M1 line. The Budapest Metro is the second-oldest underground railway system in Europe. Only London’s tube is older than it. Budapest’s Line 1 was inaugurated in 1896. Its significance is so big that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
• Boats connect the two sides of the city. If you want to get from one riverbank to the opposite, crossing the majestic Danube River is possible either on one of the eight bridges or via a boat. Four boat lines transport passengers from Buda to Pest and back. You have to either purchase a single ticket for 750 HUF ($2.60) or use your Budapest travelcard. If you want to indulge in a longer, fancier ride on the Danube River, we recommend this awesome cruise .

Where to Stay in Budapest: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodations

The city on the banks of the Danube River offers entertainment for every type of traveler. Find out the best area to stay in Budapest for your personal interests in this section of the travel guide.

• Stay in Belváros if it’s your first time in Budapest. The Inner City is packed with fantastic sights and excellent restaurants. From there, you can also easily stroll to the Parliament Building, find a lush park to relax in, or venture out for more sightseeing in the Castle District. Accommodations can suit any budget .
• Várkerület is the most romantic area of the Hungarian capital. What can be more romantic than staying near a white castle and going sightseeing with your loved one? The captivating views over the Danube River, the Gothic churches, and the world-class museums in this district will make your stay unforgettable. Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion , cross the square to enter Matthias Church , stroll around Castle Hill , and then wander to the Buda Castle .

• Book a room in the Jewish Quarter for unparalleled nightlife. The area is one of the best entertainment hotspots in Europe. Among the historic buildings and monuments, the unique ruin bars serve inexpensive beverages and offer the perfect setup for socializing. During the day, they turn into arts & crafts markets and offer great food as well.
• If you’re traveling with children, you’ll love Margaret Island . Located just outside the city center in the middle of the Danube River, this part of Budapest is a quiet recreational area. Medieval ruins, thermal baths, and outdoor activities will entertain the whole family. The island is easily reachable from other parts of Budapest by tram and bus, so you won’t miss the sightseeing.

Which Are Your Favorite Budapest Travel Tips?

There you have it, all the things you need to know before traveling to Budapest, Hungary.

The Queen of the Danube offers peculiar transport modes, unusual bars and festivals, delectable snacks, and awesome activities for every season and budget.

And with these Budapest travel tips, you’ll navigate the Hungarian capital as if you’ve lived there your whole life.

Now, we’re curious:

Have you visited Budapest before?

Which travel tips were most helpful?

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This post has 2 comments.

My husband and I are traveling to Budapest on Monday 10/17/2022 for a week. We love walking tours, food and wine related things. One tricky thing is I am a vegetarian and most of the food experiences mostly involve lots of meat. Any suggestions with this criteria?

Hey Amy, so jealous of you and your husband for heading to the Queen of the Danube soon! The city is great for exploring on foot and you’ll find amazing wines to taste for sure. As for vegetarian food, you can try langos with different meat-free toppings as a quick meal. Don’t miss sampling various strudels, if you have a sweet tooth. And for main dishes, vegan and vegetarian options have become quite popular everywhere in Europe, including Hungary. You can choose from vegetarian soups, stews, and pasta dishes, for example. We’ve seen non-meat options in the lunch menus as well. Enjoy your time in gorgeous Budapest and happy travels! 🙂 Naddya and Svet

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A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Budapest, Hungary

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Embarking on your first journey to Budapest? Our comprehensive guide is tailored for first-timers visiting Budapest and covers everything you need to know—from iconic landmarks and hidden gems to local cuisine and travel tips. Make the most of your Hungarian adventure with our expert insights.

Visiting Budapest Travel Guide

Budapest, often called the Pearl of the Danube, is a city that magically straddles both time and culture . The Hungarian capital unfurls an opulent canvas of history, from its regal castles and intricate architecture to its modern-day ruin bars pulsing with youthful energy.

As you wander along the cobblestone streets, you’ll find an endless array of activities that cater to all—be it the history or culture aficionado, the art lover, or a family on the move.

A mere three days in this enchanting city will sweep you off your feet, leaving you so enamored that, like us, you’ll find yourself planning a return trip. In fact, we were so smitten by Budapest’s charm that we’re heading back there with our family this coming March.

Trust me, Budapest doesn’t just meet expectations; it dramatically exceeds them.

Where is Budapest in Hungary?

Snuggled along the sweeping curves of the Danube River, Budapest holds the title of being the capital and the largest city of Hungary , a landlocked country in Central Europe sharing its borders with seven other nations — Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia , Slovenia , and Austria .

The city itself serves as a geographical and cultural crossroads, linking the eastern and western parts of the continent.

So, when you’re visiting Budapest, you’re not just stepping into the heart of Hungary; you’re essentially stepping into a vibrant epicenter of European heritage and history.

Why Visit Budapest

No need to search for excuses, but if you’re on the fence, here are a few irresistible reasons to make Budapest your next destination:

♥ Budapest is simply enchanting. It offers experiences that stir the soul. ♥ The city is a blend of old-world charm and modern flair. ♥ It’s a food lover’s paradise. serves up culinary delights like goulash and chimney cake that will leave an indelible impression on your food memories. ♥ The thermal baths are not just a dip but a tradition. ♥ For the stunning Danube River, which splits the city into Buda and Pest. ♥ To explore its compelling history and diverse architecture. ♥ For the ruin bars—there’s nothing like it anywhere else. ♥ It’s a city that never sleeps but also lets you relax. ♥ For Buda Castle, an iconic symbol of the city’s resilience. ♥ Because of the Fisherman’s Bastion, where fairy tales come to life. ♥ Its people make you feel like you’re home, even when you’re miles away.

Feel like packing your bags yet? Because I certainly do!

Best Time to Visit Budapest

There’s no bad time to visit the Pearl of the Danube. It all depends upon your travel goals.

June to August (summer) marks the peak travel season. It’s when the weather is great, days are long, there are a host of events around the city, and all the attractions are open. However, if we talk about the cons, it’s the time of the year when the temperatures are at their highest and the hoards of tourists throng the city increasing the cost of accommodation.

November to February (winter) mark the low travel season. It’s when the weather is cold and dreary, days are short, and many of the attractions are closed. The pros include lower prices, the absence of crowds, and a chance to witness the winter wonderland.

If visiting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe is your travel goal, December is the perfect time to visit Budapest. The city comes to life during the Christmas season. With the blanket of snow covering the city’s iconic architecture, views over the frozen Danube, and the festive cheer filling the air – the city looks like a fairytale.

Hop from one Christmas market to the other, enjoy the outdoor ice skating rinks, ride the special Christmas tram, gorge on the warm chimney cakes, soak in the quintessential thermal baths, or party hard at the unique ruin bars around the city – whatever you do, you’d love Budapest in winter.

March to May (spring) and September to October (fall) mark the shoulder season. Overall, these are the best times to visit Budapest as they offer nice weather, affordable prices, and fewer crowds.

Getting to Budapest

You can get to Budapest by air, by car, by train, by bus, and even by cruise depending on where you are coming from.

Getting to Budapest by Air

You can easily fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport from any part of the world. Most airline companies including low-cost airlines (LOT, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Easyjet) offer flights to Budapest. We use Skyscanner to search and compare flights.

You can hire a Budapest airport taxi at any hour of the day which costs anywhere between 6,500 HUF to 9000 HUF or board a Budapest airport bus 100E which costs 900 HUF to get to the city center. Bus 100E leaves from Terminal 2 and runs every 20 minutes from 5 am to 1:20 am. It stops at Kálvin tér M, Astoria M, and Deák Ferenc tér M. You also have the option to book a shared airport shuttle bus transfer or private airport transfer .

Getting to Budapest by Car

Driving is one of the best and fastest ways to get to Budapest from nearby European cities. We use Discover Cars to rent a car wherever we go.

PS: It’s best to use public transport to get around Budapest so book a hotel close to the city center that offers safe parking.

Getting to Budapest by Train

Budapest is served by three main international railway stations viz. Keleti, Nyugati, and Déli offer direct connections between Budapest and other European capital cities. We use Eurail and RailEurope to book train tickets.

Getting to Budapest by Bus

Budapest is served by the Népliget Bus terminal which offers bus and coach services between Budapest and other European capital cities. We use Flixbus and Omio to book bus tickets.

Getting to Budapest by Danube River Cruise

If you’re coming from Vienna or Bratislava, the river cruise is the most scenic way to get to Budapest.

Understanding Budapest to Navigate it Better

Having a good grasp of Budapest’s layout can be a game-changer for your trip. At its core, Budapest is a tale of two cities: Buda and Pest , separated by the majestic Danube River. Each side has its own distinct personality and attractions, making it almost like visiting two cities in one.

Buda is the hilly, more residential area boasting attractions like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s where you’ll find winding streets, Ottoman-era thermal baths, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Pest.

On the flip side, Pest is the urban heartbeat of Budapest. This is where you’ll dive into bustling markets, edgy ruin bars, and grand boulevards like Andrássy Avenue. It’s the commercial and cultural center, home to the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and endless shopping and dining options.

It’s also important to understand the layout of districts of Budapest to give you an even fuller picture of this vibrant city. Budapest is divided into 23 districts, each marked by a Roman numeral and often referred to by their individual names.

The districts spiral out from the center, with District I being the historic Castle District in Buda, home to the Buda Castle and the quaint, cobblestone streets that surround it. District V is another crucial area to know, as it’s the political and financial heart of the city, boasting the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

With a bohemian vibe, District VII aka the Jewish Quarter is the birthplace of Budapest’s famous ruin bars and has a lively, youthful atmosphere filled with art, music, and culture.

District VI is the hub for shopping and entertainment, particularly along Andrássy Avenue, which leads to the iconic Heroes’ Square and City Park in District XIV .

With a laid-back vibe, District XIII offers a quieter, more residential feel but still provides a variety of restaurants and cafes along the Danube.

Getting Around Budapest

The best way to explore Budapest is on foot. Buda and Pest are super pedestrian-friendly. If walking isn’t your thing, Budapest is well-served by fast and efficient public transportation. The public transportation system includes the metro, trams (streetcars or trollies), trolly buses, and buses. Outer districts and nearby towns are connected by the local suburban railway (HÉV).

PS: You can experience the first underground on the European mainland, the world’s second-oldest underground after the London Underground, and the oldest line of the Budapest Metro – Line 1 or Metro 1 or M1 or Millennium Underground Railway . Locals call it kisföldalatti or the small underground.

Tip: You must not miss riding Tram 2 in Budapest, one of the most beautiful trolley rides in the world. Boarding bus no. 16 is another amazing way to sightsee across Budapest.

We recommend buying a travel card  if you plan to use public transportation as it saves you time and money. You can buy a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day travel card depending on how long you are in Budapest.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Budapest Card that not only gives free access to public transport but also gives you free entry to about 19 museums and attractions and discounts of up to 50% for other museums, sightseeing tours, and sights. That’s not all it also offers a free walking tour and free entry to Lukács Thermal Bath.

If using public transportation feels like a big hassle to you, you can safely book a hop-on-hop-off bus tour ! We booked a  48-hour Budapest Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Package  and loved the ease and freedom of exploring the city. It saves you money plus the hassle of figuring out the public transportation system in a new city. You can buy a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket. The ticket comes with the free Danube cruise, night tour, and walking tour. Value for time and money.

How Many Days to Spend in Budapest

You need a minimum of 2 days to explore the highlights of Budapest.

If you don’t want to rush and prefer to take in the beauty of the queen of the Danube at a slower pace (vital if you’re traveling with kids), set aside at least 3 days. We recommend you spend a minimum of 3 days in Budapest.

And if you can spare 4 days (lucky you!), you can also discover the hidden gems in Budapest along with the popular attractions.

Staying Connected in Budapest

In the digital age, where would we be without our trusty gadgets and the internet, especially when exploring a new city? To truly make your trip seamless, a connected smartphone is almost non-negotiable.

Having continuous access to Google Maps transforms your travel experience from aimless wandering to targeted exploring. Navigating the city’s public transport system, discovering eateries where locals actually go, and, or even translating a foreign menu becomes easy as you stay plugged into the matrix.

Though, free Wi-Fi is widely available in public spaces, cafés, and even some metro stations.

But if you’re my type, you’ll need a connection as stable as your love for Hungarian pastries and thus, it’s vital getting a local SIM card. Major providers like Telekom, Vodafone, and Telenor offer a range of budget-friendly plans, tailored for tourists.

Just pop into a store, show your ID, and you’ll be Instagramming your goulash in no time.

And if swapping SIM cards sounds as outdated as a flip phone to you, then Airalo is your go-to for staying connected in Budapest. This eSIM service offers a variety of data plans that are not only affordable but also super easy to set up. Simply download the Airalo app, choose your Hungarian data pack, and voila—your phone will be buzzing with connectivity quicker than you can say “Egészségedre,” that’s ‘Cheers’ in Hungarian, by the way.

What’s more, Airalo’s eSIM works seamlessly across multiple countries, so if you’re extending your European escapade beyond Budapest, there’s no need to worry about changing plans or incurring roaming charges. It’s a fuss-free, ultra-convenient way to ensure you’re always connected, letting you focus more on soaking up the Budapest experience and less on hunting down Wi-Fi passwords.

Tipping in Budapest

While it’s not obligatory, leaving a tip for good service is customary in Budapest. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, taking a taxi, or relaxing at one of the city’s famous thermal baths, a tip is a nod of approval and a thank-you for good service.

At restaurants and cafes, it’s standard to leave around 10-15% of the total bill. Some places might include a service charge (around 12.5%), but this is not a tip and goes to the establishment rather than the individual server. It’s always good to check your bill for a service charge and then decide how much extra you’d like to leave.

Taxi drivers usually look forward to a 10% tip on the fare. For minor services, like using a cloakroom or restroom, a tip of a few hundred Forints is enough. Instead of leaving spare change on the table, it’s more common to round the bill to the nearest whole number or specify the total sum you’d like to pay, tip included.

So go ahead, be generous but not extravagant, and when in doubt, 10% is a good rule of thumb. Your gesture won’t just make someone’s day; it’s a wonderful way to show appreciation and respect for the local culture.

Where to Stay in Budapest

District I (Castle Hill), District V (Downtown or Inner City or Belváros), District VI (Terézváros), District VII (Jewish Quarter or Erzsébetváros), and District VIII (Józsefváros)are the recommended neighborhoods to stay in Budapest.

If you are visiting Budapest for the first time or are short on time, staying in District V is your best bet! It’s the center of the city where most of the popular attractions, best restaurants, and hotels are located.

Some of the best hotels in District V are Aria Hotel Budapest , Prestige Hotel Budapest , and Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest .

For a quieter and more luxurious stay, you can choose District I . Buda Castle Hotel , Hilton Budapest , and Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest  are some of the best properties in the Castle District.

District VI is packed with history and culture and makes a good stay option for culture lovers while District VII is home to the unique ruin bars Budapest is known for and can be a good fit for those who want to experience the vibrant nightlife of the city. Home to some of the finest and most charming streets and boulevards, the Hungarian National Museum, bohemian cafes, lovely art spaces, and extravagant mansions, District VIII is also a great place to stay in Budapest.

The best hotels in District VI include Stories Boutique Hotel , Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest , and Barceló Budapest and the recommended ones in District VII are Bo33 Hotel Family & Suites , Roombach Hotel Budapest Center , and Vagabond Broadway .

The best properties to stay in District VIII are Brody House and Hotel Museum Budapest .

What to do in Budapest

To help you navigate the abundance of must-dos in Budapest, here are the city’s crown jewels that promise an unforgettable experience without overwhelming you.

Marvel at the Buda Castle

Your trip to Budapest would be incomplete without visiting the Buda Castle. This historic palace complex is not just an architectural masterpiece but also offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location. Don’t miss the Hungarian National Gallery within the complex.

Take a Dip in the Thermal Baths

A dive into the city’s spa culture is a must! Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, thanks to a bounty of natural hot springs beneath the city. The Széchenyi Baths and the Gellért Baths are the most famous, but for a less crowded experience, try the Lukács Baths or the Rudas Baths.

Walk Across the Chain Bridge

Connecting Buda and Pest, this iconic bridge is best crossed on foot. The views of the Parliament and Buda Castle at either end, especially during sunset, are simply unforgettable.

The Danube Promenade

Wander the Danube Promenade for a breathtaking tableau of Budapest’s illustrious landmarks. As you amble, you’ll come face to face with the haunting yet beautiful Shoes on the Danube Bank, an evocative tribute to the Jewish victims of World War II.

This stroll is not merely scenic; it’s a walk through the riveting chapters of Budapest’s past.

Visit the Hungarian Parliament

You can’t visit Budapest without marveling at one of Europe’s oldest legislative buildings.

It’s one of the largest and most intricately designed parliament buildings in the world. While its exterior is magnificent, the inside is equally grand, featuring marble columns, golden accents, and the Holy Crown of Hungary.

Whether you tour the inside or admire it from the Danube, its grandeur is awe-inspiring.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

This neoclassical church is not only a functioning religious institution but also offers some of the best views of the city from its dome. You can either climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top.

Fisherman’s Bastion

This fairytale-like structure provides another excellent vantage point for city views. It looks particularly magical at sunrise and sunset.

The Great Market Hall

For a dose of local life, head to this bustling market. It’s a great place to try local foods, buy souvenirs, and observe the daily life of Budapest residents.

Discover the Jewish Quarter

Home to ruin bars, street art, and the Great Synagogue—the largest in Europe—the Jewish Quarter is a fusion of history and hipster culture. Don’t miss a visit to Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar.

Explore Andrássy Avenue

Imagine sauntering down an elegant avenue framed by magnificent Neo-Renaissance edifices and upscale boutiques, each step bringing you closer to the legendary Heroes’ Square. Here, larger-than-life statues of Hungary’s national heroes stand in solemn tribute, watched over by two cultural behemoths—the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art.

Continue your journey, and you’ll soon be enveloped by the verdant embrace of City Park, where the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle awaits to sweep you off your feet.

House of Terror Museum

This museum offers a dark but necessary look at the fascist and communist regimes that once ruled Hungary. It’s located in the former headquarters of the secret police, adding to its haunting atmosphere.

Cruise on the Danube

A river cruise on the Danube, especially in the evening when the city’s landmarks are lit up, is magical. It’s a wonderful way to see Budapest from a different angle.

Enjoy Hungarian Cuisine

Dive into local flavors at the Central Market Hall or at eateries like Kispiac and Mák Bistro. Make sure you try chimney cake, an irresistible local dessert.

Have a Cup of Coffee at New York Café

Often dubbed the “ Most Beautiful Café in the World ,” this cafe is a living piece of Hungarian history. With its grandiose chandeliers, opulent gold leafing, and frescoed ceilings, stepping inside feels like entering a bygone era of glamour and elegance.

It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see 19th-century poets and writers discussing their latest works over a cup of coffee. And speaking of coffee, their menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Hungarian treats and classic café staples.

Even if you’re not in the mood for caffeine, simply walking into this magnificent space to admire its historical and visual grandeur is an experience in itself.

In essence, a visit to the New York Café is like stepping into a living museum, one where the exhibits are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee in hand.

Hidden Gems in Budapest

If you’re in the mood to sidestep the well-trodden paths and discover Budapest’s less-heralded treasures, then you’re in for a treat.

Memento Park

Located a bit out of the city center, this park is a collection of statues from Hungary’s Communist period. It’s an eerie yet fascinating look into a bygone era.

Flippermuzeum

This pinball museum offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with playable pinball machines from different eras. It’s quirky, fun, and a great way to spend an afternoon.

The Children’s Railway

Operated by children under adult supervision, this narrow-gauge railway takes you through the scenic Buda hills. It’s a unique experience that’s perfect for families.

Hospital in the Rock

A lesser-known site, this former hospital was turned into a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. Now a museum, it’s a fascinating dive into history.

Petofi Literary Museum

For the literature aficionados, a visit to this museum is like entering a time capsule of Hungarian literary history. Named after Hungary’s national poet Sándor Petőfi, the museum offers an intimate look into the nation’s literary accomplishments and struggles for freedom.

Koleves Kert

It’s a unique ruin pub where local artists have transformed discarded furniture and vintage items into an eclectic masterpiece. It’s Budapest’s alternative to mainstream nightlife, nestled in the Jewish Quarter but far enough from the crowd.

Szimpla Farmer’s Market

For a sip of Budapest’s underground culture, head to this unique market, hosted every Sunday in the renowned Szimpla Kert ruin bar. It’s a patchwork of local produce, handmade crafts, and that authentic Budapest community vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

Toth Arpad setany

Take a walk along this lesser-known promenade in Buda offering panoramic views of the city and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s one of the best spots to catch a golden Budapest sunset.

Day Trips from Budapest

The city’s central location makes it a fantastic starting point for day trips that offer a whole new set of experiences. Here are some handpicked escapes that can effortlessly fit into your Budapest itinerary.

Lake Balaton

Often hailed as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton stands as Central Europe’s largest freshwater haven. Less than two hours from Budapest by train, this alluring destination offers sailing, swimming, and even wine tasting.

Just a short train ride away, Szentendre is an art-lover’s paradise. This charming town is home to winding streets, quaint buildings, and several art galleries and museums.

This town is a medieval marvel, complete with a royal palace and a hilltop citadel offering panoramic views of the Danube Bend.

Known for its monumental basilica, which is the largest church in Hungary, Esztergom is a treasure trove of history and architecture. It’s an easy train or boat ride from Budapest.

This southern city offers a unique blend of Roman architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and Ottoman-era mosques. Pécs is around a three-hour train ride from Budapest but well worth the journey.

Also known as the Great Hungarian Plain, it is a day-tripper’s dream, especially if you’re keen to experience Hungary’s traditional countryside. Located about 90 minutes from Budapest, this expansive flatland offers horse shows, carriage rides, and a glimpse into the pastoral life that’s a world away from the city hustle. It’s the ideal spot for those who want to see Hungarian cowboys, known as “csikos,” in action and indulge in local folklore.

Famous for its castle, thermal baths, and the historic defeat of Ottoman troops, Eger also tempts visitors with its wine culture, including the renowned Egri Bikavér (“Bull’s Blood”).

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this village offers a glimpse into traditional Hungarian life. Its Easter Festival is especially worth experiencing.

Just a half-hour train ride from Budapest, Gödöllő hosts the Royal Palace, the world’s second-largest Baroque chateau. It was a favorite summer residence of Queen Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi.

What to Eat & Drink in Budapest

Think rich stews and mouthwatering pastries—Budapest offers a flavorful peek into Hungary’s vibrant culture.

Goulash is the iconic Hungarian stew that’s a comforting blend of meat, veggies, and that all-important dash of paprika.

If you’re in the mood for something less hearty but equally delicious, Lángos is your go-to. This delectable deep-fried flatbread is usually adorned with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese.

Chimney Cake

Chimney Cake, or Kürtőskalács is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry that’s crispy on the outside and soft within.

And don’t forget to try Pogácsa, a type of savory scone that’s perfect for snacking as you explore the city.

Hungarian Wine

Hungarian wine is often overlooked, but it’s a must-try while you’re in town. Venture to a local wine bar to sample a glass of Tokaji , Hungary’s famous dessert wine, or Egri Bikavér , a robust red. For something stronger, take a sip of Pálinka , a fruit brandy that packs a punch.

Where to Eat & Drink in Budapest

For a genuine taste of Hungarian cooking, head to this retro-chic eatery that revisits traditional recipes with a modern twist.

Costes Downtown

If you’re craving some Michelin-star dining, Costes Downtown offers a world-class experience right in the heart of the city.

Bors GasztroBar

This place is practically an institution for street food in Budapest. From soups to sandwiches, every dish is a burst of flavor, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Street food fans, brace yourselves for Karavan, a food truck yard serving up everything from chimney cake to gourmet burgers.

Molnar’s Kurtoskalacs

It’s the go-to place for chimney cake, a Hungarian dessert that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, literally a sugary spiral of joy that you’ll probably dream about long after your trip.

Vegetarians like me can savor plant-based delights at Vegan Love, known for its scrumptious vegan burgers and shakes.

Espresso Embassy

To soak in the city’s coffee culture, Espresso Embassy is an ideal haunt, serving artisanal coffees that are the talk of the town.

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Travel Tips For Budapest: A Complete Guide

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 09:35 am

If you’re planning to visit Budapest soon, we’ve compiled this thorough list of useful travel tips for Budapest to help you plan your trip.

With its diverse dining scene, beautiful architecture and unique spa culture, Budapest is one of the best places to visit for a city break in Central Europe. In this guide, you’ll find all the Budapest travel tips you need to plan your escape to the Hungarian capital.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Also, this article contains sponsored content. For more information, visit our Disclosure page .

Top 10 Things To Do in Budapest

Is Budapest worth visiting? you may be wondering. Before checking out our travel tips for Budapest, have a look at this list of the best things to do in Budapest and we’re sure your question will be answered.

• Relax at the best Budapest spas
• Have drinks at one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs
• Visit the Hungarian Parliament building
• Wander around Fisherman’s Bastion
• Walk along the Danube River
• Join a river cruise
• Taste and buy the best paprika
• Explore the city’s coffee culture and diverse dining scene
• Step inside the oldest metro in mainland Europe
• Ride the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle Hill Funicular

This list is only an appetiser. For the main course, click here to read our detailed and carefully planned 3-day Budapest itinerary!

To fuel your wanderlust even more, here’s our Budapest YouTube video!

Resources & Travel Tips For Budapest

• Find the best deals for your flight to Budapest here .
• Get to Budapest by Flixbus here .
• Get to Budapest by train here .
• Find the best deals for your accommodation in Budapest.
• Buy your Budapest Card here .
• Book the best guided tours with GetYourGuide or Viator in Budapest.
• Venturing out of Budapest on a road trip across Central Europe? Rent your car here!
• Grab your Wise Card and make your transactions in foreign currency simple!
• Travel without worries.  Click here  to buy your travel insurance.

Where Is Budapest

Known as the Spa Capital of The World, Budapest is the capital of Hungary , a landlocked country in Central Europe. Budapest is in the northern part of Hungary, close to the border with Slovakia.

Budapest is the second largest city on the Danube River. The latter divides Budapest into Buda and Pest. Buda is on the western side and Pest is on the eastern side of the river. Together with Obuda in the city’s north, Buda and Pest were unified to form Budapest in 1873.

Best Time To Visit Budapest

Given that summer can get hot in Central Europe and, apparently, you’re not going there for the beaches – you would probably go to our home country Greece for that – the best time to visit Budapest is either spring or autumn. April, May, September and October are the best months to plan a trip to Budapest, especially for first-timers, since the weather is mild and crowds are fewer then.

However, if you’ve visited the city before and done the bulk of your Budapest sightseeing, you could easily visit Budapest in winter to spend most of your time at the numerous thermal spas that are scattered across the city. We know we will at some point.

How Many Days in Budapest

Many people consider Budapest a typical weekend destination. However, you need three days in Budapest to make sure you enjoy all the main attractions at a slow pace, making time for a relaxing day at one of the best thermal baths in Budapest, too.

One of the great things about Central Europe is that you can combine more than one city on the same trip. One of our favourite travel tips for Budapest is that you can pair it magnificently with some other Central European capitals, such as Vienna , Bratislava and Prague . Budapest is about 240 kilometres from Vienna, 185 kilometres from Bratislava and 500 kilometres from Prague.

Read our guide to the best photo locations in Prague here!

Is Budapest Safe?

Like most cities in Europe, Budapest is safe for tourists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing in crowded places and touristy areas, isn’t uncommon. Yet, Budapest is a safe city to visit for everyone, solo female travellers included, as long as you use your common sense when it gets dark and avoid sketchy places.

To feel safe when travelling, buy your travel insurance for your trip to Budapest.

Money in Budapest

Even though Hungary is a member of the European Union, the local currency isn’t the Euro but the Hungarian Forint . You may find that some shops or restaurants accept other currencies, like US dollars or Euros. However, it’s always best to pay in Hungarian forints to avoid scams and overcharges.

If you want to exchange some money to have cash, compare and double-check rates at the various exchange offices before you do.

That said, it’s always best to use a credit card to avoid crazy conversion fees and commissions. You can pay by card almost everywhere in Budapest. During your trip to Budapest – and everywhere else in Europe for that matter – we recommend a card like Wise to top up, exchange currency at the best rates and pay for everything easily through your mobile app.

Grab your Wise card and travel without worrying about foreign currency.

Tipping in restaurants and bars is not mandatory in Budapest but expect to be prompted to use the tip button on the POS device. Usually, tips are around 10% – 15% of the bill.

Languages Spoken in Budapest

Hungarian is the official spoken and written language in Budapest. It’s one of the hardest languages for foreigners to learn. Thankfully, compared to the past, after the fall of communism and the rise of tourism in the years that followed, English is widely spoken by Hungarians.

What To Pack For Budapest

As rain is very common in Budapest throughout the year, packing a raincoat and a travel umbrella is essential. If you travel in spring or autumn, pack light clothes for the warm temperatures during daylight and warm layers for the night. Don’t forget to pack your plug adaptor if you come from the UK or the USA.

Whatever season you plan to travel to Budapest, pack a swimsuit and flip-flops for the thermal baths. Keep in mind that a swimming cap is mandatory in the swimming pools of spa complexes, so pack your cap if you are an avid swimmer. Otherwise, you can buy one at the spa complex, as there’s usually an on-site shop there.

Read our guide to the best Budapest spas here!

How To Get To Budapest

Budapest has one international airport, located 16 kilometres from the city centre. It’s a big hub for Ryanair and Wizz Air, Hungary’s low-cost airline, and it’s connected with almost every country in Europe. Find the best deals for your flight to Budapest.

You can get from the airport to Budapest city centre by bus. The direct airport bus line is 100E and runs every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can book an inexpensive airport transfer to drop you off right at your hotel.

As mentioned above, Budapest is usually combined with other major cities in Central Europe on the same trip. Budapest is well connected with Bratislava, Vienna and Prague by bus and train. Check out prices and routes with FlixBus or travel sustainably and comfortably by train within Central Europe.

If you’re visiting Budapest as part of a long road trip across Central Europe, find the best deals on the most reliable search engine for car rentals here .

Read our guide on how to travel more sustainably here!

How To Get Around Budapest

Budapest is a flat city, very easy to explore on foot. While Pest is completely flat, in the Buda part of the city, you’ll inevitably have to climb up Buda Castle Hill and Gellert Hill at some point.

Buda Castle Hill is home to some of the main attractions in Budapest, such as Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Apart from walking, you can get there by riding the historic Buda Castle Funicular or by hopping on the Budapest Castle Bus which is free with a Budapest Card . On Gellert Hill, you can’t miss the Cave Church, the Citadella and the Gellert Baths.

Although walking is the best way to get around Budapest, sometimes the weather conditions may not be ideal or you may want to save some time. In those cases, public transport can take you everywhere in Budapest.

Trams in Budapest are frequent and quick. On a rainy day, you can hop on tram 2 for a fun and relaxing sightseeing ride along the Danube River. Tram line 2 is one of the most beautiful tram routes in the world.

There is also a reliable metro system in Budapest. Apart from a means of transport, metro line M1 is also one of the main Budapest attractions, as it’s the oldest metro line in mainland Europe. If you plan to use public transport in Budapest, it’s worth purchasing a Budapest Card . Among other benefits, Budapest Card holders can use public transport for free.

Is The Budapest Card Worth It?

This question comes up a lot and our travel guide for Budapest couldn’t leave it without an answer. As mentioned above, Budapest Card holders enjoy unlimited public transportation for free , including transfers to Buda Castle with the Official Budapest Castle Bus.

Moreover, the Budapest Card includes free entrances to main Budapest attractions like the Budapest History Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Buda Tower and many more, free entrance to the Lukacs Thermal Baths and two free sightseeing walking tours , one in Buda and one in Pest.

In addition, by purchasing a Budapest Card , you get discounts on several other activities, entry tickets and thermal baths. Depending on how many days you plan to spend in Budapest, you can buy a Budapest Card which is valid for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. The most popular version is the 72-hour Budapest Card , valid for three days.

Apart from the regular Budapest Card, there is also the Budapest Card Plus , which comes in a 72-hour version only. Some of the extra benefits of the Budapest Card Plus are free airport transfers , a free Danube Cruise , free entrance to Matthias Church and free return tickets on the Buda Castle Funicular .

Make sure you check the list of all Budapest Card benefits on the official website , as new Budapest activities and attractions are added frequently.

In our opinion, buying a Budapest Card is worth it not only because it helps you save time, money and the trouble of standing in line to buy tickets every once in a while, but also because it inspires you to visit some of the lesser-known Budapest attractions included in the card, most of which you probably wouldn’t think of visiting otherwise.

One thing we didn’t like was that the Hungarian Parliament, the top place to visit in Budapest, wasn’t included in the Budapest Card. Hopefully, this will change before too long. Other than that, though, the Budapest Card is great value for money and buying one is one of the best travel tips for Budapest.

Check out the latest prices and grab your Budapest Card here!

Where To Stay in Budapest

The first decision you have to make before booking your stay in Budapest is whether to stay in Buda or Pest. Buda is situated on the western side of the city. It’s home to many historical attractions and it’s an overall calm residential area.

On the other hand, Pest is on the eastern side of Budapest. It’s flat and easy to walk around, vibrant and full of bars and restaurants. Some of the most famous attractions in Budapest are located in Pest. In our opinion, downtown Pest is the best area to stay in Budapest.

Below you will find our suggestions for the best hotels in Budapest. In any case, try to avoid booking an Airbnb for your stay in Budapest. If you’re wondering why, have a look at this article we wrote about the Airbnb effect .

Situated near Chain Bridge and the Danube River, the 4-star Prestige Hotel is set in a renovated historic building, ideal for a luxurious and unforgettable stay in Budapest. Book a luxurious room at Prestige Hotel here or read the hotel reviews on TripAdvisor here .

Stories Boutique Hotel , a 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Pest, is the ideal hotel to create your own story in Budapest. Find the best deals for your stay at Stories Boutique Hotel or read the reviews on TripAdvisor here .

A few steps from Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the 4-star Hotel Moments Budapest is one of the most imposing buildings on Andrassy Avenue. Check available dates and prices for a unique stay at Hotel Moments Budapest or read the reviews on TripAdvisor here .

What To Eat & Drink in Budapest

Although traditional Hungarian cuisine is heavily meat-based, Budapest is a pleasant surprise for vegetarians and vegans. The city’s diverse food scene abounds with vegan and vegetarian options. You can even find the country’s national dish, goulash , in its vegan version in Budapest.

Goulash may be Hungary’s national dish but langos is probably the most popular comfort food in Budapest. If you haven’t tried langos before, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Langos is a sinful piece of deep-fried dough, topped with sour cream, cheese and any other topping of choice, like veggies or olives.

Apart from traditional Hungarian dishes though, in Budapest, you can try cuisines from all over the globe. The city is home to exquisite restaurants that feature ethnic food from all corners of the world.

Moreover, Budapest has a remarkable coffee scene, with several independent cafés taking great pride in their top-quality brews. From the famed New York Café – often called the most beautiful café in the world – and the gorgeous Café Gerbeaud with its fancy cakes to more down-to-earth yet utterly cosy cafés, such as Madal Café and Flow , Budapest has a coffee place for everyone.

In terms of dessert, Budapest won’t disappoint. While in Budapest, don’t miss the chance to try the iconic kürtőskalács (chimney cake) or the lesser-known palacsinta (Hungarian pancakes) and rétes (Hungarian strudel). Speaking of dessert, a stop at Gelarto Rosa for its Instagram-perfect rose-shaped ice cream is a must.

Best Restaurants in Budapest For Veggie & Vegan Food

• Napfenyes Restaurant for the best vegan version of Hungarian goulash soup.
• Las Vegan’s and Epoch Vegan Burger for delicious vegan burgers.
• Retro Langos for scrumptious langos.
• Dobrumba for mouthwatering Middle Eastern food. We loved the zaatar fries and the harira soup!
• Mazel Tov for its fantastic setting, the divine grilled cauliflower with tahini and the falafels!
• Qui if you missed Thai food while travelling.
• Karavan for a lively food court with many veggie and vegan options, right next to the most famous ruin bars.

For more recommendations, buy us a beer to get a copy of our PDF with our 3-day Budapest itinerary and a Budapest Map with all the points of interest you need!

What To Buy in Budapest

If you’re wondering what to buy in Budapest as a souvenir for your loved ones back home or as a way to keep the memory of your Budapest trip alive for a while longer, here are some suggestions:

• Paprika: Paprika is an essential part of Hungarian cuisine. In Budapest, you can find top-quality paprika in many types, such as hot, sweet, smoked hot and smoked sweet.
• Palinka: A traditional liqueur made of fruit.
• Hungarian Secret Boxes: Carved in wood, these boxes come in various sizes and colours. At first glance, they look like ordinary jewellery boxes. However, their uniqueness lies in the fact that it’s impossible to open them until the shopkeeper shows you the secret way to do it.
• Rubik’s Cube: You can buy a Rubik’s Cube anywhere in the world. But why not grab one at its birthplace? Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architect and sculptor, invented this game in Budapest in 1974.
• Hungarian Dolls: Dressed in traditional folk clothes, these dolls are a great gift not only for children but also for collectors.
• Hand-painted Eggs: Although they are most popular around the Easter holidays, you can find these beautiful hand-painted eggs all year round in Budapest.
• Lavender: Hungary has its very own lavender fields and lavender-themed items are among the best things to buy in Budapest.

We hope that this thorough Budapest travel guide helps you plan an amazing trip to the Hungarian capital. Do you have any unique travel tips for Budapest you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments!

WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina EDITING: Maria

Disclosure:  The Budapest Tourism Board offered us press Budapest Cards. As media and marketing specialists, we often visit destinations on press tours or as part of marketing campaigns, but under no circumstances does this affect our opinions about the places we visit and the experiences we try. Rest assured that you will find nothing but honest reviews throughout our content.

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Hi, where can I find them pdf for Budapest? Thanks so much! Love your work.

Hi Lucy! Thanks so much for your love and support! Our Budapest PDF is now available for a small fee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsalltriptome/e/220871 Thanks!

Budapest una muy espectacular ciudad

It is an amazing city indeed! Thanks for your comment!

I recently visited Budapest and I have to say, it’s one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities I’ve ever been to. The stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination

Hi Alice, thanks for your comment! Budapest is a great city to visit indeed!

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Introducing Hungary

About hungary.

• Images of Hungary
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Hungary
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

Hungary travel guide

Culturally and linguistically distinct from all of its immediate neighbours, Hungary is very much the ‘odd one out’ in Central Europe, but for all the most honourable reasons.

This is a nation whose capital, Budapest, can hold up a mirror to classical Vienna; it’s a world of well-preserved castles, seductively good wines and quiet stoic pride; a landscape of low-lying mountains, oak forests and thermal springs.

The Romans were the first to make use of the hot waters, originally for medicinal purposes. Today, the pursuit is relaxation and over time the bathhouses have grown into splendid architectural affairs, most notably in Budapest.

The capital is an elegant, stylish and lively city made up of two separate settlements clustered on either side of the Danube River: hilly Buda has a wealth of graceful Habsburg and neoclassical buildings, while sprawling Pest is its commercial centre with a generous scattering of art nouveau architecture and an ad-hoc party scene.

The city has long been the focus of Hungary’s artistic, musical and literary community and is by far the best place in the country for a choice of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Smaller cities are equally architecturally fascinating and deserving of a visit in their own right: Pécs for its museums; Eger for it’s fortifications and infamous Bull’s Blood Wine; and Györ whose grand Basilica houses the golden herm of László.

Beyond these urban centres, Hungary’s bathes in natural delights. South west of Budapest is Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest body of freshwater, where locals spend hot summers cooling off in waters that average 20°C (68°F).

In winter, Hungary freezes, and thrill seekers head north to the Bakony Hills for the chance to ski through the forests before unwinding with a dip in the thermal spa.

It may be landlocked, but Hungary is a country content on ploughing its own furrow no matter what seeds its neighbours are sewing and is all the better for it.

93,028 sq km (35,918 sq miles).

9,821,318 (UN estimate 2016).

106.4 per sq km.

Parliamentary Republic.

President Tamás Sulyok since 2024.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán since 2010.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK , for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Hungary set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Hungary’s embassy or consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.

You should also read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Hungary, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

To enter Hungary (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Contact the  Hungarian Embassy in the UK if your passport does not meet both these requirements.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

From 21 October, temporary border checks have been introduced at Hungary’s borders with Slovenia. You should allow extra time for crossing the land border between Hungary and Slovenia, and be ready to show your passport or residency card if you are asked to do so by the border police. Checks may also involve vehicle inspections.

Make sure you get your passport stamped

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Hungary). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If you live in Hungary, read our Living in Hungary guide for passport stamping information.

At Hungarian border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay
• show proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel booking

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (including Hungary) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to Hungary and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Hungarian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Hungarian Embassy in the UK .

If you stay in Hungary with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Extending your visa

To extend your visa, see guidance from the Hungarian government National Directorate General for Aliens Policing .

Unpaid fines

If you have an unpaid fine in Hungary, you may be denied entry. Contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK for guidance on paying any outstanding fines.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Hungary guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Hungary, including pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products and medicines containing drugs. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. More information is available from the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary .

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Hungary

There are restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring into or take out of all EU countries, including Hungary. You must declare any amount over 10,000 euros (or equivalent). This includes cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc. This does not apply if you are travelling through the EU to a non- EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU . It also does not apply if you are travelling within the EU .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Hungary

Terrorist attacks in Hungary cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations can take place in Budapest and across Hungary. Demonstrations often happen around important national holidays, such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising). Peaceful demonstrations have sometimes turned violent. Avoid demonstrations, monitor the local media and be aware of your surroundings.

Protecting your belongings

Tourists can be targets for petty crime in Hungary, especially in big cities. Take sensible precautions. Bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common, especially in Budapest. Theft of and from vehicles is common.

• on busy public transport
• in train stations
• in places with high numbers of tourists

Scams in restaurants, bars and clubs

Some restaurants, bars and clubs might charge high amounts for food and drink. Tourists have been taken to cashpoints with demands for the money to pay the bill. Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering drinks or food, and check your bill carefully before paying. Be wary of establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Report any incidents to the police.

Some taxi drivers are part of these frauds. They may receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. If a taxi driver offers to take you to a bar or club, or you are approached on the street with an invitation, be cautious. Use taxis from a reputable local company.

Use official ATMs or banks. Do not change money on the street.

Drink and food spiking

There have been reports of drinks being spiked, particularly in Budapest bars. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

Carry your passport at all times. You must show ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are very strict and carry serious penalties and custodial sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in Hungary but same-sex marriages are not recognised in Hungarian law. Budapest is generally tolerant and open. Recent Pride events have passed without incident, but historically there have been counter-events which have led to verbal, and sometimes physical, confrontation. Outside of Budapest, public affection may receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

If you are going to a summer music festival in Hungary, see FCDO’s travel checklist for festivals in Europe .

Transport risks

Public transport.

You could be fined if you do not follow the rules of the transport ticket system. Make sure:

• on the Metro, you validate your ticket before you get onboard at the entrance to the station
• on buses, trams or trolley buses, you validate your ticket immediately after boarding
• you keep your ticket until the end of your journey and show it to ticket inspectors if requested
• you validate a new ticket each time you change lines or mode of transport
• you have the special ticket which is required for the night service network

More information on ticket conditions and prices is available from the Budapest Transport Authority .

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Hungary, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide .

Licences and permits

You can drive in Hungary with a UK driving licence.

If you’re living in Hungary, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK . In 2021, UK stickers replaced GB stickers. Check guidance on displaying number plates .

Driving regulations

Hungary has a no-alcohol driving policy. It is illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive in Hungary.

You must use headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime.

If you want to use major highways in Hungary, you must buy a motorway vignette (ticket) in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of toll. If you use the roads without purchasing a vignette, you will be fined.

Haulage vehicles

If you are driving a large haulage vehicle through Hungary, make sure you have full vehicle documentation. International loads must be supported by a TIR carnet providing a full inventory of the goods being carried. You must leave a financial bond with the Hungarian customs when transiting Hungary with a cargo. The financial bond, minus an administration fee, is returned when you leave the country.

If you are planning to transit Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid following a disaster, or medical aid, contact the Hungarian Embassy in London in advance to apply for a waiver.

Rail travel

Take care when travelling by train (domestically and internationally) and keep your belongings in sight. Take extra care on night trains. Travel with companions where possible and secure your compartment from the inside.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe .

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Hungary guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Hungary

You can view a list of English speaking doctors in Hungary .

Health insurance cards

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) before leaving the UK . If you already have an EHIC , it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as for Hungarian nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team .

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A or GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover .

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Hungary

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Hungary
• dealing with a death in Hungary
• being arrested in Hungary
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Hungary and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy Budapest .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Hungary Travel Guide

Architectural landmarks, thermal spas, and one of the most beautiful European capitals.

15 Best Things To Do in Budapest, Hungary

16 Budapest travel tips & hacks | First-timers in Budapest

Things to do in Budapest Budapest Travel Guide Budapest Travel Tips

An architectural treasure trove, Budapest flaunts a wonderful harmony of natural and man-made elements. With epic tales of its history woven into its everyday life, Budapest’s thriving culture draws a diverse crowd. The city's transitioning blend of Western and Eastern Europe makes it like no other European city. With its healing hot springs, umpteen ruin bars and breathtaking Art Noveau architecture, Budapest is a much-needed respite for those keen on a cultural chaos. Our Budapest Travel Tips will help you find order in this chaos and make the most of your visit.

Budapest Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Budapest. Make sure you brush up a little Hungarian!

Language Hungarian

Time zone GMT+2

Country Code +36

Socket Type C & F

Currency Hungarian Forints (HUF)

Best Time To Visit Budapest

Blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, it is hard to zero in on one the best time of the year to visit Budapest. However, with affordable rates and little to no crowd, it is spring that makes an ideal season for those looking for a relaxing getaway. Summer witnesses an upsurge of crowd, however, the Budapest Summer Festival, which takes place between June to August, is definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on. Fall in Budapest also is a great time to visit, considering the drop in temperature. However, if you don’t mind the a snowy vacation, December to February is also a great time to enjoy its quaint Christmas markets and events that take place around the festive season.

Read more about the best time to visit Budapest .

Budapest Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank us later!

#1 Sample Local Wines

Home to some of the most well-known brands of wine, there's no leaving Budapest without trying some of its piquant alcohol. While there are several opportunities to try wine (in restaurants and pubs), look out for historic cellars or wine tasting tours that take place in the city on a frequent basis. Pair the tasting with a romantic cruise to make the most of your evening in the city!

#2 Don’t Clink Beer Glasses!

A funny, yet interesting tradition the locals in Budapest follows comes from 1848 when the Hungary revolution was overthrown by the Habsburg. To celebrate their victory in Vienna, Austrians everywhere clicked beer to show their joy for the same. Though 167 years have passed, Hungarians have not forgotten and have vowed to never clink beer glasses! While it may not land you into trouble, it would be an advisable option to avoid the regular ‘cheers’!

#3 Dine at Butcher Stores

Butcher’s stores in Budapest are not just for buying your weekly meat ration; they are a dining experience in itself. From sausages to pork knuckle, duck and blood sausage served with saeurkraut, chips and, of course, mustard - it's a gastronomical delight in here. While it is a stand-only dining affair, you cannot miss out on this experience in the city. Checkout Belvárosi Disznótoros for one of the most famous in-butcher dining experiences in Budapest.

#4 Forget The Euros

Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, the country hasn’t adopted the Euro as its official currency. Though the Euro is widely accepted through the country, be prepared to receive change in the form of Forints if you choose to exchange your currency locally. Restaurants in Budapest also don’t prefer a card, so make sure you hit the ATM before heading for a meal. It is advisable to go through a legal money exchange instead of opting for easily available options within the city.

Exploring Budapest on a Budget

#5 explore the coffee house culture.

Hungarians love to start their day with a strong brew! Cafés, or kávéház, have been around in Budapest since the early 16th century after the Turks brought in coffee cultivation as an occupation. In fact, you may also stumble upon some coffee houses that has a deep history to it! Although many of these coffee houses have been restored to match their former glory, the old-world charm is still alive within its four walls!

#6 Insist on Using the Meter in a Taxi

Taxi drivers in Budapest are known for overcharging tourists. Hence, insist on asking for a meter. While taxis are a convenient way to travel in any city, it is also one of the most expensive modes of transport. Consider buying the Budapest Card which allows unlimited public transport if you're planning to use the public transit system as your primary mode of transport .

#7 Visit Ruin Pubs of Budapest

Owing to its historic background, Budapest houses a number of ruin bars. What were once merely considered crumbling, abandoned buildings have today been transformed into swanky bars and pubs that are a favorite of many. Ruin bars began as an experiment by Szimpla but have slowly taken over the city as many recycled spaces have begun popping up after the initial success. Make sure you include one of the many ruin bars in the city on your itinerary for a unique experience during your stay.

#8 Watch Out for Signs of History Along the Way

Budapest has signs of history scattered around the city. What was once almost demolished due to the ill effects of World War II, today houses several memorials across the city for the lives that were lost. One of the most notable exhibits include the 60 pairs of shoes at the Danube, which were designed by sculptor Gyula Pauer. The memorial is dedicated to the Jews who lost their lives in the Danube by the Cross Arrow Military.

#9 Sign up for a Guided City Tour

Opt for a cultural walk from Buda to Pest with local guided tours that take you through the history of the city. Available in English and Spanish, these tours take place twice a day and have skilled guides on board who could brief you on some of their exciting stories about the city. With tours on the history, pub culture and Jewish legacy, there’s something for everyone in these walking tours.

Guided Tours, Walking Tours, Segway Tours and More

#10 tipping is norm in budapest.

Although not mandatory, tipping in Budapest is considered courteous and is followed by locals as well. It is considered polite to tip in hotels and concierge services. A 10% to 15% tip can be applied to restaurant bills as well unless service tax is already added. While tips can also be added to spas and bathhouses in Budapest, the locals also tip the taxi drivers.

#11 Tram over Taxi, any day!

While taxis are considered to be convenient, taking the tram in Budapest is perhaps a more viable option. With 40 lines running between 4:30 am to 11 pm, the tram is an ideal way to tour the city on a budget. Connecting almost every important attraction in the city, you can buy a day’s pass or choose to opt for a Budapest card to use the tram freely during your stay.

#12 Come Hungry

Hungarian food is delicious and anyone who tells you otherwise does not have the taste for a hearty fare. With stews and meat as well as potatoes and dumplings, the food is light on the stomach but lingers on your taste buds long after. Potatoes are pretty much the only thing "vegetarian", but the meat fest otherwise is a sensory treat.

#13 Stroll the Length of Andrassy Út

The grand tree-lined boulevard of Andrassy Út is a UNESCO Heritage Site that connects the Opera House and City Park, and is best explored on foot. It runs by the city’s most expensive real-estate, so have a great time craning your neck and spotting the best houses in town. By the end of it, you'll surely be pining for a piece of land here!

#14 Catch a Show at The State Opera

Unlike most other European cities, entertainment in Budapest is cheap! You can catch a show at the State Opera for as little as 500 HUF ($1.80), and if you come during rehearsal performances, you can find seats starting from 200 HUF ($0.72)!

#15 Why not a Beer & Pizza Cruise?

With the River Danube running majestically right through the middle of the city, cruises in Budapest are a much sought after affair. While there different cruises to suit all budgets, our top favourites are the Beer & Pizza Cruise and the Operetta & Folklore Cruise. Check out the other top selling Danube cruises in Budapest and grab your tickets right away!

#16 Hop on the Second Oldest Metro in the World

The Budapest Metro is the oldest electrified underground railways system in Europe and the second oldest electrically operated system in the world. It was opened in 1896 and runs till date - on time, every day. While traveling through this metro, you're traveling with years of history etched in the walls of these trains. Cherish the journey and enjoy the cheap and easy accessibility throughout the city.

What To Do | Budget Tips | Day Trips and More

Tips for saving money on transportation in budapest.

• The Budapest Card provides free, unlimited public transport throughout its validity. Apart from this, it also includes entry to select museums, complimentary tours as well as various discounts across platforms in the city. Here's all you need to know about the Budapest Card before buying it
• Opt for the MOL Bubi if you’re someone who prefers cycling around a city.
• Students can avail discounts on all modes of transport by flashing their student card.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Budapest

• Look out for street carts selling local food. Lángos, a variant of pizza but with thicker dough, is one of the few street foods sold cheaply in Budapest.
• Bread and bakery items in Budapest are inexpensive as compared to other items. Get yourself breakfast at a local bakery, and relish a pastry which is essentially considered to be a part of the Budapest breakfast!
• Several restaurants in Budapest offer a tourist menu which is comparatively cheaper. It offers modest portions of a three-course meal enough for one.
• The central market steam tables are a great place to try anything beginning from stews to strudels on a budget! Keep a watch for vendors that can be easily spotted around the entrance of the market.
• If you’re craving Chinese takeout in Hungary, stopping by at Kinai Bufes (affordable Chinese steam tables) would acquaint you with some delicious Asian cuisine in Budapest.

More Tips To Save Money In Budapest

• Accommodation Tips:
• An Airbnb or Couchsurf which guarantees an off-beat, local experience on a modest budget is highly recommended in a city like Budapest.
• If you're in a fix between staying in Buda or Pest, know that Buda is the calmer, residential side of the city while Pest sees a more active nightlife with more ruin bars and night clubs. Depending on your agenda, choose the side of the city that suits you best.
• It is common to bargain with hotels in Budapest, as they can offer you a better deal or an upgrade.
• Most hotels in Budapest don’t have an air-conditioner. It is a good idea to check up on your hotel online before booking it online.
• The Europeans refer to twin beds as a double room. Make sure to specify if you require a room with a double bed instead.
• Free Attraction Tips
• Samples the taste of Budapest at the Great Market located in a large hall opposite to Liberty Bridge for free all day, everyday.
• Make the most of the free walking tours are available every day from Buda to Pest, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm respectively.
• Wander across the Jewish quarter which is dotted with great cafes as well as ruin bars.
• There are several free art galleries across the city which house their unique exhibitions. Telp on Madach street is one of them that showcases photography, sculptures, and paintings.
• Free Museum Days
• If you’re a citizen of the EEA, and under 26, you can gain free to the Museum of Fine Arts , the Hungarian National Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
• The Military Museum has free admission on the last Sunday of every month for people under the age of 26.
• Hungarian National Gallery, Museum of Applied Arts and Nagytétény Palace can be visited for free on every third Saturday of the month.
• Museum of Ethnography and Hungarian Natural History Museum can be visited for free on the first Sunday of the month.
• Visit the Transportation Museum, Museum of Military History as well as Ludwig Museum for free on the last Sunday of every month.
• Tips For Guided Tours in Budapest
• Guided tours with a local guide allows you to explore the city through a local's eye - a chance to witness lesser known gems and walk through lanes that are probably not on Google Maps!
• Budapest has a famous Segway City Tour that takes you across the city without tiring you, but covering maximum grounds. Check it out!
• A self-guided tour is also a great idea if you’re looking out for an economical way of touring the city at your own pace.
• It is a good idea to invest in an audio guide if you’re touring by yourself, as it can help in acquainting you to the local history of the area.
• Tips For Buying Tickets Online
• Choosing to book tickets online can not only help you to avoid last-minute price rise but can also help you avoid the crowd.
• Online tickets may also come with perks such as skip the line, VIP access as well as several other combo offers.
• Booking tickets online can also provide you with an option of flexible dates and various cancellation offers.

Top Things To Do In Budapest

Here are the top 10 things you must do in Budapest . If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in!

1 Budapest Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament, often known as the Budapest Parliament, is one of the city's most distinctive buildings, and no photo of Budapest can be considered complete without some aspect of it being shown. The current seat of the Hungarian Parliament is this stunning building, which provides a fascinating look into Hungary's political history.

2 River Danube

The magnificent Danube River, the fairytale waterway cutting through Budapest, is a must-do when you visit Budapest. Locals frequently claim that the greatest way to sense the romance in Budapest is to go on a Danube River Cruise.

3 Castle Hill

Castle Hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Budapest. The hill is home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions, including the Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Fisherman's Bastion. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from atop the hill, or take a walk through the beautiful gardens and parks that surround it.

4 Budapest Baths

Budapest, also known as the "Spa City," is a city rich in thermal springs, many of which date back to the 16th century. A mecca for spa and wellness fans, 'taking the waters' is just as regular as shopping. A visit to Budapest isn't complete without a tour of the ancient baths.

5 Budapest - Hop On Hop Off tours

Budapest is best seen on a Hop On, Hop Off tour, which is full of life and action. Budapest is a wonderful city to explore because of its bustling atmosphere, rich history, and interesting architecture. The Hungarian capital is known for its vibrant nightlife and natural beauty as well as numerous baths, spas, and hot springs.

6 Hungarian State Opera

The Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) is a neo-renaissance opera house located in central Budapest, on Andrássy út. Originally known as the Hungarian Royal Opera House, it was designed by Miklós Ybl, a leading architect of his day. The building was completed in 1884, and is considered one of the finest examples of 19th-century neo-renaissance architecture in Hungary.

7 Margaret Island

Margaret Island (Hungarian: Margitsziget) is a 2.5 km long island, 500 metres wide, in the middle of the Danube in central Budapest, Hungary. The island is mostly covered with landscape gardens and parkland, and is a popular recreation area for tourists and locals alike

8 Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue of Budapest is one of the largest and most spectacular synagogues in Europe. It was built in 1859 in Neo-Classical style, with a capacity of 3,000 people. The beautiful building has a stunning Moorish Revival interior, with ornate chandeliers and an Ark made of carved cypress wood.

9 Great Market Hall

Write about Great Market Hall Budapest The Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, Hungary. It is a true paradise for food lovers. You can find almost anything here, from the finest Hungarian cheeses and meats to the freshest fruits and vegetables. The market also has a wide selection of Hungarian wines and spirits. If you're looking for a souvenir to take home, the market has a great selection of traditional Hungarian handicrafts, including pottery, embroidery, and folk art.

10 The House Of Terror

The House of Terror, located in Budapest, Hungary, is a museum that commemorates the victims of both Communist and Nazi regimes. The building itself was used as a secret police headquarters during both regimes, and it now stands as a reminder of the terror that those regimes inflicted upon the Hungarian people.The House of Terror contains a number of exhibits that detail the atrocities committed by both the Communist and Nazi regimes.

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Ready to explore budapest.

Here are a few recommendations to help you plan your visit.

How long should I stay in Budapest to make the best of my visit?

If you're counting how many days it will take to see everything in Budapest, two days is enough to tour the city and see all of its attractions if you work hard. A three-day itinerary may allow you to visit more of Hungary's top sights at a slower pace while also allowing you to relax and unwind in one of the thermal baths.

What are the things I should avoid doing in Budapest?

Some of the things you should definitely avoid doing in Budapest is, to validate your metro ticket, to forget to pack your bathing suits, and to confuse Buda with Pest!

Can I drink the tap water in Budapest?

Yes, the tap water in Budapest is extremely safe to consume.

Is there anyway I can budget my Budapest trip?

You can foresee the average costs for your Budapest trip by using the budgetyourtrip tool.

Is Budapest safe for solo female travellers?

Budapest is a relatively safe city for single women, whether during the day when visiting the city's many magnificent historical sites or at night, when experiencing fantastic nightlife and delicious food.

Does Budapest have a good nightlife?

Budapest nightlife is fantastic, with enjoyable ruin pubs, various sorts of wine, excellent local cuisine at top-notch restaurants, dancing in discos, and a variety of cultural activities.

Do I need to pre-book the Budapest baths?

Yes, Budapest Baths are a ticket attraction and it is recommended to pre-book your tickets to avoid standing in long queues.

What's the best time to visit Budapest?

From March through May and September through November, Budapest is at its most beautiful. These off-peaks are ideal because the weather is pleasant and the city isn't clogged with visitors.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Backpacking Hungary Travel Guide

Keen to discover the country that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves? This backpacking Hungary travel guide will show you how!

Hungary is a truly amazing and magical country in Eastern Europe. It’s full of quaint and charming towns and villages, medieval cities and architectural wonders, thermal baths and spas, hilltop castles, and of course Tokaj wines.

Backpacking in Hungary is a chance to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations whilst somewhat getting off the beaten track.

That said, Budapest has become a regular itinerary stop for backpackers in search of a good time. Known for its budget-friendly accommodation and even cheaper food, Budapest has joined the likes of Prague and Vienna on the summer backpacking trail.

For that reason, Budapest is no longer a hidden destination; the crowds in Budapest definitely reflect that.

Fear not, however, because, at Mind The Travel , I always emphasize how to travel on a budget and venture off the Western European backpacking trail. This travel guide for backpacking Hungary will cover Budapest in detail, but I definitely don’t stop there.

This is the only Hungary travel guide you’ll ever need to get a layout of the entire country. I’m here to help you with your planning , and share with you everything I think you need to know to get the most out of your next trip. I’m going to give you tips and practical travel advice on where to go backpacking in Hungary, tips for getting around, and advice on where to stay in Hungary. I will also cover backpacker accommodation, suggested Hungary itinerary and give you my thoughts on when is best to visit and top things to do in Hungary.

A truly fantastic adventure awaits you in a country that has a surprising mix of places to explore. Let’s get started!

Where to go Backpacking in Hungary

Of course, you can’t go backpacking in Hungary without visiting Budapest, a city can ooze such quintessential European charm. This is where you can visit the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, explore the Fisherman’s Bastion, watch the sunset from Gellert Hill and even go caving!

I’m suggesting that you don’t just stop at Budapest. This is because the Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament Building, and downtown (Belváros) area can sometimes feel like Disneyland in the summertime, and not in a good way.

To be honest, Budapest is a beautiful city not to be missed, but it’s going to be hard to get a real feel for Hungarian culture if you don’t branch out of the capital city.

Below I’ve covered Hungary travel itinerary that will inspire you to get a bit off the beaten path.

Travel Itinerary for Backpacking Hungary

Altough the country is relatively small, but it is very easy to travel around the country. So you can cover a lot of ground in a short trip. Of course, there is so much to see in Hungary, but if you have a limited time frame for your Hungary itinerary, one week is a really good amount of time to get to know a few places in the country. Plus, even if you can’t see everything, one week in Hungary is going to be incredible regardless!

With 7 days in Hungary, start by exploring the Pest side of Budapest. Be sure to wander the side streets of the Jewish district , marvel at the beauty of the ornate Parliament building , Grand Synagogue with its poignant Memorial and the huge St Stephen’s Basilica . Start your second day by visiting the grand old city of Buda. Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to hike up the Castle Hill , a place that the Royal Palace , Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church call home. From there enjoy panoramic views across the Danube to the Parliament building.

Take a day trip to Szentendre on your third day in Hungary. This Hungarian town was originally an artist town and despite receiving a lot of day trippers nowadays, its quaint cobbled streets, galleries and cafes still hold plenty of charm.

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Next, we’re heading to Lake Balaton , a popular tourist destination in summer for British and Australians. You can hike in Balaton Uplands National Park , take part in various watersports and attend Balaton Sounds festival. I think, the best thing to do near Lake Balaton is simply take in the vibes in Keszthely and natural beauty, and slow down. From here it’s a convenient hop to Pecs and then Szeged or even cross into Serbia.

2 weeks in Hungary will give you plenty of time to experience all of the above before continuing into the Bereg County — the heart of Hungarian folk traditions. From here, you can continue to Eger , the land of Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), baroque buildings and thermal baths. After soaking up in the therapeutic water, return to Budapest or pass through Debrecen to pick up a train to Ukraine.

Best Time to Travel to Hungary

The best time to visit Hungary largely depends on what you want out of your trip. The weather here is similar to elsewhere in Central Europe — hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cold winters. This is why shoulder season is by and large the most popular time to visit Hungary.

If you want to explore the city streets in the sunshine and sip excellent wine in parks, then summer is definitely a great time to visit Hungary. Of course, the major drawback are the crowds and long airport security lines . Obviously, everyone wants to visit Hungary in the sunshine and the prices definitely reflect that. However, if you’re backpacking Hungary on a budget, you may want to visit in summer, when campgrounds are open.

Another fantastic time to visit Hungary is for the Christmas holidays. The Budapest Christmas Market is one of the best in the world, and the entire city oozes with holiday charm.

Of course, this means Christmas season is not the easiest time to visit. Many of the shops and grocery stores in the city close-up. Some bars and restaurants also shut their blinds for a few days. Those that stay open require advance booking in December.

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Moreover, you’ll only have daylight until around 3 pm, and it’s going to be chilly! Could be well worth it though to experience Christmas in Budapest.

As with anywhere in Europe, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. You can expect good deals on food, accommodation, and flights to/from the country, while avoiding the omnipresent crowds. It really depends what you’re after. October would be a great time if you pack enough layers. Bring a solid rain jacket, parka, warm down jacket to beat the cold and you’ll be just fine for the fickle weather in Hungary!

Hungary Travel Guide to Getting Around

Hungary is a small country with a convenient public transport system. You will probably fly into and out of Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) if you’re traveling from another country, but there are also airports in Debrecen, Miskolc and Pecs.

Liszt Ferenc Airport has currently an operating terminal, Terminal 2. It is divided into T2A (serves all Schengen flights), the SkyCourt area with a good selection of shops and food and beverage outlets, as well as free WIFI, and T2B (serves the non-Schengen flights).

Depending on your time frame, budget, and desired experience, there are many different ways to get around Hungary, which I’ll cover below.

Hungary Visa Requirements

Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone. If you’re flying into Hungary from abroad, you will probably land at the Ferihegy International Airport, but Hungary has plenty of borders easily accessible by train or bus. You won’t have to deal with passport checks if you’re already in the European Union.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the US do not need to pre-apply for a visa; their valid passport will be stamped on arrival. EU nationals will only need their national ID card to travel to Hungary. Other nationalities will need to apply for a Schengen Visa beforehand to visit Hungary.

Language in Budapest, Hungary

Hungarian is the main language spoken in Budapest and Hungary. Grammar is very complex, and while the alphabet looks similar to English, the letters are pronounced much differently. In fact, the Hungarian language is one of the few non-Indo-European languages in Europe and bears little resemblance to other Uralic languages.

Navigating the countryside can be a little tough without knowing at least some basic phrases. In Budapest, especially in the city center and more touristy areas, English is pretty commonly spoken. I’ve learned about several Hungarian phrases: yes (Igen), no (Nem), thank you (Köszi) informal, Good morning (Jó reggelt), excuse me (Elnézést), do you speak English? (Beszél angolul?) formal way. You’ll definitely need to know these basic words and phrases for communicating with locals and showing them you’re making an effort to appreciate their language.

How to Travel in Hungary

MALÉV Hungarian Airlines is the country’s domestic service, though to be honest you should rarely have to travel by airplane inside the country.

Magyar Államvasutak (Hungarian State Railways), the national railway company in Hungary, connects all major cities and towns, a convenient mode of transportation within the country and to neighboring cities such as Prague, Bratislava, Krakow, Warsaw, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Belgrade or Bucharest. If you are already traveling in Europe , train is the best way to get into Hungary.

Buses are also efficient for longer distances unless you’re going way off the beaten path. Hungarians prefer to travel by bus and therefore long-haul buses can get a little packed. Most routes have multiple departures each day. Show up at least 30 minutes before the departure. You can purchase tickets at bus stations or directly from the bus driver.

Most travelers streetcars (or trams) and trolley buses to get around Budapest. It’s tempting not to buy or validate a ticket, but be forewarned: there are ticket inspectors in many cars who will slap you with a nice hefty fine if you get caught. Just pay the $1.15 for a ticket. Validate your ticket before hopping on tram or boarding the metro. Take my advice though: Budapest downtown is absolutely walkable, so you can save some money by skipping public transport here.

What to Eat in Hungary

Paprika is arguably the best known ground spice in Hungary. You’ll find it pretty much everywhere. Traditional dishes are primarily based on meats, seasonal veggies, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products and cheese. Plus, Hungarians use plenty of garlic, sour cream and they just love white bread!

The most common vegetable is potato, but you’ll also find cabbage, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, and plenty of other vegetables served as side dishes.

Nothing represents Hungarian cuisine best other than their national dish, goulash (gulyás). Therefore, be sure to complete your Budapest experience with a piping hot pot of this slow-cooked beef stew. A bowl of Goulash usually comes with a good ratio of slow-cooked beef and veggies, with paprika to top off the broth. The traditional Hungarian goulash exists in many forms. Today you can find goulash that comes in soup form, but I also recommend trying hearty, rib-sticking version, made with big chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes in a stew flavored with onions, garlic, and peppers.

There is a wide array of places to eat in Hungary that range from inexpensive snackbar or Bufe (self-catering establishments) to fine dining restaurants offering an upscale setting. In Cukrászda (patisseries), you will find wouth-watering cakes and pastries, and Kavehaz (coffee shops) are great for spending cold winter evenings. Elegant Vienna-style coffee houses serving coffee and rich pastries are omnipresent in Budapest. Gerbeaud, a refined but busy Art Nouveau institution, is Europe’s most prominent coffeehouses.

Budget for Backpacking Hungary

Hungary is still one of the most underrated countries in Europe. With so many cool and off-the-beaten-path places, the largest lake in Europe, as well as the world’s finest thermal springs, Hungary is very affordable, and easy to do on €25 a day. Especially if you travel outside of Budapest, in which case you can get by on much less. Plus, the country is far cheaper than most Western European cities, and only a little more expensive than its neighbors to the east. So you can get a lot of value from your cash.

As with anywhere in Europe, eating out every meal, booking last minute accommodation (in the summer) and trains, and going on a pub crawl will put a heavy burden on your budget.

With a comfortable budget of €25 a day, you can book a dorm room, though probably not in the downtown, have a glass of wine a day, cook your own food with the occasional traditional dinner out and late night kebab, walk around, and visit an attraction. Double that and you could have some meals in restaurants and indulge in the occasional spa treatments, making for a much more comfortable Hungary trip.

Try to get around on foot with public transportation when necessary. Book your accommodation and trains in advance too! To keep your expenses way down, you’ll need to be hitchhiking, volunteering, couchsurfing or staying with friends, and cooking for yourself.

Backpacker Accommodation in Hungary

Budapest is a completely different city to that of the rest of the country in terms of accommodation. It has been a backpacker paradise for decades now. It feels like there’s a hostel around every corner. Before you book one, figure out what you want from a hostel. A lot of the party hostels are gross and expensive. Dorms in someone’s flat are also available and usually of good value.

Most hostels are in Pest, which is where you’ll want to stay anyway since it has easy access to main attractions. Airbnb and apartment rentals are a popular way to stay in Hungary, and you can find some awesome apartments. Follow this link for your Airbnb discount.

When it comes to finding affordable places to stay in the rest of the country, hostels aren’t as widespread as in Budapest. You may want to visit in summer to take advantage of tent camping. For example, in Eger, you can rent a caravan at a campground a bit outside the city during the warmer months. In Pecs and Szeged, you’ll find at least a handful of budget accommodation options.

Differently, you’ll have to stick to no-frills guest houses when backpacking Hungary. These can come as cheap as €22 — a very reasonable price if you’re traveling with a large group of friends. But such affordable options can also be pretty far outside the city centre. €36 is a more reasonable budget for a good, central hotel outside of the capital city.

Where to Stay in Hungary

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Hungary:

Maverick City Lodge, Budapest Big Fish Budapest Hostel Vitae Hostel, Budapest Peterfia Panzio, Debrecen Aviátor Motel – Vendégház, Eger Koves Vendeghaz, Pecs Hotel Kodmon, Eger Joy Guesthouse, Siofok Stop Panzio, Debrecen Ananas Hostel, Pecs

Must Try Experiences in Hungary

Ever since my first trip to Hungary as a teenager in 1999, it’s been one of my favorite destinations to travel to. The country features some of the Europe’s most beautiful churches, hilltop castles and unique combination of rich cultural experience with medical, health or wellness treatments.

Local folks love to pamper themselves and the tourists who visit with spa days. Traditional-style hot-spring baths , beautifully presented and supplied with mineral-rich water direct from the hot springs. Spa practices in Budapest date back to 1st century AD. Today, there are five main thermal baths in Budapest , but there are also medieval hammams built by a Turkish pasha, and some minor baths inside exquisite Baroque Revival buildings.

Budapest nightlife is huge and features some really great night clubs where you can dance all night long. You can’t miss an experience at so-called ruin bars . These bars began popping up across the city at the beginning of the new millennium when the owners of Szimpla Kert (the first ruin pub of Budapest) had the great idea to convert ruinous buildings into bars.

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These drinking establishments are mainly concentrated in the VII district (aka the Jewish Quarter), and each one has its own vibe. In Budapest, you’ll find wide variety of ruins bars spanning every taste imaginable. Even if booze isn’t your thing, many of the ruin pubs also host farmer’s markets, food stands, and community events during the day.

Hungary’s stunning countryside is alluring for outdoor enthusiasts. Striding off into the countryside is one of the best things to do in Hungary. Most people probably come to visit Balaton Uplands or Budapest but there are also Bukk National Park, Aggtelek National Park, Bakony Hills, and the National Blue Trail. These places offer some of the finest hiking opportunities in Hungary, however, some hiking areas and campgrounds may be closed outside of the busy summer season.

Top Tips for Backpacking Budapest on a Budget

Cook your own food.

Cutting down on eating out is the easiest way to save extra money for a travel fund. Definitely eat out and try Hungarian cuisine, but it’s pretty hearty food. Chances are you’ll want to cook healthy meals for yourself anyway. Most hostels have kitchens; in the countryside travel with a portable camping stove and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking Hungary.

Bring a Student ID

Aside from Budapest, there are universities in Debrecen, Pecs, Szeged and Miskolc. So you will probably get discounts on the trains and for all the attractions if you have an ISIC card too!

Go on Walking Tours

They are free (though make sure to tip) and a great way to get acquainted with the history of Budapest! Some of the prominent tours include General tour, Jewish quarter tour, communist tour and the afternoon tour. Enjoy a brief excursion into the history of the city, hear some jokes and get an insider’s look at the history and culture of the country. The meeting point is on the Vorosmarty square.

Visit Places Outside Downtown in Budapest

Want to explore beautiful town squares and castles without the crowds and inflated restaurant prices? Head out of Belváros and explore Varosliget, Margitsziget Island, Kozponti Vasarcsarnok (central market), Gellert Hill without spending a dime.

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eSIM Research

The Best eSIM Cards for Hungary Travel in 2024

Top esim cards for hungary, understanding esim technology.

What Is an Esim?

Benefits of using an esim while traveling, how to choose the best esim card for your hungary trip, consider your data needs, compare coverage and speed, assess compatibility with your device, activation and usage tips for esim in hungary, step-by-step activation guide.

• Purchase: After choosing the eSIM best suited for my journey based on data needs, coverage, and device compatibility, I purchase it directly from the provider’s website or app.
• Installation: Providers typically send a QR code via email upon purchase. I find this in my inbox and scan it using my smartphone’s camera, which initiates the eSIM installation on my device.
• Configuration: Once scanned, my phone usually prompts me to complete a few simple setup steps. This might involve choosing the eSIM as my preferred data plan and possibly naming the plan for easy identification.
• Activation: The final step often involves connecting to a Wi-Fi network to activate the eSIM profile. Once it’s connected, I’m ready to enjoy the local data services in Hungary.

Managing Your Data and Connectivity

• Track Usage: I regularly check my data usage through my phone’s settings. Most devices have built-in tools that allow me to monitor how much data I’ve used and which apps are consuming the most.
• Use Wi-Fi When Possible: To conserve my eSIM data, I connect to Wi-Fi networks at hotels, restaurants, or public places when it’s safe to do so. This is especially useful for data-heavy activities like downloading or streaming.
• Adjust App Settings: I tweak app settings to minimize data use. For instance, I set apps to update only over Wi-Fi and reduce the use of data-intensive apps unless I’m connected to Wi-Fi.
• Data Saver Modes: Activating data saver modes on my phone helps reduce background data usage, stretching my eSIM data further during my stay in Hungary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using an esim card for traveling in hungary, how do i activate an esim for hungary, what factors should i consider when choosing an esim for hungary, how can i manage my data and connectivity effectively with an esim in hungary, is device compatibility important when selecting an esim for hungary, leave a comment cancel reply.

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