Budapest Travel Guide

Other Things to See and Do in Budapest

1. Take a free walking tour

If you want a complete overview of Budapest, take a free walking tour. It’s how I start all my trips to a new city. There are daily tours available from companies like Free Budapest Walking Tours, Strawberry Tours, Trip to Budapest, and Generation Tours. These tours are the best way to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Just remember to always tip your guide!

2. Visit the House of Terror

This building is a museum and memorial to the thousands of people who were tortured and brutally killed under Hungary’s fascist and communist regimes. The exhibit takes you through the resettlement and deportation of thousands of Hungarians, including an interrogation chamber and displays of propaganda. There is also an exhibit on the Nazi and Soviet occupation of Hungary. From there, you can see reconstructed prison cells and information on the 1956 revolution. It’s not a light way to spend your afternoon but you’ll get massive insight into Hungary’s turbulent history. Admission is 3,000 HUF.

3. Go caving

Budapest has around 200 underground caves, all of which are on the Buda side of the city. Caving Under Budapest runs tours where you can climb up walls and squeeze through incredibly narrow spaces within the sprawling 19-mile (30-kilometer) cave system beneath the city. Tours start from 10,000 HUF.

4. Wander through the Great Market Hall

Built in 1897, this market is the largest (and one of the oldest) in Budapest. Heavily damaged during World War II, it remained that way until the 1990s when it was restored and re-opened in 1997. Don’t miss the gothic revival entrance and patterned tiled roof as you enter. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the market has vaulted glass and steel beam ceilings and three floors of stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, sausages, spices, and local handicrafts. There is a food court inside the market on the second floor if you want to grab a bite and people watch.

5. Visit the Royal Palace (Buda Castle)

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 – the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, House of Houdini, Museum of Military History, Museum of Music History, Museum of Telephones, and the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum. Beneath the castle, there’s also a labyrinth that was used to imprison Vlad the Impaler!

6. Relax on Margaret Island

This popular island is smack in the middle of the Danube, connected by the Margaret and Árpád Bridges. It used to be a royal hunting reserve but has since been turned into a public park with lots to see and do. You can walk or drive golf carts (or scooters) around the island, explore the immaculate Japanese garden or the rose garden, chill on the beach, visit the small zoo, or visit the ruins of an ancient Franciscan Monastery. Margaret Island also has its very own thermal baths (Palatinus), complete with wave pools, swimming pools, and a water slide. Admission starts from 2,600 HUF.

7. Take a day trip to Lake Balaton

For about 6,000 HUF, you can get a round-trip train ticket from the city to Lake Balaton. This is the largest lake in Central Europe (often called the “Hungarian Sea”) and a rich wine region that is also a hub for outdoor activities, especially cycling. There are also thermal baths here, with admission costing 3,500 HUF for three hours or 6,000 HUF for the day. You can also hike around the extinct volcanic landscape in nearby Tapolca Basin, walk through lavender fields, and look for wildlife like deer and osprey in Balaton Uplands National Park.

8. Visit the Cave Church

This unique underground church is on the Buda side of the city. It was built in the 1920s in a cave that had been previously used by a hermit. The entire church was sealed up behind a wall of concrete until 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down and the church was reopened. There are lots of interesting relics, including a replica of the Black Madonna from Poland. Admission is 600 HUF which includes an audio guide.

9. See the Shoes on the Danube

Erected in 2005, this small monument is the creation of film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. During World War II, fascist militiamen rounded up 3,500 citizens (800 of which were Jewish) and ordered them to take off their shoes before they were executed and thrown the Danube. This monument of bronze shoes represents the shoes taken off and left behind prior to the executions.

10. Hike Gellért Hill

Named after Saint Gerard, this 235-meter hill overlooks the entire city. The climb up isn’t too taxing and the sweeping view over the entire city makes it worth the effort. At the peak, you’ll find a few vendors selling snacks and drinks. Look for the Szent Gellért Monument dedicated to Saint Gerard, who was the first Bishop of Csanád in what was the Kingdom of Hungary in 1030 CE. It’s popular to come here at sunset.

11. Visit the Budapest History Museum

This museum covers four floors of Buda Castle and offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s entire history. Some rooms date back to the 15th century, including the old cellar, which you’re free to explore. The museum also offers an insightful overview of the historical sites around the city center and their role in Hungarian history, from prehistoric times right up to the present. Admission varies by season (2,000-2,400 HUF).

12. See Matthias Church

Located near Castle Hill, the original church in this location was built in the 11th century. The current building was constructed in the 14th century over its ruins, seeing significant renovations in the 19th century. Some parts of the church still date back 500 years, however, including the carvings over the south entrance. The colorful roof of this church almost looks like it was built from Lego. Once inside, don’t miss the vaulted ceilings and ornate décor. In the Royal Oratory, you’ll find the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art, which has stunning artifacts like chalices and replicas of the Crown of St. Stephen. Admission is 1,000 HUF.

13. Admire St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is the largest church in Hungary. Its exterior is covered in ornate neoclassical architecture propping up a tall dome. The inside is covered in gorgeous artwork and sparkling marble. Don’t miss all the little chapels inside, as well as St. Stephen’s mummified hand. Entry is by donation, but it costs 1,000 HUF to visit the tower for views over the city. Remember to dress respectfully.

14. Hungarian Presidential Palace

This is the home of the Hungarian president. The palace is called Sándor-Palota (Alexander Palace), and while it’s not terribly eye-catching compared to the surrounding buildings, you can see the changing of the guard at the top of each hour for free (from 9am-5pm, excluding Sundays). Occasionally, the palace is open for tours in the summer (you’ll have to inquire in person about prices and hours as they occur infrequently).

15. See the Hungarian State Opera House

Designed by Miklós Ybl towards the end of the 19th-century, this is the second-largest opera house in Budapest. It took almost 10 years to complete and is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece that has welcomed world-class composers such as Gustav Mahler (he directed the opera from 1888-1891). Tours are 2,500 HUF and tickets for performances vary but expect to pay around 10,000 HUF. (The opera house is currently under renovation and will be re-opening later in 2021).

16. Tour Heroes’ Square

Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square is actually the largest square in the country. Its centerpiece is the Millennial Memorial featuring a 36-meter pillar topped with the Archangel Gabriel, surrounded by 14 statues of Hungarian kings (as well as other historical figures). The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary. At this time, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled by the Hapsburgs, and space was left for statues of future Hapsburgs leaders.

Budapest Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Budapest is famous for its hostel culture so you’ll find tons of budget-friendly options here. In peak season, dorm beds start at 2,600 HUF for an 8-10-bed dorm. Private rooms cost around 14,230 HUF per night, though they can be found for as little as 11,600 HUF if booked early. In the low season, you can find dorm rooms for as low as 2,140 HUF per night, while private rooms can be as low as 9,700 HUF.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and a couple of hostels also offer free breakfast. Most hostels have a kitchen if you want to cook your own meals.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. Expect to pay around 5,500 HUF for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels with air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi can be found for as little as 12,000 HUF per night if booked early. But for most rooms, expect to pay at least 15,800 HUF per night.

Airbnb is also available in the city, with private rooms starting at 7,500 HUF per night (though they average closer to 19,000 HUF). For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 10,000 HUF per night (though expect to pay at least 17,000 HUF unless you book early).

Average cost of 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.

In Budapest, a meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 2,200 HUF. For a multi-course meal and a drink at a restaurant with table service, expect to pay closer to 6,000 HUF. For fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal costs around 1,600 HUF.

You can find pizza for around 1,100 HUF for a medium while Chinese food costs around 1,900 HUF. Beer costs around 600 HUF while a latte/cappuccino is 500 HUF. Bottled water is 270 HUF.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 12,000-13,000 HUF. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Budapest Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 11,150 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 free activities like walking tours or exploring the market. If you plan on drinking, add another 600-1,200 HUF to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 24,000 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 49,000 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.

Budapest Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Budapest isn’t an expensive place to visit. If you stick to local food markets, dorm rooms, and public transportation, it’s really hard to break the bank. My one piece of advice is to limit your drinking. This is where travelers go wrong. Sure, the beer is cheap but twenty of them add up!

Here are some high-impact ways to save money in Budapest without sacrificing your trip:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, making for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest!) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing allows you to stay on people’s couches or in their spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. It’s a great way to save money and connect with locals.
• 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 your budget!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• 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 admission to 17 museums. A 24-hour card costs 6,490 HUF, a 48-hour card costs 9,990 HUF, and a 72-hour card costs 12,990 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 Budapest

Budapest has lots of great hostels and budget hotels. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly places to stay:

• Carpe Noctum Original
• Hostel One Budapest
• Big Fish
• Pal’s Hostel

How to Get Around Budapest

Public transportation – Budapest has an expansive network of buses that connect the whole city. Additionally, Budapest has a large network of streetcars/trams as well as trolleybuses with over a dozen routes. The city has a modern metro system too.

Tickets are valid on the bus, metro, trams, and trolleybuses, and can be purchased at any metro station with a single ride costing 350 HUF. If you want to avoid standing in the queues at the stations, you can also buy tickets at most newsstands, street stands, and ticket vending machines.

One standard ticket is good for one trip. That means if you need to transfer, you need a new ticket (unless you have bought a transfer ticket).

You need to validate tickets before riding. If you are caught using public transport without a validated ticket you are liable for an on-the-spot fine.

If you know you are going to be using public transport while in Budapest then it may be worth purchasing a 24-hour transit pass for 1,650 HUF. You can also get a 72-hour card for around 4,150 HUF.

If you have a Budapest Card, public transportation is free.

Trains – There are three main railway stations in Budapest that connect the capital with other cities in Hungary as well as to other neighboring countries. The 2.5-hour ride to Vienna can be done for as little as 1,800 HUF while the 2.5-hour trip to Bratislava costs around 3,500 HUF. The trip to Pecs also takes around 2.5 hours and costs around 3,500 HUF.

Ferry – There are two forms of public water transport in Budapest: the Danube River Ferry Service and the Riverboats (which only operate from May-September). The Danube River Ferry Service runs between Újpest and Millenniumi Városközpont while the Riverboats operate the services between Boráros tér and Pünkösdfürdo. The Riverboats depart every 1.5 hours between 8am and 8pm with ticket prices ranging from 250-1,000 HUF

Taxi – Taxis start at 700 HUF and go up by around 300 HUF per kilometer. Avoid the taxis if you can as they can add up quickly and you can easily walk or take public transportation everywhere. There are no ridesharing services here like Uber.

Bike rentals – Budapest is very bike-friendly and has over 200km of bike lanes. You can find rentals for around 2,800 HUF for 4 hours or 5,300 HUF for 24 hours.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 6,500 HUF per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you’re planning some day trips, however, you won’t need a vehicle. If you’re driving, make sure to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) — you’ll need one for any car rental.

When to Go to Budapest

Peak season in Budapest is June-August, when temperatures rise to 82-86°F (27-30°C). Budapest experiences a huge influx of visitors during this time and prices increase as well.

However, while the summer is the most popular time to visit, I think the best time to visit Budapest is shoulder season in the spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm, with temperatures hovering between 54-62°F (12-16°C), and there aren’t as many crowds. Prices are cheaper too.

Winter is from November to March. During this time, there is a lot of rain and snow, with many tourist attractions shutting down. Temperatures regularly drop to 36°F (2°C) — if not colder. That said, November-December is fantastic for the Christmas markets. If you want to see the holiday markets and visit the museums then winter is a fun time to visit. Just dress warmly!

How to Stay Safe in Budapest

Budapest is a pretty safe city. Violent crime is rare. However, scams and pick-pocketing are pretty common, especially in around high-traffic areas and on crowded public transportation.

One scam to be mindful of is the ‘large bar and restaurant bill’ scam. It is mostly solo male travelers who are the target of this scam. The scam starts when you are approached by a group of women who ask for a light or directions. They then ask if you want to come for a drink in a nearby bar. When the bill comes, it is very expensive and they will be unable to pay their share. This is a very common scam as the women are working for the bar. If you aren’t sure if it is a scam or not, try suggesting you all go to a different bar than the one they suggest.

Additionally, avoid this by checking the prices before ordering.

You can read about other travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel comfortable traveling here, though the standard precautions should be taken.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

Remember: if you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Budapest!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect 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.

Budapest Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use in Budapest. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points 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.
• Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
• Airbnb – Airbnb the biggest home sharing website in the world and connects travelers with homes and rooms to rent as an alternative to hostels and hotels.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or in their spare rooms for free. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
• Booking.com – The best all-around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, easy to use interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Eurail – If you are going to Europe and taking a lot of high speed or long distance trains, get a rail pass. I’ve used a rail pass three times and saved hundreds of dollars each time. The math just works.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Europe, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get a discount when you click the link!
• 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 in the best and cheapest way possible. It gives you all the bus, train, plane, and 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 as 6 EUR! Their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and free luggage storage.
• 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 travel than by bus or train!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a good way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!

Budapest Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

What’s the best backpack for traveling long-term? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, front loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

• Band-Aids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Earplugs
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

• A key or combination lock (safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry)
• Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
• LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

• What I Pack For My Travels
• The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
• How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack

Budapest Travel Guide: Suggested Reading

Will to Survive: A History of Hungary, by Bryan Cartledge
Will to Survive explores Hungary’s survival in the face of adversity. Surrounded by hostile neighbors for most of its existence, Hungary has survived some of the most powerful empires in history. The country still occupies the territory the Magyar tribes claimed in the 9th century, despite falling victim to The Mongol, Ottoman, Habsburg, Nazi, and Soviet regimes. If you want to really understand Hungary’s history then this is the perfect read. Cartledge traces Hungary’s story from the arrival of the Magyars to its success in gaining membership to NATO and the European Union.
 

The Bridge at Andau, by James A. Michener
The Bridge at Andau tells the story of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Although some of the political commentary is slightly dated, it’s a gripping account of the doomed uprising. The uprising only lasted for five days but during this time, the Hungarian people were offered a glimpse of a different future. Then, early one morning the citizens of Budapest were woken by the sound of Russian tanks, marking the end of the revolution. It was only thanks to a small footbridge at Andau that people were able to flee to the safety of Austria. Michener doesn’t sugarcoat details, making some parts difficult to read, but if you are visiting Budapest then reading this book is going to make your trip a lot more interesting.

The Essential Guide to Being Hungarian: 50 Facts & Facets of Nationhood , by István Bori
Although Hungary is situated in the heart of Europe, many Hungarians feel that the rest of the world just doesn’t understand them. The Essential Guide to Being Hungarian is a collection of 50 short candid articles written by twelve Hungarian authors. Subjects covered in its witty and easy-to-read articles include the stereotypical Magyar man and woman, food, folk customs, livestock, literature, film, philosophy, politics, science, and sports. It’s a compact and insightful little book that proclaims to teach anyone how to be Hungarian — even if they already are! It’s well worth a read to help you understand a little more about Hungarian culture.

I Kiss Your Hands Many Times: Hearts, Souls, and Wars in Hungary, by Marianne Szegedy-Maszak
I Kiss Your Hands Many Times is an epic, intimate wartime love story set in Hungary during the 1940s. It’s based on the true story of the forces that brought the author’s parents together when they first met in Budapest — and those that almost pulled them apart. Woven together by their letters, written between 1940 and 1947, the author’s family’s memoir tells the story of the complex relationship between Hungary and its Jewish population. If you prefer to learn history through intimate historical portraits, this is the perfect read to accompany you on those long Hungarian train rides.

Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe, by Joe Hajdu
Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe is an easy read for those who want to learn about Budapest’s history without feeling like you are reading a history text book. Hajdu brings the history and locations to life as he switches back and forth in time to put the past into context. This is the book you will wish you had read before your trip to Budapest!