The Ultimate Travel Guide to Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of those European cities I think should be on everyone’s bucket list. The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, and the attractions are well worth the visit.
In this ultimate guide to Budapest, I’ll show you everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Hungary’s beautiful capital, including not only fun things to do but also a TON of practical tips I wish I’d known before my first visit.
Guide to Getting to Budapest
1. By Airplane
If you’re only traveling to Budapest, or are starting your Europe trip in the city, you’ll most likely travel via plane.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is served by many major international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. But if you’re flying within Europe, consider taking a budget airline like RyanAir or WizzAir.
If a direct flight is too expensive, consider flying to another big city nearby, like Vienna or Bratislava, and continuing your journey via train or bus.
2. By Train
Rail travel is ideal if you’re doing a Europe trip – if you’re traveling to lots of destinations, I’d highly recommend getting a Eurail pass, which basically allows you to travel via train as much as you want to within a certain period of time.
Some great cities to connect you to Budapest via train are Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Ljubljana, and Zagreb. So if you’re planning on visiting any of these, go there right before or after your trip to Budapest!
Budapest has 3 major train stations: Keleti, Nyugati, and Déli. Keleti and Nyugati are both very central and are on the Pest side of the city, while Déli is a bit further (but not far away) and lies on the Buda side. But don’t worry, all 3 stations have excellent connections to the rest of the city via public transport.
Book your train on the Hungarian website or app (or on the Eurail app). (TIP: Booking on the Hungarian website is generally cheaper than on the websites of countries like Austria, even if you’re buying the exact same ticket! That’s why, when I travel internationally, I always check the websites of both countries to find the cheapest fare.)
3. By Bus
In recent years, international travel by bus has gotten more and more popular. These bus services are fantastic, usually providing the same amenities as a train at a fraction of the cost. They’re much more comfortable than you might expect.
Of course, a bus is generally bumpier and the journey usually takes a bit longer, but I find that it’s often worth saving the money (trains can be really expensive!). So if you don’t want to get a Eurail pass, consider taking a bus for parts of your trip.
Flixbus is undoubtedly the biggest bus operator in Europe, and they have great, affordable options. Make sure to book as early as possible though, because the prices go up as the seats fill up. I’ve taken a Flixbus more times than I can count and I’ve never had a negative experience.
Some similar options (which I haven’t tried myself, but I’ve seen around) are RegioJet and Eurolines.
TIP! The buses (especially Flixbus) often have their own bus station. It may or may not be by the normal bus or train station – check the address the day BEFORE you leave to make sure you’re going to the right place.
I know this sounds obvious, but trust me, the Flixbus stops are sometimes in the middle of nowhere. So, also make sure you show up at least 30 minutes beforehand if you’re in a new city if you want to avoid the risk of not finding your stop. (When I took the Flixbus from Paris, it took me close to an hour to find the stop and I almost missed my bus!)
4. By Car
A road trip is a great option if you dislike public transport. If you’re traveling in a group, it might even work out cheaper than traveling by train or bus! A car also allows so much more flexibility, and it is the best choice if you plan on visiting areas outside of the city.
To get to Budapest, you’ll need to take the M1, M3, M5, or M7, depending on where you’re coming from. (But your GPS will be able to guide you to Budapest better than I can!)
If you’ll be driving on highways, make sure that the car you’re traveling with has a digital vignette that allows you to do this – otherwise, you might get stuck with a hefty fine.
Also keep in mind that parking is limited in Budapest, as it is in many big European cities. Double check that your accommodation has a free parking space when booking and, just to be on the safe side, confirm with your host or hotel that a space will be available for you.
5. By Boat
If you’re looking for a unique experience, there’s no better way to travel than by boat. Thanks to the Danube River, Budapest is well-connected by water to other major cities in Europe. In fact, the Danube flows through 10 different countries, which is more than any other river in the world!
Vienna and Bratislava are probably the closest cities from which you can take the ferry to Budapest, so consider this as a part of your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
Of course, there are also plenty of luxury cruises available, if that’s more up your alley than a ferry.
MAHART PassNave is one of the most reputable services you can take and DDSG Blue Danube offers boat tours from Austria.
Getting to Budapest from the Airport
Here is a quick guide to the options you’ll have for traveling from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) into the city:
Bus
Taking the bus from the airport is the cheapest option you’ll find. You can either take the 100E Airport Shuttle, which will take you right into the city centre, or the 200E bus, which runs from the airport to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, where you can get onto the metro.
Taxi
A taxi is probably the most expensive, but one of the most comfortable options to get from the airport to the city. It’ll drop you right at your accommodation, you won’t have to stress about finding the right train or bus or blah blah blah… and you won’t have to struggle with your luggage.
All official taxis in Budapest charge the same flat rate into the city, so you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.
Right outside the terminal, you’ll find the taxi booth where you can order a taxi.
Rideshare services
Rideshare services have become a staple in my travels! If I ever feel overwhelmed or stressed out by public transport, this is always my back-up plan.
With these, you get a similar experience to a taxi, but it feels more secure and it’s all done via an app. (It also tends to be a bit cheaper.)
Bolt is the most popular in many European cities, including Budapest. I’d highly recommend downloading it and setting up your payment option on the app (if you don’t feel comfortable adding your card details, they usually have a cash option) BEFORE you leave for your trip.
Car
Of course, traveling by car is usually one of the easier options. Again, I’d consider renting one if you’re traveling in a group of 4 or 5 people and are exploring more than just the city of Budapest.
There are several car rental places right at the airport, where you’ll be able to pick up a car – just make sure to book it online ahead of time.
How to Get Around Budapest
Public Transport
Budapest is extremely well-connected via public transport. If you want to explore the city, this will most likely be the best option for you – it’s the cheapest and it’s easy to use.
Like most major European cities, Budapest’s public transport system consists of a metro, trams, trolleybuses and buses (and trains for traveling outside the city).
Metro
There are 4 metro lines connecting the city – the yellow, red, blue, and green lines (M1 to M4). The metro is best for covering long distances quickly. It’s likely you’ll use the metro in combination with trams or buses.
Trams
The trams will probably be your most used mode of transport. Tram stops are everywhere, and the trams run regularly. It’s particularly great for getting to specific attractions.
Buses and Trolleybuses
If the metro and the trams do not operate in a specific area, there’s probably a bus that goes there. Nightbuses are also the best way to travel at night, when the trams have stopped running.
Tickets
Tickets for public transport cover the metro, trams, trolleybuses, and buses (they do NOT include trains!). So, if you’re in Budapest for a few days, it’s best to buy 24-or 72-hour passes, which will allow you to travel as much as you want to.
You can buy tickets at ticket machines all over the city – at metro stations and most tram stations. But you can also go to a newsstand or most small shops if there’s a line.
Remember to validate your ticket once you get on – there’s a machine in every metro, tram, and bus. If you don’t validate it, you will be fined for not having a valid ticket.
Use the BudapestGO App as a guide to check schedules and to buy tickets online for the public transport in Budapest.
Biking
Budapest is a great city to drive around on a bicycle. There are bike lanes almost everywhere, especially surrounding the Danube.
Download MOL Bubi, Budapest’s bike-sharing system, which makes it super easy to find a bicycle you can use for quite cheap.
Taxis and Ride-sharing
Taxis in Budapest have yellow license plates – they’re a good option if you are under time pressure or want to avoid public transport.
But I personally prefer ride-sharing – it’s safer and a way to avoid getting scammed. Bolt and Főtaxi are the apps used in Budapest – download them before your trip to have as a backup.
The Best Things to Do in Budapest
Budapest has a ton of great attractions and activities to try. If you’re looking for a detailed guide to some of the most exciting things to do in Budapest, check out my post here. Here are some of the top things I’d recommend:
- Go on a sunset cruise along the Danube for the best view of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
- Take a day trip to Margaret Island.
- See the Shoes on the Danube Bank.
- Visit Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Have lunch at New York Café.
- Relax in a thermal bath.
- Try traditional Hungarian food at Great Market Hall.
When is the Best Time to Visit Budapest?
I’ve visited Budapest 3 times, each time during a different season and I can honestly say that the city is charming all throughout the year.
During summer, Budapest, like most of Europe, is extremely crowded. Though the city is really lively and it’s a great time for outdoor festivals and activities, I try to avoid it because of all the tourists and the higher prices.
As usual, shoulder months (spring and fall) are probably the best time to visit, because the temperatures are milder – still ideal for outdoor activities but also not as crowded and with slightly lower prices.
Budapest is also particularly special during winter. The city has a magical, must-visit Christmas market scene, and visiting a thermal bath is so much more exciting when it’s cold outside. On the downside, outdoor activities like boat rides aren’t ideal during winter.
Guide to Where to Stay in Budapest
Budapest is divided into 23 districts. Choosing where to stay depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
As a rough guide to the areas in Budapest, the lower district numbers are more central, and each area has its own atmosphere. If you want to explore the nightlife scene of the city, you should stay in District VII (Jewish Quarter & Erzsébetváros), but if you want a more relaxed, laid-back trip, District III (Óbuda) is perfect.
For a detailed guide to the 7 best neighborhoods to stay in Budapest (which includes tons of hotel and hostel recommendations), visit this blog post.
Foods You Have to Try
Hungarian food is comforting and hearty. It’s very much a potatoes-and-meat cuisine – but in the best way possible. Here are a short foodie guide for Budapest:
- Gulyás (goulash): Probably the most well-known Hungarian dish, goulash is a hearty beef soup with potatoes and vegetables, seasoned with paprika. (Best place to try: Hungarikum Bisztró or Menza)
- Pörkölt: A delicious beef or pork stew made with paprika. (Best place to try: Rosenstein Vendéglő)
- Paprikás: One of my favourites – a chicken stew, also seasoned with lots of paprika. It’s usually served with nokedli (egg noodles similar to German Spätzle). (Best place to try: Rosenstein Vendéglő)
- Lángos: Flattened dough that is deep-fried and topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese (traditionally). Nowadays, toppings vary greatly – from smoked salmon and kebab to sweet ingredients like jam. (Best place to try: Retró Lángos Büfé)
- Kürtőskalács (chimney cake): Sweet dough wrapped around a bar, baked over charcoal and rolled in cinnamon sugar or nuts. It’s also often served with ice cream and other toppings like nutella or caramel sauce. (Best place to try: Molnár’s Kürtőskalács)
Extra Tips
- The currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint. You can withdraw money at ATMs in Hungary (but avoid any Euronet ATMs!), but you probably won’t need a lot. 99% of places take cards and many places also accept Euros.
- Many museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month – check websites before you plan your itinerary.
