Budapest is one of Europe’s best-value capitals: grand architecture, thermal baths, Danube views, ruin bars and hearty Hungarian food. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Budapest guides.
Top things to do in Budapest
- The Hungarian Parliament: a neo-Gothic landmark with guided tours. See Parliament tickets.
- The thermal baths: Széchenyi, Rudas and Lukács. See our thermal baths guide.
- Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion: views over the Danube and Matthias Church.
- A Danube cruise at night, with the illuminated Parliament and bridges.
- The ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter, starting with Szimpla Kert.
- St Stephen’s Basilica and its dome viewpoint.
- The Great Market Hall for lángos, paprika and Hungarian specialities.
See all 20 best things to do in Budapest, or compare Budapest tours and river cruises.
Where to stay in Budapest
- District V (Belváros–Lipótváros): central and elegant, near Parliament and the Danube.
- District VII (the Jewish Quarter): ruin bars, nightlife and food.
- District VI (Terézváros): Andrássy Avenue, the Opera and good value.
- District I (the Castle District): quiet, romantic and hilly.
Read our full Budapest area guide, or check hotel prices in Budapest.
Getting around Budapest
Trams, metro lines and buses are run by BKK. A single ticket costs 500 HUF and a 90-minute ticket 850 HUF. A 24-hour card costs 2,750 HUF but isn’t valid on the 100E airport bus. Tram 2 along the Pest riverbank is one of Europe’s most scenic tram rides. Taxis are regulated, so use Főtaxi, Bolt or Uber rather than hailing street cabs.
Airport to the city
| Option (BUD → centre) | Cost (HUF) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 100E Airport Express (24 h) | 2,500 | ~40 min |
| 200E bus + M3 metro | 850 (90-min ticket) | 45–60 min |
| Taxi (Főtaxi) / Bolt / Uber | ~13,500–15,500 | 25–40 min |
Fares are from Hungary Unlocked (2026). Full details are in Budapest Airport to the city.
Best time to visit Budapest
Spring and early autumn bring pleasant weather for walking and cruises. Summer is hot and busy, with festivals including Sziget. From late November, the Christmas markets at Vörösmarty tér and St Stephen’s Basilica are a highlight, and winter is perfect for steaming outdoor baths. Read the best time to visit Budapest.
Money, entry and tips
Hungary is in the Schengen area. See our Schengen visa guide and ETIAS and EES guide. The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF). Pay by card in HUF, refuse “conversion to your home currency”, and avoid exchange booths on tourist streets. Tips of around 10% are usual unless service is already included on the bill. Get a Europe eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Budapest guides
- 20 best things to do in Budapest
- Budapest itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Budapest
- Budapest thermal baths: prices and tips
- Hungarian Parliament tickets and tours
- Budapest Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Budapest
FAQ: Budapest travel
How many days do you need in Budapest?
Three days covers Buda Castle, Parliament, a thermal bath, the Jewish Quarter and a Danube cruise. Add a fourth for Szentendre or the Danube Bend.
Is Budapest cheap?
It’s good value compared with Western Europe, especially for food and transport, though the baths and Parliament tours now cost €30+.
Should I stay in Buda or Pest?
Pest for most first-timers, because it has more restaurants, nightlife and transport. Buda is quieter and more romantic.
Does Budapest accept euros?
Some places do, but at poor rates. Pay by card in forints for the best value.
Plan your trip to Budapest
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
