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Hungary

Budapest: itinerary & travel tips

Budapest joins two very different parts of the city: hilly Buda with the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, and flat Pest with Parliament, cafés and nightlife districts. The Danube runs between them, and you can reach almost all the main sights on foot or with a few stops by metro or tram.

The city is well suited to a short trip: distances are short, flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are frequent, and thermal baths, ruin bars and Hungarian cuisine keep your schedule full even in bad weather. Prices are mostly lower than in Vienna or Zurich.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Országház (Parliament Building)

    The neo-Gothic building on the Danube bank is the city's landmark, and on a guided tour you see the Dome Hall with the Crown of St Stephen.

  • Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)

    From the terraces you have a wide view across the Danube to Pest; it is quieter there, especially in the morning.

  • Buda Castle (Budavári Palota)

    The large complex on Castle Hill houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, among others.

  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath

    One of Europe's largest thermal baths, with yellow neo-Baroque buildings and warm outdoor pools in City Park.

  • St Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika)

    From the dome you get a panoramic view over Pest, and organ concerts are held inside regularly.

  • Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok)

    Here you can try paprika, salami and lángos and see the historic 19th-century iron structure.

Where to stay

  • Belváros-Lipótváros (District V)

    Ideal for first-time visitors who want to reach everything on foot, with Parliament, the Basilica and the Danube promenade.

  • Erzsébetváros (District VII, Jewish Quarter)

    For anyone who wants ruin bars, street food and pubs on the doorstep in the evening, though with noise at weekends.

  • Castle District (Várnegyed)

    For quiet stays with views and historic lanes, but with fewer restaurants to choose from in the evening.

  • Víziváros (District I, on the Danube bank in Buda)

    Good for couples and those seeking quiet who want to stay close to the Chain Bridge and Gellért Hill.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant months are April to June, plus September and October, with mild temperatures and very doable city walks. In July and August it often gets hotter than 30 degrees, but the thermal baths are a plus then. Winter is cold and grey, but the thermal baths and the Christmas markets in December are worth a trip, and accommodation is often cheaper outside the holidays. Avoid the Formula 1 weekend in summer and New Year's Eve, when prices rise significantly.

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Getting there

Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (BUD) has direct connections from many German, Austrian and Swiss cities; the flight usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. From Vienna you can alternatively take the train to Budapest-Keleti or Nyugati in about 2.5 to 3 hours. From the airport, bus 100E goes directly to the city centre (around 40 minutes, a few euros); a taxi booked via an app costs roughly 25 to 40 euros depending on the provider.

Getting around

The centre is easy to explore on foot; for longer distances there are the metro, trams and BKK buses. For 2 to 4 days, a day ticket or 72-hour ticket usually pays off. Tram 2 along the Pest bank of the Danube is a practical and scenic line.

Daily budget

budget

€40

mid-range

€85

per person, without accommodation. Food, public transport and thermal baths are cheaper than in Western Europe, while cocktails in tourist venues and bath entry at weekends cost more.

Local tips

  • At restaurants, check the bill for a service charge that is already included before you add a tip; 10 to 15 percent is usual.
  • Pay in forint rather than euros, and decline the conversion to euros when paying by card; it is almost always cheaper.
  • Visit the Széchenyi Bath early in the morning or in the evening on a weekday; during the day it is often very crowded.
  • For taxis, use only apps such as Bolt or the services of Főtaxi, not the taxis waiting at the roadside.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Budapest?

Two days are enough for the main sights; three days are more relaxed and leave time for a thermal bath. With four days you can also plan trips such as to Szentendre or the Danube Bend region.

Which neighbourhood is best to stay in?

For first-time visitors, District V around Parliament and the Basilica is the most practical. If you want to go out in the evening, choose District VII; if you want quiet, Buda is better.

Is Budapest expensive?

Compared with Germany, Austria or Switzerland, Budapest is mostly cheaper, especially for food, train rides and admission fees. However, tourist venues in the centre and bars at weekends can be noticeably more expensive.

How do I get from the airport into the city?

Bus 100E goes directly to the centre and takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi booked via an app takes you to your accommodation in about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Is Budapest safe for tourists?

The city is considered safe; the most common problem is pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport. Also check the prices on the menu in bars in the centre before you order.

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