Budapest travel guide

Budapest is among Europe's most affordable and surprising capitals: the Danube splits hilly, residential Buda from flatter, livelier Pest, and its historic thermal baths are a one-of-a-kind experience.

Best time to visit

April-June and September are the best months: pleasant weather while avoiding both the humid heat of July-August and the intense winter cold.

What to see and do

Széchenyi or Gellért baths — historic thermal baths, among the city's most distinctive experiences.
Hungarian Parliament Building — one of Europe's most photographed buildings, visible from along the Danube.
Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle — panoramic views over the city from the hilly side.
Ruin bars — informal venues set up in abandoned buildings, typical of the local nightlife.
Evening Danube cruise — a different way to see the illuminated city.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €40-65 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded — among the most affordable European capitals.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Budapest has one of continental Europe's oldest metro lines (M1), integrated with trams, buses and Danube boats under a single ticketing system; tram number 2, running along the river, offers one of the city's best views included in the price of a regular ticket.

Where to stay

Central Pest (district V) is convenient for the main attractions; the Jewish Quarter (district VII) is the place for nightlife and the famous ruin bars; Buda, quieter and hillier, is ideal for a more relaxed stay with views over the city.