Budapest Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Looking for the ultimate Budapest travel guide? We’ve got you covered!

Most people know Budapest as Hungary’s glittering capital, full of historic architecture, riverside views, and unruly bachelor parties.
What very few people know, outside of Hungary, is that the city of Budapest is actually in two halves:

• Buda = The side with historic hills, castles, and thermal baths.
• Pest = The flat side, with lively, urban energy and nightlife.

What divides them? The River Danube, of course. And to help you orient yourself on your first trip to Budapest, we’ve created this essential Budapest travel guide.

Related read: Things to Know About Budapest

Here is an overview:

Top Must-See Attractions in Budapest for First-Time Visitors

Budapest has so much to see that it’s tricky to distill into one list. But if you’re brand new to Budapest, these are the places we’d recommend visiting:

Related read: How to Spend a Weekend in Budapest

Széchenyi Baths (City Park)

Széchenyi Baths is the largest open space in the city and one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. These warm outdoor pools are open year-round, providing a family-friendly atmosphere with the unique backdrop of the grand yellow historical building.

There are 15 indoor baths and 3 grand outdoor baths, saunas, steam rooms, and a rooftop greenhouse.

To enter, you’ll need to buy a ticket online or at the reception kiosk. You’ll also need a bathing suit, towels, and flip-flops. If you’re visiting in the summer, we suggest wearing sunscreen too, as the outdoor pools are quite exposed.

Budget-saving tip: Come earlier in the day for cheaper entry. You can also skip towel rental by bringing your own.

• Price: €37 per person for a full-day pass
• Where to book: Széchenyi Baths website
• Opening hours: 09:00 to 19:00, though this changes seasonally, so check the website before you arrive

Hungarian Parliament Building

The iconic Hungarian Parliament building is a must-see in Budapest…but it’s also one of the trickiest to get tickets for. Spots sell out quickly due to their popularity. But if you do get a ticket, you won’t regret it!

This riverside building, founded between 1884 and 1902, is the third largest parliament building in the world. From the impressive Staircase XVII to touring the inside of the dome, you’ll love learning about Hungarian history from the hub of the most powerful in the land.

Tip: Book a guided tour so you can get the full experience.

• Price: EU citizens = 6,500 HUF. Non-EU citizens = 13,000 HUF. Children under 6 enter for free.
• Where to book: Online or at the Visitor Center in person.
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 18:00. (Changes seasonally, so check the website for updates)

The Great Market Hall

Of the five indoor markets in Budapest, the Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall, is the oldest and largest.

This beautiful, colorful, three-tiered market is a great snapshot of Budapest culture and food.

On the upper floor, you’ll find traditional Hungarian foods and pastries. We recommend trying “langós”, a deep-fried flatbread covered in cheese. The stalls on the ground floor have a wide array of goods, including souvenirs, textiles, and fresh produce.

• Price: Free
• Where to book: Booking is not necessary. However, if you’d like to join the Budapest Food Tour hosted from the Great Market Hall, you can book a ticket on the Visit Budapest website.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 06:00 – 18:00, Saturday 06:00 – 16:00, Sunday 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on official holidays and non-working days.

Matthias Church

While the whole district has gorgeous buildings to explore, our top picks would be the Matthias Church. It is a neo-Gothic marvel steeped in history.

Matthias Church has seen many lives as both a place of Christian worship and a mosque when the Ottoman Turks invaded Hungary. It has a welcoming yet majestic atmosphere, with concerts and events held here year-round.

• Price: 2,900 HUF
• Where to book: Online or at the entrance
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00. Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 (noon). Sunday 13:00 – 17:00. Liturgies & weddings have priority, and will affect regular Opening Hours.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Another must-visit in the Buda Castle district is Fisherman’s Bastion. Here you’ll find panoramic views of the Danube and photogenic architecture.

Many of the parts on the outside are free to access, but we recommend paying the small fee to access the lookout points; you’ve never seen a view like this one!

• Price: 1,500 HUF
• Where to book: Online or at the Visitor Center
• Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00 for the Visitor Center

Honorable mentions

The four locations we just mentioned are absolute musts. But if you have more time, we recommend that you check out:

• St. Stephen’s Basilica: Climb the dome for incredible views across the city.
• Buda Castle Funicular: A fun 10-minute ride up or down Buda Castle. Perfect crowd-pleaser for kids.
• Shoes on the Danube Memorial: Bear witness to the sixty pairs of old-fashioned shoes laid at the bank of the Danube to honor Hungarian Jews who were shot in a mass shooting in 1944.
• Chain Bridge: Budapest’s oldest bridge standing proudly over the Danube.
• Labyrinth of Buda Castle: 1,200 meters of caves and cellars under Buda Castle.

Getting Around Budapest: Public Transport and Walking Tips

Budapest is a modern European city with great transport links to help you get around. Let’s break it all down.

Metro

The metro is a popular way to get around as tickets are cheap. There are four metro lines:

• Line 1 (yellow line): Stops near numerous landmarks and historic sites so is most useful for tourists.
• Line 2 (red line): Stops near Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion.
• Line 3 (blue line): Stops near Great Market Hall and connects the bus like 200E from the airport to downtown.
• Line 4 (green line): Connects the city’s two main train stations Keleti Railway Station and Kelenföld Railway Station.

Price: Single journey 350 HUF. Unlimited free travel is included with the Budapest card.
Opening hours: 04:30 to 23:00 every day.

• Four metro lines (M1 is historic, like a mini subway).
• Trams 2 & 4/6 — great scenic rides along the river.
• Tickets ~350 HUF each; validate before boarding!

Trams

If you want to take the scenic route around town—literally—why not hop on the Budapest tram?

Over 40 tram lines run through Budapest. The most scenic routes are Tram Lines 2, 4 and 6, which run along the river.

Tip: Avoid rush hours in the morning and evening as trams can fill quickly.

• Price: Single journey 350 HUF. Unlimited free travel included with Budapest card.
• Opening hours: 04:30 to 23:00 every day.

Buses

Budapest is home to over 200 bus lines which are helpful for getting you to more residential areas. For example, where your accommodation may be lurking.

As a tourist, your most useful lines are 16, 16A, and 116. These cover most of the museums and attractions.

But hold on tight! Budapest bus drivers are known for driving quite fast through the narrow streets.

• Price: Single journey 350 HUF. Unlimited free travel included with Budapest card.
• Opening hours: 04:30 to 23:00 every day. Some night buses are available between 23:00 and 05:00.

Walking

The Buda side may be a hike with steep climbs, but the “Pest” side of Budapest is, thankfully, flat. It’s perfect for strolling the busy streets and comes alive at sunset.

The Danube Promenade walk is also popular with tourists. It takes you from the Chain Bridge to the Hungarian Parliament Building, with the glittering river alongside you.

River Cruises

One of Budapest’s most romantic ways to travel is to take a river cruise on the Danube.

At night, the city lights up, and the twinkling reflects off the water in the most spellbinding way.

Plus, for savvy travelers, budget-friendly options are available off-season.

Taxis & Private Transfers

There are plenty of Budapest taxis available. However, unlicensed cabs are common too.

For greater ease, you can also book a Budapest Airport transfer in advance with a top-rated company like Welcome Pickups. This ensures your first moments in Budapest are as stress-free as possible.

Budget Travel Tips for Budapest: Saving Money on Sightseeing and Food

Looking for budget travel in Budapest? This section is for you. Here is a cheatsheet of ways to save when exploring the Hungarian capital:

• Free Walking Tours: Several are available throughout the year, covering highlights like the Old Town, Jewish quarter, and the Danube. Though they are “free,” they are tip-based, so bring cash in HUF to tip your guide. You can book online or ask your accommodation for recommendations.
• Off-Season Travel: Early Spring (April) and Autumn (late September to October) are great sweet spots for lower prices with mild weather.
• Ruin Bars: Szimpla Kert is a famous ruin bar with cheap drinks and food stalls.
• Bakeries and markets: Cut your food costs with hearty pastries and sandwiches from the local bakeries or food halls in the indoor markets.
• Exchange rate: The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is relatively inexpensive when compared to the euro or USD dollar. Use travel-happy credit cards like Wise and Revolut to get better currency exchange rates.

Cultural Etiquette and Practical Tips for Visiting Budapest

No essential Budapest travel guide is complete without a little information about the language, etiquette and customs. Here’s what you need to know:

Etiquette and customs in Budapest

Budapest doesn’t have a highly conservative culture. However, there are a few unwritten rules for respecting those around you.

• Tipping: Though tipping is not obligatory in Budapest, it is highly appreciated. The typical local tipping rate is 5-10%. Sometimes the tip is included in the bill as a service charge. For taxis and casual service, you can round up your fare.
• Public transport: Like in many European countries, there’s an unspoken rule that public transport is a quiet place to respect your fellow passengers. Eating and drinking on public transport is also frowned upon.
• Sacred spaces: Dress modestly when entering churches or other religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and not wearing shorts.
• Thermal baths etiquette: You’ll often be asked to wear a swimming cap in lap pools. A bathing suit is mandatory. Bringing your own towels and flip-flops is also encouraged. You cannot be naked in the public areas of the Szechenyi Baths and Pool.

Language: Basic Hungarian Phrases

Hungarian isn’t an easy language, and locals know that, but they appreciate it when tourists make even the smallest effort to speak their mother tongue. Here are some phrases you may find useful:

• “Hello” (to one person) = Szia [SEE-ah]
• “Hello” (to many people) = Sziasztok [SEE-ahs-tok]
• “Goodbye” = Viszlát [VEES-laht]
• “Thank you” = Köszönöm [KUH-suh-nuhm]
• “Please” = Kérem [KAY-rehm]
• “Yes” = Igen [EE-gen]
• “No” = Nem [NEM]
• “Sorry” = Bocsánat [BOH-chah-naht]
• “Excuse me” = Elnézést [EL-nay-zaysht]
• “I don’t speak Hungarian” = Nem beszélek magyarul [nem BEH-say-lek MAW-dyah-rool]
• “Do you speak English?” = Beszél angolul? [BEH-sayl AHN-go-lool?]
• “How are you?” (informal) = Hogy vagy? [hodj vahdj?]
• “Good” = Jó [yo]
• “Bad” = Rossz [ross]
• “Where is the…?” = Hol van a… ? [hol vahn aw…?]
• “Metro. Tram. Bus.” = Metró / Villamos / Busz [MEH-troh / VEEL-lah-mohsh / boosz]
• “How much is it?” = Mennyibe kerül? [MEN-yee-beh KEH-rool?]
• “Help!” = Segítség! [SHEG-eet-sheg!]

Practical Budapest Travel Tips for Tourists

To wrap up, here are some practical tips to help you maximize your trip to Budapest.

• Pay in Hungarian Forint (HUF): Though Hungary is in Europe, they do not use the euro. Some touristy spots like the thermal baths may accept euros, but this is the exception, not the rule.
• Buy a Budapest Card: A Budapest card is a tourist pass that entitles you to unlimited public transport travel and free access to many of the city’s main attractions. You can buy one here.
• Get an adapter if needed: Budapest uses European two-pin plugs (type C/F, 230V).
• Be wary of pickpockets: Generally, Budapest is a safe place with low instances of violent crime against tourists. However, pickpockets are experts at stealing your items in busy tourist areas and on public transport. Stay aware.
• Go for at least 2 days: While you can do a day-trip to Budapest, 48 hours will enable you to experience it much more.
• Pack for changing weather: Budapest can swing between sunny and stormy in one afternoon. Layers are your best friend.
• Bring a swimsuit (even in winter): The thermal baths are a must, so bring a swimsuit to take a dip regardless of season.
• Plan your itinerary around opening times: Many attractions close on Mondays, and some public transport times differ on evenings and weekends. Once you know the attractions you’d like to see, check online for the opening hours and plan accordingly.