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Plan Your Budapest Holiday: Best of Budapest

What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
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Explore Budapest

Over 15 million gallons of water bubble into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes every day. That number points to the astounding array of baths in this city, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. The "Queen of the Danube" is also steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Get your camera ready for the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, and the Danube at sunset.
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Essential Budapest

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How to do Budapest in 3 days

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Budapest Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Budapest

Suzi S

One request: please, please, please stay till it gets dark. Budapest is most beautiful at night. The lights of the Chain Bridge and the Castle district will take your breath away.

Jeremy

Dinner hour in Budapest varies greatly, beginning as early as 6 p.m. with sittings as late as 10 p.m. and beyond.

Jennifer W

Budapest has great public transport, but if you want to experience local life then it's best to walk. Get lost, find hidden courtyards, and see the city in a different way.

Colleen D

Budapest is not the usual tourist destination, but it should be. It is a beautiful city that is friendly to tourists and relatively easy to get around. Give yourself a few days to explore and fall in love with the food and the charms of this Eastern European Gem.

marton k

There is more to Budapest than the usual tourist spots or the bachelor’s night ruin pubs. Fancy a Turkish or Moroccan tea, a good shisha, a nice burger? Sushi fan, Thai or pho fanatic? Don’t panic — Budapest won't leave you hungry.

Helen P

Walking is the best way to see a lot of the attractions or by catching the hop-on, hop-off buses that are available around the city. If you are a shopping lover, stroll along Vaci Utca and take your pick of the many shops. Sit down and rest your (weary) legs in one of the many restaurants, cafes or pubs and have a bite to eat and watch the world pass by. You will be in awe of how friendly and caring the Hungarian people are in many ways.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the primary airport in Budapest. It offers service to/from many international cities on most major and smaller airlines.

For more info on Budapest airport, visit here.

train

There are three rail stations in Budapest: Keleti, Nyugati, and Déli, which all offer regional and international service.

For more info on train service to Budapest, visit here.

Bus

Flixbus, Omio and Eurolines offer service to/from Budapest to many European cities. Visit FlixbusOmio or Eurolines for schedules, routes, and fares.

Do I need a visa?

Since Hungary is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. See here for more info.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer: Summer is festival season in Budapest, and highlights include the Budapest Summer Festival, LGBT Pride and weekend festivities on the Chain Bridge. Average daily temperatures this time of year can reach highs of 80 Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) and lows of around 59 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius).

However, that’s not to say winter isn’t wonderful as well. To see Budapest’s UNESCO-listed monuments covered in a dusting of snow, visit in winter. The cold season is the perfect time to tuck into goulash, warm up at the thermal baths and visit festive Christmas markets.

Get around

public transit card

Budapest has great public transportation, so get a Budapest Card, which gives you free access to transit, tours, museums, attractions and discounts at restaurants, shops and more.

For info, visit here.

BKK operations Budapest’s public transportation, so be sure to download its app for the most up-to-date service info. Visit here for more info.

metro

There are four metro lines running across Budapest, including Line 1, continental Europe’s oldest underground rail.

trams

There are more than 30 tram lines in Budapest, and they are the easiest way to get around. Only the 6 tram runs overnight. Ride the 2 for amazing views of the city.

buses/trolleybuses

There are more than 200 routes across the city and surrounding towns for its blue buses. The red trolleybuses operate in Pest and Zugló.

boats

BKK’s four riverboat services are a great way to not only get around but also see Budapest from the Danube.

cogwheel railway/chairlift

The Cogwheel (technically tram 60) and Chairlift are a great way to get up to the hilly Buda section of the city if you’re not up for the trek on foot.

taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Budapest and easily recognizable thanks to their yellow color. While cash and bank cards are accepted, some bank cards may not be, so make sure you have some cash on hand just in case.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central European Summer Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

230V and 50Hz, with plug types C and F.

What is the currency?

The official Hungarian currency is forint, though euros are accepted at some places.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Restaurants

Tipping at least 10% of your restaurant bill in Budapest is common, but more is in order if you’re extremely happy with the meal and service.

Hotels

Give around 500 forints to bellhops who help with your luggage, and between 200-300 forints per day of your stay to the housekeeping staff as you would in any other city.

Spas/baths

400 forints is customary for masseuses, and 100 forints if there were assistants.

Taxis

At least 10% of your fare.

Tour guides

Depends on how long the tour is, but between 300-500 forints is standard.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age in Budapest is 18.

Budapest

It’s Boo-da-PESHT, not Boo-da-PEST.

Greetings

Shaking hands is a customary greeting in Budapest, though some older locals may still bow to women. Pronounced see-ya, “Szia” means “hello.”

Public toilets

Be sure to have forint coins on hand for when nature calls as most public toilets aren’t free.

Budapest travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Public Transport Accessibility

Some travelers have indicated that Budapest offers excellent public transportation options, including buses, trams, and metro services. These are frequent and cover extensive parts of the city, making it easy to navigate various districts.

Public Transport Passes

According to forum posts, Budapest offers 1, 3, and 7-day travel cards that are highly recommended for tourists. These passes cover all forms of public transportation but exclude the 100E airport shuttle, the funicular, and the Zugliget chair lift. Travelers have found these passes to be cost-effective and convenient.

Specific Transport Recommendations

For navigating specific routes, users have suggested using the Bolt app for taxis, which provides government-controlled pricing and reliable service. Additionally, Google Maps in transit mode is recommended for planning routes using public transportation, while the BKK Futar app is the official route planner.

Accessibility for Tourists

Travelers have called out that most major tourist attractions are accessible via public transportation. Key tram lines like 4 and 6 and the metro line M2 are particularly useful for reaching central and important sites.

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Live Music Bars

According to forum posts, while live music is scarce in most Budapest bars, several jazz clubs provide a vibrant atmosphere. IF Cafe and Budapest Jazz Club (BJC) are highly recommended for jazz enthusiasts.

Rooftop and River Bars

Travelers have called out multiple options for rooftop bars with scenic views, such as atop the Clark Hotel and the Aria Hotel. Additionally, stationary boat bars along the Pest side of the Danube, like Spoon, offer relaxing river views and are popular for enjoying a drink at sunset.

Wine and Dive Bars

For a more relaxed evening, some travelers suggest visiting wine bars like Doblo and Gerloczy, which feature live piano music on specific nights. Those seeking a quirky dive bar experience are directed towards spots like Spiler and various ruin bars, although the latter have been noted to be temporarily closed due to restrictions.

General Recommendations

Overall, Budapest offers a diverse bar scene ranging from sophisticated jazz clubs and scenic rooftop venues to intimate wine bars and unique dive bars, catering to a wide range of preferences.

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Itinerary Planning

According to forum posts, a common itinerary for a short stay in Budapest includes visiting Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and taking a Danube River Cruise. Travelers have suggested starting with a historical walking tour covering key attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Jewish quarter, and the Chain Bridge.

Thermal Baths Experience

For many users, a visit to Budapest's famous thermal baths such as Gellért or Széchenyi is a must. Some travelers recommended planning the bath visits later in the day to relax after exploring the city. The Gellért Spa is preferred in the winter for its indoor baths, while Széchenyi is favored in the summer for its outdoor pools.

Nightlife and Dining

Travelers have called out the vibrant nightlife in Budapest, suggesting a visit to ruin bars like Szimpla Kert. For food enthusiasts, the Central Market Hall is a popular spot for a wide variety of local cuisine. A nighttime cruise is also highly recommended for dining with scenic views of the city illuminated at night.

Additional Attractions

Some travelers suggested adding Margaret Island for a peaceful escape with scenic walks and views of the Danube. Others recommended checking out the House of Terror for a historical insight or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Andrássy Avenue to see the Heroes' Square and Vajdahunyad Castle.

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Late Night Dining Options

According to forum posts, several places in Budapest offer late-night dining. Some travelers suggested Pizza Me near the Hotel Memories Old Town, which serves pizza until 3 am. Additionally, the Astoria area was mentioned as having a McDonald's open until 11 pm.

Additional Recommendations

For many users, the Jewish Quarter was recommended for its variety of late-night food options. For instance, Belli di Mamma serves excellent pizza until midnight. Also, Pata Negra, a popular tapas bar, is open until 11 pm, and Byblos offers Lebanese cuisine until 11:30 pm.

Weekend Dining

Travelers have called out that during weekends, some restaurants tend to have extended hours. For example, Café Vian offers Central European cuisine and closes at 1 am.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, Széchenyi and Gellért are the most frequently recommended thermal baths in Budapest. Széchenyi is favored for its large outdoor pools and vibrant atmosphere, while Gellért is praised for its beautiful indoor mosaics and luxurious ambiance.

Crowd Management

Some travelers suggested visiting baths early in the morning to avoid crowds. Specifically, Széchenyi is less crowded in the mornings, and visiting at opening times is advised to enjoy a more serene experience.

Cleanliness and Views

For cleanliness, Veli Bej is noted for its cap on visitors, maintaining a less crowded environment. Rudas offers spectacular views but has gender-specific days, which could limit access depending on the visit day. It's also described as less clean compared to others.

Booking and Amenities

Travelers have mentioned that booking ahead can be wise, especially for popular baths like Széchenyi and Gellért. Most baths offer amenities such as cafes and the option to rent or bring towels, with varying policies on food and drinks.

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Indoor Activities

According to forum posts, for family-friendly indoor activities in Budapest, some travelers suggested visiting the Budapest Circus and the Budapest Children’s Theatre. These venues offer engaging performances that cater to young audiences. Additionally, the Elevenpark and the Cyberjump Trampoline park are recommended for active indoor fun.

Outdoor Activities

Travelers have called out several parks and outdoor areas that are suitable for families. The City Park/Zoo, Margit Island, and Olympic Park are popular for their spacious areas and child-friendly facilities. During warmer months, Palatinus on Margit Island, a waterpark with various pools and slides, is highlighted as a great spot for children.

Interactive and Educational

For interactive and educational experiences, forum users recommend the Palace of Wonders, which features hands-on science exhibits, and the Miniversum, a detailed miniature of Hungary and its train system. These attractions provide fun learning experiences for children.

Seasonal Activities

Around Christmas, the posts mention that the ice skating rink in Budapest, described as the largest in Europe, and the Children’s Railway, which offers scenic rides through the Buda hills, are highly enjoyable for young families.

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Ticket Purchase Options

According to forum posts, tickets for the Hungarian Parliament tour can be purchased online through the official website. However, some users have reported difficulties with the booking interface, such as the inability to select future dates. It's advisable to keep checking the website as new tickets are often released closer to the desired date.

Availability and Alternative Sources

Some travelers said that tickets sell out quickly, especially for English tours. If online tickets are sold out, it's possible to purchase them onsite at the Parliament's visitor center, but only for tours on the same day. There are no guarantees of availability, so arriving early is recommended.

Consideration for Non-English Tours

Travelers have called out that if you're primarily interested in viewing the interior of the Parliament rather than understanding the historical commentary, you might consider joining a tour in another language if English tours are fully booked.

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Currency Exchange Locations

According to forum posts, popular locations for currency exchange in Budapest include exchange shops around the city center that generally offer competitive rates. Hanifa, located on Nador Utca, and Correct Change, with several outlets by Tram 4 and Tram 6 stops, are frequently recommended by seasoned travelers for their favorable rates.

Advice on Airport and Train Station Exchanges

Travelers have called out that exchange rates at the airport and train stations like Keleti tend to be less favorable. It's suggested to avoid these for currency exchange due to higher rates compared to city center locations.

Using ATMs

For many users, withdrawing cash from bank-owned ATMs is a practical option. It's advised to allow your bank to handle the conversion rate rather than choosing the ATMs offered rate, which tends to be higher. Notably, ATMs not affiliated with banks, such as those branded with HUF EUR, should be avoided due to poor exchange rates.

Credit Card Usage

Some travelers noted that credit cards are widely accepted in Budapest, making it convenient for most transactions without needing much cash on hand.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.