Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Heading to the Hungarian capital? This Budapest travel guide shares everything you need to know! From must-see attractions to local food spots and much more, I’ll help you map out your ideal getaway.
I recently returned from my second Budapest city break and I already want to go back. Despite cramming a lot into my itineraries, there’s still so much more to explore.
However, I’m fully aware that planning a trip to Budapest can get overwhelming – especially if you’re a first-time visitor. From figuring out the currency (spoiler alert: it’s not the Euro) to deciding how many days you really need, these things can make or break your holiday.
With that in mind, I’ve shared my tips and honest recommendations to help you experience the very best of Budapest.
Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Jet2 and Visit Hungary. All opinions are my own.
Budapest Travel Guide
Before you start planning your itinerary, keep these things in mind:
Aim to spend at least three days there
If possible, you should aim to spend at least three days in Budapest. While you could easily spend a week (or more) there, three days is the sweet spot for checking off must-do activities and getting a real feel for the city.
My latest trip was three days long and I was surprised by how much we managed to squeeze into such a short period of time! From admiring the views from Fisherman’s Bastion to watching a demo performance at the Hungarian State Opera, we really did see a lot.
The local currency is NOT the Euro
Most people don’t realise this, but the currency in Budapest is actually the Hungarian Forint. Some places may accept euros, but the exchange rate could be quite bad and it’s often not worth the hassle.
To save cash, withdraw money in forints from an ATM once you arrive or use a card with no foreign transaction fees. As a frequent traveller, I use Monzo abroad as they don’t charge any additional fees. You can also withdraw up to £200 a month without any charges. Perfect if you’re shopping at local markets or need cash for tipping!
Don’t forget to bring your swimwear
You’ll regret not bringing swimwear to Budapest – even in the depths of winter! Known for thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért (which is currently closed for renovation), you may miss out if you don’t come prepared.
Yes, you could buy swimwear when you arrive, but why spend extra money if you’ve already got some at home? Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Need to stay connected on your Hungarian adventure? Check out my Sim Local eSIM review.
Pack comfortable shoes
Like many European cities, Budapest is super walkable. This means you can easily rack up over 20,000 steps a day. Unless you want aching feet for the remainder of your trip, comfy shoes are a must.
I always recommend UIN travel shoes. Not only are they extremely comfortable, but they also come in a wide range of colours and styles. I’ve worn them in countless countries and they’ve never let me down!
Best time to visit Budapest
Any time is a fab time to visit Budapest, but each season has a completely different vibe. Depending on the type of getaway you’re hoping for, you may want to consider:
Spring (March – May)
Budapest starts to bloom in spring as temperatures rise after the winter months. With warmer weather, you can spend the day sightseeing without getting too hot. Make sure you bring a brolly though, as I know from experience that it can often rain!
Summer (June – August)
Tourism in Budapest hits its peak in summer, which is further impacted by festival season. Taking place in August, Sziget Festival is one of the top events in Europe and draws in thousands from across the globe.
If you’re hoping for nice weather, a bustling atmosphere and a holiday to remember, this may be the best time to visit the Hungarian capital. Just come prepared for heatwaves and make sure you book accommodation way in advance.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is my fave time to visit Budapest. In my opinion, it’s a good time to enjoy a chilled cultural getaway with fewer crowds. My last trip was in September and despite a bit of rain on arrival and departure, I got incredibly lucky weather-wise.
Not only that, but autumnal hues start to take over at this time of year, which is a dream for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts. And with less demand for flights and accommodation, autumn is a good time to explore Budapest on a budget.
Winter (December – February)
Towards the end of November and well into December, Budapest turns into a winter wonderland with festive events and Christmas markets. During this time, you can shop for handmade crafts, go ice skating and watch laser projection shows on St. Stephen’s Basilica – one of the city’s top landmarks.
If you don’t mind the cold (I recommend loads of layers for warmth), you’ll see a magical side to Budapest that most people miss.
How to get to Budapest, Hungary
Jet2 runs flights to Budapest from multiple UK airports, making it easy to get there in comfort. There are several flights from Manchester Airport each week, but you can also travel from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands. Additional flights are available from Newcastle Airport from the end of October until April 2026.
The average flight time from the UK is about 3.5 hours, which gives you plenty of time to read, have a nap or catch up on your fave Netflix series (if you download them beforehand, of course).
How to get from Budapest Airport to the city centre
You’ve landed – now what? Luckily, getting to the city from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is straightforward. Depending on your budget and time of arrival, you may want to opt for:
- 100E Airport Shuttle Bus: The most popular choice. It runs every 5 – 10 minutes during the day and takes around 35 minutes to reach Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre. After about 1am, buses start to get less frequent, but they still run every 15 – 40 minutes. Tickets cost 2,200 HUF (around €5.65 or £5-ish) and contactless payments are accepted.
- Uber and Bolt: Both Uber and Bolt are used in Budapest, making it easy to get around without the faff of exchanging foreign currency.
- Private transfers: Travel days can be long, so I won’t blame you for opting for the easy option. You can also ask if your hotel can arrange this for you, but this often comes with an additional fee.
Getting around in Budapest
Once you’re actually in Budapest, getting around is easy. Like many European destinations, it’s extremely walkable. For instance, you can walk from Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side to St. Stephen’s Basilica on the Pest side in around 30 minutes via the renowned Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This makes it easy to tick off several must-see hotspots – even with a day in Budapest.
When your feet do give up, public transport is reliable with an extensive network of trams, buses and metro lines. If you think you’ll use it a lot, it’s worth getting a travel card. You can get these for either 24 or 72 hours.
You can also get free access to public transport with the Budapest Card, which comes with additional perks like discounts, free walking tours, a Danube river cruise and entry into 30+ attractions in Budapest.
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest is split into two sides – Buda and Pest. They each have their own personality! Buda is known for its cobblestoned streets, castle views and unique charm, while Pest is home to vibrant bars, restaurants and cafes.
You can book loads of highly-rated Budapest hotels with Jet2 Holidays. On my most recent trip, I stayed at Hotel Vision Budapest and it really was a wonderful base! Just a short walk away from major spots like the River Danube, Central Market Hall and the Hungarian Parliament, the location is hard to beat.
Here are some more recommendations, including some options from my hotel bucket list:
- Hilton Budapest
- Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
- PEST-BUDA Design Hotel
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Need something a bit more affordable? Don’t worry, I’ve been there! The first time I visited Budapest in 2018, I stayed at Onefam Budapest. It’s nothing fancy, but it was clean, well-located and good for solo travellers. I even ended up making friends by joining group activities run by the hostel.
Things to do in Budapest
There’s no shortage of amazing activities in Budapest. You could easily spend a week there and not get bored. Whether you’re into history, views or just soaking in the vibes (quite literally), here are 10 must-dos that you seriously can’t skip:
- Relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (or a lesser-known alternative)
- Watch the sunrise from Fisherman’s Bastion
- Cruise along the Danube River during sunset
- Wander through Matthias Church
- Explore the grounds and interiors of Buda Castle
- Shop for souvenirs at Central Market Hall
- Admire the Hungarian Parliament
- Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
- Go on a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera
- Check out the views from St. Stephen’s Basilica
This list is by no means exhaustive! In fact, I’m currently working on an in-depth guide to the best things to do in Budapest, so keep ya eyes peeled for that. It’ll include more deets and options, like guided tours, free attractions, hidden gems and more.
Where to eat in Budapest
Before my latest trip to the capital, I had no idea that Budapest was such a foodie heaven! But trust me, it really is. I’ve dined at some fantastic places, such as:
- IDA Bistro: A chic restaurant just a short walk from Buda Castle. Not to be dramatic, but they did the nicest Aperol Spritz I’ve ever had! The food was great too.
- Time Out Market: Ideal if you’re travelling with a group of friends.
- Cafe Gerbeaud: Go here for tea, cakes and an afternoon pick-me-up.
- TATI: A farm-to-table concept serving tasty dishes using fresh ingredients from their family farm.
- BIBO: A fine-dining restaurant with excellent service, delicious food and some of the most flavoursome wines I’ve ever tasted. 10 out of 10 would recommend!
- Gundel: Once an upmarket establishment, Gundel now caters to everyone. With a unique backstory, it’s one of the most famous restaurants in Hungary.
- Mazel Tov: It’s popular for a reason. I ate here four times on my first trip to the city!
Some of these get very busy, so it’s worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment. This is especially true at peak times like summer.
Fancy a quick drink to wind down after dinner? I highly recommend The Duchess for some of the best cocktails in Budapest. This rooftop bar at Matild Palace Hotel boasts unreal views, excellent service and a relaxing environment in a low-lit setting.
Prefer somewhere a little more lively? Szimpla Kert ruin bar is full of quirky decor and colourful walls! It’s worth seeing, even if you’re not staying for a drink. They even run a weekly market on Sundays from 9am until 2pm.
Wondering what to eat in Budapest? Some local dishes are lángos, goulash (I absolutely love this) and Chicken Paprikash.
FAQs about visiting Budapest
Absolutely, Budapest is well worth visiting! Each year, millions of tourists land there and it’s not hard to see why. With countless cultural attractions, great restaurants and relaxing thermal baths, this city has a lot to offer.
The main language in Budapest is Hungarian, but many residents speak English.
The currency in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint.
Budapest is very walkable, but it also has an extensive public transport network if you need to travel longer distances.
Conclusion
Ever since I landed back in the UK, I’ve been plotting my return to Budapest. It may have taken me 7.5 years to return, but I won’t make that same mistake again.
Over the past few years, I’ve gained a real love of revisiting places and Budapest is an absolute gem. In my opinion, it’s one of the top destinations for a budget-friendly city break with Jet2.
I hope this Budapest travel guide helps you nail the basics before your own fun-filled adventure. It has so much to offer and once you’ve seen it for yourself, you’ll understand why so many people (me included) keep going back for more. Have an amazing time!
