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

Looking for the final word Budapest journey information? We’ve bought you coated!

Most folks know Budapest as Hungary’s glittering capital, filled with historic structure, riverside views, and unruly bachelor events.
What only a few folks know, exterior of Hungary, is that the town of Budapest is definitely in two halves:

• Buda = The aspect with historic hills, castles, and thermal baths.
• Pest = The flat aspect, with energetic, city vitality and nightlife.

What divides them? The River Danube, after all. And that can assist you orient your self in your first journey to Budapest, we’ve created this important Budapest journey information.

Related learn: Things to Know About Budapest

Here is an outline:

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

Budapest has a lot to see that it’s difficult to distill into one listing. But for those who’re model new to Budapest, these are the locations we’d suggest visiting:

Related learn: How to Spend a Weekend in Budapest

Széchenyi Baths (City Park)

Széchenyi Baths is the biggest open house within the metropolis and one of many largest spa complexes in Europe. These heat out of doors swimming pools are open year-round, offering a family-friendly environment with the distinctive backdrop of the grand yellow historic constructing.

There are 15 indoor baths and three grand out of doors baths, saunas, steam rooms, and a rooftop greenhouse.

To enter, you’ll want to purchase a ticket on-line or on the reception kiosk. You’ll additionally want a showering swimsuit, towels, and flip-flops. If you’re visiting in the summertime, we advise carrying sunscreen too, because the out of doors swimming pools are fairly uncovered.

Budget-saving tip: Come earlier within the day for cheaper entry. You may skip towel rental by bringing your personal.

• Price: €37 per individual for a full-day move
• Where to ebook: Széchenyi Baths web site
• Opening hours: 09:00 to 19:00, although this modifications seasonally, so test the web site earlier than you arrive

Hungarian Parliament Building

The iconic Hungarian Parliament constructing is a must-see in Budapest…nevertheless it’s additionally one of many trickiest to get tickets for. Spots promote out rapidly as a consequence of their reputation. But for those who do get a ticket, you received’t remorse it!

This riverside constructing, based between 1884 and 1902, is the third largest parliament constructing on the planet. From the spectacular Staircase XVII to touring the within of the dome, you’ll love studying about Hungarian historical past from the hub of essentially the most highly effective within the land.

Tip: Book a guided tour so you will get the total expertise.

• Price: EU residents = 6,500 HUF. Non-EU residents = 13,000 HUF. Children beneath 6 enter totally free.
• Where to ebook: Online or on the Visitor Center in individual.
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 18:00. (Changes seasonally, so test the web site for updates)

The Great Market Hall

Of the 5 indoor markets in Budapest, the Great Market Hall, also referred to as the Central Market Hall, is the oldest and largest.

This lovely, colourful, three-tiered market is a superb snapshot of Budapest tradition and meals.

On the higher flooring, you’ll discover conventional Hungarian meals and pastries. We suggest making an attempt “langós”, a deep-fried flatbread coated in cheese. The stalls on the bottom flooring have a wide selection of products, together with souvenirs, textiles, and contemporary produce.

• Price: Free
• Where to ebook: Booking just isn’t essential. However, for those who’d like to affix the Budapest Food Tour hosted from the Great Market Hall, you’ll be able to ebook a ticket on the Visit Budapest web site.
• 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 entire district has beautiful buildings to discover, our high picks can be the Matthias Church. It is a neo-Gothic marvel steeped in historical past.

Matthias Church has seen many lives as each a spot of Christian worship and a mosque when the Ottoman Turks invaded Hungary. It has a welcoming but majestic environment, with live shows and occasions held right here year-round.

• Price: 2,900 HUF
• Where to ebook: Online or on the entrance
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00. Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 (midday). Sunday 13:00 – 17:00. Liturgies & weddings have precedence, and can have an effect on common Opening Hours.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Another must-visit within the Buda Castle district is Fisherman’s Bastion. Here you’ll discover panoramic views of the Danube and photogenic structure.

Many of the elements on the surface are free to entry, however we suggest paying the small price to entry the lookout factors; you’ve by no means seen a view like this one!

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

Honorable mentions

The 4 places we simply talked about are absolute musts. But when you have extra time, we suggest that you simply try:

• St. Stephen’s Basilica: Climb the dome for unbelievable views throughout the town.
• Buda Castle Funicular: A enjoyable 10-minute experience up or down Buda Castle. Perfect crowd-pleaser for youths.
• Shoes on the Danube Memorial: Bear witness to the sixty pairs of old school sneakers laid on the financial institution of the Danube to honor Hungarian Jews who had been shot in a mass taking pictures in 1944.
• Chain Bridge: Budapest’s oldest bridge standing proudly over the Danube.
• Labyrinth of Buda Castle: 1,200 meters of caves and cellars beneath Buda Castle.

Getting Around Budapest: Public Transport and Walking Tips

Budapest is a contemporary European metropolis with nice transport hyperlinks that can assist you get round. Let’s break all of it down.

Metro

The metro is a well-liked approach to get round as tickets are low-cost. There are 4 metro traces:

• Line 1 (yellow line): Stops close to quite a few landmarks and historic websites so is most helpful for vacationers.
• Line 2 (pink line): Stops close to Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion.
• Line 3 (blue line): Stops close to Great Market Hall and connects the bus like 200E from the airport to downtown.
• Line 4 (inexperienced line): Connects the town’s two predominant prepare stations Keleti Railway Station and Kelenföld Railway Station.

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

• Four metro traces (M1 is historic, like a mini subway).
• Trams 2 & 4/6 — nice scenic rides alongside the river.
• Tickets ~350 HUF every; validate earlier than boarding!

Trams

If you need to take the scenic route round city—actually—why not hop on the Budapest tram?

Over 40 tram traces run by Budapest. The most scenic routes are Tram Lines 2, 4 and 6, which run alongside the river.

Tip: Avoid rush hours within the morning and night as trams can fill rapidly.

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

Buses

Budapest is house to over 200 bus traces that are useful for getting you to extra residential areas. For instance, the place your lodging could also be lurking.

As a vacationer, your most helpful traces are 16, 16A, and 116. These cowl many of the museums and points of interest.

But maintain on tight! Budapest bus drivers are recognized for driving fairly quick by the slender streets.

• Price: Single journey 350 HUF. Unlimited free journey included with Budapest card.
• Opening hours: 04:30 to 23:00 daily. Some evening buses can be found between 23:00 and 05:00.

Walking

The Buda aspect could also be a hike with steep climbs, however the “Pest” aspect of Budapest is, fortunately, flat. It’s excellent for strolling the busy streets and comes alive at sundown.

The Danube Promenade stroll can also be common with vacationers. 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 methods to journey is to take a river cruise on the Danube.

At evening, the town lights up, and the twinkling displays off the water in essentially the most spellbinding means.

Plus, for savvy vacationers, budget-friendly choices can be found low season.

Taxis & Private Transfers

There are loads of Budapest taxis obtainable. However, unlicensed cabs are frequent too.

For better ease, you may also ebook a Budapest Airport switch prematurely with a top-rated firm like Welcome Pickups. This ensures your first moments in Budapest are as stress-free as potential.

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

Looking for price range journey in Budapest? This part is for you. Here is a cheatsheet of the way to avoid wasting when exploring the Hungarian capital:

• Free Walking Tours: Several can be found all year long, masking highlights just like the Old Town, Jewish quarter, and the Danube. Though they’re “free,” they’re tip-based, so carry money in HUF to tip your information. You can ebook on-line or ask your lodging for suggestions.
• Off-Season Travel: Early Spring (April) and Autumn (late September to October) are nice candy spots for decrease costs with gentle climate.
• Ruin Bars: Szimpla Kert is a well-known smash bar with low-cost drinks and meals stalls.
• Bakeries and markets: Cut your meals prices with hearty pastries and sandwiches from the native bakeries or meals halls within the indoor markets.
• Exchange charge: The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is comparatively cheap when in comparison with the euro or USD greenback. Use travel-happy bank cards like Wise and Revolut to get higher forex trade charges.

Cultural Etiquette and Practical Tips for Visiting Budapest

No important Budapest journey information is full with no little details about the language, etiquette and customs. Here’s what you have to know:

Etiquette and customs in Budapest

Budapest doesn’t have a extremely conservative tradition. However, there are a couple of unwritten guidelines for respecting these round you.

• Tipping: Though tipping just isn’t compulsory in Budapest, it’s extremely appreciated. The typical native tipping charge is 5-10%. Sometimes the tip is included within the invoice as a service cost. For taxis and informal service, you’ll be able to spherical up your fare.
• Public transport: Like in lots of European nations, there’s an unstated rule that public transport is a quiet place to respect your fellow passengers. Eating and consuming on public transport can also be frowned upon.
• Sacred areas: Dress modestly when getting into church buildings or different non secular websites. This means masking your shoulders and never carrying shorts.
• Thermal baths etiquette: You’ll typically be requested to put on a swimming cap in lap swimming pools. A washing swimsuit is necessary. Bringing your personal towels and flip-flops can also be inspired. You can’t be bare within the public areas of the Szechenyi Baths and Pool.

Language: Basic Hungarian Phrases

Hungarian isn’t a straightforward language, and locals know that, however they admire it when vacationers make even the smallest effort to talk their mom tongue. Here are some phrases chances are you’ll discover helpful:

• “Hello” (to at least one individual) = Szia [SEE-ah]
• “Hello” (to many individuals) = 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?” (casual) = 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, listed below are some sensible ideas that can assist you maximize your journey to Budapest.

• Pay in Hungarian Forint (HUF): Though Hungary is in Europe, they don’t use the euro. Some touristy spots just like the thermal baths could settle for euros, however that is the exception, not the rule.
• Buy a Budapest Card: A Budapest card is a vacationer move that entitles you to limitless public transport journey and free entry to most of the metropolis’s predominant points of interest. You should purchase one right here.
• Get an adapter if wanted: Budapest makes use of European two-pin plugs (kind C/F, 230V).
• Be cautious of pickpockets: Generally, Budapest is a secure place with low situations of violent crime towards vacationers. However, pickpockets are consultants at stealing your objects in busy vacationer areas and on public transport. Stay conscious.
• Go for at the very least 2 days: While you are able to do a day-trip to Budapest, 48 hours will allow you to expertise it way more.
• Pack for altering climate: Budapest can swing between sunny and stormy in a single afternoon. Layers are your finest buddy.
• Bring a swimsuit (even in winter): The thermal baths are a should, so carry a swimsuit to take a dip no matter season.
• Plan your itinerary round opening occasions: Many points of interest shut on Mondays, and a few public transport occasions differ on evenings and weekends. Once you already know the points of interest you’d wish to see, test on-line for the opening hours and plan accordingly.