Budapest
Between grand thermal baths, the Danube, and ruin bars: your guide to Budapest.
Our City Check for Budapest
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Flair
Architecturally stunning, packed with history, and seriously lively.
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Best time to visit
May through September for warm weather, or December if you want to catch the Christmas markets.
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Trip duration
Three days give you enough time to hit the Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion, and at least one of the famous thermal baths.
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Price level
Moderate — Budapest is genuinely great value for money compared to most Western European cities.
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Food
Don't leave without trying a hearty goulash — and grab a warm Trdelník from one of the street stands.
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Getting around
Budapest has a really good network of historic trams and a reliable subway. Getting around is easy and cheap.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
The most pleasant weather is from April through June and in September and October.
For us, Budapest is the perfect travel destination in June — it’s comfortably warm for exploring the city, but not so hot that you’ll be dripping by noon. It’s also a great place to ring in the New Year without spending a fortune.
Winters are genuinely cold, and summers can get seriously hot — think 35°C-plus days that make sightseeing a real slog. Spring and fall are the sweet spot: longer days, lighter crowds, and much more enjoyable temperatures.
How much time do I need for Budapest?
Plan for at least three full days to hit the main highlights. Four or five days gives you room to slow down, explore beyond the city center, and actually enjoy the thermal baths without rushing.
What currency is used in Budapest?
Budapest uses the forint (HUF). The exchange rate can feel confusing at first — roughly 390 forints to the euro — so prices with four-digit numbers are actually quite cheap. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city; just use your regular bank card and watch out for private exchange booths with unfavorable rates.
Is Budapest expensive?
Overall, Budapest is a really affordable city-break destination in Europe. A decent double room starts at around 40 euros a night, and for around 100 euros you can stay somewhere genuinely lovely. Just avoid the most tourist-trap restaurants near the main sights and you’ll eat well for very little.
Here’s a quick look at some prices:
- Main course at a restaurant: 5 – 10 euros
- Beer at a restaurant (0.5 l): 1 – 2 euros
- Bottle of water (1.5 l): 0.20 – 0.50 euros
- Metro ticket: 1.00 euro
- Kürtőskalács (traditional Hungarian chimney cake): 1.20 euros
What language do they speak in Budapest?
The official language is Hungarian — and it’s famously tricky to pick up even a few words. That said, most people in Budapest speak English well, especially in restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas. With older locals it can occasionally be harder, but you’ll rarely be stuck.
Here are the most useful words in Hungarian:
Hello – Szia (works for goodbye too)
Good day – Jó napot
Thank you – Köszönöm (short form: Köszi)
Yes – Igen
No – Nem
Cheers – Egészségedre
