Budapest travel guide
Helping you enjoy your visit, with a Budapest travel guide designed by locals. Sightseeing, transportation, food, drinks, nightlife, events, shopping, emergency… Best Budapest tourist information with everything you need in one place.
Benefits
- ZThe most comprehensive Budapest travel guide
- ZThe most up-to-date information
- ZAll you need in one place
- ZRun by true locals who know what tourists need
A Message about budapest
“If you are into architecture porn, Budapest is for you. One incredible building after another. Block after block of what is simply an incredible mix of styles, the imaginations of the creators gone wild during the city’s years of empire. It is really something to see. And I felt like a total rube arriving so late. What took me so long!?“
Essential Budapest Travel Guide
Whether you are looking for the best Budapest restaurants, Budapest nightlife hotspots or Budapest public transport info, check out our comprehensive travel guide, with all the information you need in one place.
Must-see sights
There are many amazing things to see in Budapest, but there are some parts of the city you have to check out.
Money exchange
Check out the best tips for money exchange in Budapest: Do you need much cash, where to get it, what to avoid, etc.
Getting around
Budapest public transport is great, it’s easy to get anywhere, even at night. But, Budapest is really a walkable city.
Free guided tours
What to see in Budapest? Let our free walking tours (tip-based) show you. Our guides are the best in the city!
Museums
Budapest museums offer a variety of experiences for every taste and interest: from Roman times to today’s urban culture.
Thermal baths
Budapest thermal baths are one of the main attractions in the city. Find out why Budapest is called “The City of Spas”.
Food
Hungarian food is famous for a reason. What is a traditional food in Budapest you have to try? Check out our guide!
Drinks
The main Hungarian drinks are Unicum, palinka, and wine. Recently, like everywhere else, craft beer is gaining momentum.
Restaurants
It’s not just Hungarian restaurants in Budapest. Here you can find delicacies from every corner of the world!
Nightclubs
Where to party hard in Budapest? Where are the best clubs in Budapest? We got you covered!
Rooftop bars
Great views, cool crowd, nice atmosphere, perfect vibe: Budapest rooftop bars must be checked out!
Live music
From smooth jazz to electronic or rock: there are many venues to catch some live music in Budapest.
Ruin bars
Szimpla Kert is the best ruin bar in Budapest. But, there are many others in this special category Budapest is known for.
Cocktail bars
There are several fantastic cocktail bars in Budapest where you can enjoy delicious drinks prepared by skilled mixologists.
Wine bars
If you’re a wine connoisseur or just a casual fan, you’ll find a variety of wine bars in Budapest to suit your taste.
Sports bars
Sports, in general, are very popular in Hungary, so there are many very good sports bars in Budapest.
River cruise
Budapest is known as the “Pearl of the Danube” and cruising along the river allows you to take in stunning sights.
Street art
Budapest street art is an integral part of the city’s rich history and culture, adorning walls, facades, and even entire neighborhoods.
Coffee shops
From specialty brews in cozy little cafes, to stunning grand coffee houses, Budapest coffee shops have it all.
Classical music
There are some amazing venues for classical concerts in Budapest. The quality of the perfomancies is outstanding.
Flea markets
Budapest flea markets are full of hidden treasures, be it Habsburg riches or communist oddities. Enjoy the hunt!
Movie theaters
Movie theaters in Budapest will show the latest blockbusters, some of them in English, with Hungarian subtitles.
Car rentals
Budapest car rentals offer quality vehicls at affordable prices. There are many types of cars to choose from.
Gyms
Budapest gyms offer modern equipment and amenities you would expect from world-class training facilities.
Shopping
Shopping in Budapest is not always cheap, but Budapest shops can compete with any European city.
For kids
Budapest for kids? There are plenty of cool places where young ones can have a lot of fun, parents too.
Emergency
Is Budapest safe? Yes, but use common sense like everywhere else. Check out the list of emergency numbers in Hungary.
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Why Us?
We are here to help. It is as simple as that. Budapest is a fantastic city and all who visit should have a great time. There is a lot of information out there about the city. Many people offer advice, telling you what to do and what not to do. But very often those people just visited Budapest a few times (or even once). Information gets outdated, or stories are made up because somebody heard something somewhere. Official sites are very informative but too formal and stale.
We are different, locals who have been living here for decades and know all ins and outs of the city, understand what visitors are looking for: accurate, updated information, authenticity, and stuff you can’t find in a guidebook. So we created this Budapest travel guide, with the best Budapest tourist information!
FAQ about Budapest
These are some of the most common questions people ask about Budapest. Of course, there are more. If you have an additional question, whatever that might be, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will help you. Also, check out the rest of the site for more of Budapest info.
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather, while the summer can be hot and crowded. December offers festive Christmas markets.
Is Budapest safe?
This is one of the questions about Budapest that is asked very often. Yes, Budapest is a very safe city, especially in districts 5, 6, and 7, where tourists mostly congregate. Crime rates are generally very low, but you should be cautious and apply common sense, like you should everywhere.
How long should I stay in Budapest?
Budapest has a lot to offer. It’s a gorgeous city with many things going on, culturally very rich. To get a feel of the place you need three days, to fully appreciate it stay at least for a week.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Budapest?
Yes, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, it’s good to have a little bit of cash for small local vendors and markets. Cash is also good if you want to bargain about the price. Hungary is part of the EU but doesn’t use the euro yet. Most shops will accept payment in euros but have bad exchange rates, so you should always pay in forints (Hungarian currency). You could buy forints before you arrive in Hungary, but you risk getting old, expired banknotes. To avoid the hassle of going to the bank to exchange those, it’s better to do it when you arrive (but, like everywhere else, don’t change cash at the airport or the train station because the exchange rates are bad).
Which sights should I visit indoors in Budapest?
There are two main sights to consider if you want to go inside: the Parliament and the Great Synagogue. The Parliament is the most important building in Hungary and is as beautiful inside as it is outside. The Great Synagogue is unique and very beautiful as well. Both sights offer tours, well-organized and informative. Tickets for the Parliament tour should be purchased well in advance because they’re very busy and often sold out.
Parizsi Udvar and New York Cafe are great places to grab a coffee and enjoy incredible interiors. If you want to visit New York Cafe, be ready to wait in line; it’s an insanely popular place. If you love opera, the Budapest Opera House is a must. You could take a tour, but go and check out a performance if you can get a ticket.
How do I get around Budapest?
Budapest has a very efficient public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, metro, and even ferries (not in the winter). The best places to buy physical tickets are metro stations. You can get single tickets (you need a different ticket for every ride, even in the metro-be sure to validate a ticket before you enter any means of transportation!) or passes of different lengths, which you can use for unlimited rides during a certain time period. There is also the app Budapest Go that you can download and purchase tickets.
On the other hand, Budapest is a very walkable city. Bike sharing with MOL Bubi is a convenient option, as well as scooters.
What traditional Hungarian dishes should I try?
Be sure to try goulash (a hearty soup/stew), lángos (deep-fried dough topped with different things), and chimney cake (a sweet pastry). Don’t forget to sample Hungarian wines and pálinka (fruit brandy).
Is tipping customary in Budapest?
Almost all restaurants in Budapest have a service charge between 12 and 15 percent. Keep that in mind when you are looking at prices and check the exact amount. If you want to tip after that, you can.
Other places, like bars or cafes, include a service charge less often. It’s always good to check that. If there is no service charge, tipping between 10 and 15 percent is customary for a good service.
What are the opening hours for shops and attractions in Budapest?
Most shops in Budapest are open from around 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some larger stores staying open later. Attractions like museums typically operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some closing on Mondays.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, Budapest’s tap water is safe to drink.