Getting Around

Budapest public transport is great. You can get everywhere without much trouble, for example. On the other hand, if you are staying in the city center, all the major attractions are accessible by foot. If you still need transportation, you can’t buy tickets onboard, so you need to purchase them beforehand. The most convenient way is the Budapest public transport app, BudapestGO, which you can upload from Google Play or the App Store. To buy physical tickets or passes, the best option is metro stations.

Find Budapest public transport maps and timetables at https://bkk.hu/en/

To get to and from the airport, the best and cheapest option is bus 100E.

Another option for getting around is Budapest’s bike-sharing system, Mol Bubi. There are many docking stations around the city. However, flat Pest is much more bike-friendly than Buda Hills. Download the Mol Bubi app from Google or App Store.

Likewise you can also rent Lime electric scooters, but they are not regulated at all and are banned from some parts of the city.

If you want a taxi, it is best to call. All the taxis are yellow, with a visible logo of the company. For example, City Taxi (+36 1  2111111), and Fo Taxi (+36 1 2222222) are reliable. There is no Uber or Lyft in Budapest; the closest service to them is Bolt. You can download their app from Google or the App Store.

You don’t need much cash in Budapest – bank cards are pretty much accepted everywhere. But, if you want to withdraw some cash, avoid blue/ yellow or silver/green ATMs. They are everywhere but don’t offer good exchange rates and have high fees, however. Any bank will have a regular ATM. If you are paying in cash, use forints (Hungarian currency). Most places will accept Euros, but the exchange rate will be bad. If you need to change cash, this is the best place.

Exploring Budapest by car offers a delightful experience. With its rich historical significance and breathtaking beauty, the city’s various neighborhoods and areas are best discovered when you have the freedom to drive around on your own. Furthermore, Budapest serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other regions of Hungary and even neighboring countries, making it a truly versatile destination. Parking, on the other hand, can be a chalange.

Check availability and prices here and here.

Budapest gyms have everything you need to keep yourself in shape: modern equipment, friendly expert trainers, and group classes if you need them. Try Kiss Life Fitness, Flex Gym, Bank Center Fitness, or Life1 Nyugati.

The best running track in the city is on Margit Island. During warmer months you can catch there cool outdoor yoga classes.

Don’t expect Budapest shopping to be very cheap. Unfortunately, Hungary has a very high sales tax, for most things is 27%! To check prices and offers, shopping malls are certanily the most convenient option. West End is the biggest one. If you are looking for a nice souvenir or a present for somebody back home, go to Great Market Hall, the biggest indoor market in Budapest. There are many souvenirs on offer on the 1st floor (because there are so many stands you can always bargain; if you are ready to pay in cash, you have better chances of getting a discount), or you can get a nice package of paprika, the Hungarian favorite spice.

Budapest is a very safe city and offers assistance if you ever need it. However, check out important numbers you can call to get help or basic Budapest tourist information:

Ambulance: 104
Police: 107
Fire service: 105
Central help number: 112
General enquiries: 197
Domestic enquiries: 198
International enquiries: 199
Auto club help number: 188
Speaking clock: 180
Tourist Police (0-24): 06-1-438-8080
24-hour medical assistance in English (Falck SOS Hungary): 06-1-2400-475
24-hour pharmacy: District 6, Teréz krt 41. (telephone: 06-1-311-4439) near Oktogon