Why visit Budapest?
Budapest is two cities in one: hilly, historic Buda and flat, buzzing Pest. Soak in the Széchenyi or Gellért baths, cruise the Danube past the Parliament and explore the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter. It is one of Europe’s best-value capitals for a weekend away.
Last reviewed
How to get there
Budapest's main airport is BUD. Typical flight times from the UK are around 2.5 hours.
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Where to stay in Budapest
District V (Belváros)
Central Pest, close to the river, Parliament and St Stephen’s Basilica.
District VII (Jewish Quarter)
Lively nightlife, ruin bars and great-value apartments.
Castle District
Quiet cobbled streets and views across the Danube.
Things to do in Budapest
- 01
Local experiences
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Huge outdoor pools that steam on winter days.
- 02
Attractions
Danube evening cruise
See the Parliament and bridges lit up after dark.
- 03
Walking routes
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fairy-tale terraces with sweeping views over Pest.
- 04
Local experiences
Great Market Hall
Paprika, lángos and local produce under a grand iron roof.
- 05
Attractions
Hungarian Parliament tour
Guided tours sell out, so book ahead.
Travel budget
Indicative ranges per person, reviewed October 2026. Editorial ranges from FlyAwayFinds research; prices vary by season and availability.
- Accommodation
- £50–£150
- Per night
- Food
- £20–£45
- Per day
- Local transport
- £3–£8
- Per day
- Activities
- £25–£60
- Per trip
- Airport transfers
- £3–£35
- Each way
- Budget tier
- budget
- Editorial rating
Best time to visit
Bars show our editorial suitability rating. Temperatures are long-term monthly averages.
Jan
0°
low
Feb
2°
low
Mar
7°
low
Apr
12°
low
May
17°
moderate
Jun
20°
moderate
Jul
22°
high
Aug
22°
high
Sep
17°
moderate
Oct
12°
low
Nov
6°
low
Dec
1°
low
Suggested itinerary
Plan
One day
- 1Parliament and Danube promenade
- 2Lunch at the Great Market Hall
- 3Castle District at sunset
Plan
Two days
- 1Day 1: Pest highlights and an evening cruise
- 2Day 2: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and thermal baths
Plan
Three days
- 1Day 1: Pest
- 2Day 2: Buda
- 3Day 3: Széchenyi Baths, City Park and ruin bars
Travel tips
- Local transport
- Trams 2, 4 and 6 are superb for sightseeing; buy a 24- or 72-hour travel card.
- Paying for things
- Hungary uses the forint. Cards are widely accepted; avoid dynamic currency conversion.
- Airport transfers
- The 100E airport express bus runs to the city centre.
- Entry requirements
- UK travellers must meet Schengen entry rules. Check official guidance before travelling.
- Safety
- Agree taxi fares or use licensed apps; check bills carefully in tourist bars.
Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Hungary before you travel.
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Plan your Budapest escape.
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FAQ
Budapest FAQs
Budapest is one of the better-value European capitals for food, drink and thermal baths, although prices have risen in recent years.
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