In Budapest, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
District V €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers
Pest's centre by the river: Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge on foot.
02
District VII €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Nightlife lovers
The old Jewish Quarter and the ruin bars. Fun, central and loud at night.
03
Castle District €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Couples and quiet nights
Cobbled streets on the Buda hill, with views over the river. Few restaurants after dark.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels with Danube viewsComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in BudapestComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in District VIIComing soon
Airport to city
01
100E airport bus ≈ 35–40 min
About 35–40 min to Deák Ferenc tér
Direct to the centre. Buy a special ticket for this line.
02
Bus 200E + Metro M3 ≈ 50 min
About 50 min
Cheapest option with a standard ticket.
03
Official taxi or transfer ≈ 25–30 min
About 25–30 min
Use the official taxi stand or book ahead.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Budapest safe for tourists?
Yes, Budapest is safe. Watch for pickpockets on trams 4 and 6 and on the metro. Use official taxis or an app, and be wary of bars and restaurants around Váci utca with no prices on the menu. The currency is the forint (HUF): avoid street exchange and always pay in forints.
02When is the best time to visit Budapest?
April to June and September to October are ideal. Summer is hot, perfect for the outdoor thermal pools. December brings the Christmas markets, and winter is cold, the best excuse for the baths.
03What language is spoken in Budapest?
Hungarian, a language unlike any other in Europe. English is widely spoken by younger people and in tourism; some older locals speak German. "Köszönöm" means thank you.
04How many days do you need in Budapest?
Three days is ideal for Buda, Pest and the baths. With more time, add the Danube Bend (Szentendre and Visegrád), Eger or Lake Balaton.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Budapest?
Hungarian Parliament
Buda Castle
Fisherman's Bastion
Matthias Church
Chain Bridge
St Stephen's Basilica
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Heroes' Square and City Park
Great Market Hall
The ruin bars
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Crossing the Chain Bridge and walking the Buda Castle district is free. The lower terraces of Fisherman's Bastion are free (the upper towers are paid during the day). Also free: the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, Heroes' Square and City Park, the Great Market Hall, Gellért Hill with its views, Margaret Island and the Parliament from outside. The famous ruin bars are free to enter.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Budapest?
The Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the House of Terror are essential. Add the Hungarian National Gallery in Buda Castle, the Dohány Street Synagogue with the Jewish Museum, and the Hospital in the Rock.
08What are the locals like in Budapest?
Hungarians are reserved at first and warm once you get to know them, proud of their language and history, with a dark sense of humour. Some older locals avoid clinking beer glasses because of a historical tradition. Many restaurants include a 10–15% service charge, so check the bill before tipping.
09What is the typical food in Budapest?
Try goulash (gulyás, a paprika soup), chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage, lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese), kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and Dobos torte. To drink, pálinka (fruit brandy), Tokaji wine or Unicum.
10Where should you stay in Budapest?
District V, between the Parliament and the Basilica, is central and pricey. District VII, the old Jewish quarter, is the nightlife area of the ruin bars, at mid-range prices. The Castle District is quiet, with views, and higher prices.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
