I visited Budapest for the first time a few years ago, and honestly… I’ve been dreaming about going back ever since. There’s just something about this city: the spa culture, the ruin bars, the views over the Danube – that makes it the perfect European city break. And the best part? It works for literally everyone. Families, couples, young travellers, older travellers… Budapest has a way of keeping everyone happy.

You’ve got history and architecture that look straight out of a fairytale, Europe’s best thermal baths where you can soak for hours, nightlife that goes way beyond the famous ruin bars, calm river cruises at sunset, and don’t even get me started on the food. Hungarian cuisine is warm, comforting and full of flavour. I swear I could eat beef goulash every single day.

If you’re planning your first (or next!) trip, this Budapest travel guide has everything you need. From must-see spots and the best things to do, to food tips, thermal baths, ruin bars, and a little itinerary inspiration for the perfect Budapest weekend.

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Planning Your Journey

Best time to visit Budapest 

If you’ve ever been to a European city in peak summer, you probably know the drill – hot, busy, and a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to walk around and actually enjoy yourself. Budapest is no different. July and August can be very warm, the attractions get crowded, and prices jump. But… if summer is the only time you can visit Budapest, don’t let that stop you. The city is still gorgeous, and long sunny evenings along the Danube are honestly pretty dreamy.

For me, the best time to visit Budapest is definitely spring and autumn. Think April – June or September – October. The weather is mild, perfect for exploring on foot, and most of the tourists are back home. You get all the beauty of the city – the thermal baths, the Fisherman’s Bastion views, the outdoor cafés without battling the crowds.

If you’re thinking about visiting Budapest in winter, just be prepared for very cold weather. Temperatures can drop below freezing, but the city becomes incredibly atmospheric. And if you’re travelling in December, you’ll get to experience some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Fairy lights, mulled wine, chimney cake… it’s such a vibe.

Travel Insurance 

Before you dive into Budapest’s sights, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance. Whether you’re soaking in Széchenyi Thermal Bath, exploring Buda Castle, or hopping between ruin bars, accidents and mishaps can happen. I like Visitors Coverage – they make it simple, so you can relax and enjoy your Budapest adventure without stress.

How to get to Budapest / Booking Your Flight

Getting to Budapest is easier than you might think. Whether you’re flying, taking a train, hopping on a bus, or driving, the city is well connected to Europe and beyond. Budapest Airport (BUD) is about 45 minutes from the city center, with flights from major hubs around the world.

If you’re travelling from nearby countries, trains and buses are a great option. Direct trains from Vienna, Prague, or Bratislava make for a comfortable and scenic journey, while long-distance buses ( check BusBud.com ) are budget-friendly and reliable.

To save money, it’s best to book your flights, train, or bus tickets in advance. Websites like Kiwi.com, Omio.com, and Expedia make it easy to compare prices and find the best deals. No matter how you arrive, getting to Budapest is simple  and the city is ready to welcome you for your perfect city break.

Where to stay in Budapest / Booking your hotel 

Budapest was once two separate cities – Buda and Pest – and even though they’re now one, the differences are still very visible. Choosing where to stay can shape your whole experience. And one thing you’ll notice: accommodation in Budapest is special. Whether it’s a stylish hotel or a quirky Airbnb, rooms here are unique and full of character.

Buda sits on the hills and feels more historic and peaceful. Here you’ll find Buda Castle, cobbled streets, and stunning viewpoints over the city so pack your comfiest shoes for walking up and down the hills.

• Budget: Budapest Csaszar Hotel, Judy and Sandor Apartmen, Penthouse -By the Danube
• Luxury: Hotel Clark Budapest, Pest‑Buda Design Hotel, Hilton Budapest
• Family friendly: Buda Castle Hotel, Baltazár Boutique Hotel, Pest‑Buda Design Hotel,
• Romantic: Hotel Clark Budapest, Pest‑Buda Design Hotel, Hilton Budapest

Pest, on the other hand, is flatter, more modern, and bustling with life. It’s perfect for exploring on foot, with restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the famous Jewish Quarter. Both sides have their charm, so whether you prefer historic calm or lively streets, Budapest has a spot for you.

• Budget: City Hotel Ring, Budapest Central Apartment, Travel Inn Apartments
• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Aria Hotel Budapest
• Family friendly: Novotel Budapest City, Corinthia Budapest, MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall
• Romantic: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Marmara Hotel Budapest, Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest

Upon Arrival

Getting a SIM Card

Landing in Budapest and want hassle-free internet? An e-SIM from Airalo is a great option. No need to hunt for a local SIM or pay high roaming fees –  just buy your e-SIM before your trip, and it works the moment you arrive. 

Getting to your hotel from the airport 

Budapest Airport is about 20 km from the city center, and there are a few ways to reach your hotel:

• Bus – The 100E airport bus goes straight to Deák Ferenc tér, right in the heart of Budapest. Grab a special 100E ticket via the Budapest GO app, at BKK service points, from the driver, or at ticket machines. The ride takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, bus 200E takes you to a metro station so you can continue into the city.
• Taxi – Fast and convenient, but the priciest option. Ask ahead for the average fare to avoid surprises.
• Pre-Booked Transfer – If you prefer a stress-free start, companies like Welcome Pickups, Kiwi Taxi, and Holiday Taxis offer private airport transfers straight to your hotel.

Navigating the City

Budapest is surprisingly easy to explore, whether you’re walking, hopping on public transport, or taking a scenic river cruise.

• Getting Around Budapest 

Budapest is a very walkable city, and strolling around is a great way to take in the architecture, street art, and historic squares. But if you want to cover more ground, the city has an excellent tram, bus, and metro network.

The yellow trams (especially lines 2 and 4/6) are great for sightseeing and the M1 metro line – the Millennium Underground – is a must-try and the fastest way to reach key attractions.

• Paying for Public Transport

You can buy tickets at machines, from drivers, or via the Budapest GO app. A single ticket costs around 350 HUF, or grab a 24-hour or 72-hour pass if you plan to see a lot.

• Handy Apps

For getting around Budapest easily, I recommend the Budapest GO app – it shows routes, schedules, and even lets you buy tickets on the go. I also like Citymapper for real-time updates and finding the quickest way across the city.

What to do / What to see in Budapest 

Budapest is a city full of surprises, where history, culture, and modern life blend perfectly. Whether you want to dive into local experiences, discover hidden gems, or simply enjoy the city at your own pace, there’s something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit, consider guided tours via GetYourGuide or Viator for insider tips. For easy access to tickets for popular experiences, Tiqets.com is super handy. Prefer exploring independently? WeGoTrip.com offers great audio tours so you can discover Budapest on your own schedule.

1. Take a soak in the famous baths

I can’t write about my personal experience as I didn’t get the chance to visit any, but experiencing a thermal bath in Budapest should be a must. The city has the best spas in Europe with over 20 active bath complexes. They are all over the town but the famous ones are Szechenyi Baths and Pool and Gellert Baths. Book full day entry to Széchenyi here 

2. Admire the views of Buda and Pest from Gellert Hill

A little hike or short bus ride will take you to a panoramic and wonderful view of Buda and Pest. On the hill, in the middle of the route, you will see the Gellért Monument. At the very top you can admire the massive 130m Citadella and Liberty Statue. In addition to the landmarks you’ll see, it’s also a popular place to watch the sunset.

3. Explore Buda Castle

The castle was destroyed during the war so unfortunately it’s not possible to see all the historical rooms. Now, it’s home to several paid attractions like the National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the Museum of Music History. If you’re not interested in those, you can enter without paying and walk in the courtyard, but we got there during a folk festival so we had to buy tickets. The festival was also interesting, featuring several different countries, with souvenirs and performances. The castle is worth a visit for its stunning view of the city alone.

4. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church

This place was my favourite of everywhere we visited in Budapest. The church was stunning and had an incredible history, having been the scene for the coronations of kings. Book entry here  The bastion was also very beautiful. Built in the Neo-Romanesque style at the end of the 18th century, the bastion is a series of towers and terraces, painted white and built on the hill with another incredible view. It only takes 20 minutes to get here from the castle, but it is quite a hike!

5. Take a photo of Parliament

The parliament building is one of the most famous in Budapest. It’s built in the neo-Gothic and Baroque styles and is considered one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. You can also admire it from a river cruise! Book here 

6. Walk on Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Arguably the most beautiful as well as being the oldest bridge in Budapest, Széchenyi Chain Bridge is guarded by huge stone lions on both sides. It was the first bridge to connect the cities of Buda and Pest over the Danube river.

7. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is the largest temple in Budapest, so it should definitely be on your bucket list. The basilica is dedicated to the first Hungarian king, Stefan, and it has a wonderful 96m dome that you can visit. Check out a concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica here

8. Take a romantic walk at Margaret Island

The island lies on the Danube river between Buda and Pest and is the perfect place for a picnic or romantic walk in beautiful gardens. There are also cycle paths, a tiny zoo, numerous pools and even some ruins to explore.

9. Visit Vajdahunyad Castle and city park

The most beautiful and romantic park in Budapest, there are ponds, secret paths and monuments, like stunning Vajdahunyad Castle. You’ll be blown away by the range of architectural styles, from Romanesque, to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

10. Visit Hősök tere

Hősök tere – the heroes’ square – is one of the most important squares in the capital of Hungary. It’s here that the most important demonstrations and mass meetings take place.

What to Eat in Budapest

Hungarian cuisine isn’t exactly known for being light, so don’t plan on dieting while you’re in the city! The food shares similarities with Polish, Austrian, and German dishes, so I knew I’d love it. From hearty stews to delicious street food, Budapest has something for every foodie. 

Here’s a look at some of my favourite Hungarian dishes and the best places to try them in Budapest.

Beef Goulash

Slow cooked beef served as a soup or stew. It comes with paprika, onions and sometimes with potatoes. A restaurant called Kiosk was recommended to me and it was so good, I visited twice!

Chicken Paprikash

This dish uses different parts of chicken depending on the restaurant, cooked in Hungarian paprika seasoning and vegetables too. Altogether, it is very tasty! I ordered this dish at Meat Boutique, a restaurant that also serves very good hamburgers.

Langos

Deep fried flatbread served with butter or sour cream and grated cheese. Personally, I didn’t love langos, but it was worth a try. If you want to try it too, head to Karavan. This is a little street food courtyard in the Jewish District, where you can find everything from Thai food to burgers and pizza.

Kürtőskalács

This was the dish my husband was most excited to eat. We’d tried it before in Germany and Poland, and visiting Budapest finally meant we could try the original. It’s really just charcoal roasted dough dipped in sugar, cinnamon or other flavours. You can also get it at the Karavan and many other spots in the city.

Where to party in Budapest

Budapest is one of the most popular destinations in Europe to party. The most popular area is the Jewish District, where you will find many ruin bars and nightclubs. 

The oldest and most famous place is Szimpla Kert, but with its fame come the crowds. It’s a massive bar in an old building, filled with surprises like fountains and trees, which are best seen in daylight.

Koleves Kert has a beautiful secret garden, 360 Bar has the best roof-top view and Basic Bar is a great spot if you’re looking to keep things simple. 

For a fancier destination, try Mazel Tov for dinner and drinks, but do make a reservation. When I went, the line was very long! There’s no shortage of bars in Budapest, so hop from bar to bar to find the one you like best.

If you’re looking for something more than just a quiet night with a beer, go to the biggest ruin bar called Instant. You could also try Fogas, which is next door. Both are nightclubs with amazing interiors and interesting music. The best thing about it? It’s free to get in, so you can go in, explore and, if you don’t like it, move on to somewhere else.

Budapest is an incredible city, packed with stunning views, historic architecture, delicious Hungarian food, and vibrant nightlife. There’s truly so much to see and do, from thermal baths and Buda Castle to ruin bars and Danube river cruises. If you’re still on the fence about visiting, just go for it – a Budapest city break is an experience you won’t forget!