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Budapest Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-5 days

Best Time: March to May & September to November Read More

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"The city of ruin pubs"

Budapest Tourism

Budapest, also called the 'Little Paris' of Middle Europe, is the largest city in Hungary. Budapest is situated in the central part of Hungary, in the heart of Europe. It straddles the Danube River, with the city divided into two parts: Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. These two areas are connected by several iconic bridges, creating a captivating contrast between the hilly, historical Buda side and the bustling, vibrant Pest side. Budapest is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, thermal baths, Danube River, vibrant cultural scene, delicious cuisine, and affordable charm.

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which have been in use since Roman times. These rejuvenating baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért Baths, offer a unique and relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. It is also known for its lively nightlife scene. Ruin bars, located in dilapidated buildings, have become a unique attraction and a must-visit for those seeking a fun and hip atmosphere.

Budapest is a hub of cultural activities, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Visitors can indulge in classical music concerts, contemporary art exhibitions, and performances, giving them a taste of Hungarian creativity and artistic expression. Hungarian cuisine is a treat for food lovers, offering hearty dishes like goulash, chimney cakes, and langos. Exploring the city's food markets and traditional restaurants is a delightful way to experience the local flavors.

Throughout the year, Budapest hosts various festivals and events, celebrating everything from music and film to food and wine. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the city's cultural celebrations. Compared to other European capitals, Budapest offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Must Know Before You Travel to Budapest

  • Public Transport: Budapest has an efficient and well-connected public transport system, including metro, trams, and buses. Purchase a Budapest Card for unlimited rides and discounts on attractions.
  • Budapest Card: Get a Budapest Card for unlimited public transport, free entry to museums, and discounts on various activities.
  • Buda and Pest: The city is divided into two parts by the Danube River: Buda (hilly and historical) and Pest (flat and vibrant). Both offer unique experiences worth exploring.
  • Accommodation: Stay in central areas like District V or District VII to be close to major sights and easily access public transport.
  • Cash and Cards: Have some Hungarian Forints for small purchases, but major credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Thermal Baths: Respect the rules and etiquettes of the thermal baths; shower before entering the pools.
  • Pickpockets: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded places and public transport.

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Exchanging Money in Budapest

There are many options of exchanging currencies in Budapest. Many currency exchange kiosks can be found in the tourist areas and near shopping centers, usually offer the best exchange rates. Money can be exchanged at banks at a surcharge. ATMs are easily found in Budapest, these dispense money at your bank's daily exchange rate. Currency exchange at airports is possible at at a significant surcharge of about 10% - 15%. CorrectChange and Northline are two of the popular currency exchange booths, current exchange rates are published online along with the loccation of these booths in Budapest.

Daily Budget for Budapest

When traveling to Budapest on a budget, your daily expenditure on food, transport, and attractions can be reasonably economical. On average, budget travelers may spend approximately 25 to 40 Euros per day. Eating at budget-friendly eateries, street food vendors, or local markets can cost around 5 to 10 Euros for three meals. Budapest's affordable public transport system offers options like single tickets for about 1 Euro or a 24-hour travel card for approximately 5 to 7 Euros, providing unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro. Many attractions offer free or low-cost entry. For those with admission fees, budget around 5 to 10 Euros per attraction.

History of Budapest

There is evidence of people living on both sides of the river Danube in the Stone Age. Around the 5th BC, the Hun tribe under Atila the Hun, conquered Hungary and settled around the modern day Budapest. Around the first millenium AD, the king of Hungary established the feudal structure prevalent in the rest of Europe, and developed Buda and Pest. The city was later conquered by the Turks, who converted churches into mosques and established various water-baths. The city suffered heavy damage during the second world war, when it was a front-line town. Post war, Budapest was controlled by the Soviet Union right up to the fall of the union in 1991. Since then a lot of modern development has been done in the city, and it is now a major financial hub of central Europe.

Nightlife in Budapest

With a mix of ruin bars, party streets, and lively districts, Budapest's nightlife scene promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to dance the night away.
1. Ruin Bars: Budapest's iconic ruin bars are a must-visit. These unique venues are set up in abandoned buildings and courtyards, offering a bohemian ambiance, live music, and a great selection of drinks.
2. Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter is a hub of nightlife, with its bustling streets filled with lively bars, pubs, and clubs, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
3. Akácfa Street: Known as the "Party Street," Akácfa Street is lined with bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning, providing an unforgettable party experience.
4. Gozsdu Udvar: This vibrant complex of interconnected courtyards is packed with bars, restaurants, and dance floors, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
5. Budapest Boat Parties: Party cruises along the Danube River offer a unique experience, combining stunning views of Budapest's illuminated landmarks with music and dancing on board.

Shopping in Budapest

Budapest offers a diverse and vibrant shopping scene, catering to all tastes and budgets. The city boasts several major shopping areas and streets where you can indulge in retail therapy.
1. Váci Street: One of Budapest's most famous shopping streets, Váci Street, is lined with elegant boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. It's perfect for buying Hungarian crafts, clothing, and traditional gifts.
2. Andrássy Avenue: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Andrássy Avenue is known for its luxury boutiques and high-end fashion stores, offering designer brands and upscale shopping experiences.
3. Fashion Street: Adjacent to Váci Street, Fashion Street is a pedestrianized shopping district with international brands, trendy boutiques, and modern shopping centers.
4. Rákóczi Avenue: This bustling street is ideal for budget-friendly shopping, offering a mix of local markets, thrift stores, and unique shops.
5. Great Market Hall: For a taste of local flavors, head to the Great Market Hall, a large indoor market where you can find fresh produce, meats, spices, and traditional Hungarian products.
6. Mammut Shopping Mall: Located in Buda, Mammut is one of the city's largest shopping malls, featuring a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
7. WestEnd City Center: Situated near Nyugati Railway Station, WestEnd is another prominent mall with numerous shops, dining venues, and a cinema complex.

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FAQs on Budapest

What are the places near Budapest?

The top places near to Budapest are Vienna which is 214 km from Budapest, Krakow which is located 293 km from Budapest, Auschwitz which is located 282 km from Budapest, Venice which is located 563 km from Budapest, Munich which is located 561 km from Budapest

What is the best time to visit Budapest?

The best time to visit Budapest is during Spring or Autumn. The crowds are minimal and the prices are within budget. Moreover, the city springs to life and offers a colourful and magical vibe. The pleasant weather conditions also make it an ideal time to explore the city on foot and to take part in outdoor activities. The summer months from June to August, see a surge in tourism. The heat combined with the excessive crowds makes for an uncomfortable trip. If you do plan to visit Budapest in the summer, then it is recommended to make your bookings well in advance. The winter months witness the least amount of tourist crowds. The weather conditions can get quite chilly and most attractions and public places remain shut throughout this season. You can consider a trip during winter if you wish to indulge in a cold and quiet city atmosphere. Apart from the seasons, Budapest hosts a ton of exciting events and activities that should make it to your to-do list.
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What is the local food in Budapest?

The Hungarians pride themselves on their ability to eat spicy food. A lot of the local Hungarian dishes are heavy on paprika. Budapest has a number of cafes and restaurants of all price ranges. Among Hungarian street food the most popoular dish is the langos, which in its most basic form is a fried bread with garlic and cream. They have also borrowed from their neighbouring country, Greece, its gyros which is ubiquitous on the streets of Budapest. A unique dish of Hungary is a kind of cold fruit soup. Other popular dishes include Chicken Paprikash (roast chicken in red pepper sauce with homemade noodles), goulash (stew of meat and vegetable seasoned with paprika) and kurtoskalacs (chimney cake). They also love their desserts and a popular ingredient in most of these desserts is poppy seeds. Hungarians love a glass of wine along with all their meals. Palinka is a special alcochol in Hungary which is essentially a very strong fruit brandy. These are not to be mixed with any other drink and to be had bottoms up!
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How much does a package cost for Budapest?

The packages for Budapest start at INR 47593 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top hotels in Budapest?

There are 4751 in Budapest which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Budapest are Apartment L&A, Apartment 43, Classic Central Apartment, Broadway Residence, Erzsebet Boulevard Apartment, Katy Apartment. You can see all the hotels in Budapest here

What are the things to do in Budapest?

The top things to do in Budapest are Walking tours, Thermal Baths, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Margaret Island, Szimpla Kert. You can see all the places to visit in Budapest here

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Budapest Reviews

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Anushree Bhatia

4 years ago
Budapest is one of my favourite European cities - It is extremely inexpensive compared to the rest of the Europe. Doesn't disappoint in how European it feels and has one of the best party scenes
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