Budapest, Hungary – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, sits peacefully Europe’s second largest river, the Danube. The city is split into two parts on either side of the monstrous river; Quiet Buda to the west is the more residential side while the busy Pest on the east is more urban. No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing both sides of this fantastic city. Social media is full of pictures showing bathers relaxing at the Szechenyi Thermal Baths but is there more to this city than its thermal springs?

Read on to find out!

• Currency – Hungarian Forint
• Language – Hungarian but locals speak fluent English
• Time – One hour ahead of Ireland
• Plugs – Type C plug (the 2-prong rounded one) so be sure to pack an adaptor
• Cash or Card – Card is accepted everywhere and ATMs are plentiful should you need cash
• Public Toilets – Common but often require a small payment so carry some cash on you
• Tipping – Where there is no service charge on the bill a tip of around 10% is expected

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is a 40 minute drive from the city centre. The flight takes 3 hours from Dublin and Ferenc Liszt International is small and super easy to navigate. There are two terminals but Terminal 1 has been closed to passengers since 2012 so you will head to Terminal 2 for your return flight.

Find Cheap Flights to Budapest

If you don’t hire a car there are three ways of reaching central Budapest. There is no train station at the airport so catching one would mean catching a bus first.

By Bus: The 100E Airport Shuttle Bus connects Budapest airport to the city centre for 2200 HUF (€5.50) each way. These blue buses run every 15 minutes daily and every 30 minutes at night all week. Tickets are available at the purple machines near the bus stops and the trip takes 40 minutes.

By Taxi: Head to the Főtaxi booth outside of the arrivals building. The English-speaking dispatcher provides you with a printed quote for your journey and a yellow taxi arrives promptly upon confirmation. Present the slip to the driver who transports you to your destination for the agreed fare. Credit card payments are accepted but bring some Hungarian Forint for a customary tip of around 10%. Trips to the city center take under 40 minutes and cost approximately 12000 HUF (€30).

By Private Transfer: We book package holidays through OnTheBeach.ie who also provide transfer services. While we often advise opting for transfers, particularly if carrying a 20KG bag, we suggest making your own way to your hotel in Budapest because of the inexpensive and round-the-clock transport methods available here.

Being a large city, it offers something for everyone in terms of accommodation. When we book our packages through OnTheBeach.ie we usually try to go four star with breakfast included if we can. If it’s simplicity you are after then avail of an all-inclusive package. Those worrying about costs can find plenty of good three star hotels here too.

We stayed breakfast-only at the three-star Deans Home Budapest, avoiding half-board because we enjoy dining out on holidays. Nestled in the buzzy District 8, Deans Home primarily serves as student accommodation. The staff are delightful and the breakfast was simple but enjoyable. While there are no lavish amenities like swimming pools, guests can enjoy a charming rooftop area. The hotel’s location above a Spar supermarket means your shopping needs are catered for and it’s only a 1 minute walk to a lovely metro station.

The hotel doesn’t serve dinner but there are plenty of restaurants nearby. It is about a 30 minute walk from the city centre but if you have used the metro once you likely won’t bother walking again!

Check out Budapest Hotels

Prices are much more affordable than Ireland, with a delicious main course costing under €10 at many of the local restaurants. The Váci Utca area is home to many splendid restaurants such as the exquisite Rustico, but those with particular tastes will find familiar chains like McDonald’s widely available too.

Street food enthusiasts should visit Karavan, a gathering of food trucks near the Szimpla Kert ruin bar, to savor Hungarian classics like goulash soup and chicken paprikash at affordable prices. Try langos, a fried flatbread resembling pizza with various delicious toppings.

If craving sweet treats grab a chimney cake, a doughy delicacy sometimes sprinkled with chocolate or filled with Nutella. If that doesn’t satiate your sweet tooth head to Cookie Beacon for brunch and hearty cookies. There is always a queue but it’s worth the wait.

There are Spar shops and local supermarkets everywhere, ideal for anyone staying in self-catering accommodation.

Hot Beverages: The renowned New York Café draws droves of tourists daily but, despite its popularity on social media, we found it overpriced and overrated! Long queues and mediocre food and drink overshadow the elegant atmosphere.

Head to an animal café instead. Feline-lovers can sip on a cappuccino while petting 15 cats at the popular Cat Café. The food and drinks are average but the experience is lots of fun, especially for younger visitors.

Alcohol: In a Hungarian bar a local beer costs less than €2 and cocktails cost around €6 or €7. These prices rise dramatically once you venture into the more touristy bars.

Irish bars tend to close early and the craic is often lacking. Davy Byrne’s Irish Gastro Pub stands out as the best choice due to its friendly staff and they regularly show GAA and Premier League matches.

The Jewish Quarter, or “Party Quarter”, is renowned for fantastic nightclubs and exceptional bars. Explore Gozsdu Udvar, a picturesque street brimming with modern bars, or head to Rumpus Tikki Bar to be whisked away to Hawaii as you indulge in delicious (although pricey) cocktails.

The unquestionable champion among Budapest’s pubs is Szimpla Kert. See our things to do section below to learn why this iconic ruin bar is the epitome of Budapest’s nightlife scene.

Tokaji Wine and Froccs: Budapest is famous for Tokaji wine, a sweet white wine originating from Hungary’s Tokaji region. Even the inexpensive bottles found in supermarkets are delicious. During the summer months Fröccs, a refreshing spritzer combining soda water and white wine, is a popular beverage.

Visit from late March to May, just outside of the peak season. The weather begins to warm up with average temperatures of around 21 degrees, which is perfect for leisurely strolls around the city. In the clammy peak summer months you’ll appreciate the city’s remarkable air conditioning, particularly in the metros. Some travelers prefer the winter months for the allure of thermal baths amidst the snowfall.

Travel on Foot: This city needs to be explored on foot to appreciate the magnificent architecture that surrounds you. The entire Pest side of the city is flat and easily walkable with great footpaths and calm traffic. Budapest is one of the safest cities we’ve been to so walking at night in small groups is perfectly fine.

Public Transport: Budapest has the best public transport system we’ve seen. Buy a 72 hour (€14) or 15 day (€16) Travel Pass at any of the purple machines outside the Metro stations. These entitle you to ride any bus, metro or tram in the whole city except the 100E Airport Shuttle. If using taxis, use the Bolt App to avoid being ripped off by freelancers.

We often suggest using hop-on hop-off buses to see cities like Barcelona but don’t bother here because the travel pass gives you access to Tram 2. One of the most scenic tram journeys in Europe, Tram 2 follows the Danube and showcases the Buda Hills, the Castle District, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament.

You can also use your pass to take a ride on the glorious M1 Millennium Underground. Europe’s oldest subway runs below the main thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue.

Check out our Travel Guide to Barcelona

Vehicle Hire: There are car hire providers for as little as €10 per day but we advise against it. Good footpaths and flat land makes walking or cycling a much better option. MOL Bubi is the public bicycle system here. Download the Bubi App to avail of over 200 docking stations with a 30 minute ride costing just €3.

Alternatively, rent a scooter through the link below to explore the Buda side of the city.

Find Cheap Bicycle Rentals

Budapest’s charm lies in its serene atmosphere. The city feels quiet yet joyful and the locals are delightfully helpful. The architecture in Pest is painting-like while Buda offers a rural old town ambiance in contrast. The city is popular with families and couples but the romantic nature of the Danube and its boats makes it particularly enchanting for the latter.

Váci Utca is the main pedestrianized tourist street in the heart of the Budapest, brimming with shops, restaurants and throngs of people. Head there in the evening for an idyllic stroll before calling into one of its many eateries for a nice dinner under the streetlights.

Andrássy Avenue is a 2km boulevard stretching from Erzsébet Square to Heroes Square. Unlike Váci Utca, the shops lining Andrássy Avenue cater to a more upscale clientele. Stroll along the avenue to see notable landmarks like the impressive Hungarian State Opera House and the Terror Museum before reaching Heroes Square, which is adorned with statues honoring Hungarian greats.

Andrássy Avenue is considerably long so return via the magnificent M1 Millennium Underground which, being the oldest subway line in Europe, is a must-see attraction in itself.

In the middle of the Danube, away from the lively streets of Pest, lies Margaret Island. Like a tiny version of New York’s Central Park, it offers a peaceful retreat from the Budapest’s hustle and bustle. Cars are absent with only the 26 bus providing a service, and the best way to get there is by foot via Margaret Bridge.

Upon arrival you can rent fun pedal-vehicles for exploration, although the island is easily navigable on foot either. Highlights include a petting zoo and a charming Japanese Garden. The island’s main draw is its serene atmosphere which is particularly enjoyable on a sunny day.

North of Andrássy Avenue lies City Park, home to some of Budapest’s best tourist attractions including the zoo and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

One often overlooked gem within the park, Vajdahunyad Castle, was constructed in 1896 to commemorate 1,000 years of Hungary. The castle houses the Museum of Agriculture and admission costs 2,500 HUF (€6.30), but we recommend just strolling through the courtyard for free.

The Danube Promenade runs along the Pest side of Budapest and is the perfect setting for a stroll. You’ll enjoy views of grandiose hotels on the Pest side and Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion across the river in Buda. At its northern end you can visit the Shoes on the Danube memorial, a somber reminder of the thousands of Jewish lives lost here during World War II.

Near the Shoes on the Danube you’ll encounter the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, the largest building in Hungary. Entry is possible via a tour for €13 but the exterior, particularly at sunset, is the true highlight.

Locals are renowned for their warm hospitality and gel really well with Irish people. The city is a fusion of cultures and there is constantly something fun happening. When night falls Budapest truly comes alive with a laid-back yet exhilarating nightlife experience.

Those seeking a tranquil experience can set off on an evening stroll along the banks of the Danube or book a leisurely river cruise. This is a sleepy city that exudes a peaceful ambiance, catering to all preferences, whether you’re craving a slower pace of life or seeking something fun.

Leave space in your stomach for a visit to Budapest’s Great Market Hall. Sometimes called Central Market Hall, this stunning building dates back to 1897. Mingle with locals downstairs as you indulge in fruit, vegetables and paprika-seasoned sausages. Upstairs you’ll find craft stalls offering trinkets and local culinary delights such as langos. The market is packed with locals so there’s never a quiet moment to visit but this is part of its charm.

The Great Market Hall opens from 6am everyday but is closed on Sundays.

St. Stephen’s Basilica, dedicated to Hungary’s first king St. Stephen, is a remarkable Roman Catholic building. Admission costs €8 and grants access to a smokey interior where visitors can behold St. Stephen’s preserved right hand! An additional €11 grants access to the basilica’s uppermost level for panoramic views of the city. You can access the viewing gallery by stairs or by lift but it gets very crowded at times.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays but doesn’t open until 1pm on Sundays.

Buy St Stephen’s Basilica Basic Entry Tickets

The Jewish Quarter is home to the Synagogue Triangle, where you can visit three stunning synagogues; the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Rumbach Street Synagogue and the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, all within a short walk of one another. The particularly impressive Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and houses the Hungarian Jewish Museum. Tickets to the complex cost around €28 and include a guided tour. Purchase your tickets at the link below.

The synagogue opens from 10am everyday except Saturday, when it is closed.

Buy Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian Jewish Museum Tickets

Szechenyi Baths are the most visited tourist attraction in Budapest, with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor baths, along with saunas and steam rooms. You can get here via the Szechenyi Furdo Metro Station and tickets cost around €42. They have a unique Beer Spa Experience onsite, where you and a partner can soak in a wooden beer-filled tub and enjoy unlimited drinks from your own private tap!

The Szechenyi Baths open at 7am (8am on weekends) and close at 8pm everyday.

There are some other great options such as the Gellert Thermal Baths, famous for their dazzling indoor pools, or the Rudas Thermal Baths. The Gellert Baths are possibly the prettiest in Budapest and after a visit you can tackle the 30 minute hike up Gellert Hill for sweeping views of the entire city. The Rudas Baths allow only single-gender admittance on most days so it’s tricky to visit them if travelling as a couple.

All of the baths are open in the winter, with many people loving the romantic feel to Szechenyi during snowy weather.

Buy Szechenyi Baths Full Day Tickets

Buy Gellert Thermal Baths Full Day Tickets

In the early noughties locals began setting up bars in dilapidated buildings around Budapest’s Old Jewish Quarter and these ruin bars prompted a revival in the area.

At the heart of the revival is the iconic Szimpla Kert, now a bustling tourist hotspot. Drink prices carry a slight premium (it’s still under €5 for a beer) but the experience is unquestionably worth it. Many guides promote bar crawls that visit various ruin bars but there are no real ruin bars left apart from Szimpla Kert.

This labyrinth of nooks and bars sprawls across multiple floors, each offering a unique ambiance and a different genre of live music. Cocktail bars, wine bars and an impressive selection of beers on tap add to a killer atmosphere that is unlike anything you will experience elsewhere in the world.

Szimpla Kert opens at 3pm on weekdays and you should visit during the day for a more laidback vibe. It’s very casual so there’s no need to be dressed smartly, and from 9am to 2pm on a Sunday it hosts an atmospheric Farmer’s Market.

Budapest is famously picturesque at night so book a Danube River Cruise to soak it in from a great vantage point. Duna-Weser offer evening cruises with unlimited prosecco for just €25 each. Indulge in unlimited lemonade or sparkling wine while an audio guide points out the landmarks as you pass them. The 75 minute trip is a leisurely means of seeing sites like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and Liberty Bridge at their prettiest. Dress appropriately because the breeze can make this a chilly evening!

Purchase Danube River Cruise Tickets

One full day of your trip should be devoted to visiting Buda, the quieter side of Budapest. Do this at the latter end of your holiday as a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Pest.

Buda is best reached via the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge linking Buda and Pest. Once across the bridge continue straight to ascend Castle Hill by catching the vintage Castle Hill Funicular. Return tickets cost 4000 HUF (€10) and afford super views of Pest as you ascend.

At the summit head left to the Royal Palace (Buda Castle), home to St. Stephen’s Hall, the Budapest History Museum and the Szechenyi Library. Explore the outer grounds before heading back past the funicular station to the Castle Quarter.

Make your way to Matthias Church, once the coronation site for Hungarian kings. Explore its intricate interior for €7.50, immersing yourself in its stunning architecture and historical significance.

Purchase Buda Castle Walking Tour Tickets

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a breathtaking assembly of Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces offering splendid views. Arrive just before sunset to witness Budapest in all its glory. A bustling restaurant at the lower sections kills the ambiance a little so continue past it to the arched viewing point. You can access the upper portions of the structure for 1200 HUF (€3) but the view from below is just as good, albeit a little more crowded.

If visiting during the Spring head to the often overlooked Arpad Toth Promenade. This charming pedestrian promenade on the quieter side of Buda is adorned with magical looking cherry blossom trees making it a popular spot for photos.