A basic guide for a visit to Budapest, we tell you everything you need to know

Somos Eduardo y Natkin, y queremos compartir contigo nuestra guía esencial para visitar Budapest, la impresionante capital de Hungría. Conocida como «La Perla del Danubio», esta ciudad nos cautivó por su espectacular arquitectura, aguas termales relajantes y una gastronomía que despierta todos los sentidos. En este artículo, te ofrecemos toda la información básica que necesitas para organizar tu viaje a Budapest en 2025.

When To Visit Budapest?

The Perfect climate for your Trip

Budapest has a continental climate with four well-defined seasons. Our recommendation:

• Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. The parks and gardens in bloom, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Summer (June-August): High season, with temperatures that can exceed 30°C. Ideal to enjoy outdoor festivals and activities in the Danube.
• Autumn (September-November): Mild weather and fewer tourists. The colors of fall transform the city into a box is perfect.
• Winter (December-February): Below zero temperatures but with the magic of the christmas markets and the hot springs, steaming under the snow.

For us, the best time is may-June or September, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

¿Por qué Budapest se llama Buda y Pest?

How to get to Budapest and move around the city

Arriving at Budapest

• Airplane: The International Airport Ferenc Liszt (BUD) is connected with the main european cities. Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air and Lufthansa offer direct flights.
• In train: Budapest has excellent rail connections with cities like Vienna (2.5 hours), Prague (6.5 hours) and Munich (7 hours).
• In bus: Companies like Flixbus connect Budapest with numerous european cities at affordable prices.

Public transportation in Budapest

The public transportation system in Budapest is efficient and affordable:

• Metro: 4 lines that cover the main points of interest (M1, M2, M3 and M4).
• Trams: Line 2 runs along the Danube river, offering spectacular views.
• Buses and trolleybuses: Cover the areas where there is no metro.
• Boats: A picturesque forms of move by the Danube.

TipWe recommend to buy the Budapest Card (available for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours), which includes public transportation and unlimited tickets for free or with discount more than 30 tourist attractions. In 2025, the prices range from 28€ (24h) and 85€ (120h).

Where to stay in Budapest

Budapest is divided by the Danube into two parts: Buda (west) and Pest (east). Each area has its charm:

Buddha (West):

• District I (Buda Castle): Historic area, quiet and stylish. Ideal for couples looking for romance.
• District II: Residential area with beautiful villas and good connections to the centre.

Pest (East):

• District V: The tourist heart of the city. Perfect for first time visitors access and walking distance to the main attractions.
• District VI and VII: The lively Jewish Quarter, ideal for lovers of night life, restaurants and bars ruin.
• District VIII: Area in regeneration with most affordable prices and local environment.

Must haves that you See in Budapest: Our Top 10

1. Parliament of Budapest: Masterpiece neo-gothic and a symbol of the city. We recommend you to book the guided tour in advance (price 2025: 30€).
2. The Fishermen's bastion: Viewpoint of a tale with the best views of Pest. Free entry to most of the sections.
3. Chain bridge: The first permanent bridge over the Danube. Essential to cross by foot.
4. St. Stephen's basilica: The most important church in Budapest. Don't miss the views from your dome (input 2025: 5€).
5. Széchenyi Spa: The thermal bath, the largest in Europe. A perfect place to relax (basic input 2025: 25€).
6. Central Market: Covered market in 1897, where you will find typical products, souvenirs and delicious local food.
7. Margarita Island: Green lung of the city, perfect for a walk or do sports.
8. Synagogue of Dohány utca: The second largest synagogue in the world (entrance 2025: 15€).
9. Andrássy Avenue: La «Champs-Élysées» de Budapest, Patrimonio de la Humanidad.
10. Gellért Hill: For a unique panoramic view of the whole city, especially at sunset.

Hungarian gastronomy: what and where to eat

The Hungarian cuisine is great, tasty and with its own personality:

Dishes are indispensable:

• Goulash: The famous beef stew with paprika.

• Langos: Pan fried traditional with garlic, sour cream and cheese.
• Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): Sweet traditional in the shape of a cylinder.
• Fish soup (Halászlé): Intense fish soup with paprika.
• Chicken paprika (Csirke Paprikás): Chicken stewed in a sauce of paprika and sour cream.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Gettó Rooster: Fusion cuisine, jewish-hungarians in the Jewish Quarter. Tasting menu from 35€.
• Menza: Retro atmosphere and traditional cuisine, up-to-date. Main dishes 15-20€.
• Mazel Tov: Restaurant-garden with specialties of the Middle East, and Hungarian. Amazing atmosphere.
• New York Café: El «café más bonito del mundo». Precios elevados pero experiencia única.
• Reterro Bistro: Good relationship quality-price to try local dishes authentic.

Budget to Visit Budapest: how Much does it Cost

Budapest is one of the capitals most affordable in Europe. In approximately 2025:

Accommodation (per night):

• Hostel: 15-25€
• 3-star Hotel: 60-90€
• 4 star Hotel: 90-150€
• Holiday apartment: 50-100€

Meals:

• Breakfast in cafeteria: 5-8€
• Food in tourist restaurant: 12-18€
• Dinner in restaurant of mid-level: 15-25€
• Tasting menu: 35-60€

Transport:

• Single ticket: 1.20€
• Day pass: 5€
• Airport shuttle-center: 8-10€ (public transport), 25-30€ (taxi)

Activities:

• Budapest Card 72h: 58€
• Free Tour (tip): 10-15€
• Resorts: 18-30€
• Night cruise on the Danube: 25-40€

Total budget of approximately: 70-120€ per person per day, depending on the style of travel.

Practical tips for your trip to Budapest

• Currency: Although Hungary belongs to the EU, used by the Hungarian forint (HUF). 1€ ≈ 380 HUF (2025). We recommend to withdraw money at atm local.
• Language: The Hungarian is complex, but in tourist areas speak English. Learn some basic words is always appreciated:
  • Thank you: Köszönöm (keu-seu-neum)
  • Hello: Szia (sia)
  • Please: Kérem (key-rem)
• Tips: Customary to leave 10% in restaurants if it is not included in the account.
• Security: Budapest is generally safe. As in any tourist town, beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Wifi: Wide availability of free Wi-fi in cafes, restaurants and some public spaces.
• PlugsType : type C and F (european standard).

Suggested itinerary: 3 Days in Budapest

Day 1: Pest

• Morning: Parliament of Hungary and Liberty Square
• Noon: Lunch at the Central Market
• Afternoon: St. Stephen's basilica and stroll along the Andrássy Avenue
• Night: Dinner in the Jewish Quarter, and drink in a bar ruin

Day 2: Buddha

• Morning: Buda castle and Fisherman's Bastion
• Noon: Lunch in the neighborhood of the Castle
• Afternoon: Gellért hill and the Citadel
• Night: Night cruise on the Danube

Day 3: Relax and Culture

• Morning: Thermal baths Széchenyi
• Noon: Picnic in the City Park
• Afternoon: Walk on the Margaret Island
• Night: Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant

Conclusion: why Budapest should be on your list?

Budapest we fell in love with a perfect combination of history, culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is a city that offers experiences of first level at affordable prices, where every corner tells a different story.

Whether you're looking for a city break or a stop on your route to Central Europe, Budapest will not be disappointed. The Hungarian capital has that special charm that makes you want to return to again and again.

Have you been to Budapest? Do you have any questions about the city? Leave your comments and we will be happy to help you plan your perfect trip to the Pearl of the Danube.

Useful references:

• Tourism office of Budapest: visitbudapest.travel
• Public transport: bkk.hu/en
• Budapest Card official: budapestinfo.hu

Last update: March 2025

Disclaimer: The prices listed are approximate and may vary. We recommend to verify the information up-to-date before you travel.