As former affordable European cities grow progressively costly (we’re checking out you, Prague), costs in Budapest, Hungary stays fairly inviting to the worldwide travel crowd.
Often referred to as “the Paris of the East,” Hungary’s funding city supplies a special experience for travelers seeking to check out a city that is quietly captivating by day as well as bursting with life by night.
Hungary isn’t the least expensive destination to visit, however there are methods to go to Budapest without breaking the bank (while still having an incredible time!).
When planning a backpacking trip to Europe, Budapest is always a top option among travellers — as well as for great reason.
Here’s my guide to travelling to Budapest on a budget.
Table of Contents
Activities in Budapest (that won’t break the bank)
Getting around on a Budget
Affordable Accommodations
Low-Cost Eats in Budapest
Now You understand exactly how to travel Budapest On a Budget!
Activities in Budapest (that won’t break the bank)
Budget travelers will discover a riches of things to perform in Budapest that don’t expense a dime.
To very first get acclimated to the city, select a free, self-guided excursion travel plan that sparks your rate of interest as well as take yourself on a interesting stroll with a few of Europe’s a lot of well-preserved historical sites.
Or, if you’d rather be guided with the city, inspect out this complimentary walking excursion of Budapest. While it technically is free, the knowledgable guides work on tips.
For incredible, panoramic views, meander across Chain Bridge or hike to the summit of Gellért Hill.
Plan to spend a few hours checking out Castle Hill, the vehicle-free, UNESCO world Heritage site that sits along the Danube River.
Here you’ll discover the Buda Castle, the underground Castle Labyrinth, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, as well as lots of a lot more captivating medieval landmarks.
Art as well as history buffs must go to during the annual “Night of the Museums” in June, when a single ticket gets you into lots of participating galleries.
And if you’re into music, theatre, or architecture, then a go to to the Hungarian specify Opera home is absolutely in order. well established in 1884, this breathtaking, neo-Renaissance-style music hall enables visitors to check out its grounds for free.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest, as well as it’s likewise complimentary to visit!
Other areas worth inspecting out include Károlyi Gardens, Szabadság Square, Heroes Square, Millenáris Park, as well as Lake Balaton (also understood as the Hungarian Sea).
Getting around on a Budget
I suggest walking as your best option for getting around the city, particularly if you’re staying near the center or its historic districts.
However, Budapest uses lots of public transportation options, including four metro lines, major tram lines, bus as well as trolley services, as well as even a boat service that operates summertime with fall.
If you purchase a single ticket from a ticket vending maker prior to your ride, expect to pay about 350 HUF, or about $1USD. Single-ride tickets bought aboard generally expense about 450 HUF, or just over $1.50USD.
And if you’re likely to utilize public transit several times in a day, you may want to think about buying a 24-hour travel card for 1,650 HUF, or about $5.75USD. These cards are valid on all modes of public transportation for an unrestricted number of trips, as well as you choose your starting time.
As a bonus, this travel card likewise includes discount rates on lots of of Budapest’s top attractions.
PRO TIP: The Hungarian ticket system is one of Budapest’s top vacationer complaints. To prevent aggravation (and a possible fine), be sure to always validate your ticket when starting your trip. note that transfer tickets need to be validated at the begin of your trip as well as at the point of transfer.
Affordable Accommodations
For the very best as well as a lot of inexpensive accommodations, your best option is to book a hostel in the city center or eco-friendly belt.
For an even more affordable stay, inspect out a few of the quieter side streets or forgo the 2-person space in favor of a dormitory. Booking.com listings a number of highly-rated hostels that offer dorms starting at $5USD per night.
Some of the site’s top-rated as well as top-reviewed choices include:
Treestyle Hostel—Offers complimentary Wi-Fi as well as dorms starting at just $5.37USD
Fifth Hostel—Offers complimentary Wi-Fi as well as dorms starting at just $9.33USD
GoodMo House—Offers complimentary Wi-Fi & breakfast as well as dorms starting at just $9USD
If you like comfort as well as solitude over the close quarters as well as unpredictability of a dorm, think about booking a personal apartment, bed as well as breakfast, or guest house.
Of course, these days, Airbnb is a huge player when it pertains to accommodation. You can save money by renting out an apartment or condo with a few friends, or booking a space in someone’s home. This is a fantastic method to satisfy the locals, as well as make new friends…while saving money.
There are frequently discount rates for booking online, however be sure to note whether or not taxes are included as well as pay interest to extra hidden fees.
PRO TIP: For the very best prices, prevent traveling in Budapest’s height season, which lasts from may to September. as well as unless you’re going particularly for the event, do not book a trip during the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix (which generally falls in the last week of July).
Low-Cost Eats in Budapest
There are limitless locations to eat in Budapest where you can experience standard Hungarian food at a affordable price.
Keep in mind that the food in Hungary is rather heavy (goulash as well as stropachka for example!), as well as the meals right here will keep you full for hours — indicating you may be able to avoid a meal or two, which will absolutely assist the budget.
Having stated that, make sure you don’t miss out on sampling the authentic foods of Hungary, as well as Budapest has some fantastic locations for you to dig in.
Have a look at the fantastic Market Hall (AKA central Market Hall), Budapest’s oldest as well as largest indoor market. found at the Pest end of the Szabadság Bridge, this 3-story, neo-Gothic fair is frequented by locals as well as tourists alike.
On the primary level, you’ll discover seasonal, inexpensive produce, pickled vegetables, meats, as well as spices. try the creamy duck or goose liver — a Hungarian specialty!
PRO TIP: You’ll likely get a lot more bang for your buck from the a lot more moderate stalls, which may be off the beaten path.
If you want to prevent the market’s heavy crowds, get hold of a table at a self-service restaurant.
These diners generally offer a primary meal as well as a soup for around 700 HUF, or about $2.50USD. For unbeatable prices, air conditioning, as well as an open terrace, try Metropolitan Café!
And remember, no Hungarian experience is total up until you’ve indulged in Budapest’s street food.
One cheap, must-try choice is kolbice, a grilled sausage similar to a hot dog. served inside cone-shaped bread (and frequently with tasty toppings), this tasty meal can be discovered in shops as well as stalls as well as at festivals.
Another Hungarian specialty to try is lángos, “Hungary’s a lot of cherished anti-health food.” The deep-fried dough, frequently topped with components like sour cream as well as shredded cheese, is the best blend of soft, crisp, as well as crumbly.
For a night out, think about buying beer as well as doing some pre-drinking before heading out. having stated that, a pint of beer in Budapest is only around $1.50, however craft beer will set you back more.
Now You understand exactly how to travel Budapest On a Budget!
For the worldwide traveler seeking to check out the ancient cities of Eastern Europe on a budget, a stop in Budapest is a no-brainer.
As you can see, there are many things to see as well as do to keep you busy, tasty foods to eat, as well as inexpensive transfer as well as accommodations to be had.
Budapest may not be the least expensive location to travel in Europe, however it’s absolutely one of the a lot more inexpensive capitals.
The only drawback is that it’s in the Schengen zone indicating lots of travellers can’t stay longer than 3 months, as well as after travelling to Budapest, depend on me, you’ll most likely want to stay longer than that! take pleasure in your trip.
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