Some travelers have indicated that Budapest offers excellent public transportation options, including buses, trams, and metro services. These are frequent and cover extensive parts of the city, making it easy to navigate various districts.

According to forum posts, Budapest offers 1, 3, and 7-day travel cards that are highly recommended for tourists. These passes cover all forms of public transportation but exclude the 100E airport shuttle, the funicular, and the Zugliget chair lift. Travelers have found these passes to be cost-effective and convenient.

For navigating specific routes, users have suggested using the Bolt app for taxis, which provides government-controlled pricing and reliable service. Additionally, Google Maps in transit mode is recommended for planning routes using public transportation, while the BKK Futar app is the official route planner.

Travelers have called out that most major tourist attractions are accessible via public transportation. Key tram lines like 4 and 6 and the metro line M2 are particularly useful for reaching central and important sites.

According to forum posts, while live music is scarce in most Budapest bars, several jazz clubs provide a vibrant atmosphere. IF Cafe and Budapest Jazz Club (BJC) are highly recommended for jazz enthusiasts.

Travelers have called out multiple options for rooftop bars with scenic views, such as atop the Clark Hotel and the Aria Hotel. Additionally, stationary boat bars along the Pest side of the Danube, like Spoon, offer relaxing river views and are popular for enjoying a drink at sunset.

For a more relaxed evening, some travelers suggest visiting wine bars like Doblo and Gerloczy, which feature live piano music on specific nights. Those seeking a quirky dive bar experience are directed towards spots like Spiler and various ruin bars, although the latter have been noted to be temporarily closed due to restrictions.

Overall, Budapest offers a diverse bar scene ranging from sophisticated jazz clubs and scenic rooftop venues to intimate wine bars and unique dive bars, catering to a wide range of preferences.

According to forum posts, a common itinerary for a short stay in Budapest includes visiting Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and taking a Danube River Cruise. Travelers have suggested starting with a historical walking tour covering key attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Jewish quarter, and the Chain Bridge.

For many users, a visit to Budapest's famous thermal baths such as Gellért or Széchenyi is a must. Some travelers recommended planning the bath visits later in the day to relax after exploring the city. The Gellért Spa is preferred in the winter for its indoor baths, while Széchenyi is favored in the summer for its outdoor pools.

Travelers have called out the vibrant nightlife in Budapest, suggesting a visit to ruin bars like Szimpla Kert. For food enthusiasts, the Central Market Hall is a popular spot for a wide variety of local cuisine. A nighttime cruise is also highly recommended for dining with scenic views of the city illuminated at night.

Some travelers suggested adding Margaret Island for a peaceful escape with scenic walks and views of the Danube. Others recommended checking out the House of Terror for a historical insight or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Andrássy Avenue to see the Heroes' Square and Vajdahunyad Castle.

According to forum posts, several places in Budapest offer late-night dining. Some travelers suggested Pizza Me near the Hotel Memories Old Town, which serves pizza until 3 am. Additionally, the Astoria area was mentioned as having a McDonald's open until 11 pm.

For many users, the Jewish Quarter was recommended for its variety of late-night food options. For instance, Belli di Mamma serves excellent pizza until midnight. Also, Pata Negra, a popular tapas bar, is open until 11 pm, and Byblos offers Lebanese cuisine until 11:30 pm.

Travelers have called out that during weekends, some restaurants tend to have extended hours. For example, Café Vian offers Central European cuisine and closes at 1 am.

According to forum posts, Széchenyi and Gellért are the most frequently recommended thermal baths in Budapest. Széchenyi is favored for its large outdoor pools and vibrant atmosphere, while Gellért is praised for its beautiful indoor mosaics and luxurious ambiance.

Some travelers suggested visiting baths early in the morning to avoid crowds. Specifically, Széchenyi is less crowded in the mornings, and visiting at opening times is advised to enjoy a more serene experience.

For cleanliness, Veli Bej is noted for its cap on visitors, maintaining a less crowded environment. Rudas offers spectacular views but has gender-specific days, which could limit access depending on the visit day. It's also described as less clean compared to others.

Travelers have mentioned that booking ahead can be wise, especially for popular baths like Széchenyi and Gellért. Most baths offer amenities such as cafes and the option to rent or bring towels, with varying policies on food and drinks.

According to forum posts, for family-friendly indoor activities in Budapest, some travelers suggested visiting the Budapest Circus and the Budapest Children’s Theatre. These venues offer engaging performances that cater to young audiences. Additionally, the Elevenpark and the Cyberjump Trampoline park are recommended for active indoor fun.

Travelers have called out several parks and outdoor areas that are suitable for families. The City Park/Zoo, Margit Island, and Olympic Park are popular for their spacious areas and child-friendly facilities. During warmer months, Palatinus on Margit Island, a waterpark with various pools and slides, is highlighted as a great spot for children.

For interactive and educational experiences, forum users recommend the Palace of Wonders, which features hands-on science exhibits, and the Miniversum, a detailed miniature of Hungary and its train system. These attractions provide fun learning experiences for children.

Around Christmas, the posts mention that the ice skating rink in Budapest, described as the largest in Europe, and the Children’s Railway, which offers scenic rides through the Buda hills, are highly enjoyable for young families.

According to forum posts, tickets for the Hungarian Parliament tour can be purchased online through the official website. However, some users have reported difficulties with the booking interface, such as the inability to select future dates. It's advisable to keep checking the website as new tickets are often released closer to the desired date.

Some travelers said that tickets sell out quickly, especially for English tours. If online tickets are sold out, it's possible to purchase them onsite at the Parliament's visitor center, but only for tours on the same day. There are no guarantees of availability, so arriving early is recommended.

Travelers have called out that if you're primarily interested in viewing the interior of the Parliament rather than understanding the historical commentary, you might consider joining a tour in another language if English tours are fully booked.

According to forum posts, popular locations for currency exchange in Budapest include exchange shops around the city center that generally offer competitive rates. Hanifa, located on Nador Utca, and Correct Change, with several outlets by Tram 4 and Tram 6 stops, are frequently recommended by seasoned travelers for their favorable rates.

Travelers have called out that exchange rates at the airport and train stations like Keleti tend to be less favorable. It's suggested to avoid these for currency exchange due to higher rates compared to city center locations.

For many users, withdrawing cash from bank-owned ATMs is a practical option. It's advised to allow your bank to handle the conversion rate rather than choosing the ATMs offered rate, which tends to be higher. Notably, ATMs not affiliated with banks, such as those branded with HUF EUR, should be avoided due to poor exchange rates.

Some travelers noted that credit cards are widely accepted in Budapest, making it convenient for most transactions without needing much cash on hand.