Explore Budapest
Budapest Tourism: Best of Budapest
Essential Budapest
Traveler Guides
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- By BethanH99910 replies
Budapest Is Great For
Thermal spas for the ages
Outstanding architecture
Classical music venues
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Budapest



In the words of those who've been there before ...



What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the primary airport in Budapest. It offers service to/from many international cities on most major and smaller airlines.
For more info on Budapest airport, visit here.
Train:
There are three rail stations in Budapest: Keleti, Nyugati, and Déli, which all offer regional and international service.
For more info on train service to Budapest, visit here.
Bus
Flixbus, Omio and Eurolines offer service to/from Budapest to many European cities. Visit Flixbus, Omio or Eurolines for schedules, routes, and fares.
Do I need a visa?
Since Hungary is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. See here for more info.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer: Summer is festival season in Budapest, and highlights include the Budapest Summer Festival, LGBT Pride and weekend festivities on the Chain Bridge. Average daily temperatures this time of year can reach highs of 80 Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) and lows of around 59 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius).
However, that’s not to say winter isn’t wonderful as well. To see Budapest’s UNESCO-listed monuments covered in a dusting of snow, visit in winter. The cold season is the perfect time to tuck into goulash, warm up at the thermal baths and visit festive Christmas markets.
Public transit card
Budapest has great public transportation, so get a Budapest Card, which gives you free access to transit, tours, museums, attractions and discounts at restaurants, shops and more.
For info, visit here.
BKK operations Budapest’s public transportation, so be sure to download its app for the most up-to-date service info. Visit here for more info.
Metro
There are four metro lines running across Budapest, including Line 1, continental Europe’s oldest underground rail.
Trams
There are more than 30 tram lines in Budapest, and they are the easiest way to get around. Only the 6 tram runs overnight. Ride the 2 for amazing views of the city.
Buses/Trolleybuses
There are more than 200 routes across the city and surrounding towns for its blue buses. The red trolleybuses operate in Pest and Zugló.
Boats
BKK’s four riverboat services are a great way to not only get around but also see Budapest from the Danube.
Cogwheel Railway/Chairlift
The Cogwheel (technically tram 60) and Chairlift are a great way to get up to the hilly Buda section of the city if you’re not up for the trek on foot.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful in Budapest and easily recognizable thanks to their yellow color. While cash and bank cards are accepted, some bank cards may not be, so make sure you have some cash on hand just in case.
Are there local customs I should know?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Budapest, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Budapest include:
- Budapest is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Budapest:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Budapest between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.