Hungary's capital, where hilly Buda faces flat Pest across the Danube. The river banks, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue are World Heritage sites, making it a great fit for travellers who want architecture, night views and thermal baths on one trip.
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant for walking. Summer is hot and busiest, while winter is cold but brings the year-round outdoor thermal pools and Christmas markets from mid-November (Vörösmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen's Basilica). Market dates change every year, so check officially.
BKK's express bus to Deák Ferenc tér in the centre, stopping at Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér on the way into town. It runs 24/7 and needs its own ticket, which is not valid for transfers to other lines.
Take bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest and change to metro line M3. A new ticket may be needed for the transfer, and at night 200E runs on to Határ út to connect with night buses.
According to the airport, taxis are available at the ranks by the Terminal 2A and 2B exits and accept cards. Taxi fares in Hungary are set by regulation; never accept rides from touts.
Metro lines M1-M4 plus trams and buses cover the city well. A single ticket is good for one trip without transfer, and paper tickets must be validated before the trip on the metro and right after boarding on other vehicles.
Unlimited travel on city public transport for 24 or 72 hours from the indicated time, with no validation needed. Handy if you plan several rides a day (check official prices).
Tap a contactless bank card or phone on the validator to buy and validate a single ticket in one step. As of 2026 it works on all metro lines and the 100E airport bus; check officially for other lines.
BKK's official app for real-time journey planning and buying mobile tickets and passes. Validate mobile tickets by holding your phone to the NFC sticker.
Tram 2 runs along the Pest river bank with views of Parliament and Buda Castle. Travelcards are valid on BKK boats D11 and D12 on workdays only, so check weekend fares officially.
Good for: First-timers, transport hub
Close to Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Danube, with Deák Ferenc tér, where the 100E airport bus stops. Hotels are on the pricier side.
Good for: Nightlife, restaurants and cafés
A lively area of restaurants and bars around the Dohány Street Synagogue. Can be noisy late on weekend nights.
Good for: Strolling, baths and City Park
World Heritage Andrássy Avenue and metro M1 make it easy to reach Heroes' Square and the Széchenyi Bath.
Good for: Quiet stays, views
The historic hilltop quarter with Fisherman's Bastion and the Royal Palace, quiet at night. Getting up and down the hill can be a hassle.
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Budapest in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
The iconic riverside landmark; a ~45-minute guided tour covers the Main Staircase and Dome Hall. A Korean audioguide is available, and it's best to buy tickets in advance from the seller named on Parliament's official site (check official prices).
The Hungarian National Gallery sits inside the Royal Palace on Castle Hill. Officially closed on the last Monday of every month.
A neo-Romanesque lookout terrace with one of the best views of Parliament across the Danube. The lower balconies are free and the upper towers are paid at certain times (check official prices).
One of Budapest's largest churches; reach the dome lookout by 364 steps or a lift. Officially, organ concerts are held on Monday afternoons (check official prices).
A municipal bath in City Park (Városliget) with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor pools, open all year. Bring swimwear and flip-flops, and check entry prices officially.
A square and boulevard built for Hungary's millennium, World Heritage together with M1, continental Europe's first underground line. City Park and the Széchenyi Bath lie just behind the square.
The whole river bank is World Heritage, and after dark Parliament, the Royal Palace and the bridges light up. Walk the embankment or ride tram 2 or a BKK public boat.
Budapest's largest indoor market, built in 1897, with paprika, salami and simple Hungarian food. Check closing days and hours officially.
Hungary's signature beef soup seasoned with paprika and onion, cooked a little differently everywhere.
Chicken in a thick paprika and sour cream sauce, served with small dumplings and cucumber salad.
Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, garlic and cheese, a street-food staple at markets and snack stands.
Dough wrapped around a cone-shaped spit and baked, then rolled in sugar, cinnamon or walnuts. A Christmas-market favourite.
Caramel-topped Dobos torte and walnut-cream Esterházy are Hungary's classic cakes. Try them with coffee at a café.
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
100E airport bus to Deák Ferenc tér and check in, stroll the Danube bank, then see the Chain Bridge and Parliament lit up after dark.
Bus 16 up to the Castle Quarter, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, then the National Gallery in the Royal Palace (closed the last Monday of the month, so pick another day), and dinner in District VII.
Morning Parliament guided tour (book ahead), the dome lookout at St. Stephen's Basilica, then along Andrássy Avenue and M1 to Heroes' Square and a soak at the Széchenyi Bath.
Browse the Great Market Hall, enjoy the river views from tram 2 or a BKK boat, then the 100E bus to the airport.
TipsPlanning a year-end or winter-break trip — where to go and what to do firstDecember to February is peak season for year-end and school-break travel, so earlier…
ComparisonWhere to travel in November — cities with good weather and places to think twice aboutNovember mixes crisp autumn cities with the start of the dry season on some Southeast…
TipsBaggage Weight and Carry-on Rules at a Glance: Liquids, Power Banks and Excess FeesBag allowances depend on your airline and fare. Where to check them, the near-universal…
SafetyLost or Stolen Phone Abroad: What to Do, Step by StepLosing your phone abroad cuts off maps, payments and log-ins at once. Locate and lock…Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.