So, you’ve touched down in Budapest—welcome to the land of ruin bars, thermal baths, and enough paprika to spice up your life for eternity. Worried about going broke in this picturesque city? Chill. Budapest is not just stunning; it’s kind to your wallet. With this guide, you’ll soak up culture, history, and fun without making your bank account cry. Let’s dive into the adventure—no goulash required (yet).
How to Get From the Budapest Airport on the Cheap
Your journey starts at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Skip the overpriced taxis and hop on the 100E airport shuttle bus for a smooth ride straight into the city centre for just 2,200 HUF (~6 USD). Pro tip: Download the BudapestGO app to buy tickets like a seasoned local. For an even cheaper route, grab a combo of Bus 200E and Metro Line 3; it’s slightly slower but a steal at around 530 HUF (~1.50 USD).
Public Transport: Is It Useful?
Budapest’s public transport is so efficient it could teach the rest of us a thing or two about punctuality. The trams, buses, and metros are all part of the BKK network, and a 24-hour travel pass costs just 2,500 HUF (~7 USD). It’ll get you unlimited rides and that all-important “I’m totally a local” vibe. Extra points if you hop on Tram 2—it’s like a sightseeing tour in disguise, skimming along the Danube with views of the Parliament Building and Buda Castle.
How to Enjoy Budapest on the Cheap/Free
Window Shopping in Trendy ‘Hoods
Andrássy Avenue is Budapest’s answer to Fifth Avenue, but instead of dropping cash, strut your stuff and window-shop like the broke-but-fabulous Gen Z icon you are. This UNESCO World Heritage street isn’t just about fancy boutiques and high-end stores; it’s a walkable museum of 19th-century grandeur. Think opera houses, palatial mansions, and cafes so elegant you’ll feel fancier just looking at them. If you’ve got a little cash to splash, check out Alexandra Bookcafé, housed in a stunning former ballroom, for a latte that’s more about the vibe than the caffeine.
For a quirkier and more budget-friendly vibe, head to the Jewish Quarter. Here, you’ll find funky thrift shops like Retrock, brimming with eclectic vintage fashion, alongside indie design stores showcasing Hungarian creativity. Don’t miss the vibrant murals and street art that transform old walls into canvases—perfect for snapping those edgy, artsy Instagram shots. The Jewish Quarter also has cool pop-up markets and artisan fairs where you can score unique keepsakes without overspending.
Nature Vibes in the City
Budapest’s parks are peak relaxation spots. Start with Margaret Island, a lush oasis in the middle of the Danube with zero entrance fee. This car-free paradise boasts a variety of attractions, including medieval ruins, a Japanese garden, and a quirky musical fountain that performs water shows synced to music. Feeling active? Rent a bike for around 2,000 HUF (~5 USD per hour) or bring a picnic packed with Hungarian goodies like fresh pogácsa (cheese biscuits, ~500 HUF for a small bag), paprika-laden sausage (~1,500 HUF for a medium piece), seasonal fruit (~400 HUF for a kilo), and a bottle of Tokaji wine (~2,000 HUF for a decent bottle from a supermarket).. Relax under the sprawling trees and soak up the serene vibes. Bonus: the island also has a tiny zoo and a water tower you can climb for a small fee, offering another Instagram-worthy view of the city.
If you’re after panoramic views, make Gellért Hill your go-to. The climb to the Citadel is sweat-worthy but free and absolutely worth the effort for the jaw-dropping vistas of the Danube and the city skyline. On your way up, keep an eye out for unique sculptures and quiet green spots perfect for catching your breath. At the summit, the imposing Liberty Statue stands as a symbol of freedom and resilience. And don’t leave the area without visiting the Cave Church, a hidden gem tucked into the hill itself. This atmospheric chapel, carved into rock, combines spirituality and history in a unique setting for just a few hundred forints. Chef’s kiss, indeed.
Free Walking Tours
Why read a history book when you can have a local guide spill the tea on Budapest’s past for free? Check out the daily free walking tours departing from Vörösmarty Square by signing up on Freetour.com. Just remember to tip your guide (around 2,000–3,000 HUF/~5–8 USD), because they’re the ones making your “Did you know?” moments happen.
Sample the Local Food Scene on the Down-Low
Street food is where it’s at. Start with langos—a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese (prices start at 800 HUF/~2 USD). If you’re feeling extra, add garlic sauce, grated cheese, or sausage for an additional 200–400 HUF (~0.50–1 USD). Langos is a staple at festivals and street markets, so keep an eye out for stalls offering unique toppings like smoked ham or spicy paprika paste.
Feeling adventurous? Try chimney cake (kürtőskalács), a sugary spiral of baked dough that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost). These delicious treats come in flavours like cinnamon, cocoa, walnut, or even coconut. Prices range from 1,000–1,500 HUF (~3–4 USD), and some stalls offer a chocolate-dipped version for an extra indulgence.
For a sit-down meal on the cheap, hit up a traditional “tzánéló” (self-service cafeteria). These gems are where locals grab hearty Hungarian dishes like goulash soup, chicken paprikash, or töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage rolls) for under 2,500 HUF (~7 USD) per plate. Belvárosi Disznótoros is a standout for its homestyle atmosphere and extensive menu, while Kádár Étkezde provides a retro dining vibe straight out of the 1960s.
If you’re visiting on a market day, make a beeline for the Central Market Hall. The food stalls there offer local favourites like stuffed lángos or lángos burgers (yes, it’s a thing) for around 1,000 HUF (~3 USD). Pair your meal with a cup of forralt bor (hot mulled wine) in the colder months for an authentic taste of Budapest’s street food culture.
Museums (The Free & Discounted)
Budapest’s museums are a feast for the brain. The Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts have free or discounted entry days—check their websites for updates and plan your visit around these savings. The Hungarian National Museum offers a journey through the country’s rich history, while the Museum of Fine Arts dazzles with its vast collection of European masterpieces. Students, don’t forget to flash that ID for hefty discounts, which often bring ticket prices down by up to 50%.
For something more intense, visit the House of Terror (3,000 HUF/~8 USD for students), where multimedia exhibits and chilling artifacts explore Hungary’s turbulent 20th-century history under fascist and communist regimes. It’s a sobering yet vital experience.
If you’re more into artsy vibes than heavy history, head to the Vasarely Museum, showcasing the trippy, kaleidoscopic world of op-art (admission: 2,000 HUF/~5 USD). Feeling quirky? Swing by the For Sale Pub, a one-of-a-kind spot where every surface—from walls to ceilings—is covered with notes, drawings, and random mementos left by visitors. Enjoy a hearty Hungarian goulash while leaving your mark on the space—it’s practically a rite of passage.
Off-Beat Adventures
Want to flex your off-the-beaten-path knowledge? Head to Memento Park, an open-air museum where colossal communist statues—including Lenin and Marx—stand as striking reminders of Hungary’s Cold War era. It’s part art installation, part historical reflection, and 100% unique. Guided tours (available for an extra fee) add fascinating context to this one-of-a-kind attraction. Entry is budget-friendly at just 1,500 HUF (~4 USD).
Next, take a breather at Római Part, a laid-back riverside haven where locals gather to escape the city’s hustle. Chill out under shady trees, indulge in freshly grilled fish at one of the many casual eateries (prices range from 1,200–2,500 HUF/~3–7 USD), or sip a cold fröccs (a Hungarian wine spritzer, ~500 HUF/~1.50 USD). For the adventurous, kayak or paddleboard rentals start at around 3,000 HUF (~8 USD) per hour, offering a refreshing way to explore the Danube.
For nightlife, ruin bars like Szimpla Kert are non-negotiable. These eclectic venues, set in crumbling pre-war buildings, are filled with mismatched furniture, quirky decor, and buzzing crowds. Insider tip: arrive early—say around 6 or 7 PM—to grab a good seat and enjoy cheaper drinks during the quieter hours. Don’t miss the live music nights or quirky pop-up shops within the venue!
Sports on a Budget
Winter visitors, rejoice—Budapest has outdoor skating rinks like the City Park Ice Rink (entry: ~1,500 HUF/~4 USD). In summer, swap ice for water and splash around the city’s many outdoor pools. Palatinus on Margaret Island is a favourite and costs around 3,000 HUF (~8 USD) for a full-day ticket. Bonus: you’ll get that sunkissed selfie without splurging on an overpriced beach trip. Oh, and if you’re craving thrills, take the Children’s Railway and hike around the Buda Hills for nature-filled fun that won’t break the bank.
Where Locals Actually Hang Out
Széll Kálmán Square is a buzzing transport hub where the city’s pulse is tangible, making it an excellent starting point for exploration. Here, you’ll find affordable street food options like lángos stalls or bakeries selling fresh pastries for as little as 300 HUF (~1 USD). The casual vibe is perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, wander over to Újbuda, Budapest’s emerging hip district, where trendy cafes serve up specialty lattes for half the price of their tourist-heavy counterparts—think 600–800 HUF (~2 USD) for a high-quality brew. It’s also a haven for those who appreciate quiet streets lined with indie shops and local art studios.
When the sun sets, the Danube’s riverside bars like Pontoon transform into lively hubs filled with locals enjoying live music and affordable drinks (beer for around 800 HUF/~2 USD). The atmosphere is unbeatable, with fairy lights strung across the seating areas and the iconic Chain Bridge as a backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, keep an eye out for pop-up yoga classes or art workshops hosted along the riverbanks. These events are often donation-based or free, and they’re a fantastic way to mingle with locals while soaking in Budapest’s creative spirit.
The Touristy Stuff: Buda Castle
It’s tourist central, but it’s free to wander around the castle grounds and soak up the views. Want to get inside? Skip the funicular and hike up—your legs (and wallet) will thank you. Pair this with a visit to Fisherman’s Bastion—parts of it are free, and the Gram-worthy photo ops are priceless.
Best Time to Visit Budapest
Spring and autumn win for mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter turns the city into a festive dream with its Christmas markets and thermal baths. Summer is buzzing with festivals, but brace yourself for the heat. Basically, Budapest is always a good idea.
How Expensive is Budapest?
Food (Dinner, Lunch)
A sit-down restaurant might cost around 4,000 HUF (~11 USD), but you can easily eat well on street food for half that. Grocery stores like Spar and Lidl are lifesavers for budget snacks and DIY meals.
Drinks (Coffee, Wine/Beer)
A coffee at a hipster cafe will set you back 1,200 HUF (~3 USD), while beer or wine at a ruin bar costs around 700–1,000 HUF (~2–3 USD). Want to save more? Hit the supermarkets and make your own happy hour.
Accommodation (Hostel vs. Reasonable Hotels)
Hostels in Budapest are both affordable and chic, with dorm beds starting at 4,000 HUF (~11 USD) per night. Airbnb apartments in central locations can cost around 10,000 HUF (~27 USD) and up, while budget hotels hover around 15,000 HUF (~40 USD).
Ready to Explore?
Now you’re all set to conquer Budapest like a thrifty legend. From ruin bars to riverbanks, thermal baths to thrift shops, you’ll leave with memories worth a million for just a fraction of the cost. Cheers (or as they say in Hungary, Egészségedre) to your epic Budapest adventure!