Is Budapest a Cheap City? How to Experience the City Without Breaking the Bank
Budapest, Hungary’s captivating capital, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. While it may not be as dirt-cheap as some Southeast Asian destinations, it’s definitely possible to experience the best of Budapest without blowing your budget. It’s all about knowing where to look, how to be savvy, and embracing the city’s spirit.
Accommodation: Finding Your Perfect (Affordable) Base
Let’s tackle the biggest expense first: where to rest your weary head. Forget those fancy hotels in the city centre. Instead, consider these options.
Hostels in Budapest are fantastic, typically costing between £12-£25 per night for a dorm bed. Many offer stylish dorms and private rooms, communal kitchens, and lively social scenes. Maverick City Lodge is a popular choice, known for its stylish design and central location. It’s a great way to meet fellow travellers and save some serious cash. The communal atmosphere also provides a chance to connect with people from around the world, sharing travel stories and tips. Some hostels even organise social events like walking tours or pub crawls, which can be a fun and budget-friendly way to explore the city.
You can also find some cracking deals on Airbnb apartments, with entire apartments starting from around £30-£50 per night, especially if you’re willing to stay a little outside the absolute city centre. Neighbourhoods like Józsefváros or Ferencváros offer more affordable options and a more local experience. These areas, while slightly further from the main tourist hubs, often boast their own unique charm, with quirky cafes, independent shops, and a more authentic slice of Budapest life. Staying in an Airbnb can also give you access to a kitchen, allowing you to prepare some of your own meals and further reduce your expenses.
Guesthouses, those smaller, family-run establishments, can be a real find. They often offer a more personal touch and a more authentic glimpse into Hungarian hospitality. Look for guesthouses in the quieter areas of Buda for better deals. These hidden gems often provide a more intimate and relaxed setting, where you can truly unwind after a day of exploring. The owners are frequently a wealth of local knowledge, able to offer insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and visit.
Getting Around: Budapest’s Budget-Friendly Transport
Budapest has an excellent and affordable public transport system. The best way to get around is with a travel pass. You can buy day tickets or multi-day passes, which give you unlimited travel on the metro, trams, and buses. These are readily available from ticket machines at stations and bus stops. The BudapestGO app is also highly recommended for planning routes and purchasing tickets. The metro system is efficient and easy to navigate, while the trams offer a scenic way to see the city. Buses also cover a wide network, reaching areas that might not be accessible by other means.
The city centre is quite compact and very walkable. Exploring on foot is not only free but also the best way to soak up the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. Strolling through the charming streets, you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, picturesque alleyways, and architectural details that you might otherwise miss. Walking also allows you to set your own pace, stopping whenever you want to admire a view or browse a shop.
Budapest is becoming increasingly bike-friendly. Renting a bike can be a fun and affordable way to explore, especially Margaret Island. The island, with its dedicated cycle paths and green spaces, is a perfect place for a leisurely ride. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking, while still enjoying the fresh air and the city’s sights. Several rental companies offer bike hire at reasonable prices, and some hostels and guesthouses may even provide them for free or at a discounted rate.
Free Activities: Exploring Budapest’s Treasures Without Spending a Forint
Budapest offers a surprising number of free things to see and do.
Wander through the charming streets of Buda Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the stunning views of the city from the castle walls. The Castle District is steeped in history, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Matthias Church, with its colourful tiled roof and intricate interior, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Fisherman’s Bastion, with its fairytale turrets and panoramic views, is a photographer’s dream.
While tours of the Hungarian Parliament Building have a small fee, you can admire this magnificent building from the outside. Its grandeur is truly impressive. The Parliament Building, with its neo-Gothic design and imposing presence, is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Its reflection shimmering in the Danube is a sight to behold, especially at night when it is illuminated.
Margaret Island, a large island in the middle of the Danube, is a beautiful green space, perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing. The island offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its lush greenery, flower gardens, and walking paths. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a range of activities from cycling and jogging to simply soaking up the sun.
Heroes’ Square is an iconic square, home to the Millennium Monument and surrounded by museums and parks. It’s a great place to soak up the city’s history and atmosphere. The square commemorates the thousandth anniversary of the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin, with statues of important figures from Hungarian history.
Even if you don’t buy anything, the vast Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) is a feast for the senses. It’s open Monday to Saturday, and exploring the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and souvenirs. The market is a vibrant hub of activity, where you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Hungarian cuisine. It’s a great place to sample local specialities like lángos, kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and Hungarian paprika.
Several companies offer free walking tours, with tips-based payment. These are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture from a local perspective. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the city’s streets, sharing fascinating stories and insights that you won’t find in any guidebook. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.
BUDAPEST’S BEAUTY ISN’T PRICED. THE CITY’S SPIRIT, ITS HISTORY, ITS VIBRANT ENERGY – THAT’S FREE FOR ALL TO ENJOY.
Cheap Eats: Delicious Food Without the Price Tag
Budapest’s culinary scene can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
Lángos (deep-fried flatbread) is a must-try street food, typically costing around £1.20-£2 per piece. You’ll find it at stands all over the city, and it’s a cheap and filling option. This Hungarian staple is a delicious and satisfying treat, often topped with sour cream and cheese, but also available with a variety of other toppings.
Many restaurants offer daily set menus at lunchtime for a very reasonable price, typically ranging from £3-£6. These “napi menü” usually include two or three courses and are a popular choice for locals looking for a quick and affordable meal. It’s a great way to sample traditional Hungarian dishes without spending a lot of money.
Explore the markets for affordable and delicious food. The Central Market Hall has food stalls on its upper level. Here, you can find a wide variety of food stalls offering everything from traditional Hungarian dishes to international cuisine. The prices are generally very reasonable, and the atmosphere is lively and bustling.
If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen, consider cooking some of your meals. Supermarkets like SPAR and Tesco are readily available. This is a great way to save money, especially if you’re travelling with a group or family. You can find all the ingredients you need to prepare your favourite dishes, and it also gives you the opportunity to try your hand at cooking some Hungarian specialities.
If you would like to learn more about your street food options while in Budapest check out my article: A Budapest Street Food Tour: From Lángos to Kürtőskalács & More
Nightlife: Beyond the Fancy Clubs
Budapest’s nightlife is famous, and while some clubs can be pricey, there are budget-friendly options.
Ruin bars, those unique bars located in the ruins of abandoned buildings, offer a quirky and affordable night out. They often have cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere. These bars, located in the city’s old Jewish Quarter, are a testament to Budapest’s resourcefulness and creativity. They offer a unique and eclectic setting, with mismatched furniture, exposed brick walls, and a bohemian vibe.
Explore the less touristy areas for local pubs and cafes with more affordable drinks. Venture off the beaten path and you’ll find a more authentic and less expensive nightlife scene. These local haunts offer a chance to mingle with locals and experience the city’s nightlife away from the crowds.
In the summer, you’ll often find free street performances in the city centre. From live music to theatrical performances, these free events add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere and provide entertainment without costing a forint.
Thermal Baths: Relaxing on a Budget
Budapest is known as the “City of Baths,” but some of the famous spas can be expensive.
Lukács Thermal Bath is a popular and more affordable option, with entry typically costing around £8-£10, compared to Széchenyi or Gellért which can be double that price. It offers a range of pools and services. It’s particularly popular with locals, and its thermal waters are said to have medicinal properties.
A Few More Tips for the Budget-Conscious Traveller
To make your trip even more budget-friendly, consider these additional tips:
Travel in the shoulder seasons: Spring and autumn offer milder weather and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Not only are flights and accommodation cheaper, but the city is also less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the throngs of tourists.
Look for discounts: Many attractions offer student or senior discounts. It’s always worth checking if you’re eligible for any reductions, as it can save you a significant amount of money.
Use free Wi-Fi: Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, allowing you to save on data roaming costs. Take advantage of this to stay connected without incurring extra charges.
Drink tap water: It’s safe to drink in Budapest, so bring a reusable water bottle. This will not only save you money but also help reduce plastic waste.
Take advantage of free walking tours: As mentioned earlier, these tours are a great way to get acquainted with the city and learn about its history without spending a forint.
Explore the city’s parks and green spaces: Budapest has many beautiful parks, such as City Park and Normafa, which offer free opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Visit museums on free entry days: Some museums offer free entry on certain days of the month, so it’s worth checking the schedules in advance.
Utilize the Budapest Card: If you plan on using public transport frequently and visiting several attractions, consider purchasing a Budapest Card. It offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on entry to many sights and museums.
Budapest: A City That Welcomes All Budgets
Budapest is a city that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their budget. With a little planning and a willingness to explore, you can experience the best of what this captivating city has to offer without breaking the bank. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Budapest has something to offer every traveller, no matter how much they have to spend. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to discover the magic of Budapest on a budget.
