Hungarian ParliamentAttraction
Hungarian Parliament
The vast neo-Gothic parliament on the Danube. Visits are by guided tour with a timed ticket.
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Things to do in Budapest
Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Budapest in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.
Photo: Kilyann Le Hen, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsBudapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD)
Getting aroundMetro, trams, buses and on foot
CurrencyHungarian forint (HUF)
Best monthsApril to June, September and October
Budapest in brief
The Danube divides Budapest in two. Hilly Buda holds the castle and the old town on the west bank. Flat Pest, on the east, has the Parliament, the grand avenues, the cafés and the nightlife.
The city sits on thermal springs, and an hour in one of the historic baths is part of any visit. The Parliament can only be seen on a guided tour with a timed ticket.
The river is at its best after dark, when the bridges, the castle and the Parliament are lit. An evening cruise or a walk along the bank shows it well.
Top attractions in Budapest
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Hungarian Parliament
Buda CastleAttraction
Buda Castle
The former royal palace on Castle Hill, with museums and wide views over the river.
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Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias ChurchAttraction
Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
White stone terraces and towers beside a church with a coloured tile roof, high above the Danube.
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Széchenyi Thermal BathAttraction
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
A grand bath complex in City Park, with large outdoor pools that steam in winter.
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St Stephen’s BasilicaAttraction
St Stephen’s Basilica
The city’s great domed church, with a panoramic terrace around the dome.
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Dohány Street SynagogueAttraction
Dohány Street Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Europe, with a museum and memorial garden. Closed on Saturdays.
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Photo: Hungarian Parliament — Godot13 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Buda Castle — VargaA (CC BY-SA 4.0); Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church — Yair-haklai (CC BY-SA 4.0); Széchenyi Thermal Bath — Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) (CC BY 3.0); St Stephen’s Basilica — Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dohány Street Synagogue — Suicasmo (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Budapest Airport (BUD)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the 100E airport bus or an official taxi.
Trains from BudapestTrains reach Vienna in under three hours and Bratislava in about two and a half hours.
Car rentalNot needed in the city. Useful for Lake Balaton and the countryside.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Belváros (District V)
The centre of Pest, beside the river, the Basilica and the main shopping streets.
2
Jewish Quarter (District VII)
Ruin bars, restaurants and street art. Lively and loud at night.
3
Castle District
Quiet cobbled streets on the Buda side, with views. Fewer restaurants in the evening.
4
Terézváros (District VI)
Along Andrássy Avenue, near the Opera, with good transport.
Hotels in Budapest with live prices
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Budapest day by day
- Day 1: Buda and the riverCastle Hill, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, a walk across the Chain Bridge, then an evening cruise.
- Day 2: Pest and the bathsThe Parliament at your booked time, St Stephen’s Basilica, Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square, then the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Day 3: The Jewish Quarter and the marketThe Dohány Street Synagogue, the Great Market Hall, the view from Gellért Hill, then the ruin bars.
- With a fourth dayTake a day trip to the Danube Bend.
Local tips
- The currency is the Hungarian forint, not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Avoid exchange offices at the airport and in tourist streets, where rates are poor.
- Validate paper tickets before you travel. Inspectors check often and fine on the spot.
- For the baths, bring a swimsuit and flip-flops. Towels can be rented.
- Order taxis by app or phone rather than hailing one in the street.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
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Travel guide
Budapest is best from April to June and September to October, and 3 days covers the main sights and a thermal bath. Airport buses and metro link the centre in about 40 to 60 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Budapest?
Spring and autumn are mild. Summer is hot and busy with festivals, and December brings Christmas markets.
How many days do I need in Budapest?
Two to three full days cover the main sights. Add a day for the Danube Bend.
Should I book the Parliament tour ahead?
Yes. Visits are by guided tour only, and places in each language sell out days ahead.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
From the airport, the 100E bus runs direct to the centre. Official taxis and pre-booked transfers are also available. Choose by luggage, arrival time and budget.
Does Budapest use the euro?
No. The currency is the Hungarian forint. Some places accept euros at a poor rate, so pay by card or in forint.