Budapest, Hungary is an affordable destination. However, as we started our research into what to see and do, we quickly realized how easily a Budget Budapest Trip could go bust!
Almost every tourist attraction charges an entry fee – some upwards of $20. We set our daily Budapest budget at $100 total per day for our 2 week stay, so we had to get a little creative to discover the Best Things To Do in Budapest and stay on budget!
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Best Things To Do in Budapest (on a Budget)
The first thing we had to do to ensure our Budapest travel budget stayed intact was cross off a few of the pricey activities.
Paying to tour the Parliament Building just didn’t fit into our budget for Budapest. We also eliminated entrance into Matthias Church and the Great Synagogue.
However, if these are top Budapest attractions on your must-see list, we suggest considering the Budapest Card to see if it will save you money.
Once we whittled our list down to what we actually wanted to see and do in Budapest, we researched affordable alternatives to the mainstream tourist offerings.
Our Budapest Budget Guide highlights 6 sights to see and enjoy as well as tips on affordable eating and drinking.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Budapest Travel Guide for your vacation to Hungary!
#1 See Budapest Sights on a Free Walking Tour
While entry into the sights can be pricey, viewing the beautiful architecture from the outside is one of the completely free things to do in Budapest.
We mapped out the best buildings and Budapest neighborhoods we wanted to see and then grouped them together into manageable walks. So be sure to read our complete guide to the best Budapest Self-Guided Walks.
For a lengthy yet enjoyable walk with views and changing perspectives, zigzag across the four bridges of Budapest (Margaret, Chain, Elizabeth and Liberty) that span the Danube River.
Taking in the sights on foot is a good way to see the top landmarks and adds zero expenses to a Budapest trip cost!
#2 Visit Budapest Thermal Baths
Partaking in the thermal baths of Budapest has become an iconic activity for visitors, but the experience can add to the overall Budapest travel cost.
The two most popular baths – Szechenyi and Gellert – charge about $25. However, a trip to Lukacs Thermal Baths provides a low budget Budapest bath experience, with an offer for a short 2-hour visit for just about $12.
#3 Go To a Budapest Opera House Performance
As budget travelers, we rarely consider attending cultural events like an Opera. However, we heard that tickets to the Opera in Budapest can be downright cheap – and it’s the truth!
Our upper balcony seats cost just $2, and, since it wasn’t sold out, we got upgraded to the main floor at no extra charge. Considering that a 45 minute tour of the Opera House costs $15, we found this to be the budget Hungary deal of the trip!
#4 Take a Danube River Cruise
Several tour companies offer boat cruises on the Danube River, and while they looked like a lot fun, they tend to be a bit more than we are prepared to pay.
Since we were willing to forego the narration and catering options, we hopped on the cheap Budapest city commuter boat for the 45 minute ride – which barely impacted our overall Budapest travel cost.
For a roundtrip experience, we boarded at Margaret Bridge on the Pest side, rode south to Liberty Bridge, disembarking again on the Pest side and rode the historic #2 tram back to the Budapest city center.
Top Tip: There are two types of ferry boats: one is fully enclosed, the other one has an open air upper deck, which provides better Budapest views.
#5 Relax in Budapest Parks
Looking for free things in Budapest? There are three parks that are easily accessible from the center of Budapest: City Park, Margaret’s Island and Gellert Hill. Each has a plethora of trails, sights and green space for walking, lounging or picnicking.
Speaking of picnics, it’s a great way to save on your Hungary budget! There are plenty of cheap restaurants in Budapest, but a trip to the grocery store or even the Central Market Hall can cut down your Budapest cost per day.
#6 Ponder Budapest Monuments, Statues and Squares
Budapest is dotted with monuments, statues and squares. We could hardly walk the Budapest city streets without running into thought-provoking monuments, playful statues or small, bench-lined city escapes.
The most moving monument for us was the Holocaust Monument along the Danube River (north of Chain Bridge on the Pest side).
Bronze shoes mark the spot where, in 1944, the Arrow Cross shot Jews to death and let their bodies fall into the river to be washed away.
Budapest on a Budget: Tips For Going Out
We were joined by Budapest locals and have some great tips on where to eat and drink in Budapest for cheap!
Budapest Food and Drinks
Food options are almost endless, ranging from expensive and touristy to cheap eats in Budapest. Twice we had sit-down meals of traditional Hungarian food and the cost of eating out in Budapest was quite affordable…if you know where to go!
Entrees (main meals) were about $7, and as usual, the more touristy the place, the higher the price. However, for the best cheap eats in Budapest, we opted for take-away from the grab-and-go windows.
Kebabs were our cheap meal of choice in Budapest, never costing more than $3, but we also indulged in langos (Hungarian flatbread) and pizza (large slices for about $1).
For a taste of something sweet, the local bakeries outside of the Budapest city center were the way to go. Traditional cakes, by the slice, were about $1 each and baked fresh using traditional Hungarian recipes.
Budapest food prices at the The Great Market Hall were not as inexpensive as other places around town, but still affordable.
Beer and wine added a bit to our Budapest budget, but this was actually something we are willing to splurge for it! The price of cheap beer in Budapest is about $2 a glass – and wine by the glass costs about the same.
Craft beer, however, costs at least double – but is well worth the upcharge and we made room in our daily budget for Budapest to imbibe. Read all about our favorite places for Budapest Craft Beer.
All around Budapest there are spectacular vistas, walkways with benches and green parks – and eating and drinking in these spaces is completely acceptable.
Save on Budapest expenses and grab food and drinks from the local market for cheap and fun dining experiences!
Our Top Tips For Budapest on a Budget
- The public transportation in Budapest keeps the city well-connected. Check for information and current cost of BKV modes of transportation.
- If you are planning to visit the top Budapest sights and using public transportation, a Budapest Card provides Budapest discounts to the top sights.
- Budapest Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF) | Currency Converter
- Get (and stay) organized for your Trip to Europe by using our Trip Planning Printables!
- Looking to Spend Christmas in Europe? Budapest makes our list as the Best Budget European Christmas Destination!
- Also check out our 3 Day Budapest Itinerary for more ideas for your vacation to Hungary.
Where To Stay in Budapest
We, once again, relied on our go-to travel hack option of Airbnb to secure accommodations – and we weren’t disappointed.
Located in District Six, we were well within walking distance to the sights. Our high-ceilinged, bright apartment had one large room with a separate kitchen and bath – and only cost $30 a night.
The best place to stay in Budapest is in the heart of everything and within walking distance to sights – and there are many cheap apartments in Budapest city center.
We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and more space.
However, for those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Budapest Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center.
Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming Budapest trip: Hotel Moments Budapest, Callas House and Aria Hotel Budapest.
Budget travelers can search for Budapest Hostels – like Metropolis Hostel and Flow Hostel.
Getting To Budapest
Budapest can be reached by plane, train, bus or European River Cruise. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying and when we need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search on Skyscanner.
To get between destinations when flights are not possible, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses.
In Europe, our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable with on-board Wi-Fi, seat-back entertainment, refreshments and a toilet.
We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and it allows for greater discovery.
Before You Go to Budapest
- Budapest is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
- We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Budapest. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and an excellent budget camera.
- It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city! Make sure to have a good guidebook before arriving in Budapest
- Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase, will also want a great day bag to organize all of your essential everyday travel items!
- If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Hungary! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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