Are you traveling to Budapest soon? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
I have visited Budapest several times and can help you with all the important things to know before going to Budapest.
Budapest is a popular European city that is home to the romantic Danube River and is connected by the iconic Chain Bridge.
What I love about Budapest Hungary is that both the historical and the cosmopolitan parts of the city exist together.
So, whether you are surviving a long-haul flight to reach here or coming by road, it is essential to be aware of some Budapest travel details to help you make the most of the trip.
Do you wish to enjoy the thermal baths, delicious food, and the stunning scenery here?
If yes, then read on my list of the 20 important things to know before traveling to Budapest!
Traveling to Budapest: 20 Important Things To Know
Check On Your Country’s Hungarian Visa Entry/Exit Requirements
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling to Budapest for one day or longer, you should know the Visa requirements for Hungary before planning your trip.
Thankfully, Americans don’t require a visa to travel to Budapest for a stay of less than 90 days.
If you are not holding an American passport, it is wise for you to research your country’s Hungarian visa requirements.
Check Out: Budapest: Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer
Check Out: Budapest (BUD): Ferenc Liszt Airport Premium Lounge Access
Make Sure to Check Your Passport Before Traveling To Budapest
You will need a current and valid passport to enter Hungary. The expiry date of your passport should be three months longer than the intended date of departure from Hungary.
Plus, make sure you have sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Hungary also requires one full blank page for stamping your entry and exit.
So, check your passport expiry date and empty pages well in advance as expedited handling fees to renew your passport are quite expensive.
Check Out: Budapest: Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel
Check Out: Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink
Purchase A Hungarian SIM Card For Your Phone
When traveling to Budapest, one of the best travel tips for Budapest that I can share with you is to purchase a Hungarian SIM card or e-SIM for your smartphone.
This will allow you to have a network to send and receive messages on WhatsApp or FB Messenger. Plus, you will be able to connect to public WiFi easily as well.
You can install and activate an e-SIM when leaving from your home country or buy a local SIM card at the airport kiosks upon arrival, or in Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Hungary/ Europe eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan
Check Out: UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan
Cash or Credit Cards? What Is Best To Have?
The simple answer is when traveling to Budapest, you will want to have both!
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Budapest. However, if you are using cash, both Hungarian forint and Euros are accepted.
You will get the best exchange rate when traveling to Budapest if you use an ATM. I highly suggest you use an ATM before you leave the airport to withdraw money in the local currency.
Be aware there are fees when using an ATM. So, I suggest you withdraw a larger sum of money, less amount of times.
Also, check with your bank at home before traveling to Budapest and find out the names of fee-free “in-network” bank ATMs in Hungary, so the out-of-network fee is not charged to you as well.
If you need to exchange money from home into the local currency, your safest bet would be a Hungarian bank.
Check Out: 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest
Check Out: Budapest: 3-Hour Grand City Tour and Castle Walk
Notify Your Credit Card Company When Traveling to Budapest
Call your credit card company to notify them of the dates you will travel to Budapest. This ensures that your card is available for you to use and won’t be blocked when needed.
Check to see if the credit cards you are currently using charge foreign transaction fees every time you use them when you are out of the country.
If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.
Best Time to Visit Budapest Is Throughout the Year
I love that you can plan a visit to Budapest throughout the year.
If you want pleasant weather and fewer tourists, then the Spring and Autumn seasons are the best for visiting Budapest.
But if you are traveling to Budapest in winter, then you can enjoy the Christmas markets, thermal baths, outdoor ice skating rinks, and so much more here.
During summers, you can attend the largest musical festival here – Sziget Festival, or chill on one of the three public beaches.
Trust me, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Budapest, regardless of when you decide to go.
Check Out: Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Walking Tour
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Use Budapest Public Transportation
If you planning to spend at least two days in Budapest, then I recommend using public transport.
There are lots of public transport options available including subway, trams, buses, etc.
Subway is one of the best ways to get around town when visiting Budapest. Budapest was the first European mainland town to install the subway system.
Another great option is to use a tram or trolly system. The city has an extensive tram and trolly network which is the largest in the world.
Budapest buses stop all over the city. If you plan to hop on and off frequently, avoid the express buses.
Try a ride on the cable railway. This funicular runs from the foot of Castle Hill to the top of the Castle District.
Check Out: Budapest: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Check Out: Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
You Will Feel Safe As In Any European City While Traveling to Budapest
Let me start by saying my family and I were robbed in broad daylight in Paris France.
That would be 3 out of 4 of us. All on the same day. At different locations. So we are aware of unsafe circumstances.
However, we always felt safe when sightseeing in Budapest.
Of course, remain vigilant with your personal space and your belongings.
Most Hungarians Will Understand Your English
Although Hungarian is the main language spoken by those living in Budapest, English is equally popular in the city.
So, you will face no issues in communicating with the locals and the shop owners.
If you still aren’t sure, then download Google Translate, which helps me communicate with locals in a foreign country.
Check Out: Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Check Out: Budapest: MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour
Bathe With The Hungarians To Experience Their Culture
On your Budapest travel itinerary, keep some time aside for a bath in the thermal baths as well.
When my family and I visited Budapest, a resident suggested we visit the Rudas Medicinal Baths and Spa. Located on the Buda side of the River Danube, this spa is clean and very affordable.
According to various studies, it has been found that the mineral waters have curative and restorative properties for those suffering from degenerative diseases.
This is why I highly recommend keeping aside two hours for this quintessential experience when traveling to Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Full-Day Gellért Spa Ticket
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Bring Along A Travel Adapter
When traveling to Budapest, do not count on your cruise line, or hotel to have enough electrical adapters for all your devices.
Make sure to bring a travel adapter for your devices.
Paprika Is The Symbol Of Hungarian Cuisine
From sweet to spicy, from bright red to orange, seeking out Hungarian paprika is one of the top things to do on your visit to Budapest.
You can purchase it all over town, but your best bet would be to head to the Central Grand Market.
Don’t forget to try the local delicacies as well that make use of this delicious spice.
Check Out: Budapest: Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
Check Out: Budapest: Food and Wine Tastings Tour
Should You Tip When In Budapest?
Before traveling to Budapest, I asked many friends, do you tip in Budapest?
This is why I feel one of the top things to know before going to Budapest is that there is a tipping culture here.
The standard tip in a restaurant is 10% for good service and 15% for an exceptional experience.
However, many restaurants in Budapest customarily add a 12.5% service fee to your total bill. So, check your bill carefully to avoid leaving additional tips unless you want to.
Book Attraction Tickets Online To Save Money And Skip The Lines
One of my top travel tips for Budapest is to buy tickets online for your selected places to visit in Budapest.
You will save money, sometimes significantly. Some if not most attractions allow you to skip the wait lines and walk right in.
Check Out: Budapest: Floating Bus Tour by Land and Water
Check Out: Budapest Card: Public Transport, 30+ Top Attractions & Tours
When Traveling To Budapest You Want To Know Is Drinking The Water Safe?
So, one of the biggest questions that people ask me is, can you drink tap water in Budapest?
Well, the answer is yes.
Matter of fact, tap water is the most controlled food substance in Budapest.
Bottled water is still offered in pubs and restaurants. But, when you travel to Budapest, save money on water by drinking free tap water.
Save Money By Getting Snacks And Convenience Foods At Local Grocery Stores
When you plan your travel to Budapest, I am sure you must be thinking about all the delicacies to try here.
Well, trying new dishes on your Budapest trip is great, but it can easily become expensive if you do this for every meal.
This is why I suggest going grocery shopping in Budapest. Buy snacks and sandwiches for day tours.
You can also buy fresh fruits for healthy snacking and granola bars are a great choice as well.
Yogurt, drinks, and chips/snack foods are all items to have available where you are staying or on the go, to save money when traveling to Budapest.
Check Out: Budapest: Private Insider Tour of Grand Ecseri Flea Market
Pick The Neighborhood That Is Best For You When Traveling To Budapest
One of the most important travel tips for Budapest is to choose the right neighborhood for your stay.
Varkerulet (District I) is located on the Buda side of the River Danube. It is the Castle District. Historic and charming, with the cobblestoned streets, this area is home to palaces and exquisite churches.
It is the ideal place to stay in Budapest for tourists.
Terezvaros (District VI) is for those traveling to Budapest on a budget.
Looking for nightlife? Then Erzsebetvaros (District VII) may be the right place for you. Also known as the Jewish Quarter, this neighborhood is home to fashionable bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Belvaros (District V) is a great choice to be near some of the most famous attractions Budapest has to offer.
Here you will be within walking distance of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and the Grand Market Hall to name just a few.
Check Out: Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit
Check Out: Budapest: 1.5-Hour Private Kick-Start Tour with a Local
Walking Is A Wonderful Way To Discover Budapest
When you are traveling to Budapest, plan on walking a lot!
Walking gives you a unique experience and allows you to explore Budapest more thoroughly.
I would suggest sightseeing in Budapest on foot to explore the neighborhoods, visit lovely cafes, people watch, and so on.
Don’t Forget to Check Out the Ruin Bars
When you travel to Budapest, you cannot miss out on visiting the famous ruin bars in the old Jewish quarter! What exactly is a ruin bar?
Well, it is a pop-up bar that you can find inside the ruins of an old house, shop, or restaurant.
What I found cool about these bars is that apart from offering cheap drinks, you can also enjoy the art installations and flea markets here.
Szimpla Kert is the first-ever ruin bar to open in 2001 and should be on your Budapest travel itinerary.
Check Out: Budapest: Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets
Check Out: Budapest: Festive & Jewish Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour
Where to Stay in Budapest
Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection – If you like beautiful hotels with amazing views, then I would suggest Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection offering stunning views of downtown Budapest from its rooms that are based on 4 music styles.
They also have a spa center with a pool, a hammam, and a sauna for you to relax on your trip to Budapest.
Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa – The Leading Hotels of the World – For a luxurious experience, I would recommend Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa.
Here, get the celebrity treatment with their 5-star services and facilities that include a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, a restaurant, and so on.
Stories Boutique Hotel – Stories Boutique Hotel is a gorgeous 4-star hotel located in Terézváros district of Budapest.
I love the colorful rooms and the plant-filled lobby here. Plus, it is close to several attractions in Budapest such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, Hungarian State Opera, and so on.
Packing Tips When Traveling To Budapest
Read How To Pack Lightly for packing tricks on how to maximize your packing space! And here for How To Survive Long Haul Flights.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips..
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry.
And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here.
You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
You may be visiting Budapest in warmer weather as I did, and you may want a pair of sandals to wear exploring. I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
I have several pairs of these exact Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
If experiencing culture at the Hungarian baths is on your list you will want to bring along swimwear. This lightweight men’s swim trunk is quick-drying and affordable.
I like this women’s one-piece bathing suit. It has a moderately high leg cut and is lined for modesty’s sake. It has a built-in bra and comes in neat colors.
This fast-drying, lightweight and very absorbent towel is the perfect solution. You choose what color and size you wish and it is extremely affordable.
You may want to bring along a wet-dry bag for your suits and towels once you are finished lounging in the baths. This wet dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
If you need new luggage, this expandable hard-side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this soft-sided luggage set better.
Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you are traveling to Budapest.
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