Hungary On A Budget

Hungary is incredibly underrated in my opinion and it is one of the few remaining places in Europe where the daily cost of living is relatively cheap. Public transport is easily accessible making it easy to explore the country, Budapest is a charming capital and the gateway to the country. Some of its highlights include thermal baths, ruin bars and epic views across the Danube. Here you can find all our guides and everything you need to know about a trip to Hungary on a budget!

Budapest: Close-In Highlights

Budapest is a very walkable city. There are many things to do enough to fill in 2-3 days just to see everything in the city alone. Its main attractions are obviously the parliament where you can visit at night to see it light up the Danube riverbank, Fisherman’s Bastion, the presidential palace and of course its famous thermal baths which are the perfect place to round off your itinerary and relax.

For nightlife you can visit one of the famous ruin bars including the most famous one Szimpla Kert. All in all Budapest is a lively city with something for everyone to enjoy. Just to get a sense of how big and vast the Hungarian capital is you can venture a bit out and go to Elizabeth’s Lookout which is the highest point of Budapest offering sweeping views. Read how to get there and how to spend your time there here!

Day Trips Inspiration / More Places to Visit in Hungary

Apart from a jam packed 2 days in Budapest, the capital offers a lot of day trip options to continue to fill out your day. There are plenty of variety to choose from whether it is hiking, thermal towns or lakeside summer escapades. For all possible day trips to do here you can find all the inspiration you will need. Make sure to leave early to maximise each of your day.

Danube Bend: Best Views of the Biggest River in Europe

One of the best hikes you will find leading to the absolute best views is the Danube Bend lookout. If you are looking for a more strenuous activity then look no further. It is easily accessible by bus and the hike in itself is demanding but rewarding. I absolutely loved this hike and it was challenging but I love to try and include at least one of these hikes every time I go somewhere. The trail is well marked and you can read how to get to the Danube Bend Lookout

Lake Balaton & Tihany: Lakeside Summer Escape

Lake Balaton is the biggest lake in Hungary and provides a great option to cool off in summer. In the hot weather Lake Balaton transforms into a lively scene with beaches and even some nightlife. In the winter is much more quiet and would not really recommend visiting the lakeside towns. However one town still worth visiting is Tihany. This town sits on a slim peninsula with abbey views, lavender in season and calm shoreline paths. Read all about it here

Szentendre – Charming Village Closest to Budapest

If you are looking for a shorter day trip maybe even a half day filler then look no further than the nearby Szentendre. This charming village is the perfect day trip on your trip to Hungary on a budget! Trains are extremely cheap and the buses are even cheaper. The village is reachable and walkable from the train station. Get lost in its narrow cobbled streets and read our guide on all the picture worthy stops

Hungary Practical Tips

• Language: Hungarian is the official language. English is widely understood in Budapest’s tourist areas; a few basic phrases still go a long way.
• Cash vs card: Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep small coins for lockers, public toilets, market stalls, and tips (10% is typical if service isn’t included).
• Transport passes: In Budapest, the 24-hour/72-hour/7-day Travelcard is better value than singles if you’ll ride trams/metro a few times a day. Consider the Budapest Card only if you’ll use its museum/bath perks. For day trips, buy MÁV train tickets in the app to save time and validate easily.
• Water & etiquette: Tap water is safe; refill bottles at public fountains. In baths, bring flip-flops and a towel, and use the showers before pools.
• Safety & timing: Budapest is generally safe—watch for pickpockets on crowded trams and around major sights. Start day trips early for quieter trains and trails.

Getting Into Hungary

Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD) is the main gateway, with shuttle buses and local transit into the city. If you’re rail-hopping, fast trains and private operators tie Budapest to Vienna, Bratislava and Prague. Overnight coaches can be a budget win if you’re flexible on timing and can sleep on the move.

Best Time to Visit & Must-Knows

Late spring and early autumn offer warm days, thinner crowds and sensible room rates. Summer is the liveliest but can get very busy – you will need to book early. Winter suits city time more time in thermal baths, cafés and festive lights if you are visiting in Christimas time. Cards work almost everywhere; a few coins help with lockers and public toilets. Intercity trains are reliable, and frequent suburban trains and buses make day trips easy once you know the stops.

Where to Stay in Hungary

Budapest: Base on the Pest side for convenience.

• District VII (Erzsébetváros) or VI (Terézváros): walkable, lively, close to metro/trams – great for first-timers.
• IX (Ferencváros, near the Great Market Hall) or XIII (Újlipótváros): calmer, local cafés, easy tram/metro access.
• Buda (Castle area): quieter and scenic, but fewer nightlife options-nice if you want early nights

Lake Balaton: For classic views and easy ferries, stay in Tihany or Balatonfüred. For cheaper summer bases with frequent trains, consider Siófok, Zamárdi, or Révfülöp. Book early in July–August.

Food & Drink on a Budget

Hungarian food is hearty and great value if you mix markets, bakeries, and one sit-down meal a day.

• Money savers: Avoid set menus on Váci utca and the busiest squares; go one or two streets back. In ruin bars, mid-week evenings are cheaper and less crowded. Bring your own towel to baths to skip rental fees.
• Breakfast & snacks: Grab pastries from a pékség (bakery) and coffee to go. Markets (e.g., Great Market Hall) are perfect for fruit, cheese, and picnic supplies.
• Lunch deals: Look for “napi menü” (daily menu) boards offering 2–3 courses at local spots for less than tourist-zone prices.
• Lángos (fried dough with sour cream/cheese) for €3–6.
• Gulyás (goulash) soup or pörkölt (stew) with nokedli for ~€6–12 outside the main drags.
• Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) to share as a sweet treat.
• Fröccs (wine spritzer) as a low-cost drink; tap water is free and safe.

Hungary On A Budget FAQs