One of the things I loved about Budapest is that you can have a great time without spending loads of money. It’s definitely one of those European cities where your money can go a little further. Budapest is already known for its budget status. It is a place where a glass of wine is around about the same as a bottle of water.
From cheap food and drinks to free things to see and do, there are plenty of ways to keep the cost of a trip down. You don’t need to spend your days looking for the cheapest option either. With a little planning, you can enjoy the city, try some Hungarian food and have a few on a budget.
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest on a budget, here are some of the ways you can save money while still making the most of your time in the city.
1. Venture outside the city centre
Budapest’s city centre is definitely worth exploring, but don’t feel like you have to stay there for your whole trip. Some of the best places to eat, drink and explore can be found a little further away from the main tourist areas.
One of the things I love about doing this is that you get to see a different side of the city. The prices can also be cheaper once you’re away from the busiest tourist spots, which is always a bonus if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
District III is a great choice if you want to get outdoors and see a different side of Budapest, while District VIII is known for its beautiful buildings and lively atmosphere. District XIII is another area worth exploring, with a very different feel from the central parts of the city.
So, once you’ve ticked off the main sights, don’t be afraid to jump on public transport and explore a little further. You never know what you might find. I jumped on a bus and didn’t quite know where i was going, an adventure and I found so many great places to eat.
2. Getting around Budapest
One thing I really liked about Budapest was how easy it was to get around. You don’t need to spend a fortune on taxis because the city has a excellent public transport system.
There are metros, buses and trams as well as trains if you’re heading further out. You can also take a boat along the Danube, which is a lovely way to see the city from a different angle.
The yellow trams are probably my favourite. They are such an iconic part of Budapest and travelling along the Danube gives you some fantastic views. It’s also a much cheaper way of seeing parts of the city than booking one of the tourist river cruises.
If you’re going to be using public transport regularly, it’s worth looking at the travel passes available as these can work out much cheaper than buying individual tickets.
I also loved just walking around Budapest. The city centre is easy to explore on foot, and sometimes wandering around without a plan is when you find the nicest little streets, cafés and buildings.
So, unless you really need one, I wouldn’t worry about using taxis all the time. Budapest’s public transport is cheap, convenient and, especially when you’re travelling on one of those yellow trams, part of the experience.
3. Relax in Budapest’s thermal baths
You can’t really visit Budapest without hearing about its famous thermal baths. They are such a big part of the city and, if you’ve never experienced one before, I definitely think it’s something worth adding to your trip.
The problem is that the most famous baths can be quite expensive, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Szechenyi, Gellért and Rudas are probably the names you’ll come across most often, and they are popular for a reason. The buildings are beautiful and there’s something quite special about relaxing in the warm thermal water surrounded by all that history.
But you don’t necessarily have to pay the higher prices or squeeze into the busiest pools. There are some smaller and less well-known options that can be worth looking at.
St Lukács and Király are two alternatives to consider, while Palatinus on Margaret Island is a great choice if you’re visiting Budapest during the summer. As well as the thermal pools, there are outdoor swimming pools, a wave pool and slides, so it feels more like a fun day out than a traditional spa.
If you’re travelling with children, Palatinus could be particularly worth considering as there’s plenty more to do than simply sitting in a thermal pool.
So, while the famous Budapest baths are definitely worth knowing about, don’t assume they’re your only option. If you’re watching your spending, looking at some of the cheaper alternatives could leave you with more money to spend on the rest of your trip.
4. Explore Budapest on foot
One of my favourite things to do when I’m exploring a new city is to just get out and walk, and Budapest is perfect for this.
You really don’t need to spend much money to see some amazing parts of the city. I love wandering through the streets, taking in all the different buildings and seeing what you come across along the way. Budapest has such a mix of architecture, from grand historic buildings to beautiful Art Nouveau details, so there’s always something that catches your eye.
If you fancy getting away from the busy streets for a while, there are plenty of green spaces too. Margaret Island is lovely for a relaxing walk, or you can head to City Park and have a wander around. For those who don’t mind a bit of a climb, Gellért Hill is well worth it for the views over Budapest.
If you’ve got more time, I’d definitely consider heading out towards the Buda Hills. It’s a completely different side to the city, with walking trails, woodland and plenty of fresh air. It’s also a great way to see how locals spend their weekends.
For me, this is one of the best ways to experience Budapest without spending much money — just comfortable shoes, a bit of time and a willingness to see where the streets take you.
5. See a show
Going to the theatre might not be the first thing you think of when planning a budget trip, but Budapest can be a great place to enjoy a show without spending a fortune.
The Hungarian State Opera House is absolutely beautiful, so even if you’re watching your budget, it’s worth seeing what’s on while you’re there. Depending on the performance, you can find cheaper seats and enjoy the impressive surroundings without paying the sort of prices you might expect in other European cities.
If the theatre isn’t really your thing, Budapest also has some lovely old cinemas where you can catch a film. Places such as Puskin, Művész and Corvin are known for their character and are worth checking out if you fancy doing something a little different.
It’s a great option for an evening when you’ve had enough of sightseeing and want to sit down for a couple of hours. And if you’re visiting during one of Budapest’s film festivals, you can discover even more cinemas and films across the city.
6. Join the locals and picnic outside
One of the nicest things about Budapest in the summer is simply finding a patch of grass, sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere.
There are lots of places around the city where you can grab some food and drinks and have your own little picnic. If you’re visiting on a warm evening, why not pick up some snacks and try a fröccs, a refreshing Hungarian drink made with wine and sparkling water?
You could sit beside the Danube and watch the city go by, find a spot near St Stephen’s Basilica, relax in one of Budapest’s parks or head to Elizabeth Square in the centre of the city. It’s a really simple way to slow down and enjoy Budapest without spending a fortune.
7. Combine accommodation with entertainment
If nightlife is one of the reasons you’re heading to Budapest, why not make life a little easier and stay right in the middle of it?
Budapest’s ruin bars are such a big part of the city, and they’re unlike anywhere I’ve been before. Hidden away in old buildings and courtyards, they’re filled with quirky furniture, random bits of decoration and a really fun atmosphere.
There are quite a few party hostels around the city too, so you can stay close to the action and easily meet other travellers. Some are even above or right next to the bars, which means you can enjoy a night out without having to worry about finding your way back across the city afterwards.
I stayed in a cheap hotel which was within walking distance of many bars
A lot hostels and hotels also put on their own events, from walking tours to nights out, so it’s a great option if you’re travelling on a budget but still want to have a bit of fun.
Budapest is a great city, i truly recommend visiting.
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