There's more to this place than that George Ezra song - think steamy outdoor spas, tasty goulash and ruin bars for the edgiest pint you've ever had.
Destination highlights
A city of two halves: Buda and Pest - talk about 2 for 1!
One word: goulash - AKA, a hug in a bowl
Every day's a spa day thanks to all the thermal baths!
Home to 'Ruin Bars' which look like your grandma's living room, with a side of craft beer
Danube River is basically the city's catwalk - cruise it, walk it or just gaze at it while deciding where to eat next
What are the best sights to see in Budapest?
Buda Castle - not your average castle - it's the whole shebang, with a palace, museums and views that'll have you spamming the group chat you have with your mates
Chain Bridge - the real Instagram star, connecting Buda and Pest like the city's own handshake.
Fisherman’s Bastion - it’s like stepping into a fairytale, with turrets and killer views that'll have you feeling like Cinderella (minus the pumpkin carriage and 12PM curfew).
Széchenyi Thermal Bath - spa day, but make it historical. Just you, lounging in a giant pool of mineral water with some top-tier views to go with it. Not your average city break.
Ruin Bars - forget regular bars - these are a mishmash of all things cool and vintage, located in abandoned buildings and decked out with clearance furniture.
What are the top hotels in Budapest?
Corinthia Hotel Budapest - grandeur with a capital 'G', this place screams luxury and has a spa that's worth the trip alone.
Aria Hotel Budapest - fancy a music-themed hotel? This is your spot. Plus, it's got a rooftop bar with views that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
Hotel Palazzo Zichy - contemporary cool in a historical setting. It's chic, it's sleek, and it's got breakfasts that are practically a sightseeing tour in themselves
Brody House - artsy, edgy, and with more character than your nan's living room. Each room is unique - just like your Budapest stories will be.
New York Palace, The Dedica Anthology - live your best Gatsby life in this opulent hotel that blends history with luxury. Heads up: the New York Café here is a legend in its own right.
Popular Budapest hotels
Weather in Budapest
JAN
3°C
FEB
6°C
MAR
11°C
APR
18°C
MAY
22°C
JUN
26°C
JUL
28°C
AUG
28°C
SEP
22°C
OCT
16°C
NOV
9°C
DEC
3°C
Budapest's weather? It's like Hollywood's biggest diva – full of surprises! Winter's chilly, with temps often dipping below freezing (perfect for cosying up in those famous thermal baths - it's giving music video vibes). Come spring, the city thaws out and everyone's in a T-shirt by April, with temperatures around 11-16°C. Summer in Budapest is like being in a sizzling romance novel, hitting a hot 25-30°C, so sunscreen and shades at the ready! And autumn? It's all golden leaves and comfy sweater weather, cooling down to a crisp 10-15°C. Pack some layers and you'll be golden, whatever the season.
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FAQs
What currency do they use in Budapest?
The Hungarian forint is the official currency of Budapest.
What language do they speak in Budapest?
Hungarian is the official language spoken in Budapest, so you'd better up your Duolingo game if you want to impress!
How long does it take to fly to Budapest?
It takes around 2.5 hours to fly to Budapest from the UK, which is just enough time to catch a film, jam out to your holiday playlist or just catch some Zs before your big trip.
What's the time difference between the UK and Budapest?
The local time in Budapest is one hour ahead of the UK, so you don't have to worry about too much jet lag.
Cry us a river (or at least cruise down one)
Danube River is one of the most famous in Europe (yeah, we know some stuff), so it deserves all the love. Whether you're an open-top daredevil or you'd rather admire the scenery from behind solid glass, there are all kinds of boat trips along this bad boy - including coffee-fuelled ones by day, and cocktail-fuelled ones by night. Either way, you'll have a chatty guide to give you all the goss on your way down. Gotra bank some knowledge for your next pub quiz.
Take a bath
Sure, you can do this in your hotel room, but for the real experience, you've gotta dunk into one of the outdoor thermal baths. It's essentially a warm outdoor pool, and you might be able to book yourself in for a cheeky spa treatment afterwards too. Get that self-care.
Have a (pin)ball
Gamers, this one's for you. Budapest is home to an actual Pinball Museum, and it's not just for looking at. A ticket to this place bags you hours of nostalgic fun on retro machines. The kids'll have a field day here too - you might just have to explain that these games don't require a hand-held console...
Spot the wombat
Budapest Zoo is home to over 1000 different animals - from wombats to tigers and even butterflies if you prefer something a bit more tame. A little heads up though - this place gets busy, but the famous botanical garden is right next door and usually a bit of a quieter spot to relax.
Don't let your night be ruined
Stopping by one of the Ruin Bars for a bev has got to be on your Budapest bucket list. They're your one-way ticket to cheap drinks in a weird (but wonderful) atmosphere. These places can look like regular old homes or abandoned buildings from the outside, so a guided tour (or asking a local!) is your best way to discover some of the gems.
What events can I go to in Budapest?
Budapest is always buzzing with events, and there's something for every kind of partygoer, culture vulture or foodie. Here’s the lowdown:
Budapest International Documentary Festival (January) - for those who like their films real and their popcorn salty. Think Sundance, but with more subtitles.
Budapest Spring Festival (March-April) - get your culture fix with this artsy extravaganza - featuring everything from classical music to contemporary dance. It's like Glastonbury, but for the artsy crowd.
Budapest100 (April) - a quirky weekend celebrating 100-year-old buildings. It's like a birthday party for the city’s architecture, complete with tours and history nerds.
Danube Carnival (June) - dance troupes, live music, and a parade that's so colourful, you'll forget you're not in Rio.
Night of Museums (June) - one night where museums turn into party venues. It’s educational, but make it nocturnal. We're just waiting for Ben Stiller to rock up.
Sziget Festival (August) - Europe’s answer to Coachella, set on an island. Imagine seven days of music, art and festival vibes, without all the desert dust.
Budapest Wine Festival (September) - because who doesn't love sipping on fine Hungarian wine in a castle? It's like Oktoberfest's more refined cousin.
Budapest Marathon (October) - it’s like sightseeing, but faster and with more sweat. Perfect if you fancy running past some of the city’s best spots.
Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival (October) - a festival dedicated to fruit brandy and sausages. It's like a love letter to Hungarian comfort food.
Budapest Christmas Market (November-December) - fairy lights, mulled wine and enough gingerbread to build a small village. It's like stepping straight into a Christmas card. Or a Hallmark movie.
Where's the best nightlife in Budapest?
Budapest's nightlife is where old-world charm crashes into a party scene with a wild streak. From ruin bars to chic rooftops, here’s where the night owls come to play:
Szimpla Kert - the godfather of all ruin bars - it's a maze of eclectic rooms and quirky decor. Think of it as a playground for grown-ups, with a side of craft beer.
High Note SkyBar - cocktails with a view, anyone? Perched atop the Aria Hotel, it's the perfect spot to gaze over the city with a fancy drink in hand.
Instant & Fogas Ház - a sprawling nightlife complex where you can hop from one themed room to another. It's like a festival, but indoors and with way better toilets.
A38 Ship - a nightclub on a boat, because why not? This former Ukrainian stone-carrier turned party vessel is where you can dance with the Danube under your feet.
Ötkert - part club, part art space, but all fun. With its mix of local and international DJs, it’s like the United Nations, but with better beats and less diplomacy.
Corvintető - an underground club in a Soviet-era department store, topped with a rooftop terrace. The best of both worlds: rave below, stargaze above.
Doboz - it's got a giant, illuminated tree and a King Kong sculpture, because...Budapest. A place where you can dance, drink, and discuss whether that's really King Kong.
Gozsdu Courtyard - not one, but a string of bars and restaurants in a lively alley. It's like bar-hopping, but you only have to stumble a few steps to the next spot.
What's the food like in Budapest?
The flavours here are as rich as the history. Get ready to dive into a food scene that’s all about hearty, comforting, and oh-so-delicious dishes. Here’s a taste of what’s cooking in Hungary's capital:
Goulash – duh. Talking about Hungarian grub without mentioning goulash would be like missing fish and chips off a page about British food. Think of it as a stew on steroids, with beef, veggies and paprika - AKA, a warm hug in a bowl.
Lángos – deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese - because life's too short for salad. It’s the ultimate street food indulgence.
Chicken Paprikash – chicken slow-cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, usually snuggling with some nokedli (dumplings). It’s the food equivalent of getting cosy by the fire.
Töltött Káposzta – stuffed cabbage rolls that have more layers than your winter outfit. They’re filled with meat, rice and spices, and they're oh-so-satisfying.
Kürtőskalács – chimney cakes that are crispy, sweet spirals of joy. Eating one is basically a rite of passage in Budapest.
Somlói Galuska – layers of sponge cake, chocolate, walnuts and rum - all topped with whipped cream. It's what sweet dreams are made of.
Halászlé – calling all soup-lovers! This spicy fish soup is like a fiesta in a bowl, with river fish and a heap of paprika.
Places to visit
Buda Castle
Welcome to one of the few places you can feel like royalty without actually being in line for the throne. This isn't just a castle - it's a whole district of 'wow' perched on a hill. Stroll around like you own the place (and, y'know, maybe imagine waving to your imaginary subjects for good measure). It's got art, it's got history and it's got views that'll make your Insta feed pop. And the inside? It’s like stepping into a history book, but WAY more fun because...well, you're not actually being quizzed. Oh, and the nighttime view? Let’s just say it’s fairytale-level stunning. King and Queen for a day? Yaaaas, please!
Szentendre, also known as 'Artist's Village'
Stepping foot in this place is like walking into your artsy friend's house where every nook looks like a rainbow explosion. The coloured houses are giving total Balamory vibes (who remembers?), and every other person is either painting, sculpting or gazing dramatically at a piece of art. Expect galleries stacked with quirky artwork, cobbled streets for that 'quaint town' feel, and cute cafés where you can slurp coffee and people-watch. It's as hippy as you'll get.
Hungarian Parliament Building
This place is so grand it makes Buckingham Palace look like a starter home. It's a Gothic Revival masterpiece, and it isn't just big; it's the third-largest parliament building in the world – because in Hungary, they go big or go home. (But they never go home.) And the details? It's like every inch is trying to outdo the last in a beauty contest. Inside, it's all about grand staircases, lavish halls, and a crown that's seen more drama than your favourite reality TV show. Plus, the view from the outside? Let's just say unlike all of our failed 'candid' shots, it's impossible to take a bad photo of this thing.
Key facts about Budapest
Flight Time
2.5 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Currency
Hungarian Forint
Language
Hungarian
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Budapest?
We'd recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Budapest?
Yes, there is a city tourism tax in Budapest which can equate to around 1000 Hungarian Forint per person, per night (don't worry, that's only about £2-£3!).
Do I need a visa to visit Budapest?
If you're visiting for less than 90 days, then you don't need a visa to visit Budapest, or anywhere in the Schengen area.
