How Can I Travel to Budapest on a Budget?

Are you looking to explore the beautiful sights of Budapest, Hungary but worried about the cost? We understand your trepidation as Europe can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling from countries with a different currency. But don’t let that deter you from visiting this amazing city! We’ve got all your questions on how to travel to Budapest on a budget covered so you can start planning your trip and make the most of it.

Choose the Cheapest Flight.

The best way to start your trip is to find the cheapest flight to Budapest. Luckily, these days there are several budget airlines available, and they often have discounted fares. Some of these airlines include Wizz Air, Lufthansa and Ryanair. To find the lowest fare, use an online flight search engine tool like Skyscanner or Momondo – this will show you the cheapest fares on offer with different airline companies. You can also either book directly through the airline websites or go to a travel agent in your hometown. When selecting your flights, pay attention to any extra fees that might be added on – some budget airlines often add additional charges for luggage, food, or to book a seat. Try to select a seat as close to the front as possible so you don’t have to walk too far and save time. Lastly, generally fares are cheaper when you book during a ticket sale or in advance (up to 3 months before) – so try to plan your trip carefully!

Book in Advance for Hotels and Tours.

Pre-booking a hotel or apartment rental in advance is the best way to get great deals. Start searching for a place to stay at least 1-2 months before your trip. If you’re willing to stay in hostels, then you can save even more money as they offer cheaper rates as well as a great chance to meet new people. There are many hotel-booking websites like Hotels.com, Expedia and Booking.com which list discounted prices in Budapest. Tours can also be booked in advance at relatively low prices. GetYourGuide is a great website for searching and booking tours of Budapest from walking tours to bike tours. You can see reviews left by other users and find the most affordable rates.

Buy a Budapest Tourist Card.

The Budapest Tourist Card is the ultimate way to travel around Budapest on a budget! The card gives you discounted access to many attractions like buses, trams, metro and even ferries on the Danube. It also gives you discounts on museum admissions, restaurant meals and shopping. The card usually costs around €14 (around $17 USD) and can be purchased at the Budapest Tourist Information Centers as well as in some hotels. It is also available online – all you have to do is print out your ticket and start exploring!

Make Use of Free Things.

One of the best ways to sightsee on the cheap is taking advantage of free things to do in Budapest. To start with, there are several free walking tours that take place around the city every day in English, German and Swedish. Check out sites like Free Walking Tour Budapest for more information. The city hosts several free events throughout the year too which include music festivals, street performances and traditional activities like folk dancing and puppet shows. There are also many parks throughout the city where you can relax on a sunny day as well as outdoor swimming pools where admission is free (or very inexpensive).

Explore Local Markets.

Visiting local markets is a must in order to make your travel budget stretch further. These usually sell food cheaper than supermarkets or restaurants, so it’s definitely worth checking out! Each day there is a market that operates in a different neighborhood – Mondays are the markets at Batthyány Square and Ferenciek Square in Pest, Tuesdays at Ráday Street market in District VIII and Wednesdays at Rákóczi Square in District VIII. Thursdays and Fridays you’ll find markets in Buda across Margaret Bridge near Vígadó Square and in Széll Karoly Square respectively. Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive either – there are several local restaurants where you can get scrumptious meals for around €5-7 (around $6-8 USD). Try smaller eateries or “ruin pubs’ for amazing food that won’t break the bank. You could even prepare your own meals too if you’re staying at an apartment or hostel – this is a great money-saving tip for short trips.

Conclusion

Budapest is an incredible city full of fascinating sights, sounds and experiences – and even better – it doesn’t have to be expensive! With good planning, research and preparation you can get amazing deals on flights, lodging, transportation and even food without spending too much. We hope our guide on how to travel to Budapest on a budget has given you some useful advice so you can start planning your trip without sweating over the finances! Visit Skyscanner now to help plan your budget-friendly trip to Budapest!