The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a highly captivating city, offering a rich blend of delicious cuisine, historic attractions, and fabulous architecture.

If you’re planning on visiting Budapest but don’t have a large budget, rest assured. The city provides plenty of opportunities to explore its charms and quirks without breaking the bank.

From sightseeing for free to low-cost transport and affordable eateries, we’ve shared our tips for exploring Budapest on a budget, ensuring you have an unforgettable and cost-effective adventure.

Visit attractions for free

Budapest boasts many free attractions that visitors can enjoy, which offer insight into the city’s diverse culture and history. Take a walk along the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and bask in the fantastic construction that links Buda with Pest. It is particularly striking at night once it becomes illuminated with thousands of lights.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is another iconic landmark in Budapest. A neoclassical masterpiece, regardless of religious preference, it is a must-see during your time in the city. The 19th-century Basilica is a revered site for locals as it contains the preserved hand of the founder of modern-day Hungary, King St. Stephen.

Previously, it was free to enter with just a small donation but is now priced at around £5 in local currency, with the panorama costing slightly more.

You can find a variety of free walking tours in Budapest that cover the aforementioned attractions. However, while you don’t need to pay, it’s customary to tip your guide at the end based on your experience.

Affordable eateries and street food

Delve into the city’s culinary delights at a fraction of the cost by opting for local eateries and street food stalls. Avoid popular tourist hotspots, which are often the most expensive, and try some traditional Hungarian delicacies.

Popular dishes include langos (fried bread), goulash, and chimney cake. You should also head to the Great Market Hall, where you’ll find local produce, snacks, and souvenirs.

Visit the thermal baths

No trip to Budapest would be complete without relaxing at the thermal baths. You may have heard of popular spas like the Széchenyi Bath and Gellért Bath, but these are often filled with tourists and the prices reflect this.

However, you can still leave feeling rejuvenated without dipping into your budget by opting for less touristy baths, such as the Dandár Baths. Here you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools that are all heated, as well as an indoor thermal bath and a variety of saunas and steam rooms.

Explore the parks and gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by finding peace in one of Budapest’s green spaces. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the City Park? Or better yet, visit Gellért Hill for the most amazing panoramic views. You can also take advantage of the picturesque Margaret Island if you fancy a picnic or want to read a book in peace.

All of the parks and gardens are free to enter, providing a much-needed tranquil retreat after a busy day of exploring.

Make use of museum discounts

Most of the museums in the city are free to enter or offer discounted entry on certain days or times. Taking into account the richness of Hungarian culture and history here, it would be a shame to miss out on this due to budget restrictions.

Therefore, plan your trip accordingly and figure out how to take advantage of these opportunities to discover the vast history of Budapest without paying premium prices.

On Hungarian national holidays, you can gain access to the Hungarian National Museum for free, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Budapest National Gallery. It’s also worth noting that these museums offer free entry on the third Saturday of each month.

Additionally, the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art allows free entry on the last Sunday of each month.

Research places to stay

While the hotels in Budapest are fairly inexpensive, including those that are high-end, there are ways to help you cut your costs. Accommodation outside of the city centre is generally cheaper but consider staying inside the city centre or somewhere close to public transport hubs. This way, you’ll save money on travelling and will be able to access the city’s attractions and amenities much more easily.

Discounted and affordable transport

Save on the cost of transportation during your time in the city by purchasing a Budapest travel card or day pass. This will provide you with unlimited access to the city’s efficient public transport system and includes buses, trams, the metro, and also the funicular to Buda Castle.

Planning your travel from the airport will also ensure a smooth and budget-friendly start to your adventure. There is the option of public transport but depending on where you stay it may not be feasible. Alternatively, you can opt for an airport taxi that will take you directly to your accommodation, and you can save additional costs on your taxi by using a Hoppa discount code.

A cheap cruise down the Danube River

Experience the beauty of Europe’s second-largest river by going on a cruise. You can find tickets for this as low as €14, offering great value and the perfect opportunity to see some of Budapest’s best UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are various cruises to choose from depending on your preferences. For example, you may opt for one in the daytime when the sun is shining and the water is glistening, or choose one in the evening, and spend the night leisurely looking at the floodlit monuments with a glass of champagne in hand.