How we spent two days in Budapest
We visited Budapest in May as part of our travels around Europe by train. I’d wanted to visit the city for ages and was excited to finally arrive (after an 8-hour train from Slovenia!) We didn’t have the best weather – it rained for most of the two days that we were in Budapest. But that didn’t stop us from exploring the city.
Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Budapest, including the best things to do and where to eat and drink.
How to get to Budapest
You can fly to Budapest from most UK airports, but if you’re already in mainland Europe there are also many trains and buses that connect Budapest to major cities. We caught the train from Ljubljana, Slovenia straight into one of Budapest’s central stations.
Where to stay in Budapest
We stayed at the Three Corners Anna hotel in the Palace District, just across the main road from the Jewish Quarter. It was a perfect location for us as we could easily walk around the neighbourhood, and it was well connected by bus and Metro when we were travelling further afield. The hotel also offers free coffee and breakfast can be included in your booking.
What are the best things to do in Budapest?
Budapest is most famous for its spas, and the river that divides the city into Buda and Pest. Exploring the city on foot or by bus or tram is very easy, so even in two days we were able to explore a lot of Budapest. We opted for an outdoor spa even in the rain, which we loved, but there are plenty of indoor options too.
These were our favourite things to do in Budapest:
Take a dip at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (even if it’s raining)
Walk across Széchenyi Chain Bridge
See the views of Pest from Fisherman's Bastion
Check out the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building
Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial
Eat and drink in the Jewish Quarter
Wander around Buda Castle
See the exhibits at Budapest History Museum
Where to eat and drink in Budapest
There are so many places to eat and drink in Budapest, but the Jewish Quarter was our favourite area as all the great food and nightlife is so close together. Plus, the Ruins Bars you’ll hear so much about aren’t just a tourist trap – they’re a genuinely good night out. These were our favourite places to eat and drink in Budapest:
Fat Mama
La Chiquita Taqueria
Mama Goulash
Buja Disznó(k) Liget
Szimpla Kert (this Ruins Bar lives up to the hype)
Stifler Beerhouse & Kitchen
Füge Udvar
Lámpás Pub
KAZI
Is Budapest expensive?
Budapest isn’t especially expensive, but it depends where you go. Many attractions have an entrance fee (for example basic tickets to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath cost €40 each) while others are free to see, if not to enter, like Fisherman’s Bastion and the Parliament building.
Food and drink is mostly affordable, with pints in the popular Ruins bars costing around €6. You can drink much more cheaply in less touristy pubs, and there are plenty of affordable restaurants alongside the more expensive options in the Jewish Quarter.
Is Budapest safe?
Yes, we found Budapest to be safe. It is a capital city so there is obviously crime and poverty. But we never felt unsafe. If you’re walking around at night, take care of your belongings and be sensible about how you get home – you can always use Uber if you’re not sure. You should also be aware that there are lots of drug dealers who may approach you in the streets around the Ruins Bars at night, but they are not aggressive and won’t bother you if you say no or ignore them.
When is the best time of year to visit Budapest?
Budapest is the kind of city you can visit at any time of year. The shoulder seasons of May and June or September and October are usually the best balance of mild weather without the huge crowds of summer. But it’s a city that can definitely still be enjoyed in the winter months. Just be aware that all year round it is full of stag and hen dos, and in summer things are likely to be more expensive and quicker to book up.
Do you need a car in Budapest?
No, there is no need to hire a car in Budapest. The city is easy to travel through by bus, tram, and Metro, there are taxis and Ubers, and the neighbourhoods are easy to explore on foot.
What to pack for a weekend in Budapest?
We visited Budapest in May and while it was mild, there was a lot of rain. We also knew we would be visiting at least one spa, which meant packing for that on top of regular day clothes. This is what I packed for a weekend in Budapest in May:
Two t-shirts
A vest top
A light jumper
A denim jacket
A pair of jeans
A pair of wide-leg trousers
A pair of Converse
A pair of sandals
A bikini
Enough underwear for the trip
A towel
Sunglasses
A shoulder bag
A tote bag
Enough underwear for the trip
EU plug adaptors
An umbrella
Daily toiletries
Passport
Find out more about our trip through Europe by train here.