Here are some quick tips and general info for Budapest.
Currency & Payments
- Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (not the euro)
- Credit cards are widely accepted
- I’ve rarely had to use cash except for that rare public bathroom trip. And, on my last trip, if you downloaded a restroom app you got in free. I rounded up the 60 forints 🙂
What to know:
- Always choose to pay in forint, not USD or EUR (better exchange rate)
- If you do need an ATM, do NOT use standalone ones. Use ones associated with banks. You can find them by searching on Google Maps. The standalone ones just look like they could be easily tampered with.
Public Transportation
Budapest has one of the best (and cheapest) transit systems in Europe.
Options:
- Metro (including the historic Budapest Metro Line 1)
- Trams (especially along the Danube have great views)
- Buses
Critical Tip:
You MUST validate your ticket
- Inspectors are common
- Fines are immediate and not negotiable. Don’t get caught and ruin your vacation.
Getting Around (Airport & City)
- Use Bolt (download in advance) instead of taxis
- Cheap, reliable, widely available
Airport:
- There is an airport bus (100E), but it’s not always the easiest with luggage and figuring out where to catch it.
- Bolt is often the simplest option
- I’ve also taken Uber. You can compare prices between the two.
Hotel Realities
- Many hotels use central heating/cooling systems
- Rooms can get warm in winter. Oh my goodness, during the last trip, we had to have the handyman come turn off the heat. That meant we didn’t have heat at all the rest of the trip. Guy was so nice, but spoke no English. Put us on the phone with someone he said spoke English. They didn’t either. 🙂
- AC may not be individually adjustable in all properties
Walking & Terrain
- Pest = flat and easy
- Buda = hills, stairs, and elevation and better views
If staying on Buda Hill:
- Expect daily walking up/down
- There are buses but not always convenient
- You may just want to pay for Uber/Bolt to get up the hill, but this gets pricey. Remember, if you are mobile, the hills burn off those cake calories.
Shopping & Tourist Traps
Avoid:
- Váci Street – overpriced and tourist-heavy
Better:
- Explore side streets
Thermal Baths Etiquette
If you go:
- Bring flip flops
- Bring a towel (or rent one)
- Some pools require swim caps
- Weekends are crowded
Baths may or may not be your thing. They aren’t my thing, but many people love them.
Nighttime Notes
- Buda = quiet at night
- Pest = lively, especially in District VII
Important:
- Parliament lights turn off around 10 PM in winter
- Plan evening activities (like river cruises) earlier
Café Culture
- Coffee + cake is a thing here
- Take your time
- Skip overly hyped spots like New York Café unless you’re prepared for crowds and pricing
Small but Important Tips
- Bathrooms may require coins in public places. Also, carry tissues with you in the event they are out of TP.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- Pickpocketing exists. Stay aware in crowded spots.
