Budapest on a Budget: Affordable Local Restaurants, Transportation & Money Saving Tips
Budget trip to Budapest? Discover affordable restaurants, where to stay, how to get around and inexpensive sites.
TRAVEL BLOG
Samantha (Bugs)
5/23/202616 min read
Budapest, the beautiful capital of Hungary, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history and lively atmosphere. Split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, the city is filled with incredible landmarks including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohány Street Synagogue along with countless cafés, thermal baths and scenic streets to explore.We only spent a few days in Budapest, but it quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe. Between the picturesque architecture, relaxing parks, delicious food and welcoming locals, I felt like I had barely scratched the surface of everything the city has to offer. In this budget travel guide, I’ll share my tips for affordable accommodations, transportation, budget-friendly restaurants and some of the best things to see while exploring Budapest on a budget.
Exploring Budapest, Hungary on a Budget: Transportation, Accommodations, Restaurants & Things to Do
Budapest Travel Tips &
Practical Information
Before our trip to Budapest, we spent a lot of time researching what to expect, from transportation and currency to local customs and getting around the city. Some tips made the trip much smoother, while others were things I wish I had known before arriving (like the fines for mistakes on the public transportation). Here are a few helpful travel tips and practical things to know before visiting Budapest!
Visa requirements as a US citizen
U.S. citizens do not currently need a visa to visit Hungary as of 2025. Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone along with most countries in the European Union. Beginning sometime in 2026, travelers may need to complete an ETIAS authorization online before arrival, though this is separate from any visa requirements.
What SIM Card works best in Budapest?
We went to Yettel (google maps locations) and purchased a 30-day 10GB SIM card for $8.83 USD each. The process was quick and easy, the employee was very helpful and the phone coverage throughout Budapest was excellent. Remember to bring your passport
What Language is spoken in Hungary?
The official language of Hungary is Hungarian, but almost everyone I interacted with in Budapest spoke at least some English. I had no issues communicating in restaurants, grocery stores or tourist areas.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink and highly regulated often matching often matching or exceeding EU safety standards
Are there public toilets?
Most restaurants have customer bathrooms, but public toilets in Budapest are usually paid. Prices ranged between about $0.70 and $1.75 USD which honestly felt like some of the most expensive public toilets I have encountered while traveling.
Is Budapest Pedestrian Friendly?
Yes! Budapest is a very walkable city with sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and public transportation connecting most major attractions. I walked almost everywhere during my visit and found it easy to explore both the Buda and Pest sides of the city on foot.
Best Time to Visit Budapest
The best time to visit Budapest is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the city. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, outdoor cafés are busy and the city feels lively without the extreme summer crowds.
We visited during warmer weather in August and loved being able to spend hours walking through the historic streets, parks and riverside areas without needing much public transportation. Spring and fall are also great for enjoying Budapest’s famous thermal baths and outdoor viewpoints like Fisherman’s Bastion. And would save you some money on accommodation and would be less crowded as well.
Summer is popular because of festivals, long daylight hours and warm evenings along the Danube River, but accommodation prices can be higher and tourist areas become much busier. Winter can be cold and snowy, though Budapest is famous for its beautiful Christmas markets and cozy atmosphere during the holiday season.
Is Budapest Safe?
I found Budapest to feel very safe overall and had no major issues during my visit. I walked around during both the day and evening and generally felt comfortable exploring the city on foot. The main tourist areas around the Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Jewish Quarter were busy and lively with plenty of people around.
Like most major European cities, petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, so it is still important to stay aware of your belongings. I would especially recommend keeping an eye on bags and phones around busy tram stops, markets and nightlife areas. We used our Packsafe backpacks here and located them in busy areas, check them out in our gear review. (link to gear review)
Best place to buy groceries in Budapest
We mainly shopped at the Central Market Hall but we also shopped at Aldi and Prima during our stay in Budapest. Aldi had the best prices and sales while Prima usually had a larger selection of products. Grocery prices in Budapest were very affordable compared to restaurant prices, especially for fresh produce, meats, bread and cheese. One thing to note is that produce is weighed at the register, while some baked goods require you to print a label yourself. You simply enter the number from the product price tag into the scale and it prints a sticker for checkout.
Tips on driving in Budapest
We didn't drive while we were there, but if you do, here are some helpful tips. In Hungary, including Budapest, they drive on the right hand side of the road, just like in the USA, so adjusting is pretty easy. If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license you can legally drive as a tourist, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified Hungarian translation of your state license is required.
One big difference from the U.S. is that Hungary uses electronic highway tolls called vignettes, and there are speed cameras everywhere. Also, in Budapest, trams always have priority, and some downtown streets can be extremely narrow compared to what most Americans are used to.
Currency in Budapest
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro, though some tourist spots may accept Euros at a poor exchange rate. Credit cards were widely accepted almost everywhere I went, but having some cash on hand was still helpful for markets, public bathrooms, or smaller shops. Before and during my trip, I used the Google online currency converter quite a bit because prices in Forints can look shocking at first but seeing numbers in the thousands quickly became normal!
Local Customs in Budapest
Initially Hungarians can come across as reserved, especially compared to North Americans, but people were generally kind and helpful once I interacted with them. It’s polite to greet shop staff when entering a store and say goodbye when leaving. Tipping is common in restaurants, usually around 10%, though sometimes a service charge is already included on the bill. I also noticed people tend to keep their voices quieter on public transportation, and it’s customary to offer your seat to elderly passengers.
Additional Budget Tip
If you plan on visiting several attractions or using public transportation frequently, consider purchasing a Budapest travel pass. It can save money on transit and may include discounts at some museums and attractions. Also, carrying a reusable water bottle can help cut costs since Budapest has safe drinking water and public fountains around the city.
Public Transportation in Budapest, Hungry
Budapest trolley: Well, this was a disappointing experience. We downloaded the Transit app and bought two tickets for the trolley. We got on the trolley and went looking for the scanner to scan our mobile tickets. Apparently we did it wrong and we were supposed to scan the QR code on the outside of the trolley, an honest mistake. That mistake cost us $71 USD! Just because we didn't know we had to scan on the outside of the trolley! The guy did not care and told us to pay now or he would call the police. Make sure you scan the very small QR code next to the door before you enter the trolley if you buy a single ride ticket in the app. This can all be avoided by purchasing the multiride day pass, but you need to take a few trips to get the full value. Honestly it's a tourist hustle and Budapest should be ashamed. I didn’t let it ruin the rest of my time there, but it will definitely taint my view of Budapest.
Budapest subway: Works the same as the trolley, so if you don't have a pass and you buy a paper ticket or one through the app (get the app here) make sure you validate it before you get on! For the subway you validate at the machines before you take the escalator or stairs down. The subway is modern and clean and a great way to get around the city.
Walking: Honestly my favorite way to get around is simply walking. There is so much to see and and take in that you miss on public transit. So if time allows I recommend roaming the streets and seeing where the day takes you. If you do you're sure to find something amazing!
Budget Friendly Restaurants & Must-Try Foods in Budapest
While visiting Budapest, we quickly realized that restaurant prices were a bit higher than we had expected, so we did not eat out as often as we normally would while traveling. Instead, we cooked meals at our apartment using fresh ingredients from the Central Market Hall which ended up being both affordable and delicious. Grocery prices in Budapest were surprisingly reasonable compared to dining out, especially for produce, meats, bread and local cheeses. That said, we still found a few great budget friendly restaurants and cafés around the city that were worth visiting. Hungary is known for its rich, comforting cuisine and there are several national favorites worth trying while you are there including: goulash, chicken paprikash, lángos, chimney cake, stuffed cabbage and hearty stews flavored with Hungary’s famous paprika. Even on a budget, it is still possible to experience some of Budapest’s incredible food culture without spending a fortune.
Cafe Brunch
Address- Budapest, Anker Koz 1-3, 1061 Hungary
Hours- Open daily from 8am-4pm
Price point- $12-15 usd per person
Payment- Cash or card
We stopped at Cafe Brunch for breakfast one morning and it ended up being one of my favorite affordable breakfast spots in Budapest. The café had a cozy atmosphere, friendly service and generous portions for the price. I ordered the eggs benedict which was rich, creamy and perfectly cooked while Don tried the Hungarian style French toast which was slightly sweet, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Each came with a small side salad and both meals were delicious and filling without feeling overly heavy.The total for both breakfasts came to just 5,315 HUF ($25.34 USD), making this a great budget-friendly option for a sit-down breakfast in the city.
Jedermann Cafe
Address- Budapest, Raday u. 58, 1092 Hungary
Hours- Monday-Thurday 8am-12am Friday 8am-1am Saturday 9am-1am Sunday 9am-12am
Payment- Cash or card
Price point- $6-$12 usd per person
I really enjoyed my breakfast at Jedermann Cafe. Tucked away from the busier streets, the café had a peaceful garden seating area that felt like a quiet escape from the crowds of Budapest. The atmosphere was relaxed, cozy and perfect for a slow morning coffee and breakfast.
I ordered a ham and cheese croissant sandwich and instead of mayonnaise they used sour cream which made it incredibly rich, tangy and flavorful. It was such a simple change but honestly made the sandwich so much better. Don ordered a potato pancake stuffed with cheese and sour cream which was crispy on the outside, soft in the middle and just as delicious.
The service was friendly and welcoming and the entire meal came to just 5,000 HUF ($14.73 USD), making this another excellent budget friendly restaurant in Budapest.
Tang Cheng Dongbei Cai
Address- Budapest, Drave u. 18, 1133 Hungary
Hours- Wednesday-Monday 12pm-9pm closed Monday
Price Point- Buffet $6-$10 usd per person Menu $10-$15 usd per person
Payment- Cash or card
We stumbled across Tang Cheng Dongbei Cai when we found ourselves in an area without many lunch options and it ended up being a surprisingly great budget-friendly find in Budapest. The restaurant specializes in Dongbei cuisine from Northern China and had a large menu filled with dishes that looked incredibly flavorful and authentic. Since we were visiting at lunch time, we decided to try their lunch special which cost just 2,000 HUF each ($6 USD). The combo included rice or lo mein along with two meat choices, making it an amazing value for the amount of food we received. The flavors honestly reminded me of classic American Chinese takeout in the best way, comforting, savory and satisfying after a long morning of exploring. While our lunch special was simple, we saw several other dishes coming out from the regular menu that looked and smelled incredible. If I had more time in Budapest, I definitely would have gone back to try more of their traditional Dongbei dishes.
Home Cooked Deliciousness
Our personal favorite, goose livers and vegetables
Pan rosted duck over pasta and a homemade tomato sauce
Hungarian sausage over pasta and homemade tomato sauce
Here are a few of our own creations we cooked using local ingredients from the famous Central Market Hall.
Inexpensive and Free Sites Around Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian National Museum
Address- Budapest, Muzeum krt. 14-16 Hungary
Hours- Open Thuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm Closed Mondays
Price- Full price (limited access) $11.25 usd Full price for all exhibits $21.53 usd
Payment- Card or cash
I absolutely loved this museum and could have spent even longer here. We spent around four hours exploring the exhibits and it was one of my favorite things we did in Budapest. We paid for the “full experience” ticket, which gave us access to every exhibit in the museum, and I definitely think it was worth it. Make sure to grab the pamphlet when you buy your ticket because it helps point out the museum highlights and makes navigating the exhibits much easier.One thing to note is that some of the English translations in the archaeological section were a little rough and parts of the science exhibits were not translated into English. Even considering that, I still found the museum incredibly interesting and well worth the price.
Beethoven's Piano
Nautius shell cup
Margaret Island
Address- 1007 Budapest, Margitsziget Hungary
Hours- The park is open 24/7 and the attractions as follows: Musical Fountain 10am-10pm Palatinus Strands Bath Daily 9am-7pm.
Price- The park is free, though the rentals and spa cost extra
We took the subway north toward Margaret Island and then slowly walked all the way back to our apartment. This ended up being one of my favorite free things to do in Budapest. The island is beautiful and feels like a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. There are parks filled with benches, ponds, flowers, and huge shady trees everywhere you look. We also noticed rubber running paths, bike rentals, and plenty of locals enjoying the outdoors.Some of the highlights on the island include the famous Musical Fountain located at the southern tip of the island which provides a free water show every hour, historical ruins dating back to the 13th century, and beautiful botanical areas featuring a tranquil Japanese garden and koi fish pond. If you are visiting during the warmer months, you can also spend the day at Palatinus Strand Baths, a massive open-air bath complex with thermal pools, wave pools, and water slides. Adult tickets generally range from about $12–24 USD, while children’s tickets typically range from $8–18 USD depending on what you want to do. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon in Budapest, especially if you want a break from the crowds and nonstop sightseeing.
Central Market Hall
Address- Budapest, 1093 Hungary
Hours- Monday-Friday 6am-6pm Saturday 6am-4pm Sunday 10am-4pm
Price- Free to enter
Payment- Many vendors accept credit cards, but cash is preferred and some smaller stalls only accept cash.
This was probably my favorite place in Budapest and definitely Don's. The market is filled with colorful stalls, fresh produce, and friendly vendors that immediately draw you in. I loved wandering through the aisles looking at all the local ingredients and traditional Hungarian foods. It had everything I needed to cook meals back at our apartment, and I ended up buying plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with sausage, goose livers, and pickles. If you are shopping for souvenirs in Budapest, this is also a great place to visit. You can find everything from Hungary’s famous paprika to handmade knickknacks and local gifts. We found the vendors very friendly and happy to answer questions, even with the language barrier. The market itself was well organized, fully indoors, and surprisingly clean considering how busy it gets. There are also paid bathrooms available inside the market.
Castle Hill
Address- szent Gyorgy ter 2, 1014 Budapest
Hours- Open 24/7 though some attractions have different hours
Price- Free to walk around, though some attractions have fees
This historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site definitely deserves at least a full day to explore. I chose to walk up to Castle Hill, but you can also reach the area by public transportation or by taking the famous funicular. Once at the top, make sure to head over to Fisherman's Bastion for some of the best panoramic views in Budapest. From here you can see the Danube River, the Parliament building, and much of the city skyline. I’ve heard the views are even more beautiful at sunset, although I didn’t get the chance to see it myself.
The hill itself is free to enter and wander around, though some museums and historic buildings charge admission fees for the interior exhibits. We found it incredibly easy to spend several hours just exploring the cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to pet one of the guards’ horses like I did!
Some of the highlights in the area include Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Budapest History Museum.
View from From Fisherman's Bastion
Castle guard and their horses
Head downstairs for the hidden pickle vendors!
Main floor of the Great Market Hall
It seems like every building in Budapest is a Gothic masterpiece.
St. Elizabeth Church
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church
Ministry of Finance
Book a Tour
One of the best ways to explore a new city is by booking a local tour, and I found some really great options in Budapest through Viator. Whether you want to cruise along the Danube, visit the famous thermal baths, explore ruin bars, or take a food tour, there are so many experiences to choose from. I especially like being able to read reviews, compare prices, and book everything in advance so I can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city. If it’s your first time in Budapest, tours can also be a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture while seeing the main highlights.
Budget friendly stay in Budapest
Danube Dwelling Asboth 19-2
Address- 1075 Budapest, 19 Asboth utch, Hungary
Where to book- Check Trivago for the best prices in Budapest
Price- Off season $50usd Summer high season $200usd
We stayed in an older style apartment in the heart of downtown Budapest, right on the edge of the historic Jewish Quarter. The apartment was clean, spacious and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. I really enjoyed staying here and thought it was a great base for exploring the city. There were plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops located right on the same block, which made grabbing food or supplies super convenient. My favorite part of the apartment though was definitely the mini bathtub. Honestly, it was basically child-sized, but after long days of walking around Budapest I made it work and ended up using it every single night! We stayed for 4 nights and paid €167.21 ($194USD), which felt like a great value for the location and size of the apartment.
Helpful Hungarian Phrases & Pronunciation Guide
Hello- Szia (see-yah)
Good morning- Jó reggelt (yo reh-gelt)
Thank you- Köszönöm (kuh-suh-nuhm)
Please- Kérem (kay-rem)
Yes- Igen (ee-gen)
No- Nem (nehm)
Excuse me / Sorry- Elnézést (el-nay-zhesht)
Do you speak English?- Beszél angolul? (beh-sail ang-go-lul)
How much is this?- Mennyibe kerül? (men-yee-beh keh-rool)
Cheers!- Egészségedre! (egg-aysh-shay-ged-reh)
Goodbye- Viszlát (vees-laht)
Hungarian Numbers 1–10 & Pronunciation Guide
One- Egy (edge)
Two- Kettő (ket-tuh)
Three- Három (haa-rom)
Four- Négy (naydj)
Five- Öt (urt)
Six- Hat (haht)
Seven- Hét (hayt)
Eight- Nyolc (nyolts)
Nine- Kilenc (kee-lents)
Ten- Tíz (teez)
Flying from Kutaisi, Georgia to Budapest
Wizz Air
We flew with Wizz Air from Kutaisi to Budapest and overall had a great experience (Book your tickets here). The priority tickets made everything super easy and included one carry-on and one personal item each, plus priority check-in and boarding. There were no complimentary drinks or snacks, but they had plenty of options available for purchase onboard. Since our flight was only about 3 hours, we didn’t end up buying anything. The plane was clean, the ride was smooth and the flight attendants were friendly. Our total ticket cost for 2 people was 124,621HUF ($370USD).
Kutaisi Airport
Kutaisi International Airport was easy to navigate, although our train arrived around 11pm and our flight didn’t leave until 5am, which made for a long night at the airport. There is also a bus from Tbilisi that leaves around 10pm and arrives near 2am if you prefer that option. You can book transportation through tre.ge. One downside was that we couldn’t find anywhere to refill our water bottles, and like most airports, food and drinks were much more expensive than in town.
Airport Shuttle Bus to Budapest
Once you arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, the airport shuttle bus is very easy to use. After exiting baggage claim, look to the left for the purple ticket machines where you can purchase tickets for Bus 100E. Tickets cost 2,200HUF per person ($6.48USD) and the ride takes about 45 minutes to reach the center of Budapest.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, your continued support means the world to us! If you haven't already, please sign up for emails so you can stay up to date. And remember, step out of your comfort zone when you travel; try new foods, stay in traditional accommodations, try and speak the native language, even a few phrases is appreciated, talk with strangers, accept invites into their homes, and leave the tourist districts whenever possible. If you're not embracing their culture and their way of life you're missing the most rewarding experiences traveling has to offer!
Meet the Author
Hi! I'm Samantha Matthews-McCarty and at 39 I changed careers, moving from construction into travel blogging to follow my passion for exploring the world. Now I document our journeys through history, culture, food and outdoor adventures and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Thanks to All our Supporters!
Brandon (Exxon)
Ann M.
Jennifer McDonald
Jonel Wachtman
Robin Tice
Gail McCarty
Erin Bergen
Clair Blume
Andrew Knox
Justine Knox
Seth Yoder
Cheryl Reeves
Janet McCarty
Diane Richardson
Ann Slagle
Stephanie Bender
Enjoy our content?
Show your support and donate here. Unfortunately life isn't free, content creation takes time, and we need to be fed frequently.
Thanks! Moose and Bugs
Follow us on Social Media
Contact us
Sign up for our newsletter
Don_Moose@mooseandbugs.com
© 2025-2026. All rights reserved.