Budapest travel guide: thermal baths, Parliament and flights

Flights to Budapest

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Best time to go

April to June and September to October are pleasant for walking along the Danube and between Buda and Pest.

Summer is warm and busy. Winter is cold, but the thermal baths and the December markets make it a popular season too.

Good to know

The 100E Airport Express bus runs around the clock between the airport and Deák Ferenc tér, and needs its own airport ticket.
Hungary uses the forint (HUF), not the euro.
Visits to the Hungarian Parliament are by guided tour, so book a time before you go.

Where to stay in Budapest

District V (Belváros-Lipótváros)

The heart of Pest, by Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica and the Danube. Central and close to the main sights.

District VII (Erzsébetváros)

The old Jewish Quarter, home to the Dohány Street Synagogue and the ruin bars. Lively and loud at night.

District VI (Terézváros)

Along Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO-listed boulevard, with the Opera House. Good metro links on line M1.

Castle District (District I)

In Buda, on the hill by Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. Quiet and atmospheric, but further from the nightlife.

District IX (Ferencváros)

South of the centre, near the Great Market Hall and the river. Calmer, with good tram links.

When to fly to Budapest

April to June and September to October are mild and good for walking along the Danube.

Summer is hot, and in August the Sziget Festival takes place on Óbuda Island.

Winters are cold, but the thermal baths are at their best then. From late November there is a Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square.

Local tips for Budapest

The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro.
At the thermal baths, bring a swimsuit and flip-flops; a towel can usually be rented.
Validate paper tickets before the journey; inspections are common.
Tram 2 runs along the Pest bank of the Danube, with views of Parliament and Buda Castle.
Book the Parliament tour online in advance, as it often sells out.

Day trips from Budapest

Szentendre

An artists' town on the Danube with colourful streets and museums, reached by the H5 suburban railway.

Esztergom

Home to Hungary's largest basilica, on a hill above the river at the Slovak border, reached by train.

Lake Balaton

Central Europe's largest lake, popular in summer, with trains from Budapest to towns on both shores.

Top attractions

Hungarian Parliament

One of the best-known buildings on the Danube. Visits are by guided tour.

Tickets on Tiqets

Thermal baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi and Lukács baths. Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops.

Tickets on Tiqets

All Budapest attractions on Tiqets

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Car hire

Public transport covers Budapest well, so you will not need a car in the city. One can help for day trips, for example to Lake Balaton.

Compare car hire on DiscoverCars

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From the airport to the city

Flights land at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport (BUD). The 100E Airport Express bus runs around the clock to Deák Ferenc tér in the centre. It needs a special ticket, which you can buy on board with a bank card. Check current times and fares on bud.hu.

Arriving late or with heavy bags? You can book a private transfer in advance and see the price before you pay.

Private transfer on Welcome Pickups Compare transfers on Kiwitaxi

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