Photo by Zoltan Marek on Unsplash
Budapest is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and lively nightlife, you can experience everything this city offers without breaking the bank.
In this ultimate budget-friendly guide, I’ll show you how to save money on accommodations, transportation, attractions, food, and activities so you can enjoy Budapest without overspending.
🏠 Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Budapest
Accommodation in Budapest is relatively cheap compared to other European cities, and you can find a place to stay for as little as €10-€20 per night. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options:
🛏️ Best Budget Hostels (from €10/night)
🔹 Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall – Clean, modern, and next to the famous Great Market Hall.
🔹 Wombat’s City Hostel – Great for social travelers near the Jewish Quarter.
🔹 Flow Hostel – A cozy, stylish hostel with free coffee and tea.
🏨 Budget Hotels & Guesthouses (from €30/night)
🔹 D8 Hotel – Stylish and affordable, within walking distance of major attractions.
🔹 Silver Hotel Budapest – Basic but comfortable, located near Andrássy Avenue.
🔹 City Hotel Pilvax – Central location with affordable prices.
💡 Money-saving tip: Book accommodations in advance for the best deals, especially during peak tourist seasons!
🚇 Getting Around Budapest on a Budget
🚍 Cheap & Efficient Public Transport
Budapest has an excellent and affordable public transportation system, including:
✅ Metro (4 lines) – The fastest way to travel around the city.
✅ Trams & Buses – Convenient for short distances.
✅ Boats & Ferries – A cheap way to cruise the Danube.
💰 Cost:
- Single Ticket: 450 HUF (€1.20)
- 24-Hour Travel Card: 2,500 HUF (€6.50)
- 72-Hour Travel Card: 5,500 HUF (€14)
🎟️ Get a Budapest Card for Free Transport & Discounts
If you’re staying for 2+ days, the Budapest Card can help you save money. It includes:
✅ Unlimited public transport
✅ Free entry to several museums
✅ **Discounts at restaurants and attractions
💰 Cost:
- 24 Hours: 7,900 HUF (€20)
- 48 Hours: 11,900 HUF (€30)
- 72 Hours: 15,900 HUF (€40)
🚶 Walk & Rent Bikes for Free Sightseeing
- Budapest is a walkable city, so explore Castle Hill, the Danube Promenade, and the Jewish Quarter on foot.
- Bike rentals cost as little as €5 per day, or use the Bubi bike-sharing system.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Take free walking tours! See below for recommendations.
🏛️ Best Free & Cheap Attractions in Budapest
✅ Completely Free Attractions
1️⃣ 🏰 Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)
- Stunning fairy-tale-like terraces offer one of the best panoramic views of the city.
- 💰 Entry Cost: Free for the lower terraces (small fee for the top towers).
2️⃣ 🇭🇺 Hungarian Parliament Building (Outside View & Surroundings)
- It is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, and it is known for its Neo-Gothic architecture.
- 💰 Entry Cost: Free to admire from the outside (guided tours are paid).
3️⃣ 🗿 Shoes on the Danube Bank
- A powerful and moving World War II memorial located along the Danube Promenade.
4️⃣ ⛪ St. Stephen’s Basilica (Basic Entry)
- It is one of Budapest’s most beautiful churches, with intricate interiors.
- 💰 Cost: Free entry (donations welcome). The panoramic dome view costs ~€5.
5️⃣ 🌳 Margaret Island
- A huge park in the middle of the Danube, perfect for picnics, walking, and relaxing.
- Don’t miss the musical fountain show (spring-summer months)!
6️⃣ 🎭 Heroes’ Square & City Park
- One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, featuring statues of Hungarian historical figures.
🎟️ Cheap Attractions & Budget-Friendly Activities
7️⃣ ♨️ Széchenyi Thermal Baths – The Cheapest Way to Enjoy Thermal Spas
- Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and Széchenyi is the best!
- 💰 Entry Cost: ~6,900 HUF (€18) (bring your own towel to avoid rental fees).
8️⃣ 🚢 Budget Danube River Cruise
- Instead of an expensive €30+ tourist boat tour, use Budapest’s public ferry for just €2!
9️⃣ 🏰 Buda Castle (Courtyard Access is Free)
- You can explore the castle grounds for free. Entry to the museum is optional.
10️⃣ 🖼️ Free Museums on Special Days
- Some museums offer free entry on Hungarian National Holidays (March 15, August 20, and October 23).
🍽️ How to Eat in Budapest on a Budget
🥘 Best Cheap Hungarian Dishes to Try
- Goulash Soup (€3-5) – Traditional Hungarian beef soup.
- Lángos (€2-4) – Deep-fried dough with cheese and sour cream.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) (€3-5) – Sweet, crispy pastry.
- Túrós Csusza (€4-6) – Pasta with cottage cheese and bacon.
🛒 Budget Restaurants & Street Food in Budapest
🔹 Karavan Street Food Market – Offers cheap Hungarian street food like Lángos & Goulash.
🔹 Retró Lángos Büfé – One of the best places to try traditional Lángos for under €3.
🔹 Frici Papa Kifőzdéje – A budget-friendly local restaurant serving traditional Hungarian meals for around €5-€8.
🔹 Great Market Hall – Buy fresh fruit, snacks, and cheap meals.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Lunch specials (Menü) – Many restaurants offer 2-3 course lunch menus for just €5-€10.
🎉 Budget-Friendly Nightlife & Free Entertainment
- 🍻 Visit Ruin Bars During Happy Hours – Drinks are cheaper before 8 PM.
- 🎶 Free Live Music at A38 – A floating concert venue with free entry on certain nights.
- 🕺 Join Free Pub Crawls – Some hostels organize free bar tours.
- 🎭 Free Cultural Events & Festivals – Check Budapest’s calendar for open-air concerts and cultural events.
✅ Final Budget Travel Tips for Budapest
✔️ Use Public Transport – Skip taxis and Uber (not available in Hungary).
✔️ Eat at Market Halls & Street Food Stalls – Cheaper than restaurants.
✔️ Take Free Walking Tours – This is a great way to explore Budapest’s history.
✔️ Bring a Student ID – Many places offer student discounts.
✔️ Visit Museums on Free Days – Check their websites for details.
💰 Total Estimated Daily Budget for Budapest
🛏️ Accommodation: ~€10-€30
🚇 Transport: ~€5
🍽️ Food: ~€10-€15
🏛️ Attractions & Activities: ~€10
🍻 Nightlife & Drinks: ~€5-€10
💡 Total: €35-€70 per day (or even less if you skip paid attractions!).
🎟️ Want to experience Budapest without overspending? This guide has you covered!