Hungary is known to be a relatively cheap country compared to the rest of Europe. Indeed, there are so many cheap things to do in Budapest! It’s not hard to visit Budapest on a budget, especially when you plan ahead and know what to choose.
In this post, you will read about the best cheap places to visit, the cheapest public transport, and some cheap eats in Budapest, plus some bonus ideas. Keep reading below and plan your trip to Budapest in an efficient way!
Disclaimer: this post is written with information from before the 2020 pandemic. The data mentioned below may be old by the time you travel. We do not hold any responsibility for old information. Make sure you check on the official websites before you travel.
Plan your trip to Budapest with our efficient 1-day itinerary, our travel tips by locals, and more ideas on what to do in Budapest.
The best cheap places to visit in Budapest
The Pearl of the Danube and the Paris of the East: these nicknames already give you an idea of how beautiful Budapest is.
Even though you could easily visit Budapest on foot and appreciate the buildings, the river and the scenery for free, you can make your trip much more interesting and comprehensive with some low entrance fees.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica
- Map here, official website here
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-19h, Sunday 7:45-19h. The lookout opening hours change seasonally, check the website.
- Ticket fee: entrance is free, but a donation is expected. Access to the dome lookout and the crypt is 1000 HUF = approx. 2,90 EUR. Buy it near the entrance of the Basilica.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica is one of the landmarks of Budapest. The second-largest church in Hungary, this basilica is actually a cathedral.
Architect Jozsef Hild began its construction in 1851, in Neo-Classical style; unfortunately, the dome collapsed in 1868, so the works stopped and the plan was updated by Miklos Ybl. Finally, Emperor Franz Jozsef inaugurated it in 1906.
With its 96-meters high dome (same as the Parliament), it towers over the old town of Pest and on the relatively small St Stephen’s Square.
Theoretically, the access is free, but a guard may stare at you until you make a donation (make it 1 EUR, or a 200 HUF coin, or 1 dollar). Bright colours and gold decorations enrich the interior. Pay attention to the main altar: it is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian king of Hungary, instead of Jesus. The relic of his right hand is kept in a chapel to the left of the main altar.
The view from the dome is nice, but in my opinion the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion is better.
Be efficient: dress appropriately to enter the Basilica. If you wear sleeveless clothes, cover your shoulders with a scarf. Avoid shorts or skirts that are too short.
Matthias Church
- Map here, official website here
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-17; Sat 9-12; Sun 13-17. Subject to changes, weddings, events etc. so check the official website!
- Ticket fee: 1800 HUF = approx. 5 EUR. Buy it at the ticket office opposite the entrance or on the official website above.
On Buda side, instead, the iconic Matthias Church stands on Castle Hill, easily recognizable thanks to its Neo-Gothic architecture and colourful roof tiles.
Named after King Matthias, who got married there twice, this church was expanded and modified numerous times. It was even turned into a Mosque during the Turkish rule.
Finally, the restoration by Frigyes Schulek between 1873 and 1896 gave it its current aspect: a graceful 80-meter tower, light stone, and the iconic colourful roof, composed of famous Zsolnay ceramic tiles. The interior is painted with eclectic frescoes, with oriental, floral and geometric motifs: a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
I strongly recommend visiting it, especially if the queue at the ticket office is short.
The Fisherman’s Bastion
- Map here and official website here (in Hungarian)
- Opening hours: as of 2019, 9-20 from May 1st to October 15th, and 9-19 from October 16th to April 30th
- Ticket fee: 1000 HUF = approx. 2,90 EUR. Buy it at the ticket office of Matthias Church.
Right behind Matthias Church, the 7 towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion guards the Castle District.
If these white, pointy and pretty towers look too beautiful to be effective defensive walls, that’s because they were built only between 1890 and 1905 as a lookout terrace. They took the name of the fishermen’s guild, who used to protect the Castle Hill in the Middle Ages and run a market nearby.
The lower part of the Bastion does not require any ticket, but it can be very crowded: the view over the Danube to Pest side is just beautiful, and everybody wants to take pictures.
The ticket grants you access to the upper part of the Bastion, right behind the statue of Saint Stephen: fewer people and more space. In my opinion, however, it’s not worth it: the balconies and arches behind the Church are perfect for pictures, and the view from the top of the biggest tower is just gorgeous.
Be efficient: the Fisherman’s Bastion is always crowded and it may be hard to take nice pictures. When queueing and waiting for your turn, be kind but firm, step forward go for it! Or, if you’re strong enough, go there at sunrise 🙂
The Dohany Street Synagogue
- Map here and official website in English here
- Opening hours: closed every Saturday plus other festivities; other days depend on the season. To be sure, check here.
- Ticket fee: 5000 HUF = approx. 14 EUR, including a guided tour in many languages. Buy it on the official website above or at the entrance of the Synagogue.
Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest in Hungary and the second largest in the world after the New York Synagogue. It can hold almost 3000 worshippers!
Even though the ticket is not really cheap, the interior of the Synagogue is really breathtaking. The guided tour also includes the Memorial park with the remarkable Tree of Life, and the graveyard; you can visit by yourself the Hungarian Jewish museum and other exhibitions.
Be efficient: the Synagogue is a very popular Budapest attraction. If you are interested in visiting it, it’s safer to plan and book in advance.
Orthodox Synagogue
- Map here and official website only in Hungarian here
- Opening hours (Nyitvatartás): closed every Saturday plus other festivities; other days depend on the season (more or less, Sunday-Thursday 10-18 and Friday mornings). To be sure, check here.
- Ticket fee: 1000 HUF = approx. 2,90 EUR, including tour guide assistance and a postcard. Buy it at the entrance.
This secondary Synagogue, a couple of blocks away from the Dohany Street Synagogue, showcases beautiful decorations in shades of blue with Hungarian folk motives, and stained-glass windows. Built in 1913 in Art Nouveau style, it was damaged during the war and subsequently renovated.
Do you like Synagogues? Then you will love the Szeged Synagogue! Check it out here, together with the best things to do in Szeged.
The Hungarian Parliament
- Map here and official website here
- Opening hours: 9-16. The Parliament is closed for sessions, visits of heads of state and official occasions. Make sure you check the updated calendar!
- Ticket fee with guided tour: for EU nationals, 3500 HUF = approx. 10 EUR. For non-EU nationals, 6700 HUF = approx. 19 EUR. Bring your passport! Buy the ticket in advance at Jegymester or on spot. Same-day tickets are limited. The entrance is underground, on the right of the Parliament building (map here, in Hungarian “látogató központ”).
Needless to say, walking by the Parliament is a must when visiting Budapest. The spacious Kossuth Square allows to admire its remarkable Neo-Gothic architecture from all around.
Depending on your nationality, a visit to the Hungarian Parliament may be cheap or expensive! Keep in mind that you will take part in an interesting 45-minute guided tour in your language of choice. The expert guide will guide you through the history of Hungary and show highlights such as the Hungarian Holy Crown in the Dome Hall, the stunning Grand Stairway decorated with frescoes, and the Chamber of Peers.
Museums in Budapest
As every respectable European capital, there are multiple museums in Budapest with valuable permanent collections and interesting temporary exhibitions.
Unfortunately, museums are not free in Hungary. However, if you are interested in the field and exhibitions, the entrance ticket may result as cheap.
The most famous museums in Budapest are:
The Museum of Fine Arts, located at Heroes’ Square (map here and official website here) showcases antiquities starting from the Egyptian age, until paintings and sculptures of the 18th century, both Hungarian and international. Entrance 3200 HUF = approx. 9 EUR.
The Hungarian National Museum (map here and official website here), dedicated to the history of Hungary. Entrance 2600 HUF = approx. 7,50 EUR.
The Hungarian National Gallery (map here and official website here), located in the Buda Castle, showcases art and paintings from the 18th century. Entrance 3200 HUF = approx. 9 EUR.
The House of Terror (map here and official website here), a museum about the history and horrors of Nazi and Communist rule. Entrance 3000 HUF = approx. 8,50 EUR.
The Museum of Applied Arts (map here and official website here) has a collection of Hungarian handcrafted objects of art and use. Entrance 2000 HUF = approx. 5,70 EUR.
There are plenty of other unusual museums in Budapest, like the Pinball Museum, the Hospital in the Rock, the Natural Science Museum.
Cheap eats in Budapest
Like all European capitals, you will find all kinds of restaurants in Budapest, from food trucks and pubs, to bistros and traditional taverns, all the way to Michelin-star restaurants.
Although the cheapest food in Budapest is probably a fast food or a gyros kebab sandwich, ditch them in favour of some cheap, traditional Hungarian food.
Langos
- Price: between 400 HUF and 1000 HUF = approx. 1,15-2,85 EUR
- Where: langos is a street food turned hipster. Retró Langos is a classic.
One of our favourite Hungarian dishes is langos, a deep-fried disc of dough soft inside and slightly crispy outside, topped with various condiments. The classic combinations are garlic sauce and sour cream, plus gummy grated cheese.
It’s delicious and extremely filling! We usually share one, otherwise we need to take a nap 😀
Chimney cake “kürtőskalács”
- Price: 350 HUF = 1 EUR from street kiosks; 1200 HUF = 3,50 EUR from shops
- Where: there is a kiosk at Nyugati station, one at Blaha Square, one on Andrassy avenue. The shops are popping up everywhere.
A classic also in nearby Transylvania and Czechia, the chimney cake is exactly what it sounds like: a long, empty cylinder of soft dough, wrapped around a wooden cylinder and slowly baked on embers. The crunchy outside is covered with flavours such as sugar, cinnamon, coconut, cocoa powder; the inside remains warm and soft.
Some shops in the touristy areas now sell also fancy versions filled with ice-cream, whipped cream, and more! I’ve never tried it, but I think that would cover lunch and dinner 🙂
Be spontaneous: The chimney cake is perfect as a snack to share with your travel partner while strolling around the city.
Palacsinta
- Price: 300-600 HUF = approx. 0,85-1,70 EUR
- Where: Grandma’s creperie, “Nagyi palacintazója” here at Batthyany Square and elsewhere in the city
Crepes and omelettes are easy to find all around the world. The Hungarian crepe, palacsinta, is usually served rolled up and topped with powdered sugar; typical sweet fillings are fruit jams, “tùrò” cheese, Nutella. In good restaurants you may try a “Gundel palacsinta”, filled with walnut cream and covered in chocolate sauce, sometimes lit on fire!
Savoury palacsinta are usually filled with ham, cheese, vegetables, or the classic combo sour-cream and cheese. One of the restaurant versions, the Hortobagyi palacsinta, is an elaborate omelette with chicken filling and paprika sauce.
Two or three palacsinta may count as a light lunch.
Kakaos csiga, pogacsa, and other bakery products
- Price: 100-500 HUF = approx. 0,30-1,40 EUR
- Where: small bakeries and supermarkets
Check out small bakeries such as Princess in the metro stations, or the bakery section in supermarkets, for some cheap traditional snacks.
My favourites are large and flat cocoa rolls called kakaos csiga, literally “chocolate snails”, and salty bread cubes called pogacsa, from the Italian “focaccia”, topped with seeds or cheese.
Goulash soup
- Price: 1000-2000 HUF / approx. 2,85-5,70 EUR depending on the size
- Where: try Gettó Gulyas (map), Frici Papa (map). Most Hungarian restaurants serve Goulash soup, just avoid the tourist traps on Vaci street.
You haven’t been to Budapest if you haven’t tried the famous Goulash soup! This hearty traditional Hungarian soup features potatoes, vegetables, beef (Hungarian gray cattle is the best) and a lot of paprika powder.
Not a fan of soups? Try the stew version called pörkölt, where the beef cutlets with paprika sauce usually have a side dish of vegetables or small pasta called galuska or nokedli.
Cheap drinks in Budapest: fröccs
- Price: 300-1000 HUF = approx. 0,85-2,85 EUR depending on size and location
- Where: everywhere!
Feel like a local in Budapest with a glass of spritzer fröccs: white or rosé wine mixed with sparkling water or soda. It’s a favourite especially during the summer, when it’s refreshing and not too strong.
Just don’t ask for it in a fancy wine bar: fröccs is usually prepared with cheap house wine. You will find it easily in all ruin pubs such as Szimpla, at open-air bars like Akvarium and Kiosk, and at the very cheap and local 4es6os bars along the Körút (map here).
An exception: the New York Cafè
Since you plan to follow all these tips and save a lot of money, you may as well reward yourself!
The New York Cafè, located at the Anantara New York Palace Hotel (map here), is a bedazzling cafè and restaurant. Famous for all the artists and writers that would work on its tables at the turn of the past century, now it enchants locals and travellers with its stunning frescoes and shiny chandeliers.
An espresso here will cost you 1650 HUF / 4,70 EUR, plus at least 3000 HUF / 8,60 EUR for a slice of cake (and don’t forget the 15% service charge!). It’s a luxury, but the location is definitely worth it.
Cheap public transport in Budapest
The public transportation network in Budapest is well-planned, efficient, and quite decent overall. Thanks to 4 metro lines, numerous buses, trams and trolleys, and even a boat service, it’s easy to reach all corners of the city very quickly.
Some of the public transport lines are historical, and some are simply practical.
Metro line M1, the oldest metro on the European continent
- Map here
- One ticket per way is required
There are two reasons to take metro 1 in Budapest: to appreciate the last-century charm, and to reach the beautiful Heroes Square and Varosliget Park, where the Vajdahunyad castle and Szechenyi thermal bath are located.
The oldest metro in Budapest runs on an almost straight line under Andrassy Avenue, from the central Vörösmarty Square and Deak Square, to Mexicoi út after the park. Other useful stops are at the Opera and at Oktogon crossing.
Completed in 1896 for the Millennium Celebrations, it was declared UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. Apart from the Deak Square station and Mexicoi Ut station, which were renovated in the 1970s, all others are decorated with classy white tiles, a wooden ticket office, and green metal pillars supporting the low ceiling. It really feels like travelling to another century.
Be efficient: Not sure which way to go? The metro follows the same direction of the car traffic above!
Tram 2 by the Danube
- BKK public transport map here
- One ticket per way is required
Few other tram rides in the world are as scenic as tram 2; as a matter of fact, Budapest tram 2 is one of the top 10 most beautiful trolley rides, according to National Geographic.
The old, rattling yellow tram 2 runs along the Danube river on Pest side. It will take you by landmarks such as the Parliament, the Shoes by the Danube, Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge, the historical Central Market Hall, and even forward to more modern buildings such as the Balna shopping centre, the National Theatre and the Müpa Concert Hall.
All along, of course, you can admire beautiful Buda on the other side of the river: Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Hill with Liberty Statue on top of it.
I recommend riding tram n2 from Jaszai Mari Ter (where Margaret Bridge starts) to Fővám tér (where Liberty Bridge and the Central Market Hall are).
The ferry on the Danube
- BKK public transport map here
- One special Boat ticket is required, which you can purchase on board
The view of Budapest from the Danube is breathtaking. If you have time, taking a cruise on the Danube is perfect to relax and enjoy this beautiful city.
There are numerous private companies running sightseeing cruises, such as Legenda and Silverline. These day or evening programs usually last approximately 1 hour, they may provide a drink and an audio guide in your language, and will show you the area from Elizabeth or Liberty Bridge to a loop around Margaret Island. They cost around 10-15 EUR.
Instead, for only 750 HUF = approx. 2,15 EUR, you can hop onto one of the public transport ferries! They slowly cruise up and down the river according to the timetable here. There are multiple lines and you can find more info here .
Sitting on a chair on the deck, sun on your face and wind in your hair, passing by the Hungarian Parliament and other wonderful landmarks is one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Be efficient: if you plan to take a ferry, plan to be dressed appropriately. It can be very windy on the outside deck!
Other useful public transport lines
During your stay in Budapest, the most useful lines are:
- Bus 16, from Deak Square (city centre on Pest side) to the Castle Hill (on Buda side)
- Bus 27, from Moricz Zsigmond Square to the Citadel on top of Gellert Hill
- Tram 4/6, on the Nagykörút Oval Avenue, the only tram that runs also at night
Here is the trip planner. You can also download the app BKK FUTAR to your phone, but honestly Google Maps usually works perfectly fine, showing the correct waiting times and stops.
Tickets and passes
Depending on your plans, the most useful transport tickets and passes probably are:
- Single ticket bought at a machine/office: 300 HUF = approx. 0,85 EUR, valid for one trip on one means of transport (just one bus or tram, for just one trip)
- Block of 10 tickets: 3000 HUF = 8,50 EUR
- 24-hour pass, valid on all means of transport (except boats and airport buses): 1650 HUF = approx. 4,70 HUF
- BKK boat ticket: 750 HUF one way = approx. 2,15 EUR
You can buy these tickets and passes at the automatic machines present at most stops, at the ticket offices present at most underground stations, and at the BKK info points (e.g. at the airport).
Find more information on the official website of BKK.
More things to do when visiting Budapest on a budget
Here are more ideas for fun things to do in Budapest:
Rent a bike on Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a huge, green island on the river Danube, perfect to relax and enjoy some fresh air!
There’s plenty to see there, from the musical fountain to the Japanese garden, passing by the ruins of a monastery.
Make it fun: rent a bike or a go-kart! Check it out here. A go-kart for 30 minutes costs 2490 HUF = approx. 7 EUR, or a bike for 30 minutes costs 1190 HUF = approx. 3,40 EUR.
Relax at the thermal baths
Not exactly cheap, but a must-do in Budapest: go to the famous thermal baths.
There are 120 hot water underground springs in Budapest, which granted the nickname “city of spas”. The public spas in Budapest are 15, plus a few wellness hotels. The Romans discovered them, the Turks enjoyed them, and here we are too!
The most famous spas in Budapest are:
- Szechenyi bath, located at Varosliget park, has iconic outdoor pools and numerous indoor pools, saunas and steam baths. Website here, map here, prices from 3500 HUF = approx. 10 EUR (depending on weekday or weekend and time of entry, check here). My personal favourite – here you’ll find a complete guide to Szechenyi baths.
- Gellert bath, located in Buda right under Gellert hill, features mosaic halls and outdoor pools (during the summer). Website here, map here, prices from 3900 HUF = approx. 11 EUR (depending on weekday or weekend, check here).
- Rudas bath, also located by the Danube near Gellert Hill, is a picturesque Turkish bath, with a small pool under a stone dome. The newly renovated wing features a small outdoor jacuzzi. Website here, map here, prices from 3200 HUF = approx. 9,15 EUR (details here). Careful with opening hours: some days are dedicated to men, some to women, some to both.
Looking for a cheaper option? Head to Lukacs bath for as low as 2500 HUF = approx. 7,15 EUR from 5 PM (website, map here), or to the Turkish-era Kiraly bath (website, map here).
Visit Szentendre
Located just 20 km North of Budapest (Buda side), the picturesque town of Szentendre (map here) is waiting for you with its colourful houses, a cute church perched on top of a hill, and charming alleys heading up from the Danube river.
Szentendre is perfect for a day-trip from Budapest, or even a half-day trip. To get there, take the HEV suburban train H5 from Batthyany ter or Margit Hid. The trip takes 45 minutes and the ticket costs 560 HUF, a 30-km extension ticket to the normal ticket. Buy it at the station or at a machine.
Do you like hiking? Then consider also the hike to Visegrad or to the Kaan Karoly lookout tower!
Should you get the Budapest card?
If you plan to visit many attractions in Budapest, it may be worth buying the Budapest card.
Available for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours, it includes discounts or free access to many museums and landmarks, activities and spas, and free transportation!
If you follow my tips, it’s easy to visit Budapest on a budget, and with the Budapest card you can save even more. Find more information on the Budapest card official website.
Conclusion
There are so many cheap things to do in Budapest! If your budget is limited, now you can decide what to focus on. Everything else, well, you will do next time!
Did you visit any of these cheap attractions, or have you tried any of these cheap eats? Or would you like some help choosing? Let us know in the comments 🙂
Great post! Those chimney pastries look incredible!!!
Oh yes, they are delicious! 🙂