About Budapest

Budapest isn’t just beautiful, it’s the kind of city that feels lived in. The smell of roasted chestnuts near Deák Ferenc Square, the steam rising from Széchenyi Baths on cold mornings, and the slow hum of trams gliding past the Danube; it all blends into something quietly cinematic. Split by the river, Buda rolls in green hills while Pest hums with cafés, ruin bars, and historic boulevards that never seem to sleep.

The city’s history runs deep from Roman ruins to Ottoman baths to the faded Art Nouveau hotels that have been lovingly restored into today’s best hotels in Budapest. Some travelers say it’s Europe’s most underrated capital; others never leave once they visit. Whether chasing cheap goulash joints, riverfront views, or luxury hotels in Budapest, the city rewards curiosity with warmth and surprise.

Explore exciting Budapest tour packages from Akbar Travels that bundle stays, sightseeing, and local experiences into one easy, value-packed deal.

Budapest airport Address

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Location: Budapest, Hungary, about 16 km southeast of the city center
Contact: +36 1 296 7000
Website: www.bud.hu 

Taxis from the airport cost roughly €25–€30 (around HUF 10,000) to downtown. If you prefer hotels in Budapest near airport, you’ll find several within 10–15 minutes, handy for early flights or quick layovers. Some airport hotels even serve local pastries at 5 a.m., a small kindness that bleary-eyed travelers appreciate.

The Best Time to Visit Budapest

Late April to early June and September to October strike the sweet spot. The weather’s gentle, the Danube reflects pure light, and the tourist crowds thin out. Summer (July–August) brings festivals and higher Budapest hotel prize rates. Winter has its charm, too; Christmas markets around Vörösmarty Square sparkle, though daylight fades early.

Tip: To balance comfort and price, aim for early May or late September. Room rates drop by about 20% compared to peak summer.

How to reach Budapest

By air:

Flights land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, well connected to Europe and beyond. Airport minibuses and Bolt taxis offer convenient transfers to most hotels in Budapest.

By rail:

Keleti Railway Station handles international trains from Vienna, Prague, and Munich. Staying in hotels in Budapest near railway station like Keleti or Nyugati means quick access to tram lines and breakfast spots serving hot lángos.

By road:

Budapest connects to neighboring countries through highways M1, M3, and M7. Bus terminals like Népliget link to major European cities. Driving in is easy but parking, not so much. Always check if your Budapest hotels include parking, as street spots fill fast.

Things to do in Budapest

• Buda Castle: Hilltop fortress with sweeping city views. The cobblestone climb’s worth every step.
• Fisherman’s Bastion: Fairytale towers overlooking the Danube; best at sunrise before crowds arrive.
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Giant yellow bath complex; go early, locals play chess in steaming pools.
• Chain Bridge: The city’s iconic stone bridge linking Buda and Pest, walk it at dusk.
• Parliament Building: Neo-Gothic masterpiece, glittering along the riverfront.
• St. Stephen’s Basilica: Climb to the dome for views that stretch over the rooftops.
• Heroes’ Square: Grand statues and open space, often dotted with street performers.
• Great Market Hall: Fresh paprika, salami, and loud bargaining echo through the aisles.
• Margaret Island: Peaceful park between the two halves of the city, perfect for cycling.
• Ruin Bars of District VII: Abandoned buildings turned into bohemian bars; start at Szimpla Kert.
• Andrássy Avenue: Elegant boulevard lined with boutiques and embassies.
• Danube River Cruise: For night views; lights shimmer off the Parliament like gold dust.
• House of Terror Museum: A chilling look at Hungary’s turbulent 20th century.
• Gellért Hill: Panoramic views and the Liberty Statue at the top.
• City Park: Green lungs of Budapest; home to the zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, and boat pond.

Shopping in Budapest

If shopping’s your sport, Budapest won’t disappoint. You’ll find a mix of designer shops, flea markets, and vintage boutiques that smell faintly of old books and perfume.

1. Váci Street
2. Arena Mall
3. WestEnd City Center
4. Great Market Hall
5. Mammut Shopping Center
6. Central Market Hall
7. Fashion Street
8. Andrassy Avenue Boutiques
9. Szimpla Sunday Farmers’ Market
10. Ecseri Flea Market
11. Allee Shopping Mall
12. Hold Street Market
13. Corvin Plaza
14. MOM Park
15. Árkád Budapest

A quiet tip: Ecseri Flea Market sells vintage postcards and porcelain for a fraction of what downtown stores charge.

Famous Restaurants in Budapest

Food here tells half the city’s story. Rich, spicy, a bit indulgent just like Budapest itself.

1. Menza – Retro-modern Hungarian dishes in lively Liszt Ferenc Square.
2. Paprika Vendéglő – Classic goulash and warm, family-style dining.
3. New York Café – Opulent and slightly theatrical, known as the world’s most beautiful café.
4. Borkonyha Winekitchen – Michelin-starred, elegant but unpretentious.
5. Kiosk Budapest – Modern bistro with Danube views and strong cocktails.
6. Dobrumba – Mediterranean-Middle Eastern fusion, buzzing with locals.
7. Cafe Gerbeaud – Historic coffee house with creamy Dobos tortes.
8. Rosenstein Vendéglő – Hidden gem near Keleti Station, beloved for Jewish-Hungarian comfort food.
9. Costes Downtown – For refined tasting menus.
10. Csalogány 26 – Local favorite for Hungarian fine dining.
11. Tuning Burger Bistro – Crazy-good burgers, often with paprika mayo.
12. Frici Papa – Wallet-friendly comfort food; students swear by it.
13. Borkonyha – Yes, it’s worth a second mention; reservations are gold.
14. Déryné Bistro – Charming spot for Sunday brunch.
15. Gettó Gulyás – Cozy, no-nonsense Hungarian food at fair prices.

Popular Hotels in Budapest

Here’s where the real charm lies — from Art Deco halls to modern spa suites.

1. Corinthia Budapest – Grand and gleaming, with one of the city’s best spas.
2. Aria Hotel Budapest – Music-themed luxury, rooftop bar overlooking St. Stephen’s Basilica.
3. Four Seasons Gresham Palace – The gold standard of 5 star hotels in Budapest, built inside a historic palace.
4. Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel – Dripping with marble and chandeliers.
5. Hotel Clark Budapest – Adults-only, edgy, with unbeatable Danube views.
6. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus – Business meets leisure; top central location.
7. Continental Hotel Budapest – Modern comfort in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building.
8. Hilton Budapest – Set within Buda Castle District; quiet and scenic.
9. Hotel Moments Budapest – Trendy stay on Andrássy Avenue.
10. InterContinental Budapest – Classic river views, you can almost see Parliament sparkle.
11. Ibis Styles Budapest Center – For those seeking cheap hotels in Budapest with flair.
12. Maverick City Lodge – Youthful energy and surprisingly comfy dorms.
13. Danubius Hotel Helia – Riverside and wellness-focused.
14. Prestige Hotel Budapest – Understated luxury with Michelin-star dining downstairs.
15. Hotel Rum – Stylish, quirky, with one of the best rooftop breakfasts.

Popular Resorts in Budapest

1. Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget
2. Aquaworld Resort Budapest – Family-friendly with a massive water park.
3. Ensana Thermal Margaret Island – Known for healing mineral waters.
4. Ramada Resort Aquaworld
5. Holiday Beach Budapest Wellness Hotel
6. Grand Hotel Margitsziget
7. Wellness Hotel Katalin
8. Thermal Hotel Visegrád
9. Szent Gellért Hotel & Spa – The old-world favorite.
10. Aquarena Resort
11. Danubius Grand Hotel
12. Silvanus Resort
13. Hunguest Hotel Helios
14. Aquamarina Hotel
15. Thermal Hotel Margitsziget

Where to Stay in Budapest

Picking the right neighborhood changes everything. District V (Belváros) keeps you close to the Danube and most landmarks. District VII (Jewish Quarter) hums with nightlife, while Castle Hill in Buda is quiet, classy, and full of cobblestone charm. For families, Margaret Island’s hotels give you greenery and space. And yes, hotel apartments in Budapest are a great middle ground if you like kitchen space and local grocery runs.

A small quirk: several boutique Budapest hotels require guests to leave room keys at reception when heading out. It feels old-fashioned but helps them track occupancy for safety.

Places to Stay in Budapest near Popular Attractions

• Near Buda Castle: Hilton Budapest, Pest-Buda Design Hotel.
• Near Parliament: Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Prestige Hotel Budapest.
• Near Széchenyi Baths: Mirage Medic Hotel, Danubius Hotel Helia.
• Near Great Market Hall: Estilo Fashion Hotel.
• Near the Danube: InterContinental, Hotel Clark Budapest.
• Near Keleti Station: Hotel Nemzeti Budapest and Ibis Styles Center.

Budget Hotels in Budapest

Budget stays in Budapest aren’t drab; they’re clever. You’ll find cheap hotels in Budapest that feel boutique with just a smaller lobby. Expect rates around HUF 15,000–25,000 (₹3,500–₹6,000) per night.

• Ibis Budapest City – Clean, central, with late breakfast hours.
• D8 Hotel – Minimalist, modern, excellent Wi-Fi.
• Maverick City Lodge – Shared or private rooms with charm.
• Hotel Chesscom – Handy for hotels in Budapest near airport.
• Hotel Medos – Great mid-range find off Andrássy Avenue.
• Corvin Point Rooms & Apartments – Family-run and cozy.

For the cheapest hotel in Budapest, check side streets near Blaha Lujza tér with small guesthouses often post handwritten signs with nightly rates. akbartravels.com lists plenty of these hidden-value stays you won’t spot elsewhere.

Budapest Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Budapest: Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Aria Hotel, Corinthia, Kempinski, Anantara New York Palace.
• 4 Star: Hotel Moments, Continental, Prestige, Hilton Garden Inn, Danubius Helia.
• 3 Star: Medos, Bo18 Hotel Superior, D8 Hotel, T62 Hotel.
• 2 Star Hotel Budapest: Atlas City Hotel, Star City Hotel, Dominik Panzió.

Each category shifts your experience: the Budapest 5 star hotel crowd gets rooftop cocktails; the 2-star group finds cafés that remember your order by day three.

Best Hotels in Budapest based on Location

• Downtown Pest: Perfect for nightlife and restaurants.
• Buda Castle District: Quiet, romantic, panoramic.
• Andrássy Avenue: Elegant, near boutiques and museums.
• Margaret Island: Green, peaceful, ideal for joggers.
• Near Airport: For short layovers; Ibis Airport or Airport Hotel Budapest.

akbartravels.com often highlights the best hotels in Budapest based on both location and guest reviews, which helps avoid mismatched expectations like booking near the Danube and realizing it’s across the bridge.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Budapest

Families love Budapest because it’s both walkable and full of gentle surprises such as puppet theaters, playground cafés, and trams kids adore.

• Aquaworld Resort Budapest (with water slides).
• Danubius Helia (pools and bike rentals).
• Hotel Moments (family rooms and breakfast buffet).
• Hilton Buda Castle (quiet, scenic).
• Ibis Styles Center (budget-friendly and safe).

A tip: book through akbartravels.com if traveling with kids under 12; their family packages often bundle breakfast and airport pickup, which saves both time and taxi haggling.

Budapest Hotels Tariff

Budapest hotel price comparison is crucial with rates swing widely depending on season and location.

• Luxury hotels in Budapest: Around €200–€400 per night.
• Mid-range: €80–€150 per night.
• Cheap hotels in Budapest: €40–€60 per night.
• 2 star hotel Budapest: As low as €25.

Rates surge about 30% during summer festivals and Christmas markets. Booking early on akbartravels.com locks in stable prices and flexible cancellation, particularly useful when airline schedules shift.

Budapest Travel Tips

1. Book Flights Early: Budapest flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Budapest well in advance.
2. Tram Pass Trick: Buy a 24-hour pass (HUF 2,500), it covers metro, buses, trams.
3. Bath Etiquette: Bring slippers; staff check at Széchenyi Baths.
4. Currency Exchange: Use official “Change” shops, not kiosks near tourist squares.
5. Carry Cash: Smaller cafés refuse cards under HUF 1,000.
6. Avoid Peak Check-In: Many Budapest hotels open rooms only after 2 p.m., leave luggage at reception and explore.
7. Festival Rush: Book rooms 40–50 days ahead during Sziget Festival with prices jump 60%.
8. Beware Taxi Traps: Only use licensed taxis (Főtaxi) or Bolt app.
9. Local SIM: Buy a Telekom SIM at the airport, cheaper data than roaming.
10. Tipping Rule: 10%–12% in restaurants, 5% for hotel porters.
11. Public Transport Apps: BKK FUTÁR helps you plan routes easily.
12. Thermal Bath Mondays: Slightly cheaper and less crowded.
13. Food Timing: Dinner starts late as most locals eat after 8 p.m.
14. Early-Bird Offers: akbartravels.com often lists Budapest hotel prize drops if you book mid-week.
15. Stay Flexible: akbartravels.com allows last-minute rebooking, handy during airline delays.

You can easily apply for your Hungary visa online through Akbar Travels and get your travel documents processed hassle-free before your trip.