Budapest is a historic city known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Budapest that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Budapest?
You should plan to spend around $100 (Ft39,163) per day on your vacation in Budapest. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $37 (Ft14,708) on meals
- $9.81 (Ft3,861) on local transportation
- $91 (Ft35,973) on hotels
A one week trip to Budapest for two people costs, on average, $1,393 (Ft548,282). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$697
Ft274,141
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,393
Ft548,282
-
One Month
Per person
$2,985
Ft1,174,890
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,393
Ft548,282
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,786
Ft1,096,564
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,971
Ft2,349,780
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Budapest cost?
A one week trip to Budapest usually costs around $697 (Ft274,141) for one person and $1,393 (Ft548,282) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Budapest on average costs around $1,393 (Ft548,282) for one person and $2,786 (Ft1,096,564) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Budapest will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Budapest on average costs around $2,985 (Ft1,174,890) for one person and $5,971 (Ft2,349,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Budapest expensive to visit?
Budapest is a bustling city full of activities to keep you entertained. With travelers coming from all walks of life, you'll see everything from budget adventurers to high-end explorers enjoying the scene. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Budapest to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like taking public transit and finding free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $37 (Ft14,840) per day, mid-range travelers spend $97 (Ft39,163) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (Ft108,258) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Budapest.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Budapest is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Budapest Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Budapest?
The average Budapest trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Budapest travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Budapest cost?
Budapest on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(Ft6,842)
|
$46
(Ft17,987)
|
$125
(Ft49,341)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(Ft1,499)
|
$10
(Ft3,861)
|
$26
(Ft10,145)
|
|
Food 2
|
$14
(Ft5,544)
|
$37
(Ft14,708)
|
$104
(Ft41,088)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(Ft2,952)
|
$20
(Ft7,982)
|
$59
(Ft23,118)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(Ft1,230-3,689)
|
$8-25
(Ft3,294-9,882)
|
$24-71
(Ft9,378-28,135)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Budapest on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $37 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Budapest is home to plenty of hostels, including Wombat's City Hostel Budapest, Vitae Hostel, and Avenue Hostel. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. The city also includes a reliable public transportation system that helps budget travelers avoid overspending on taxis or rideshare services.
So, are you average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Budapest wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $97 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Budapest. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Prestige Hotel Budapest is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Budapest here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $268 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Budapest City Segway / Private Sightseeing Tours Buda+Pest - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Budapest
In Budapest, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $63 and peak summer season rising to an average of $118. Prices typically range from $40 to $194, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Budapest for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $91 (Ft35,973). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $46 (Ft17,987) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Budapest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Budapest include:
- Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest starting at $98
- Prestige Hotel Budapest starting at $91
- Hotel Parlament starting at $89
- Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest starting at $82
- Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments starting at $77
Budapest is an expansive city, providing travelers with a variety of lodging options. From economical hostels like Wombat's City Hostel Budapest to rental properties and luxurious hotels, there's plenty to choose from. However, prices are typically higher in the city center, where public transit and attractions are easily accessible.
Budapest's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Budapest, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Budapest, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
The city's historic old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they often feature a lot of character and a prime location for easy access to attractions.
Transportation Budget in Budapest
In Budapest, a big city, transportation is key, and luckily, the public transit system is fantastic. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town. For a budget-friendly option, public transit is perfect, but taxis and rideshares are always there when you need them.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.81 (Ft3,861) per person, per day, on local transportation in Budapest. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Budapest is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.81
Ft3,861
Planning to use public transportation often? Grab multi-day transit passes to save yourself some money.
Stay alert to pickpockets on buses, trains, and in stations. It's important to be cautious in a big city like Budapest.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Budapest Private Arrival Transfer: Railway station to hotels for $26 details
- Budapest City - Budapest Airport Transfer for $37 details
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 2 hours for sightseeing for $259 details
How much does it cost to go to Budapest? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Budapest will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Budapest are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Budapest. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Short Taxi Ride
Ft2,550
-
Metro Pass
Ft1,400
Food Budget in Budapest
The available food options in Budapest are not extensive, and the quality could be better. It's best to limit your spending on meals in favor of more rewarding experiences. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Budapest can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Budapest is $37 (Ft14,708) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$37
Ft14,708
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Budapest is around $36 (Ft14708) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $102. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Budapest are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Traditional Hungarian food is hearty and filling. There are a diversity of restaurants throughout the city, some that serve up traditional Hungarian dishes and others that have international or fusion flavors. Prices are quite low by European standards and you can enjoy a hearty meal at lunch or dinner for a fraction of the price that you might pay in other cities.
Local dishes are usually heavy on meat and are often made with pork, beef, veal or poultry. Paprika is a common seasoning, although the food typically isn't spicy. Favorite dishes include gulyas, or goulash soup, which is a beef soup that is made with potatoes and paprika, papriaks, which is veal or chicken that is served with a creamy paprika sauce, and porkolt, which is a stew of sauteed onions and paprika.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Save money while enjoying the scenery by planning a picnic. Visit a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh treats, and find a lovely park or scenic spot to relish your meal.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Budapest, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Hungarian Cooking Class Combined with Market Tour for $98 details
- Chef’s Table – Wine Cellar Dinner Party in Budapest for $130 details
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights for $55 details
Typical food prices in Budapest, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Budapest
Tourists can't resist Budapest, especially for its well-known budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Budapest typically cost an average of $20 (Ft7,982) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
Ft7,982
Budapest's main tourist sights are concentrated around Castle Hill in Buda and downtown Pest by the river. On Castle Hill the most famous sights include the Royal Palace, the National Gallery, the Fisherman's Bastion, Mattias Church, Lions' Courtyard, Hunyadi Garden, Savoyai Terrace. In downtown Pest the main sights include the Parliament Building, St. Stephens' Basilica, the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum and the Jewish Quarter.
There are many different activities in Budapest that you can enjoy. One of the most popular things to do is go to a thermal bath. The baths are a lingering influence of the Turkish culture in the area. They usually contain several pools, massage services, and drinking cures.
Many people also enjoy going to the Hungarian State Opera House, the Palace of Arts, Theatre Madach or one of the many other theaters around town. Popular festivals in Budapest include the Budapest Spring Festival, the Jewish Summer Festival, and Sziget, a rock music and culture festival.
Museums and Attractions:
Budapest's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town welcomes many guests each year. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Budapest. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area for $52 details
- City Segway Tour Budapest / Group Tours ( Buda + Pest ) for $37 details
- 2-Hour/ Buda+Pest - City Segway Tour Budapest for $62 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Budapest. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Budapest
The nightlife in Budapest offers a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite for visitors who enjoy local bars, clubs, and parties. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (Ft6,588) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Budapest per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
Ft6,588
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Budapest. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting for $32 details
- Wine Tasting in the Countryside from Budapest for $145 details
- Budapest RUIN Pub Crawl +Open Bar +6 Shots +VIP Access +Games for $48 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024
Traveling in Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
Tourism continues to rise in Budapest as it becomes more recognized as a travel destination for its history, architecture and culture. Budapest is made up of two cities that are each unique. Buda is on the west bank of the Danube River and Pest is on the east. The atmospheres are different and each has something to offer visitors. Budapest is noted for its beauty, music, and architecture. It has grown into a cosmopolitan city that offers residents and visitors a high quality of life. Prices may be somewhat lower than those found in other large European cities, but the standard of living is good.
Neighborhoods & Around
Budapest is technically divided into 23 administrative districts but most people split the neighborhoods between Buda and Pest. Buda is west of the Danube and has Districts I-III, XI-XII, and XXII. Pest is east of the Danube and has Districts IV-IX. Castle Hill is District I of Buda. This is the oldest part of the city and it is where you will find the Castle and some of the most famous tourist attractions including Fishermen's Bastion, the Labyrinth and Mathias Church.
In Buda, the central part of the city is considered those areas near Nagykorut. This area is served by Tram 6. In Pest, the central area is bordered by Kiskorut, or Small Boulevard. This is where you'll find most of the tourist attractions.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We love Budapest for its backpacker culture and many hostels where it's easy to meet other travelers.