Trips to Budapest
What to know about Budapest
Carrying the title of the World's Spa Capital, Budapest is a city that offers far more than its most famous claim suggests. With a rich history and culture, vast underground caves to explore, and beautiful architecture, the Pearl of the Danube is one of Europe's shining gems. Serving travellers from walk-happy history buffs to relaxed foodies, the Capital of Freedom leaves you with all the options to suit your varied tastes.
More officially known as the capital of Hungary, Budapest's bold heartbeat has survived thousands of years. Formerly ruled by Romans and Ottomans, a simple walk down the Queen of the Danube feels like taking a trip through history.
Of course, all the sights in the world won't hold your attention on an empty stomach. Luckily Budapest also carries a legacy that even the most discerning foodie can enjoy. From traditional and warming goulash to iconic meals like paprika chicken and cutting-edge modern dishes, Budapest won't let you down.
At the same time, Budapest's place in famous media like music videos from Lenny Kravitz and Katy Perry, TV shows like The Witcher, and movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel might give your wanderings a distinctly nostalgic feel even on your first visit. Budapest's influence runs wider than you might think!
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Budapest to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately.
What to do in Budapest for a weekend
With so much to do in Budapest, it can be difficult to narrow down your breadth of choices for a weekend trip. That said, we've spent some time developing the following basic plan you can adopt and adapt to your needs.
Day 1: Unwind in one of Budapest’s spas
Feeling exhausted after a flight is natural, even though Budapest time is only an hour ahead of London time. To recover, you might choose to whet your appetite for the weekend ahead with some sweet chimney cake or warming goulash. Don't worry if you've dietary restrictions either, goulash is also available in vegan or vegetarian varieties.
With a full belly, you might choose to relax at a spa like the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Watching the stars come out while recuperating in the warm waters is always a lovely experience, just remember to stay hydrated.
To cap off your night, you can work yourself up for a full day tomorrow by taking a long-distance walk down the famous Danube River. Famous Budapest landmarks like the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge get illuminated at night and light up the Danube with glittering reflections, revealing what you can expect from Budapest's splendour. Remember you've got a full day tomorrow!
Day 2: Explore the Great Synagogue and museums
Your second day is probably one filled with adventure, so it can be best to greet the morning with something filling. To get in the Budapest spirit, a full Hungarian breakfast can really hit the spot. Must-try dishes include kolbasz (Hungarian sausage), langos (fried bread), bundas kenyer (kind of like French toast), and the requisite tea or coffee.
Heading out, check ahead to see if any festivals are being held, for a taste of real Budapest culture. For something more general, you can check out the fascinating history of Budapest by visiting the Hungarian National Museum. Art fans could also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian National Gallery.
Weather permitting, heading into the Jewish Quarter reveals a stunning mix of contemporary restaurants, shops, and street art. This area also hosts the Great Synagogue, the largest and arguably most impressive in Europe. Completed in 1859, this centre of prayer was built in the Moorish Revival style. Borrowing from a range of Islamic architectural concepts, the designer intended the Great Synagogue to represent a broad inspiration as a perfect microcosm of Budapest's diverse history.
At night, you might experience the vibrant Budapest nightlife in the party hub of Instant-Fogas, or a bar like Szimpla Kert. We doubt we have to espouse the combination of meat and beer, but there's enough available to cater to all other tastes and sensibilities too.
Day 3: Try the traditional hungarian street food
Hopefully, you're not too tired from whatever the Queen of the Danube threw at you last night, because it's time to make the most of your last day. Hold your hunger, and consider checking out some traditional Hungarian street food at the Karaván Street Food Court. Instead of looking for something in particular, let your nose guide you, and be adventurous!
Before packing and heading into a flight, a memento could be the perfect item to remind you of your experience. The bustling indoor market of the Great Market Hall (also called Nagyvásárcsarnok) is full of nicknacks and gifts often made by hand. Select one or a few that best represent your time in the Heart of Europe, sigh at having to return to real life, and be sure not to miss your flight home, no matter how tempting that might be.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Budapest and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Budapest
What’s the name of the Budapest Airport?
One airport serves Budapest, the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Though the two terminals are sometimes counted as two airports, they're mostly considered two parts of one whole.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Budapest?
Four airlines offer flights to Budapest directly from London. These include:
- British Airways
- Easyjet
- Ryanair
- Wizz Air
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
The policy of the airline you book travel with will determine offered child travel assistance, and how to use it. The airline website will inform you of the steps to request support, usually accomplished directly through phone or online help systems.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
Travelling with an assistance dog or other animal depends on the policy of the airline you've booked with. Be sure to check this policy before you book to see if they offer animal travel support. If they do, send an email or contact them by phone.
How do I find cheap flights to the destination city that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
Booking on Opodo lets you sort flights by cost to check cheaper options to fly to Budapest from the UK. Once you've found a flight you're happy with, select it to head to a page that features the different flex policies available.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in my destination city?
You can book cheap flights and hotels in Budapest at the same time with the Opodo online search function. Booking on our website allows you to sort flights by cheapest, and apply price sorting to hotels too.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Checked baggage requirements depend on the policies of the airline. Requirements apply to the size and weight of baggage, displayed when booking a ticket and on the airline's website. Some items, such as those which contain batteries, will always need to be in a carry-on.
How can I check in with Opodo?
After you book a flight with Opodo you will receive an email featuring your flight ticket. Print this and bring it to the appropriate airline desk at the airport to check-in. Some airlines like British Airways also feature online check-ins to speed up the procedure. Check with your airline's website to check online check-in support.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from my departure city to my arrival city?
Cancellation fees depend on the airline you booked with, the tickets you purchased, and the policies applying to that ticket. Cheaper tickets tend to feature larger cancellation fees.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
Flights booked through Opodo are eligible for compensation if two criteria are met:
- The reason for the flight delay was in the control of the airline
- The flight was at least three hours late arriving at its final destination
Key Budapest Airport information
Four major airlines fly between London and Budapest, British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is southeast of the city at 15 miles. It's not the closest airport to the city centre we've ever seen, but given the sights to see on the way, we're not sure we'd count that as bad.
The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport contains all the services and facilities you need to travel in safety, comfort, and convenience. Included within this airport are:
- ATMs. banks, and currency exchanges
- 19 different restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Stores serving jewellery, perfume, electronics, food, and duty-free goods
- Emergency services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Meeting, business, and conference rooms
- Baby care facilities
- Car rental
- Lost luggage and luggage wrapping
- 24/7 help desks
- Fast track services
The Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) also offers full support for disabled passengers on request.
There are two main methods you can use to travel between the Budapest airport and the city centre, taxis and buses.
Taxis cost around €26 and take around 35 minutes to complete the journey, although busy traffic can change travel time. As always, taxis are available 24/7.
The cheapest option is the bus, which costs a wallet-friendly €6 for a ticket. A trip by bus will take around 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Unlike most airports, this bus is available 24/7, which is great if your flight arrives in the very later or very early hours. Depending on the time of day you travel, you can also connect to the M3 metro line at some bus stops, which might help if you're heading somewhere other than the city centre.
The best time to visit Budapest
The best Budapest time of year can depend on what you're looking for. Making the most out of the Heart of Europe will depend on your wants and needs, your passions, your hobbies, and your budget. With that in mind, here are a few of the most popular times and what you can expect if you travel to the city in these months.
The best months to visit Budapest are generally considered to be May and September. During this time the Budapest weather is a mild 15°C to 25°C, and the city won't be as crowded as it is in the busier summer months. It's the perfect time to take a tour of the Danube and check out the sites like the astounding Hungarian Parliament building. The Art-Nouveau Gellért Spa is open during this period, offering a great time to relax in legendary Budapest baths while taking in the sights.
Visiting Budapest on a budget can be best planned in the winter months of October to February. The average high during this time is around 5°C to 10°C, and the Budapest weather from October to February can provide rain, so you'll want to pack warm and waterproof clothes. That said, the low travel costs, smaller crowds, and increased hotel availability can still do great things to warm you up. Bold Budapest foods are fantastic in the cold, and sitting in a spa while the rain or snow falls around you is an experience that sticks with you.
Earning a title like the Capital of Festivals means that you might be considering when to make the most of this claim. August stands out as the best time of year for these travellers, as the city comes alive with celebrations and opportunities. From the week-long Sziget Festival for music to the self-explanatory Budapest Wine Festival, or the fireworks of St. Stephen's Day, this one month will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Of course, don't worry if you can't make it in August, the Heart of Europe offers enough festivals year-round that you can always track down something. The Christmas markets in Budapest's winter in Vörösmarty Square are an engaging way to experience famous holiday cheer. On the other hand, a springtime holiday a few months later brings the calm Budapest weather in March with the offerings of the Photo Festival, Pancake Festival, and a perfect time for bike tours.
