Buda-budget: The Perfect Day Trip to Budapest

Discovering the magic of Budapest without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Budapest is a great destination for travelers on a budget. The city is packed with affordable attractions, from visiting the stunning Budapest Castle to strolling along the Danube river. You'll also find plenty of delicious and budget-friendly eats, including traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cakes.

Day trip plan

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Day

Buda Best

  • Start your day with a visit to Buda Castle, a majestic fortress perched high above the Danube River.
  • Walk along the Fisherman's Bastion and take in the panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit Matthias Church, an 800-year-old Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Take the funicular down to the Danube River and explore the quaint streets of Buda.
  • Grab some authentic Hungarian food at Karcsi Étterem, a cozy restaurant with affordable prices.
  • End your day with a relaxing soak in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, like Gellért Baths, which boasts beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Budapest by plane is by flying into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Many airlines fly directly to this airport from major cities around the world.

Car

One can drive to Budapest from neighboring countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Romania. The main highways into Budapest are the M1, M3, and M5. However, driving in Budapest city center can be difficult due to heavy traffic and limited parking.

Train

Travelers can reach Budapest by train from several European cities such as Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. The main railway station in Budapest is Keleti Station, which is well connected to the Budapest metro network.

Boat

Although Budapest is located on the river Danube, there are no regular boat services into the city. However, it is possible to arrive by river cruise boats that usually dock at the Vigadó tér or Jászai Mari tér ports, located on the Pest side of the city.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate services to Budapest from neighboring countries such as Austria, Croatia, and Slovakia. The main bus station in Budapest is Népliget, which is easily accessible by metro.

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