How much does a trip to Budapest cost?
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If you’re planning on travelling to Budapest, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking Budapest is perfect for a budget trip.
Accommodation costs are generally really low and food and drinks are very cheap. Many of Budapest’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.
How much should I budget for a trip to Budapest?
A reasonable budget for two for a weekend in Budapest is around HUF 141,500. This assumes you’ll be spending two nights and three days in the city.
The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and going to a mix of restaurants and cafes for meals. It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.
How much does accommodation cost?
You can expect to spend between HUF 23,096-HUF 39,086 a night, per couple, on accommodation in Budapest. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.
See latest hotel deals in BudapestHostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around HUF 14,213 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around HUF 6,395 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.
See the highest rated hostels in BudapestHow much should I budget for food and drinks in Budapest?
Budget to spend around HUF 85,639 for two for a weekend in Budapest. This assumes you’re eating out and drinking some alcohol.
If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around HUF 9,793 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around HUF 6,348 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around HUF 2,149 each. You can buy a beer from a bar for around HUF 500 and you can expect to pay around HUF 631 for a cappuccino from a local café.
How much does it cost to get around Budapest?
Getting around Budapest is easiest with a train. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around HUF 8,500 for two is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of intercity train routes. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.
The metro is a great way to get around Budapest. You can buy a TravelCard for unlimited travel or, if you enjoy exploring a city by foot, paying as you go could be a cheaper way to go. BKK, the Budapest transport agency, also has a useful guide for tourists wanting to use the metro during their visit.
What should I expect to spend on activities?
A lot of the best things to do in Budapest are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around HUF 5,400 - HUF 6,800 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around HUF 23,372 per activity per person.
In summary
Budapest is a beautiful destination to visit and is a great place for a cheap trip. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. And, if you're wanting to treat yourself, there are many luxury options available.
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Last Updated 26 May 2022
