Budapest city break guide

Budapest is a brilliant choice for a city break. The Hungarian capital ticks a lot of travel boxes – from culture and architecture that traces thousands of years’ worth of history, to eclectic entertainment options that cover everything from offbeat ruin bars to thermal spa parties.

The city itself is split into two halves – history-steeped Buda, on the west bank of the Danube, and the more modern, vibrant Pest on the east bank. The city’s metro and tram systems link the two, and a lot of the city is walkable.

Factor in plenty of budget flights to Budapest from the UK and a journey time of around 2.5 hours, and it’s easy to do a city break within the space of a weekend. So if you’re planning a trip, take a look at our top picks when it comes to things to do in Budapest, essential sights, and places to eat in the city. And don’t forget to buy Hungarian forints before you go – so you don’t have to spend any of your weekend in Budapest trying to get your hands on the right currency.

Top 5 things do in Budapest

1. Visit the thermal baths

Budapest is known as the City of Spas, and its thermal baths are a major draw for visitors. The most famous is Széchenyi baths, with its large outdoor pools and weekend ‘sparties’ – club nights with music and light shows. Gellert is another must-visit, and known for its Art Nouveau interiors and mosaic-tiled pools. Book ahead for both, especially in the summer.

2. Shop at the Central Market Hall
Budapest’s Central Market Hall is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, spread across several levels and packed with local food and souvenirs. It’s a good place to try traditional Hungarian snacks or pick up ingredients like paprika – a staple in Hungarian dishes that’s sold in pretty tins or cloth bags – and local honey. Just make sure you’ve got some Hungarian forints to hand, as not all vendors here accept cards.

3. Visit a ruin bar
Ruin bars are a distinctive part of Budapest’s nightlife scene. Former abandoned buildings and courtyards, they’re now eclectic bars filled with quirky décor and mismatched furniture. Most are located in the Jewish Quarter, and Szimpla Kert – which hosts a Sunday farmer’s market – is considered the city’s original ruin bar.

4. Climb up St Stephen’s Basilica
If you’re searching for the best views in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the place to head to. Hungary’s biggest church and one of the city’s most famous landmarks, it has a 96-metre dome with a viewing platform that gives you 360-degree views across Budapest. You can take the stairs or the lift, and you’ll need a ticket – which is 2,500 HUF (€6.50) for adults.

5. Explore Buda Castle
History-lovers should make tracks for Buda Castle, which sits on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube and is home to a collection of museums and historic buildings. You can reach it via the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular – the ride up only takes 90 seconds – or by walking up the hill. Both options will give you incredible views across the city.

Sightseeing in Budapest: top 3 things to see

1. The Hungarian Parliament Building
Right by the Danube, this neo-Gothic landmark is one of Budapest’s most recognisable sights, known for its intricate detailing and huge size. Guided tours take about 45 minutes and cost around HUF 13,000 for non-EU citizens, but you can enjoy the exterior for free.

2. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a 19th-century terrace and lookout built on the site of former medieval fortifications. These days visitors head here for the views, which stretch across the Danube towards Parliament and Pest.

3. The Danube
Want to see the city’s top sights in one hit, without walking for miles or spending a fortune? Hop on tram line 2 for one of the city’s most scenic and wallet-friendly journeys. The route runs along the river and ticks off sights like Parliament, Buda Castle and Chain Bridge.

Where to eat in Budapest

If you’re on a budget…

Try langos, a deep-fried flatbread that can be served with sweet or savoury toppings. You’ll find this street food all over the city, but Langos Land – upstairs at Feny Street Market – is highly recommended.

If you’re looking for mid-range eats…

Head to Retek Bisztro. This traditional Hungarian restaurant serves authentic dishes like goulash soup, stuffed sour cabbage and crispy duck leg, and gets rave reviews from guests. 

If you’re splashing out…

Book a table at Borkonyha, which means ‘wine kitchen’ – a nod to the fact that dishes at this fancy Michelin-starred restaurant are paired with complementary wines.

What to pack for a Budapest city break

• A valid passport – Hungary follows Schengen area rules for non-EU nationals. At the time of writing, that means your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive, and an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Always check the official Hungary entry requirements before you travel.

• Warm clothes in winter – Temperatures in Budapest drop to freezing in the winter months, and below freezing at night in January, the coldest month.

• Suncream in summer – In August, the hottest month, temperatures can reach 29°C so suncream, sunglasses and summer clothing is wise.

• Hungarian forints – The forint is Hungary’s official currency, and it’s a good idea to have some to hand for things like street food stalls, markets and tipping. You’ll find some example prices in our guide to the currency in Hungary.

Buying Hungarian forints from M&S Travel Money

Ready to go? You can buy Hungarian forints online for free collection from 580+ participating M&S stores*. Plus, if you get back with leftover travel money, you can also sell currency back to us*.

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Selected stores only.