PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Budapest
Budapest is a beautiful city with a lot of rich culture and history, and we hope you can spend time discovering some of the sites, enjoying traditional Hungarian cuisine (including local wine and pálinka, the national spirit) and maybe taking a dip on one of the famous Hungarian Baths in Budapest.
For a brief history of Hungary, please click here (Wikipedia) or here (WeLoveBudapest.com)
Flights
Direct flights to BUD are limited from most places outside of Europe. We recommend connecting via London, Frankfurt, Munich, or Vienna.
Of course, there are numerous other options you may chose, including budget/low cost airlines like Easy Jet and Wizz Air that fly to/from many places around Europe.
Do let us know if you have any questions regarding your travel. We would be happy to give any suggestions or recommendations.
This website we find very useful to plan trips (air/train/bus): https://www.rome2rio.com
Getting Around
From BUD Airport
By Taxi
FÅ‘taxi is the official transport partner of Budapest Airport.
Their kiosks, where you can order your cab, are located at the exits outside of the terminals. Once you placed your order, you can go and get in a taxi from the rank in front of the stands.
A ride to the city centre should typically cost around 7200HUF (26USD) depending on traffic conditions.
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Beware of non-regulated taxi service providers soliciting at the terminal buildings! Please make sure you order your cab at the FÅ‘taxi kiosk.
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By Airport Shuttle Service
It's a good solution in case your travelling party is more than 3 people.
You can buy your ticket in advance, online or upon arrival at their kiosk at the airport.
By Public Transport
Take Bus 200E to KÖKI Terminal – KÅ‘bánya-Kispest Terminus of M3 underground, and then take
the underground towards Deák Square (the most central conjunction in Budapest).
Please note that we would not recommend this option, as it is a bit complicated.
Getting around Budapest
is a great website with useful information about Budapest.
Also, here you can see the portfolio of Budapest Card-s, which are special travelcards designed for tourists, that you might want to consider.
Public Transportation - "BKK"
Budapest has one of the richest public transportation systems of all European capitals (more than 200 bus, 32 tram, 15 trolley and 4 metro lines). It is an easy way to get around the city.
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If you're with a stroller, be prepared that you might have to carry it up and down some stairs though.
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You can find all about the system, tickets, prices, route planner on their website.
BKK's trip planner app (download to your phone), also gives you access to when the train, metro, bus or tram are coming. And works in English as well.
Almost all types of tickets (incl. the 24&72-hours Budapest Cards) are available at the Customer Service Points of BKK Center for Budapest Transport at Liszt Ferenc International Airport’s Terminal 2A (daily 8:00-22:00) and Terminal 2B (daily 9:00-21:00).
Taxis
Taxis in Budapest are known to overcharge tourist; therefore there are some tricks we'd like you to know. :)
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Bolt: is the closest thing to Uber in Hungary (download to your phone), it gives you an easy and safe way to order a car anywhere in Budapest.
Yellow cabs: Otherwise there are several taxi companies operating in Budapest.
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Only get into officially licensed taxi cabs, which are uniform yellow with yellow license plate, and a sign ”MinÅ‘sített budapesti taxi/Licensed Budapest taxi” displayed on the front left door in both Hungarian and English.
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Also, make sure the taximeter is visible and that the taxi driver switches it on as soon as you get in to avoid being swindled.
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The officially regulated uniform fares in Budapest:
450HUF (1.6USD) one-time fee + 280HUF (1USD)/km, and the waiting time charge is 70HUF (0.25USD)/min.
You can pay the taxi fare both in cash or with bank/credit card, but it may happen that some bank cards are not accepted.
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Car Rental
If you opt for renting your own car in Budapest, nearly all major car rental companies are represented at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport.
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https://www.bud.hu/en/passengers/transport/airport_transfer_and_other_services/car_rental_companies
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Before driving in Hungary, please familiarize yourself with European driving rules, as they differ from the US ones.
Summer can be very hot and dry in Hungary.
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July is typically the warmest month of the year with not much rain. The average highest daily temperature is around 30°C (86°F), however sometimes it can go over 40°C (104°F) as well.
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If you plan to go and do some sightseeing, please make sure to bring suitable clothes and a bottle of water. If it gets very hot, sometimes the government hands out bottles of water to people for free at major traffic areas in Budapest. So if you see that happening, feel free to grab a bottle.
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Weather
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The annual average number of sunny hours is among the highest in Europe, so do not miss tasting some delicious Hungarian local fruits and vegetables that you can find in the local markets
(see recommended Activities).
Hotels
in Budapest
Budapest has many accommodation options. Below are a couple we recommend in a central area (click on their names to see the hotel's website), however, feel free to book any accommodation that suits.
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5 Hotels
4 Hotels
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Danubius Hotel Gellért, Budapest
(This historic hotel is on the Buda side, slightly away from the other recommendations, however it had to make our list due to its rich history and the fact that the Art Noveaux Gellért Spa is located in its premises.)
Budget Option
We have stayed in AirBnB apartments several times in Budapest, and never had a bad experience. So this is definitely a good cost-conscious alternative. :)
In this case, we'd recommend staying in the 5th district, as it is centrally located as well as it is the most international area with bars, pubs and restaurants.
Activities &
Restaurants
By clicking on the pdf icon above, you can download small list of some places we recommend seeing, restaurants/bars to visit, and Hungarian thermal baths to enjoy. You will not be able to see or do them all but at least it is a starting point to plan your visit.
Cultural Differences
Although Michael and Laura share the same values, there are a number of cultural differences that exist between them. The simple truth is that Americans and Hungarians approach things differently...and it sometimes can lead to arguments, confusion, awkward and hilarious moments...
Like the time Michael met Laura's stepfather for the first time. In Hungary it is normal for men kiss each other when they meet (a surprise to Michael). Further, in Hungary you first kiss on right and then the left (opposite side compared to the US and Western Europe). Suffice to say, it was awkward... and hilarious to think about it now.
Below are some links that can shed light on some of the cultural differences you may experience in Hungary.
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Watch-out Points
To ensure that you have a nice stay see below some points to be aware of when visiting Hungary.
Use ATMs that are connected to a bank for cash withdrawal, because the stand alone ones tend to use irrealistically nonfavourable exchange rates.
In restaurants a good tip is considered to be 10%, if you were overall satisfied. However, check your bill, because some places add a service fee. In this case no tip is necessary.
Click on the below link for some more info.
https://welovebudapest.com/en/toplists/gratuity-guide-how-much-to-tip-in-hungary/
ATM
TIP
Beware of pickpocketers walking around in crowded areas.
To avoid getting overcharged in cabs, please make sure you only get in licensed taxis, and make sure the driver switches on the taximeter as soon as you got in.
(See "Yellow cab" section on the left.)
