Budget Travel Ideas in Budapest

While it's a little more expensive than many other Eastern European destinations, Budapest remains a relatively low-cost city, and Budapest budget travel is easy for savvy travelers. There are some good value hotels and hostels to be found here, as well as plenty of budget-friendly self catering options. In addition, the numerous low cost airlines that have added Budapest to their flight routes means that the city can be easily reached by travelers arriving from other destinations in Europe.

Budget Accommodation in Budapest

The last decade has seen a sharp rise in the number of international visitors to Budapest, and there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from upscale business hotels to bargain backpacker hostels. Budget travelers who don't fancy roughing it in a dorm will find that many hostels also offer double rooms for a slightly higher price, with Maverick Hostel & Ensuite being one excellent option. This welcoming hostel has won awards for the quality of its customer service, and offers dorm beds and private rooms in a beautiful building that was once a royal palace. Located at Ferenciek tere 2, the hostel has a very central location that means guests can save on travel costs by sightseeing on foot. Self-catering is another low-cost option for couples and groups of friends sharing, and there are countless companies offering simple and cheap apartments to rent.

Eating and Drinking on a Budget in Budapest

Despite the increasing number of sophisticated, high-price restaurants in Budapest, there are still plenty of budget-friendly spots to enjoy simple food and a beer or glass of wine. While local dishes tend to be rather heavy on the meat, vegetarians will find plenty of choice at the well-stocked supermarkets. During the summer (June through to September), look out for the famous outdoor bars that spring up in the city's disused courtyards. These funky hangouts change location each year, but all offer well-stocked bars, hip furnishings and low, low prices. A little prior research at your hotel or hostel is key if you want to find the best of these 'kert' (garden) bars. If you're lucky, you might even catch free live music or film screenings to accompany your drinks.

Budget Travel in Budapest

Arrival in Budapest is increasingly inexpensive thanks to the large number of no-frills airlines offering flights here from across Europe, and the city is also easy to reach as part of a rail trip across Europe thanks to the widely available Inter-rail passes that offer cut price travel across the continent. Getting around the city itself won't make too much of a dent in your travel budget. Buses, trams, metros and trains are reliable and inexpensive, and the clean and safe streets make it easy for budget travelers to get around on foot even at night.