10 Things to Know Before Visiting Budapest for the First Time

1. Hungary uses the forint — and you usually don't need much cash

Hungary is in the European Union, but its currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF). A price of 5,000 Ft simply means 5,000 forints. Some tourist businesses accept euros, but their exchange rate may be less favourable and change often comes back in forints.

Cards are widely accepted, so most visitors do not need large amounts of cash — a small amount of HUF is still useful for markets or small purchases. The bigger question is how to avoid unnecessary exchange costs when an ATM or terminal offers currency conversion.

Local tip: don't arrive with a wallet full of euros just because Hungary is in the EU. Think in forints while you are here.

2. Decide how you will get from Budapest Airport before you land

Budapest Airport is outside the city centre, but getting in is straightforward: the 100E Airport Express, regular public transport, taxi, shared shuttle or a private transfer. The 100E runs 24/7 to Kálvin tér and Deák Ferenc tér; the airport ticket currently costs 2,500 HUF.

For a solo traveller with light luggage, the 100E is perfectly practical. A pre-arranged private transfer means your journey is organised before you land — particularly useful for families, couples with luggage or anyone arriving after a long flight. Choose based on luggage, arrival time, group size and how much convenience matters.

3. Budapest has excellent public transport — but learn the ticket rules

You don't need a car for most sightseeing. Metros, trams, buses and trolleybuses combined with walking work very well, and BKK's official BudapestGO app handles journey planning and tickets.

The detail first-time visitors miss: buying a single ticket is not enough — it must be validated at the start of the journey. Travelcards work differently, inspections are normal, and the 100E uses its own fare rather than an ordinary ticket.

4. Buda or Pest? Where you stay changes the experience

The Danube divides the city. Buda is the hillier side with Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill and quieter residential areas. Pest is flatter and busier, with Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, Andrássy Avenue, the Jewish Quarter and much of the nightlife.

Neither side is automatically better. If walking to restaurants and nightlife matters most, central Pest may suit you; for historic surroundings, views and calm, parts of Buda. The exact neighbourhood often matters more than the side.

5. Tipping in Budapest is different from the United States

Budapest has a tipping culture, but not the American one. In restaurants, around 10–15% is a useful guideline when no service charge is included.

The most important rule: check the bill first. Many restaurants add a service charge (szervizdíj / felszolgálási díj). Hungary's Competition Authority distinguishes it from a voluntary tip — if it is already included, you don't need to add another 15–20%.

6. The thermal baths are worth visiting — but plan ahead

The major baths differ in atmosphere, opening hours, facilities, age rules and ticket systems. Széchenyi is the iconic large complex; Rudas combines Turkish bathing tradition with a rooftop panorama pool; Lukács offers another historic Buda-side experience.

Important update: Gellért Thermal Bath has been closed for renovation since 1 October 2025, with reopening planned for 2028. Check official information shortly before your visit — one well-planned bath visit is enough for most first-timers.

7. Budapest is generally safe — but common sense still matters

As of September 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Hungary at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. As in any major European city, opportunistic pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.

• Keep an eye on your phone and wallet in crowds.
• Check prices before ordering.
• Read the amount on the payment terminal before approving it.
• Use legitimate transport services and know how your ticket works.
• Don't assume every exchange office or ATM offers the same deal.

8. Hungarian food is much more than goulash

Yes, try gulyás — traditionally a soup. But also look for chicken paprikash with dumplings, pörkölt stew, lángos with garlic, sour cream and cheese, töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), halászlé fish soup, Dobos cake and kürtőskalács (chimney cake).

One piece of advice: don't eat only on the most tourist-heavy streets. Some of the best experiences come from places where the meal itself is the reason to go.

9. Don't try to see Budapest in one day

Budapest looks compact on a map, but racing between Parliament, the Basilica, Heroes' Square, a bath, the Castle and a cruise means spending the day checking the time. Organise sightseeing geographically: the Castle District and Buda sights together, central Pest together, and enough time at the bath to actually relax.

Two days give an introduction; three or four allow a comfortable pace; longer stays leave room for museums, neighbourhoods and day trips.

10. Your first few hours in Budapest matter more than you think

When you land you may have your hotel, a restaurant and Parliament tickets — but not yet a mental picture of the city. Where is Buda? Where is your accommodation relative to the Danube? Walk or tram? Do you need cash? These are exactly the questions first-time visitors ask me during airport transfers.

That is why I created the VULPES Budapest Orientation Service: your private airport transfer can optionally become an introduction to the city — Buda and Pest, the bridges, neighbourhoods, transport, restaurants and local customs. By the time you arrive, Budapest feels a little less unfamiliar.

Quick checklist before you travel

• Hungary uses the forint, not the euro.
• Decide how you are getting from the airport before you land.
• Understand how your public transport ticket works.
• Learn the difference between Buda and Pest before choosing where to stay.
• Check restaurant bills for a service charge before tipping.
• Check current information before visiting a thermal bath.
• Use normal big-city awareness.
• Try Hungarian food beyond goulash.
• Give yourself enough time rather than racing through the city.
• A little local knowledge in your first hours makes the rest easier.

Final thoughts

Budapest does not require weeks of preparation. Use forints, know your airport plan, understand your ticket, check for a service charge, choose your area deliberately — and don't turn the trip into a race. Walk along the Danube, take Tram 2, cross a bridge on foot and see the city illuminated in the evening.

If this is your first visit and you would like some local context from the moment you arrive, VULPES offers private airport transfers with an optional Budapest Orientation Service. Your first local contact in Budapest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest good for first-time visitors?

Yes. Once you understand the basic geography of Buda and Pest and how public transport works, Budapest is straightforward to explore. Walking and public transport cover most sightseeing.

What currency should I use in Budapest?

Hungarian forints (HUF). Some businesses accept euros, but the exchange rate they use may not be favourable.

Do I need cash in Budapest?

Not much. Cards are accepted in most shops and businesses, but a small amount of HUF is still useful.

How do I get from Budapest Airport to the city centre?

Options include the 100E Airport Express, regular public transport, taxi, shared shuttle and private transfer. The 100E runs 24/7 and the airport ticket costs 2,500 HUF.

Do I need a car in Budapest?

For most sightseeing in central Budapest, no. Walking combined with the metro, tram and bus network works well.

Do you tip in Budapest?

Yes, tipping is common, but first check whether a service charge is already included. A service charge and a voluntary tip are not the same thing.

Is Budapest safe?

Budapest is generally considered safe. Normal precautions are appropriate, particularly against pickpocketing in crowded areas and on public transport.

Is Gellért Thermal Bath open?

No. It has been closed for renovation since 1 October 2025, with reopening planned for 2028.

How many days should I spend in Budapest?

For many first-time visitors, three or four days provide a comfortable introduction, depending on your interests and pace.

Is Buda or Pest better for first-time visitors?

Neither is universally better. Pest offers easier access to restaurants, nightlife and central attractions; Buda offers history, views and quieter areas. The exact neighbourhood matters most.