Budapest has a reputation as one of Europe’s best-value capitals—and with good reason. A pint of beer costs less than a bottle of Coke in some places, thermal baths are cheaper than a London gym day pass, and you can eat well for under £10. But while it’s more affordable than cities like Paris or Rome, it’s not quite the giveaway destination it was ten years ago.
Knowing where to stay, eat, and explore without falling into tourist traps makes all the difference. This guide will show you how to get the best out of Budapest for less—covering flights, accommodation, food, attractions, and insider tips that locals actually use.
Getting to Budapest for cheap
Flights from the UK can be ridiculously cheap, especially with Ryanair and Wizz Air offering direct routes from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. A return ticket can be as low as £30–£60 if booked a couple of months in advance. Prices jump around, so tracking fares on Google Flights or Skyscanner is your best bet. The cheapest tickets tend to be for midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Once you land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport, it’s tempting to jump in a taxi, but this is where a lot of tourists get stung. The 100E airport bus runs every 10 minutes and takes you straight into the city centre for 2,200 HUF (£4.80). If you’re staying outside the centre, take the 200E bus and switch to the M3 metro, which is even cheaper at just 530 HUF (£1.20).

When to go for the best value
Winter is the cheapest time to visit, with lower hotel prices and fewer tourists, but expect freezing temperatures and short daylight hours. Spring and autumn offer the best balance—accommodation is still affordable, but the weather is mild and the crowds haven’t arrived in full force. If you’re visiting in summer, expect higher prices and busier streets, but you’ll get Budapest’s nightlife at its best, with ruin bars and outdoor events in full swing.
Where to stay without overspending
For budget travellers, staying in central Pest—particularly in Districts V, VI, or VII—means you’ll be within walking distance of most major sights, bars, and restaurants. Hostels in Budapest are some of the best in Europe. Flow Spaces offers a quiet but social atmosphere and clean, modern dorms for around £16 a night. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, The Hive Party Hostel is the place to be, with beds starting at £18.
For budget-friendly hotels, D8 Hotel is a solid choice, offering modern, well-located rooms from £55 a night. If you’d rather stay in an apartment, Vagabond Downtown Apartments provide smart, self-catering spaces for around £50–£70 a night.
If you’re after affordable luxury, Hotel Moments Budapest delivers four-star quality at three-star prices. Located on Andrássy Avenue, this boutique-style hotel has rooms from around £100 a night, which is a steal compared to other hotels of the same standard.
Getting around Budapest without wasting money
Budapest has a cheap and efficient public transport system, so there’s no need to spend on taxis. A single ticket costs 450 HUF (£1), but a 72-hour pass for unlimited travel is just 5,500 HUF (£12). Trams are often the best option for sightseeing—Tram #2, which runs along the Danube, is an easy way to take in the city’s landmarks for next to nothing.
For shorter distances, the city’s bike-share scheme, MOL Bubi, is an easy and affordable option. A 24-hour pass costs just 500 HUF (£1), and cycling along the Danube promenade or through Margaret Island is a great way to explore for free.
Eating well for less
Budapest’s food scene is fantastic for budget travellers. Retró Lángos Büfé serves up giant lángos—Hungary’s deep-fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese—for just 1,500 HUF (£3.50). For something heartier, Bors GasztroBár is known for its incredible baguettes and soups, all under 2,000 HUF (£4.50). If you’d rather try a bit of everything, Karavan Street Food Court, next to Szimpla Kert, has plenty of budget-friendly stalls to choose from. It recently closed for a few weeks – just check they’re open before you go.
If you’re after a proper sit-down meal, Menza is a local favourite for Hungarian comfort food, with huge portions and mains around 3,500 HUF (£8). For the best goulash in town, Gettó Gulyás serves up traditional recipes at reasonable prices.
Even fine dining is within reach. Borkonyha Winekitchen is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers surprisingly affordable lunch menus, with three courses for around 8,500 HUF (£20). It’s a great way to experience Budapest’s high-end food scene without the usual price tag.
Drinking without breaking the bank
Drinks in Budapest are far cheaper than in the UK. A beer in a local pub costs between 600–900 HUF (£1.50–£2.50), and a glass of good Hungarian wine is often even cheaper. If you’re really on a budget, a bottle of decent wine from a supermarket will set you back around £4.
Ruin bars are an essential Budapest experience, and while they’re a bit pricier than standard pubs, they’re still affordable. Szimpla Kert is the most famous, packed with quirky decor and mismatched furniture. If you want to escape the tourist crowds, Csendes is a quieter, artsy alternative with cheaper drinks.

Affordable things to do
One of the best things about Budapest is how much there is to see and do for free. Walking up Castle Hill and exploring Fisherman’s Bastion costs nothing and offers some of the best views in the city. Strolling along the Danube at night, when the city’s landmarks are all lit up, is another must-do that doesn’t cost a penny. Margaret Island, a huge green space in the middle of the river, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon without spending anything.
If you’re happy to spend a little, Budapest’s famous thermal baths are worth it. The best-value option is Lukács Baths, costing 3,500 HUF (£8). Széchenyi Baths, the most famous, are more expensive at 6,900 HUF (£15), but the experience of soaking in grand outdoor pools is worth the extra cost.
How much does a budget trip to Budapest cost?
For a shoestring budget, it’s possible to get by on £20–£30 a day by staying in a hostel, eating street food, and sticking to free attractions. A mid-range budget of £40–£60 a day allows for a budget hotel, eating out at restaurants, and visiting a few paid sights. Even a more comfortable trip, staying in a stylish hotel and dining at some of Budapest’s best restaurants, can be done for £80–£100 a day.
The key is knowing where to spend and where to save. Public transport is cheap, taxis are not. Local canteens serve enormous portions for next to nothing, while tourist-trap restaurants near the river charge double. Plan wisely, and Budapest remains one of Europe’s best-value destinations.
Final tips for saving money
Taxis from the airport are overpriced—always take the 100E bus instead. When eating out, look for small, local canteens known as étkezdes, where portions are huge and prices are low. If you’re planning to visit the thermal baths, book tickets online in advance for a discount. And never exchange money at the airport—the rates are terrible. Use a Revolut or Monzo card, or withdraw cash from an OTP Bank ATM in the city instead.
Budapest isn’t as cheap as it once was, but with the right choices, it’s still one of the best-value cities in Europe. Stick to local spots, avoid unnecessary extras, and you’ll have an amazing time without spending a fortune.