Getting Around Budapest

Budapest has a comprehensive transit network centered on four metro lines, extensive tram routes, and buses. Tram 2 along the Danube offers one of the best scenic rides in Europe, passing the Parliament and Chain Bridge. The metro’s Line 1 (yellow) is one of the oldest underground railways in continental Europe and is a UNESCO site itself. Buy a 72-hour travel card if you plan to use transit frequently.

Thermal Baths and Day Trips

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas are the most popular. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. For day trips, take a MÁV train to Szentendre (40 min, HÉV suburban rail), Eger (2h), or Lake Balaton (1.5-2h by train in summer).

Tips

• Hungary uses Hungarian forint (HUF), not euros. Cards are widely accepted in Budapest but carry cash for markets and small vendors
• Budapest is divided by the Danube into Buda (hilly, Castle District) and Pest (flat, nightlife, restaurants)
• Night buses (prefix “9”) replace metro lines after midnight and run frequently
• The ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter (VII district) are a unique Budapest experience
• Tipping 10% is customary at restaurants — tell the server the total you want to pay when they come to collect