Budapest Travel Tips

These are the Budapest travel tips we wish someone had handed us before our first family trip. From getting around to money, tipping, water, and safety, here is what actually made our days smoother with kids in tow. Pair this with our Budapest with kids guide, our picks for where to stay in Budapest with a family, and our Budapest family itinerary to plan the whole trip.

Budapest Travel Tips for Your Family Trip

Transportation

Getting around Budapest is a breeze.  The public transportation system is extremely well organized and available throughout the city.  The buses, trams and metro system work together through a single pass.  If you are going to be spending a few days in Budapest it is definitely worth purchasing.  Their travel pass cab be purchased in several day validity options from 24 hours, to 3 days or a week, etc.  You can look at the current cost for these passes at the official Budapest transport website https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/.  The real magic here, is their app BudapestGO.  If you get nothing else from these Budapest tips, at the very least download this app!

The app is incredibly user friendly.  Just put in the address or site you want to get to and it will map your route from your current location.  We have used quite a few apps in several countries and for some reason this one really has the system dialed in.

Of course taxis are also available to get around, but it will be the most expensive option.  I have read that taxi drivers in Budapest consistently overcharge tourists so make sure to implore the driver to use the meter if you choose to take a taxi.  We did not take any taxis in Budapest so I cannot personally speak to any experience.

The Water

The water in Budapest is safe to drink.  As a rule of thumb we typically drink bottled water while traveling out of an abundance of caution.  However we brushed our teeth with the water, ordered house water at restaurants and enjoyed several ice filled drinks around the city.   From what I have read, the water treatment system in Budapest is well regulated.

Money Money Money

Even though Hungary is in Europe, you will not be able to use the Euro here.  The Hungarian Forint is the national currency.  We ordered a few hundred US dollars worth of forint prior to our trip to save the time and hassle of doing it once we arrived.  I don’t think we even used up what we brought.  Everywhere took credit cards so the need for cash was few and far between.  I think there were maybe a couple of restaurants that were cash only…

Budapest tips for tipping!

Budapest tips for tipping! While not mandatory, tipping in restaurants is a common practice in Budapest by tourists and locals alike.  A 10-15% tip is fairly standard practice, as long as the tip is not already added onto the bill.

Safety Tips

Budapest felt very safe to us.  We traversed the city by foot and public transportation system several times after dark and never felt uncomfortable.  We are traveling with littles though so we are not usually out past midnight anywhere we go.  For the most part we stuck to the more travelled areas and only a few times explored the more urban areas outside of the city during the day time and still felt very safe.

If you are in need of assistance while in Budapest, here are a few important numbers to have on hand:

• Ambulance: 104
• Police: 107
• Fire service: 105
• Central help number: 112
• Tourist Police (0-24): 06-1-438-8080
• 24-hour medical assistance in English: 06-1-2400-475
• 24- hour pharmacy: District 6, Teréz krt 41. (telephone: 06-1-311-4439)

Do you need an outlet converter?

Budapest, like most European countries, uses the C and F plugs.

Book Advanced Tours

If you are traveling during peak season, it is advisable to purchase a few of your tour tickets in advance.  Even though you will not have to compete with crowds like you would in Prague, Paris or Rome, Budapest is getting evermore popular by the year; particularly the enchanting Parliament building.  Tickets for a tour of the interior sells out well in advance.  There are only a limited amount tours offered in each language, each day.  I was devastated that I did not book this tour soon enough and we did not get to see the interior.  I have heard on many accounts that the interior is equally as breathtaking as the exterior.  Next time!!

Budapest With Kids: A Few More Family Tips

A few small things made Budapest easier once the kids were part of the plan. The historic Line 1 metro has stairs and no elevators at many stops, so a compact stroller or a carrier saves your back. Lines 2, 3, and 4 are more stroller friendly, and the riverside trams are flat, easy to board, and the views keep little ones happy.

We planned one big thing each morning and kept afternoons loose. A midday break back at the apartment, or a slow lunch by the river, reset everyone before dinner. That single change did more for our trip than any single sight.

Food was an easy win. Hungarian menus are hearty and kid friendly, and chicken paprikash, buttered noodles, and langos (fried dough) all disappeared fast. Most cafes happily split a plate, and grocery stores stock familiar snacks for the stroller bag.

Keep a few coins handy, because public restrooms often charge a small fee. Malls, museums, and cafes are your reliable bathroom stops with kids. Pack refillable water bottles too, since the tap water is safe and fountains are common.

If you want to try the famous thermal baths, check the age rules first, because not every bath allows children. Szechenyi has a family friendly section, and going early means smaller crowds and calmer water. On hot afternoons, the shady playgrounds on Margaret Island are a lifesaver.

One last tip: build in more time than you think you need between stops. Budapest rewards a slow pace, and with kids the walk to a ruin bar courtyard, a chimney cake stand, or a river tram becomes half the fun. Give yourself the buffer and the city opens up.