After finishing my master’s degree in September and diving into the gruelling search for graduate jobs, a short, budget-friendly city break to Budapest was exactly what I needed.

Budapest in winter feels truly festive, with twinkling Christmas markets, the scent of mulled wine drifting through the crisp air, and delicious treats—like chimney cakes—on every corner. We couldn’t wait to soak up the festive atmosphere and unwind in the city’s stunning thermal spas.

In this post, I’ll share a few Quick Tips for planning your trip to Budapest, walk you through our 2-Day Budapest Itinerary, and break down our total trip Budget.

Budapest is an excellent choice for a short, affordable getaway.

Quick Tips:

• Flights from London to Budapest
• How to get from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Budapest City Centre.
• Do I need cash in Budapest?
• Hostels and Accommodation in Budapest.
• Should You Visit Budapest on Weekdays or Weekends?
• How to use Public Transport in Budapest.
• How cold is Budapest in December?
• Vegetarian Food in Budapest.

Flights from London to Budapest

We flew from London Luton with Wizz Air and booked flights through Trip.com. I often use Skyscanner to search for the cheapest travel dates, and then head to the Trip.com app, as they frequently offer exclusive deals. We we able to apply a £10 per person discount, which made our trip even more affordable.

We booked our flights 11 days before departure and paid £64 pp for a return flight. However, if you are flexible on your travel dates, you can get return flights for around £40!

Note – if you are flying with Wizz Air, set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget to check in. This is easy to do on the app, however, unless you are buying a seat, you will only be allowed to check in 24 hours before your departure time!

How to get from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Budapest City Centre

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is well connected to Budapest City Centre.

We caught the 100E Airport Express into the city centre, which cost £4.45 for a one-way ticket, with 24 hours. To find the bus, turn left as you exit the arrivals hall and follow the signs for public transport. You can purchase a ticket from the vending machines near the stop, or simply tap your card when boarding.

The journey took about 40 minutes. It was crowded, meaning we had to stand. However, the buses run every 10 minutes during the day, so we probably could have waited for the next one to secure a seat.

Travel Tip – I always use my Chase debit card while traveling. It offers free ATM withdrawals, applies the Mastercard exchange rate for purchases made in the local currency (helping you avoid conversion fees added by merchants), and gives 1% cashback on all purchases!

Do I need cash in Budapest?

Hungarian Forints (HUF) are the local currency, however, many establishments in Budapest also accept Euros. When traveling, I usually withdraw cash from a local cash machine. After getting off the 100E airport express bus near the Hungarian National Museum, ATMs were easy to find.

Many of Budapest’s Christmas Market stalls accept card payments only! Although it wasn’t a problem spending my cash at other outlets and attractions, I only needed a very small amount of cash.

Here are the few instances when you will need cash:

• Skate hire at City Park Ice Rink – 2,000 HUF deposit.

• Tipping – Many bars and restaurants add the tip straight onto your final bill and can be paid by card. However, I enjoy having cash on hand to tip friendly staff.

Tip – When withdrawing cash from an ATM, choose your withdraw amount in the local currency to get the best exchange rate!

Note – Paying in Hungarian Forints (HUF) is usually cheaper than paying in Euros (EUR) as merchants can apply their own exchange rates!

Hostels in Budapest

Budapest offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. We chose to stay in a hostel dorm to save on costs. We booked a 6-bed female dorm at Maverick Ensuites for approximately £15 per night per person. However, they also have private doubles. This decision turned out to be one of our best!

There are numerous advantages to staying at Maverick Ensuites. Its central location places it just a stone’s throw from Rudas Thermal Baths and the Budapest Christmas Markets. It is also conveniently located near an airport express bus stop, with a 24-hour supermarket right downstairs and complimentary tea and coffee in the shared kitchen.

Despite being in the bustling city center, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet the hostel was. The rooms were warm and toasty, and the beds provided a comfortable night’s sleep. The shared kitchen was well-equipped, allowing us to prepare our own meals, and all areas of the hostel were inviting and well-maintained.

Other options:

If your main priorities are visiting Széchenyi Baths and the City Ice Rink, and you prefer staying outside the city center, Baroque Hostel could be a great option. Located right next to City Park, it offers easy access to both attractions, with the city center just a ride away on the M1 metro line. Staying here could be ideal if you’re eager to get to Széchenyi Baths early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.

Should You Visit Budapest on Weekdays or Weekends?

During our visit we noticed that Saturday in Budapest was much busier than Thursday and Friday, leading to long queues for food, drinks, and Christmas market stalls. Consider planning a weekday visit to avoid these crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Another great reason to visit during the week is the potential for cost savings. Many attractions, including the Thermal Baths and City Ice Rink, charge higher prices on weekends. To make the most of your visit, check attraction websites in advance. Many offer discounted weekday prices, and you can book online to secure your spot.

How to use Public Transport in Budapest?

Once you have reached the city, Budapest is a very walkable city! It is feasible to walk between the main attractions from the river to city park. There are many options for transport including buses, boat, and even cable car! While in Budapest, we mainly walked but used the metro (underground) and the tram, to save time between attractions.

Metro (Underground)

The M1 metro line runs directly from central Vörösmarty Tér up to City Park, where you can find the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath and City Park Ice Rink.

There are three central metro stops where you can board a train going towards Mexikói út: Vörösmarty tér, Deák Ferenc tér, or Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út. Depart at Hősök there for City Ice Rink or at Széchenyi fürdő for Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Don’t worry too much as you can depart at either and very easily walk between the two.

To pay, simply tap your card on the machine on the meto platform before boarding to buy a single ticket for 60p. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

Tram

Budapest has many overground tram lines, and we took one to reach Lukács Thermal Baths from our hostel. After crossing Erzsébet Bridge, we boarded the tram at Rudas Gyógyfürdő, just outside Rudas Thermal Baths. The 19 or the 41 trams depart about every 8 minutes and takes 13 minutes to reach Szent Lukács Gyógyfürdő station, located directly outside Lukacs Baths.

The journey along the Buda embankment is also a beautiful experience, boasting sites across the river including of the Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) and Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd).

You can BudapestGO Public transport app for all buses and trams – use the QR code on the side of the bus to validate your ticket. Alternatively, you can buy tickets from a ticket machine at certain stations. Note, that we didn’t see a ticket office at the Rudas Gyógyfürdő tram stop, so buying a ticket before hand on the app is essential.

How Cold is Budapest in December?

Budapest in December offers a true winter experience, with temperatures typically ranging from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F). During our visit, it even snowed, adding a magical touch to the festive Christmas markets. Most indoor venues, including restaurants and spas, are well-heated, and the delicious hot mulled wine at the Christmas markets makes it easy to forget the cold for a while. However, be prepared for icy air and gusts of wind!

What to Wear to Stay Comfortable

To enjoy your time in Budapest, dressing in layers is essential. Here are some practical clothing tips:

• Thermal Layers: Lightweight base layers, such as a thermal top and leggings, are a great way to stay warm without feeling bulky.
• Waterproof Jacket: A must-have to protect you from unexpected snow or rain.
• Warm Footwear: I recommend comfortable, insulated footwear for exploring the city. My Timberlands kept my feet warm and dry all weekend.
• Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf. I regretted not bringing gloves, as the cold wind can bite at your hands during longer walks.
• Fleece-lined Leggings: These were a lifesaver for keeping warm and comfortable.

Budapest’s famous thermal spas are a must-visit, even in winter. If you’re worried about leaving with wet hair, don’t be—there are hairdryers available at most spas.

Is there Vegetarian Food in Budapest?

Despite its traditionally meat-heavy cuisine, Budapest offers plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes that are easy to find.

If you’re wondering where to start, check out How to Find Delicious Vegetarian Food in Budapest.

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2-Day Winter Budapest Itinerary:

We arrived Thursday afternoon to start our 2-day Budapest itinerary and left Saturday afternoon, giving us two full days to explore. We visited three Christmas Markets (Vörösmarty-Tér, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Deák-Ferenc-Square), two Thermal Spas (Rudas and Lukacs), and went Ice Skating at City Park Ice Rink. Despite packing in plenty of activities, the city’s walkable layout and easy public transport made everything feel achievable and enjoyable.

This 2 day Budapest itinerary gave us a great taste of the City while allowing us time to relax and stick to our budget.

Day 1 – Arrival, Great Market Hall, Christmas Markets – (Vörösmarty Tér, St. Stephen’s Basilica,) City Park Ice Rink, Jewish Quarter.

1pm – Arrival

We arrived at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 12:50pm on a Thursday. We quickly got through security and made our way to the 100E airport express bus stop. The bus was very crowded and hot so we jumped off at the first opportunity, next to the Hungarian National Museum.

2pm – Great Market Hall

Great Market Hall is a huge indoor market with the second flood dedicated to numerous food stalls. We made this our first stop after we got off the bus as we were hungry from our journey and excited to try some of the food Budapest had to offer! The hall was bustling with a mix of local people and tourists at this time of day. Due to this, I would recommend dropping your bags off before visiting. After browsing the selection of stalls and comparing prices, we settled on sharing a giant plate of stuffed cabbage with a side of potato wedges (Vegetarians beware! Traditional Hungarian stuffed cabbage contains meat!)

3pm – Wandering along Váci u Street

We made our way towards our hostel along Váci u Street, which runs parallel to the river Danube, starting at Central Market Hall and ending at Vörösmarty Square. It is fully pedestrianised and features beautiful architecture. We stopped to get pastel de nata with a coffee and tried our first chimney cake! We enjoyed this street, however, be aware that shops here are targeted toward tourists and are maybe not the most budget-friendly! By 3.30pm we checked in at our hostel, to drop off our bags and freshen up.

4pm – Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market

After checking into our hostel, the city had begun to glow with festive lights as dusk set in. We headed straight to the Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market, one of Budapest’s most iconic holiday spots.

The atmosphere was alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the enticing aroma of food stalls offering everything from grilled sausages to sweet chimney cakes. We couldn’t resist trying a lángos, a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese—it was doughy, and incredibly hearty, and the perfect snack to kick off our Christmas market adventure

5pm – St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

From Vörösmarty Tér, we walked through the charming Erzsébet tér park, enjoying the festive decorations along the way, and arrived at the St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market. This market had a more intimate vibe, but just as magical.

We treated ourselves to a thick, velvety hot chocolate and a spiced apple punch with deliciously warming notes of raisin and cinnamon – the perfect antidote to the icy evening air. The highlight of this market was the light display on the basilica, which projected a colourful holiday-themed show across the façade.

6pm – City Park Ice Skating Rink

One of the highlights of our trip to Budapest was visiting Europe’s largest ice skating rink in Budapest’s City Park overlooked by the picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle.

Entry and Pricing:

We purchased our tickets on the door although you can book online in advance. On a weekday, entry plus skate hire costs £12.20. Note, that you’ll need a 2,000 HUF deposit to collect your skates, so bring cash. Once inside, your ticket grants access to the rink for the full session:

Getting there:

From the city centre we jumped on the M1 metro line at Deák Ferenc tér, which took us 10 minutes to get to City Park. The metro itself was a lovely experience—ornate and quaint and much more relaxing than the London Underground. To pay, go down the stairs and use your debit card to tap and purchase a single ticket on the platform for ~60p.

Entry and Pricing:

We purchased our tickets on the door although you can book online in advance. On a weekday, entry plus skate hire costs £12.20. Note that you’ll need a 2,000 HUF cash deposit to collect your skates, so make sure you bring cash. Once inside, your ticket grants access to the rink for the full session:

• Morning Session: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Evening Session: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

However, keep in mind that if you leave the venue, re-entry isn’t allowed.

Facilities:

The rink is well-equipped with:

• Locker Rooms: Leave your bags and collect them later for convenience.
• Safety Deposit Boxes: Secure your valuables before heading out on the ice.
• Vending Machines: Grab a coffee or a bottled drink before skating (Tip: Bottles with pink lids are still water!).
• Food Stalls: On the far side of the rink, you’ll find food vendors selling treats like chimney cake. We tried a delicious raspberry-covered one,—there’s something magical about enjoying it while surrounded by the festive buzz on the ice.

Skating Experience

I have only been ice skating once before, and the thought of skating on such a huge and busy rink seemed intimidating! However, the rink was filled with skaters of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros. There was much more space than appeared and I never felt at risk of someone bumping into me. Not having a strict time limit made it a stress-free way to practice my technique while enjoying the festive atmosphere!

9pm – Dinner at Drum Cafe

After a fun day of skating, we were ready for a hearty meal. We took the metro to Opera station, just a short walk from the Jewish Quarter, which is known for its vibrant dining scene. Wandering through the area, we passed plenty of restaurants and karaoke bars before settling on Drum Cafe, a cozy spot with a heated outdoor tent.

Drum Cafe is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, casual dinner with authentic Hungarian flavors. The menu offers hearty traditional dishes, and we were both really happy with our choices. We ordered the goulash soup with noodles, which was rich, flavorful, and warming; and the mushroom paprikash with noodles, a comforting, creamy dish.

Day 2 – Buda Castle, Rudas Thermal Baths, Cocktail Bar and Secret Museum, Deák Ferenc Square Christmas Market, Street Food Karavan.

12.00 – Buda Castle

We headed over Erzsébet Bridge enjoying misty views over the river. The hazy backdrop perfectly complemented the character of the city, with the faintly obscured hills rising behind the warm, rustic tones of Pest’s grand, ornate buildings. The walk to Buda Castle took us about 20 minutes, but you can choose to take the tram from Rudas Gyógyfürdő .

Once you’re at Buda Castle, be prepared to climb up a few stairs (or take the Funicular!). When you reach the top you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the River Danube and the Pest side of the city. Exploring the castle grounds is free! You can wander around at your own pace and take in the beautiful architecture, cobblestone paths, and historic atmosphere. Outside the Hungarian National Gallery we bought a delicious Bailey’s hot chocolate and noticed there was a little ice rink overlooking the river.

2pm – Rudas Thermal Baths

Known for its historic Ottoman-style architecture and iconic rooftop pool, Rudas Spa is one of Budapest’s most famous thermal baths and was a must-visit on our 2-day Budapest itinerary. We arrived at around 2 PM and were able to buy tickets without pre-booking. Entry includes access to the thermal baths, rooftop pool, and saunas, with unlimited time to explore them.

Whilst you can opt for lockers, we shared a secure cabin locked by a wristband. While the cabins are compact (only one person can change at a time), they’re spacious enough to store belongings and it felt secure.

The main thermal baths felt like stepping into a historic sanctuary, with warm pools ranging from 24°C to 43°C and an icy plunge pool. The rooftop pool, overlooking the Danube River was the highlight of our visit—especially in the snow! Watching the city lights twinkle in the evening was a magical experience.

We stayed for around 4 hours and still felt we could have stayed longer!

Read more about Rudas Spa and our experience here! (Coming Soon!)

Tips for Visiting Rudas Spa:

• Check the Schedule: The main baths have men-only or women-only days, so check for co-ed sessions on the website before planning your visit.
• What to Bring: Sandals, a towel, and a water bottle (there are fountains to refill). A robe is also handy if you plan to relax in the café.
• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early for a quieter experience and avoid the post-work crowds. It was noticeably busier after 4pm on a Friday.
• Dining Options: There is a café, a restaurant, and a bar on-site.

8pm – Frici Papa

We had heard good reviews about Fircii Papa, they are known for their genour portion sizes and vegetarian options. We quede for about 15 minutes to get a table on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was lovely and quiet, nicely decorated, good range of options on the menu. We were served quickly and our waiter was lovely and friendly. Again, I had

9.30pm – Deák Ferenc Square Christmas Market

After our dinner we went in search for another chimney cake – this market was smaller than the other two markets, and felt much less touristy.

The highlight of Deák Ferenc Square Christmas Market was by far the artisan chimey cakes made fresh to perfection before your eyes by Vitéz Kürtős. We made our order and watched the dough be rolled out, wrapped around the rod, before being baked over hot coals. The result was a perfectly caramelized, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside.

I’d definitely recommend adding Vitéz Kürtős to your Budapest itinerary if you’re looking for an authentic, freshly made chimney cake in a more local, less touristy setting.

10pm – MITICO Cocktail Bar and Secret Museum

After Dinner, we decided to go on a hunt for one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars! The Jewish quarter at this time was bubbling with nightlife. On our way, we stumbled across MITICO – a fabulous cocktail bar with a Secret Museum!

This place serves delicious cocktails with detailed decor, and we were drawn in by the live band playing Latin-inspired music in the window. Our server, Norbi, was fabulous and attentively helped us choose our cocktails. I would absolutely recommend their espresso martini with a raspberry liqueur twist! I’m not a fan of anything super sweet but this was perfect – full of rich and indulgent chocolatey notes.

Secret Museum

MITICO customers who buy a cocktail each can visit Hungary’s first secret museum for free! This unique museum is hidden in the basement of the adjoining Mika Downtown Hotel. It showcases rich World War II history, including the Budapest Ghetto, the first Hungarian steam bath, Europe’s most famous brothel, and the story of MIKA Tivadar’s copper shop.

When we visited in the evening, it was very quiet, making it easy to take in the World War II artefacts at our own pace. I especially enjoyed sitting on a small sofa to watch an old film playing, adding to the immersive experience.

11.30 – Street Food Karavan

We initially headed to Szimpla Kert, the pioneer of Budapest’s ruin bars. However, we were met with a long queue stretching down the street! While this is testament to its poularity, we were too tired to wait this time.

Instead, we opted for a final treat at Street Food Karaván, an open-air food market right next door. With plenty of options all in one spot, it was a great place to browse many Hungarian dishes. I couldn’t resist trying another lángos—to my surprise, I actually preferred this one over the one I had at the Christmas market!

Day 3 – Lukacs Thermal Baths, Airport Express, Fly Home.

11.00am – Lukács Thermal Baths

If you’re looking for a less touristy thermal bath experience, Lukács is a great choice. The outdoor thermal baths are perfect for soaking up the fresh air while relaxing in the warm water. While the indoor pools aren’t as visually striking as some other thermal baths in the city, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Even though the place was fairly busy with locals, everyone was respectful and friendly, making it an incredibly relaxing experience. Plus, the entry fee is excellent value —you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here.

The building is a bit of a maze but this adds to it’s charm and navigating it is easy enough. With your ticket, you can opt for a cabin or a locker to store your things, and simply follow the signs to the changing rooms.

If you plan to swim in the outdoor pools, don’t forget your swimming cap—they’re required. While we didn’t explore Sauna World, it’s another option if you’re in the mood. There’s also a café on-site to enjoy a snack or warm drink.

13.30 – Airport Express to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

To travel back from the City Centre to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, we were advised to collect the 100E Airport Express from Deák Ferenc Square. Although it was a little bit further of a walk, this was the first stop on the route, and we were able to get a seat for the duration of the journey.

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Total Budapest Itinerary Budget

Our 2-night trip to Budapest, cost £256.04 per person. Here’s the full breakdown of expenses, from flights to activities:

• Flights – £64.35
  
• Parking at Luton – £30 total (split between 2 people) = £15
  
• Accommodation – 2 nights = £30.88
  
• Food & Drinks = £80.62
  
• Activities = £53.91
  • City Park Ice Rink – Entry (off-peak) (£6.10) + Skate Hire (£6.10) = £12.20
  • Rudas Thermal Baths (weekday) – Entry (£19.11) + cabin (£2.03) = £21.14
  • Lukacs Thermal Baths (weekend) = £10.57
    (Bring your own sandals and towel to avoid hire costs!)
  • Cocktails and Museum = £10
    
• Public Transport = £11.28
  • Airport Shuttle (return) = £8.88
  • Metro (2 singles) = £1.20
  • Tram (2 singles) = £1.20

Our Budapest itinerary was packed full of activities and we ate and drank to our hearts’ content. However, there’s plenty of flexibility to adjust this budget. Cooking your own meals (and saying no to the extra hot chocolates) could cut costs while splurging on spa hotels and fine dining would easily elevate the trip for those looking to indulge. Budapest is a city that works for every budget and travel style!

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Future Trips

I’m already looking forward to returning to Budapest to explore even more of this incredible city. Next time, I’d love to dive into its rich history and learn about the grand architecture. My next Budapest itinerary will be sure to feature the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, and Margaret Island is at the top of my list, along with enjoying the elegance of the New York Café.

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