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Budapest

Budapest is Hungary's capital and most populous city, strategically located on the River Danube at the heart of the Pannonian Basin. As the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, it ranks among the ten largest cities in the European Union.

Quick facts

Population
1,686,222 (city, 2024)
Currency
Hungarian forint (HUF)
Language
Hungarian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
09:17:19

Hotels in Budapest

Budapest offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors, from boutique properties like Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest and Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest to design-focused stays such as Lánchíd 19 Design Hotel. Whether you're seeking a classic hotel experience at Hotel Carlton or the modern amenities of Hotel Clark, the city has options to suit different preferences and budgets. See all hotels →

Airports in Budapest

We're still gathering airports listings for Budapest — check back soon.

Car Hire in Budapest

Budapest offers several car hire options including Enterprise, Avis, FOX Autorent, Schiller rent-a-car, and Budapest Autorent. Whether you need a vehicle for exploring the city or traveling across Hungary, these rental services provide convenient access to cars for your journey. See all car hire →

Enterprise
936 m from centre
Avis
1.1 km from centre
FOX Autorent
2.1 km from centre
Schiller rent-a-car
3.4 km from centre

Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest offers diverse attractions for every traveler. Explore iconic landmarks including the Budavári Sikló funicular and historic sites like Bizalom címer, or discover the city's architectural heritage and cultural venues throughout the Hungarian capital. See all things to do →

Bizalom címer
31 m from centre
Alagút, keleti bejárat
65 m from centre
Budavári Sikló
82 m from centre
gróf Széchenyi István címere
95 m from centre
Podmaniczky Frigyes
99 m from centre
báró Sina György címere
102 m from centre

Restaurants in Budapest

Budapest offers a varied culinary landscape with dining options ranging from traditional establishments to contemporary restaurants. Visitors can discover everything from Korean cuisine at Seoul House koreai étterem to Italian fare at Leon Osteria, alongside local favorites like Kiosk Buda and Pater Marcus. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Budapest

Budapest offers a variety of swimming pools and water facilities for visitors and residents. Options range from dedicated swimming pools like Stilianos Babauszoda to wellness centers and training pools (tanmedence) throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Stilianos Babauszoda
1.3 km from centre
Wellness
1.6 km from centre
tanmedence
1.6 km from centre

Spas in Budapest

We're still gathering spas listings for Budapest — check back soon.

Nightlife in Budapest

Budapest's nightlife pulses with energy across diverse venues and clubs. From intimate spots like Ötkert and Romkert to larger establishments such as Heaven Club and Akvárium Klub, the city offers something for every taste and mood. See all nightlife →

Bars in Budapest

Budapest offers a vibrant bar scene ranging from rooftop venues with city views to riverside establishments along the Danube. Whether you're looking for relaxed drinking spots like Nico Bar and Viadukt bár or scenic elevated experiences at Leo Rooftop, the city's bar venues cater to every preference. See all bars →

Cafes in Budapest

Budapest's cafe culture offers everything from specialty coffee to traditional tea experiences. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot like Double Shot or Coffee Inn, or exploring unique offerings at Jade Matcha Kávézó, the city has a diverse range of cafes to suit every taste. See all cafes →

Double Shot
94 m from centre
Toscana Club
159 m from centre
Coffee Inn
175 m from centre

Shopping in Budapest

Budapest offers diverse shopping experiences across traditional markets and modern shopping centers. From the historic Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok market to contemporary retail destinations like Mammut 1, Mammut 2, and MOM Park, visitors can find everything from local goods to international brands. See all shopping →

Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok
935 m from centre
SF- sárga fekete
1.3 km from centre
MOM Park
1.5 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Budapest

Budapest offers visitors a variety of natural spaces to explore, from peaceful parks like Jeruzsálem park and Újvilág-kert to scenic walking routes such as Ellyps sétány. These green areas provide a tranquil escape within the city's urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Ellyps sétány
155 m from centre
Jeruzsálem park
156 m from centre
Karmelita udvar
211 m from centre
Újvilág-kert
351 m from centre
Dísz tér
419 m from centre
Neoreneszánsz kert
427 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Budapest experiences a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold while summers are warm, making spring and autumn pleasant times to visit the city.

Interesting Facts About Budapest — Weird & Wonderful

  • Budapest is one of the few cities in the world with a high school dedicated to learning folk dance, reflecting the unique dance traditions of the Carpathian Basin.
  • The Sziget Festival is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in Europe and is held annually in Budapest.
  • The Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1853 by Ferenc Erkel, is the preeminent symphony orchestra and still performs regular concerts in the Hungarian State Opera House.
  • Budapest has one of the more active jazz scenes in Central Europe.
  • The city produces more than 40% of Hungary's economic output despite representing only one-third of the country's population.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Budapest

Sziget Festival
One of the largest outdoor music festivals in Europe.
Budapest Spring Festival
Includes concerts at several venues across the city.
Café Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival
Brings free music, dance, art, and other cultural events to the streets of the city. Formerly known as the Budapest Autumn Festival.
May
Budapest Wine Festival and Budapest Pálinka Festival
Gastronomy festivals occurring each May, focusing on culinary pleasures.
Budapest Pride
Occurs annually across the city and usually involves a parade on Andrássy Avenue. Also known as the Budapest Pride Film and Cultural Festival.
Budapest Fringe Festival
Brings more than 500 artists in about 50 shows to produce a wide range of works in alternative theatre, dance, music and comedy outside the mainstream.
February until March
LOW Festival
A contemporary cultural festival held in Budapest and Pécs. The name alludes to the Low Countries, the region encompassing the Netherlands and Flanders.
late August
Budapest Jewish Summer Festival
One of the largest Jewish summer festivals in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest

What currency is used in Budapest?

Budapest uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF) as its currency, as it is the capital of Hungary.

What language is spoken in Budapest?

Hungarian is the primary language spoken in Budapest and throughout the country.

How populous is Budapest?

Budapest has 1.7 million inhabitants within the city, with its greater metropolitan area home to approximately 3.3 million people, representing one-third of Hungary's total population.

Where is Budapest located in Europe?

Budapest is located in Central and Eastern Europe on the River Danube, in the heart of the Pannonian Basin, and is the second largest urban area in the Central and Eastern Europe region.

What makes Budapest culturally significant?

Budapest is Hungary's political, economic, and cultural center, home to renowned orchestras like the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and a vibrant arts scene including one of Central Europe's most active jazz communities.

Map of Budapest

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