Budapest is one of those cities that instantly charms you—great positioning, majestic bridges, steamy thermal baths, gritty ruin bars, and late-night goulash. But despite my numerous visits, this time I made an experiment…. to see how affordable it can be if you travel with intention.
During my 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget, meaning under €150, I didn’t feel like I missed out on a single thing. Here’s my full breakdown, day-by-day itinerary, and budget-saving tips for experiencing this magical city without draining your bank account. As in many other destinations, most attractions are free. You only need to plan and book ahead your flight and accommodation.
Want to find out more about Budapest? Check out my post How to get the maximum of Budapest with lots of useful info!
Suitable for solo travellers and backpackers, this post can be easily adjusted for couples or families! Due to my extensive previous visits in the Hungarian capital, this blog post contains lots of free or low-payment options to embellish your stay or guide you to your right direction! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Travel to Budapest, an amazing city! Plan a budget accommodation to neatly take advantage of the very best: stroll along the Danube, hike to the Castle area, enjoy the bustling downtown of the Hungarian capital and a thermal bath!
Taste the best flavours of Hungarian cuisine! It doesn’t have to be expensive! Try the classic kürtöskalács (chimney cake), langosh, goulash or chicken paprikash! Hungarian cuisine is hearty, very tasty and usually spicy!
Feel Budapest! Feel the young spirit in the Jewish quarter, the steam rising form the thermal baths or the energy of people. It’s not just a city you see — it’s one you sip, soak, and slowly understand.
Quick breakdown for 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget/person
Day 1 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Day 2 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Day 3 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Budget accommodation in Budapest
Tips for Eating Cheap in Budapest
Budget Tips to Keep in Mind
Further visiting suggestions
Interactive Map
Final Thoughts: Budapest on a Budget Still Feels Rich
Quick breakdown for 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget/person
(very approximate, depends on your choices):
| Category | Spent |
| Accommodation (2 nights hostel) | €30 |
| Food & Snacks | €54.5 |
| Transport (public) | €15 |
| Attractions (baths, museums, cruise, etc.) | €50 |
| Total | €149.5* |
*Day 2 was calculated with an average of €10 attraction; day 3 with an average of €18 attraction.
Day 1 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Morning (low cost): Guided tour to help you connect the dots in Budapest
- Start with breakfast and coffee on the go from a Spar or Lidl! They usually have great fresh pastry in the morning. This should be no more than 3-4 euros!
- Whenever possible, the first thing I do is a guided tour! Guided tours are a great way to get your bearings, soak up the city’s history, and see Budapest through a local’s lens — especially when you’re just arriving. So, what could be better than a pay-what-you-want tour with Guruwalk? Thus, you pay around 10-12 euros, but trust me, it is possibly the best spent money if you want a clear picture of what you are gonna experience! The Free Essential Budapest Tour is perfect for first-time visitors – and not only – and lasts a bit over two hours. It includes many stories and a visit to St Stephen’s Basilica (outside), Vörösmarty and Liberty Squares, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the iconic Parliament (outside) and Shoes on the Danube Bank.
Afternoon (free/low cost): Buda’s Historic Charm & Panoramic Views
From the disturbing story of Shoes on the Danube Bank, it is time to move on!
- If you are hungry, grab a hearty Hungarian langosh (deep-fried dough usually topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese) at A Langosos or Granny’s Langos for no more than 5 euros, just a few minutes away.
Pro tip!: The Buda side is fancier, and more tourist inclined, therefore it doesn’t have many budget eateries. Look for wallet friendly eateries in Pest, the livelier half of Budapest.
- Now, it’s time to get a glimpse of the more pretentious sister, Buda. Cross the Chain Bridge, stop and look both sides of the river! This is the most spectacular bridge of Budapest and a must-do for our 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget.
Once you set foot in Buda, you’ll not only see but feel that it is a hilly area, a sort of city lung, filled with vegetation.
Pro tip!: In case you prefer to take the bus or tram, you can abuse Budapest means of transportation! Take bus 16; it is included in the total budget breakdown!
- If you haven’t eaten yet, you can also taste Hungarian food on a budget at Ildiko’s Konyhája (Ildiko’s Kitchen), just a few steps away from the Chain Bridge on Buda side.
- Buda Castle District area is free of charge (no entry fees unless you visit museums) and perfect to make a clear idea of the Buda side! Wander around Buda Castle Hill. The exterior and courtyards are free to explore. Stroll along the peaceful cobbled alleys and get lost in the frenzy of the popular streets. Enjoy the panoramic views of Pest, the iconic Parliament, and the Danube.
- Head then towards Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom). You cannot miss it; it’s the building with the colourful roof tiles everyone takes pictures of! Admire the Gothic church, a true splendour!
- Next to it, there’s the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) known for stunning, fairy-tale-like views. You only pay to go up to the very top towers, but the lower terraces are free and offer excellent photo opportunities. They are a great lookout point, usually very crowded, making one of the iconic images of all Budapest!
Evening (Low Cost): Take a cruise on the Danube at sunset
- It is time to take a bus and cross the Danube. Most probably, your accommodation is also on Pest side, but it is also the starting point for cruises. Even if no cruise on the Danube is free, 12 euros seems a decent amount of money for the 60 minutes when you can relax and soak in all the beauty from both sides of the Danube. Make sure to book ahead!
- On the way, seek out a “kifőzde” (traditional self-service canteen) for a hearty, cheap Hungarian dinner (goulash, paprikash). Expect to pay €5-€7. Or grab a cheap “kolbice” (sausage in bread cone) or a sandwich from a local bakery.
🛏️ Day 1 total: ~€36
Day 2 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Morning (low cost): Step back in time with Hungary’s heroes
- The second day of our 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget starts with a simple breakfast from a local bakery. Eat well as you’re gonna need resources for the day!
- Hop on a bus (included in daily transport pass) that takes you to Heroes’ Square. The square is a commemoration of Hungarian history. The impressive open square concentrates in the centre the seven Magyar chieftains who led the Hungarian people into the Carpathian basin. On top of the column there’s Archangel Gabriel holding the Holy Crown.
Afternoon (free/low cost): Take a dip at a thermal bath or plunge into art or history. It’s up to you!
Now, I am breaking it down further in two opposite directions to choose the one you prefer: fun and relaxation at a thermal bath (option 1), or immersion in art or history (option 2). From here on, art lovers can experience a visit to an art museum (option 2a), while history buffs are invited to feel the claw of communism (option 2b).
Option 1:
- Heroes’ Square is the entrance to City Park (Városliget). Spend some relaxing and chill time and admire from the outside the Vajdahunyad Castle. If you are a thermal bath fan, it would be a pity to miss out this opportunity in Budapest, the steamy city! Two steps away, you have the famous and iconic yellow building of Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Unfortunately, they removed the 3-hour option and replaced it with another one (entry before 9 a.m) that costs 25 euros.
- I bet you are hungry after the bath! Try Paprika restaurant that puts on table homestyle Hungarian food for honest prices. My pick is, besides the amazing goulash, the fried turkey breast in almond crust, with rice and peach compote for under 11 euros.
Option 2a:
- If you are an art lover, this is for you. The Museum of Fine Arts is next to the Heroes’ Square, and it houses ancient Egyptian art and famous European painters from Renaissance till the 18th century. As most museums, it is free on bank holidays (15 March, 20 August and 23 October). Otherwise, the ticket is 15 euros.
Option 2b:
- If history and communism are more of your thing, take Andrássy Avenue and stroll along it until you reach Terror Haz (House of Terror). It was the former HQ of secret police. This is a moving experience that highlights Hungary’s recent history and the efforts that brought the country where it is today. The visit takes around 2-3 hours, and a ticket revolves around 10 euros.
Pro tip!: For a complete experience, pay for an audioguide!
In both options 2a or 2b, walk along Andrássy Avenue and look at the splendid ornaments that testify great architecture!
- Walking along the avenue can satisfy your hunger as well. On the boulevard there’s Magház Restaurant and Teahouse, a self-service restaurant with reasonable prices.
- Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) – a sweet pastry baked around a wooden spindle -, cake can be bought in many places of the Hungarian capital. I found the cheapest (around 2.5 euros) at Oktogon, at the crossroads of Andrássy Avenue with Terez krt.
- Not far, there’s Bite Bakery Café, excellent place for a coffee and sandwich or a cinnamon roll. Their products are exquisite.
Pro tip!: Observe the Opera House, a 19th century masterpiece! The hall and foyer are free of charge and well worth a visit!
Evening (Low Cost): Soak in the Jewish district’s atmosphere and ruin pubs
- It’s time to change the décor! Head towards the Jewish district, one that is very close to my heart in Budapest. Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue from the outside (entry is expensive, so admire the beautiful Moorish architecture from outside).
- Besides being filled with synagogues and nice buildings, the neighborhood also exhales a lively atmosphere and good energy. Walk along the streets and take advantage of the highest density of reasonably priced restaurants in Budapest. And is lots of fun.
- Gozsdu court is the type of place which gathers under one umbrella various types of eateries. Before settling in one place, walk to Mazel Tov, my fave ruin bar, just to take a look. It is rewarding.
- Check Street Food Karaván. Try a hearty gulyásleves (goulash soup in bread bowl) or a paprikash for 10 euros.
- Now that you feel packed, explore a ruin pub in Budapest. Ruin pubs are a must-do of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget. They are bohemian and laid-back pubs filled with lots of unnecessary objects, so the places usually look quirky. Just move to Szimpla, next door, the first of the kind. Despite being an oldie, Szimpla Kert is still the most visited …because it is quite affordable and… unexpected. Make sure to visit upstairs, too! Buy one cheap drink (e.g., a local beer or pálinka shot, around 5 euros). This is a must-do “feel” experience.
- On your way back to the hostel, if you don’t feel too tired, you may want to go window-shopping on Váci street, the fashion district of Budapest!
🛏️ Day 2 total: ~€ 39
Day 3 of 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget
Morning (low cost): Budapest panorama or Turkish baths. Your choice!
- This is the last of the 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget challenge! Start with the Great Market Hall, suitable for breakfast or brunch! It’s an architectural marvel and a great place to soak in local life. You can find pastries, local sausages, or sandwiches around 6 euros. Unfortunately, lately the place became overpriced, so after inspecting it, you may walk to Leves that comes with an offer of affordable fresh, creative soups and sandwiches.
It is time to cross the good old Liberty Bridge and split to 2 options in Buda according to your interests.
Option 1
- If you feel you haven’t seen enough of Budapest altogether, you may opt for a bird’s eye view. For this, you have to test your physical ability and climb Gellért Hill. It won’t take much until you reach the first “floor” with the statue of St Gerard Sagredo (surrounded by colonnades). Then, climb your way up to Liberty Statue, perched atop a pedestal. It was erected to commemorate the Soviet liberation of Hungary from Nazi occupation during World War II. Needless to say, if you look for the best scenic spots of Budapest, this is one of the best places!
Option 2
- The second option is to experience a steamy bath! I know, I am constantly talking about thermal baths in Budapest, but trust me, this is the place, more precisely, city (if you love them)! This time, my recommendation goes out to Rudas bath, my favourite! Here you can experience a Turkish bath but also admire the outstanding building! Price 18 euros.
Afternoon (free/low cost): Island escape
- If you still have energy, take the public transport to Margaret Island. Rent a bike or walk on the island – it is peaceful, green and perfect for picnic (fruit, pastry from market). Visit the musical fountain or rent a paddle cart if weather allows.
- If you get hungry here, find a table at Hippie Island, an open-air pub and cafe with a diverse menu including pizza, sandwiches, risotto, and Hungarian favourites.
Evening (Low Cost): Farewell walk.
- Peruse the Danube bank on both sides. Take one last walk along the Danube to see the city lights or find a nice spot to sit and reflect on your trip. If on Buda side, see the Castle Garden Bazaar and its pretty trimmed bushes and elegant gardens for free!
🛏️ Day 3 total: ~€ 29.5
Budget Accommodation in Budapest
- Check into a cozy, clean and highly rated hostel. Luckily, the best hostels are very well positioned. Choose from the Maverick collection, Wombat’s, or The Hive. You may also look for very budget-friendly guesthouses/private rooms slightly outside the absolute city center.
- If you book well in advance you’ll find not only availability, but also the best rates. Thus, Wombat’s City Hostel offers shelter/person/night for 15 euros, while Maverick Budapest Soho charges 20 euros/night.
Tips for Eating Cheap in Budapest
- Food: Focus on street food, market halls, self-service canteens (kifőzdék), and budget eateries. Avoid tourist traps and sit-down restaurants for most meals. Restaurants right on major squares or very tourist-heavy streets tend to be more expensive. Venture a block or two off the main drag.
- Look for “Napi Menü” (Daily Menu): Many places offer a fixed-price daily menu (usually a soup and a main dish, sometimes dessert) during lunchtime (typically 12 PM – 2 PM or 3 PM). This is often the best value.
- Here is a selection of some affordable places (in no particular order) scattered around Budapest that offer wallet-friendly food. You’ll find them on the interactive map as well: Leves (soups and sandwiches), Langos Land (langosh mainly), Café Metropolitan (affordable daily menu around 5 euros), Bors Gastrobar ( great street food place), Hummusbar (Middle East healthy eatery), Duran Szendvics (wide range of sandwiches), Vinyl and Wood (friendly café and brunch place open till 5 p.m), MyCanteen is a hidden gem used by locals mainly that offers greatly priced daily menu. Try their Fo utca (Buda side) or any other location, Dehogynem kávémühely (a cozy brunch place) and Kisüzem (correctly priced drinks).
- Drink Tap Water: Budapest’s tap water is safe and delicious. Save money by bringing a reusable bottle..
- When it comes to finding cheap and affordable eateries in Budapest, there are a few main areas you should prioritize: The Jewish Quarter (District VII), around the Great Market Hall (District IX ) and local neighborhoods outside the absolute city center (but still accessible by public transport).
- Asian/Middle Eastern Takeaways: Often some of the most budget-friendly options, especially for lunch. Look for Chinese buffets, Vietnamese pho places, or Turkish döner kebab/gyros spots.
- Avoid Váci Street and riverside restaurants – these are the most tourist-heavy area, and while you’ll find plenty of restaurants, prices will generally be inflated.
Budget Tips to Keep in Mind
Visiting Budapest in 3 days for under 150 euros is a fun challenge, but totally doable with smart planning! This breaks down to around €50 per day, which is tight but achievable. Here’s how to do it:
- Transportation (approx.€15) : A 72-hour public transport pass is totally affordable and covers unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metro. Walking is also your best friend!
- Activities (approx. €20-€40): Prioritize free sights, choose one paid attractions a day and opt for a budget-friendly ruin bar experience.
- Contingency/Miscellaneous (approx. €5-€25): Always good to have a little buffer.
- Avoid Currency Exchange Traps: Use ATMs (preferably OTP Bank) or pay by card.
- Currency: Budapest uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While some tourist spots accept euros, the exchange rate is never to your benefit. Pay by card. If you prefer having cash, you can exchange money at the Correct Change offices or at Ibla Change close to the Deák Ferenc square.
- Do not use Euronet or EUR HUF ATMs. Although they have a wide coverage, their fees are exorbitant. Instead, use official bank ATMs (OTP, ERSTE, CIB, CITYBANK, BUDAPEST BANK, RAIFFEISEN, etc.)
- Walk, Walk, Walk: It’s the best way to save money and truly experience the city.
- Student Discounts: If you’re a student, always ask for discounts at museums and attractions.
- Free Walking Tours: Look up free walking tours (usually tip-based, so factor in a €10 tip). They are a great way to get an overview and local insights.
- Check opening hours and prices in advance as they can change.
Enjoy your incredibly budget-friendly trip to beautiful Budapest!
Further visiting suggestions
I leave here some appealing things to do in Budapest according to your interest. Some are free, while for others you have to pay.
- Hospital in the Rock (24 euros) is a very interesting maze under the Castle District. The exhibition offers 60-minutes guided tours divided in two parts: former hospital during WW II and nuclear bunker. Exhibits are brought to life with the help of an impressive wax collection.
- If you are in the Castle District, check out the Royal Palace, Saint Stephen’s Hall. It showcases a great insight into Buda Castle, although this is a reconstruction.
- Gül Baba Tomb and Rose Garden is a unique site. Gül Baba was a dervish who escorted the Ottoman army during the reign of Mohamed II. The memorial aims to preserve unique cultural values and is free of charge.
- Money Museum is free to visit, but booking is mandatory. Entertainment and education center about the evolution and functions of money.
- The Parliament is amazing on the inside as well. If you have the possibility, book well ahead and pay a visit to see amazing architecture, opulence and the Hungarian crown.
- House of the Hungarian Millennium is over 130 years old and has one of Hungary’s most beautiful façades decorated with thousands of Zsolnay ceramic tiles. The building surrounded by a garden with 1500 roses was initially built as a venue for the “Hungarian millennium” exhibition.
Interactive Map
This is a map with the step by step 3-day itinerary in Budapest on a budget. The first day attractions are represented with purple. Day number two has blue icons, while the third one has yellow icons.
With red you’ll find the representation of the eateries, canteens and restaurants from the post, while the accommodation is coloured in black.
Final Thoughts: Budapest on a Budget Still Feels Rich
Budapest doesn’t demand big money for big memories. With €150 and a bit of curiosity, you can soak in centuries-old baths, taste heartwarming food, and discover stories written in the city’s stones.
So pack light, bring your appetite, and wander wide.
💬 Have you done Budapest on a budget? Found a hidden gem eatery or cozy hostel?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips for frugal but fulfilling travel!
