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Budapest

Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary, standing on the River Danube at the center of the Pannonian Basin. As Hungary's political, economic, and cultural heart, it ranks among the ten largest cities in the European Union and is the second largest urban area in Central and Eastern Europe.

Quick facts

Population
1,675,777 (city, 2026)
Currency
Hungarian forint (HUF)
Language
Hungarian
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Local time now
20:07:20

Hotels in Budapest

Budapest offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler. Whether you're looking for a boutique experience at properties like Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest or Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest, or prefer established options such as Hotel Clark and Hotel Carlton, the city provides quality accommodation across different styles and locations. See all hotels →

Airports in Budapest

Budapest and its surrounding areas are served by several airports catering to different types of aviation. Whether you're looking for commercial flights or smaller regional airports like Budaörsi repülőtér and Dunakeszi Repülőtér, the Budapest area offers multiple aviation options for travellers and enthusiasts. See all airports →

Car Hire in Budapest

Budapest offers several car hire companies to suit your travel needs, including Enterprise, Avis, FOX Autorent, Sixt Car Rental, and Schiller rent-a-car. Whether you're arriving at Keleti Railway Station or exploring the city independently, these providers can help you arrange vehicle rentals for your Hungarian getaway. See all car hire →

Enterprise
936 m from centre
Avis
1.1 km from centre
FOX Autorent
2.1 km from centre
Sixt Car Rental (Keleti Railway Station, IntercityHotel)
3.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. From the iconic Budavári Sikló funicular railway to historic landmarks and cultural sites, the Hungarian capital provides diverse experiences for travelers seeking to discover the city's rich heritage and architecture. 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 vibrant culinary landscape with restaurants ranging from traditional Hungarian fare to international cuisine. Diners can explore venues like Leon Osteria, Marvelosa, Seoul House koreai étterem, Pater Marcus, and Kiosk Buda, each offering distinct dining experiences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Budapest

Budapest offers a variety of swimming pools for locals and visitors. Whether you're looking for training facilities like Tanmedence or leisure pools such as Stilianos Babauszoda and Wellness, the city has options to suit different swimming needs. 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 offers a dynamic nightlife scene with venues ranging from underground clubs to rooftop bars. Experience the city's energy at established hotspots like Akvárium Klub, Heaven Club, Ötkert, Kassa, and Romkert, each offering distinct atmospheres for an unforgettable night out. See all nightlife →

Bars in Budapest

Budapest's bar scene offers everything from rooftop venues with city views to casual riverside spots. Whether you're looking for Leo Rooftop, Raqpart, Pontoon, Nico Bar, Viadukt bár, or other local favourites, the capital has a vibrant nightlife to explore. See all bars →

Cafes in Budapest

Budapest offers a diverse cafe scene catering to every taste, from specialty coffee roasters like Double Shot and Coffee Inn to unique matcha experiences at Jade Matcha Kávézó. Whether you're seeking a leisurely brunch at Cafe Brunch Budapest - Lánchid or relaxed afternoons at Toscana Club, the city's vibrant cafe culture provides the perfect setting to unwind. See all cafes →

Shopping in Budapest

Budapest offers diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets like Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok to modern retail destinations including MOM Park and the Mammut shopping complexes. Whether you're seeking local goods or contemporary brands, the city provides plenty of options for visitors and locals alike. 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 several natural spaces and gardens for visitors to explore. From Jeruzsálem park to Újvilág-kert, the city provides green areas and scenic locations such as Ellyps sétány for those seeking nature within the 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 and crisp, while summers are warm and pleasant. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making these shoulder seasons ideal times to explore the city.

Interesting Facts About Budapest — Weird & Wonderful

  • The Sziget Festival is one of the largest outdoor music festivals in Europe, held annually in Budapest.
  • Budapest is home to one of the few high schools in the world dedicated to learning authentic folk dance.
  • The city boasts one of the more active jazz scenes in Central Europe.
  • The Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1853 by Ferenc Erkel, still presents regular concerts in the Hungarian State Opera House and National Theatre.
  • Budapest Pride typically involves a parade on Andrássy Avenue and is held annually across the city.

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 focusing on culinary pleasures.
Budapest Pride (Budapest Pride Film and Cultural Festival)
Occurs annually across the city and usually involves a parade on Andrássy Avenue.
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 as its currency, as Hungary is an independent nation in Central Europe.

What language is spoken in Budapest?

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

How many people live in Budapest?

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

What region of Europe is Budapest in?

Budapest is located in Central and Eastern Europe at the center of the Pannonian Basin, strategically positioned on ancient trade routes.

What makes Budapest culturally significant?

Budapest is the political, economic, and cultural center of Hungary, producing over 40% of the country's economic output and hosting numerous annual festivals and cultural events.

Map of Budapest

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