New York NYC to
Budapest
from $2860
Atlanta ATL to
Budapest
from $2781
Miami MIA to
Budapest
from $2693
Chicago ORD to
Budapest
from $2409
Dallas DFW to
Budapest
from $3042
Houston IAH to
Budapest
from $2828
Los Angeles LAX to
Budapest
from $3215
San Francisco SFO to
Budapest
from $3214
Budapest is pronounced a bit differently than it’s spelled. If you don’t want to sound like a tourist, boo-da-PESHT is the proper pronunciation. The capital of Hungary got its name from three cities: Buda, Óbuda and Pest. Buda is what locals deem to be the upper echelon while Pest is associated with populated city-living. The two cities are connected via the Széchenyi, also known as the “Chain Bridge.” Perhaps you’ll cross over it during your trip.
This line opened in 1896, establishing it as the second oldest underground line in all of Europe (behind the London Underground), but the first underground line in continental Europe. What this line has that the London line doesn’t is a UNESCO stamp. Budapest’s is the only underground system in the world that qualifies as a UNESCO Site.
Hungary is indeed part of the European Union, but it does not employ the Euro. Instead, the country employs the Hungarian Forint (HUG). With this currency, $1,000 is equal to $3.30 USD. Have a currency calculator at the ready. Also, carry cash as many places do not accept cards.
Tipping is customary in Budapest and all over Hungary. However, sometimes it is included in the bill and sometimes it is not. It is up to you as the customer to check your receipts and tip accordingly.
Budapest has many bars in old ruins. They are pop-up-style bars in abandoned apartment buildings, shopping centers, or rooftops in the old Jewish quarter. Imagine a pub mixed with an old-school speakeasy. The first one in Budapest was Szimpla Kert, which opened in 2001. In addition to cheap drinks, you’ll also be entertained with flea markets, dances, art installations and street performances.
There are 118 mineral pools within Budapest’s borders. A large reserve of spring water sits underneath the city and produces 70 million liters of thermal water per day. Szechenyi is Budapest’s biggest, busiest, and oldest thermal bath. It dates all the way back to 1913. Pack your swimsuit, some sunscreen, and a couple snacks and have yourself a relaxing day at the thermal bath. There are also nighttime swim parties you can attend!
Also known as The Great Synagogue, the Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in all of Europe. It is an architectural marvel, with influences from Byzantine, Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles. This is perfect for history or religion buffs.
All public transport tickets in Budapest must be validated. Don’t think you can get away with it; ticket inspectors will dress in everyday clothes so you don’t see them coming and then wham – slap you with a $16,000 forint fine.
Pálinka is the traditional spirit of Hungary. Made with fresh fruits, mostly apricots, pears, plums, and cherries, it is quite strong; the alcohol content is usually between 40 and 70%. Locals drink it by inhaling deeply, taking a sip, and enjoying the flavor before fully exhaling. Cheers! Or egészségedre!
Airports are known to unfairly exchange currencies. So are Western Unions. If you’re going to use one of these sources, compare the buy and sell rates. If the difference is more than a couple forints, choose a different source. There are plenty of smaller currency exchanges around Budapest.
There are three airports in Budapest. Two out of the three offer business class flights to the public.
1. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
2. Budaörs Airport
3. Hármashatárhegy Airport (although this one only services private charter planes)
The best time to visit a country is typically dependent on the weather and the number of tourists. For optimal weather and minimal tourists, visit Budapest between March and May or September and November.
Most flights from DC to Budapest include at least one layover; the entire trip will take roughly 11 hours. Voyagu can help find a business class flight that suits your schedule.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to Budapest. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
For this specific destination, try Smartwings Hungary or ASL Airlines Hungary.
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