Pass for a local when visiting Budapest with these insider tips
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Loading... - Henry Taylor
- 16 Feb 2022
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Even seasoned travelers can have unpleasant interactions with ticket inspectors on the tram after incorrectly validating their tickets. One unfortunate recurring story in Budapest is one of male visitors getting scammed by pretty women at shady bars, while crooked taxi drivers can quite literally take unwitting passengers for a ride around the city.
Luckily, the Hungarian capital is a safe place for visitors, and you can easily avoid these scenarios with a little planning and by following our list of things to do – and things to avoid – when visiting Budapest.
Learn a few words in Hungarian before arriving
Knowing how to say “please” and “thank you” in Hungarian goes a long way with the locals. Before your trip, buy a phrasebook and learn the basics of this idiosyncratic language, such as “hello” and “cheers.” One very important tip: make sure you get the accent right on the “é” in “egészségedre” (“egg-ees-sheeg-ed-re”), and don’t accidentally say “egészsegedre” (“egg-ess-shegg-ed-re”). The first means “to your health,” but the other is “to your whole ass.”
Pack for the pool
Soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths is one of the city’s most treasured experiences, so pack your stuff for swimming, including a pair of flip flops or pool sandals and a beach towel. You can rent a towel if you prefer not to bulk out your bags, but be prepared to pay as much as 5000 HUF (about US$15).
Wear a swimming cap in swimming pools
You can enter the swimming pools at the thermal baths only if you’re wearing a swimming cap, a rule in place to stop stray hairs from clogging the pool drains. Many bath houses sell swimming caps at the ticket office for up to 2000 HUF (US$6). Note that this rule does not apply to the thermal baths themselves, only to the on-site swimming pools.
Wear comfortable walking shoes (but not sneakers)
Since Budapest is a highly walkable city, you’re going to be on your feet all day. Pack shoes that you’ll be comfortable wearing for hours while you’re out exploring – while keeping in mind trainers will likely to single you out as a tourist in an instant.
Bring an umbrella
It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella to Budapest, even in the summer. The city can get sudden heavy downpours, especially in the warmer months.
Book tickets in advance for popular museums
If you’re visiting Budapest during peak season, especially in the summer or around Christmas, or have your heart set on seeing a seasonal exhibition, you can skip the long lines by booking tickets in advance. Some popular sites have introduced caps on numbers, so it pays off to plan ahead and ensure you can visit what you want to. If you buy a ticket before you arrive, download it to your phone, show the QR code and walk right in without waiting.
Bring forints, not euros
Though Hungary uses the forint as its currency, some hotels, restaurants and shops will accept euros, giving change back in forints. Since establishments can be reluctant to accept large bills (like 20,000 HUF), try to withdraw smaller bills from ATMs. Some cash machines let you choose what bills to withdraw; if yours doesn’t, pick an amount like 9000 HUF or 19,000 HUF to ensure smaller change.
Avoid Euronet ATMs
You’ll see Euronet ATMs all around town, especially in bars, but they charge exorbitant bank fees. The convenience is not worth the cost.
Download taxi and transport apps
To navigate the city on the go, download the BKK (Budapest Közlekedési Központ) app, issued by the city’s official public transport agency, or CityMapper. For taxis, get a taxi app like Bolt. Note that Uber is no longer available in Hungary.
Never hail a taxi
Flagging taxis on the street is risky because some rogue operators rip visitors off by driving around the city or using other tricks. This has been happening less and less in recent years, but it’s still better to call a cab or use an app to order one.
Validate your public transport ticket
The ticketing system for Budapest’s public transport can be confusing for first-time riders. The most important thing to remember that you must buy a ticket before getting on public transport, validate it when boarding and keep it until the end of your journey. Most tram and metro stops have machines where you can purchase tickets; on the bus, you can buy them from the driver. Check that your ticket has a date, time stamp or punched holes – these mean it’s validated and that you’re good to go. If not, you risk getting caught by a roving ticket inspector and charged a hefty fine.
Learn how to board the bus
Most of the time, you can get on the bus in Budapest through any door, and there’s no need to show your ticket to the driver. If you have a single ticket, validate it using the on-board machines (if you have a longer pass, keep it on you) and you’re ready to ride. Some buses, however, are front-boarding only. If you notice a bus that opens its front door only to boarding passengers, get in line and have your ticket or pass ready to show the driver. Read More…
