Planning a trip to Budapest in Hungary and hoping to save some money? The cheapest time to visit Budapest in 2024 can significantly impact your travel budget, allowing you to experience this enchanting city without breaking the bank. Budapest attracts millions of visitors yearly with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, knowing the cheapest time to go to Budapest can help you avoid peak tourist seasons and inflated prices.
By carefully timing your visit, you can enjoy all the beauty and charm Budapest offers while taking advantage of lower costs for flights, accommodations, and attractions. Planning your trip during the cheapest time to visit Budapest ensures a memorable and budget-friendly adventure.
What is the Cheapest Time to Go to Budapest in 2024?
The cheapest time to visit Budapest in 2024 is generally during the off-season, which is from November to March. You can expect lower airfare and hotel rates during this time. However, it’s important to remember that some attractions may be closed or have shorter hours during the off-season, and the weather can be cold and snowy.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Budapest during the off-season:
Pros
- Cheaper flights and hotels
- Fewer crowds
- Unique winter festivals (Christmas markets)
Cons
- Colder weather
- Some attractions may be closed
- Shorter daylight hours
If you’re on a tight budget, visiting Budapest during the off-season is a great option. However, if you prefer warmer weather and longer daylight hours, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season (April, May, September, or October). During the shoulder season, you can still find good deals on flights and hotels; the weather is usually mild.
Average Prices of A Trip to Budapest During the Cheapest Time
The cheapest time to book a holiday in Budapest is generally during the off-season, from November to March. Here’s a breakdown of the average prices you can expect for a trip to Budapest during this time:
- Flights: During the off-season, roundtrip flights from major US cities to Budapest cost around $600-$1000 USD.
- Accommodation: Hotels tend to be significantly cheaper during the off-season, with prices for budget-friendly options starting around $30-$50 USD per night. If you are looking for a hostel dorm bed, expect to pay as low as $15 per night.
- Food: Budapest is a relatively affordable city for food, and you can find delicious meals for around $10-$20 USD per person.
- Activities: Entrance fees to attractions in Budapest are generally quite reasonable, with most costing around $10-$20 USD per person.
Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost for 7 days budget trip to Budapest during the off-season:
- Flights: $800 USD (roundtrip)
- Accommodation: $40 USD/night x 7 nights = $280 USD
- Food: $20 USD/day x 7 days = $140 USD
- Activities: $10 USD/day x 7 days = $70 USD
Total: $1290 USD
Cheapest Time to Book Accommodation in Budapest
The cheapest time to book accommodation in Budapest is during the low season, which is generally considered to be January and February. Hotel rates are significantly lower during these months as fewer tourists visit the city. Here are some other tips for finding cheap hotels in Budapest:
- Consider staying in a hostel. Hostels are a great way to save money on accommodation, especially if you are traveling solo or with a group of friends. Budapest has many clean, safe, and social hostels to choose from.
- Book your accommodation in advance. Budapest’s hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. If you know your travel dates in advance, booking your accommodation as early as possible is always best to get the best rates.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper rates by flying into Budapest on a weekday or staying during the shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November).
- Consider staying outside of the city center. Accommodation prices tend to be lower in neighborhoods outside of the city center. Budapest has a very good public transportation system, so it is easy to get around the city from just about anywhere.
- Look for deals and discounts. Many hotels in Budapest offer deals and discounts throughout the year. Be sure to check the hotel’s website or social media pages for any current promotions.
Cheapest Time to Book Flights in Budapest
There are two main factors to consider to find the cheapest time to book flights to Budapest:
- Time of Year: Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Budapest is during the shoulder seasons, which are March to May and September to November. During these times, tourist crowds are smaller, and airlines offer lower fares to attract travelers. The most expensive time to fly to Budapest is during the peak summer season (June to August) and around Christmas and New Year’s.
- Booking Window: According to several flight search engines, the best time to book a flight to Budapest to get the cheapest price is typically 40 to 60 days before your departure date. This is because airlines tend to adjust their prices based on supply and demand, and flights can start to creep up in price as the departure date approaches, especially if they start to fill up.
Cheap Things to Do in Budapest in 2024
Budapest is a city that’s easy to explore on a budget. Here are 7 cheap things you can do while visiting Budapest:
- Explore Buda Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion: Buda Castle District is a historic area that’s free to explore. It’s located on the Buda side of the Danube River and offers stunning city views. Fisherman’s Bastion is a lookout terrace with seven turrets offering panoramic Danube and Pest views. You can walk around the castle and admire the architecture or visit one of the museums located on the grounds, such as the Hungarian National Gallery or the Budapest History Museum.
- Take a Free Walking Tour: A free walking tour is a great way to get oriented to the city and learn about its history and culture. Several companies offer these tours, which typically last 2-3 hours. While the tours themselves are free, it’s customary to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed the tour.
- Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building: The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. It’s located on the Pest side of the Danube River and is free to admire from the outside. You can also take a guided tour of the interior for a fee.
- Relax on Margaret Island: Margaret Island is a large island in the middle of the Danube River. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and biking. The island also has a number of cafes, restaurants, and gardens.
- Explore the Central Market Hall: The Central Market Hall is a large indoor market that sells various food items, souvenirs, and crafts. It’s a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. You can also try some Hungarian food at one of the market’s many food stalls.
- Go on a Danube River Cruise: A Danube River Cruise is a great way to see the city differently. Several companies offer cruises, and there are cruises to fit all budgets.
- Have a Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) is a traditional Hungarian pastry that’s made from dough that’s wrapped around a spit and then roasted over an open fire. It’s typically coated in cinnamon sugar or other toppings. Chimney cakes are a delicious and cheap treat that you can find at many street vendors throughout Budapest.
Additional Tips for Saving Your Money During Your Tour in Budapest
Here are some tips for finding the cheapest time to visit Budapest and saving money on your trip to Budapest during the off-season:
- Be flexible with your travel dates. You will likely find cheaper flights and hotels if you are.
- Consider staying in a hostel. Hostels are a great way to save money on accommodation, especially if you are traveling solo.
- Cook some of your meals. Eating out all the time can get expensive. Consider cooking some of your meals in your hostel or hotel room.
- Take advantage of free activities. Budapest offers many free things to see and do, such as visiting the Buda Castle, strolling along the Danube River, or exploring the city’s many parks.
- Look for discounts and deals. Budapest often offers discounts and deals on attractions, tours, and activities. Be sure to do your research before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, even during the cheaper months, Budapest hosts several events, like the Budapest Christmas Market in December and the Budapest Spring Festival in March. These events offer a unique cultural experience without the high costs of peak tourist seasons.
Visiting Budapest during the off-season means fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy attractions like the Buda Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the Parliament Building more comfortably. Additionally, you can take advantage of lower prices on hotels and flights.
To find the best deals on flights to Budapest, book your tickets well in advance and consider traveling mid-week. Using flight comparison websites and setting up price alerts can also help you find the lowest fares.
The cheapest time to visit Budapest is from December to February, but the weather can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. However, the city's winter charm and thermal baths make it a worthwhile experience.
