Ultimate Solo Travel Guide To Budapest (2024)

After exploring Amsterdam and Berlin, I took a solo trip to Budapest in search of baths, coffee spots by the Danube River, and Art Nouveau architecture. Whether you can make it to Hungary’s capital city for a couple of days or a few weeks, you’ll find total immersion in the creative vibe and warm energy of this Central European treat. 

I loved the accessibility of the city. From the door of my hostel, I was able to explore everywhere on foot, getting my step count up and keeping my purse full! I like the authenticity of public transport, but it’s lovely to spend time exploring without it. The weather is great pretty much all year round which I didn’t expect. In the summer, I relished every minute, strolling the winding streets and devouring endless Lángos and Kürtőskalács.

My solo Budapest trip is one I’ll always remember for its vibrant nightlife, mouth-watering dishes, and diverse array of things to do. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths were amazing to experience after reading and hearing so much about them on my travels through Europe! I was blessed with bright cerulean skies as I sat and absorbed the beauty around me with my toes in the water.

>> READ: The Perfect Budapest Winter City Break Itinerary

Planning a solo trip to Budapest? Here’s where you’ll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Budapest
2. How To Get To Budapest As A Solo Traveller
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Budapest
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Budapest?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Budapest?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Budapest
7. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Budapest
8. SIM Cards in Budapest
9. Is Budapest a Good Place to Travel Solo?
10. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Budapest Cost?
11. Is Budapest Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
12. Best Places For Solo Travel In Budapest
13. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Budapest?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Budapest

Taking the plunge to solo travel Budapest is perfect if you’re already planning an adventure to Central Europe. Surrounded by Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and more, combining several countries in one epic overseas break could be the trip of a lifetime! Just make sure you carve out enough time for Budapest, as you don’t want to miss the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, or the bustling Central Market Hall.

A blend of architectural styles makes Budapest an incredibly beautiful city, and being so walkable, visitors can stroll around, soaking everything up. Many solo travellers flock to Budapest yearly, so even if you head there alone, you’ll meet other backpackers everywhere. I predominantly stayed in hostels which exposed me to lots of travellers from around the world. After connecting and forming closer bonds, we did the Wombats Hostel Pub Crawl– a fun way to let loose, and party while feeling safe as a solo female traveller. 

How To Get To Budapest As A Solo Traveller

The fastest flight to Budapest from the UK will land you in Hungary in just a couple of hours, but hear me out when I say this might not be the best option. Fast flights can also be expensive flights. Adding a couple of hours or a layover onto your journey can save hundreds– I mean it! Take the flights to Budapest I found below as an example:

A four-hour stopover in Stuttgart, Germany saves nearly £100 on your outward flight to Budapest. Yes, waiting for flights is far from exhilarating, but it could be an opportunity for a mooch around the airport or a window to catch up on emails. Try to be as open as possible when planning your trip to Budapest, considering a little less convenience for big rewards like saving money. 

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Budapest

Making savings on your Hungarian adventure means you can jet off to other locations with your leftover budget, or start saving for a trip to another continent! When I first started my solo travelling journey, little did I know I’d spend the next 10 years circling the globe, taking planes, boats, trains, and buses around Europe and beyond. This experience has allowed me to find ways of saving money on flight prices. For now, let’s get into a few of my top tips, shall we?

Look At A Variety Of Options

A rough plan of where and when you want to travel forms a solid foundation, but you don’t need to be concrete! Keeping yourself open to various options from the airport and destination to the date and time you fly will showcase the best deals. Off-peak travel at an inconvenient time of day will be cheaper than flying at the height of summer, and some airports may cost less to fly into than others.

Use Comparison Websites

Comparison websites take care of the mundane task of scanning the web for the best flight deals. This is what I used to do to make savings wherever possible, but it took a lot of time and effort! I now trust Skyscanner to do the job. For Budapest, you can search flight options based on dates, budget, journey duration and more to find the best deals. 

Pack Smart

Like Marmite, you either love packing or hate it! Either way, avoid surprise baggage fees by keeping within the limit of the airline you’re flying with. Budget airlines tend to have smaller weight limits that can catch out travellers if they aren’t aware beforehand. Take a look at your airline’s website and check out the luggage weight allowances. Weigh your bag once packed to make sure you’re not over the limit and have to eat into your budget for something non-essential! 

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Budapest?

Hungary is in the Schengen Area, so UK citizens can enjoy the country visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. To travel to Budapest, it’s necessary to hold a valid passport with an expiry date of a minimum of 3 months after your planned departure from Hungary. You may also need to show an onward ticket, sufficient funds, and proof of accommodation at the border. For stays longer than 90 days, you need to explore the best-suited options for your needs with the Hungarian authorities. Find out more information on the UK GOV website here. 

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Budapest?

There’s no right or wrong way to solo travel Budapest, but it’s good to consider the type of trip you want. Maybe a fully organised itinerary is what you need to feel comfortable and content, or perhaps a group trip is your answer for adventure.  

Entire Planned Trip

A day-to-day itinerary with activities and accommodation isn’t my preferred way to travel, but it might appeal to beginner solo travellers. Organising everything beforehand takes away the stress of finding activities and places to stay when you’re in the city. 

Group Trip

If scheduling everything is a bit too much planning, why not look into group trips? Think about a sightseeing cruise on the Danube, a Parliament tour, or maybe a group walking tour for the first day so you can learn about the hot spots to go to!

Flight and One Night Accommodation 

If you’ve already experienced a few solo trips and are full of confidence, booking only your outbound flight and first night’s accommodation might be appealing. Spontaneous adventure is an incredible way to grow and challenge yourself, with Budapest being a safe and exciting destination for explorative solo travel without having every detail mapped out.  

How To Book Hostels And Hotels In Budapest?

Booking accommodation for your solo trip to Budapest is an exciting time! The city is home to unique and creative places to stay for a range of budgets. I don’t plan every night’s accommodation before a trip as I like to discover options on the ground, but for the nights I do book, I use Booking and Hostelworld.

Read everything I’ve learned about finding cheap hotels, but know these two websites are game-changers! Both are easy to use and with honest feedback from other travellers, I can quickly assess whether I will feel comfortable in a space. Hotels are by far the cheaper option, but Booking has countless luxury options at budget prices worth exploring!

Currency, Plugs And The Best Way To Get Around Budapest

When it’s time to start putting a bag together for a trip, I make a list of everything I need to bring, and things I’d like to bring if I have space and weight to play with. For Budapest, you need Hungarian Forint and adaptors for plug types C and F. Cash and cards are accepted in Hungary, but I like to bring a mixture of the two in case one method fails, gets misplaced, or is stolen. 

Budapest’s walkability is unbeatable, but other ways of getting around include a river boat, bicycle, subway, or taxi. Public transport is affordable and accessible across the city, so you can easily get from place to place without solely relying on your feet.

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Budapest

With so much to think about before setting off on your Hungarian venture, it’s easy to forget about travel insurance. It isn’t a must, but I find myself braver and more comfortable when backed by travel insurance. Explore everything I’ve learned about travel insurance and check out my three recommendations below:

Outbacker

No one wants to spend hours in front of a screen looking for travel insurance deals, which is why so many rely on Outbacker insurance. Boasting coverage for over 100 activities, medical expenses up to £15 million outside the UK, and access to a UK GP for minor medical issues, Outbacker offers more for less. 

See if Outbacker is right for you here 

SafetyWing

I hate to think of anything going wrong when I head overseas, but it’s important to have a plan if the worst happens and you need help from elsewhere. SafetyWing offers diverse, affordable plans for global travel with countless positive reviews detailing their dedication to putting travellers first, always. 

Find out more about SafetyWing policies here 

World Nomads

Travelling comes with the unexpected, but this doesn’t always mean good things. That’s why millions of adventure-seekers have relied on World Nomads to bring comforting reassurance and support when needed. Travel quotes are available online so you can be covered the instant you take out a policy.

Learn about the options from World Nomads here

Best eSIM For Travelling To Budapest

One of the perks of travelling in the modern world is the ability to stay connected via devices. As a substantial part of my work is online, I need the ability to work during trips, answering emails, producing content, and keeping in touch with my community. Expensive roaming charges have caught me out more than a few times, so I now use eSIM technology from Airalo. 

With options for 200+ countries and regions, Airalo is the ideal solution for internet abroad, without hidden fees or surprise charges. There are six options for Hungary, starting from just £4 for a week of data, but you can see all the potential eSIM plans here.

Is Budapest A Good Place To Travel Solo?

Welcoming millions of tourists across its borders each year, Budapest is a popular European destination for couples, groups, and solo travellers. Navigating the city is a breeze with a reliable public transport system of trains, trams, buses, and more, affordability priced so tourists can enjoy every corner of the city without blowing too much budget. 

Meeting people is also simple in Hungary’s capital with frequent night events, pub crawls, tours, and group trips. Staying in hostels is my most recommended way to find other solo travellers, so hang out in the communal area and chat! For solo travellers, there’s non-stop action in Budapest, with unmissable landmarks like the gorgeous ELTE Füvészkert, informative Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, and vast views from the top of Gellért Hill. 

Should I Go To Budapest On My First Solo Trip?

Wondering if you should take your first solo trip in Budapest? Why not!? It’s an incredibly diverse city with so much to do, see, eat, and experience with plenty of other solo travellers doing the same thing. Hungary is known as one of the safest countries in Europe for travellers, with an impressive tourist infrastructure, affordable prices, and accommodation throughout. 

I didn’t experience a moment of feeling uncomfortable or nervous during my Budapest adventure, and I met many other solo females who also didn’t have a bad word to say! English is commonly spoken in the capital which is a relief for non-Hungarian speakers, but it isn’t heard so much in rural areas, so bear this in mind when heading off the beaten track. 

Is Budapest Expensive For A Solo Traveller?

Hungary is one of the more affordable European countries, with solo travellers easily cutting costs by opting for hostels, cheaper flights, and keeping a daily budget to track spending. I found my budget stretched far in Budapest, and it wasn’t difficult to balance paid and free entry attractions, restaurant and street food vendor visits, and flights. 

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Budapest Cost?

Compared to the UK, the prices of a solo Budapest trip are dreamy! It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of an overseas trip and go over budget in the first few days, but this is a gateway for disaster if you’ve got tight funds! By making smart choices, planning daily spending, and sacrificing luxury for the ability to do more in Budapest, your Hungarian adventure can be rewarding without emptying your bank account.

One month in Budapest

Budapest may have been cheaper several years ago, but it remains a largely affordable location. If the last 10 years have taught me anything about solo travelling on a budget, it’s that we hold the power in our hands! By making better choices with accommodation, transport, and activities, spending can be cut substantially. I’ve written lots of information about ways to save money for travelling.

Is Budapest Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

Hungary is recognised globally as a peaceful, safe, and unique country to travel to, with Budapest being a bucket list destination for many. On both ends of the spectrum from high tourist areas to rural parts of Hungary, I felt safe as a solo female. With such popularity with travellers, I didn’t spend much time alone! I hiked, took sightseeing tours, and swam in thermal pools with friends I made along the way. 

I’m always vigilant when travelling alone, so even though I was comfortable in Budapest, I still avoided walking alone at night, kept my phone and belongings close, and made note of my hostel address so I could easily make my way back safely. Find out more of my solo travel tips, and don’t forget to bookmark the page so you can also reference it when needed! 

Where’s The Best Place To Stay In Budapest For Solo Travellers?

You won’t be short of accommodation options when you solo travel Budapest, with everything from luxury hotels to party hostels available around the city. I’ve selected two options for their positive reviews, amenities, and proximity to landmarks. 

Best Luxury Hotel: The Royals Downtown Hotel

Melt into luxury with air-conditioned rooms, comfortable furnishings, TV, private bathroom, and simple kitchen amenities at The Royals Downtown Hotel. The Hungarian National Museum and Hungarian State Opera are just a short walk away, and en route, you’ll pass food courts and restaurants to enjoy fresh, local dishes. 

>> Book a stay The Royals Downtown Hotel

Best Budget Hotel View: Victoria Boutique Hotel

The Victoria Boutique Hotel is a great budget hotel stay with comfy suites, friendly staff and just a short walk away from the top sights in the city of Budapest. But you’re really staying here for the view, incredible panoramic windows in every suite of the hotel reveal incredible views across the Danube River and Budapest’s famous Hungarian Parliament Building which is spectacular by day, but will take your breath away when all lit up at night.

>> Book a stay at Victoria Boutique Hotel

Best Hostel: The Hive Party Hostel Budapest

Boasting 300 cosy beds, The Hive is the third biggest hostel in Budapest and a hotspot for partygoers. Local attractions are a stone’s throw away, and with a club in the courtyard, backpackers don’t need to search far and wide for a good night– it can be reached mere moments from your dorm room!

>> Book a stay The Hive Party Hostel Budapest

4 Unique Things For Solo Travellers To Do In Budapest:

It’s impossible to narrow down everything to do in Budapest, but I’ve chosen a few spots that made my trip feel special. If you only have a few days to spend in Budapest, I’d recommend arriving at landmarks early to beat the crowds and fit as much as possible into each day. 

1. Light Art Museum

Showcasing works from over 35 international and Hungarian artists, the Light Air Museum is a striking experience in the heart of Budapest. Science, art, and technology merge to create something other-worldly, displayed in stunning pieces around the museum. Tickets are affordable at the door, but you can save money by buying tickets online. 

>> Book the Light Art Museum in Budapest

2. Escape Room

Put your mind to work for an afternoon in one of Budapest’s Escape Rooms. Beat the clock and solve mysteries alone or with new-found friends from your hostel. Various games are available with different themes and tasks to make even the most confident puzzle master sweat!

>> Try an Escape Room in Budapest

3. Evening Prosecco Sightseeing Cruise

Fancy a taste of luxury at an affordable price? Look no further than a sightseeing cruise while sipping a glass of prosecco. Treat yourself to a solo adventure or bond with hotel buddies and cruise one of the most attractive cities in Europe. 

>> Book a Prosecco Sightseeing Cruise

4. Sparty

Ever blended a spa and a party? The result is Sparty– a unique experience at the Széchenyi Thermal Spa combining nightlife with spa culture for an immersive, memorable evening. With hundreds of positive reviews, Sparty is an unmissable event with fairly priced tickets and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

>> Book this Sparty experience

Check out amazing activities in the city:

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Budapest?

I enjoy my own company, but sometimes I get lonely on solo adventures. Making friends helps combat feelings of isolation, and also helps boost confidence, especially if you’re new to the solo travelling scene. There’s a lot to consider when travelling by yourself, but I’ve got some tips to help you make friends effortlessly. 

Join Online Travel Groups

The online world is an incredible place to interact with other people. Before heading to Hungary, why not check out some online groups for others about to take a solo trip to Budapest? Make friends with other travellers online and arrange to meet up at a hostel together so you’ll have a friend already waiting for you. 

Stay In Hostels

Hotels provide so much more than just a place to stay. They are a social haven, uniting people worldwide to experience Budapest together. Hanging out in the communal area of the hostel will make it far easier to chat with others and form the base of a new friendship. 

Suggest A Group Activity 

Group activities like a walking or sightseeing tour can be a useful investment at the start of your trip so you know where to head to see key landmarks later on. To bloom into a social butterfly, suggest a group activity to familiar people in your hostel. It could be a boat tour, music event, or pub crawl to help bring travellers together.