Cheap flights to Budapest are easier to find if you book reservations with one of the “fapados” airlines. Fapados means “wooden bench,” and it’s what Hungarians use to refer to Europe’s low-cost airlines such as Air Berlin, Sky Europe, and Easy Jet. So instead of booking flights to Budapest, Hungary, you should consider booking flights to the more popular cities and then get a connecting flight to Budapest. For direct cheap flights to Budapest, Hungary, however, consider checking out the latest rates from Malév Hungarian Airlines (the country’s national carrier) or major airlines like Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa.
Expect airfare to Budapest to be more expensive when you travel between late April and late September, which is considered the city’s peak season because of its sunny weather. If you travel during the cold days of January, airfare may not be as expensive. Traveling by tram is the best way to explore the city. It’s not only affordable but it also offers great sightseeing opportunities. Buses use extensive routes in the city and can even take you to other parts of Hungary and Europe. Taxis are to be avoided – even though they’re not as expensive as cabs in other European cities, their drivers are reported to have a tendency of overcharging or even mistreating foreign passengers.
Some critics describe Budapest as the most beautiful and romantic of all cities in Central Europe. For those who are only taking short vacations, you can still get the most out of your visit if you know which attractions deserve the most of your time. No Budapest tour is complete, for instance, without visits to the neo-Gothic Parliament House – where the Hungarian crown is strictly under guard – as well as the Royal Palace and other historical and architectural jewels situated in Castle Hill. If you want some pampering, keep in mind that Budapest is also known as one of Europe’s top spa cities, so try one of its famous public baths before you go.
To make the most out of the money you spent on Budapest flights, don’t limit your tours to daytime. Explore the city’s nightlife by dining at ship-based restaurants facing the Danube River or drinking in one of the local wine pubs or borozó. If you’re in Budapest over the weekend, stroll through the Petofi Csarnok flea market for great shopping. You can also take home some collectible Eastern European antiques from Anna Antikvitas in the Parliament neighborhood if you want some more upscale goods.