All the Basic Information about Budapest
You Need to Know

Following information about Budapest contains the basics one should know when plans to visit the Hungarian capital.

We try our best to include all the facts indispensable for you to enjoy your stay!

Basic information about Budapest  

Location

Where is Budapest?
It's the capital of Hungary and situated in Central Europe, embracing the two sides of the river Danube.
With nearly 2 million citizens it's by far the largest city in the country.

City Layout

Actually you can explore two cities in one, because Budapest is made up of Buda and Pest, with the Danube flowing between them, along a stretch of 28 kilometers.

Buda is built on a hill, on the western bank of the river and forms the historical part of the city.

Pest stands on a plain and it's more businesslike with its shops and boulevards.
You can walk between the two connected, but still very different parts of the city on magnificient bridges. Budapest consists of 23 districts.
You can read more about Budapest districts here.

See also our Guide to Centre of Budapest.

Currency in Budapest, Hungary

Forints (Ft) = 100 Fillers (Fillers are not in use anymore)

Coins: Ft 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 200

Banknotes: Ft 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000

Cost of Living in Budapest

Is Budapest a cheap city? Contrary to commom belief I think Budapest is rather expensive and costs and prices are going up every year.

See a detailed guide on Costs and Prices in Budapest.

Important Telephone Numbers

Safety in Budapest

Public safety is fairly good in Budapest though just like in any other popular destination some there are some common tourist traps. See our page about Safety in Budapest for tips on avoiding these traps.

Public Holidays in Hungary

• 1st January - New Year
  
  
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  15th March - National Day (commemorates the revolution and war of independence in 1847/48 against the Habsburg rule)
  
  
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  Easter Monday
  
  
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  1st May - Labour Day
  
  
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  Whitsun Monday
  
  
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  20th August - Constitution Day (commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state and king St Stephen)
  
  
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  23rd October - Republic Day (commemorates the unsuccessful 1956 revolution against the Russian communist regime)
  
  
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  1st November - All Saints' Day
  
  
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  24th December - Christmas Eve
  
  
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  25th-26th December - Christmas
  
  

Climate in Budapest

Average temperature 9,0°C, 48°F
Summer season: June-August: average temperature: 21,0°C, 70°F
Winter season: December- February: average temperature: -0,9°C, 30°F

You find more information about Budapest Weather on this page!

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