What can we tell you?
Budapest is one of those cities that really surprises you. We thought we were going to see just another beautiful European capital. We came back with stars in our eyes, an obsession for ruin bars, and an immediate desire to return. And between us, it was also this trip that planted the seeds for our next collection. But we'll get back to that.
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
That's THE question everyone asks before booking. The honest answer: Budapest is beautiful all year round, but some periods are definitely nicer than others.
Spring (April – June) is probably the best time. Temperatures are mild (15°C to 25°C), terraces open, and the city regains its energy without being overrun by tourists. It's the sweet spot.
Summer (July – August) is lively, festive, the banks of the Danube are bustling — but it's hot (sometimes 35°C+) and the city is packed. If you go in summer, get up early to visit the must-sees.
Autumn (September – October) is our second choice. The golden lights on the Parliament and the bridges are a living postcard. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
Winter (November – February) has a special charm with Christmas markets and thermal baths that make perfect sense when it's cold outside. But be prepared for biting temperatures.
Our advice: aim for April-May or September-October. You can enjoy everything without fighting for a photo in front of the Parliament.
What to do in Budapest in 3 days? Our ideal itinerary
Day 1 — Pest: the city's energy
Start with the Pest side (the flat bank) — that's where the city lives and buzzes.
In the morning, start with the Central Market Hall of Budapest (Nagy Vásárcsarnok). It's huge, colorful, and you can snack on a lángos (the local specialty — a kind of fried dough with sour cream and cheese) for less than 2€. The kind of thing that makes you question all your previous food choices.
In the afternoon, head to the Jewish Quarter and its streets full of street art, trendy cafes, and that slightly bohemian energy we love. Stop at the Dohány Street Synagogue — it's the largest in Europe and the architecture is stunning.
In the evening, it's time for the ruin bars. Szimpla Kert is the absolute must-see — an old apartment transformed into a labyrinthine bar with improbable decorations around every corner. Arrive around 8 PM to avoid the queue. And order a pálinka (the local fruit brandy) at least once — just to say you dared.
Day 2 — Buda: the heights and the baths
Walk across the Chain Bridge in the morning — the panorama of Pest from the middle of the bridge is one of the most beautiful views of the city, period.
Then climb up to the Castle District (Várnegyed). The Fisherman's Bastion offers a 360° view of the Danube and the rooftops of Budapest that is well worth the detour. Free entry if you avoid the neo-Gothic towers (which are paid).
In the afternoon, it's time for the thermal bath experience. We tried the Széchenyi Baths — the most iconic with their yellow outdoor pools. It's touristy, yes, but it's an experience in itself. Arrive on a weekday and in the early afternoon to avoid the crowds. Expect to pay around 25-30€ for admission.
💡 Budget tip: the Lukács Baths are less known, cheaper (around 18€), and frequented by locals. A completely different — and authentic — atmosphere.
In the evening, find a table in the Buda district for a homemade goulash. It's THE Hungarian dish — a spicy beef stew with paprika that warms the soul. In a neighborhood restaurant, you can get it for 8-12€.
Day 3 — The Danube, panoramas and last favorites
The morning is perfect for a stroll along the banks of the Danube. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these banks on the Pest side offer a breathtaking view of the Parliament — especially early in the morning when the light is still golden.
Pop over to Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) — a large park in the middle of the river, ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and observing the locals in their daily lives.
In the afternoon, visit the Hungarian Parliament if you've booked in advance (essential). The interior is spectacular — it's one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings in the world, no exaggeration.
End the day with a drink on a terrace in the Buda hills at sunset. The Danube reflecting the city lights is the kind of moment that makes you say life is beautiful. 🌅
What to eat in Budapest without breaking the bank?
Budapest is a destination where you can eat very well for very little — that's one of the reasons we love it.
- Lángos — the ultimate street snack, 4 to 8€
- Goulash (gulyás) — national dish, 8-12€ in a local restaurant
- Chimney Cake — the grilled sweet dough chimney, perfect for snacking while walking, 6-9€
- Pálinka — Hungarian fruit brandy, worth trying at least once
Local tip: avoid restaurants with menus in 6 languages on the facade (you know what we're talking about). Look for places with handwritten chalkboards and menus only in Hungarian — that's where the real cuisine hides.
Is Budapest an expensive destination?
Budapest remains one of the most affordable European capitals. Apart from the major tourist sites, daily life is very budget-friendly.
Some benchmarks:
- Coffee / espresso in the city center: 1.5 to 2.5€
- Meal in a local restaurant: 8 to 15€
- Metro ticket: around 1€
- Thermal baths: 18 to 40€ depending on the establishment
- Night in a 3-star hotel in the center: 60 to 100€/night
- Airbnb apartment: 50 to 80€/night
Smart tip: the Hungarian Forint (HUF) fluctuates — check the exchange rate before you go and withdraw cash locally rather than paying by card everywhere (some small establishments charge fees).
How to get around Budapest?
The public transport network (metro, tram, bus) is excellent and covers the entire city. A single ticket costs around 1€, but the 24-hour pass at around 6€ is largely worth it if you visit a lot.
Tram no. 2 along the Danube on the Pest side is one of the most beautiful tram journeys in Europe — a view of the Parliament from the window, for 1€. It's unbeatable.
Is Budapest worth visiting?
Without hesitation — and we choose our words carefully. It's a city that combines great history, breathtaking architecture, generous gastronomy, and a unique nightlife in Europe. All at prices that make you want to stay an extra week.
It was this visual and cultural richness — the baroque ornaments, the lights of the Danube, the energy of the streets — that inspired our HVA CO. design. We wanted to capture this contrast between the city's architectural grandeur and its bohemian spontaneity.
In summary — Budapest in a few smart figures
- ✈️ Flight from France: 1h30 to 2h (often less than 100€ round trip on Transavia or Wizz Air)
- 🗓️ Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
- 💶 Average daily budget: 50 to 80€ (accommodation included)
- 🌡️ Best time: April-June / September-October
- 🗣️ Language: Hungarian (but English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
Do you have questions about Budapest or would you like us to detail a particular address? Let us know in the comments. And if you also have a city that blew your mind, we'd love to hear about it. And if you want to see the design inspired by this destination 👉 It is available in our shop.
HVA CO. 🌍
Clothes that travel with you.