Planning a Trip to Hungary? Here's What You Need to Know About The Hungarian Forint!
02/06/2025
Looking forward to jetting across Europe on a holiday to Hungary soon?
Whether you’re planning on sightseeing and enjoying the mouth-watering local cuisine on a city break in Budapest, a relaxing escape on the shores of Lake Balaton, or sailing down the mighty Danube on a river cruise; we’re sure that spending money features near the top of your to-do list and that’s why we’re here to help!
Here at Hay Travel we’ve put together all our top tips to help you manage your Hungarian Forint HUF, give you an idea of what things cost in Hungary, must-see hotspots to visit at no cost to your pocket, and to point you in the right direction to get the best foreign exchange deals with ease.
Food, Drink, and Excursions in Hungary
To help you budget for your visit to Hungary; here’s a rough idea for of what your daily spend might be food and drink-wise and the cost of exploring the sights on excursions.
Meals: When it comes to dining out – you can go down the casual route with street food like langos, chimney cakes, pizza slices, and sausages from 1,000 to 2,500 HUF (£2 to £5), choose a mid-range restaurant from 12,000 to 30,000 HUF (£25 to £75), or push the boat out on a luxury eatery for 20,000 to 50,000 HUF (£42 to £105).
Drinks: A pint of local draught beer is typically 619 to 1,500 HUF (£1.50 to £3.60), and a cappuccino might set you back about 750 to 865 HUF (£2 to £3.40).
Excursions: In Budapest – a sightseeing cruise on the Danube might cost 26,479 HUF (£58) or a soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath may be 10,400 to 18,200 HUF (£24 to £42). We recommend booking your tours or excursions before you go. We have a range of Hungary excursion deals available to check out if you haven’t already booked yours.
Hungarian Delights That Won’t Break the Bank
One of the best things about Hungary and a visit to its capital Budapest is that many of its famous attractions are completely free to visit without the need to spend a Forint. Here’s are a few of our favourites:
Gellert Hill
Setting out on a leisurely 30-minute hike via the winding forested path up to the Citadella fortress and Liberty Monument at the top of Gellért Hill won’t cost you a Forint; and, what’s more, you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views of the city of Budapest and beyond when you arrive at the top.
Heroes’ Square and City Park
Both these two amazing places are free to enter – Heroes' Square hosts the Millennium Monument and Memorial Stone of Heroes and also leads you into City Park - home to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Danube River
Strolling along the banks of the Danube River – which flows through Budapest with Buda district on one side and Pest on the other – is the perfect complimentary escape from city life and showcases iconic sights such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Be Money Savvy Before you Leave Home!
Here’s how to make your spending money go further with Hays Travel:
Always pay in HUF - When offered the option to pay in your home currency or Hungarian Forint, always choose Forints to avoid poor exchange rates and hidden transaction fees.
Notify your bank: If you opt to use your normal bank card in Hungary, don’t forget to let your bank know to avoid any issues paying by this method.
Choose the right card: Want a way not to worry about the above issues? Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges. The Hays Travel Money Card is also a great option as it has no hidden fees, multiple currency options, and you can top it up and tap whenever, wherever using the handy App.
Order your travel money via Click & Collect today to secure a great rate!
Need to purchase your Hungarian Forint for a city break in Budapest? Hays Travel is offering great rates online and in-store right now! With the convenience of Click & Collect or Home Delivery, plus expert advice with dedicated foreign exchange staff in each branch, it's never been easier to purchase your travel money.