Cheap flights to Budapest

When it comes to beauty, there really is nowhere quite like Budapest – the ‘Queen of the Danube’ is right up there with tourist heavyweights Paris, Vienna and Prague. The difference? Well, Budapest has that distinct eastern flavour to it that sets it apart from the competition – the Ottoman baths here are the real thing, don’t you know.

And so is the architecture, which ranges from Baroque and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic. Wander the city’s elegant tree-lined boulevards, pop into its many leafy parks or sail down the Danube for mind-blowing photo opportunities few other cities can offer.

The 1,000-year-old heart of the Hungarian capital isn’t just a pretty face – its abundance of snug spots are ideal for eating, drinking and shopping . Most visitors to Budapest will visit the quaint cobblestone streets and smart town squares adjacent to Buda Castle. But, this is also where to hunker down and get warm with some good old-fashioned Hungarian comfort food and a glass of Egri Bikavér (or any other Hungarian red).

One for the bold, the relaxed, the spontaneous.

Armed with a light pack of camping gear, how does it sound to take an alternative route walking east from the airport until you hit the countryside, then walk between quiet rural villages for a day or two, or three? It's a sleepy region of farmland, rivers, forests and meadows. I love the serendipity and surprises of arriving in small villages I have never heard of, and seeking out conversation and sustenance in the local cafe. It's blissfully far from an organised package holiday.

If, however, you prefer something more prescribed than just following your nose, then pick a deliberately non-touristy small town such as Jászberény. It is 60km from the airport, so you could either go by taxi or hire a car for the weekend. (There is also a direct bus there from Budapest city centre.) There is a nice river, a nature conservation area, historic buildings, a beautiful church, and plenty of accommodation.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate - the activity is simple, but the boldness is harder.

What to pack: Suitable clothes (check the weather forecast!), woolly hat, headtorch, raingear, sleeping bag, mat and bivvy bag.

Best time to go: June, to make the most of the long evenings.

easyJet holidays to Budapest

Your easyJet experience doesn't have to end once you arrive. We provide a range of great value holiday packages, including flights and hotels and transfers. Budapest holidays couldn’t be easier with us. Whether you are looking for self-catering or a BnB deal, you’ll find it with easyJet holidays. Trust us to get you on your Budapest holiday with a great value package. From there, all there is to decide is whether you want to visit the outdoor thermal baths or the Great Market Hall first.

Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Budapest flights page