Camping in Budapest

Hungary's lively capital Budapest is a great destination for a camping holiday and has a lot to offer. The picturesque city on the banks of the Danube attracts visitors with a wide range of experiences, from exciting museum visits and relaxation in the wonderfully warm thermal baths to hiking fun in the hilly countryside. Whether camping with a dog, a city break or spa camping: the famous castle district, historic palaces or an exciting boat trip are just a stone's throw away.

Camping in Budapest: all important information at a glance

Between the Hungarian Central Mountains in the west and the Great Plain in the east of Hungary, the city of Budapest welcomes its guests with historical flair and a colourful range of exciting activities. Budget travellers and those interested in culture can stay at the campsites in the heart of Budapest, close to the impressive sights.

Cleanliness and courteous service are a top priority at all holiday resorts. In addition to modern sanitary facilities with washing machines, travellers camping in Budapest can also expect baby changing rooms and, in many cases, an appealing sports and entertainment programme, so that families with children can also enjoy an unforgettable stay in the Hungarian capital.

Although camping in Hungary is traditionally done with caravans, motorhomes and tents, there are also an increasing number of campsites with rental accommodation in Budapest. Here, travellers can stay in a mobile home, chalet or holiday flat and enjoy a high level of comfort combined with a relaxed atmosphere during their camping holiday.

Camping in Budapest with a dog

Dogs are allowed at many campsites in Budapest and the surrounding area. However, you should enquire in advance about the rules at the campsite and whether dogs must be kept on a lead, for example. Dogs can also travel on public transport on a lead, but must be muzzled.

Are there campsites in the centre of Budapest?

If you want to camp in Budapest, you can do so in the centre of the city. The well-known Biker Camp Budapest campsite, for example, is located right in the city centre not far from the Népliget bus station and offers pitches for cyclists and motorcyclists as well as some pitches for motorhomes.

There are also several other camping parks on the outskirts of the city centre, such as Camping Arena Budapest and Ave Natura Camping. The nearest tram stop is usually not far away, so you can easily reach the city centre in just a few minutes on foot.

Travelling to Budapest

Budapest is easy to reach by many different routes. The city is very well connected to the national transport network. Those travelling by car, for example, can reach their holiday destination from Munich in around 6.5 hours. The A4 motorway leads to the Hungarian border via Vienna. Entering the EU member state of Hungary is straightforward; entry checks are only carried out at random, but it is recommended that you have your identity documents and vehicle registration papers ready.

Then follow the M1 motorway, which takes a good 1.5 hours to reach the greater Budapest area. The M0 motorway forms a ring around the city, into which several motorways run, including the M1. To use the motorways in Austria and Hungary, travellers need a vignette, which they can obtain at any petrol station near the motorway, for example. Please note the following special features: Within Hungary, you must also drive with your dipped headlights switched on outside built-up areas during the day and the drink-drive limit is 0.0.

Activities and excursions in Budapest

Visit Budapest's landmarks on a stroll through the city or relax in the thermal baths: The 'Paris of the East' offers a wide range of experiences. The legendary ruin pubs and many concert halls and dance clubs delight night owls who like to have fun at music events off the beaten track. Street maps for better orientation are usually available at the campsites.

On a discovery tour to the sights

Well-known sights such as the parliament building with its dark red domes make the capital of Hungary a popular holiday destination. Completed in 1904, the building houses almost 700 rooms, and King Stephen's coronation crown is on display in the cupola room.

There is much more to discover in the tenth largest city in the EU: The Chain Bridge, the city's landmark, connects the two districts of Buda and Pest. From the Fisherman's Bastion on Buda Castle Hill, with its countless towers, cultural travellers can enjoy an impressive panoramic view. The funicular railway takes guests up the hill in comfort.

Exciting excursions for young and old

The "City of Baths" attracts visitors with several bathhouses and thermal baths. The Rácz, Rudas and Király baths were built centuries ago. Today, guests can also enjoy modern wellness areas and massage programmes. A total of 123 natural springs and fountains bubble up from the depths in Budapest.

The Budapest Eye, a modern Ferris wheel on the Pest side of the city that only opened in 2017, is a popular destination for families and offers great bird's eye views of St Stephen's Basilica. Numerous playgrounds and the Vajdahunyad Castle surrounded by water invite you to linger in the Városliget City Park during a stroll through the city.

Gastronomic highlights for campers in Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is based on agriculture and is regarded as hearty and very flavoursome home cooking. Garlic and paprika play a central role. Sour cream gives many dishes a special flavour.

The popular pörkölt, or goulash, and goulash soup, gulyás, are traditionally prepared in a large copper kettle. The restaurant menus also include paprika chicken and fish goulash with freshly caught pike-perch from Lake Balaton. Kolbász, a hearty paprika sausage, is a popular accompaniment to fresh white bread.

Gourmets who enjoy sweet temptations will love the Dobo cake. This layered cake consists of fluffy dough and a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate cream. In Hungary, a traditional wine-growing country, the dry white wine Tokaj or Egri Bikavér, a red wine cuvée, is often served.

Best time to travel for a camping holiday in Budapest

The continental climate of landlocked Hungary makes for very warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn, with their mild and not too hot temperatures, are therefore ideal for an exciting city trip to Budapest.

Even in the hot months, holidaymakers can enjoy a pleasant stay at the campsites in Budapest. Several swimming pools or the popular Palatinus Beach on Margaret Island provide refreshing bathing fun. The average daily temperature in July and August is 32 degrees Celsius, which ensures plenty of sunshine when camping in the heart of Budapest. Rain is hardly to be expected during the summer. In general, the months from May to October are the best time to go camping in Hungary.