What's the smartest way to use public transit in Budapest?

Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour travel card from any BKK ticket machine or staffed booth at a metro station rather than loading up on single tickets — the math works out after just four rides and you stop worrying about validation. The BKK network covers metro lines M1 through M4, trams, buses, and the HÉV suburban rail within city limits on the same card. Validate the card on your first use and you're done; inspectors check frequently, especially on the M2 and M3 lines, and fines run around 8,000 HUF. Tram 2 along the Danube on the Pest side and Tram 4/6 along the Grand Boulevard are the two lines that replace most taxi trips. The metro runs until roughly 23:00, after which night buses take over — lines with an N prefix follow the same routes. Google Maps reads the BKK network accurately, so use it for real-time routing rather than memorizing the system cold.

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• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in Budapest?
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• What does a local breakfast look like in Budapest?
• Where is the street food in Budapest actually good?
• Where can I eat after midnight in Budapest?
• How do I get from the airport to the city in Budapest?