Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary. Dubbed the “Paris of the East”, it is an underrated city in central Europe.

I have had the privilege to visit this city thrice: in spring 2016, winter 2018, and more recently in summer 2023. However, I have never gotten around to writing about it. I guess that goes to show how much I enjoyed it. Here’s a rundown of Budapest:

Transportation

When you arrive in Budapest via the airport, the most convenient way to reach the city center is by taking a taxi or using the reliable public transportation system. Two buses, E100 and E200 will take you from Terminal 2 to major stops in the city center. Check out the BKK website for updated details on routes and prices. Once you leave Terminal 2, you can easily spot signs that will direct you to the bus stops. Ticket machines are available a few meters ahead of the bus stop. Alternatively, you can purchase your tickets via the BKK app. There will be people by the stop who will assist you in validating your tickets. However, if you get unlucky, they can get a little impatient or snarky so make sure you do your research before arriving.

Other ways to get to Budapest are via railway (careful as there is more than one train station) and regional buses (Flixbus or Regiojet, for example). I have tried all these three methods. A lot of information is available online on how to reach the location of your accommodation regardless of which transportation means you use to get to the city, all are pretty accessible.

The city offers an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines, making it easy to get around. BKK offers various ticketing options depending on your itinerary. However, note that every time you change from metro lines to trams to buses, you would have to validate another ticket. The only time you can use the same validated ticket is when you transfer from one metro stop to another, so plan your rides accordingly.

Of course, the best option to explore the city is on foot. If you book your accommodation in the city center and plan your itinerary right, you’re sure to enjoy the sights without going through the trouble of figuring out the transport system. A pro tip would be to pin your destinations in Google Maps to have a quick vision of which areas are close to each other and how you can get around.

I downloaded the BKK app, just in case I run out of physical tickets from my stash, or as a way to figure out routes. However, I only ever used the app for airport shuttle rides. To get around, Google Maps was pretty reliable.

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Budapest is a breeze. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels, the city has a wide range of options to suit every traveler's needs. Consider staying in the central districts of Pest or the picturesque Buda side near the Castle District.

My go-to search engines are Booking.com (from which I already accumulated several discount benefits and points) and AirBnB. During my first visit, I booked a private room via AirBnB close to the regional bus station, outside the city center, as it was the most convenient and worry-free option to catch my ride out of Budapest. On my subsequent visits, I chose to book somewhere more central, nearby metro stations Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér. From here I could get to most sites in a breeze on foot or via the numerous transport options (bus, trams and metros).

Language

Most Hungarians speak English, save for a lone experience I had at a post office where the agent didn’t speak English but Google Translate saved the day. She was also incredibly patient and helpful and genuinely tried to communicate with me. This said it would still be much appreciated if you equip yourself with useful words such as szia (hi) and köszönöm (thank you) or köszi (shorthand form of thank you).

In the vast family of Indo-European languages that exist in Europe, Hungarian is a language isolate along with its closest language cousins, Estonian and Finnish. Hungarian, Estonian and Finnish are not considered part of the Indo-European language family but rather of the Uralic language family. As an English (/Germanic or romance language) speaker, words could be quite difficult to learn, understand or retain. So you might need to put some effort into it.

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Practical Tips

• When to visit: To make the most of your time in Budapest, consider visiting during spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.

• Money: Be sure to exchange some Hungarian Forints (HUF) as cash is still widely used, although credit cards are generally accepted. There are a lot of ATMs all over the city, in every nook and cranny. However, avoid those Euronet machines because they charge a lot! Opt for local bank ATMs.

  On some occasions, they would accept Euros but changes still come in forint. I remember during my first trip in 2016, I had my last meal in a restaurant before I leave Budapest and I didn’t anticipate that the restaurant didn’t accept cards (rookie mistake). I only had euros with me which I politely explained to the staff. The staff told me that I could pay in euros, which was a lifesaver!

  Tipping is appreciated and may be anticipated in Budapest. But, service charge is more often than not, already included in the bill so make sure you get a glance at your bill before tapping your card or paying. Most of the bills are produced in Hungarian but “service charge” is easily decipherable (usually towards the end of the calculation).

  To help guide me with the approximate conversion, I use the app called XE available for free download in the Play Store and App Store to give me an idea on how much to expect to pay in my local currency. You will find that in some receipts, they indicate the Euro equivalent too.

• Reservations: Keep in mind that some attractions may require reservations, so plan accordingly. An example of what you can reserve ahead of time is if you’re planning to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building. The schedule for the 45-minute guided tour depends on the language of the tour, which is why it is important to consider reserving it in advance. While purchasing tickets on-site is a possibility, they do provide a disclaimer on the site to reserve them ahead of time to save you time and energy. Ticket sales are done via an official third-party agency which is detailed on their website here.
  

Red wine-flavored beef stew with dumplings at Café Vian

Food and Dining

Hungarian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and influences. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional dishes like goulash, a hearty meat stew, and lángos, a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. For a sweet treat, indulge in Kürtőskalács or chimney cake, which you can get at any kiosk on the streets. Budapest also offers a vibrant dining scene with diverse international cuisines and trendy eateries.

Here are some dining options we tried for ourselves:

• Breakfast: Szimply (inside an alley close to Astoria station),
  Free Place Café

• Lunch: TwentySix (Jewish District),
  Belvárosi Disznótoros (canteen-like experience, eat-and-go)

• Dinner: Café Vian (lots of options around Gozsdu Court),
  Szatyor Bár
  Kisharang Étkezde (Cozy family-run traditional restaurant)
  
  

Attractions and Landmarks

Buda and Pest were originally separate cities on opposite sides of the Danube River. Buda, located on the western bank, is characterized by its rolling hills, historic landmarks, and the magnificent Castle District. Pest, on the eastern bank, is flatter and bustling with vibrant city life, featuring architectural marvels, shopping districts, and cultural hotspots.

On the Pest side, you'll encounter a vibrant urban landscape with a myriad of attractions. Begin your exploration at the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural marvel situated along the Danube River and a symbol of the city's grandeur. Stroll along Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with elegant mansions, luxury shops, and the iconic Hungarian State Opera House. Don't miss the lively atmosphere of Vaci Street, a popular pedestrian street perfect for shopping and dining. Stop by the St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Synagogue within the Jewish Quarter.

Take a stroll across the Chain Bridge to reach the Buda side, where you can admire the sites and enjoy panoramic views of the city from atop the hill.

Crossing over to the Buda side, you'll find a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Explore the Castle District, where you can visit the stunning Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the panoramic views of the city from Fisherman's Bastion or the Citadella, and marvel at the intricate details of Matthias Church.

The Margitsziget Park, an island that sits in between Buda and Pest, is also worth a visit. It also features a fountain where you can witness a musical show if lucky. We went there on a Sunday morning and got to see two musical fountain shows.

Rooftop bath at Rudas Thermal Baths

Of course, what better way to wrap up your visit than by taking a relaxing bath in the famous thermal baths, such as Gellert or Rudas, to rejuvenate your senses?

Thermal Baths

Budapest is home to several remarkable thermal baths that offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. One of the most popular (and extremely touristic) is Szechenyi Thermal Bath, located in City Park on the Pest side, just a few strides from Heroes Square. Its grand neo-baroque architecture and numerous pools, including both indoor and outdoor options, make it a must-visit. You can soak in the warm mineral-rich waters while enjoying stunning architecture.

Another notable thermal bath is Gellert Thermal Bath, situated in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. Its thermal pools, adorned with stunning mosaic tiles, provide a tranquil escape. Don't miss the famous Gellert Bath's wave pool, where you can experience gentle artificial waves while surrounded by elegant columns and statues. Be informed though that there are far fewer bath options here than in Szechenyi.

Book carts in the city

For a more traditional and historical experience, visit Rudas Thermal Bath, which dates back to the 16th century. This bath offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The main highlight is the open-air octagonal pool on the rooftop, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. It’s quite a luxurious experience overlooking the Pest side across the Danube River whilst relaxing on a warm bath. I have read that lesser tourists come here and the locals prefer to go here than Szechenyi.

Tickets to the baths can be bought online or on-site. They cost roughly around 30 EUR, which includes a locker. Add 3EUR and you can secure a private cabin, instead of a locker. Make sure to bring your own towels, shower cap, and slippers to avoid additional purchases on-site. If you lose or forget yours (say you come in spontaneously), there are shops where you can buy these items.

What to take home

I would have wanted to visit the Central Market in all of my three visits but there was never enough time! The market is closed on Sundays though so make sure to drop by on any day during the weekdays. I have seen clips and read articles that this is a perfect spot to dine and purchase gifts to bring home.

Alternatively, we bought our gifts and souvenirs from the local supermarket and souvenir shops. We got packs of sweet and hot paprika and a bottle of Hungarian wine, plus a small chess board as a souvenir. Hungarians are known to be genius chess players so maybe - just maybe - bringing home a chess board from Budapest, they might just rub their chess skills on me. (I’ve played thrice since we came home, I suck haha). As an addition to my growing Le Petit Prince collection, I made a visit to bookstores to get hold of my own Hungarian copy of A Kis Herceg. My first attempt was to hunt the collection of the street book carts “Könyvmentők Könyvszekér” but didn’t find my luck there so I settled for a chain of bookstores - Libri to get my copy.

Budapest truly captures the essence of both old-world charm and modern vibrancy. From its grand architecture to its thermal baths, this city offers a unique and unforgettable experience. No wonder I keep coming back.

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