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In recent times, it seems to me that Budapest has shot into fashion. It is only in the past few years that people have started to give it some serious thought for either a holiday or a weekend city break. Any time you spend in the city will give you an answer as to why tourism is on the up there. The architecture and sights are worth the visit alone. Apart from that, the city is full to the brim of excellent food, both Hungarian and International, the very friendly people and a general feeling that makes it a delightful place to be. This Budapest Travel Guide will hopefully help you get the most from your time in this city, a city that you should be considering visiting as soon as you can.
Currency Converter – 500HUF = €1.55/£1.38/$1.76
Getting In
When visiting Budapest, more often than not, you will be arriving by air. Budapest is served by just one airport, Ferenc Liszt International. It is located about 20km from the centre of the city. The best way to get to and from the airport is by taking the 100E public bus. This brings you right into the heart of Budapest for 900HUF each way. If you are travelling into Budapest by bus, Flixbus is guaranteed to be your best option. They have routes to most of the surrounding capital cities such as Vienna and Bucharest. The bus terminates at Nepliget Bus Station, a short metro ride from the centre of Budapest.
Where To Stay
With the Danube River separating the two areas of the city, Buda and Pest, it can be quite confusing deciding the best place to stay. I recommend staying on the Pest side of the city. Here you are closer to the nightlife, the good food and most of the attractions. It is then a short walk across the river to the main attractions that are located in Buda. Look for accommodation in close proximity to the Jewish Quarter, everything in the city is easily reached from here.
I stayed at the 11th Hour Cinema Hostel, and it was just average, but for the price I paid I cannot complain. The city is full of highly rated party hostels but this was more on the quieter side. If you wish to splurge then I can personally recommend checking out Basilica Apartments, their central location apartments are a great place to base yourself during your stay.
When To Go
Simply put, Spring or Autumn is best. March to May and September to early November are perfect times to visit Budapest. The summer months can get quite warm and the city requires a fair amount of walking. During the winter, it can be bitterly cold with snow a common sight. The cold can add some beauty to certain cities, Budapest included, but it can also disrupt daily plans and hinder your enjoyment at times. If you are fully equipped to brave the minus temperatures, Budapest puts on a wonderful Christmas market in December that I can’t recommend highly enough.
Useful Phrases
Hello = Szia or Sziastok (See-ah or See-ah-stock)
Thank You = Koszonom (Keu-seu-neum)
You’re Welcome = Szívesen (see-ve-shen)
I don’t speak Hungarian = Nem beszélek magyarul (Nem bes-el-ek ma-ja-rule)
Goodbye = Viszontlátásra or Viszlát (Vee-sont-lah-tash-ra or Vee-slat)
What To Do
Visit a Thermal Bath
Taking to the water has been a popular past-time for the locals here for generations. Budapest sits on 125 thermal springs. These springs provide the heated water for the many bathhouses dotted across the city. The bathhouses range in size from the enormous Szechenyi Baths to the slightly more personal, Rudas Baths. They all have striking similarities, so choosing which one to go to is all about location and what sort of a setting you want to relax in. Admission typically starts at 2,400HUF.
Zugliget Chairlift
A fun way to reach the Buda hills, Zugliget chairlift has been in operation since 1970. It is a throwback to the Soviet era in the city and is largely unchanged since that time. Starting at the foothills in Zugliget, the cable car takes you on a 15-minute journey to its base atop the hill. On the way up you pass over some mountain terrain, trees and even people’s back yards. When you choose to return, you will be blessed with an amazing view of the city, weather depending. There is also plenty to do when you are up there. The recently renovated Normafa parkland and the beautiful Elizabeth Lookout Tower are just two ways to spend the day.
A return journey will cost you 1400HUF. To reach the chairlift starting point, take bus number 291 from Nyugati Station in Pest to the last stop, a 1-minute walk from the chairlifts office.
Grab A Drink At A Ruin Bar
Other than the Thermal Baths, this could be the biggest draw for tourists visiting the city. These unique bars are an incredible place to have a drink and enjoy a night out. They are located in old abandoned buildings that have been converted into bars by locals. The bars are furnished with flea market furniture and any unique items that the owners pick up along the way. Szimpla Kert was the original (check out the old abandoned car in the smoking area). But today there is said to be over 10 bars located around the city. It would be criminal to miss out on visiting one. Szimpla Kert is a bar I will never forget. Luckily they are loved by locals just as much as tourists, which keeps prices reasonable. Make sure you try a shot of Palinka whilst you are there!!!
Buda Castle
This historic castle and palace complex was first built in 1265. Then between the years of 1749 and 1769, work was undertaken on the Baroque Palace, which takes up most of the site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Budapest. Sitting on top of Castle Hill, the view of the city from here is spectacular. Inside there are a whole host of different options to explore. There is the Budapest National History Museum, the National Gallery and the National Szechenyi Library, just to name a few. The area of the castle is vast with connecting buildings spreading to over a kilometre away. Entry to each area has its own fee so it’s about picking and choosing what you wish to do. Plan to do it all and you will most definitely spend an entire day here.
Go Shopping At Central Market Hall
This is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. The building itself is stunning, it almost looks like an old railway station. On the bottom floor is where you can buy all your fresh produce. Fish, meats, fruit and vegetables are readily available, along with quite a few wine shops. On the second floor, you can pick up some souvenirs. Some are just the standard magnets and snow globes that you will find anywhere in the city, but there are also some unique items on sale too. The second floor is also where you will find hot meals and snacks being served. Prices are more than decent here. The bottom floor is used mainly by locals which keeps the price down. I failed to find souvenirs cheaper anywhere else in the city.
The House of Terrors
A look back into the history of the city and of the country, this museum contains exhibits relating to the Fascist and Communist regimes that occupied Hungary during the 20th Century. It also serves as a memorial to those that lost their lives to these regimes. It is a lot of reading, tough reading at that, and can be difficult to take in. There were victims that were interrogated, tortured and killed in the very same building which makes it even more difficult to process. This insight into the hardships that the people faced will live long in your memory. An alternative to this the Holocaust Memorial Center. This old synagogue is a quicker and less striking alternative to the House of Terrors museum.
Where To Eat
Kisharang Etkezde
If I am being totally honest, I didn’t eat a huge amount of Hungarian food during my time in Budapest. That being said, I loved this place. It was here that I ate dinner on my first and last nights in the city. Less than a ten-minute walk from the Basilica, nestled among much bigger establishments is this quaint little eatery that served up a whole host of traditional Hungarian foods. There was only enough room for approx 15 people in the restaurant so it was always a worry whether I would be seated. Luckily they were always able to squeeze me in. The food was homey, hearty and wholesome. The Goulash soup was perfect for warming you up on a cold day. What I really loved though was the Stuffed Pepper served with potatoes and tomato sauce. It all felt like you were eating home cooking, dishes served in a simple way to a very high standard. Expect to pay 2,000HUF here for the main course and a glass of wine.
Fuego
A chicken lovers dream, Fuego serves up the best value poultry in the city. There are not a whole host of options. You can order either the beast or leg, a half chicken or a full chicken. The rotisserie cooked chicken comes with your choice of sides and, if you wish, some of the tasty Paprika sauce that is available. The chicken is insanely tender and falls off the bone. It also has a slight spice mix on the skin giving some extra flavour. My choice of side was the homemade fries, which in fact were more like wedges. It is a great place to grab some great, quick food and have a beer. A full meal will set you back approx 2,500HUF.
Tolto
If you like hot dogs, you’ll love Tolto. Gone are the simple Frankfurters with Mustard and in their place is a wild boar, goose, beef, pork and chicken sausages. Each one of the 5 different types of meat on the menu has been paired with ingredients that perfectly compliment them. It might not sound appetizing but there are huge flavours on each of them, that are guaranteed to go perfectly with the sausage. Also, their lemonade is delicious. A quick bite from Tolto is a must in Budapest!!
Bors GasztroBar
Before visiting, I read a blog describing Bors as “the kings of cheap eats in Budapest”. In my opinion, even this high praise is a huge understatement. Bors doesn’t have a vast selection of soups and sandwiches, about 6 of each available at one time, but every item that I tried in my 3 visits there was incredible. From the butternut, chicken and coconut soup to the Thai massage baguette (Thai green curry chicken breast, zucchini and coriander), I just couldn’t get enough. I thought of it as a place that, if I lived in Budapest, I would frequent a few times a week. It is a small shop with little seating and can be quite chaotic when busy. However, it is worth any wait or struggles to get your order in. The food is simply just that good!
Meatology
As the name suggests, this is not a place for vegetarians. “Slow food, fast” is their motto and they sell meat, meat and more meat. From their Hungarian breakfast to the evening menu of huge burgers and steaks, they do delicious food that will be enjoyed by any meat lover. Prices are a bit higher than the average eatery you find in the city. But it is worth spending that extra few HUF for food this good. I visited for breakfast, and I ate debrecziner sausage (out of this world!!), eggs, bacon and a whole host of vegetables, homemade mustard and some fresh flatbread. It was very filling, but a very satisfying way to start any day. I would definitely encourage any visitor to Budapest to visit here for a meal, regardless of what time of day it is.
Lion’s Locker
A favourite cafe of mine to grab breakfast during my time in the city. Lion’s Locker, which strangely doubles up as a luggage storage service, serves good western style breakfasts. Pancakes, Eggs, Bagels, Toast, the breakfasts are simple but are a great way to start the day. Prices are more than reasonable and the portion sizes are decent. They also do an excellent cup of hot chocolate and coffee, depending on your preference.
What To Avoid
Taxi’s
This seems to be the case for most cities across Eastern Europe, but do yourself a favour and stay away from taxis. They are notorious for overcharging and are, plainly put, not worth the hassle. Budapest has a great connection of buses, trams and metros that can get you anywhere you need to go much cheaper and easier than a taxi will.
Sightseeing Buses
I seriously dislike them. I don’t get the attraction of being shuttled from sight to sight, only getting off as you please. To see a city, you need to walk the city. Taking it in slower, noticing small little details and oddities that cannot be seen from the top of a double-decker bus. it seemed like every second person in Budapest was trying to sell bus tour tickets. Do yourself a favour and skip it. If walking is not for you at least use public transport and get a sense of how locals navigate around the city.
Budapest is only going to get more and more popular. It has to, it is too easy a city to get to and too beautiful a city to miss. I left Budapest feeling that I hadn’t spent enough time there. There were still places I wanted to see, foods I wanted a eat. For these reasons, I know I will return like so many others do. A city that can keep you busy all day before letting you unwind in some of the wildest ways at night. There is no such thing as the perfect city, but as places go and especially capital cities go, Budapest comes quite close. Sure, from an outsiders point of view there are things that can be changed and improved but doing so may lead to Budapest losing some of its wonderful charms and losing some of what makes it an amazing place to be.
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Budapest is so beautiful. I’ve only been there few times for few hours, so I haven’t really gotten a chance to explore it, but I would love to visit during December and hit all Christmas markets, enjoy kurtos kolacs (chimney cake) and mulled wine.
Thank you so much for sharing all these tips.
What a fantastic guide on Budapest. You have explained everything in so much detail. I love how you also included some pictures! Really loved reading this post, Budapest is on my travel list- definitely!
Thanks, Laura / https://laustworld.blogspot.com/
Now this looks like an adventure. I see more sausages than Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible experiences and we are totally OK with that. May need a no-salt detox after that though.