Budapest is a great city to discover
| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 1,750,000 |
| Languages spoken | Magyar (Hungarian), German, English |
| Currency | 1.00 Hungarian Forints (Ft) = 0.024 USD |
| Average temperature | Summer: 70.4F; winter: 30F |
| High season | April to October |
Known as the Paris of Central Europe -- and for good reason -- Budapest, during its warmer months, is astonishingly green, breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly romantic. In addition, it manages to be both cosmopolitan and yet rather quaint at the same time with its winding streets and diverse architecture. Given the city’s picturesque landscape, which straddles the banks of the Danube River, combined with its rich cultural history, which dates back to Roman and Mongol times, it’s easy to see why Budapest has recently become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In fact, Budapest is actually two cities in one: Buda, situated in the west, is more rolling, hilly and residential; while Pest, in the east, is more dense, urban and commercial. There’s much to visit in both parts of the city and you won’t be short of ways to fill up your time while you’re here. Art, a hefty dose of history and plenty of restaurants, bars and stores await you in Hungary’s capital. If you’re only planning on being in Budapest for a few days, keep reading to discover how to make the most of your short stay in this charming city.
transportation and accommodation
To go from Ferihegy International Airport to your accommodations, your cheapest options are to take the metro if you arrive in Budapest during the day, or a minibus if you get in late at night. Hop on Bus 200 to Kobanya-Kispest metro station and go from there for 230 Ft if you buy your ticket in advance or 260 Ft if you purchase your ticket from the bus driver.If your trip is a super-budget one you’re in luck, since traveling in Central Europe, including Hungary, is still considerably cheaper than most places in Western Europe. Try the Marco Polo Hostel (1072 VII Nyar utca 6) for spotlessly clean dorm or private rooms in a rather central location in Pest. Online bookings can be made at this hostel, but have cash ready when you arrive, since you’ll have to pay a deposit for your room and key. Steer clear of ordering taxis from here, however, since the hostel will only recommend taxi services with which they are associated. Internet is also available at Marco Polo, though faster and cheaper services can be found down the street. Breakfast is included in the price of your stay, so this hostel is a fantastic option for those wishing to see Budapest on a shoestring. If you have a bit more cash and you’d like some more stylish digs, try Artotel (16-19 Bem rakpart), a chic hotel of Baroque houses with a glass front, highly professional staff and a private collection of the works of artist Donald Sultan. At the terrace bar, you can order snacks and drinks, while the restaurant offers Magyar-influenced international cuisine. For fantastic views and an experience you won’t forget, ask for a room with a view of the river.
Day 1: Explore medieval Hungary
If you didn’t eat breakfast at your hotel or hostel, try the Muvesz (VI Andrassy ut 29), located practically opposite the gorgeous Opera House, for coffee, cakes and excellent people-watching. Then begin your journey through Hungary’s fascinating capital with a tour of Castle Hill. If you’re staying deep in Pest, take bus 16 from Erzsebet ter and get off at the terminal stop at Disz ter or take the metro to Moskva ter, otherwise, you can always walk. Though it will take you longer and you’ll probably be tired, walking really is the best and most enjoyable way to discover all the intriguing nooks and crannies of Castle Hill’s network of medieval streets. Make your way from one side of the district to the other and aim to end your trek at the Royal Palace.Museums of interest in the area include the Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Catering, with its 19th-century pastry shop, and the Military History Museum, with its vast collection of weapons. Other sites of interest on Castle Hill are Uri utca street, which features interesting courtyards, old monasteries and the entrance to the Buda Castle Labyrinth at No. 9. Not to be missed in the Castle Hill district are Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Parts of Matthias Church -- named after King Matthias Corvinus, who was married there in the 15th century -- are 500 years old. Though the Fisherman’s Bastion is a mere 100 years old, it looks much older due to its medieval style, and it offers without a doubt the best views of Budapest. Weather permitting, the Fisherman’s Bastion area is a great place for a picnic-style lunch with a phenomenal view, so bring along a sandwich and a small bottle of wine or beer and plan a leisurely noshing session in these impressive surroundings.
After lunch, head over to the Royal Palace. The Ludwig Museum is situated in Wing A of the palace, and here you’ll find a collection of modern Hungarian and foreign art, including works by Andy Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein, in addition to artifacts and other finds from the medieval palace. In the National Gallery in Wings B, C and D you’ll find a concentration on Hungarian art with some pieces dating back to the Middle Ages. A thorough exploration of the Royal Palace and a lot of walking will likely have you feeling famished again, so check out Aranyszarvas (Golden Stag, I Szarvas ter 1) at the foot of Castle Hill, and sink your teeth into seriously satisfying Hungarian game dishes.
Return to your lodgings for a quick nap (trust me, you’ll need one) and to freshen up, then get ready to investigate Budapest’s plentiful nightlife offerings. Begin at Incognito (VI Liszt Ferenc ter 3), a terrace café located in a square that will become increasingly busy as the night wears on. Sit outside if it’s warm, and observe the crowds while you sip your beer. Carry on from here to any of the other bars or clubs in this square that pique your interest.
Day 2: Artsy relaxation Budapest style
Give your weary limbs a rest after all that walking yesterday and cure hangovers and other ailments with a visit to the Gellert Bathhouse (XI Kelenhegyi ut 4-6). Budapest is famed for its thermal waters and has some of the best spas in Europe. This particular public bathhouse is relaxing, gorgeous and just what the doctor ordered. To get there, take bus 7 or 86 or one of many trams. Soak yourself for several hours in the reviving waters of the indoor and outdoor baths and unwind in the luxurious Art Nouveau surroundings for only 3100 Ft. Other spa services, including body and foot massages, are also available. Be sure to get a bit of sun while you’re at it by letting yourself drip-dry on the outdoor patio. You’ll emerge from your experience completely rejuvenated and ready for some more walking.Fuel up at Café New York (VII Erzsebet korut 9-11), an institution in the city for over 100 years and a popular meeting spot among writers and artists in the early part of the 20th century. The interior is rather lavish, with gilded everything, but this place is definitely a must-see for tourists. From there, walk down Erzsebet korut until you reach Oktogon and Andrassy ut. Wander around Oktogon if you feel like soaking up the busy, commercial atmosphere of the numerous cafés in this area, then continue up Andrassy ut, an intriguing street with many upscale facades that was deemed a World Heritage Site in 1987. At the end of the street, you’ll find Hosok tere (Heroes’ Square) with monuments that represent events and honoring rebels from the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the communist government. On one side of the square you’ll see the Museum of Fine Arts, and this site is worth a visit for its amazing collection of foreign art. If you’re a modern art buff, you might prefer to visit the Mucsarnok (the Palace of Art) which features changing exhibitions of modern art.
Head back to downtown Pest to Liszt Ferenc ter for dinner, then hit up Café Vian (VI Liszt Ferenc ter 9) or any one of the other bars on this strip. Now is the time to give the black herbal Hungarian spirit Unicum a go, since your well-decorated surroundings might trick you into thinking you’re actually enjoying this bitter drink. Popular clubs are always changing in Budapest, so strike up a conversation with some of the locals to inquire about the latest hip spots, or try something on Raday utca if you’re bored with the options at Liszt Ferenc ter. At the very least, you’ll find several fun-looking venues to stop in at while attempting to make your way from one area to the next.
Day 3: Embrace Budapest's culture
Shop till you drop today. For chain stores like H&M as well as designer boutiques, head straight to Vaci Utca and the surrounding streets in Pest. Despite the occasional tourist trap and the commercial factor, walking around in this area is quite pleasant. Be on the lookout for small local stores where you can pick up leather goods like shoes and belts, since these are often of decent quality, but much cheaper than back home. If it’s cold out, try the WestEnd City Center -- one of Central Europe’s largest shopping malls, which is accessible by metro -- to get your contemporary fashion fix. If the weather is decent, visit La Vallie (V Vadasz utca 32) to pick up stylish, high-quality gold and silver cuff links and business card cases at much lower prices than you’d find at home. While you’re in the area, go to La Boutique des Vins (V Jozsef Attila utca 12) to pick up some Hungarian wine to savor as a souvenir of your trip once you’re home. Check out Vasarcsarmok (IX Fovam ter), the Great Market, close to the Freedom Bridge and originally opened by the Emperor Franz Joseph in 1897, for country-style foodstuffs and delights such as horse meat for the more adventurous palate. You’ll likely have to take the metro, but if you can squeeze it in, do visit Ecseri Piac (XIX Nagykorosi ut 156), a flea market, packed with Soviet relics and other treasured finds, where haggling is encouraged.After a hard day of shopping, relax in one of Budapest’s many vast parks. Margit Sziget (Margaret Island) is a great place to rent a bike, go swimming or just hang out. The island is in the middle of the Danube and is not considered to be in either Buda or in Pest. Used as a religious center in the 13th century, ruins of the Dominican convent still remain on the island. For a delicious dinner, Morio Borozo (XIII Pozsonyi ut 39) is a short walk off the island, and offers extremely affordable and delicious Hungarian food and a competent selection of wines.
tips for the trip
- Tipping is common in Hungary, so tip the usual 10% to 15% you would at home. However, rather than leaving it on your table, it is customary to include your tip when you pay your bill.
- You may be entitled to a refund on the tax you pay for goods over approximately $250 purchased in Hungary. Be sure to ask for a VAT Reclaim Form from retailers and then present this form to customs officers at the airport on your way out of the country.
- Though crime is not rampant in Budapest, take the usual precautions that you would at home. Pickpockets sometimes operate in tourist areas, in the metro and around Vaci Utca, so remain aware of your belongings in these areas.
- Though your hotel or hostel may offer a transportation service to and from the airport, if you have to pay for it, take the metro or a minibus instead and you’ll likely end up saving a few bucks.
- Emergency numbers are different from home: dial 107 for police, 104 for an ambulance and 105 for the fire service.
- The best way to make a phone call in Budapest is to use a prepaid phone card. Though it’s possible to use your credit card in the phone booths, do so at your own peril -- you may find a nasty surprise on your credit card bill.
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