Budapest is the capital of Hungary and one of the most beautiful cities I' ve ever visit so far. Danube river separates Buda and Pest. Buda is located in the more historical side of the city, that's why it hasn't pubs, bars or many restaurants, but if you prefer to be in a quite zone then it's ideal for you. But don't worry because Pest is near and there are many ways to arrive within 15 minutes. From the other hand, Pest is the hurt of the city basically. Stores, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and squares are there. So, if you choose to stay on the banks of the Danube you will fascinated from the Buda's view to the other side. If you choose to stay in the center of the city then it is alright again because everything is so close and the public transport is really nice experience and operates perfectly on time. So let's start with some tips and tricks to enjoy your trip even more
- First of all, when you arrive in Budapest the best way to see the city and explore every angle of it is to buy a Hop on- Hop off ticket. We book a 3 day ticket for 7.000 HAF, which are around 23 euros. It includes a map with all the areas the bus passes and earphones to hear the guide tour in your language. It is really worth the money, we tour all the city in 3 days with the bus and was really relaxing and enjoyable. Also, you can do a boat trip around the river as many times as you want. This is definitely something you can't miss (this was also included in the price). Especially in the evening when the sun goes down you have the chance to see the city with its lights on and that is something magical. Also you cross in front of Hungarian Parliament Building which is the main reason you have to do the boat trip but prepare yourself if you want to sit in the roof and dress well, otherwise you can seat in the deck and enjoy the process with a glass of warm wine (traditional drink in Hungary) that you can buy from the canteen.
- The second tip is to not hurry up and change your coins (for example. euros) to forint. When you arrive at the airport change as much money as you will need to arrive at the center. The bus and the metro costs about 5 euros per person. The reason is that in the airport the exchange rate differs widely from the changes spot in the center, so there is much loss. For example, in the airport 1 euro was pretty much 265 HAF and in the center in a change spot near the New York Cafe 1 euro was 308 HAF. So, make your calculations...
Hungarian Parliament Building
- An experience you definitely can't miss is to swim in the spas that Budapest has. There are three really popular: Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Rudas Baths and Gellért Thermal Bath, Whether you are going to choose I think they are all pretty much the same. I went to Szechenyi Thermal Baths and in that time (January) it was snowing and we swam in the waters. It was really great and unforgettable experience. If you decide to go to the baths you have to prepare yourself or your pocket. You will need a swimsuit, a pear of sandals and a towel. If you go and not have them you may going to pay 6 euros for a bag that includes all of them (and may underwater glasses), it's up to you! Furthermore, for the ladies there are many hair dryers but not even close enough to the real ones that we find in the market so you will have to spent an entire day to blow-dry them. In conclusion tied them up or bring one if you want to.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
- If you are planning to visit the Great Market Hall, at the Pest end of Szabadság Bridge, you have to check the opening hours. Monday: 06.00 - 17.00, Tuesday – Friday: 06.00 – 18.00, Saturday: 06.00 – 15.00, Sunday & National Public Holidays: closed. Also, before start buying things unconditionally make a little tour around because the most of the shops have the same variety of things but not the same quality, quantity and price. Another tip is after you finished exploring the market hall, you can head for Váci Street, one of the most attractive shopping streets, that starts opposite the market on the other side of the road and includes many restaurants, shops, cafe and ends at Vörösmarty Square.
Great Market Hall, Budapest
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- Prefer the public transport, like tram, metro or buses and don't take taxi because the prices are really high which is something unexpected for the standards of the city. Also, if you prefer you can buy a 3-day ticket to transfer around the city. Don't forget that the public transport operates until really late and starts really early so I don't think this will be a problem in your journey.
- Finally, one of the most important ones, all the restaurants in Budapest close about 23.00, so if you want to eat something prepare your schedule and do it until that time. The plan B is to go to KFC that close around 1.00 and the last one is to go to the Vorosmarty square where there is a canteen with moderate quality food on the go and really high prices (because is the only one open on that time).
Winter market at Vörösmarty square
I hope those tips and tricks to help you if someday you decide to visit Budapest and enjoy the trip as much as I did. Also, for the party animals Budapest has one of the best clubs and ruin bars in Europe. My personal suggestions will be Fogas and Szimpla Kert. Enjoy!