Budapest
Hot springs and Hills
Top Tips
When travelling to Budapest be sure to make sure you’re aware of the following things:
Firstly – The conversion rate is crazy. It is around 371 HUFFs to £1, this can make it hard to figure out the amount you want to take out of a cash point or how expensive something is. We worked out that £50 in HUFFs is around 18000. (But it is properly a good idea to download a conversion calculator to ensure you’re not getting ripped off).
Secondly- When getting from the airport don’t fall into the trap of getting a taxi as this is overly expensive and it was told to us that as soon as they recognise you as tourists, they bump up the prices. A bus into the centre costs 900 HUFFs for one way and is pretty quick and easy with it running until 12:30am. (The number of the bus we got was 100E)
Thirdly – Be prepared to walk for MILES.
When travelling to Budapest be sure to make sure you’re aware of the following things:
Firstly – The conversion rate is crazy. It is around 371 HUFFs to £1, this can make it hard to figure out the amount you want to take out of a cash point or how expensive something is. We worked out that £50 in HUFFs is around 18000. (But it is properly a good idea to download a conversion calculator to ensure you’re not getting ripped off).
Secondly- When getting from the airport don’t fall into the trap of getting a taxi as this is overly expensive and it was told to us that as soon as they recognise you as tourists, they bump up the prices. A bus into the centre costs 900 HUFFs for one way and is pretty quick and easy with it running until 12:30am. (The number of the bus we got was 100E)
Thirdly – Be prepared to walk for MILES.
Day One:
On our First day, we decided to explore the Buda side of Budapest, this is where Buda castle is placed alongside Ciderella. Buda castle is situated on the top of a large hill and is surrounded by a district that runs along the top of the hill. While walking around, we came across the Mátyás Templom and the Halaszbastya (which is otherwise known as ‘Fisherman’s Bastion’.) The Fisherman’s Bastion offers impressive views over the city below as it once was used as a 19th-century fortress. Luckily, we had fantastic weather on this day, and the views were incredible with many places to take photos. Walking along we came across many little cafes, restaurants and shops. Although, we found that the prices in these shops and cafes were higher than if you were to walk just 10 minutes away from the castle. For food, we ended up stopping at a little stall selling soup, hot dogs and muffins. We settled on a hot dog each and a muffin to share. The hot dog only being 700 huffs we felt this was enough to keep us going through the history museum and up to Ciderella. Although the food did give us some energy, it wasn’t the nicest of meals, but for the price you can’t complain.
We continued to the History Museum for Buda castle. This museum helped to give us both a perspective of the city we were in as we hadn’t before known much about its history. I would recommend this if you are like us and want to know how Budapest came to be the way it did. We spent about an hour here and following this walked over to the hill next to the one we were previously on. This walk is long however, there are plenty of places to stop off to take pictures and have a deserved rest. You will not regret making it to the top. Again, this offers panoramic views from all angles with a monument in the centre. The walk down also goes a lot quicker, so there’s that to look forward to! At the bottom of the stairs leading down from Ciderella is a bridge to cross the river into the Pest side of the city. Walking across that and jumping on the number 2 tram takes you along the river where you can find a line of shoes on the river side. These symbolise the murdering of Jews as they were lined up on the river, asked to remove their shoes and then shot so that their bodies fell into the river and floated away. This is such an important reminder and is very powerful.
Having sat here looking over the river and thinking for a while, we realised the time and were starting to get hungry. We followed the river back the way we came and found a little Easter market. This consisted of huts selling Hungarian snacks, sweets and others selling small souvenirs with a man and woman playing the guitar and singing in the middle of it all. These types of markets seemed typical for the time of year and are a brilliant place to stop and have a famous Hungarian snack.
On our First day, we decided to explore the Buda side of Budapest, this is where Buda castle is placed alongside Ciderella. Buda castle is situated on the top of a large hill and is surrounded by a district that runs along the top of the hill. While walking around, we came across the Mátyás Templom and the Halaszbastya (which is otherwise known as ‘Fisherman’s Bastion’.) The Fisherman’s Bastion offers impressive views over the city below as it once was used as a 19th-century fortress. Luckily, we had fantastic weather on this day, and the views were incredible with many places to take photos. Walking along we came across many little cafes, restaurants and shops. Although, we found that the prices in these shops and cafes were higher than if you were to walk just 10 minutes away from the castle. For food, we ended up stopping at a little stall selling soup, hot dogs and muffins. We settled on a hot dog each and a muffin to share. The hot dog only being 700 huffs we felt this was enough to keep us going through the history museum and up to Ciderella. Although the food did give us some energy, it wasn’t the nicest of meals, but for the price you can’t complain.
We continued to the History Museum for Buda castle. This museum helped to give us both a perspective of the city we were in as we hadn’t before known much about its history. I would recommend this if you are like us and want to know how Budapest came to be the way it did. We spent about an hour here and following this walked over to the hill next to the one we were previously on. This walk is long however, there are plenty of places to stop off to take pictures and have a deserved rest. You will not regret making it to the top. Again, this offers panoramic views from all angles with a monument in the centre. The walk down also goes a lot quicker, so there’s that to look forward to! At the bottom of the stairs leading down from Ciderella is a bridge to cross the river into the Pest side of the city. Walking across that and jumping on the number 2 tram takes you along the river where you can find a line of shoes on the river side. These symbolise the murdering of Jews as they were lined up on the river, asked to remove their shoes and then shot so that their bodies fell into the river and floated away. This is such an important reminder and is very powerful.
Having sat here looking over the river and thinking for a while, we realised the time and were starting to get hungry. We followed the river back the way we came and found a little Easter market. This consisted of huts selling Hungarian snacks, sweets and others selling small souvenirs with a man and woman playing the guitar and singing in the middle of it all. These types of markets seemed typical for the time of year and are a brilliant place to stop and have a famous Hungarian snack.
We soon found a little bistro type restaurant closer to where our apartment was placed and decided to sit down for some food. This food was really not the best. I ordered the Tomato chicken with mozzarella and chips. Although eatable the flavours acted weirdly together, and the ‘Tomato Chicken’ was just one slice of tomato on top of the chicken.
We decided to head home after this and have a rest before the evening. On our way back we came across an Aldi where we went in to grab some water, instead coming out with a whole bag worth of stuff. We had found Milka chocolate bars (all different flavours) for just 60p… so, of course, we had to buy about 10 bars. Finally making it to the apartment we relaxed before deciding we would go to one of the most famous ruin bars tonight – Szimpla Kert.
Stepping into the ruin bar was overpowering. Your eyes being filled with colours and many different shapes and old objects. It was such a cool bar and I would recommend it to anyone looking to have a few drinks. It gets very busy as the night goes on so if you’re someone who likes to sit down while having a drink, I would recommend getting there a bit earlier than the crowd. We arrived around 8 and managed to get a seat in the first room. (you can also get a shisha pipe here if you fancy it – this is about £10) I would also recommend that if you want cocktails take some cash with you as we only had card and there wasn’t a machine at that specific bar.
We decided to head home after this and have a rest before the evening. On our way back we came across an Aldi where we went in to grab some water, instead coming out with a whole bag worth of stuff. We had found Milka chocolate bars (all different flavours) for just 60p… so, of course, we had to buy about 10 bars. Finally making it to the apartment we relaxed before deciding we would go to one of the most famous ruin bars tonight – Szimpla Kert.
Stepping into the ruin bar was overpowering. Your eyes being filled with colours and many different shapes and old objects. It was such a cool bar and I would recommend it to anyone looking to have a few drinks. It gets very busy as the night goes on so if you’re someone who likes to sit down while having a drink, I would recommend getting there a bit earlier than the crowd. We arrived around 8 and managed to get a seat in the first room. (you can also get a shisha pipe here if you fancy it – this is about £10) I would also recommend that if you want cocktails take some cash with you as we only had card and there wasn’t a machine at that specific bar.
Day Two:
Waking up later than we wanted to today, we headed to the baths. Not wanting to head to the most touristy place in the city we decided to go to a bath on the Buda side of the river called ‘Rudas Baths’. They said they offered student discount so we thought it would be cheaper. Getting to the counter, we soon realised the person serving us didn’t know what we meant as we were charged full price which for two people was about £20. Pushing that aside we went in and changed into our swimming stuff.
In this case, I think going to the touristy baths would have been the best idea as the ones we went to didn’t have the feel we were looking for. Although we had access to the Saunas, swimming pool and smaller pools it could have easily been somewhere you would have had your swimming lessons as a child. The old ‘steam baths’ that were in this building where also men only on this day, so this meant that I didn’t have access to these and it was also more expensive to include this in the wrist band so Alex couldn’t go in either.
After we had spent about an hour and a half here, we headed back to get some food and shower before the rest of the day. We decided that we would go cheap and cheerful for lunch and have a McDonalds.
Once we had got ready for the rest of the day we went to the Central Market Hall again but this time to have a proper look around. The stalls offered many different things and a lot of paprika products. We found out that this was because they grew it in Hungary, and it offered a sweeter taste than that of Spanish paprika. Picking up some packets of this we continued through the food stalls, meats, fruits and veg and then decided to get the train to Heroes square.
Waking up later than we wanted to today, we headed to the baths. Not wanting to head to the most touristy place in the city we decided to go to a bath on the Buda side of the river called ‘Rudas Baths’. They said they offered student discount so we thought it would be cheaper. Getting to the counter, we soon realised the person serving us didn’t know what we meant as we were charged full price which for two people was about £20. Pushing that aside we went in and changed into our swimming stuff.
In this case, I think going to the touristy baths would have been the best idea as the ones we went to didn’t have the feel we were looking for. Although we had access to the Saunas, swimming pool and smaller pools it could have easily been somewhere you would have had your swimming lessons as a child. The old ‘steam baths’ that were in this building where also men only on this day, so this meant that I didn’t have access to these and it was also more expensive to include this in the wrist band so Alex couldn’t go in either.
After we had spent about an hour and a half here, we headed back to get some food and shower before the rest of the day. We decided that we would go cheap and cheerful for lunch and have a McDonalds.
Once we had got ready for the rest of the day we went to the Central Market Hall again but this time to have a proper look around. The stalls offered many different things and a lot of paprika products. We found out that this was because they grew it in Hungary, and it offered a sweeter taste than that of Spanish paprika. Picking up some packets of this we continued through the food stalls, meats, fruits and veg and then decided to get the train to Heroes square.
Heroes Square is a massive monument that symbolises leadership as well as having in the middle memorial stones, these are referred to as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is seen as the largest and most impressive square in the city, so it is definitely worth a visit. We sat in a café near here and had a drink while we decided what to do next.
We agreed on The House of Terror Museum. This is not for everyone as it is prolonged and contains information that you may already know If you are a frequent traveller (like us) to other European countries and cities that show the stories of Nazis and the first/second World War. However, the layout and pictures etc. on show in there were pretty interesting, but it is also tiring as the information is just on sheets of paper that you read and with nowhere to sit down this can be hard. The entrance fee to this is discounted if you are from an EU country and under the age of 26 although we didn’t know this before arriving there so remember to take your ID; otherwise, you will still have to pay the full price. (even if you couldn’t look less like 26 if you tried).
Along the same road as where the House of Terror is the 360 Bar which offers cocktails with a fantastic view and also igloos to sit for when it gets cold up there. The view was terrific, and the strawberry daiquiri that I had was pretty good as well. Cocktails are averagely priced at around £6 for one. However, be careful as the person who charged us definitely overcharged us for them. (Just make sure you ask for the bill/ break down of what you’re paying for).
This evening we had a dinner cruise along the Danube River. I had booked this before our trip for Alex’s birthday. This was an hour and a half trip where we received a welcome drink, a bottle of water and a free soft drink as well as a buffet meal and dessert. There was also live music on the boat, and I would highly recommend doing one of the many cruises on offer in Budapest as you’re able to see the views in a relaxed environment. I booked this through ‘Get your Guide’ which were moderately priced although, there are many other apps and websites you can book similar things through.
We agreed on The House of Terror Museum. This is not for everyone as it is prolonged and contains information that you may already know If you are a frequent traveller (like us) to other European countries and cities that show the stories of Nazis and the first/second World War. However, the layout and pictures etc. on show in there were pretty interesting, but it is also tiring as the information is just on sheets of paper that you read and with nowhere to sit down this can be hard. The entrance fee to this is discounted if you are from an EU country and under the age of 26 although we didn’t know this before arriving there so remember to take your ID; otherwise, you will still have to pay the full price. (even if you couldn’t look less like 26 if you tried).
Along the same road as where the House of Terror is the 360 Bar which offers cocktails with a fantastic view and also igloos to sit for when it gets cold up there. The view was terrific, and the strawberry daiquiri that I had was pretty good as well. Cocktails are averagely priced at around £6 for one. However, be careful as the person who charged us definitely overcharged us for them. (Just make sure you ask for the bill/ break down of what you’re paying for).
This evening we had a dinner cruise along the Danube River. I had booked this before our trip for Alex’s birthday. This was an hour and a half trip where we received a welcome drink, a bottle of water and a free soft drink as well as a buffet meal and dessert. There was also live music on the boat, and I would highly recommend doing one of the many cruises on offer in Budapest as you’re able to see the views in a relaxed environment. I booked this through ‘Get your Guide’ which were moderately priced although, there are many other apps and websites you can book similar things through.
We didn’t manage to do some of the things recommend to us due to the short amount of time we had there with the timings of our flights etc., although other things which may be of interest to others is:
The Pinball Museum – here you only pay the entrance fee, and then you are free to play with all the retro games for as long as you wish. (But this only opens at 4pm until Midnight)
The Jewish quarter – Here there are some amazing buildings such as the Synagogue.
Walking Tours of the city – We really wanted to do one of these to learn more about where we walked however, we didn’t have a chance to fit it in. (It was suggested to us by someone we met that you can get free walking tours in most European cities including Budapest which are run by volunteers and you then just pay a donation at the end if you wish.- So, if you’re on a budget give this a go and let us know how it turns out)
The Pinball Museum – here you only pay the entrance fee, and then you are free to play with all the retro games for as long as you wish. (But this only opens at 4pm until Midnight)
The Jewish quarter – Here there are some amazing buildings such as the Synagogue.
Walking Tours of the city – We really wanted to do one of these to learn more about where we walked however, we didn’t have a chance to fit it in. (It was suggested to us by someone we met that you can get free walking tours in most European cities including Budapest which are run by volunteers and you then just pay a donation at the end if you wish.- So, if you’re on a budget give this a go and let us know how it turns out)
Author,Written by Elly Babe, images and videos by Alex Hood.