Budapest: Too Cool to Go Home
Oh, this mysterious Budapest! Almost two cities in one: Buda and Pest are located on opposite sides of the Danube. Buda is the royal, hilly part, Pest is the flat, business part, and between them are eight bridges. Let’s figure out what to do there, where to go, where to eat, and in which area to stay to experience the good life.
Arriving in the city
If you are traveling to Budapest from neighboring cities by bus (only 7 hours from Prague), you will arrive at the Nepliget bus station. It’s quite a walk to the center, so hop on the metro right away. There are ticket machines with multiple language options, so buying a pass is not a problem.
For those departing from Budapest by bus: The bus station closes at 10 PM, so if your bus is later, you’ll have to wait outside. There are no establishments nearby, except for a pub that operates until midnight.
Arrived by plane? You can get to the city from the airport in several ways. By bus: During the day, only one bus, 200E, runs from Terminal 2B to the city. Take it to the final metro station M3 Köbánya-Kispest; the ride takes about 30 minutes, but depends on traffic. It costs 350 forints, but if you buy the ticket from the driver, it’s more expensive — 450 forints. Bus 100E also runs between the airport and the city center, but it costs more — 900 forints, and travel cards are not valid on it. It starts running from 3:40 AM from the Deák Ferenc tér metro station in the center, with a 20-minute interval. By train: not the most convenient way, because first you need to take a bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, and then catch a train towards the western railway station Nyugati palyaudvar. The ticket costs 350 forints, but you’ll also need to add another 350 forints for the bus. And of course, there’s always a taxi.
Looking for accommodation
For a very budget-friendly trip, you can find a hostel for a very low price per night — this would be a bed in a shared room. But Budapest is not an expensive city, so you can find a decent hotel or apartment here for a pleasant price. We recommend choosing districts 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 13 for accommodation, because they are in the center and you won’t have to spend money on transportation — everything is within walking distance.
Where to eat well
Grinzingi Borozó, although called a wine bar, the food there is excellent. The goulash isn’t a plate, but a whole basin; portions are large and delicious. After breakfast at this establishment, you’ll barely be able to get up from the table. Also, excellent breakfasts at Menza and Bubō. Scrambled eggs, sausages, sandwiches — everything you love. Vegetarians choose Napfényes and Vegacity. And if you love fast food, try langos — a flatbread with garlic sauce, sour cream, and cheese.
What to admire
It seems you’ll still have to buy a travel pass. There are passes for one day, or three, depending on how long you’re in Budapest. There’s definitely a lot to see! Buda Castle with its quiet grounds. Sitting on a bench in the royal garden, enjoying the silence — who wouldn’t feel like nobility here? And nearby are the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The Bastion resembles houses from Disney cartoons: white turrets, ornate circular staircases. There are always many people there, but you can still capture good landscape shots.
Another fairytale spot is Vajdahunyad Castle. Something new and unusual on every side. Get your camera ready, in short. There’s also a zoo nearby! On the same side of the Danube, atop Gellért Hill, you can see the Citadel. The climb up is difficult and long, but the views are worth it! The main thing is not to eat a heavy meal before the ascent. Love water treatments? Check out the baths; there are several to suit every taste. Széchenyi is an open-air bath, Rudas offers a beautiful view, and Király are enclosed Turkish-style baths.
You can’t miss the Parliament building, as it’s the city’s calling card. And nearby is a sad memorial to the victims of genocide—shoes on the embankment. History buffs will be interested in the House of Terror Museum. It’s not the most pleasant museum, but it allows you to see life through the eyes of a 20th-century Hungarian.
Tired of the noisy city? Head to Esztergom — a popular suburb. It’s called the ‘Hungarian Vatican’ and is an hour’s drive from Budapest. This small town borders Slovakia. A good place to escape the city hustle for a day.
