Three Laid-Back Days in Budapest, an Affordable City

It was my first visit to Hungary. The plan was simple. Spend three laid-back days in Budapest to see the major attractions, walk the streets, sample local food, and generally catch the Budapest vibe.

My knowledge of Budapest was limited. I was vaguely aware that the name Budapest is a combination of the names of two towns, Buda and Pest, divided by the river Danube.

As one would expect, there is a friendly rivalry between the two sides.

To its residents, Buda is the classier side of the city. Buda diehards will tell you that the best part of living on the Pest side is that they have great views of Buda.

Click to view the Budapest Web Story.

I have to agree.

Unlike Prague and Vienna, which I had visited prior, Budapest felt culturally diverse.

That made sense.

Historically, Hungary suffered numerous wars and invasions that date back to the 9th Century. The Huns, Goths, Mongols, Turks, the Holy Roman Emperors, and others sought to occupy or control Hungary at various points during the medieval, renaissance, and modern eras.

Politically speaking, the former communist country is now a liberal democracy, although media reports would suggest a shift to the right.

But, this post is not about history or politics.

After three laid-back days in Budapest, here are a few observations about Budapest that you may find useful.

Budapest is more affordable than most major European cities

Affordability is a relative term, especially in Europe. However, when compared to other major European cities, I found the food and accommodations in Budapest to be less expensive.

To the dismay of many local residents, Budapest is viewed as a party city by many young tourists from neighbouring countries. Until the onset of COVID-19, inexpensive flights and the availability of cheap alcohol had contributed to the city’s over-tourism, noise pollution, and garbage. The city administration is understood to be crafting regulations to curb party-tourism without impacting economic recovery.

Monuments often have religious significance

The view of the Buda Castle and the rolling hills behind it, seen from the Pest side, is picturesque. Many of the city’s attractions, such as Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, are also located in Buda.

The view of Pest from the Buda side would remind you of picture postcards of Hungary. The breathtaking façade of the Hungarian Parliament Building and the sprawling town of Pest viewed from the Buda side are distinctly European and unlike anything that you see in North America.

If you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to engage a tourist guide to fill you in on the history behind the various churches, castles, bridges, and other monuments that you find in Budapest.

Many blog posts specifically list the attractions of Budapest. Here is one.

Hungarian Forint can confuse you

When you have to hand over thousands worth of bills to buy a small thing, it can be confusing. Though the Hungarians will accept the Euro, Forint is the preferred currency for retail transactions. Going from Czech Koruna in Prague to Euros in Vienna to the Forint in Budapest didn’t help. Imagine having to do the mental math every time you want to tip someone 546 Ft (US$2)!

Budapest has a vibrant food scene

Numerous restaurants and bars lined the boardwalk and around the Vorosmarty Square, both of which were just a short walk from our hotel. Many of the restaurants explicitly offered “tourist menus” that included Hungarian Goulash, Paprika Chicken, and the local favorite Soproni beer. Strangely, that made us feel better. At least, they were honest about targeting tourists!

Budapest’s vibrant food scene includes six Michelin star restaurants.

Ruin bars have a history behind them

As the name implies, ruin bars are bars built among ruins to offer cheap drinks to their patrons.

Unlike dive bars in other cities, ruin bars have a history behind them. Symbolic of the persecution and forceful evacuations of the Nazi era, dilapidated buildings and unkempt parking lots within the Jewish Quarters have provided the perfect backdrop for ruin bars. With its mismatched furniture, garish colors, and chaotic ambiance, a visit to a ruin bar should be on your things to do, even if you are not looking for cheap beers.

Check out this post on Budapest’s ruin bars.

Thermal Baths are a thing in Budapest

The Roman and Turkish influences from their past may have something to do with it. Locals and tourists alike flock to them for their touted medicinal and healing effects. I gave it a pass. A communal bath did not appeal to me. Perhaps, I missed out. It wasn’t such a long time ago that I passed up on a dip in the river Ganges and salvation.

Here’s an excellent guide to Budapest’s thermal baths from Lonely Planet.

New York Café is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world

The New York Café is worth a visit if you have an upscale restaurant experience included in your plan. Located in the New York Palace Hotel, the fabled café has had its ups and downs, including extensive damages during World War II and other political and historical transitions. Famous for its “afternoon tea for two,” it is a popular tourist attraction as well as a sought-after eating establishment in Budapest.

If your post-lockdown plans include a visit to Europe, Budapest is a city that deserves your consideration. The Prague-Vienna-Budapest route is one that you can comfortably do in ten days.

You should go.