Guide to Explore Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is the seventh largest country in the European Union. The city is located in the north-central section of Hungary. Budapest got its name from the Danube River which runs through the city and separates the Buda (Hilly side) from the Pest (flat side). The buildings in this amazing town are designed to perfection with much effort taken in the little details should one observe it. In fact, I find the town to be nicer in terms of architecture in compare to their relatively more famous neighbours, Prague.

Currency 

Hungary do not use the Euro currency and one would be require to change into Forint (HUF). Having said that, some restaurants do accept Euros especially those at major tourist attractions. However, it is recommended to use the Hungarian currency as Euro rates are not that attractive when you use it to purchase goods.

Transport in Budapest 

If you are travelling in Taxi within Budapest, pay attention to the taxis! Even though all of them looks the same being yellow colour, the offical taxis are ones with company name, logo and phone number on the side. The unofficial taxis are ones with no such logo and the locals call them Hyenas as they may charge up to 10 times more than the official ones! If in doubt, download the taxi applications like Fotaxi, Budapest Taxi, City Taxi and use it to book one.

Tram rides, buses and the 4 metro lines are easily available in the city center. Locate the purple coloured ticket machines where one can find them easily at stations and bus stops. Otherwise, at time one can still buy tickets from the driver during boarding.

Tram 2 runs along the river Danube in Pest area. It passes in front of the Parliament Building and is one of the most beautiful famous tramlines in the world!

Getting from Airport to City

There are a few options heading to the city from airport. Taxi is the most expensive way, cost around 25-30 Euros (maximum 9,000 HUF). The other way is Bus Number 200E from airport to Kobanya-Kispest, where one can change to Metro Line M3 (blue line). It takes 60 minutes to get into city.

The best way is to hop on Bus Number 100E. It cost 3€ (900 HUF) per person and can be purchased from the customer service centres, newsagents, ticket offices or ticket vending machine in the arrivals hall. Bus 100E departs from the BKK stop which located between the two terminals on the arrivals level.

Avoid Tourist Traps in Budapest 

Illegal Vendors: Usually found in tourist spots. Never buy guide books, postcards, souvenirs from them as they sell at high prices and the quality of goods is way too low.

Gamblers at Citadel: Known as the “Shell Game”, where it requires one to spot which cup did they hid the small red ball. It is like a gamble game where they will allow you to win first, thinking that it is easy for you to grab some easy money and after you place big bet, you are never going to win it!

Pickpockets: Look out for your own wallets, belongings at crowded places like Central Market Hall, Vaci Street (busy nightlife center) and on public trams!

Attractions to Visit: 

Buda Castle & Castle Hill: Budapest’s most spectacular structures. Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its massive 200-room palace. Castle Hill is worth exploring for its medieval lanes and it Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. One can reach the castle using the historic Castle Funicular Railway, which departs from the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. Matthias Church is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill, very beautiful, certainly worth a visit!

Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2

Fisherman’s Bastion: One of the most popular points in the city for tourists, with its views over the city and the Danube. In the south courtyard stands a bronze equestrian statue of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary.

Address: Szentháromság tér 5, Budapest

Parliament building: Known to be the world’s third largest parliament building, this Neo-Gothic building is the star attraction in the city. It boasts 691 rooms as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs. Guided tours (approximately 45 minutes) are available whenever the government is not sitting.

Address: 1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3

St. Stephen’s Basilica:  Being largest church in Budapest, it is a popular attraction for its impressive architecture, and the interior beauty. Two elevators carry visitors into the cupola (or you can climb the 364 steps) for sweeping 360-degree views over the city and the Danube River.

Address: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér

The Chain Bridge: Known to be the first permanent bridge in European continent, it is opened in 1849.

Danube Promenade: My last stop after a long walk in the city. Chill down, watch the sunset and see how lifes goes about in this city. A good prime spot in catching the parliament building from the opposite bank. Pleasant century-old riverside walk extends from the Elisabeth and Széchenyi Chain Bridges.

Hero’s Square: This is where one will get to learn the Hungarian history. Be amazed with the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel. Spot a group of bronze horsemen representing the conquering Magyar Prince Árpád and six of his fellow warriors. Beside it, there are nice churches and park around it. Jak Church, statue of Anonymous, Vajdahunyad Castle are worth a visit in the vicinity.

Széchenyi Medicinal Bath: The largest medicinal bath in Europe with water being supplied by two thermal springs. Do not miss this opportunity to soak yourself in this famous spring water!

Vaci Street: Heart of the city shopping district. Usually pack with visitors and known to be the “Fashion Street” in Hungary. Do not miss out getting some souvenirs from here as well!

Central Market Hall:  The market is closed on Sunday, opens at 6am on other days, and closes at 5pm. One can find food, souvenirs, fresh fruits and many more!  The one stop place to get your lunch fix as well.

Sample itinerary which I had covered during time in Budapest in 1.5 days:

Day 1:  Budapest  

0755H: Arrive Budapest;

1000H: Check in hotel, walk along Vaci Street

1200H: Explore Budapest city, have Lunch near Central Market Hall

1300H: Visit Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica

1430H: Visit Buda Castle Hill; funicular is the fastest way to get to the top of Castle Hill and is popular because of its panoramic views out across the Danube.

Matthias Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady, is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill.

1500H: Fisherman’s Bastion

1630H: Hero Square. Address: Hősök tere, 1146

1730H: Visit the Great Market Hall in central Budapest is Budapest’s most famous marketplace. Closed SUNDAY. Address: Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093

1900H: Walk along Danube River Promenade

Day 2: Budapest

0800H: Leave Hotel

0900H: Visit City Park; home to the Budapest Municipal Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Budapest Circus and the Vajdahunyad Castle.

1030H: Visit Széchenyi Thermal Baths in the City Park ; largest “medicinal” bath centre in Europe. The waters are rich in sulphates, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and fluoride, which are believed to help patients with degenerative joint illnesses and other medical issues. For those who just want to enjoy the relaxing powers of the thermal pools, there are a variety of different thermal pools on site, as well as saunas and steam rooms.

1200H: Lunch, leave Budapest for Ljubljana in Slovenia.

For more information on visiting the Eastern Europe region in 10 days, click here.

Categories: Europe Region