What to do in Budapest!
Wondering what to do in Budapest? Continue reading to discover our top recommendations for this amazing city!
Budapest is considered the central European hub for backpackers. The city buzzes with life, opportunities and stands as a firm favourite for travellers eager to explore Europe. But why is Budapest so great? Read this travel guide to find out more about this extraordinary city!
Where to stay?
There are tons of accommodation options to choose from in Budapest. Many of these will be on the ‘Pest’ side of the city and will act as a fabulous base. If, like us, you are a backpacker who loves meeting new people and joining in with free experiences, we would recommend staying in a hostel with a high ‘atmosphere’ rating so that you can meet other travellers to enjoy the city with. Hostel One is a company with a fantastic reputation – their Budapest hostel offers safe dorm rooms, an amazing atmosphere and free activities led by their own staff!
Hostel One Budapest
Hostel One Budapest is located 350 yards from the Deák Ferenc Tér stop, which connects to 3 of the Budapest metro lines, as well as bus and tram lines.
Each guest has a locker at their disposal. Bed linen are provided, and bathroom and toilet facilities are shared. The hostel offers free daytime activities, and evening events.
What to do?
The city is split into two sides, Buda and Pest, which are separated by the Danube River. There are a huge range of activities to do on both sides of this bustling capital. A great way to get to know a place this large and busy is to book onto a free walking tour.
We went on the Original Free Budapest Tour which was super friendly and informative, but a quick google will bring up so many more tours to choose from, such as the highly rated Go Zeppelin’s Free Tours of Budapest.
In Pest…
The parliament building in Pest is a piece of fantastic architecture. We recommend viewing it from the river at night by booking onto an evening river cruise. The cruise will take you down the Danube River right past the magnificent building which glows brightly and beautifully at night. The view is truly incredible. Check out the different cruises you can book onto below – we recommend the cruise with free unlimited drinks… they are definitely worth it!
In Buda…
Over the river in Buda, we suggest that you make the short hike to the summit of Gellert Hill. Here you can visit the Citadel and experience fantastic panoramic views of the city. Whilst on this side of the city, make sure to also admire the beautiful architecture at the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion.
Most popular things to do…
In the backpacking world, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. There are many to visit, including the largest and most popular, Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. Likewise, the Ruin Bars in the city are a fun and fantastic way to experience the city’s nightlife and meet other travellers!
What to eat?
If you are a meat eater, head into a restaurant and ask for goulash, a traditional Hungarian dish which is traditionally made with beef or venison. This stew is rich and delicious.
TOP TIP | The Central Market Hall can get very busy. To avoid the crowds, visit between 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm. This way you will avoid the morning locals and the lunch rush!
For more food experiences, venture to the huge Central Market Hall. This stunning market is packed with fresh produce sellers, tourist goods, and food stands. If you head to the upper floor you will find eateries selling Lángos, a doughy and delicious Hungarian street food dish which can be made sweet or savoury.
How to get around?
Budapest is blessed with a fantastic metro system, which comes in useful because the city is so spread out. The metro is cheap to use and will get you just about everywhere you need. Over in Buda, you can also use the Buda Hill Funicular, a cable car which takes you up the steep hill if your legs are needing a rest! Just go to the foot of the Chain Bridge to find it and take the journey up – it will only take a few minutes.
Finally…
Budapest is a firm favourite of ours. We hope these recommendations are useful when planning your trip to this beautiful city! To read more recommendations of popular European backpacking destinations, check out our ‘Europe Backpacking Route for First Time Travellers’ blog post!
