2 days in Budapest | 2018

In honour of me starting my 3rd year as a Dental student I’ve decided to take one last trip before university starts. I wanted to pick a country that wasn’t that far away from mine and I couldn’t have made a better choice than the one I did. It wasn’t my first time visiting Budapest but it was the one where I really took my time to visit and truly enjoy the city!

OUR ACCOMMODATION

We chose an Airbnb this time which was ok and really close to the city center (about 10-15 minutes walk depending on your walking pace). There were shops around the apartment and one big thing was that the building had a private parking lot.

You can check out the place here. We paid 130.97 euros, 2 persons for 2 nights and 3 days.

PLACES TO VISIT

Budapest is a city that deserves to be visited mostly by walking and that’s what we did on the first day. We walked about 10 km and I regret nothing (my legs would not approve).

Saint Stephen’s Basilica

This one is in the center of the city and it’s amazing! You can either visit the church or use the stairs/elevator to go to the top and have a nice view of the city. We decided to do both, so we first took the stairs (only because I am not an elevator fan) and climbed to the top to view the whole city. You have to pay to go to the top and I think we pay around 1200 HUF but don’t quote me on that as I can’t possibly remember the correct price.

After you go to the top, you can easily visit the basilica. It is totally free and you can make a donation if you want to (200 HUF or 1 euro).

There is an organ concert at night time and you can buy tickets from the entrance in case you want to listen to it.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

To go to the Fisherman’s Bastion you have to take a car, taxi or an uber. If you go there by car you have to park it in a paid parking lot (420 HUF (1.30 euro) /hour) then take a 10 minutes walk to the Bastion. It is free to visit the Bastion unless you want to go to the top. If you want a nicer view, you will have to pay 1000 HUF (3.10 euros). You can also visit the church near the Bastion but you have to pay to do so.

Terror House

Terror House is a museum where you get to see an exhibit related to fascist and communist regimes in the 20th-century. It is also a memorial to all the victims of these regimes that were tortured and killed. This place has a very powerful emotional impact and you should definitely see it. You can see the thickets prices here.

Walk around the Blue Danube shore

We weren’t that lucky when it comes to the weather as the wind was blowing like crazy and the temperature was very low. We wanted to walk to one special place that was situated on the shore of the Danube but it was very cold so we decided to go back to the center of the city. If the weather is good, please visit “Shoes on the Danube Bank“.

PLACES TO EAT

Hard Rock Cafe – details here

Located in the city center this place is really nice decorated and the food is actually really good. The portions are really big and I do believe that the prices are good. We had one chicken quesadilla, one portion of mac&cheese with a twist, one beer and one tonic water and we paid around 28 euros.

Jamie’s Italian – details here

This one is near the Fisherman’s Bastion and you have to try it! We had to try the Carbonara and we weren’t disappointed. Sadly all the sits inside were taken and we had to stay outside so I didn’t get to see the interior of the place which seemed really nice in the pictures. One portion of carbonara pasta is around 8.56 euros but for sure worth it.

Anna Cafe – details here

We had breakfast there on our last day and only because it was in the center and was almost the only one opened. The prices are a little bit high and you don’t have a lot of things to order in the morning. The fresh orange juice is really good so I would say to go for it. Also, order the Budapest Omelette, the sausages in there are really good. For one lemonade, one fresh orange juice, one omelet, and one portion of Club sandwich we paid around 32 euros.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Their national currency is HUF but you can pay by card in pretty much all the places;
• You have to pay in every parking lot (except the private ones) so it would be a good idea to carry some coins with you;
• If you are a smoker you have to know that they don’t sell cigarettes in every store, just the designated ones;
• Buy water from supermarkets because if you buy it from any store in the city you will pay more;
• Make sure to try their traditional food named “Goulash”;

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