On the 12th of March 2020, around midnight, I hopped on a Flixbus, headed for Budapest. There are many ways to get to the city. Some people find taking a train or flying to be more convenient. Coming from Zakopane, a bus was the best option. I also got to experience spending a night aboard a bus and waking up in a new city.
How to get around:
- Buses
- Trams
- Metro
If you fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport you can take the airport shuttle bus, 100E, right to the city centre. The main bus and train stations in Budapest are also located close to metro lines, making it very easy to get to the city centre.
Budapest has an excellent and very affordable public transportation system. If you are in town for a few days, I recommend getting a 72-hour pass which costs 4,150 Ft. All tickets, including the 72-hour travel card, can be purchased at metro stations and some bus and tram stops.
With the travel card, you can simply hop on and off, all over the city. It is a wonderful way to explore Budapest. Be sure to keep the ticket on you at all times in case you run into ticket inspectors.
Exchanging Currency:
Budapest uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). If you have read my previous articles you know that I am a strong advocate of multi-currency cards. Such a card would be perfect for Budapest as most places in the city do accept payment by card. However, if you are looking to exchange some cash I have just the place for you.
Hanifa Change has the best rates in town. This currency exchange is located at Budapest, Nádor u. 34, 1051 Hungary. You should have no problem finding it as it is very near to the Hungarian Parliament Building. I went to change some money there myself and the service was good and the transaction was smooth.
Where to Stay:
Budapest has a variety of accommodation options. You can stay right in the city centre without breaking the bank. When it comes to hostels in Budapest, you are certainly spoilt for choice. Budapest is known for being a party city and most hostels cater to that.
Choosing the right hostel to suit your interests could make or break your experience so be sure to read exactly what the hostel has to offer. If you are looking for a party, fret not as you have come to the right place. I would pick a hostel with a bar as it is easier to meet people, perfect for solo travellers.
I rented out an apartment from the 12th till the 18th of March 2020. This is not something I usually do but in hindsight, I am very glad I opted for private accommodation. The room was just lovely, perfect for two people. It was also very affordable.
I booked the 8 Suites apartment on Booking.com. The flat was centrally located at 1061 Budapest, 1 Andrássy út, Hungary. It was very convenient for us as many attractions and food places were within walking distance.
Things to see:
Hungarian Parliament Building
Right next to the Danube River, this iconic landmark is not to be missed. You simply can’t come to Budapest and skip visiting the fortress which decorates all the postcards. It is located at Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary.
If you thought the exterior was impressive, the contents of the building will blow you away. Highlights include the Hungarian Crown in the Dome Hall and the Grand Stairway. There are guided tours available in all languages throughout the day. You are eligible for a discount if you are a student within the EU or under the age of 24.
Buda Castle
On the other side of the Danube, you will find a massive castle complex. The castle itself houses the Hungarian National Gallery. There are many other exquisite buildings to explore on Castle Hill. We easily spent half a day just wandering around the compound.
The Buda Castle is located at Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary. It is a short hike up to the castle but riding the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a fun alternative. The novelty of the cable car attracts many tourists but each ride costs 1,200 Ft.
Matthias Church
The church can be found in the Holy Trinity Square of the castle district. You can spot the church from a mile away thanks to its colourful mosaic-tiled roof. The contrast between its walls and the carefully patterned roof give the structure a unique, fairytale feel.
The church is located at Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary. You can venture inside the church for 1,000 Ft, 700 Ft if you are a student. The church’s interior will take your breath away. Its design has a certain oriental flair to it which enhances the entire viewing experience.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Famous for its panoramic views, this spot is a hit with tourists and photographers alike. This is my attempt at capturing the fantasy of the terrace. The Fisherman’s Bastion offers the best views of Budapest. What a magical feeling, gazing out into the city from the lookout terrace as the sun sets!
It is very convenient to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion after Matthias Church as they are right next to each other, located at Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary. Catching the sunset from here is a wonderful experience but it can get really crowded.
Heroes’ Square
This iconic square is not easily missed due to the 40m tall column hoisting Archangel Gabriel. The monument is a tribute to the seven chiefs who founded Hungary. It is located at Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 Hungary.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
The church features St. Stephen’s mummified hand. It is impressive to see how the holy hand still remains intact after all this time. The church is located at Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary. Entrance to the church is free but climbing to the top for a view of the city costs 600 Ft.
Things to do:
Stroll along the Danube
A walk along the Danube is perfect for any occasion and at any time of day. Amble next to the river and soak in the romance of the surroundings. Do check out the Shoes on the Danube Bank at Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary if you get the chance.
Ruin Bars
These are pubs occupying old buildings. Its run-down look attracts huge crowds from all over the world. I wanted to try out the original ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, right in the heart of the Jewish District.
I was disappointed to find out that gatherings of more than 100 people had been banned due to the Coronavirus outbreak and that most bars had shut down because of this. This happened on the first night we were in the city.
Thermal Baths
The Coronavirus definitely affected our plans. We were very excited to visit the Gellért Thermal Bath and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Budapest’s famous thermal baths were at the top of our list, but as the days wore on even those closed their doors. We were pretty bummed.
The Coronavirus started spreading like wildfire in Europe, over the few days we were in Budapest. Hungary and countries all around us started locking down and closing their borders. The whole pandemic situation brought about an element of stress and uncertainty. We were also unable to do all the things we wanted.
It would be cliché of me to say that I made the best of a bad situation. That was not the case; I had the best time ever. We went to the arcade and got drunk in our room. We messed around at Decathlon and went bowling. A global pandemic did little to dampen our spirits.
This write up may not be the most complete as we did not get to do everything we set out to but we ended up having an amazing time, arguably even more special because of the circumstances. Unfortunately, I had to end my trip here and fly back home due to the virus but I am sure to be back. See you in Budapest!
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