Budapest: Great Weekend Break That Doesn’t Break the Bank

The weak pound can make your eyes water when collecting your foreign notes but a trip to Hungary ensures you still can enjoy plenty of spending power.

What to do in Budapest

Take a walk along the Danube or get even closer to the water by going on one of the many boat trips that operate throughout the day. Tours are inexpensive but there are more luxurious options offering a meal as your cruise along the river. One of the most popular places to catch of a view of the Danube however is the Fisherman’s Bastion. Situated on the Castle Hill, it provides wonderful panoramic views of the entire city and it’s one of the places you simply have to go when in the Hungarian capital.

Views of Budapest
Views of Budapest

From here, on the other side of the Danube you will see the Hungarian Parliament Building and it’s certainly worthy of a closer inspection. You should take time to enjoy the wonderful Neo-Gothic architecture from the outside before heading inside to see the most beautiful rooms in the building. Nearly half a million people step foot inside the building each year and with discounted tickets for EU citizens and anyone under 24, it can be a very inexpensive place for a solo or family outing.

Whatever the time of year, you should make use of at least one of the many thermal baths dotted around the city. Budapest is fortunate enough to be situated on 118 thermal springs providing 70m litres of thermal water a day. Some are focussed more on fun while others are all about relaxing and unwinding in the soothingly warm waters. Flip flops are recommended for most spas but you can usually purchase them at the venue if you don’t come with your own pair. One of the most famous and rewarding is the Gellert Spa, which is certainly worth a visit.

Eating Out in Budapest

Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen) picked up a Michelin star in 2014, a great achievement for a relatively new restaurant. It offers guests exquisite food at very fair prices and it has a truly wonderful selections of wine perhaps the best in the city. For a bit to eat on the go, the Bors GasztroBar is an immensely popular option. They are known for their unique and delicious soups and baguettes which are perfect for a cheap and tasty lunch.

Budapest

When to visit Budapest

With an often unpredictable winter and occasionally stuffy summers, the best time to plan your trip to Budapest is between March and May or September and October. Here you’ll enjoy some very mild temperatures there should never be too much rain either. It’s outside of peak season too so the streets will be less busy with tourists and there will be less waiting times at the popular destinations.

Where to stay in Budapest

Quality accommodation can be booked at very modest prices while backpackers can easily stick to a very low budget. The Hungarian capital is large so you don’t want to be based too far from the city centre and one of the most conveniently located hotels is the four star Starlight Suited Hotel. For an even more luxurious stay, the sensational Boscolo Hotel is one you should look out for and despite its quality, room prices there won’t normally break the bank.

The city is incredibly well equipped for backpackers too, options such as the Maverick Hostel, Essential Hotel and the Cooltour Hostel provide travellers with everything they could possible need with bed prices from around £10-12 a night.