Budapest, Hungary: How to get there, where to stay and what to do

Capital of Hungary, and tenth largest city in the European Union, Budapest is the most visited tourist destination in Hungary. Full of museums, activities and culture, a weekend getaway can be packed full of things to do. Get away to the city and see what Budapest has to offer.

Must sees for free

The Szabo Ervin Library, located in the Palace Quarter, is a modern library surrounding a very old one. Originally a palace for the aristocratic Wenckheim family, the building was bought by the City Council and converted into reading rooms. Go and pick out a book and read in the grandeur of history, or grab a coffee at the cafe. For only €1, you can register and gain access to the library, so it’s pretty much free. Budapest’s Garden of Philosophy features a sculpture of artist Nándor Wagner’s interpretation of the world’s five main religions, gathered around an orb. On the sidelines looking in are those who Wagner saw as leaders of spiritual enlightenment. Intended to show the development of humankind and an aim for understanding, the garden is located on the hill overlooking the Danube and is the perfect spot to stop and think a while St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and home to the mummified right hand of Saint Stephen himself. The hand has had many owners but has now settled in Budapest since 1945. Entry to the church is free, but a donation of 200 HUF (around 50 pence) is customary.

Szabo Ervin Library (Image: Creative Commons - Sic19)

Top sees for a fee

For only 3000 HUF (around £8) you can get unlimited plays in the Flipper Museum, dedicated entirely to classic pinball. Home to 130 machines, it is Europe’s ‘largest ongoing interactive museum dedicated to pinball machines’. With an in-house snack bar and toilet facilities, you can spend the whole day here if you so wish. Szechenyi Baths offer a relaxed day of soaking and spa treatments, but by the weekend nights transforms into a ‘sparty’: a night-time rave with drinks and live music. Tickets range from 4900 HUF (around £13) and can be purchased online in advance to avoid disappointment. To get the most out of your time in Budapest, try a guided bike tour. Led across Budapest and it’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, why not try it out on your first day to get an idea and overview of the city. With prices starting at £21, you can oriented and even take in the customary midday coffee and pastry stop.

Szechenyi Baths (Image: Creative Commons - ZeWaren)

Getting around

Budapest has a vast system of trams, trolleybuses, metro and trains. Tourist passes are also available that cover all transport systems and the Budapest card combines this with museum entries.

Budapest architecture (Image: Creative Commons - daytona_k)

Eating out and going out:

The For Sale Pub is perfect for those looking to have a drink somewhere off-beat. Though not actually for sale, the pub allows patrons to cover the walls in advertisements and notes. Each wall is littered with pieces of paper from over the years, whilst traditional Hungarian food, drinks and free peanuts are all on offer. Housed in a former factory, Szimpla Kert offers a bar made up of mazes and floors, curiosities and graffitti. Calling itself a ‘ruin bar’, try some of the food, drinks and live music on offer. If you like to try traditional foods wherever you go, try Langosh. Serving up variations of traditional Hungarian langos (deep fried dough) including cheese, garlic, ham and chili, this fairly priced quick-stop is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Szimpla Kert (Image: Creative Commons - Brigadier Chastity Crispbread)

Hotels

Luxury: Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget is based in Margaret Island and offers thermal water springs, spa and wellness area and bathrobes. 1007 Hungary. From £85 per night.

Mid-range: Budapest Panorama Central is based in the very centre of Budapest and boasts a one-minute walk to the nearest metro station, satellite television in every room and high, airy ceilings. Károly krt. 10. From £48 per night.

Budget: Maverick City Lodge is based in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and offers free tea and coffee, air conditioning and free WiFi. Kazinczy u. 24. From £29 per night.