Brazen’s top travel tips: Budapest
As a seasoned traveller, I always like to do a mini break at least once a year and explore a new city. This year, I ticked off the beautiful city of Budapest.
One of our travel PR clients at Brazen is river cruise specialist, Emerald Waterways. After writing press releases about their luxury cruises along the Danube, I was excited to be visiting this bustling cosmopolitan city myself and seeing all that it has to offer.
Although a little chilly, there were so many things to do and see. However, with the infamous British weather I think I’ll be a bit smarter with when I book these breaks in future, so I can escape to a warmer climate! (When I visited in March it was extremely cold – if not more so than the UK blizzards!)
One of the first issues I faced was whether to bring Euros or Forint, as it seemed that the City accepted either currency. In the end I decided upon Forint (as every menu, tourist spot etc. seemed to charge in Forint) so it was easier than having to do a currency exchange calculator each time I wanted to pay. However, if you do want to bring Euros they do still accept these – you just have to ask when you pay the bill. Have a look at travelmoneyclub.co.uk for great value currency they will post to you.
Another handy top tip is absolutely do the ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ tourist buses. I really wish I’d done this sooner, as on day 1 we walked for miles getting from A to B (initially, I thought this was a bit of a con, but it turned out not to be and saved us SO much time).
The tickets cost around 8,000 Forint (about £21) for three days and you get an included Danube river cruise too on a day/time to suit you! It’s great value as the first bus departs at about 7.00am and runs until 10.00pm so ideal for sightseeing and making the most of your trip.
While in Budapest, I thought about the things I’d love to do if I ever returned, so I’ve created a top ‘must see’ if you ever do a whistle stop tour.
- Fisherman’s Bastion
No trip to this city is complete without a trip to this gorgeous panoramic viewing terrace of Budapest. You can either take a cable cliff car to the top and back again or take a 5-minute walk up the steps (they’re not too steep so it’s not too strenuous on a hot day)!
The cliff cable car can get really busy queues at peak times, in the morning and afternoon just before sunset, so it’s best to get up there in advance if you want to take this route and get a good viewing spot for those Instagram-worthy photos.
- Hungarian Parliament Building
One of the landmarks of Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament Building is a magnificent architectural landmark, build in Neo-Gothic style. It’s over 100 years old, with construction starting circa. 1885.
If you decide to take a Danube river cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the iconic sight of the building from the front as well.
- Thermal Baths
There’s two to choose from (the most popular being Széchenyi thermal bath, in the great outdoors) or the Gellért Thermal Baths (which has some seriously impressive and beautiful architecture).
Entry to these spas cost about £15 per person. It was so lovely to kick back and relax – a pastime I’m extremely good at!
- Stephen’s Basilica
Budapest isn’t short of beautiful architecture and St. Stephen’s Basilica is no exception. It’s the largest Church in Budapest and is well worth a visit. They also hold regular evening masses, which the public are welcome to attend and experience a different culture. Entry is free (although a small donation of 200 Forint is custom).
You can also enjoy a guided tour of the Church for about 1,000 Forint, which includes a tour of the chapel and the Holy Right, a visit to the treasury and a panoramic view from the cupola.
So, if you’re after a picturesque and reasonably priced city break, with bags of history and delicious food, then Budapest may just be the place for you!
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the ruin bars or the rooftop bars to get those panoramic Instagram shots and for a tipple (or three) – because who doesn’t like a few beverages on holiday?!
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