BUDAPEST

Small Town Girl goes to

April 2014

First things first…

Where am I?

Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It is split into two halves by the Danube River. In 1873, three separate cities (Buda, Pest, and Old Buda) were joined to create the capital city. The names originate from the original names of the villages on different sides of the river: Buda on the left side and Pest on the right.

> Read more about Budapest

Do you speak

Hungarian? Don’t worry, neither did I. Budapest is a tourist city. Most people that you will come into contact with speak English (perhaps also German, Spanish, or Italian). Conveniently, most of the signs are also printed in Hungarian and English.

Checklist X Sights Local food Thermal baths

Dating back to the 13th century, this castle and the accompanying hill is now home to museums, restaurants, and offices. You also get a great view of Pest from the top of the hill.

Buda Castle

The Chain Link Bridge was the first permanent stone bridge connecting the two parts of the city. Although Budapest has several bridges along the Danube, this is the most well-known.

Chain Link Bridge

The Parliament building is the home of the National Assembly of Hungary. It’s one of the largest Parliament buildings in Europe. I recommend taking a tour of the inside of the building. It’s as beautiful as the outside.

Parliament

This is one of the chambers where Parliamentary sessions are held. The room seats the 199 members of Parliament and the cabinet. Plus, all session are open to the public.

For many centuries Hungary was rules by kings. Now, however, it is a democratic republic headed by a Prime Minister and the unicameral National Assembly of Hungary. The country also has a president but the position is only one of a figure head.

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Grand Market Hall

If you are looking to buy some souvenirs, some authentic Hungarian sausages, great street food (like Lángos), or just about anything, The Grand Market Hall is the place to go. It’s conveniently located near Corvinus University and the Fővám tér stop on metro line 3.

Corvinus University is one of the most prestigious universities in Hungary. If you are in the neighborhood definitely take a walk through the building’s unique interior.

Corvinus University

Built in 1896, this castle was built to showcase the architectural evolution in Hungary. Therefore, the different parts of the castle look quite different from the others. It’s a romantic scene and located near Heroes’ Square.

Vajdahunyad Castle

Luckily, as we were visiting over Easter weekend, we were able to visit an Easter market at Vajdahunyad Castle with lots of Hungarian street food and local craftsmen's products.

The main feature of Heroes’ Square is the statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important national leaders. Luckily, I went on the Saturday before Easter Sunday and there was a parade.

Heroes Square

You will see ads for the current opera all over the city. You can also take a tour through the opera house, finished with a mini “opera.” Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend an actual opera but I would like to come back and do so next time.

Opera House

Checklist X Sights X Local food Thermal baths

Gast

rono

my Pancakes | Palacsinta

This pancake is the Hungarian version of the French crepe. It’s a bit

thicker and can hold almost anything from chicken and mushrooms to jam

and whipped cream.

Fried dough | Lángos These fried dough creations come all

sorts of ways. The traditional one is spread with sour cream and covered

with grated cheese.

Chimney cakes | Kürtőskalács This yummy food is a spiral pull-apart bread baked rotisserie style

and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. It was one of my favorite foods.

Gastronom

y Sausages Sausages are a popular street food to be found at almost every vendor. Make sure to try the Hungarian sausage with mustard and sweet bean salsa.

Goulash | Gulyás Goulash is probably the most popular dish in Hungary. It makes an appearance on almost every menu.

Fried cheese “Rántott Sajt” Fried cheese is not exactly a foreign concept, but it’s pretty good nonetheless.

Gast

rono

my

Hungarian strudel | Rétes Strudels can be filled with

various types of filling. I tried the apple filling.

Dobos Cake | Dobostorta Dobos cake is chocolate

buttercream-layered sponge cake, topped with crystallized caramel

and covered on the edges with nuts.

Best place for pancakes? Grandma’s Pancakes (English name) was recommended to me by my Hungarian friend. Pancakes make up almost the entire menu, and you can get them almost any way you like them.

Best street for restaurants? Ráday street was recommended to me by my Hungarian friend, who said this street had better prices and quality of food compared to the popular Váci street. I did try one restaurant on the street. The food was very good. Most of the restaurants have nice outside terrace seating.

Checklist X Sights X Local food X Thermal baths

Szechenyi Thermal

Baths

Budapest has more thermal springs than any other capital city in the world. The Szechenyi spa is the largest thermal bath complex in Budapest. There are numerous pools and different saunas inside and 3 large pools outside. Definitely try out these unique baths. But, make sure to bring your own bathing suit, towel, and flip flops. Otherwise, you have to pay to rent them.

Travelers’ tips!

Consider renting a private apartment

Renting a private apartment can be cheaper than hotels. Plus, you have the freedom to come and go as you please and experience what a local apartment is like. Most importantly, there are no strict check out times! Want to rent this apartment? Check out the website.

#1

Public Transportation BKK

If you want to see a lot of the sights and save your feet. Using public transport is the way to go. A single ticket only costs about 1 euro (350 HUF) and a daily ticket only about 5 euros. Be warned, you must always have a valid and validated ticket with you. Inspectors will ask for them and the fine for traveling without one is 16,000 HUF!

#2

Hungarian Forint

In Hungary, they use the forint not the euro. 1 euro = approximately 300 HUF So, it’s quite common to pay a bill of that costs in the thousands (HUFs that is).

#3

10% tipping

Tipping is a custom in Hungary, unlike in Finland. Not leaving a tip is considered rude and is interpreted to mean that you were extremely dissatisfied with the service.

#4

Also, European bank cards usually work with the Hungarian ATMs, so you can withdraw money at almost any bank in Budapest. From the ATM, you’ll get large bills – make sure to exchange larger bills for some smaller bills or coins as some places (like trams, busses, and street vendors) are unlikely to have enough change .

1. Read the top 10 things to do in Budapest.

2. Figure out which local foods you must try.

3. Find an apartment.

4. Book your wine tasting tours.

5. Make a plan for public transport (or see where you can rent bikes).

6. Learn some useful phrases in Hungarian.

Planning a trip to

Budapest? Here are my suggestions

WINE

Hungary also has its own wine region. There are many wine tours and tastings throughout the city. You can also visit the actual wine region which is about 3 hours from Budapest by car. Make sure to book your tastings and tours in advance as they fill up quite quickly. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do any of these tours this time. But now I have a great reason to go back!

But what about the…