Check out these great money saving tactics and enjoy a budget trip to Budapest without missing out on any of the fun!
When arriving in a country where you don’t speak the language and have no hope of understanding the signs, it’s tempting to fork out for a taxi from the airport to whisk you to your accommodation without any hassle. This isn’t really necessary in Budapest though as local public transport here is very efficient and extremely cheap! You can just hop on a bus (not the airport shuttle) and then take the blue metro line into the town centre.
As far as accommodation is concerned, apartments are the best way to go in Budapest as they give you the opportunity to make the most of the low cost of living, buying food and alcohol in supermarkets like the locals rather than paying top dollar in a restaurant. There are plenty of apartments for rent near to the Central Market Hall which offer the perfect combination of independence and a great central location. And what with the market so nearby, you can buy some great fresh produce for next to nothing and prepare delicious meals in the comfort of your own “home”. Another good option is to book an apartment near to Margaret Island as the surroundings are likely to be quiet and attractive.
If walking is your thing, you will be delighted with some of the free guided tours that are on offer in Budapest! There is a free Jewish Quarter walking tour which departs from in front of the Gerbeaud Café at half past three on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and covers the Hungarian Jews’ religious traditions and takes you through synagogues and cemeteries. This walking tour is free but the guides welcome any tips offered. There are other similar walking tours on offer like the Budapest Walking Tour and the Communist Walking Tour. Go to the Tourist Information Office for more info.
For cheap eats head to the Central Market Hall where you can try all kinds of delicious local cuisine at the food stands and bask in the aromas, sights and sounds of this bustling indoor market. For dessert, check out Cafe Europa (near to Margaret Island) who’s cakes are notoriously good and cheap.
Citadella and Margaret Island are always good free sights on sunny days and invest in a Budapest Card for discounts on museum admissions and indoor activities.
Don’t be intimidated by the “foreigness” of Budapest and succumb to the temptation of staying safely on the beaten tourist track; stay at a local apartment, use public transport and shop like a local.
