THREE DAYS IN BUDAPEST

Hungary for travel? Bu, I got da pest place for ya!!

Okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, Budapest has been, without a doubt, one of the most fun cities I’ve ever been to. Let’s start by correcting our pronunciation as we don’t want to be THOSE tourists, right? Budapest is pronounced Buda-pesht. Buda is on one side of the river and Pest is on the other. Learn it. Live it. Love it. Because if you want to reap the benefits of this lively city (which you do) you gotta put in the work (it’s not really work, relax).

Budapest, like its neighbors in the Eastern Bloc, has a long, rich history. Home of early Celtic settlements, later Roman (that one’s important to remember), and much later an integral part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the history novice (me obv) to expert (what I’m striving to be) can enjoy the city just the same. But the real fun stuff? That happens when the sun goes down… but we’ll get to that!

DAY ONE (Friday, if possible)

Check Yoself… In 

Assuming you arrive around early afternoon, try to check in to your hotel/hostel/airbnb. Maybe you won’t be able to check-in, but at least you can store your bags. I stayed at the Wombat’s hostel. I’d give it a solid 7/10. Everything was clean and the staff was nice. Unfortunately there were plumbing issues that 1. made our bathroom smell and 2. the water in all of the hostel was shut off for a few hours due to some problem. My last complaint is that the wifi was near inexistent, and we all know that ain’t cool. But… it was in a great location… like really great. Would I stay there again? Probably… but just keep your options open on your search! In fact, hostels are often the best bang for your buck

Be a Backstreet Boy 

Start at street “Gozsdu Udvar” (if you come from Wombat’s take a left out the front door and your first right). It will take you down a back alley of shops and restaurants and on some days there’s even an open air market! Take your time to stop at whatever tickles your fancy. Art? Clothes? A drink? 4 drinks? Who cares it’s vacation, baby!!

Mother Trucker!!!!

Make your way to the permanent food truck lot at 1075 Budapest VII. kerület, Kazinczy utca 18. With endless choices from burgers to Mexican to Italian to even vegan— YES, I said vegan— this is the perfect lunch (or maybe even linner AKA lunch/dinner) spot to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I personally went to Langos Burger where I had a play on a pork burger. They used deep fried dough called Langos, a Hungarian specialty, as a bun and dressed with caramelized onions and goat cheese. I topped off my already full and satisfied stomach with a waffle from the Waffelland truck. Nutella and banana, how could you go wrong?

Girl, Put Your Face On

Go back to your accommodation and get yourself ready for the night. And if that also means stopping at the grocery store on your way back to the hostel to get some refreshments… then do you. Pregame is everything.

Ruin the Night

Thanks to some young men looking for a place to have cheap beer back in 2001, ruin bars are the thing today in Budapest. What are they? Dilapidated buildings and unused outdoor spaces that have been transformed into chaotic art… a hipster heaven one might say. We enjoyed the two-story indoor/outdoor Szimpla Kert. You’ll never run out of things to look at while you chug (or sip, sipping is good too) on that vodka soda.

Late Night Snack

You’ve probably worked up an appetite at this point, so feel free to stop at any of the stands or shops you see on the way home, you deserve it.

DAY TWO (Saturday)

Rise and Shine!!!!

10:30am is your wakeup call for the free walking tour that you’re taking. It departs from Vörösmarty square at the lion fountain and look for people with the blue shirts. Your tour will start off on the Pest side and slowly but surely work its way across the bridge and up the hill. You’ll see most of the major attractions like the Danube Promenade, Gresham Palace, Chain Bridge, Castle District, Royal Palace, etc. etc.

Also, I’m just going to be honest— wear your cutest outfit today. The views from the top are A1.

Hungary for Hungarian Cuisine

After that long walk, I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite. Go ahead and walk back down the hill to get yourself a hearty lunch at Ildiko’s Kitchen. The prices are reasonable, and you won’t leave hungry that’s for sure. P.S.— try the goulash!! (Might need reservation, so think ahead).

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Pay your respects to the Jewish people whose lives were taken during WWII. They were ordered to walk up to the ledge of the river and take of their shoes. Then they were shot to fall into the river, so their bodies would be carried away by the current. Today, on the same ledge, stands iron sculptures of shoes— men, women, and children sizes alike— to honor their lives.

Just Relax

Go back to your accommodation and prepare yourself for the night ahead. P.S.A. You’ll need to shave. Sorry.

Splish Splash, We’re Taking a Bath !!

Suit up ladies and gents!!! Well bathing suits that is. Budapest is known for its Roman thermal baths (see I told you we’d come back to that). And one of the most popular thermal baths, the Szechenyi, hosts a party every Saturday night. Picture a giant hot tub, a DJ, club lights, bar, the whole nine yards. If you can talk your group into it, I highly recommend it. If you book in groups of 3 you can get a little changing room (a glorified closet, but very useful because it locks and at the end of the night you don’t want to be changing in that bathroom— trust me) for 60 euros each. You also get 7 drink tickets to split between you that can be used for two beers/ciders or one liquor drink. After you run out of those tickets you go to a different tent to put money on a card— this saves you from having to carry cash… however don’t forget to collect the remainder of your money at the end of the night. That’s how they get you!! Seriously though, fun time. Highly recommend! (Be sure to check the dates online prior to your trip, and if you purchase your tickets farther in advance they will be cheaper).

That’ll take you into the wee hours of the morning, so good night!

DAY THREE (Sunday)

Brunch O’Clock

Feeling the headache from the previous nights festivities? I gotchu. Stumble on over to Most Kortars Bistro for a two course plus drink (even Mimosas if you’re feeling it) for the equivalent 8 US dollars. That’s right— and the portions aren’t stingy either. I had a fried egg, sausage, potatoes, and spinach plate and then a brownie for dessert. Y U M. Plus there are total insta-worthy vibes in here. Check it out!

Gotta Hand It To You..

Your belly’s full so go out and be ~cultured~ and visit St. Stephen’s Basilica. Plus you can absolve your sins from the night before— it’s a win win, right? It opened in 1905 and holds the supposed right hand of Stephen, the first King of Hungary. You can see the box that holds it light up, for a donation of course.

Waaaaay Up

I hoped your not bath-ed out, because this one is worth it. Rudas thermal baths are back on the Buda side of the river, and your ticket to paradise. Situated up in the hill, they have a hot tub with a 360 degree view of the city. There are many different package options, so you can choose the one that coincides with your budget. Just make sure it includes the outdoor hot tub on the hill! And if you can make it happen, sunset would be a perfect time.

Time for Dinner

Remember those ruin bars from a couple nights ago? Kiosk is an up-scale, restaurant version. Just on the other side of the river from the roman baths, it’s a perfect spot to indulge in your last meal in Budapest. The menu is a somewhat modern fusion of traditional Hungarian dishes, but really they have a bit of everything. I had the melted fried camembert cheese with grapes, lettuce, and walnuts served on a crostini, and it was delicious. They also offer a “sharing” option where you can order a few things and they’ll serve it family style. A great option for a group who likes to try a bit of everything!

Let Them Eat Cake!!!

What better way to end a lovely Hungarian trip with a traditional Hungarian dessert? Chimney cake. It’s like a churro on steroids, people. Fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with everything you could possibly imagine. My favorite one I had? Nutella spread on the inside with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and Oreos. Wow my mouth is watering. Chimney cake stands are pretty much all up and down the streets, so just pick one and run wild with your toppings girl. We don’t judge here.

So…….What are you waiting for people? A fun time is calling (well texting if we’re gonna be honest), and its name is Budapest. Don’t leave Budapest on read, that ain’t cool.

Are you convinced? Let me know on my latest instagram @planetochampagne and be sure to like Plane to Champagne on Facebook!