Budapest Travel Guide

Other Things to See and Do in Budapest

1. Visit the House of Terror

This building is a museum and memorial to the thousands of people who were tortured and brutally killed here. The exhibit on the first floor takes you through the resettlement and deportation of thousands of Hungarians, including an interrogation chamber, and displays of propaganda. The second floor exhibit is on the Nazi and Soviet occupation of Hungary. From there, move down to the basement, with its reconstructed prison cells and displays on the 1956 revolution. It’s not a light way to spend your afternoon, but you’ll get massive insight into Hungary’s recent history. Adult admission is 3,000 HUF ($10 USD).

2. Go caving

Budapest has around 200 underground caves, all of which are on the Buda side of the city. Check out Caving Under Budapest for tours with English speaking guides. They run tours where you can climb up walls and through incredibly narrow spaces within the 19-mile (30-kilometer) cave system. Tours start from 10,000 HUF ($32 USD) for adults and 7,000 HUF ($22.50 USD) for kids.

3. Wander through the Great Market Hall

Built in 1897, this market is the largest and one of the oldest in Budapest. Heavily damaged during World War II, it remained that way until the 1990s when it was restored, re-opening its doors in 1997. Look for gothic revival entrance and patterned Zsolnay tiled roof as you enter. About 10,000 square meters, the market has vaulted glass and steel beam ceilings, and three floors of stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, sausages, spices, and local handicrafts. There is a food court inside the market on the second floor.

4. Visit the Royal Palace (Buda Castle)

Originally constructed in the 13th century, the huge Baroque complex you see today was built between 1749 and 1769. The palace’s days of being a luxurious living space ended in World War II when Nazi (and then Russian) troops looted it. Today, it’s home to a collection of museums – the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, House of Houdini, Museum of Military History, Museum of Music History, Museum of Telephones, and the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum. Beneath the castle, there’s also a labyrinth that was used to imprison Vlad the Impaler!

5. Take a free walking tour

If you want a complete overview of Budapest, take a free walking tour. There are daily tours available in the city with companies like Free Budapest Walking Tours, Strawberry Tours, Trip to Budapest, and Generation Tours. These are a great way to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Be sure to take a tour if you want to get below the surface of Budapest! (Be sure to always tip your guide!)

6. Relax on Margaret Island

This popular island is smack in the middle of the Danube, connected by the Margaret and Árpád Bridges. It used to be a royal hunting reserve but has since been turned into a public park with lots to see and do. Locals and visitors walk or drive golf carts (or scooters) around the island, explore the immaculate Japanese garden or the rose garden, chill on the beach, visit the small zoo, or visit the ruins of an ancient Franciscan Monastery. Margaret Island also has its very own baths, known as Palatinus, complete with adventure pools and wave pools. Admission starts from 2,600 HUF ($8 USD).

7.Take a day trip to Lake Balaton

For about 6,000 HUF ($19 USD), you can get a round-trip train ticket from the city to Lake Balaton. This is the largest lake in Central Europe (often called the “Hungarian Sea”) and a rich wine region that is also a hub for outdoor activities, especially cycling on the 125-mile (200-kilometer) road network. Hike the extinct volcanic landscape in the Tapolca Basin, walk through lavender fields, and look for wildlife like deer and osprey in the Balaton Uplands National Park.

8. Visit the Cave Church

You can find this odd little church on the Buda side of the city. In the 1920s, monks built this church in a cave that had been previously used by a hermit. The entire church was sealed up behind a wall of concrete until 1989 when the wall came down and the church was reopened. There are lots of interesting relics, including a replica of the Black Madonna from Poland. Admission is 600 HUF ($2.50 USD) which includes an audio guide.

9. See the Shoes on the Danube

Erected in 2005, this small monument is the creation of film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. During World War II, fascist militiamen rounded up 3,500 citizens (800 of which were Jewish), ordered them to take off their shoes before they were executed and thrown the Danube. This monument of bronze shoes that represents the ones taken off prior to execution.

10. Hike Gellért Hill

Named after Saint Gerard, this 235-meter hill overlooks the entire city. The climb up isn’t too taxing, and the sweeping view over the entire city makes it worth the effort. At the peak, you’ll find a few vendors selling snacks and drinks. Look for the Szent Gellért Monument dedicated to Saint Gerard, who was the first Bishop of Csanád in what was the Kingdom of Hungary in 1030 CE.

11. Visit the Budapest History Museum

This museum covers four floors of Buda Castle and will really give you a comprehensive overview of the city’s entire history. Some rooms date back to the 15th century, including the old cellar, which you’re free to explore. Personally, I really liked the “1,000 Years of Budapest” area – it offers an overview of the historical sites around the city center and their role in Hungarian history, from prehistoric times right up to the present. Admission varies by season (2,000-2,400 HUF/$6.50-7.75 USD).

12. Go to Matthias Church

The original church was built in the 11th century. The current building was constructed in the 14th century and saw significant renovations in the 19th century. Some parts of the church still date back 500 years, including the carvings over the south entrance. The colorful roof of this church almost looks like it was built from Legos. Once inside, notice the vaulted ceilings and ornate décor. In the Royal Oratory, you’ll find the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art, which has stunning pieces of art like chalices and replicas of the Crown of St. Stephen. Admission is 1,500 HUF ($5 USD).

13. Gaze at St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is the largest church in Hungary. Its exterior is covered in ornate neoclassical architecture propping up a tall dome, while the inside is covered in gorgeous artwork and sparkling marble. If you go inside, check out all the little chapels and St. Stephen’s mummified hand. If you’re there on a Monday, you can attend an organ concert. Entry is by donation, but it costs 1,000 HUF ($3.15 USD) to visit the tower for views over the city.

14. Hungarian Presidential Palace

This is the home of the Hungarian president. The palace is called Sándor-Palota (Alexander Palace), and while it’s not terribly eye-catching compared to the surrounding buildings, you can see the changing of the guard at the top of each hour for free (from 9am to 5pm, excluding Sundays). Sometimes, the palace will be open for tours in the summer (you’ll have to inquire in person about prices and hours).

15. See the Hungarian State Opera House

Designed by Miklós Ybl towards the end of the 19th-century, this is the second largest opera house in Budapest and neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Tours are 2,500 HUF ($8 USD) for adults and includes a photo ticket and mini-concert.

16. Tour Heroes’ Square

Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square is actually the largest square in the country. Its centerpiece is the Millennial Memorial featuring a 36-meter pillar topped with the Archangel Gabriel, surrounded by 14 statues of Hungarian kings (as well as other historical figures). The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary. At this time, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled by the Hapsburgs, and space was left for statues of future Hapsburgs leaders.

Budapest Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Budapest is famous for its hostel culture so you’ll find hundreds of options of varying quality here. In peak season, most dorm beds are 3,500-5,800 HUF ($11.25-$18.50 USD). A private room will cost around 18,000 HUF ($57.50 USD) per night, though they can be found for as little as 8,500 HUF ($27 USD). In the low season, you can find dorm rooms for as low as 1,850 HUF ($6 USD) per night, while private rooms can be as low as 6,300 HUF ($20 USD).

Free WiFi is standard, and a couple of hostels also offer free breakfast. Most hostels have a kitchen too if you want to cook your own meals.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available within the city. Bikercamp and Haller Camping are among the most popular inside the city. Both are on the Pest side. Expect to pay around 5,500 HUF ($18 USD) (for a plot and admission for 2 people).

Budget hotel prices – There are several budget hotels available in the city. While there are a handful of 2-star hotels, the 3-star hotels are a recommended base in Budapest. In summer, a double room with air conditioning, TV, and wifi can be found for as little as 14,000 HUF ($46 USD) per night. The average rate is around 24,000 HUF ($79 USD) per night.
Airbnb is also available in the city, with shared accommodation starting at 4,000 HUF ($12.75 USD) per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 5,500 HUF ($18 USD) per night (though they average closer to 16,000 HUF($51 USD).

Average cost of food – Budapest is a great city to eat in on a budget. Whether it’s a slice of pizza for less than 400 HUF $1.27 USD) a slice, goulash for 1,400 HUF ($4.50 USD) or a langos for as little as 280 HUF ($1 USD), there are plenty of cheap options available. You can easily eat for under 4,000 HUF ($12.75 USD) a day.

Gastropubs are a good place to find hearty Hungarian cuisine and yummy street-type foods. A meal in a gastropub will cost about 3,000 HUF ($10 USD). Try the soups, street style foods, and over-the-top drink concoctions at Bors Gastro Bar. Spíler Original is a good place for gourmet burgers, and shakshuka. Cactus Juice has tasty wiener schnitzel.

For a mid-range restaurant with table service, expect to pay around 5,000 HUF ($16 USD). Százéves is one of the oldest restaurants in Pest, and a go-to spot for traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), and chicken paprikash.

A beer at the bar will cost around 400 HUF ($1.27 USD) while buying it at a store will be half that price.

For a week’s worth of groceries of chicken and pork, fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, and milk, expect to pay around 8,000-9,000 HUF ($25.50-$29 USD). Beef, fish, and anything imported, such as cheese, can be quite expensive.

Backpacking Budapest Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Budapest, my suggested budget is 12,000 HUF ($38.25 USD) per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating cheap meals, cooking some food, visiting a few attractions, and using local transportation.

On a mid-range budget of about 30,000 HUF ($100 USD), you can stay in a private hostel room or budget hotel, eat out all your meals, drink a lot more, take some guided tours, and visit any attraction. On this budget, you’ll want for nothing.

If you want luxury hotels, taxis, private tours, fancy restaurant meals, and luxury spas and baths, expect to pay 95000 HUF ($305 USD) or more per day. At this price point, the sky is the limit! Really, you can do anything you want in Budapest if this is your daily budget.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style.

Budapest Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

Budapest isn’t an expensive place to visit. If you stick to local food markets, dorm rooms, and public transportation, it’s really hard to break the bank. My one piece of advice is to limit your drinking. This is where travelers go wrong. Sure the beer is cheap but twenty of them add up! Here are some high-impact ways to save money in Budapest without sacrificing your trip:

• Take a free walking tour – There are plenty of free walking tours available, making for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest!) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip!
• Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it will be cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save 20-50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Get the Budapest Card – The Budapest Card is a travel pass that will give you big discounts and deals on attractions and activities in the city. You also get a lot of FREE stuff, including access to public transport, entry to the Lukács thermal baths, and entry to 17 museums. The more days you purchase, the lower the daily price.
• Take advantage of the water fountains – Free water is the best water! There are water fountains all over the city, and they’re safe, clean, and free to use.

Where To Stay in Budapest

Looking for a place to rest your head while here? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Budapest:

• Retox Party Hostel
• Carpe Noctum Original
• Hostel One Budapest
• Big Fish
• Pal’s Hostel

How to Get Around Budapest

Public transportation – The city bus network in Budapest has over 200 routes . Additionally, Budapest has a large network of yellow streetcars/trams servicing much of the city. In the area of Pest, you will also find trolley buses with 13 available routes and there is a modern metro system running along 4 lines too:

• M1 services the northeast side of the city from Pest to City Park.
• M2 services east to west from Örs vezér tere on the city’s east side. It also provides a connection between two of the cities main railway stations Keleti and Déli.
• M3 services the northwest from Kobánya-Kispest through the city center to Újpest.
• M4 provides a link between the southwest and the northeast beginning at Kelenföld vasútállomás in Újbuda traveling through the city center to Keleti pályaudvar.

Tickets are valid on the bus, metro, trams, and trolley buses, and can be purchased at any metro station with a single ride costing only 350 HUF ($1.15 USD). If you want to avoid standing the the queues at the stations, you can also buy tickets at most newsstands, street stands, and ticket vending machines. One standard ticket is good for one trip. That means if you need to transfer, you will need a new ticket unless you have bought a transfer ticket.

Just having a ticket does not mean you are ok to travel, you need to validate the ticket on entering the transport to validate it. If you are caught using public transport without a validated ticket you are liable for an on the spot fine.

If you know you are going to be using public transport while in Budapest then it may be worth purchasing a 24-hour transit costing around 1,650 HUF ($5.30 USD). You can also get a 72-hour card for around 4,150 HUF ($13.25 USD).

If you have a Budapest Card, public transportation is free.

Trains – There are three main railway stations in Budapest that connect the capital with other cities in Hungary as well as to other capital cities such as Vienna.

Keleti Pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station) is the main international and inter-city railway station in Budapest. It is located in district 8 and can be accessed by M2 on the subway or bus 5 or 7. From Keleti, you can take a train to other cities in Hungary such as Hatvan, Gyor and Békéscsaba.

Déli Pályaudvar (Southern Railway Station) is the main railway station in Buda, located in District 1. To get here you can take M2 on the subway or streetcar 18, 59 and 61. Déli station predominantly serves towns and cities in the Transdanubia area. From here you can take a train to Balaton (2 hours), the train will take you along the scenic Lake Balaton (the largest lake in Central Europe). You can also stop off at Siofolk on this route, one of Hungary’s top bathing resorts.

Nyugati Railway Station (Western Railway Station) is located in District 6 and can be accessed by M3 on the subway or by streetcars 4 and 6. From Nyugati, you can take a train to other cities within Hungary such as Danube Bend, Vác, and Esztergom, or you can take a direct train to Kiev.

Ferry – There are two forms of public water transport, the Danube River Ferry Service and the Riverboats (only operate from May-September). The Danube River Ferry Service runs between Újpest and Millenniumi Városközpont. While the Riverboats operate the services between Boráros tér and Pünkösdfürdo. The Riverboats depart every 1.5 hours between 8am and 8pm with ticket prices ranging from 250-1,000 HUF ($0.80-$3.20 USD).

When to Go to Budapest

Peak season is from June and August during the Summer where temperatures rise to 86ºF (30ºC), and Budapest experiences a huge influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well, with the cost of dorm bed more than doubling.

However, I think the best time to visit Budapest is shoulder season in the spring and fall (April to May and September to October, respectively). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper.

Winter is from November to March. During this time there is a lot of rain and snow, with many tourist attractions shutting down. Temperatures can drop to 37°F (3°C) in Budapest. On the other hand, November to December are fantastic for the Christmas markets, and several events and festivals such as the Magic Bath Parties, International Guitar Festival, Total Dance Festival, Nutcracker Festival, and New Year Bath Party, take place then.

How to Stay Safe in Budapest

Scams and pick-pocketing are a common danger you’ll face, especially in Budapest around high traffic areas like on tramline 4-6 and the yellow metro line. Other hotspots in Budapest are Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament. All of these areas are crowded and popular with tourists.

Other things to be aware of are large bar and restaurant bills. It is mostly solo male travelers who become the target of the large bar bill scam. He will be approached by a group of women who will ask for a light or directions. They will then ask if he wants to come for a drink in a nearby bar. When the bill comes it will be very expensive and they will be unable to pay their share. This is a very common scam and the women are working for the bar. If you aren’t sure if it is a scam or not then try suggesting you all go to a different bar than the one they suggest.

The large restaurant bill scam is common around Vaci Utca where you will be persuaded to visit a bar or restaurant by a street tout. The restaurant will not be on street level, you will normally have to ride an elevator to get to the restaurant. You will be pressured to order from a menu with no prices and then presented with a huge bill at the end. To avoid this always check the prices before ordering.

You can read about the 14 travel scams to avoid right here.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Budapest!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Budapest Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use in Budapest. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.

• Momondo – This is my favorite booking site. I never book a flight without checking here first.
• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is another great flight search engline which searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I use this site too as a way to compare prices.
• Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. (If you’re new to Airbnb, get $35 off your first stay!)
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all bookers.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Europe, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts when you click the link!
• STA Travel – A good company for those under 30 or for students, STA Travel offers discounted airfare as well as travel passes that help you save on attractions.
• Rome 2 Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – German based Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low $6! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, and up to three 3 free bags.
• Bla Bla Car – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way travel than by bus or train!
• World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.

Sparta Gear and Packing Guide

In this section, I’ll give you my suggestion for the best travel backpack and tips on what to pack for your trip to Budapest.

The Best Backpack for Budapest

What’s the best backpack for traveling around Budapest? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, front loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something smaller or different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for more tips and tricks on how to pick a backpack – as well as more pack suggestions!

What to Pack for Budapest

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

• Band-Aids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Earplugs
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

• A key or combination lock (safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry)
• Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
• LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

• What I Pack For My Travels
• The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
• How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack

Budapest Travel Guide: Suggested Reading

Will to Survive: A History of Hungary, by Bryan Cartledge
Will to Survive goes into detail about Hungarys survival in the face of adversity. Surrounded by hostile neighbors for most of it’s existence it has survived some of the most powerful empires in history. Hungary still occupies the territory the Magyar tribes claimed in the ninth century, despite falling victim to The Mongol, Ottoman, Habsburg, Nazi and Soviet empires. And being on the losing side in every war it has fought. If you want to really understand Hungary’s history then this is the perfect read. Bryan Cartledge, traces Hungary’s story from the arrival of the Magyars to Hungary’s success in gaining membership of NATO and the European Union.

The Bridge at Andau, by James A. Michener The Bridge at Andau tells the story of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Although some of the political commentary is slightly dated it is a gripping account of the doomed uprising. The uprising only lasted for five short days. During this time the Hungarian people were offered a glimpse of a different future. Then early one morning the citizens of Budapest were woken by the sound of Russian tanks marking the end of the revolution. It was only thanks to a small footbridge at Andau that people were able to flee to the safety of Austria. Michener doesn’t sugarcoat details making some parts difficult to read but if you are visiting Budapest then reading this book is going to make your trip a lot more interesting.

The Essential Guide to Being Hungarian: 50 Facts & Facets of Nationhood , by István Bori
Although Hungary is situated in the heart of Europe many Hungarians feel that the rest of the world just doesn’t understand them. The Essential Guide to Being Hungarian is a collection of 50 short candid articles written by twelve Hungarian authors. Subjects covered in the witty easy to read articles include: the the stereotypical Magyar man and woman, foods, folk customs, livestock, literature, film, philosophy, politics, scientists, and sports. It’s a compacting and irresistible little book, that proclaims to teach anyone how to be Hungarian, even if they already are. It is well worth a read to help you understand a little more about the Hungarian people.

I Kiss Your Hands Many Times: Hearts, Souls, and Wars in Hungary, by Marianne Szegedy-Maszak
I Kiss Your Hands Many Times is an epic, yet intimate, wartime love story set in Hungary during the 1940’s. Based on the true story of the forces that brought the author’s parents Hanna and Aladár together when they first met in Budapest, and those that almost pulled them apart. Woven together by their letters written between 1940 and 1947, the authors family memoir tells the story, of the complex relationship between Hungary and its Jewish population during this time. If you prefer to learn history through more more intimate stories then this is the perfect read to accompany you on those long Hungarian train rides.

Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe, by Joe Hajdu
Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe is a easy read for those who want to learn about Budapest’s history, without feeling like you are reading a history text book. Hajdu brings the history and locations to life as he switches back and forth in time to put the past into context. This is the book you will wish you had read before your trip to Budapest!

My Must Have Guides for Traveling to Budapest

How to Get Free Flights

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Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

Kristin Addis writes our solo female travel column and her detailed guide gives specific advice and tips for women travelers.

Backpacking Europe

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How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

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