Honestly, describing the journey to Budapest is as pleasurable as staying there. Thanks to Wizz Air, you can catch a flight to Budapest almost any day of the week from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) for as cheap as 300–400 AED (one way).
If you would like a bit more comfort in your life, Emirates offers flights from DXB to BUD, but this will cost you up to 3k AED.
There are 23 neighbourhoods in Budapest, but not all of them are suitable for comfortable living. It is important to know not only the street but also the number of the neighbourhood, which is indicated by a Roman numeral. In Budapest, there may be streets with the same name in different neighbourhoods. There are plenty of stories about tourists arriving at the wrong address.
The main thing to remember is that there are two parts — Buda and Pest, and in the middle, you have a small sort of island called Margitsziget. And so, you want to live in Pest, because this is where the city life is. Buda, on the other hand, would be a great place for a retirement. Well, okay, most of the historical attractions and great thermal baths (must visit) Rudas and Gellert are in Buda, so we will give it that. Best areas in Pest are — V, VI and VII — they are all very central and are surrounded by the main social places like the ruin-bar Szimpla Kert (definitely a must visit). But for safety reasons, we do not recommend choosing accommodation near Keleti pályaudvar (District VIII) and Nyugati pályaudvar (District VI) railway stations.
You can find plenty of options for any price range on Booking.com and Airbnb.
The first place to go in Budapest is the Danube river’s embankment, which is protected by UNESCO. And you know, if something is protected by UNESCO, it must be bloody beautiful.
Danube river’s embankment complex is where you will find what you have seen on Instagram and tourist websites:
— The "Shoes on the Danube Embankment"
— Buda Castle with its quarter (Szent György tér 2) — also check out the Hungarian National Gallery, while you are there — The Fisherman's Bastion (Hess Andras Square, 1–3). Here you will find a gorgeous view of the city, and St. Matthias Church (Szentharomsag ter, 2). But God forbid you will have a bite there — honestly, the view is great and you can savour a cup of coffee, but don’t waste your money on food there. If you are starving — better go to 21 Magyar Vendéglő, a Michelin-recommended spot that serves traditional Hungarian dishes with a modern twist. As mentioned already, we will still provide you with a list of where you can enjoy a natural spa, which is so rare on this planet.
— Szechenyi (Állatkerti körút, 9-11). Colourful interiors from 1909, 18 indoor and outdoor pools, 14 saunas, Jacuzzis and lots of tourists. Across the road from baths you will see the fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle (Varosliget Park). It was originally built of planks and papier-mâché for the 1896 exhibition and included 21 key elements of Hungarian castles. A perfect place to stroll in silence and meditate while looking out over the water. — (Once again) The Gellert Baths is another popular spot that is located in the legendary Gellert Hotel, which has been in operation for almost a century. Here you will soak in warm water surrounded by luxurious interiors with mosaics, fountains and sculptures. — (And again) Rudas Bathhouse (Döbrentei tér, 9), the editorial team’s favourite, because it has a rooftop jacuzzi that offers sumptuous views of the Danube and Mount Gellert. It has mixed days on weekends, with Tuesdays being ladies' day and the rest of the days being men's. — Dobrumba (Dob u. 5, 1074) — the concept of the place combines Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Caucasian dishes: from Spain, Morocco and Lebanon to Georgia and Armenia. The restaurant is located in the Jewish Quarter and has a nice ‘ruin’ interior.
— Pingrumba (Széll Kálmán tér 6, 1024) — sister restaurant of Dobrumba, which serves a fusion of Egyptian and Indian cuisine.
— For Sale Pub (Vámház krt. 2, 1053). Located in the very cute part of the town, the place became popular thanks to a litre of goulash for €3. After the pandemic, the price tag has gone up, but the food is still excellent, and the atmosphere has not changed — hay on the floor, and on each table there is a free basket of peanuts, the husks of which you can throw on the floor.
— Essência (Sas u. 17, 1051) — lovely Portuguese Michelin place.
— WAFU — Japanese Izakaya (Kazinczy u. 3, 1075) for a true ramen, some sushi and a couple of appetisers on the menu.
— Smashy Burger (Baross u 4, 1085) is a tiny spot where you can grab a juicy burger to go. There are only two types of cheeseburgers and one frites, but you won't need anything else.
Instagram: @smashybudapest
Instagram: @smashybudapest