Guys, on today’s post we are heading to the ever vibrant Hungarian capital Budapest!

Did you know that in February this year (2019), the European Best Destinations (EBD) declared Budapest as the best destination to visit in Europe? Trust me that didn’t come as a surprise as Budapest is a whole vibe on its own…

This amazing city made up of 3 unified cities, Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of the Danube, and Pest on the east bank. Budapest is a city with an enthralling heritage and a contemporary artistic style that makes visitors feel welcomed! From the amazing museums, to the trendy ruin bars and gorgeous thermal Spas there is always something to tickle your fancy, trust me!  And especially in summer, this is one of those cities that never sleeps.

*Quick digression- My highlight in Budapest was seeing this Michael Jackson tree and that was just last month. For my MJ fans here’s to us all…???

Long lives the KING!

BUDAPEST AT IT’S BEST

As budget travel European cities keep getting more expensive, Budapest still remains a budget friendly destination in central Europe so that’s good news right?

To enjoy the best of the city on a budget the first thing I recommend is getting the free guide on the city’s website, and choose the things that fascinate you, this is your strategy phase and you shouldn’t joke with it.

There are endless activities to enchant you in Budapest and they don’t involve you breaking the bank. However, be ready to take long walks as it is the best way to get the finest of the panoramic views from the amazing bridges that make their home in Budapest. Have you ever heard of the Hungarian Parliament??? Breathe taking!

While in Budapest please plan to spend a few hours exploring Castle Hill, the vehicle-free, UNESCO World Heritage site that sits along the Danube River. Other intriguing places not to miss are the fisherman’s Bastion, Danube Promenade, Hero’s square, and Margaret Island.

Danube River Budapest

Now let’s talk about the thermal baths because this is a MUST in Budapest. Take at least one afternoon to dabble in the Gellert or Szechenyi thermal bath and enjoy outdoor saunas and steam rooms, all in a beautiful flamboyant neo-Baroque style setting. The largest ever seen in Europe till date.

Another activity to not miss is the Danube sunset cruise. Picture yourself enjoying dinner as you cruise through 2 separate cities of Buda and Pest through the Danube river…I still cannot imagine a more romantic and superb view!

For the night crawlers, this city is mood in summer, some things are better experienced so I will not bother to explain much, honestly, last summer in Budapest was one of my favorite summer experiences in Europe. Go and experience it for yourself.

Budapest Eye

Cheap Eats Travel and Accommodation

First trick is to stay away from the Vaci utca as it’s a trap for tourists, way too expensive. There are better places where you can experience traditional Hungarian foods at reasonable prices. I particularly liked the Lunch specials at sunlit Most and Pléhcsárda. Feel free to wander and explore some Hungarian restaurants.

For accommodation as always, I opt for Airbnb but judging from the average prices online, hotels are quiet affordable.

Also several budget airlines sell ridiculously cheap tickets to Budapest, check out Wizzair and get a ticket from as low as 10 euros and that’s from anywhere in Europe.

So guys, If in doubt of where to visit this summer please stress no more as Budapest is the place to chop life (as my darling Nigerians put it). If you think this is too far for you then consider visiting my summer favorites like Barcelona, The French Riviera or even Lisbon

On the streets of Budapest

xx

Sarah D.