Having Fun With Less Money in Budapest
Sunday, August 21st, 2011Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is popular with lovers of art, culture, architecture and history. Truly a destination with something for everyone, Budapest has many out-of-the-way nooks and crannies to explore on foot that will unlock the secrets of the city without costing you the Earth. One of the best ways to get the insider information on what to search out on your stay is to talk to the driver on your shuttle from Budapest Airport to city hotels. That’s me! I pride myself on knowing Budapest like the back of my hand and I know the best places to go that won’t blow your entire holiday budget in one day. Here are just a few.
Take the Night Train to Nowhere
Hungary is actually one of the cheapest places in Europe (some of my customers are even surprised at the prices of the shuttle from the Budapest Airport to city with me), and our public transport is extremely affordable. One tip I love to give people is to jump on tram number 2 after dinner and ride the route along the Pest riverbank from start to finish. You will enjoy the entire panorama of the skyline at night with the city lights twinkling magically along the way.
Shop for Bargains
Instead of heading for the designers streets selling upmarket fashion and souvenirs (which most people ask me to point out on the shuttle trip from Budapest Airport to city), head to Ecseri Piac, one of Europe’s biggest flea markets. These markets are an amazing place to browse antiques, jewellery, clothes and second-hand knick knacks. You certainly don’t have to buy as the entertainment value is enough, but if you do choose to pick up a few things they will be at a fraction of the cost of shops on the main thoroughfares.
Low Cost Culture
Many of the museums and galleries in Budapest are free and the rest are very reasonable so there’s no excuse for not getting a little culture whilst you’re here. On the way from Budapest Airport to city destinations, we pass a few of the main ones I recommend, like the National Gallery, the Roman Baths Museum and the Hungarian National Museum. These places are not only wonderful for a history lesson, but their stunning architecture is a major part of their charm as well.
Food Glorious Food
Not just a place to stock up on some local delicacies, Nagycsarnok indoor market is a visual treat in its own right. Chock full of such culinary delights as sausages, cheeses, bread and amazing cakes, this genuine Art Nouveau market hall is the largest in Budapest and certainly the most beautiful.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Whilst Budapest is a spectacularly beautiful city, its outskirts and surrounds should not be undervalued. You will get a brief taste of the countryside when on your shuttle trip from Budapest Airport to city stops, but to really appreciate the Buda Hills you need to embark on a hike on one of the many paths which snake across and through them. Set out with a picnic lunch and make a day of it and experience Budapest from a different perspective.
Author Bio: Gergely Garami is a driver for Shuttle Direct on the Budapest airport to city route. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.