I was supposed to write about Budapest way back, way back when I went. But I couldn’t. Life took over, and I sit here today racking up my memories to give you the best of what I remember.
This is just going to be a quick guide to get you around Budapest, and what it offers, The mistakes we made and the tips we learnt, so should you want a quick weekend away, this ones for you Dudettes.
If Budapest is in your bucket list, or something you have been curious about, grab a cuppa, put your feet up and have a read, trust me, in Budapest you wont be getting much of a chance to do that!
Why Budapest?
So seriously, how did I end up here? I have no freaking idea, its still a blur. It wasn’t even on my bucket list! Yet, I have been and come back too.
Who thought of it? Well me! Obviously, if it were up to the Hubby, we would be in Dubai again. He likes things comfort and relaxed. Me? I’m happy back packing, walking, climbing, boating, with a luxury afternoon tea in somewhere.
And so somehow we ended up sitting on the budget wizzair flight off to Budapest.
And honestly. Best. Trip. Ever. (Just don’t ask the hubby he was looking for the sea and the sand, and the blue pools.)
Pocket of Europe
I find it incredible how just a 2 hour flight away we have so many …. well I don’t really remember who but a blogger once said ‘Pockets of Europe’ and I really feel that this is definitely a stunning pocket of Europe, one to dive into for sure.
Read here: The 3 day Cappadocia itinenary
Having gone in October, which maybe wasn’t the best time of year, as it was a little chilly. I mean I didn’t really have much of a choice here, we did choose to get married in October so now all our getaways are usually at this time of year. so Dudette’s, word of advice, plan wedding dates properly!
But we were prepared for that. So incoming, coats, cardigans and boots! Lets do this.
Before I go into my stories, this post is all about the guide to Budapest, so I must stop myself, if you see me waffling, do stop me. Ill be using other blog posts where I will go into my favourite bits of Budapest in more details and I promise you I will be waffling in those ones. I did go with the hubby dearest so waffling is in due need.
Buda and Pest
Firstly lets talk BudaPest, there are 2 parts to Budapest. Buda and Pest. Did you know that? I didn’t. After we randomly booked in this trip I started researching. Man did I have a job to do.
Buda – is the romantic side of the city, historical buildings, rocky, hilly. Its residential area, so you will see loads of locals, and it quieter and peaceful.
Pest – Fully tourist area, lively, bright, loud. Flat side of Budapest, caters for tourist, so entertainment going on throughout the day and night.
Depending on what you like, choose the best area for you. I opted for the Pest area, as I know we love going out at all times of the day and night.
Read here: A couple of hours in Lisbon
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Kempinski in the Pest area of Budapest, and I must say I rate it. Its perfect in terms of location. Right outside the Budapest Eye (which is on the Bucket list) we could see the hub hub of the tourists below.
Book the Kempinski Budapest here
Travelling. Budapest is known as the Walkable city. I really should have mentioned this to the hubby before we booked, as walking is not really something he likes to do, yet here we were in the walkable city.
So in actual fact, you can literally walk to most of Budapest, most of the places are within the 20 – 40 minute walk mark. If your not a fan, you can use Ubers, which were quite decent in terms of price. Our charges here in UK are a lot more. Or you can get the metro cards- we bought them at £40 per person each, this gave us 48 hours of use.
I’ll be honest we used it probably twice and that was it. It wasn’t worth it for us, as we walked to most places and where we had to travel longer, we found the Ubers to be so affordable. It didn’t make sense to use the Metro Cards. Obviously this was how it worked for us. With yourself work out what would be better for you. If you don’t like walking, and you happy to change transport, then the metro card will work for you. However £80 for the 2 of us, was a waste.
Right lets get on with what to do, where to go, and the halal spots I found.
Budapest Houses of Parliament
We went here on the first day, a literal 15 minute walk away brought us to the famous houses of parliament, lighted up at night, it felt like a scene from a harry potter movie. It really is a sight to behold. Lights switch off at 11, so be there before to see it in its glory.
Fishermans Bastion.
The look out point at The Buda end of Budapest. Gives beautiful views across the river to the Pest side and can see the houses of Parliament from a distance.
Twenty Six
(Not halal)
Known to be one of the best breakfast spots (we missed breakfast) but the atmosphere and the whole vibe was amazing. You will be queuing up for this.
New York Cafe
(Not Halal)
Nominated the Worlds most prettiest Cafe- and honestly I get it! Its stunning! Its breath taking beautiful! and its a must visit. Once again you may have to que up for this
Turkiz (halal)
Fine wining halal Turkish food. We missed out as didn’t book in!
Right outside, Near the parliament buildings, its a spot not be missed, and guess what! We missed it! we didn’t book in (didn’t know we had to!) Book it in and go, its gets really busy, although only 2 of us, they didn’t let us come in.
So I have a plan another visit. Right? Right?
Spas Galore
We went to Rudas Spa, which is known for its roof top hot tub, but Budapest is the city of Spas.
Other spas are
Szechenyi spa– most popular spa out of them all, but I have been advised its extremely busy at all times
Rudas
St Gellerts
Lukacs Thermal Baths
Budapest -Funicular
Based in Buda area of Budapest, a fun way to get to the top and take in the amazing views.
Zugliget Chairlift
This was quite far away from us, but if you are in Budapest for few more days, this would be amazing to do, especially if you are a thrill seeker. A track of 1040 metres and 262 meter elevation at the highest point. A 12 minute breath taking ride.
Istanbul kebab
Halal kebabs- street food, literally the best! warm kebabs whilst walking around!
Al-Amir Ettaram
A Syrian restaurant serving halal food and shisha. This was our first meal! and we loved it. we would definitely visit again
Byblos
Another halal fine wining spot serving Syrian food. We didnt get a chance to go but I would in a heart beat in next visit.
Chimney Cake
Must try and get that picture!
and that’s my bucket list- what do you have in yours? So I can add it on for my next visit (she says whilst crossing her fingers, hands and toes)
To book your Budapest Trip- Click here
Follow me on Insta? No? Why not? Find me here
Love and regards
