After my exams in May I spent a week in Budapest with James and two of my best friends. My friend Caoimhe spent the semester studying there so we headed out to visit her. As we stayed with her I have no idea what accommodation out there is like, but one thing I can guarantee is beautiful buildings. The city is full of gorgeous architecture so wherever you stay, it will be fabulous!
We were there from the Monday to Friday but I think a weekend would have been more than enough time, if you're not visiting someone. You could probably fit all the landmarks/things to do there comfortably in two days. They have an underground metro system (as do most European cities) and also trams quite similar to the Luas here in Dublin. That makes it easier to get around the city, but we walked a lot of the time because Caoimhe knew her way around the place. One great thing about the system was that once you bought a ticket, it did you for all metros, trams and buses that day, or however long your ticket was for.
I'm not going to tell you everything we did as you can watch the vlog below. The places I would recommend are ST. Stephen's Basilica, The Parliment Building,The Liberty Statue and The Thermal Pools. We also went out to a ruin bar which was an experience in itself, very strange and very cool. The cost over there was very cheap, but not as cheap as I expected. Don't get me wrong the food was a fraction of what you'd pay in Ireland as was everything else really, but it wasn't dirt cheap either. I think over the course of the week I spent about €130 and I wasn't trying to save money or anything.
I have mixed feeling about Budapest if I'm honest. While I loved being there with my friends, we made amazing memories and had a ball, I wouldn't ever go back. I'm not 100% sure why, I think it was just the vibe I got there. I found the people to be very rude and ignorant and I had an unfortunate experience with a scam artist. I think it's perfect as a students holiday as it's cheap and has a great nightlife, but I wouldn't recommend my parents visit if you get me. I think if I hadn't been there with my friends I would have been a little underwhelmed, you always hear amazing things about Budapest and when I got there it just didn't live up to the image I had in my head. I don't know, I liked it but didn't LOVE it. I did however have a fantastic time with my friends, which I guess is all that really matters!
I'm happy I went, another place ticked off the bucket list. Now onto the next...
Have you ever been to Budapest? What was your experience?
Erin X
It is amazing how some cities are like that - I feel that way about Prague, you don't need that much time there, and wouldn't be in a rush back! Whereas I loved Budapest when I was there and thought you could have a longer visit there.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks for the info. :)
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