Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Budapest, Hungary. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Budapest, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Budapest.
Don’t Forget to Look Up
As you walk around Budapest, don’t forget to look up! Budapest is a dream city for those who love architecture. After Vienna, Budapest was the second capital of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, so there was a lot of money flowing through Budapest at one time. Of course, there are fantastic castles, but even “regular” buildings are amazing to look at. Make sure you look up from your phone from time to time!
Don’t Forget to Validate Your Metro Ticket
The Metro is an easy way to get around Budapest, but you have to remember to validate your ticket when you get on. After you buy your ticket, there is a little box before the entrance where you get your ticket stamped. And there are people on the trains that check for your ticket validation. They will fine you, so just make sure you’re following the proper protocol with your Metro tickets.
Don’t Forget Your Bathing Suit
For centuries, Budapest has been known for healing waters and bathhouses. There are soaking pools all over town; from huge swimming pools to more intimate settings. Some are quite large, like a public swimming pool, while others have been incorporated into a spa with treatments available. Don’t miss out on soaking at the baths in Budapest, but you’ll need a swimsuit to go!
Don’t Forget to Pack Nice Clothes
Besides the spas, Budapest is known for its nightlife. As an affordable city that’s easy to reach, it’s become a weekend party destination for Europeans. But there’s also a great variety of nightlife in Budapest. From nightclubs to concerts and lively outdoor squares, there is always something fun happening in the evening in Budapest. If you plan on hitting some Budapest nightclubs, make sure you dress the part as they will turn you away if you’re too casual.
The Official Budapest Tourism website: https://www.budapestinfo.hu/
Don’t Use Taxis in Budapest
When you visit Budapest, don’t use the taxis unless you have to. They will often try to increase the prices if they know you’re a tourist. They can often refuse service as well if they don’t want to take you or aren’t willing to bargain on the price. If you do use a taxi in Budapest, choose one that has a company name on it; not the ones that say “freelancer.” Rideshare apps aren’t as common as they are in other cities, so don’t expect to have Uber while you’re here.
Don’t Confuse Bucharest with Budapest
It’s a common mistake made by travelers. Bucharest is in Romania, while Budapest is in Hungary. While both are considered Eastern European capitals, they are very different. Budapest is much more developed for tourists, so that’s usually the first one people visit. Just don’t mix them up; you won’t make friends with the locals if you do that!
Don’t Confuse Buda with Pest
Budapest is actually made up of two districts that are separated by the river. They are very different from each other. On the Buda side of the river, you’ll find the castle and the church, as well as nicer hotels. However, you won’t find as many restaurants or shops. Pest is where you’ll find most pedestrian traffic, as well as shopping and restaurants.
Don’t Skip the Funicular to the Castle
You’ll notice the Buda Castle is high up on a hill, but there is a funicular that can take you up. If you’re visiting during a busy time, there may be a line for the funicular, but it goes quickly and it’s worth the wait. Another way to get up the hill (besides walking) is to hire one of the golf carts in the area. However, those can also have a wait on the way back down. No matter how you get up to the castle, try to relax and enjoy the experience without getting worked up over the wait time.
Don’t Try to See Everything on Castle Hill
Besides the castle, there are eight museums in the Buda Castle complex. Don’t try to see everything. Don’t miss the view from Matthias Church, which overlooks the river and the Parliament Building. But otherwise, pick and choose a few things you’d like to see while you’re at Buda Castle.
Don’t Miss the House of Terror
One Budapest attraction you should not miss is the House of Terror. It’s not a haunted house or a Halloween-type attraction. It’s a museum about the terror of various regimes that ruled Hungary. It’s not a “fun” attraction, but it’s super educational and you really learn a lot about the history of Hungary. The exhibits are in English and Hungarian, so you don’t have to worry about understanding the museum.
Don’t Just Stay in the Historic City
While there are many things to see in Budapest, don’t forget to wander outside of the main tourist areas. There are some great day trips from Budapest, including the medieval town of Eger, which is about two and a half hours on the train. Budapest also has Roman ruins just outside the city. You can even take a boat from Budapest to Bratislava for the day.
Don’t Try to Avoid Paprika
Paprika is an essential ingredient in Hungarian cooking. Nearly all of the savory dishes in Hungary have a red tint to them, and that is from paprika. That said, the food in Budapest is really good and hearty. You’ll have goulash and chicken paprikash and lots of other comfort foods with cream and paprika-based sauces. If you do get tired of paprika, there are also tons of Italian restaurants in Budapest. (and whatever you do, don’t skip dessert!)
Don’t Worry About Breaking the Bank
Compared to the rest of Hungary, Budapest is expensive. But in terms of European capital cities, Budapest is very affordable. It’s not crazy cheap, but it does feel like your money goes really far on a Budapest vacation. You get a lot of bang for your buck because there is so much to see in Budapest. This makes it a great family destination, too!
Ten Most Affordable Cities in Europe
Don’t Forget to Trade in Your Euros
Hungary has its own currency, so you won’t be able to spend your Euros here. They use the Hungarian Forint, so you’ll need to exchange your Euros or get cash out when you arrive. Likewise, not all places take credit cards, so you will need to carry around some cash during your Budapest trip. When you withdraw from the ATM, do not choose the option to convert to your currency. Let your own bank do the conversion, not the bank that owns the ATM.
Tips for Exchanging Money in Europe
Don’t Neglect Your Safety
Budapest doesn’t always have the best reputation in terms of safety. However, I’ve been visiting for 20 years and it has improved greatly. In the last five to ten years, Budapest has gotten much better, with fewer scams and safety issues. Nevertheless, you do still need to pay attention and use your usual travel smarts when you visit Budapest. It’s still a big city with lots of tourist gathering areas that can make an easy target for theft.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Budapest. For architecture and history, you get a lot for your money on a Budapest vacation! With all of the day trips from Budapest, you can really enjoy a family trip to Budapest. Want more of our Central Europe travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: