Top 10 Budapest Travel Tips: Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars, and the Currency Trap
“Budapest is a prime site for dreams: the East’s exuberant vision of the West, the West’s uneasy hallucination of the East.”
Budapest is often called the "Paris of the East," but it’s actually cooler, edgier, and significantly cheaper. Divided by the Danube River into two halves—hilly Buda and flat Pest—this city offers stunning architecture, world-class nightlife, and healing thermal waters.
However, many tourists lose money on bad exchange rates or get stuck in "tourist trap" restaurants on Váci Street. Here is your essential guide to enjoying the Hungarian capital like a pro.
1.
Hungary Does Not Use the Euro
This is the #1 mistake. Although Hungary is in the EU, they use the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
The Rule: Do not pay with Euros even if shops accept them; the exchange rate they give you will be terrible. Always pay in Forint using your card or withdraw local cash from a bank ATM.
2.
Don't Exchange Money at the Airport
The exchange booths at Budapest Airport (and the train stations) have some of the worst rates in Europe.
The Hack: Use an ATM to get a small amount for the bus, or wait until you get to the city center. Look for exchange offices that clearly state "No Commission" and check the buy/sell spread on the screen.
3.
"Ruin Bars" Are a Must (Szimpla Kert)
Budapest is famous for Ruin Bars—bars built inside dilapidated, abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter.
The Hack: The most famous one is Szimpla Kert. It is chaotic, decorated with bathtubs and old cars, and incredibly fun. Go early (around 6 PM) to explore it before it gets packed.
4.
Validate Your Ticket (The Metro Police are Strict)
Budapest's metro controllers are notorious. They stand at the top of escalators and check everyone.
The Rule: You must validate your single paper ticket in the orange machines before starting your journey. Fines are instant and non-negotiable.
5.
Thermal Baths: Gellért vs. Széchenyi
You cannot visit Budapest without soaking in a thermal bath.
The Comparison: Széchenyi is iconic with huge outdoor yellow pools and is very social. Gellért is indoor, Art Nouveau style, and more elegant.
Tip: Bring your own towel and flip-flops to avoid rental fees.
6.
Walk Across the Chain Bridge (Lánchíd)
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the symbol of the city connecting Buda and Pest.
The Tip: Walk across it at night when it is beautifully illuminated. The view of the Parliament building from the bridge is one of the best free sights in Europe.
7.
Don't Eat on Váci Utca
Váci Street is the main pedestrian shopping street. It is 100% a tourist trap.
The Rule: Restaurants here serve average Goulash at double prices. Instead, head to the Jewish Quarter (District VII) for incredible street food and hipster cafes.
8.
Visit the Parliament from the Other Side
The Hungarian Parliament is massive and stunning.
The Hack: The best photo is not taken from right in front of it. Cross the river to the Buda side (Batthyány tér) directly opposite the Parliament. You will get the full panoramic shot of the building reflecting in the Danube.
9.
Try "Lángos" (The Real Hungarian Pizza)
Forget pizza; try Lángos. It is deep-fried dough topped with garlic water, sour cream, and cheese.
The Tip: It is a heavy, greasy, delicious calorie bomb. The best ones are usually found in market halls or at metro station kiosks, not in fancy restaurants.
10.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
This is a small but powerful memorial near the Parliament featuring iron sculptures of 1940s-style shoes.
The History: It honors the victims of WWII who were ordered to take off their shoes before being shot into the river. It is a somber place; please be respectful.
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