Budapest on a Budget

Description:

Cafe Frei hides in the Libri book shop located in the Allee shopping centre and in a little street of the famous Váci Street, offering a wide range of coffees of the world with coffees specialties from 5 different continents. Interesting combinations with exotic tastes and aromas are what to expect. Matching the quality of their drinks are the neat little cakes, also from around the world.

Our Local Expert Says:

You may well be the only tourists here but this hole-in-the-wall will be packed with regulars. A longtime haunt of Jewish intellectuals, come not only for the cuisine but for the Fellini-esque experience, one you are unlikely to forget.

Description:

Kadar is only open at lunchtime and if you come on a Saturday it will be hard to get a table. It serves non-Kosher Jewish dishes, which are also traditional Hungarian standards. The walls are covered with photographs of famous or much-loved guests. Not only is Kadar atmospheric and friendly, the food is heavenly too. Matzo ball soup made with excellent chicken broth can be followed by one of the boiled beef dishes which is served with a choice of sauces (gooseberry, sour cherry or horseradish) and arrives on a ceramic airplane-style all-in-one plate. The crispy goose leg with tangy cabbage) and the stuffed cabbage are a hit with Hungarians and visitors alike. There's no alcohol but you can drink raspberryade or help yourself from the soda siphons on each table.

Our Local Expert Says:

The fun way to discover Budapest! With a motto of “join as a traveller, leave as a friend” the guides are all really friendly and spice up the tours with anecdotes and personal stories making your experience all the more real! Join a tour and you’ll be left itching to see more of the city!

Description:

The Free Budapest Walking Tours is an independent project maintaining itself only off tips, so the guides are all motivated to do their best. What they provide is not your average tour, but a fun and dynamic introduction to the city best labeled as "infotainment", or information in the form of entertainment! Tours range from General, through Communist, to Jewish themed walks running all year round in rain or shine! These insightful 2.5 hour city walks focus mainly on history, society, architecture, hidden treasures and the daily life of locals all spiced up with stories, myths and legends. The aim is to provide a comprehensive picture about the Hungarian society and the country as a whole over those glorious stereotypes already in existence. The local tour guides are critical and honest.

Our Local Expert Says:

Feeling active? Then this is the tour to join! Bike tours, rentals and pub crawls all in one place in the company of fun-loving guides!

Description:

Budapest Bike was started in 2005, by six Hungarian bicyclists. They offer the coolest bike tours downtown, starting at 10am daily for as few as one person. The tour costs 5,000 Ft ($27/£14). It includes a tour guide, the bike rental, a helmet, a map, a chain lock, and a drink. They also have tours outside of the city. If you are bound and determined to go it alone, they will rent you a bike for 6 hours for 2,000 Ft ($11/£5.75) or for a full day at 3,000 Ft ($16/£8.50); a tandem will run you 3,000 Ft ($16/£8.50) for 6 hours and 5,000 Ft ($27/£14) for a full day. A helmet, chain lock, and insurance are all included in the rental. They also offer a guided evening program, called a pub crawl, which will take you to the hottest pubs in Budapest for a mere 5,000 Ft ($27/£14). Included in this tour is a guide for 4 hours, a minimum of four pubs, two beers, and a shot. A minimum group of four people is needed.

Our Local Expert Says:

This public tram offers stunning views of the Castle District as it snakes its way by the Parliament and along the Danube, passing by the Vigado and Academy of Sciences, among others. Excellent photography opportunities abound. Recommended after dark.

Description:

Tram number 2 and 2a are used for normal public transport, but they also offer the tourist a wonderful ride. Running along an elevated section on the Duna side of the Danube, the tram windows offer exceptional views of Castle Hill, Gellert Hill, the Fisherman's Bastion and so on. Conveniently, the tram ends just past the parliament buildings. It's a great tour and only costs the price of a normal tram ticket.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the place to sit down, relax and enjoy the view before carrying on with the strenuous activity of sightseeing, the place to take those restless children bored to death by a morning of museums and exhibitions, or the place to get wet on a hot urban summer day.

Description:

Liberty Square is already well known for the buildings surrounding it; the American Embassy, Hungarian National Bank and Television Headquarters, and is also famous for giving home to the last Communist monument remaining in the city. Now this newly finished fountain also decorates the square and has already proven to be a great source of entertainment. The rectangular fountain is lined by weight sensitive tiles, and stepping on any one will stop the flow of water for just enough time to enter into the middle, where you'll find yourself surrounded by a rippling curtain of water.

Our Local Expert Says:

This "Central Park" of Budapest, situated on an island in the Danube between Buda and Pest, is a great escape from the heat and hubbub of the city. Ideal for kids, joggers, swimmers, bikers, or a long, romantic walk with your loved one.

Description:

Once called Rabbit Island due to a rabbit infestation, the name changed to Margaret Island honoring the daughter of King Béla; she spent her life as a nun on this island. Today, Margaret Island is a recreation spot for all ages. On Margaret Island, you will find walking and jogging trails, a petting zoo, bicycle rentals, beautiful gardens with seasonal flowers, and lush green spaces to sunbathe or benches to just relax. Historical remains include remnants of the Dominican convent and a 13th century Franciscan church. During warm seasons, Margaret Island hosts a number of eateries ranging from a quick snack to full meals. It is also the home to the seasonal Palatinus swimming complex and open-air theater.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lángos is just so typically Hungarian it has to be tried. Plus, the place has good location, great opening hours and even better lángos. Definitely a must-eat!

Description:

Lángos, a Frisbee-sized savoury dough deep fried in oil, topped with soured cream, garlic and grated cheese is a popular fast food in Budapest, nicknamed the "Hungarian Hamburger" during the Communist Era. The Lángos Bár, a completely insignificant looking little place right next to the Bar Instant makes exceptionally good ones by any standard, and also has long opening hours making it the perfect place to pop in after long nights out.

Description:

Centrally located hostel with great atmosphere and even better prices!