Budget Budapest

Our Local Expert Says:

A fun way to explore Margaret Island

Description:

This rental shop on Margit island rents out all sorts of weird and wonderful pedal-powered contraptions. You can choose from standard bicycles to two-seater tandems, four person car-type bicycles (which look surprisingly like something used by Fred Flintstone) or smaller children's ones. It's a lot of fun, and the bicycles make covering the whole island quite easy. You will need to leave a credit card or passport (or other ID) as a deposit. A word of advice: check that the brakes work before you set out.

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:

Shopping and coffee in a gorgeous setting! The beautiful Secessionist buildings lining the promenade are enough reason themselves to visit this elegant promenade, but the shops and cafés located in their ground floors add a little bonus!

Description:

This wonderful pedestrian-only street runs from Vorosmarty ter all the way to Vamhaz korut and the beautiful Market Hall. It is bisected near the Elizabeth Bridge (where there is an underpass)-this is the point where the pedestrian section used to end but a few years back a second section was made pedestrian as well. While the first section is lively and popular, the new area has more charm and authenticity. Together, they are both truly European: dozens of cafés, fancy shops and boutiques and some truly stunning architecture. Don't forget to look up as you stroll down Vaci utca - some of the façades are truly amazing.

Description:

Situated opposite Gellert Hill and the Liberation Monument and overlooking the Danube, Govinda inspires a feeling of calm. Founded by people from the Krishna movement, Govinda is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The walls are the colour of peaches and plums and Indian paraphernalia is littered about. The overwhelming atmosphere is one of calm. The adult menu comprises two Indian dishes, rice, some salty nibbles, chutney and a pudding, while the children's menu offers smaller portions of much the same.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous non-smoking vegetarian retreat on a Soho-esque trendy, side-street. Cheap lunch specials; great place for an afternoon tea.

Description:

The Darshan is a place of entertainment for those interested in eastern religion and philosophy. Biopont leans towards mystical symbolism in its murals and simple, chic furniture. Biopont is a non-smoking café. Homemade lentil pâté spread on crisp brown baguettes with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice and herbal tea should not be missed. In the bar, you can find salads named after places like Goa and Calcutta. The place is reasonably priced and packed with students every night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Years ago, Liszt Square was quiet and full of Japanese students heading to the music academy. Then this bar opened up and changed Budapest forever.

Description:

Mai Manó Café is located in the middle of Budapest 'Soho', in the vicinity of some good theatres the Opera, and the House of Hungarian Photography. The interior design is a lovely mix of art nouveau and arabesque motifs. If you want a table on the terrace you'd better arrive before the plays are over in theatres (around 10p) because the place gets stuffed full of actors and thirsty spectators. On sunny mornings, you'll find regulars reading the newspaper and having one of 20 marvelous coffees the house offers on the terrace among the company of their dogs.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a throwback to “old” Hungary, nothing here has changed in years. Look around for the pastry you’d like, pay for it ahead of time and then exchange your receipt for your chosen cake. Then stand at the window and watch the world go by. Very, very Budapest. Highly recommended.

Description:

A perfect example of Communist era buffets, this shop is a great place for a quick breakfast and people-watching. You can have a decent cappuccino or tea with pastry or cakes. The ice cream is pretty good too. Pay first and then collect your food at the counter.

Our Local Expert Says:

A slice of Berlin in Budapest. Look for the crowds and follow them, then party in this deserted building under the stars. Run down and atmospheric, a visit here is a must for any visitor to the city, it doesn’t disappoint.

Description:

For cultural experiences, you cannot pass up Szimpla Kert. It is a beer garden, alternative culture Mecca. Located in an abandoned apartment courtyard that has not seen the wrecking ball, Szimpla Kert mixes junkyard aesthetics with such modernisms as Wi-Fi, a daytime cafe, and evenings of live music and indie film screenings. Dimly lit, couch-packed, with little open to the sky rooms off of the courtyard, it is a relaxing, pleasant place to unwind. Check your reality at the door. Open weekdays 10am to 2am and weekends noon to 2am.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of a new generation of “shabby-chic” places in the Jewish Quarter, this one is better than most. Great atmosphere - worth a peek!

Description:

Kuplung, the clutch, is housed in a former car repair hall, though you'd never be able to tell. It serves as an art workshop for theaters, movies, and many other performances. Come nightfall it converts into one of the most crowded underground bars in town. The warehouse-like space is fully utilized as a concert hall, an exhibition area, and a beautiful bar where, despite the live DJs, you will feel like you are in an enclosed market. Don't be disappointed when you find a normal house at number 46. Simply enter through the black door and be amazed by the scenery!