Buda//Pest

If there’s one city I keep telling people to go, it’s Budapest. Here are my top 5 places to check out!

1. Shantee House: If you’re looking for a place away from the hubbub of Pest, check out this awesome hostel on the other side of the Danube (don’t worry, it’s right next to tram and tube stops so you’re not alienated at all!)  There’s a communal kitchen where you can sit and make dinner with the other travellers, a Namaste room for lounging on bean bags and playing boardgames, and a lovely outside front garden. We loved it so much we asked to stay another night, and because our room had already been booked we slept outside on the cabana and in hammocks. I don’t think I’ve ever been so chilled out and it only cost about £15 for the three nights! Website: http://www.backpackbudapest.hu/en/

   

   Waking up outside…

2. The House of Terror:  In 2002, the House of Terror opened as a memorial in remembrance of those who suffered in Hungary during the Nazi and Communist regimes of the 20th century. This was undeniably a haunting experience, but it is of course important to remember those who were interrogated and murdered during this time. You can find out more about the exhibition here: http://www.terrorhaza.hu/museum
3. Dracula Restaurant and Pub: If my friends knew I was putting this on the list they’d probably be confused as it wasn’t the best restaurant we’ve ever been to. For example, no matter what we asked for from the menu, the waiter looked bemused and told us they didn’t have it. However, I found this hilarious and absolutely loved the spicy tomato soup I ended up with! If you enjoy themed restaurants, drinking reaaally cheap wine and generally having a laugh, this is a cool place to line your stomach before hitting the clubs. Check out their Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Dracula-Restaurant-Pub-204128563098009/
4. Szimpla kert and Instant: In Budapest, clubbing counts as a cultural experience… Szimpla and Instant are both ‘ruin bars’, and so are empty, half-destroyed buildings jazzed up by local artists. The effect is super trippy but an absolute must. If you enjoy drinking cocktails whilst sat in a bathtub or dancing with no roof above you, go!! Don’t lose your friends though, because you’ll spend hours looking for them in the maze of rooms…
   

   
5. Gellert Spa and Bath: In fact, any thermal spa and bath because, like clubbing, relaxing in a pool is a cultural experience…fabulous, right?! Unfortunately we didn’t go to one of their legendary spa parties, but we did book ourselves in for massages (much needed when you’re carrying a huge rucksack everywhere!). Spend your Monday here and make everyone seriously jealous. Check it out here: http://www.gellertbath.com/

I could write about 10 posts on Budapest because it’s an awesome place, but I’ll try to stop rambling now. Like always, my top tip is to do a free walking tour. You’ll probably get to see the castle, the main bridges, and even catch a peek of Margaret Island!

xoxo

P.S. Sorry about the lack of photographs! I barely took any but I guess that demonstrates how busy we were! 🙂