Travellers can’t stop raving about this cheap and cheerful city less than three hours from the UK, that is home to a slew of free attractions (and, more importantly, £1.20 pints)
Escape the daily grind and explore this stunning EU city that won’t break the bank. Renowned for its majestic architecture, ubiquitous history, and geothermal spas – Hungary has long shimmered under the tourist spotlight.
In fact, a record-breaking six million holidaymakers flocked to the country’s capital, Budapest, last year – a whopping 24 per cent increase compared to the year before. It’s a great base for those wanting to inter-rail around Europe on their gap year – and make a perfect city break year-round.
Unlike most European capitals, Budapest is an affordable city that won’t wreak havoc on your finances. For example, the average pint costs £1.20, while dinner for two (without booze) in a ‘moderately-priced’ restaurant will set you back around £10.
Keeping under budget in Budapest is also easy as many of its main attractions are free. You can hike Gellért Hill – which only takes 30 minutes – and get rewarded with sweeping views of the city, Here, you’ll also find Citadella, a mighty fortress built after the 1848–49 War of Independence to defend the city from further insurrection.
If you’re not wanting to break a sweat, stroll along City Park with a coffee – or take advantage of the shade at Ervin Szabó Central Library. “Housed in a former 19th-century palace, the Ervin Szabó Central Library invites visitors to take a break from the dizzying pace of the Hungarian capital and unwind in regal surroundings,” explains Lonely Planet.
The guide continues: “Spaces that once functioned as grand dining rooms and living quarters have been converted into a number of truly dazzling public reading rooms. Giant chandeliers dangle above plush armchairs, enticing visitors to spend an afternoon flicking through one of the two million-plus texts that line the library’s shelves.”
History buffs will need to head over to Pest and Óbuda to explore the Roman ruins. “Aquincum is the most complete Roman civilian town in Hungary and contains both a world-class museum and an open-air archeological park,” Lonely Planet added. While there is an entrance charge for this attraction, you can get a glimpse of the ruins without paying.
On the banks of the Danube River, close to the Hungarian Parliament building, you’ll find sixty pairs of old-fashioned shoes made from iron. These are a sobering memorial to the Hungarian Jews who, during 1944-1945, were shot on the banks of the Danube River.
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Of course, no trip to Budapest is complete without making the most of its ‘healing waters’. Often touted as the world’s ‘Spa Capital’, Budapest is home to an array of geothermal pools, which are an integral part of Hungarian culture. Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest bath complexes in Europe, is by far the most popular – and tickets cost less than £20.
If a jam-packed itinerary isn’t your kind of style- don’t worry. Budapest is a compact city filled with mouth-watering food markets, themed-bars, and beautiful architecture. It’s the perfect place to roam around and just see what takes your fancy.
You can fly directly to Budapest from most major UK airports, including Leeds, Norwich, Newcastle, Birmingham, London Stansted and Luton. Flights, which take an average of two and a half hours, can be bought for as little as £37 in June.
Booze isn’t the only cheap thing in Budapest, with a wide range of accommodation suiting different budgets. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 20-22) at the Chill & Stay – a two-bedroom apartment – costs just £135, based on two adults sharing. For those wanting a more luxurious city break, check out the Continental Hotel Budapest, which sits on the former site of Hungaria Bath. You can stay in a standard double or twin room on the exact same nights for £261.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite European city? Let us know in the comments section below