Stepping into a new city makes me feel truly alive. For a few days, normal life fades into the background, replaced by the thrill of the unknown. At first, it’s disorienting, but then, piece by piece, I start to find my rhythm. Budapest, with its beautiful architecture, rich history, and affordable luxuries, is the perfect place to visit without breaking the bank.
We were lucky to meet so many friendly locals, this is one of my favourite things about exploring a new city. Being able to strike up a conversation with like-minded individuals on a tour or with strangers in a cafe. Every conversation always leads to a new discovery. So don't be shy and get chatting away on your travels!
From the fresh produce at the farmer's markets to sipping coffee while people-watching at cosy local cafés, savouring these simple moments in a new city and feeling endlessly grateful. Basking in the sunshine and once again whispering to ourselves, “Why don’t we just move here?”.
Off-Season Perks of Visiting Budapest
Now, I’ve always been an avid December holiday kinda gal, but I think I might be converted to January trips. Everything is so much cheaper, and it’s the perfect antidote to those winter blues. What I didn’t account for though, was how cold Budapest was going to be in January, I know, I know - Hungary is in Eastern Europe, so of course we weren’t expecting tropical sunshine, but wow.
The evenings in Budapest were freezing! It was genuinely hard to stay outside for too long, but ducking into coffee shops for lemon and honey tea saved us every time.
Remember to dress appropriately, think: a warm winter coat, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Dressing for the cold is key to enjoying your budget-friendly winter escape!
Practical Tips for Visiting Budapest in January
One of the biggest perks of visiting Budapest in winter is how affordable accommodation is. We stayed in a stylish Airbnb apartment for just £60 for 4 nights. That’s less than £15 per night! Staying in the off-season not only made it easy to find cheap accomodation but also meant fewer crowds at major attractions.
We were fortunate to stay right in the heart of the city, making Budapest incredibly walkable and easy to explore on foot. Plus, there was a convenient bus stop right in front of our accommodation that provided direct access to and from the airport!
Hungary's currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro! Card payments are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants, so we only withdrew around £50 from an ATM for tips and small purchases at tourist shops.
Must-See Attractions
Fishermans Bastion
Since we stayed on the Pest side of the river, we opted to take Ubers to and from the Fisherman’s Bastion when we visited (mainly because we were in a rush to get ready). The rides only cost around £5 each way, making it a very budget-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling with a friend or partner to split the cost!
I would recommend paying to go inside the Fisherman's Bastion, the views were breathtaking and for 3 euros you really cannot go wrong. Travelling during the Winter means less tourists and being able to capture photos like these!
Hungarian Parliament Building
Another must-see in Budapest for a budget-friendly winter escape is the parliament building, which you cannot miss!
We joined a free walking tour on our first day which stopped off at the parliament building - if you're interested it's a 2-hour tour through Free walking tours, you just tip whatever you think it was worth at the end. It's a great way to get a feel for the city and explore it on foot.
We also passed by the parliament building on our way back from the river cruise, where we saw the shoes on the Danube bank, this memorial represents the Hungarian Jews in 1944-1945 who were shot on the banks of the Daube River by members of the Arrow Cross Party. It's a harrowing but essential visit, out of respect for those who lost their lives, I chose not to take any photos.
Hungarian Food
Foodies listen up!
If you love good food, Budapest won’t disappoint. Hungarian cuisine is rich, hearty, and perfect for warming up after a chilly day of exploring. Be sure to try some of the country’s must-try dishes:
- Goulash – A flavoruful, paprika-spiced beef stew that’s practically a national treasure.
- Chicken Paprikash – Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, usually served with dumplings.
- Lángos – A deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese, the ultimate street food indulgence.
Százéves Étterem
Százéves Étterem, the oldest restaurant in Pest, has been serving guests for over 100 years. This budget-friendly yet authentic eatery offers a unique dining experience with its charming historic architecture and lively gypsy music. Whether you're savouring traditional Hungarian dishes or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Százéves Étterem is a true hidden gem that should be added to your Budapest itinerary.
If you’re vegetarian, you might find it a bit trickier to track down budget-friendly options, as Hungarian cuisine leans heavily on meat. However, with a little research, you can find great veggie-friendly spots serving delicious alternatives like mushroom paprikash, stuffed cabbage with rice, or cheesy potato dishes.
Karavan
One thing I didn’t realise until arriving in Budapest is that many restaurants take reservations in advance. For popular spots, bookings might be required a week or more ahead of time. We learned this the hard way after showing up at fully booked restaurants a few times. So, if there’s a place you’re dying to try, make sure to factor this into your plans!
As someone who doesn’t eat pork but loves to travel, I’ve often found it challenging to navigate menus in Portugal and Eastern Europe. However, checking restaurant menus in advance made all the difference in Budapest.
So, if you’re looking to beat the winter blues, consider Budapest as your next city break. Between the affordable prices, cosy cafes, and breathtaking sights, this Eastern European treasure is proof that travel in the off-season is the ultimate form of self-care.
Thank you for reading my blog post! If you’re planning a trip soon, I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Be sure to check back for more posts about budget-friendly travel adventures.
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