| Budapest is a grand Central European city | | | | neighborhoods are a joy to walk though. |
| with a rich history, stunning architecture | | | | |
| and tons of things to do On The Cheap. Where | | | | Margaret Island. A lush oasis in the middle |
| else can you see a world-class ballet at one | | | | of the city, this space offers trails, a bird |
| of Europes most beautiful opera houses for | | | | refuge, lots of foliage, some ruins and a |
| just $4 USD? Follow our tips below to save | | | | luxury hotel. |
| money when visiting this glorious city on the | | | | |
| Danube. | | | | City Park. Another large park, City Park is |
| | | | home to the zoo, Szechnyi Baths, a castle, |
| Cheap Accommodation: | | | | Heroes Square (including two museums) and |
| | | | several miles of walking paths. The zoo and |
| Grand Hostel, Hüvösvölgyi út 69. | | | | baths charge admission fees, but it is free |
| Located steps from a tram stop and on the | | | | to walk through the park and castle grounds. |
| lushly green side of the city, this hostel is | | | | |
| one of the few in Budapest to offer | | | | Cheap Things To Do in Budapest: |
| single-gender dorms. Recently remodeled, | | | | |
| travelers can choose from 4 or 6 bed dorms or | | | | Not only are there lots of free things to do |
| double/triple private rooms. Free Internet | | | | in Budapest, but many attractions are very |
| and parking available, and the hostel boasts | | | | affordable. Currently the exchange rate is |
| a beautiful bar area and outdoor garden. | | | | about 195 Hungarian Forints to 1 US Dollar. |
| | | | Here are some of our favorites: |
| We also like Red Bus Hostel (and Hostel 2). | | | | |
| They have 4-6 bed dorms as well as reasonably | | | | Opera House, Andrassy Ut. One of the most |
| priced singles and doubles. Free breakfast | | | | opulent in Europe, this grand building is a |
| and kitchen facilities are available. Bonus: | | | | must see during your stay in Budapest. Even |
| A secondhand English bookstore is the perfect | | | | if you just step inside the lobby, the Opera |
| place to buy and/or sell reading material for | | | | House is an amazing sight. In the foyer alone |
| your trip! | | | | there are marble pillars, a black-and-white |
| | | | inlaid tile floor and a gorgeous gold and |
| Free Things To Do: | | | | fresco ceiling. Ballet, symphony, and concert |
| | | | programs run all year long and great seats |
| St. Stephen's Basilica. A grand cathedral in | | | | can be had for $4 USD. |
| true European fashion complete with gilded | | | | |
| edges. Guided tours are available for a fee, | | | | Take A Bath. Budapest is famous for it's |
| but it is free to go inside and walk around. | | | | Turkish style baths and there are several |
| A breathtaking sight at night. | | | | throughout the city. Our favorite is the |
| | | | Szechnyi (Chain) bathhouse both for its decor |
| Fishermans Bastion. In the Castle District, | | | | and location. This delight sits among City |
| this structure has 7 towers symbolizing the | | | | Park, one of several attractions there. |
| seven tribes that came to Hungary in 896. The | | | | Inside, the building is breathtakingly |
| walkways provide stunning views over the | | | | decorated and houses over 25 pools. Some are |
| Danube towards the Pest side of the city. | | | | warm, cold, indoor, outdoor, or scented with |
| Free to walk along the lower levels, small | | | | eucalyptus or other scents. Massages and |
| charge to go to upper walkways (no real extra | | | | other services are also available for an |
| view up there). | | | | additional fee. Entrance fees range from |
| | | | $5-10 USD. |
| Castle District. It is easy to spend the | | | | |
| better part of a day up here, with | | | | Budapest is truly a city that should not be |
| Fisherman's Bastion, St. Matthews Church and | | | | missed. It's an interesting mix of old and |
| the Buda Castle all within a stones throw of | | | | new and a great time can be had on a minimal |
| each other. The district is perched high on a | | | | budget. |
| hill above the Danube and the surrounding | | | | |