Budapest

The city's dual personality always stands out. On one hand, it's an incredibly grand city on the Danube with stunning, monumental architecture. On the other, it has a raw, creative, and slightly chaotic energy, especially in the ruin bars. Budapest feels both historic and vibrantly alive, and it's easy to love it for that.

A few standout reasons put Budapest at the top of any travel list. First, the value is incredible; it's one of Europe's most affordable major capitals, so your money goes a long way. Second, the thermal baths are a truly unique experience unavailable just anywhere – soaking in a historic outdoor bath in the middle of winter is something else. The history is palpable, from the imposing Buda Castle to the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial. And finally, the nightlife is legendary. The "ruin bars," built in derelict buildings and filled with eclectic junk-shop furniture, are an experience in themselves and a must-see even if you're not a big partier.

Hungarians can be a bit reserved at first, but they are generally polite and helpful if approached with a smile. Don't expect the over-the-top friendliness found in some other cultures; there's a certain stoicism, but it's not unkind. In the tourist center, especially with younger people, English is widely spoken. However, learning a few basic Hungarian words like Szia (hello) and Köszönöm (thank you) is always appreciated. The official language is Hungarian, which is completely unique and unrelated to the languages of its neighbors, a point of national pride.

The food here is hearty, rich, and delicious. You must try Goulash (gulyás), which is more of a soup here than the stew you might know. A top recommendation is Lángos, a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese—it's the ultimate street food snack. For a full meal, Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás) is an excellent choice. A great meal can be had for a very reasonable price; a main course at a casual restaurant will set you back about 3,500-5,000 HUF. For a fantastic experience, visit the Great Market Hall to see all the fresh produce and grab a cheap, authentic bite on the upper floor.

Budapest's infrastructure is a mixed bag, which is part of its charm. Public transport is fantastic—the metro, trams, and buses are efficient and cover the entire city. Metro Line 1 is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it feels like stepping back in time. Internet is generally fast and reliable in cafes and accommodations. However, the city's age shows in its buildings; don't be surprised by crumbling facades or older elevators. Air conditioning is common but not universal in older apartments, something to keep in mind for a summer visit. Power is stable, with no reported issues with outages.

Travelers fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). The most recommended way to get into the city is the 100E Airport Express bus. It's direct, comfortable, and cheap—around 2500 HUF—and drops passengers right at Deák Ferenc tér in the city center. Tickets are available from purple BKK machines at the airport bus stop or by tapping a bank card on the validator as you board. A taxi (use the Bolt or Uber app for a fair price) will cost around 9,000-12,000 HUF.

Getting around Budapest is a dream. The city is very walkable, especially the central Pest districts. For longer distances, the public transport network (run by BKK) is excellent. Use the BudapestGO app to plan journeys and buy tickets or passes. A single ticket is 500 HUF, but a multi-day pass offers the best value. The metro system is easy to navigate, and the trams, especially Tram 2 which runs along the Danube, are a scenic way to see the city. Ride-hailing works well with the Bolt and Uber apps being the primary services.

Budapest is generally a very safe city, but visitors need to be smart, especially with their money. The biggest risk is petty crime and tourist-focused scams. Be very wary of taxi drivers not from a reputable company (just use the Bolt or Uber app) and currency exchange booths that offer suspiciously good rates with hidden fees. Some bars and restaurants, particularly in the Váci utca tourist strip, have been known to wildly overcharge, so always check the menu for prices before ordering. Reports of drink spiking in nightlife areas exist, so keep an eye on your drink. Violent crime against tourists is rare.