Budapest Guide: Third time lucky

If anyone didn’t work out from social media that I’ve been on a girls holiday, jeeez where have you been. 

I’ve found myself in Budapest again! It’s my third trip here in a few years but I wasn’t going to argue, it’s reminded me that it’s probably one if my favourite cities in Europe. Bold statement that. 

Why I love it so much:

You can’t buy a vibe, it’s there or it isn’t. It’s chilled out, fun and just very... back packer-ish. It just doesn’t take itself too seriously. And it’s lovely to walk around. The streets are wide and it’s designed perfectly to explore on foot. It’s beautiful and spacious, but not overwhelmingly big, you can easily cover it all on foot. Easy and satisfying to navigate, it's unlike say Venice, were we all go so, soooo lost. Constantly. It’s full of little surprises too, with unique bronze sculptures scattered around. 

The bonus is that it’s all such good value for money. A 3 course meal and all the wine will come to £30 max.  I mean ALL the wine. We had 4 bottles at dinner one night. Every time I’ve been it’s been warm too, which helps! 

These are a mix of my favourite places from the last few trips.

Where to eat:

The Doughnut Library: No explanation needed surely? You can read and eat doughnuts. Every kind of doughnut. 

Kuglet: Many a hungover breakfast had happened here. The stories exchanged over these tables will forever live on, long after our hungover souls have grown up and settled down. But really, the breakfasts are amazing and it’s in a very central location.

Fekete Café: This cafe is really tucked away in a little courtyard, so it’s beautiful and perfect for the Gram. What more could you want?

Oh and want those flower petal ice creams for the Gram too? Course you do. Here you go, Gelarto Rosa is your place. This has gotten very popular so be prepared to queue.

What to do:

Every time I’ve gone to the Szechenyi Spa. That said I’ve never managed a Sparty. I’m probably not missing out. This time was a little disappointing mind you - it’s getting very busy with tourists but I don’t think they are changing to cope with it. A lot of staff didn’t speak English well, so if you had a problem you wern't really helped e.g the card readers weren’t working and no one could navigate us to an ATM. I won’t let that spoil it, it’s a must see when you are here. But FYI don’t pay for anything in Euros, they scalp ya. 

Walking to Citadel. I wouldn’t miss this, it’s a great walk to amazing view points. 

Where to play: 

Simpla Kert: There’s a reason everyone tells you to go here! It’s a lot of fun. It’s a huge, winding ruin bar and you’ve definitely already seen photos. The walls are covered in random stuff. There are a gazillion different rooms and now I don’t get lost. The toilets aren’t the nicest but it makes up for it! 

Instant: I always describe this as the place with the giant revolving Pig in the ceiling. 

360 Bar: Perfect roof top bar if you want all the views over the city. Ir’s more expensive, but a lovely vibe.

Retox: Does what it says on the tin. "Party hostel" with fun bar staff and all the shots/cocktails/vibes/stories. Go nuts! A fair few bar crawls run through, as well as it being a hostel makes it a great place to make friends and start your night. Then go to Kuglof in the morning to fix yourself. Woo. 

Would I go again? Always. It’s just a perfect little summer break location if you want something a little different. We jetted off to Montenegro after this so I promise I’ll pop that up soon too 💛