Countries Visited |
(overland journey) |
Portugal
Spain
France
Germany
Poland
Slovakia
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Turkey
Iran
Pakistan
India
Nepal
Tibet
China
Morocco
Nigeria
Philippines
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Hungary = Hugarian Forint |
Updated Currencies |
$1.00 (US) =
HUF
£1.00 GBP =
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$1.00 AUD =
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€1.00 EUR =
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Currency data courtesy coinmill.com |
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Useful Info |
| On bank holidays all tourist sights are still open, but the Central Market will be closed! |
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Police by Parliament |
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Hungary:
Topics Covered - click on a topic heading to skip to that section
My Travels into Hungary were slightly unexpected, you can read about what happened here. So my visit to Budapest was unprepared. I did make the most of it though ;-)
Some memorable places I have been
Budapest: The capital of Hungary and one of the most architecturally beautiful cities I have been in. Also, another tourist mecca.
Buda Castle - Set on top of a hill overlooking the river this is large well renovated castle with superb views of the river bank. Spoilt terribly by having a 5 star hotel slap bang in its center - the future of cultural hotspots?
Danube - This is one of the most famous rivers in Europe, and I can't think of another I have visited that has so much to see. Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Parliament and a host of other buildings are all situated along it. Night time viewing is a must.
Parliament Building- Close to London's parliament in terms of beauty. Just as much security spoils it terribly. As does the constant renovations.
Heroes' Square - If you want a free walk in the park, head here. Worth a visit either way. .
Applied Art Museums- If you like old European buildings this is place to marvel at.
Old KGB Station, and Torture House- Speaks for itself really. A bit hard to find, and not much too it.
Nyugati/Keleti Railway Stations - I am not a train spotter. But I did hang out here for a while. The Nyugati in particular is the most spectacular of buildings and certainly the best example of what huge old train station should look like!
Ways into Hungary (link to top)
I took a last minute overnight train from Krakow which I documented here. It took me through the center of Slovakia and immigration boarded the train. They boarded again in Hungary. The train was actually very empty.
The Food (link to top)
After several countries of good food I ran into trouble in Budapest. In one word, expensive. Actually expensive Hungarian restaurants. I finally found a chinese place by the railway station that was very cheap and very nice,. A lack of street stalls to eat, and far, far too many western fast food chains. In fact pick up a free tourist map, and all you will see are BK signs everywhere. I did eat lots of Hungarian Salami and sausage from the markets which was quite good, but again, a little pricey.
The People (link to top)
I found the Hungarians to be okay. Nothing makes them stand out other than being a bit drab and aside from the drinkers, keep to themselves.
The Language (link to top)
Was never going to happen for me. In Budapest it's so touristy you don't need it. Out of the capital, I would imagine it would be important.
Do's & Do not's (link to top)
Do pick up a free tourist map of the city and marvel at the amount of fast food chains listed on it. Do make an effort to see the sunset on both sides of the city. Do not bother to find the tourist office, it's got little on offer you can't find on the internet or in a guide book. Do try to see if there is anything cultural going on. When I was there I got to see a World Press Exhibition on Police violence, held right opposite Parliament. I great place to go afterwards and annoy the police my taking photos of them!
Places I stayed (link to top)
Finding a hostel in Budapest that's not overrun my students or gap year party goers and not a terrible hole was a challenge in this city.
Green Bridge Hostel- just beside the Danube is about 10 Euro a night in a dorm, with free internet and bad plumbing.
Potential for home? (link to top)
I found it relatively easy to research this due to some local expats I met. It's also surprisingly easy to move there. That said, language, and a high unemployment rate makes it a toughy. Though renting is quite cheap in certain parts, and transport is easy. Without a good grasp of the language though the types of jobs on offer is centered around bar work.
FAQ's (link to top)
How much is a daily budget?
My biggest expense in Budapest was food. I really struggled here to find something within my own budget and within walking distance of where I was. Hostels were all about 10 Euro for dorm rooms, transport was cheap and entrance fees low. 20 Euro a day is about right.
How is the Metro?
I really found the Budapest Metro easy to get around. But saw plenty of tourists getting very annoyed with the system it uses. There are 4 lines and more planned. You buy a ticket per line, and have to pay if you want to transfer. Yes, you have to pay to transfer lines. Stupid idea. And yes they check, and yes some guards give backpackers a hard time with fines. Buy a week ticket and look the guards in the eye with contempt, or else stand back and watch them pick on more backpackers, non central lines in the evening is best for this. The old yellow line a real treat as it's one of the oldest in the world.
Money in Budapest, what to do?
International Credit cards like VISA or Mastercard work everywhere as do most debit cards. You get your Hungarian Forint in return. There are also plenty of Money changers.
Please keep in mind all the above is based on my own personal experience in Hungary. It's not intended to be a guide. If the information here can help you on your own travels then that's a good thing!
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