Hungarian adventure

When I decided to go to Budapest for three months, I was looking forward to going to a city in Central Europe in the summer - albeit the tail-end of the season. The weekend before I flew out the temperature was forecast at 32°C. Indeed, it probably was hotter in the event. The week preceding my flight was equally hot right up-to the Thursday, and then the temperature started to decline.

The Saturday I flew out was meant to be quite warm, around 20°C, but I did not arrive until 6PM. I should now offer some advice to anyone going to someplace new. Do some research first. When I arrived at my flat I did not know its location, or the means of public transport in the area. Nor did I really know about Budapest’s public transport system. I had read a little bit, but not enough. Foolishly, I purchased a 1-week travel card for myself for 4000 HUF (Hungarian Forint). This is around £13 and is actually quite expensive when considered against other options. I had wanted to buy a monthly ticket for 8000 HUF, however, when I wentt to the ticket counter the lady said she was unable to sell me a monthly and that the ticket booth where they could (upstairs) was closed.

Here comes the second bit of advice when you go somewhere new - know the language! I do not speak any Hungarian, so I could not really question her. Of course, no sooner had I bought my ticket and gone for a wander than I found another Metro station that was open and could sell me a monthy pass! The monthly pass actually requires a passport photo and I had left my photos at my flat, and in any case they do not do refunds or exchanges.

If you come to Budapest and want to use the public transport - and you probably will as the tourist sights are quite spread out - then invest in either a book of 10 tickets (2400 HUF) or a Budapest Card (2 or 3 days). If you are staying near the centre in a hotel then it should not be a problem anyway.

Since it was getting dark and I was in a strange place, I did not do much exploration on my first evening. Instead, I pored over the metro and bus maps and made my way home. I was more adventurous on the Sunday, and also did some shopping. Another note of caution, many shops in Budapest do not give you bags unless you ask for them. Fortunately, I had my backpack to put stuff in and could carry a couple of bottles in my hands! Also, at many shops, vegetables must be weighed and priced before going to the checkout. I turned up with a “clove” of garlic and assumed they could price it at the till. Oops.

Budapest is quite attractive as a city, the Parliament building forms a beautiful image against the river. The monument on Gellert Hill can be seen for miles around, and the first glimpse of St Stephen’s Cathedral is a magical moment.

Budapest, like many cities, has a dangerous element to it. Therefore, I offer caution against going into any nightclub, strip club, or bar if you are unsure. Also, around the tourist areas be careful of pickpockets and girls who approach you - especially pretty blonde ones who suggest going for a drink along the Vaci utca (I await my first approach and probably avoid them as I am not dressed like a tourist). You are likely to be fleeced for a lot of money. If you also wish avoiding being ripped off, then consider going slightly away from the main tourist areas for meals, teas, coffees, and cakes. Wherever possible avoid taxis too and always check the fare first. There are a lot of very affordable restaurants to be found. Be aware the service can be slow.

If you have the inclination, then a walk along Andrassy Avenue (ut) is worth the time. Budapesters call it their Champs Elysee. There are some similarities: Both are tree-lined, and both have important monuments at the end. When I arrived at Heroes’ Square there was some sort of concert/rally going on. Beyond the Square is the City Park. This is also worth exploring. There was a runnin event when I went, and I also saw two wedding parties.

Over the coming week, I will slowly work my way around the tourist sights, I will take pictures and rate them. My camera is ready and so am I.

In the meantime if anyone reads this and is in Budapest feel free to contact me as it would be cool to go for a drink with people who know the town…