I have been to Budapest for a variety of types of holidays, including a break with friends, two stag do’s, a work trip and a relaxing city-break, therefore I have seen quite a contrast of activities and I’ll try to include the combination of the best options available to you, from famous landmarks to lively bars.
1) Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
I was told that there were a whole vast range of spas in Budapest, but that it was a necessity to visit Szechenyi, whether that’s just to relax in the pool or to have a full spa treatment. The venue opens at 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends and stays open until 8pm each day except Fridays where it stays open until 10pm.
Vilmos Zsigmondy, a mining engineer, was the one that discovered the thermal water right below City Park. The building as we know it opened in 1913, albeit there was a much smaller Artesian bath operating here beforehand. The thermal baths were significantly expanded in 1927, including the famous outdoor section that people love nowadays.
If you were to Google a picture of Budapest, the first sight you’ll commonly see, if not the parliament, is the yellow building with the pool in front, it’s such an iconic part of this city.
2) Eat A Hungarian Goulash
I introduced this dish to Raquel and she became equally addicted, as we became mesmerised by this incredible stew and learned how to make it back home in our slow cooker.
While one of the most significant tastes you’ll get is paprika, you may be interested to know that this dish existed before paprika had made it over to Hungary, it was added later on and improved the dish, therefore changing the way people made it from then on.
Of course, this one is for meat fans, as one of the main ingredients is beef (some make it with pork), but I have seen a few places making a vegetarian alternative, as most of the other ingredients are what you would expect in a stew, like carrots, onions and potato.
3) Try A Shooting Range
We tried a shooting range in Budapest for my mate Matt’s stag do, while Ranger Sport picked us up from our hotel room and dropped us back off afterwards.
We started with a couple of pistols each (from memory it was a Glock but I’m not a gun expert), while we all then had a go at the shotgun. It has some serious kickback, it was so much fun!
Sure, this is mainly something you might want to do on a stag do, but you don’t really get the chance to shoot a gun while in England and it felt like ticking off a thing to do before you die. You don’t need a license or any previous experience, they’ll have an expert walk you through the process and make sure you’re confident before giving it a go.
Just make sure not to drink alcohol beforehand, that’s a hard rule.
4) Go To A Sparty
This one is for those party animals who want to celebrate the ultimate pool party, while this one takes place in the previously mentioned Szechenyi thermal baths.
While it’s relaxing and calm during the day, it really takes on a different image at night, with a live DJ set, lights shining onto the walls and performers all around. You can load money onto your wristband, which you use to pay at the bar for your drinks.
You can also order packages so that you get drinks included. In the package was also the cost of using a locker and entry.
5) Go Karting
There are both indoor our outdoor tracks available and you can turn up in a big group or on your own, but you should book this in advance to ensure you get a spot, especially during the summer months.
The go karts really do pack a decent engine, while I was impressed by the track, it had plenty of turns and yet some good opportunities to overtake your mates. Fancy dress is great fun, but be aware that they’ll still ask you to take it off for the race as they don’t want anything to get caught in the engine or cause injuries. Just the same, you need proper shoes, then there is me turning up in flip flops like an idiot.
6) Party At The Ruin Bars
The Ruin Bars can be found in the Jewish Quarter and you can either visit as an organised tour or just making your own way with Google Maps in hand.
Visit Kazinczy Utca, Akacfa Utca, Dob Utca and Kiraly Utca, all of which are streets with lively bars on. These were originally abandoned buildings, but they were recovered, while keeping the original build and bringing in second hand furniture and art, while setting them up as unique looking bars.
But you don’t have to be a drinker to enjoy this, they have live music and shows around here, I’ve seen street performers and they even have a Sunday farmers market.
