How I Spent Less Than €20 in Budapest for 3D2N

Budapest, Hungary is one of the best cities I have visited in Europe. It has been recommended to me by my friends in Czech Republic, and I'm very glad that I went there. Before I give some tips on how you can save money during your trip, I will just give a little review as to why I love this place. 

PEOPLE

The people there are extremely kind. I went there alone after my project in Czech Republic, and I was unfortunately carrying a big luggage that weighs about 30 kg (that is because I brought many coats and clothes since I stayed in Czech Republic for six weeks). I was surprised  because the people there are very helpful. They would just help me right away in carrying my luggage whenever I go up or down the stairs even if I didn't ask for their help. Sometimes, they would also ask me if I need some assistance when they see me looking at my map while walking along the road. I was very happy because they took the initiative to extend their help once they sensed that I needed one.

Hungarian people are also very polite. In all of the cities in Europe that I visited, it was only in Budapest where I saw people stopping whenever someone was taking a picture. They don't want to destroy your photo. I sometimes felt shy because I always take a lot of pictures. I was quite hesitant that they might wait for a long time, so I just let them pass before I click my camera. Also, they will always wait to let you pass if you are crossing the road. It's quite different in my country, because in the Philippines, people wouldn't care about you. 

ARCHITECTURE

One of the things I always look forward to is the architecture of the country. It was a relief for me that the architecture in Budapest is different from other European countries. The architecture of Austria, Czech Republic, and some parts of Germany somehow look the same. Because of that, I lost my amazement when I went to these three countries. I was glad that Budapest offers a variety of architecture. Even their bridges have different designs. The styles of their buildings also have a range of classic, modern, and a combination of classic and modern. They also have more lights compared to the other cities I have visited. Hence, I was able to take a lot of nice pictures even at night time. If you go there, I recommend you to just walk around the city rather than riding a train or bus. You will appreciate everything you see and you will never get bored or tired even if you walk for the whole day. 

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

You can find subway stations everywhere. It is very convenient to ride the train. As a matter of fact, the hostel where I stayed is just about two minutes walk to the subway. You also don't need to wait for a long time for the train. In my experience, I think four minutes was the longest time I waited. Although there are many people in the city, people inside the train don't look like sardines. They have space and it's very convenient to ride it. I think the only downside is that some stations don't have escalators. Hence, it would be very difficult for you if you are carrying a heavy luggage, but no worries because Hungarian people are always ready to help you. 

ACTIVITIES

Budapest is very popular for thermal baths and spa. They also have museums, markets, and beautiful landmarks. You can also have an awesome night life, especially if you will go there in Christmas. Beer is very popular in this city, so you can find a lot of pubs. They have activities not only for the younger generation but also for the older ones. Somewhere in Danube river, you can find restaurants inside the ship with singers to serenade you or you can also do ballroom dancing. They have activities not only for extroverts but also for introverts. So far, I find it a perfect place for sightseeing and doing some activities. I never got bored while I was in Budapest. I was a very happy traveler.

FOOD

Food is very cheap. You can already have a decent meal at a restaurant for only €1.00 to €3.00, and the serving is quite big (for me). Paprika is very popular in their country. If you like spicy food, you will love eating there. 

WHAT I DID TO SAVE MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING IN BUDAPEST

BOOKING THE ACCOMODATION

I booked my hostel in advance at Hostelworld. You can also book your accommodation from Airbnb or other websites if you want, but the price is actually just the same. I usually book my accommodation through Hostelworld because their website is more organized. 

It is important for you to book your accommodation in advance because some hostels can get fully-booked very quickly. Budapest is very popular for travelers around the globe. I recommend you to do your reservation at least a week before. If you book your accommodation late, you might end up with the more expensive rooms. I booked mine two weeks before I went there.

HOW TO BOOK

Go to the website www.hostelworld.com, then follow the steps: 

1. Input the name of the city. 

2. Click the date when you are planning to go and leave.
3. Don't forget to indicate how many bed(s) you want to book.
4. Click sort, then you can click whichever is your priority. If your priority is the price, click "price". You will then get the results sorted out. 

I booked my accomodation at Colors Budapest Hostel and Apartment (<-click it). I paid only €12.00 for two nights with FREE breakfast. It is located near the bridge, metro, popular landmarks, central market, and cheap restaurants. For me, its location is perfect for travelers who want to save money from food and transportation. I loved my stay here, and I recommend it even to my friends.

You can also have free accommodation by having an account at couchsurfing.com. However, I didn't try it because I think it's too risky and not all people there are friendly. Anyway, everything in Budapest is cheap, so it's better if you'll just book a hostel.

FINDING CHEAP FOOD 

The cheapest restaurants I have found so far are near the Central market. If you were able to book your accommodation at Colors Budapest, consider yourself very lucky because it's very close. I was able to find value meals at restaurants for about €1.00 to €3.00 on my way to the market (€1.00=300 Ft at that time). If you like cooking, you can also buy cheap meat, fruits, vegetables, and ingredients from there. 

The currency in Budapest is Forint, but most restaurants accept Euro.

THE CHEAPEST SOUVENIRS

The cheapest souvenirs I found are in the shops nearby the Central market. Most items there are cheaper than in other areas. I was able to buy a magnet for only €1.00; the same one was €2.00 in the Christmas markets, and €3.00 in the shop near the castle. 

Here's a list of the prices of the souvenirs I found: 

• T-shirts (all sizes)             €6.00 
• magnets                          €1.00 
• kitchen utensils               €3.00  to   €6.00
• Paprika (small-big)           €1.00  to   €3.00 
• chocolates (1 kg)             €3.00

Please take note that these are the prices of the items near the Central market. They are more expensive in shops from another location.

MY EXPENSES

Hostel                    €12.00
Breakfast                FREE
Transportation       ~ €3.00 (one ticket is  350 Ft)
Meals                     none 

As you can see, I didn't spend anything for the meal because I can eat for free at the hostel. hehe They placed some food in the kitchen so anyone can just grab a bite if he/she is hungry. You can also have free coffee and tea whenever you want. :) I didn't buy a lot of food in Budapest because my friends in Czech Republic gave me fruits and some food to bring with me before I left. hehe I just walked around the city while sight-seeing. I bought a train ticket only when I went to the hostel from the bus station and vice versa because my luggage was very heavy. My purpose for traveling was just to take pictures, get familiar of the city, meet new people and know their culture. Hence, I didn't really spend a lot. If you want to do more activities in Budapest, I guarantee you that it won't be as expensive as those in other European countries.  

If you have any question, don't hesitate to comment below. :) 
:)  If you find this helpful, please share to others. :)   
You don't need to be rich to travel, you just have to be wise. ;)