Article by Amish Agarwal first published on mynomadiclifestyle.com
We all have heard of the popular box office hit, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel.’ Still, the real Budapest, located in Hungary, has an entirely different tale to tell for travelers. Budapest is incomplete without the Danube River. The Hungarian capital is divided into two zones, Buda and Pest, by the river, and it is worthwhile to spend time in both the zones. Budapest is a very budget-friendly city. Being one of the cheapest cities in the whole of Europe, I would strongly recommend Budapest as one of the best places to backpack. There are many incredible things to do in Budapest.
Strongly linked to other European regions, Budapest has several railway stations and bus terminals, which can be often confusing. Your arrival or departure from Budapest can be at Budapest Nyugati, Budapest Deli, or Budapest Keleti railway stations. 
Hotels in Budapest
For budget travelers, youth hostels in Budapest are a treat! They are highly affordable and traveler friendly. During my trip, I stayed at a fantastic place called Meander hostel.
My experience with Meander Hostel has been incredible. The staff here is very friendly and the premises are clean and cozy. I love the location as it is near popular attractions. Cheers to the staff if you are reading this article!
Nonetheless, many similar hostels can be found within a minuscule budget of 10 Euros per night. Hostels are not the only option; there are budget-friendly hotels in Budapest as well, which can make you stay a delight. However, if you are a young traveller, it is recommended to stay in one of the hostels.
Public Transport in Budapest
It is fascinating to see every corner of Budapest connected by public transport. Be it public buses, trams or the metro, you will never get lost. One day unlimited transport pass in Budapest costs less than 5 euros, making it cheap for tourists to explore. Remember, make sure to use the underground metro network, it is one of the most fascinating things to do here.
Things to do in Budapest when on a budget
1. Walk as much as you can
Budapest is not a very big city. It is a very pedestrian-friendly city with dedicated sidewalks and paths. I loved walking in this city simply because the underground metro is a dull affair, and you don’t really get to see the city. You can barge into many hidden spots of interest by just walking. During my trip, I ventured into an amazing map boutique! A shop dedicated to only world maps, city maps, and globes. Walking lengths and breadths across Budapest is indeed an immersive experience, you get to see and feel, just like the locals do. As far as budget is concerned, many fast-food joints, cosy cafes, and corner stores can be spotted when you are on foot. You save a lot on food, as well as on transport.
Tip: Make sure to walk across the popular Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It connects the districts of Buda and Pest across the Danube.
2. Visit the popular Eatery KARAVAN
You might be wondering what Karavan is? No one would ever spill this Budapest secret out. Karavan is one of the prominent local fast-food joints, often filled with local people. It is a unique structure, nestled comfortably in the Jewish neighborhood. This place houses various street food stalls serving extremely affordable delicacies from all over the world. Be it Mexican, Lebanese, or Italian, they have got it all covered. The best part, I bet you will appreciate the friendly and hipster ambiance of this place.
3. Make a trip to a popular Ruin Bar
It is no secret that Budapest is known for its iconic Ruin Bars. These are mainly clustered in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. These are a specialty of Budapest and are exclusive to the city. As the name suggests, ruin bars are centered on the common theme of ‘ruins.’ They are decorated with antique worn our furniture, electrified with dated lights and equipment, and draped in funky looking street art. But, it is the hype and the enthusiasm generated inside by the crowd and various music/dance artists that make this place worth visiting. The entry is free, and drinks are definitely a bang for your buck.
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