When I first moved to Budapest to teach English, I thought I would head to the airport and jet somewhere in Europe every chance I got. But as time goes on (and let’s be real, as the savings diminish) exploring Hungary is higher on my priority list–and this past long weekend was the perfect opportunity to do so! Here are some ideas for the next time you find yourself in Budapest with a few days to spare!
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The Dance Party–Ankert
I’m a firm believer in dancing away your troubles, and after a week of rowdy preschoolers you’d better believe I was ready to let loose.
Ruin bar Ankert was nothing new (I stopped going a few months after living in the city once I learned of less touristy places), but every time I go I know I can count on music that encourages me to make a fool of myself a fun time. It’s popularity with tourists means the drinks are pricey–but then again, it also means that it’s easy to find a lively crowd. If you still have energy after, make the short ~15 minute walk to Fogas–the ruin bar complex with multiple dance floors and endless tunes. Go and shake your groove thang!
The Morning After–Brunch at Mazel Tov
Compared to Budapest bustling streets and dance floors of the night before, Mazel Tov’s vine-laden courtyard is a quiet sanctuary. Colorful berry french toast, hearty shakshuka, or the artful spin on eggs Benedict are all good options (although, I am a sucker for a hummus plate). Grab a signature Mazel Tov lemonade and complete your meal!
The Business Lunch–Catch up on Work at Kisüzem
Good WiFi, good house wine, good creative atmosphere (I’m always curious to see what new art installment is up)…if you have any work to catch up on before your next play, an afternoon settled at Kisüzem might help you along. The kitchen is open until 11, and there are new (and delicious) specials daily, so you won’t go hungry as you hit your productive stride. Stay until the evening and you can celebrate a job well done–Kisüzem often hosts concerts or art shows, to the delight of the bustling hipster crowd.
The Day Trip–Szentendre
The long weekend gave me extra time to set my sights a little further than Budapest. Follow the Danube north 40 minutes and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful medieval village of Szentendre.
Getting There:
Public transport makes it incredibly convenient to make your way from Budapest to Szentendre*. The HEV train leaves from central Batthyány tér and delivers you right at the head of the walking street. Feeling nautical? Take a leisurely cruise up the Danube to Szentendre instead! (Boat schedule and fares can be found here.)
*Know that the city transport pass won’t cover your whole journey. Stop at a purple kiosk and buy an extension ticket (~400 Ft/$1.50), or have cash on hand to pay on the train!
Our afternoon up north was molded by ways we could dodge the heat, whether that was through sipping ice cream coffees in the main square, strolling by the waterfront, or savoring shady alleyway on the way to a hilltop lookout. Be warned, though–famous lángos shop Álom Lángos lies just off of the alley. So be prepared to squeeze past the line of hungry tourists as you make your way up to the hill. Or maybe hop in line and try this traditional Hungarian fried flatbread for yourself! (Sajtos-tejfölös is my favorite!)
Although it might be tempting to squeeze down the alley back into the main square (there is a charming ice cream shop there, after all), you can whisper your way down the quiet back lanes leading down from the hill until you end up at the river. So take an afternoon and explore the textures of this charming town.
(Check out my festive winter visit to Szentendre on my Insta highlights! @telos.tesla.)
The Picnic–Római Part
About 30 minutes north of the city on the Buda side, discovering Római Part may have made the whole weekend at home worth it. I had no idea this oasis existed–but that’s the beauty of making friends who have been here longer and are more familiar with the city!
Now that summer weather has kicked in, my little American heart has been craving a barbecue of 4th of July proportions (my kingdom for some barbecue sauce)…and I couldn’t have been happier to have ended up here!
I don’t know what I found more mouthwatering–our eclectic barbecue or the sizzling lángos (that’s right…more lángos) and street food smells wafting from the waterfront vendors. I’m looking forward to spending many a summer day at Római Part.
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Monday night came way too quickly, but by the time the long weekend came to a close, I was thoroughly exhausted, slightly sunburned, and completely content.
Tell me: What’s your favorite way to spend a summer weekend?
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