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Roaming around Budapest at night

Exploring Budapest: bike rides, thermal baths and the real goulash!

If there is one thing we love it’s last minute trips and one way tickets. OK, that’s two things! I guess what we really like is to be able to be spontaneous and make the most of the moment, embracing pretty epic experiences, as well as enjoying the little things.

We were recently in Lisbon and Ashray got his nose broken on the basketball court. After the guy who unintentionally smashed part of his face said “dude, you gotta be careful.. I play strong defense!” and the city started getting even more crowded with tourists, we thought it was a great time for a change of scenery. Ashray found an excellent last minute deal for a one way flight to Budapest before lunch and, a few hours later, with our stomachs full of Arroz de Marisco, off we were on the way to Hungary!

Even though Budapest is known for its history and grandeur, lately Hungary hasn’t been in the news for the most endearing of reasons. Still, we thought we’d enjoy a few days soaking in the city life, before making a move onwards to India. So, what does one exactly get to see and do over the course of four days in a new city? Actually, plenty!

Exploring Budapest by bike

Exploring Budapest by bike

 

We decided to explore Budapest by bike, to be able to get anywhere we wanted to at any time of the day or night, without spending way too much money. Budapest is composed of the former cities of Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube river. The side of Buda, where many of the historical landmarks of the city are, is hilly and best explored on foot. But the side of Pest, where the real city is, and where the vast majority of people stay, is wonderfully flat, making it a joy to ride along. In fact, taking a bike in Budapest is not a touristy thing. A lot of locals use bikes to get around, bypassing the traffic and embracing a decidedly more eco-friendly means of transportation.

Bike rental with Donkey Republic

Unlocking our Donkey Republic bikes using their app

 

We rented a couple of bikes from Donkey Republic, which were available in different outdoor spots around downtown. Using their app, we didn’t have to worry about returning them on time to any given shop. We unlocked the well maintained bikes using our phone, set in the app for how long we wanted them (there’s always the possibility of extending!) and paid everything online. No hassles, total freedom.

Crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by bike

Crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by bike

 

Having your own transportation really makes exploring a new place much easier. Not only that: with the possibility of getting around so easily, we got to see non obvious sides of Budapest, where the trams and buses may not necessarily reach. Apart from soaking in majestic sights such as the Parliament or the famous Budapest bridges, we got to see regular daily life unveiling in different neighborhoods of the city. We got to observe that not every part of town is as grand and shiny as the areas on the banks of the Danube. And we even got to eat in regular places where locals go to for their meals. And this is how we found out that the famous Hungarian dish Goulash is actually not Goulash! Allow me to explain…

Whenever we have eaten Goulash outside of Hungary, the dish consisted in a thick stew, with chunks of tender meat and vegetables, seasoned with heaps of paprika. The sides could be rice or, in some parts of Central and Eastern Europe, dumplings. In Hungary, we came to understand that Goulash is actually a much thiner soup, using similar ingredients cut in small pieces, but with much more broth, which you’d normally soak up with bread. What we thought was Goulash is what in Hungary is actually called Pörkölt. So there’s no way Hungarians will be pouring their beloved Gulyás on top of rice of even pasta anytime soon!

This is what you get when you google Hungarian Goulash...

This is what you get when you google Hungarian Goulash…

... and this is what Hungarian Goulash is actually like!

… and this is what Hungarian Goulash is actually like!

 

Hungarian food is comforting and fulfilling, but it can get pretty heavy. Specially when you decide to snack on Kürtőskalács in between meals, like some of us… Between bike rides, local meals and the rising temperatures, one of our days in Budapest was mostly spent trying to relax and rejuvenate.

Enjoying a fresh Kürtőskalács. This delicious "chimney cake" is cooked on a spit over charcoal, and you get to choose your toppings. Our favorites: cinnamon and cocoa!

Enjoying a fresh Kürtőskalács. This delicious "chimney cake" is cooked on a spit over charcoal, and you get to choose your toppings. Our favorites: cinnamon and cocoa!

 

Budapest is famous of its thermal baths, that remind us of the time when Ottomans were in the region. We never indulged in a Turkish bath while in Istanbul, but in Budapest we didn’t let go of the opportunity! We headed straight to Gellért Baths, which are almost 100 years old. After dipping ourselves in steamy pools of various temperatures regulated by nature herself, we might have not looked 100 years younger, but we sure felt relaxed and recharged to explore some more!

Inside Gellért Baths in Budapest - photo by gotohungary.com

Inside Gellért Baths in Budapest – photo by gotohungary.com

 

Roaming around Budapest’s city center can be quite entertaining. The city itself is beautiful, specially at night, as it is perfectly lit with yellow shades that highlight the architecture from times gone by. Walking by the Danube, you get to enjoy views of the many bridges, the Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle and more. As all the grand buildings are so concentrated, at times, it felt like Budapest was even a little more Paris than Paris!

Aerial view of the Danube River and Budapest at night

Aerial view of the Danube River and Budapest at night

 

Going inland on the Pest side, exploring the Jewish Quarter will give you an insight on the Jewish history and heritage in Budapest. This is also the place to go to if you want to eat Kosher food!

The Great Synagogue of Budapest

The Great Synagogue of Budapest

 

Even though Budapest is a city with a very old history, and the constructions sure give you a sense of that, it is also a place that feels very new. The number of young folks out and about in Budapest feels remarkable for Europe! At some point, sitting in a central park sipping drinks and watching the sun go down, you wonder: how are there so many people.. doesn’t anybody work? Hungarians are known to party quite hard!

In Budapest they have a concept that I am positive would work very well in Lisbon too: the ruin pubs. Housed in old buildings, these bars looks quirky because they are… well, quite destroyed! Drinks are reasonably priced, everyone has a good time, and the management doesn’t need to spend too much on a venue. Win-win! Jokes aside, we did feel like Budapest was young and dynamic. Lots of late-night joints, international food, a great cafe scene… not much diversity of people, true, but I guess you can’t have it all!

At Szimpla Kert, one of Budapest's famous ruin pubs

At Szimpla Kert, one of Budapest's famous ruin pubs

 

One day we’ll go back to Hungary to explore beyond the capital. This trip was more like an appetizer, let’s say like a real Goulash soup, but our appetite is still open for a main course of Hungary one day soon!

 

** Donkey Republic Bikes Giveaway **

We have a feeling that you are also keen to explore a new city by bike, aren’t you? We’re giving away 3 free Donkey Republic bike rentals for 2 people for 1 day, valid in Budapest or any of these cities! To enter the giveaway, simply tell us what city you want to ride around and why. We will select 3 winners doing a draw on the 5th of July. Good luck!


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21 Comments

  • Wow, Gellert baths looks gorgeous – I’ll definitely be checking those out when I’m in Budapest for my second visit in September. You’re sooooo right that the food is heavy on the stomach – v tasty, though! I loved langos, which is super-calorific battered and deep-fried potato topped with sour cream and cheese. Yum.

  • Laura Says

    I’d like to ride a bike around Budapest as we have booked a weekend trip only – and there’s so much to see! Thanks

  • Anita Says

    Ohhhh I’d love to try this in Madrid!

  • Sara Hawkes Says

    Would love to take a Donkey bike for a spin in Austin!
    There are many green areas in my city, and riding a bike around simply sounds good to me! :)

  • Irene Says

    I’d love to explore Copenhagen by bike, because this is the kind of city even locals get around in on 2 wheels. I’m heading there for a vacation in August and I can’t wait! :D

  • Piyush Kunal Says

    Cool trip! I’m traveling to Hungary later in the summer and would love to take this bike trip in Budapest just like you guys did! Please choose me! ;)

  • Nika Says

    Lovely Budapest. A summer weekend on wheels is a real dream come true!

  • Rohit Says

    Being inter-racial couples, don’t you think that the atmosphere in Budapest was a bit hostile? I’ve been to Prague and they were some of the most racist people I’ve ever met.

    • Ashray Says

      What kind of hostility did you face? We didn’t really experience anything overt.

      • Rohit Says

        People calling you gypsy and staring at you (especially outside Prague), telling me to go back to Syria ( when I’m an Indian lol). I know someone who went to Hungary and had even the worst experience than I did.

  • Looks like a fun trip! And… that goulash… I could dive in right about now! :p

  • Joren Says

    I’ve always wanted to do a biking trip around Scandinavia, during the never ending summer days, under the midnight sun. Riding a Donkey bike for a few days could be a good start! ;)

  • I hadn’t known that little fact about Budapest actually being two cities divided by the Danube River! Also that bit about Goulash. From the picture of the real one, it reminds me of a Filipino dish called “Nilagang Baka” which is also a thin-ish stew of beef chunks and vegetables. Got me so hungry just typing that out! :D

    As for riding a bike around a city, no other city comes to mind but AMSTERDAM for me! I have always heard that there are more bicycles than people there! And what better than to make use of them, right?? I’m also already planning a trip there for Spring next year ;)

  • Klaus Says

    Hi,

    I would love to use the app in Vienna as I will stay there for a week in autumn :)

    Thanks,

    Klaus

  • Zara Says

    Congrats to Piyush, Klaus and Anita for winning a free Donkey Republic bike rental for 2 people for 1 day! You will all be contacted soon with the details! :D

  • nisha jain Says

    Explore the beauty of Budapest. Thanks a lot for sharing this post. Loved the pictures.

  • Kiralik balayi villasi Says

    I would like to ride a bike in Budapest too. İt must be enjoyable and no need to much money. So lots of places can be seen. It will be good experience. Thanks for the info. Also ı’m wondering about turkish baths. ı tried once in İstanbul and Fethiye. They were fabolous. But ofcourse I have to try one in Budapest.

  • Fantastic read as an appetiser and left me wanting to read more… Its surprising that I have hardly ever read the posts here in spite of following you guys on social media for years…

    Guess its never too late.

    Shubham

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