Budapest: what to do between competitions

I’m Aube, and I regularly travel to Budapest for competitions. Most sport events take place around the Puskás Arena, so does my fencing competition. In this guide, I’ll show you not just what to do, but also how to recover and move around efficiently during your stay.

Transport

Food

What to do in Budapest

Budapest: The city for athletes

Many international competitions of plenty of sports take place near the Puskás Arena. Most athletes stay at the Danubius Hotel Arena, which is right next to both the venue and a metro station. Not the best hotel, but very convenient.

This makes everything extremely easy. You can go from your hotel to the competition hall in minutes, and you’re still well connected to the city center.

There is also a shopping mall (Arena Mall) nearby where many athletes go to eat between or after competitions and you can also find a big supermarket in the mall.

Recovery

Recovery is where Budapest really stands out.

Check out what I wrote about the baths.

What to do in Budapest

There are so many things to do in Budapest but we can never do everything, especially as athletes. So if you are an athlete, or you are only in Budapest for a short time, make sure you do the top 5. Enjoy!

1.Buda Castle

Start your trip in the middle of Budapest, wander through the historic Buda Castle complex, which offers stunning views of the city. It’s an incredible building and the perfect way to start this trip

2. Fisherman’s Bastian

My absolute favorite place in Buda and it’s free! The view you get on the city is breathtaking and the details of the arches and the towers are beautiful. If there is one place you want amazing pictures from, it’s here, but you’ll probably have to get up early to avoid crowds.

3. Mathias Church

Just behind the Fisherman’s Bastian you can find the Mathias

Church. Discover the Gothic architecture

and explore its interior and if you want, you can climb the tower for panoramic views.

Food tip: Home of Franziska

4. The Parliament Building and Chain Bridge

After you visited the Mathias Church you should enjoy a walk along the Danube River, passing iconic landmarks like the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge.

If you want to do a tour, check it out here.

5. Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

In Budapest, there are plenty of baths to choose from, and my top pick is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. The only downside is the crowds, so I suggest going during the week and early in the morning to avoid them.

Tip: Bring your own slippers (obligatory!), towel(s) and hair elastic!

6. Experience the Ruin Bars

Dive into Budapest's nightlife scene with a visit to the city's famous ruin bars. Enjoy live music and a unique atmosphere in these places. My favorite one is Szimpla Kert. Perfect to get some drinks or to get the party started and go to another place after. If you want to party afterwards, Budapest has a lot to offer, but my fav place to go is Instant-Fogas.

7. Széchenyi Chain Bridge

You will for sure pass by this bridge because it brings you from Buda to Pest. But it is also very nice to walk on it while you are enjoying the views on both parts of the city !

8. Shoes on the Danube River

The Shoes on the Danube River is a war memorial. More than 20 000 Jewish people were killed there, they had to take off their shoes, they got shot and fell into the river…

9. St. Stephen’s Basilica

This is a perfect place to visit around lunch or dinner, as there are plenty of restaurants around. The basilica is free to enter and very beautiful on the inside. I love the area around this place, so make sure to check it out.

10. The Jewish Quarter

I haven't explored everything in the Jewish Quarter myself, but you definitely should. It's a really beautiful and trendy area with plenty of nice shops and hip restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the Great Synagogue while you're there, I hope you like it!

Extra: Around the Jewish Quarter, you can find a lot of street art, so don’t miss it!

I hope this top 10 will help you plan your trip to Budapest, and I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do!

Transport

From the airport, both taxi and metro are simple options. If you arrive late or with equipment, taking a taxi is the easiest.

During your stay, the Bolt app is by far the most convenient way to move around the city. It’s reliable and affordable.

If you prefer public transport, the metro is very easy to use and there is a station right next to the hotel and the venue. Tickets cost around 450 HUF, which is about 1.4 euros.

Food

Some of my favorite restaurants:

• Japanika

• Felisa Tapas Bar (view on the St. Stephens Basilica and friendly staff)

• Dyonysos Taverna

• Pomod’oro

• Parasztkonyha Restaurant
  

Reminder:

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