Travelers make mistakes. Learning from these mistakes molds us into better, smarter travelers. Lessons on the road often come suddenly. Mistakes are bound to occur with even the most practiced and prepared travelers. Solo travelers are not immune, and my travel mistake was in Budapest.
Budapest has been attracting visitors for thousands of years. The city’s baths and strategic location on the Danube River have been a draw since Roman Times. Today, Budapest is celebrated as a center of history, stunning architecture and fun. Solo travel, in particular, is a popular way many backpackers find themselves in Budapest.
“Paris of the East”
One of many cities referred to as “Paris of the East,” Budapest is one of Europe’s most romantic and striking cities. Through centuries of history and influences from a variety of kingdoms and regimes, Budapest has the perfect balance and blend of architecture.
The capital city of Hungary lies in the center of Europe and is deserving of such recognition. Meandering through her streets, it is easy for travelers to forget they are in Hungary. Steeped in history and man-made beauty, Budapest is a strange and faraway locale in most minds.
However, travel to Budapest is on the rise as it is not far from some of Europe’s most popular destinations. The city is popular for travelers of all kinds, and despite romantic comPARISons, Budapest is popular for solo travel as well.
The Most Beautiful Building in the World
Images of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night – perhaps the most beautiful building in the world – drew my attention and instantly landed Budapest high on my travel list for a solo trip through Europe.
This building is jaw-dropping. Photos show a beautiful riverside structure, glowing in the night. Up close and personal, the Hungarian Parliament Building is even more impressive, enormous and covered with intricate detail.
Daytime views of the Hungarian Parliament are stunning, but nighttime is when it shines. No other building in the world is illuminated so perfectly.
Turning a corner on my first night in Budapest, the building came into view. These moments are often so hyped up in our minds that, when the time comes, the reality is a letdown. Whether you travel solo or with a group, this is not the case in Budapest. As I walked along the Danube, it was impossible to look away. The Hungarian Parliament building lives up to every expectation of grandeur and beauty.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Further research of Budapest reveals scenes of the Danube and Fisherman’s Bastion, another stunning structure on the opposite river bank (Buda) of the parliament building. Research on Budapest results in beautiful scenes, one after the other. The real thing is only more remarkable.
Fisherman’s Bastion is an elaborate terrace and series of towers next to Buda Castle. The complex is imposing as it sits atop a hill and looms over Pest across the Danube.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a perfect spot to stop and enjoy a spectacular view across the city.
History in Budapest
From a history-lover’s perspective, Budapest has plenty. From the Romans to World War II, there is no shortage. Solo travel in Budapest is often known for a fun party scene, but thirsty backpackers can do some exploring and learn a bit in between long nights.
Some important places for history:
The House of Terror: a fantastic museum that chronicles the history of Budapest under the oppressive Nazi and Communist Governments.
Buda Castle: home to the Budapest Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
Great Market Hall: the most popular market in Budapest, good place for souvenirs and great place for Hungarian food.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica and the Holy Right: particularly intriguing is the the Holy Right. The actual, nearly-one-thousand-year-old right hand of Hungary’s First king, Saint Stephen, is on display in a chapel of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The beautiful cathedral is enormous, and is a very important landmark for Hungarians.
Mistakes are Made
Free-wheeling solo travel is the best in Budapest. A little wandering with few plans is an invigorating change of pace. Hostels are home. New faces come each day. You never know where the day will lead.
At times, the spontaneity is exhausting. Most often, hostels are a welcome escape from the life of solo travel.
After several weeks of solo travel in Europe, knowing I would be in Budapest on certain dates, I prematurely decided to give myself a break from the life of late nights and hostels. I booked a hotel.
This was a huge mistake.
Upon my arrival, after a long train ride and a very long walk to my hotel, I arrived at a nice little hotel in a perfect central location. After months of noisy and grimy hostels, I felt out of place in such a warm, clean place. Here I am – sweaty, dirty and probably not smelling too fresh – checking in next to classy-looking families and men in suits.
After reaching the room, my feelings of uneasiness quickly subsided. For the first time in too long, I enjoyed a long, hot shower without the concern of keeping others waiting. Exhausted from a day’s travel through three countries, I plopped down and sank in the big, soft bed. I ate dinner and drank a nice bottle of cheap local wine, while watching a terrible Tom Cruise movie with voice-overs in Hungarian. Somehow, it was better than in English.
Twelve hours later, I was back to life and ready to go.
Initially, the hotel felt like the right decision. I was finally comfortable and well-rested. This feeling was temporary.
Searching for Pubs
After wandering the city center for the day, the time came to find a pub. The problem is this nice hotel was located around a bunch of other hotels. Where are the pubs, the cheap ones? After searching for a few hours, hunger won and I settled on something near the hotel. Overpriced was the result. Ultimately, the minimart prevailed over the search for a pub.
The next few days were more of the same. Solo travel, wandering through beautiful Budapest, exploring museums and streets alone.
Ordinarily, I am more than happy to explore and wander on my own. And I certainly prefer my pubs on the calm and quiet side. But there is something different about Budapest. Solo travel to Budapest needs to be approached differently. For backpackers, that is a warning about choosing proper accommodation.
Make no mistake. Budapest is, without a doubt, a great city to visit. Whether in a group, with a single companion or traveling solo, Budapest is a travel destination with charming scenes, alluring history and great food. And really cheap beer!
Choose accommodation wisely.
Lessons are Learned
Budapest is a city to share with someone. As I wandered the streets for several days, I constantly felt a nagging inside. I said to myself, over and over, “I will never return to Budapest alone.” In hindsight, my feelings remain but are not as strong.
For backpackers, the occasional night in more comfortable accommodation is fine. However, the several nights I spent in a hotel in Budapest were too many. It was nice, but it certainly wasn’t the Ritz. One or two nights is sufficient to re-energize your inner nomad. The cost of that hotel room is better used for further travel.
A hostel encourages finding places you may never find on your own. Other travelers share advice and experiences that can help lead to new places.
One of the perks of hostels is the social aspect. Budapest has a lively social scene, which I did not discover for a few days. Staying in a hostel, those elusive pubs would have been found much sooner.
The constant nagging feeling as I walked the streets admiring architecture was that I shouldn’t be doing so alone. When you travel solo, there is certainly a need for company at times, especially in cities like Budapest with that “Paris of the East” vibe. The best part of hostels is you are automatically in a place full of other people just like you: budget travelers hoping to have some fun while exploring.
Unless you are a certified prick, it is inevitable that you will make friends in a hostel. New suggestions, pushing boundaries, encouragement. New people help bring the most out of you.
Solo Travel in Budapest
Budapest is the perfect city for travel, solo or with others. The history, architecture, food and fun draw millions of visitors a year. Budapest is not quite to the point of overtourism in Prague and other famous places, but curious travelers might want to get there soon.
After several days of solo travel in Budapest, I look back and recognize my mistakes. I have no regret, as travel and regret don’t mix. I’m happy for the opportunity to visit Hungary and look forward to a return.
When the next trip comes around, one thing is certain: I will likely be traveling with someone. If it is more solo travel, you will find me in a hostel in Budapest.
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