For starters, you need to learn more about why the stunning Hungarian capital is the ideal destination for a crazy weekend with your best mates. Our information page has got what you need. Take a look below for information on the city, what sort of weather you can expect, what money to bring, what food to sample, how to get around and – of course – what to drink. At Stag Heaven, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to get in touch with any questions.
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It has a population of 2 million people. The public language is Hungarian, but most people also speak English or another foreign language.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, its extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. The city also offers a broad selection of culture, gastronomy, entertainment and wellness. It attracts over 20 million visitors a year.
The city has a temperate, transitional climate – somewhere between the mild, snowy weather of Transdanubia, the variable continental climate of the flat and open Great Plain to the east and the almost sub-Mediterranean weather of the south.
Spring is usually glorious with abundant sunshine and scattered showers. Summers have a split personality: prolonged hot periods with highs between 32-35°C interchange with short, cooler, wet periods following cold fronts from the West with highs between 18-25°C.
The currency of Hungary is forint (sign: Ft; code: HUF). Banknotes of the Hungarian forint: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000. Coins of the Hungarian forint: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
Some restaurants, bars, clubs accept euro, but the exchange rate is usually extremely bad. Fake dollars and euro banknotes are commonly disseminated by illegal street money exchangers. For their safety, tourists are advised not to attempt to exchange currency with touts. Ask our guide where to change! Exchange rate: 1GBP = appr. 335HUF, 1EUR = appr. 305HUF.
The first thing that people recall about Hungarian cuisine is goulash, but Budapest has over 1,000 restaurants, offering Hungarian and international cuisine. You won’t have any difficulty in finding a place to eat which fits your budget.
Many think that Hungarians eat heavy, fatty dishes, a key ingredient of which is the throat-burning hot red paprika. We have to disappoint you if you are one of the many. Red paprika is only used to enhance the flavour of the dishes. Trying fish soup, chicken paprika and good home-made pörkölt (stew) is a must.
There are many taxi companies in Budapest. The safest and cheapest is to always call one of the centrals and ask them to send you one (normally they speak English).
But if you are too drunk, at least make sure you choose one with a company name and a phone number on the car, always ask about the approximate price before jumping in and then make sure the meter is on. One ride should never cost more than 2-4000 FT (7-13 EUR), in case they charge you more, for example 10.000 HUF you are getting ripped off!
Budapest has an efficient, diverse and low-cost network of public transport, including bus, metro, trolley bus, tram, suburban railway lines (called HÉV lines), and boat services.
By using any kinds of transportation, you can reach your destination fast and convenient in the city. If you would like to travel by public transport, please always keep in mind that you need to have a valid ticket or season ticket with you. Tickets are available all around the city at metro stations, tram stations, or street vendors.