It's not often mentioned when someone asks you where you're going for holidays, but don't let that put you off - Budapest is a fantastic city with plenty to see, do and drink for pennies. It really does have something for pretty much everyone, whether it's going out partying, eating 'til you can't anymore, taking in the culture or going for a day at the legendary spas. Plus, with drinks sometimes as cheap as 60 cent, you definitely can't go wrong.
The Basics
Getting there
Like pretty much every other large European city, you can reach it from Dublin within less than 3 hours on a cheap flight from Aer Lingus or Ryanair - returns often are in and around the 100 euro mark which is not too bad. Book in advance though, summer is a peak time (and really, really pretty too) and ofen busy. If you go in a group, you can blag a taxi from the airport into town for about €3 each, otherwise there are regular shuttles on the cheap too.
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Places to stay
Budapest is fantastically cheap when it comes to hostels and holiday apartments to rent, although make sure if you can to grab somewhere in the city centre of Pest - the Jewish quarter and area in and around Andrassy Ut are great bases to start from with plenty of class places to eat, drink and shop. Hungarian is an exceptionally difficult language to someone who has never heard it previously, so learn the basics before you go! However, most hotels and hostels, as well as everywhere else, have English-speaking staff, so don't worry too much.
Money
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Unlike most countries in the EU, Hungary isn't on the Euro and uses Forint instead, so either get some out before you go, or just go to an ATM there. Exchange rates seem to be better for those of you from the North, as pounds seem to do better than euros. Otherwise, 50 eur will get you around 16,000 forint (you're rich!) - things are great value when you consider a pint or shot can cost you anything between 120 to 600 forint (ie 40c to €2).
Stuff to do
The Baths
Oh dear god. These are the exceptional places to go in Budapest. Remember to pack swimwear and a towel, 'cause you're almost certainly want to visit again and again - for around a tenner you can get an unlimited day pass into any of the city's thermal spas. The most well known one, the Gellert, has an outdoor sauna and wave pool open in the summer as well as baths of various different temperatures, all of which are pretty damn relaxing. If you're feeling a bit mad, try the 90 degree Finnish sauna followed by a cold plunge into freezing water - it'll wake you up. They are spectacular hangover killers too. Lastly, a tip if you're going in a mixed group would be to go during the weekends, as most baths are gender separate during the week.
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Going Out
Budapest has a fantastic and very original nightlife, with a smattering of good bars and clubs. Perhaps what defines the city are its many ruin bars, outdoor bars and clubs in the ruins of buildings demolished or destroyed during the more violent periods of Hungary's modern history. Still, they're awesome craic and drinks are very, very, very cheap by Irish standards. This is especially true for pre-drinks, think naggins for less than 3 euro. For a really distinct experience, go to A38, a venue on a disused Ukrainian ship with gigs and club nights. Make no mistake, Budapest is great drinkers' city and the pubs are just as good as the clubs. Palinka, a lethal fruit brandy available everywhere, is probably the firiest spirit I've ever tried.
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The touristy stuff
During the day, one of the best things to do is just go for a walk through the city, but obviously there are the main sights too, such as Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Hungarian Parliament. However, climbing up the Gellert Hill to see the sun set over the city is truly special, despite the climb! For history buffs, there's the House of Terror, a building which housed both the Nazi and Soviet secret polices at different times during the 20th century - not for the faint hearted. If you aren't too fussed on the culture and fancy trying something new, go out to Celeritas Shooting Club and try out a wide range of arms on their range, or, if you're lucky enough to be there at the time, book tickets for Sziget, one of the top festivals in the world (it happens in August). This year Macklemore, Queens of the Stone Age, Calvin Harris, Lily Allen and Bastille are all on the list.
Food
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I have never been to a city with better places to eat than Budapest, but feel welcome to disagree. Even the takeaways are class, especially Wok2Go and Hummus Bar where you can get a pint and meal for less than a fiver. Supermarkets usually have decent delis and a bakery, which is useful if you're trying to keep costs down. For a proper Hungarian meal, try restaurants in the Jewish quarter, most of which do great local specialties.
Further Afield
If you're there for awhile, Budapest is in reach of many cities on the train. Hungarian rail (MAV) give a huge 50% discount for students and with Vienna 3 hours away, Prague, Zagreb and Munich 6 hours away respectively, and Bratislava a couple of hours away, there is the possiblity of using Budapest as a base to see other European cities. Closer to the city is Lake Balaton, a gorgeous retreat to the southwest.
Overall, Budapest is great place to go as a student, with a huge range to see and do, there's something there for all tastes. It's a must!
