Budapest on a budget...

October 23, 3:49 AMNY Budget Travel ExaminerSusan Finch

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I'm writing this from Budapest with a view of the Parliament from my window on the anniversary of their 1956 uprising.  Parades, gatherings, and festivals will ensue.

While Budapest was once a rock bottom bargain compared to its Western European neighbors, it has grown increasingly more expensive. And now that it's part of the European Union, it seems inevitable it will transition from the Forint to Euro.

While hotels might no longer offer good deals in Pest's bustling center, the Buda side of the city offers luxury with Danube River views for less than 100 Euro.

I've discovered food and beer (or sör) are still affordable.  Last night a bowl of tasty beef goulash and a large beer cost about 920 Forint, or approximately $5. A few hours at the thermal spa might cost around $8 USD and a large 1.5 liter of water around $.30.

The 48 hour Budapest Card costs around $30 and is good for free entry and discounts into most major attractions. I typically don't invest in city attraction cards, but since I'll be in the city for nearly a week, I wanted to make sure and see as much as possible at the best rate possible.  But even more of an incentive, I realized the card comes with free travel insurance.  Although I don't have children, the card is also good for 1 adult and 1 child 14-years old and younger, which makes it a good deal for traveling families.

Today we're hitting the thermal spas and taking a walk around the castle area, then trying the often overlooked Hungarian House of Wines (Magyar Borok Ház) where you can learn about the country's 22 wine regions and have a small tasting.