It is a truth universally acknowledged - or at least a claim seldom refuted - that Budapest is a decent enough place to visit on a budget. Hungary's capitol may owe much of its appeal to its competitive pricing compared to other vendors of the Central European experience, but its product does not actually go so far as to disappoint.
Look to the West to see what Budapest aspires to be: Vienna has everything this city has, plus more flair, better manners, and an admittedly heftier price tag. Go any further East, and the state of neglect that nobody here seems to mind becomes more and more apparent. Budapest may be a store-brand European capital, but at least it's not on the bottom shelf.
There are plenty of things this city is great at. The hills of Buda that the native language wistfully calls mountains meet the plains of Pest across one of the biggest rivers on the continent, providing spectacular views on either side. It is also one of the most significant artistic hubs in the region, with the longest history of being one - and although mundane, the world class public transportation system also deserves a mention.
None of this is new to anyone. If you're reading this, you have probably decided to visit already, and your research probably took you through more comprehensive guides to the marvels of Budapest before taking you here. This blog is dedicated not to the city's tourist attractions, but its traps, time wasters, and other assorted warts.
Paris has its ridiculously long queues, Rome has its flourishing pickpocket culture, and Budapest... Well, keep reading in weeks to come and perhaps you will find out.
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