10 Tips For Your First Trip to Budapest: Your Hungarian How-To!
Budapest bound are we? Fantastic choice! We here at The Travel Tinker have a massive soft spot for the “Pearl of the Danube.” It’s this glorious, slightly bonkers mix of ridiculously grand buildings that look like they’re straight out of a Wes Anderson film, gritty cool vibes left over from tougher times, water hot enough to poach an egg (almost!), and a nightlife that might just make you forget what day it is. But hang on! Before you cannonball into this Hungarian delight, a few pointers might save you from looking like a hopelessly lost tourist clutching a map upside down. Your first trip to Budapest can feel overwhelming, in the best possible way, like a kid in a sweet shop. So, we’ve gathered up our top tips to help you strut through this city like you own the place (well, almost!). Let’s get you prepped for Budapest! 🇭🇺
1. Getting Around: Ditch the Blisters, Embrace the BKK
Okay, let’s talk getting from A to B without looking like a typical tourist with no idea. While central Pest is great for a wander, Budapest is a decent size, and honestly, your feet will stage a minor revolt if you don’t make friends with the public transport (BKK). It’s slick, covers pretty much everywhere you’d want to go, and frankly, rattling along the Danube on the bright yellow Tram 2 feels like you’re in a vintage movie. Pure bliss.
The Whole Shebang: You’ve got underground Metros (don’t miss the adorable, dinky M1 line – it’s like a historical ride!), trams clanging their way through streets, buses, trolleybuses, and even river boats run by the BKK. Options galore!
Ticket Tactics: Now, listen up, this bit’s important. Don’t just swagger on board. Grab your tickets before you travel from the purple machines dotted everywhere (they speak English, thankfully!), wee kiosks, or the BudapestGO app. Singles are fine, but for a first trip, a 24-hour, 72-hour, or even a 7-day pass is usually less faff and better value. Saves digging for change when you’re trying to catch that tram!
VALIDATE! (Yes, I’m Shouting): This isn’t London where you casually tap a card. Got a single paper ticket? You must punch it in one of those little orange or red boxes before your journey starts (on the platform for metros, inside the tram/bus). Ignore this, and you might get a rather unpleasant chat with a ticket inspector and a fine that could’ve bought you several delicious chimney cakes. Travelcards just need showing if asked, easy peasy.
🔹 Pro Tip: Eyeing up lots of museums? The Budapest Card bundles transport with discounts. Whip out a calculator (or the notes app on your phone) and see if the savings stack up for your itinerary!
Honestly, figuring out the BKK feels like cracking a code. Once you’ve got it, you’ll feel smugly efficient zipping between the Buda hills and Pest’s grand avenues. Plus, think of all the energy you’re saving for important Hungarian pursuits… like navigating a menu full of delicious but unpronounceable dishes. 😉
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2. Visit the Baths: Go On, Get Your Soak On!
Right, repeat after me: “I will go to a thermal bath.” Seriously, skipping the baths in Budapest is like going to Pisa and refusing to prop up the Leaning Tower for a photo, it’s just wrong. These aren’t your local leisure centre pools; they’re grand, historic social hubs, stunning architectural wonders, and basically giant hot water hugs for your tired traveller muscles. Pure bliss.
The Big Hitters: Széchenyi is the grandaddy – enormous, canary yellow, famous for its outdoor pools where old blokes play chess seemingly unfazed by the steam. Gellért boasts drop-dead gorgeous Art Nouveau tiles and feels a bit swankier. Then there’s Rudas, with its amazing rooftop hot tub overlooking the river and an ancient octagonal pool straight out of Ottoman times. Decisions, decisions!
Bath Etiquette 101: Pack your swimmers (obvs!), a towel (renting is possible but often involves queues and extra cash), and flip-flops (a must for happy feet hygiene). Your entry fee usually gets you a locker or a little changing cabin. Sometimes the layouts are a glorious maze, part of the fun is getting slightly lost!
Just Do It: Don’t just timidly dip a toe. Properly soak. Try the different temperature pools, brave the steam room (if you dare!), maybe even get a ridiculously vigorous massage. It’s prime people-watching territory and a genuinely unique way to absorb Hungarian culture, quite literally.
Recommended Bath Ticket: Széchenyi Thermal Baths
💡 Fun Fact: That toasty water isn’t just tap water heated up; it bubbles up from deep underground, loaded with minerals that are supposedly brilliant for everything from achy joints to general zen. So, you’re basically having fun and doing yourself a world of good. Can’t argue with that!
It might feel a bit peculiar at first, padding about in your cossie amongst ornate statues and mosaic floors, but trust us, you’ll soon melt into the relaxed vibe. It’s the ultimate Budapest decompression session. 🛀
More Guides to Hungary, sure!
Recommended Tours in Budapest
3. Go to the Ruin Bars: Embrace the Glorious Shambles
Ah, the ruin bars (‘romkocsma’). Prepare yourself for glorious, ramshackle brilliance! These legendary spots popped up when clever folks took over abandoned buildings and courtyards in the old Jewish Quarter (District VII), filled them with whatever weird and wonderful junk they could find at flea markets, threw in some fairy lights, and started serving cheap drinks. The result? Pure magic, and I LOVED IT!
The One You’ve Heard Of: Szimpla Kert is the OG, the mothership. It’s a sprawling, bonkers labyrinth of themed rooms, random art installations (is that a Trabant car sticking out of the wall? Yes. Yes, it is.), and a constant, infectious buzz. You have to see it, even if just for a lemonade during the day to gawp at the organised chaos without the evening crowds.
Beyond the Big Name: Don’t just tick Szimpla off the list! There’s a whole constellation of ruin bars. Instant-Fogas Komplexum is a massive multi-venue beast if you fancy a proper night out. Csendes Létterem has more of a chilled, vintage café feel during the day. Anker’t offers a huge courtyard space, often hosting markets or foodie events. Each one’s got its own quirky soul.
The General Vibe: Expect the wonderfully unexpected. Chairs that definitely don’t match, art made from salvaged scrap, plants colonising old bathtubs, maybe a dentist’s chair repurposed as seating. It’s ridiculously creative, zero percent pretentious, and your Instagram feed will thank you.
🔹 Pro Tip incoming: Szimpla Kert, especially, gets absolutely rammed on weekend nights. Like, ‘can’t move’ rammed. Head there early evening for a slightly less intense experience, or check out one of the less famous spots if you fancy actually being able to hear your mates talk.
These places are more than just bars; they’re testaments to creativity and making something amazing out of decay. Grab a ‘fröccs’ (that’s a wine spritzer, a local fave) or a Hungarian beer like Dreher, find a wonky corner to sit in, and just soak it all up. Brilliantly bonkers and utterly Budapest.
4. Join a Walking Tour: Get the Lowdown from a Local
Okay, Budapest is stunning, but it can also feel like a beautiful maze crammed with history you don’t quite understand. While getting lost has its merits, kicking off your trip with a walking tour is, honestly, one of the best things you can do (I do one in every city I go). It helps you get your bearings and unlocks the stories behind those grand facades.
Tour Flavours: You’re spoilt for choice! There are general “Best of Budapest” tours (often starting near the Basilica), fascinating deep dives into the Jewish Quarter’s history, tours focusing on the Communist era, street art adventures, and even foodie tours (yes please!).
Freebie vs. Paid: The “free” tours work on tips – you pay your guide what you felt the tour was worth at the end (so don’t be stingy if they were great!). They’re often top-notch. Paid tours might mean smaller groups, niche topics, or include entry tickets somewhere. Have a Google for outfits like Free Budapest Walking Tours or Trip to Budapest to see what tickles your fancy.
Why Bother? Your guide will likely be a proper local legend, bursting with tales, anecdotes, and maybe even a few terrible jokes. You’ll learn about architecture you’d otherwise just walk past, understand historical context, pick up cultural quirks, and get brilliant insider tips for food and further exploration. It’s like having a super-knowledgeable (and probably funnier) friend showing you their city.
Recommended Walking Tour: Budapest grand city tour and castle
💡 Insider Nugget: Don’t be shy! Ask questions. Guides genuinely love sharing their passion and can give you tailored recommendations if you ask, “Where’s the best place for non-touristy goulash?” or “Where can I find really weird vintage stuff?”
Honestly, a good tour transforms the city from just pretty sights into a living storybook. You’ll start noticing details everywhere. Consider it an essential investment in actually understanding Budapest. 🚶♀️
5. Understand the Money: Forints are Your Friend (Mostly!)
Okay, brass tacks time: money! Hungary, while happily in the EU, clings proudly to its own currency: the Hungarian Forint (HUF). This throws people sometimes, so listen up, no Euros here (well, some touristy places might take them at a truly rubbish rate, just don’t).
Looks Like Monopoly Money: Get ready for notes with lots of zeroes! 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 HUF – it feels a bit wild at first. Coins exist but you’ll mostly be dealing in notes for anything more than a postcard.
Getting Your Hands on HUF:
Airport/Station Exchange? NO! Seriously, just don’t. The rates are usually daylight robbery. Walk on by.
ATMs are Best: Stick to ATMs attached to proper banks (OTP, K&H, Erste are common). Check with your bank back home about fees before you fly, but this usually offers the fairest rate.
City Centre Bureaus: If you must swap cash, find a reputable place away from the main tourist drag, look for “0% commission,” and always ask “How many Forints will I get for my X amount?” beforehanding over your cash. Crucially, avoid those standalone blue and yellow Euronet ATMs like they’re offering last week’s soggy lángos – their rates and fees are often appalling.
Plastic Fantastic: Cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. Using a travel-friendly bank card (like Revolut, Wise, Starling, Monzo) is your best bet for good exchange rates without dodgy fees.
The DCC Trap: Sometimes, a card machine will ask if you want to pay in your home currency (e.g., GBP) or in HUF. Always, always, ALWAYS choose HUF. If you choose your home currency, the machine’s bank sets the exchange rate, and trust me, it won’t be in your favour. Let your own bank handle the conversion.
🔹 Top Tip: It’s worth having a small amount of cash for little things – market stalls, maybe a cheeky street snack, loo fees (yes, sometimes!), or tiny cafes. But lean on your card for bigger purchases.
Don’t let the big numbers freak you out; paying 1000 HUF for a coffee feels weird for about five minutes, then you get the hang of it. Just be a savvy spender when getting your currency! 💰
Helpful article: Travel Cards vs Cash: Which One Should You Carry?
6. Sample the Local Dishes: Your Taste Buds Will Thank You
Right, loosen those belts, folks! Hungarian food is hearty, flavour-packed, and often comes wearing a lovely cloak of paprika and a dollop of sour cream. It’s soul-huggingly good stuff. Get ready to explore beyond just the famous G-word.
The Must-Eat List:
Gulyás (Goulash): Okay, you have to try it. But know that proper Hungarian goulash is more of a rich, beefy soup, not the super thick stew you might get elsewhere. Absolutely delicious, especially with fresh bread.
Lángos: Oh. My. Goodness. A deep-fried disc of pure joy (dough, basically), traditionally smothered in garlic butter, sour cream, and grated cheese. Find it sizzling away at market stalls. It’s messy, unhealthy, and utterly essential.
Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás): Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, paprika-spiced sauce, usually served with ‘nokedli’ (little spaetzle-like dumplings). Comfort food hug in a bowl.
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): Sweet dough wrapped around a spit, roasted over charcoal till golden, then rolled in sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, coconut… whatever takes your fancy! Served warm. Warning: highly addictive.
Töltött Káposzta: Stuffed cabbage leaves, packed with mince and rice, simmered in a tangy paprika sauce. Proper traditional grub.
Where to Chow Down:
Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok): Pop upstairs for a bustling food court serving all the classics (yes, it’s touristy, but the atmosphere is great). Downstairs is perfect for edible souvenirs – paprika, salami, honey.
Local ‘Étkezde’: Keep an eye out for these no-frills, canteen-style joints. They serve honest, home-style Hungarian food at brilliant prices, often packed with locals at lunchtime. A real experience.
Restaurants Galore: From folksy ‘Csárdas’ (often with live gypsy music) to sleek modern bistros putting a new spin on tradition, you won’t go hungry.
Try a Food Tour: Budapest: Food Tour with Wine tasting By Foodapest
💡 Foodie Factoid: Paprika is king here! You’ll see ‘édes’ (sweet) and ‘csípős’ (hot) varieties everywhere. Hungarians use it with gusto. Grab a colourful tin (or three) to take home – makes a great, useful souvenir.
Don’t be shy! Dive into the local cuisine with gusto. It’s a massive, delicious part of experiencing Budapest. And maybe,, pack those trousers with the slightly forgiving waistband… just in case. 😉
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
7. Visit Vintage Shops: Unearth Some Retro Gems
Fancy bagging a souvenir that doesn’t scream ‘I went to Budapest and all I got was this slightly tacky fridge magnet’? Then you need to dive into Budapest’s brilliant vintage and retro scene. If you love a good rummage through rails of funky clothes or shelves of curious knick-knacks, set aside an afternoon for some treasure hunting.
Where to Look: The old Jewish Quarter (District VII) is your best bet. Meander down streets like Király utca and Dob utca, peeking into basement shops and quirky storefronts. Keep your eyes peeled!
Potential Treasures: Honestly, anything goes! Think amazing 70s print dresses, old Soviet-era posters and badges, weirdly wonderful lamps, antique cameras gathering dust, communist-era trinkets, maybe even some surprisingly cool vinyl. It’s a glorious jumble.
Market Mayhem: For the truly dedicated treasure hunter, Ecseri Flea Market on the outskirts (best tackled on a Saturday morning) is a sprawling wonderland of antiques, junk, and hidden gems. Closer to the centre, the Gozsdu Courtyard often hosts weekend markets (like Gouba Bazaar) mixing artisan crafts with vintage goodies.
🔹 Pro Tip: At big flea markets like Ecseri, a polite bit of haggling might be okay (don’t go crazy!). In the established city centre shops, prices are usually fixed. Just be nice!
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a unique piece with a past. Way better than a generic souvenir, it feels like unearthing a little story to take home with you. Happy hunting!
8. Explore Buda and Pest: Two Sides of the Same Coin (But Verrry Different!)
Think of Budapest as a city with two distinct personalities, split right down the middle by the majestic Danube. You’ve got Buda on one side, Pest on the other. They’re like siblings – related, but oh-so-different. You need to get to know both.
Buda: This is the hillier, greener, arguably more chilled sibling.
What’s There?: Castle Hill is the star, home to Buda Castle, the ridiculously photogenic Fisherman’s Bastion (hello, views!), and the colourful tiled roof of Matthias Church. Gellért Hill offers even more panoramic views from the Citadella. It feels quieter, more residential once you’re off the main hill. Baths like Gellért and Rudas are here too.
The Feel: Regal, historic, maybe a touch more grown-up. It’s where you go for breathtaking vistas ofPest.
Pest: This is the flat-as-a-pancake, buzzing, where-it’s-all-happening counterpart. The city’s engine room.
What’s There?: Oh, just the colossal Parliament Building, the towering dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica, the grand Andrássy Avenue (think Champs-Élysées, but Hungarian), the entire Jewish Quarter with its ruin bars and synagogues, the Great Market Hall, endless shops, cafes, bars… most of the ‘action’ is here.
The Feel: Energetic, sprawling, cosmopolitan. Where the nightlife happens, where the deals are done, where the city truly pulses.
Bridging the Gap: The iconic Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd – even if it’s partly under wraps for restoration, it’s still a sight) is the poster child, but several other bridges like Elisabeth and Margaret whisk you between the two sides easily by foot, tram, or bus.
ℹ️ Local Wisdom (maybe): “You sightsee in Buda, you live it up in Pest.” Sounds about right!
Seriously, don’t just stick to one side. Clambering up Castle Hill for those fairy-tale views is a must-do, but getting delightfully lost in Pest’s atmospheric streets is just as essential. They balance each other out beautifully, like… well, like goulash and a cold beer.
9. Tipping is Customary (But Do Your Homework!)
Ah, the tipping tightrope! Let’s navigate this potentially awkward bit. In Budapest, leaving a little something extra (‘borravaló’) for good service is the done thing, but it’s not quite as automatic or percentage-driven as in some other countries.
Restaurants & Cafes – The Golden Rule: Check the bill! Look for a line item that says ‘szervízdíj’ or ‘service charge’. If it’s already included (usually 10-15%), you’re golden, no need to tip extra unless the service was mind-blowingly amazing (then maybe round up a little).
How to Do It (If Service Isn’t Included): A tip of 10-15% is about right. Don’t just leave shrapnel on the table. The common way is, when paying (cash or card), to tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay, including the tip. So, if your bill is 4500 HUF, you might say “Make it 5000” (“Ötezer”). They’ll then process that amount. Easy!
Other Folks:
Taxis: Rounding up the fare or adding about 10% is standard practice for a smooth ride. Use licensed cabs or Bolt app!
Hotel Crew: A few hundred Forints per bag for the porter, maybe 1000 HUF left daily for housekeeping – nice gestures, but not strictly obligatory.
Tour Guides: Especially for the ‘free’ (tip-based) tours, show your appreciation! 3000-5000 HUF per person is a decent starting point if they were good. They work hard for those tips!
Bath Attendants: If you get a massage or special treatment, 10% is customary.
🔹 Handy Tip: Keep a few 1000 HUF notes tucked away; they’re useful for tipping without needing heaps of change.
Don’t sweat it too much, but being aware shows you’re not a totally clueless tourist. Just remember: check for that ‘szervízdíj’!
10. Lots of Places Close on Sunday: Chill Out, Don't Freak Out!
Just a heads-up, Sunday in Budapest has a slightly sleepier vibe than Saturday. While it’s not a complete shutdown, don’t bank on everything being open, especially smaller shops and big supermarkets. Hungary still takes its Sunday rest relatively seriously.
Likely Shut: Many big supermarkets (though some smaller SPAR Express or independent corner shops might open for limited hours), lots of independent boutiques and shops, some markets, maybe smaller museums or official buildings.
Probably Open: The big-hitting museums (always check times online though!), the glorious thermal baths (thank goodness!), most restaurants and cafes in touristy bits, ruin bars (obvs!), churches (for services, maybe visiting).
Your Sunday Game Plan: It’s actually a brilliant day for hitting the major sights, having a long relaxing soak at the baths, strolling along the Danube promenade, exploring leafy Margaret Island, indulging in a leisurely brunch, or maybe even hopping on a train for a quick day trip out of the city. Just check opening times for specifics beforehand to avoid that “Oh no, the shop I really wanted to visit is shut!” moment.
It’s not a ghost town, far from it! But knowing about the Sunday slowdown helps you plan. Think chilled exploration rather than hardcore retail therapy. Perfect excuse for another hour in the thermal pool, right? 😌
Bonus: Take in the History (It's Heavy, But Important)
Okay, beyond the fun stuff, the thermal baths and the cheap beer, Budapest has layers of history. And honestly? Some of it is pretty heavy, complex, and deeply moving. Don’t just breeze past the beautiful buildings; take a moment to understand the stories etched into them.
Where History Speaks Loudest:
Parliament Building: Jaw-droppingly gorgeous, yes, but the tours inside offer a glimpse into Hungary’s often turbulent political past.
Shoes on the Danube Bank: Prepare yourself. This simple, powerful memorial honours the Jewish victims shot into the river by fascists during WWII. It will stop you in your tracks.
House of Terror: Located in the former HQ of both the Nazi SS and the Communist secret police (AVH). It’s a harrowing, sobering but essential museum detailing the brutality of 20th-century totalitarian regimes in Hungary. Not for the faint-hearted, but incredibly important.
Memento Park: Where did all those giant Communist statues go after the regime change? Here! An open-air museum on the city outskirts filled with colossal Lenins, Marxs, and other Soviet-era figures. It’s surreal, slightly creepy, and fascinating.
Dohány Street Synagogue: Europe’s largest synagogue stands as a stunning testament to Budapest’s rich Jewish heritage and the devastating impact of the Holocaust. The surrounding Jewish Quarter is steeped in history too.
💡 Food for Thought: Thinking about Budapest’s journey – through Ottoman rule, the Habsburg Empire, two World Wars, the brave 1956 Uprising against Soviet control, and decades behind the Iron Curtain – adds incredible depth to everything you see. The city’s resilience is palpable.
Try to look beyond the surface. Notice the bullet holes still visible on some older buildings from past conflicts. Feel the weight of history at the memorials. Understanding even a fraction of what Budapest has endured makes you appreciate its vibrant present even more.
So, there’s our big brain dump – hopefully, enough juicy tips for your first trip to Budapest to get you feeling prepped and properly excited. Honestly, this city? It just sort of happens to you, in the absolute best way possible. One minute you’re gawping at ridiculously grand buildings, the next you’re finding charm in a crumbling courtyard, soaking in water hotter than your bath back home, or navigating a brilliantly bonkers bar. It’s that mix, the history that hits you, the buzz that lifts you. From that first blissful sigh as you sink into the thermal waters to maybe, just maybe, that slightly questionable last sip of Pálinka (seriously, go easy!), Budapest weaves its spell. Think of these tips as your springboard, but the real adventure? That happens when you wander off-script, stumble upon a hidden gem cafe, or end up chatting absolute nonsense with new friends in a ruin bar ’til the wee hours. So, pack your curiosity (essential!), your comfiest trainers (non-negotiable!), and just dive in. The Pearl of the Danube is waiting to dazzle you, and trust us, she’s a stunner. ✨
Your turn…
Right, over to you! Have you conquered Budapest already? Got a killer tip we missed or a favourite hidden gem you’re willing to share (go on!)? Or maybe you’re buzzing with questions before your own first trip? Don’t be shy! Pop your thoughts, tips, memories, or burning questions in the comments below, we’d genuinely love to hear from you! Let’s chat Budapest!👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- The Best Time To Visit Budapest: Your Month-by-Month Cheat Sheet
- Embrace Wellness: Budapest’s Thermal Baths
- Budapest and Beyond: Hungary Travel Guide
Recommended Websites and Resources:
Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably!) Faqs
Is Budapest going to break the bank?
Good news! Compared to London, Paris, or Rome, Budapest is generally much friendlier on the wallet. Sure, posh hotels and Michelin-starred meals will cost you, but transport, delicious local grub (hello, lángos!), beers, and many activities offer seriously good value. You can have a fantastic time without needing to remortgage your house!
When's the absolute best time to beam myself to Budapest?
Ah, tricky question! Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are often touted as perfection – gorgeous weather, fewer crowds than summer, lovely colours. Summer (June-August) is hot, buzzing, and packed with festivals (and people!). Winter (November-March) is chilly, maybe even snowy, but super atmospheric with Christmas markets, cosy cafes, and the baths feeling extra wonderful. Honestly? There’s no bad time, just different flavours!
Will people understand my terrible attempts at Hungarian? (Or just English?)
Relax! In the main tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, ruin bars, etc., you’ll find plenty of English speakers, especially among younger Hungarians. You won’t have major issues. That said, learning a few magic words like “Szia!” (Hi/Bye – informal), “Köszönöm” (Thank you), and maybe a “Jó napot kívánok” (Good day – polite hello) goes a long way and always gets a smile. Effort is appreciated!
Is Budapest safe, or should I be clutching my valuables?
Generally, yes, Budapest is a safe city for tourists. Like any big European capital, common sense rules. Keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially on crowded trams or in busy markets (don’t flash wads of cash!). Be wary of anyone trying to lure you into dodgy bars or clubs with suspiciously cheap drink offers (they rarely are!). Stick to official taxis (like Főtaxi) or use the Bolt app (like Uber). Use your noggin, don’t wander down dark alleys late at night completely plastered, and you’ll almost certainly be absolutely fine.
How many days do I really need for a first look?
You could blitz the absolute must-sees in 3 frantic days. But to actually enjoy it, soak it up, and not feel like you’re running a marathon? Give yourself 4 or ideally 5 days for a first trip. That lets you properly explore Buda and Pest, have a decent session at the baths, experience the ruin bars, eat well, maybe catch a tour, and perhaps even chill on Margaret Island without collapsing in a heap.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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