Budget Eurotrip: Hungary and Austria

Chic, glitter, Christmas miracles, minimal damage to your bank account — that's what we call a perfect trip! We fly together from Kutaisi (Georgia) to Budapest These flights are the most affordable and convenient And you can fly to Georgia from any major

We go through customs, making the face of someone who is not going to emigrate to Hungary forever, and then we move on Europe is waiting for you, and it is much closer than you think. Gorgeous, long-awaited, Christmas-like and, most importantly, affordable

For a penny, we take a city bus to the center, admire the architecture along the way, pretend to be locals. Our home for the coming days is a modern hostel where it's clean, cozy, and where you can meet the same geniuses of budget adventures This is not just accommodation — it's a social club for travelers where they discuss life hacks that are brilliant and crazy at the same time

We check into cozy rooms for 2-3 people Everything is strictly logical: girls with girls, boys with boys, and if you come with your soulmate, then without surprises — you live together, not in a random lottery with strangers Each room has a private bathroom No quest Take the shower first before a German tourist comes with a 40-minute hair care

But the most important thing is the atmosphere! Firstly, there is a fairy tale everywhere Secondly, only young people live here, young people under 30-35 years old, so there will be no people from different countries who are dissatisfied with laughter. There will be people from different countries, so there is a chance to improve English, Spanish, or, at least, sign language

For communication, there are cozy common areas where you can hang out with the company, and if you want something more interesting, visit the local bar Before the New Year, the situation really requires feats:)

So yes, it's affordable, but on such a grand scale that even expensive hotels can quietly be jealous on the sidelines

Let's relax and go for a lunch that will not only satisfy our hunger, but also turn us into a real travel gang. Over a plate of something delicious, the same connection will take place, after which you are no longer a single tourist, but part of the crew part of a ship ready to conquer Christmas Europe

Let's explore a city full of lights!

We will be accompanied by an experienced tour leader who has been to Budapest more than once and knows how this city really lives. This is not a boring tour on the right, we have an 18th-century building, but an immersion in Hungarian life — with all its secret courtyards, legendary places and local underground. And it's not about the subway:) We're about underground bars, courtyards with secret graffiti, vintage markets and places that tourists don't go to buses

So prepare comfortable shoes, a power bank and a puller We'll take a lot of pictures

Real travelers don't just take pictures at the sights, they immerse themselves in the real life of the city. That's why we go to places where there's real momentum — from left-wing anarchists to feminists

We'll follow in the footsteps of informal art and look into the heart of District 7, an iconic place where history meets crazy nightlife. Street artists turn walls into paintings, and old Jewish neighborhoods are filled with music, light and conversations in hundreds of languages

The evening will culminate in the legendary ruin bar. Fans of abandoned places and atmospheric places will be delighted Imagine antique furniture, strange art objects, dim lights and music that fits perfectly into the chaotic but cozy vibe And all this under the sauce of magic

We'll stop here, have something budget-friendly and officially open our first night in Budapest. By morning, you'll know everyone by name and the city will feel like your hometown

Relax? Sleep? Well, this is the first night in Budapest! In ruin bars, you can not only nod thoughtfully to the atmospheric sound, but also tear up the dance floor. And considering that we are a gang of bombturtridges, I'll watch quietly from afar is unlikely

If it seemed that a budget trip was about modest gatherings in silence, then get ready for the complete collapse of stereotypes. Here, hanging out is an art, and we will study it!

After a night full of adventures and dancing discoveries and philosophical conversations with Hungarian bartenders, we get some sleep. This holy Christmas breakfast is also a must, because our body needs to somehow cope with it from yours yesterday. I'll only try one cocktail

And now we are ready for the next stage of our triumphal European adventure We are going to meet classic New Year's Eve Hungary The first task is to see the Hungarian Parliament, one of the most majestic buildings in Europe This is an architectural masterpiece, clearly created with the idea that tourists will need to take grandiose photos somewhere

Budapest in the morning is a special magic: fog over the Danube, leisurely walks, the smell of fresh coffee Let's arrange a photographic quest, walking around the Hungarian Parliament around the perimeter in search of the perfect angle Who finds the most beautiful view gets the title of the trip's main photogenius and a million likes on social networks

Budapest has too much beauty to stay for a long time, so let's move on

The legendary crossing over the Danube — the Chain Bridge, which connects the two halves of the capital — Buda and Pest Da, Budapest, like an Oreo cookie, consists of two parts, and the bridge is the filling that holds the cookie halves together

But along the way, an important and deep place awaits us — Shoes on the banks of the Danube — a sculpture dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust This is one of the most touching and powerful places in the city At this moment, the city speaks to us without words, making us feel its past

Before we dive back into adventures, we'll pause to realize that traveling is not only about joy and fun, but also about understanding how multifaceted the world we've come to is

Crossing the Chain Bridge, which leads to another era, we will find ourselves in the heart of the city, where it's time to take a break for lunch Goulash, you know, won't eat itself!

Get ready to get a taste of real Hungary Fiery paprika soup is not just a dish, but the basis of Hungarian gastronomy, which warmed people long before we learned how to take pictures of food before the first bite. In the old days, at big celebrations, people sat down at tables not by rank, but according to their favorite goulash recipe: some ate game soup, others ate beef, and others fish So we can re-sell

The next point of the program is a boat trip along the Danube, which reflects festive garlands

The very moment when you're on a budget trip, but you look at the city like a true aristocrat. From the water, drinking sparkling wine and lazily adjusting your cozy blanket Yes, we are for aesthetics and buzz

Budapest is special magic from the water. The huge Parliament glows like the scenery for a film, bridges stretch to connect the past and the future, and the embankments live their own lives. And suddenly you realize what a gorgeous European adventure you are on

In the evening we'll go to the holiday fair, where Budapest will finally turn into a living postcard Even the harshest skeptic will feel the New Year's magic. Because it's impossible to remain indifferent when the whole city is shining and singing

Garlands glow, the air is saturated with the scents of cinnamon and vanilla, happiness outside and inside you. You hold Hungarian mulled wine in your hands — hot, fragrant, ideal for warming up and feeling like a real Christmas character

We'll walk between the holiday houses, try all sorts of local delicacies, happily wish strangers a Happy New Year, and receive smiles in return. That's it! A true European winter miracle:)

Today we will go outside the tourist center to see what is hidden from lazy travelers

And, of course, we will go on a grand scale — Hungary was the first to build the subway on Europe's oldest subway on the continent, so Londoners are nervously chewing their tickets

The M1 yellow line is like a time machine on the rails: vintage stations, vintage plaques, wagons with the spirit of the era when people could still wear hats and be elegantly late for the train

Looking at this subway, you realize that history in Budapest is not somewhere in museums, but literally under your feet. So we jump into the train and set off to continue conquering the city

The first stop is Buda Castle or the majestic residence of the Hungarian kings, which offers the view that your eyes are automatically 40% rounder, bigger and happier

Everything here breathes historical scope and royal importance. And the focus is on the Royal Palace, where Hungarians have housed the National Gallery because kings left long ago and art is eternal

Let's play with art lovers: we'll look at the canvases smartly, pretending to understand the author's idea. We'll bet which is better: ancient paintings or modern abstractions Let's look for a painting that perfectly captures the mood after yesterday's mulled wine

It's time to descend from royal heights back to civilization You can walk, enjoying the old streets Or you can buy a separate funicular ticket At this time, he is decorated as if he is preparing for the New Year himself

Let's get to the plain and head to the very heart of Budapest — to St. Stephen's Basilica Inside the temple, the church has a luxurious interior, columns, stained glass windows and the mummified hand of King Stephen, don't ask

Budapest will unfold in all its glory on the observation deck. It's like Google Maps, only in real life and with much better graphics

Next is Andrassy Avenue. Here you will find boutiques, cozy pastry shops, and cafes that smell so delicious that your body automatically decides: Oh, let's eat!

And who are we to deny our body its desires? We'll take a table in one of the cafes, warm up with tea and feel like a part

The final chord of the day is the largest thermal complex, not only in Budapest, but also in all of Europe — Szechenyi Baths Here we will spend the rest of the day

You'll come in thinking Oh, I'll warm up for half an hour and find yourself in a warm pool under the stars. Then you'll think: Oh, I'll go to another steam room And suddenly you realize that time has somehow evaporated, as has your stress in these thermal waters

Huge open-air hot water pools are the perfect contrast: it's freezing all around, and you're in warm waters like expensive avocados Saunas, steam rooms and hot pools — your body will be in the wildest acher And people playing chess right in the pool is a Széchenyi classic that we'll definitely check out

We're having breakfast, because there's a new day ahead, full of Christmas magic and adventure. It is now possible to go to the biggest synagogue in Europe

The architectural giant is the Dohany Street Synagogue, and it's not just big, it's Wow How Huge!

If we're lucky, we'll take a tour where we'll find out why this giant synagogue was built in little Hungary? And about other important historical things related to the life of the Hungarian people.

Apparently, when Budapest decided to show off at Disneyland, they built Vajdahunyad Castle. Because there are all turrets, arches, gothic, romance, and all this in a park where you can indulge in dreams and photo shoots

In fact, this castle was built just for fun — for an exhibition, but people fell in love with this medieval miracle so much that they decided to leave it forever.

This is the case when history does not load, but simply pleases the eye and soul.

We are backed up by local culinary delights, as life is too short not to try Hungarian cuisine to the maximum.

After the meal, the longest tram in the world awaits us — a whopping 54 meters of public transport!

destination is the Fisherman's Bastion, which, contrary to its name, did not catch fish or fight off enemies. But the aesthetics for bombshell photos are full here: fabulous towers, openwork galleries, an atmosphere of pure romance and one of the best views of Pest and

Here we will watch the sunset, admiring the Hungarian Parliament in millions of evening lights.

We head to Városliget Park, where a giant open-air ice rink awaits us.

Ice, music and the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale. You will have an irresistible desire to make a wish and believe in miracles. The central Christmas tree is the real star of the evening. Even if you fall, we'll pick you up, but the tree will still

If you don't know how to gracefully ride like most of us, we will hold a master class called Stylish Falls

The best way to say goodbye to Budapest is to visit the temple of gastronomic and souvenir chaos. That is why we are ending our Hungarian adventure with the Central Market. Shopping time! Hand-painted plates, mimic knick-knacks, soulful souvenirs, flavorful delicacies

We'll have a Hungarian feast right there, because returning home without feeling like you've brought along a couple kilograms of culture is sheer disrespect for tradition. Live music, the laughter of friends already, and the festive lights of the evening market will make this evening especially atmospheric

So get your backpack ready for souvenirs, a place in your stomach for goulash and your heart — it will definitely leave a piece of itself in this city.

In the morning we pack our little things and set off to see magical Austria! A couple of hours on the road and you can already start preparing a story for your friends that you have tested half of Europe, and two countries at a time — this is already common for

We check into our bright and modern hotel. Bar, gaming areas, slot machines, board games — everything to continue considering yourself a student, even if you have been a student for 5-15 years, where

The goal of these two days is to soak up the spirit of Austria quickly and cheerfully and then talk about Vienna smartly without learning a word of German, except for Schnitzel. But that was already in your vocabulary:)

The official start of the Austrian trip — a foam mug or 0 or 2 — optional

And go explore the old town! Meet Vienna! We're ready to get lost beautifully in your decorated streets with a Christmas miracle vibe

The very heart of Vienna — St. Stephen's Cathedral Let's climb the tallest tower Yes, our legs will be a little upset, but the view from above is worth it. Take panoramic photos to the chime of bells And understand that European charm is never an invention from guidebooks

Let's go to the square in front of the Town Hall All The Christmas-style tasting is declared open by Aperol Spritz, because even in December you want to experience the light taste of Italian summer Viennese sausages, because in Austria it's not just food, but a culinary religion Austrian hot dog, because let's be honest, who doesn't want a hot dog? Pancake soup, well, where, if not on a budget trip to Europe? Moreover, it freaks out, how delicious it is!

Then a walk with a taste of genius The Vienna Opera is a sacred place for everyone who has ever pretended or is really versed in classical music Well, everyone knows Mozart So that means Mozart was born in Austria. And the Vienna Opera itself was opened in 1869 with Mozart's premiere Don Juan

Welcome to Vienna's most christmas place! The Vienna City Hall is huge, gothic and truly majestic. But who cares about architecture now when the legendary Christmas Market is surrounded by the legendary Christmas Market?

A sea of mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, roasted almonds, chocolate apples, carousels and an ice rink are children's joys that delight even adults. And the souvenirs here range from handmade glass Christmas decorations to strange wooden men who scare and fascinate at the same time

We take a thousand photos against the background of a huge Christmas tree and glowing garlands We find the most delicious mulled wine and get warm We try not to spend all the money on Christmas knick-knacks If we see Austrian waffles or strudel, without talking, we try

Finally, the cultural program is adjusting its glasses without dioptres. Vienna is deservedly considered the musical capital of the world! We're going to the House of Music — but it's not a boring museum where you just look at dusty scores. This is a musical amusement park where you can touch, listen to and even conduct a virtual orchestra It sounds great,

Oh, sure, without the royal party, the trip wouldn't be complete! Let's sweep away the last schnitzels in an Austrian restaurant, drink the legendary Sacher and raise glasses for our epic journey. Fly to the bar if we wish and exchange contacts for

Yes, this is our last day in Vienna, but it will also be beautiful and eventful.

's stop by the most beautiful cathedral in Vienna — Karlskirche. He has a sad story, but we're not going to be sad. Let's just be impressed and take 100500 cool photos

Two options are possible in the elegant Belvedere. Aesthetes go to the art gallery to see Klimt's Kiss live. The rest take spectacular photos in front of the palace and go for coffee

You can't ignore the cool opportunity either - to buy a bunch of cool cool brands that have left Russia. This is not just shopping for you - it's New Year sales, reasonable prices and, in general, any world fashion mastodons are freely available

There will be free time to go shopping at a relaxed pace, visit a museum of interest, or simply hang out along the beautifully decorated streets.

We'll meet for a dinner together to show off our shopping and discuss plans for the next trip!

The final chord is the train, the airport, the home blanket. It's time to count magnets, panic that the phone charger is still in the hotel, and be sad that Hungarian goulash is no longer part of your daily diet. However, we'll meet soon, Europe is big and the world is even