Free and low-cost leisure activities in Hungary

Aside from the few annual events that the city throws such as The Red Bull Danube River  event in the summer, fireworks for various anniversaries , I.E. National holidays, there isn't all the much going on in the city these days for free.
They offer free museum days once a year but be ready to stand in line to get in.
Used to be many musical events, dance groups on stages set up all over in parks through out the city during the warmer weather months.
The city park used to have a big tent set up for Octoberfest, with like Umpa/German music playing, dancing with a bar, no entry fees, rides for kids and food vendors set up.
Now most events are pay to play at least in Budapest. No more free entry to events, pay at the door to get in.
Even so called "free events" like the Christmas thing in the 5th is mostly just  a big showcase for vendors selling overpriced goods to tourists.
Budapest has become allot more touristy then having anything much to offer the locals for free.
The zoo and museums give discounts for children and seniors , some districts have cards they mail to your home that offer slight discounts on things like the zoo. Only good though if you live in the district that has secured a discount offer for their area.
The 6th, 8th and 9th districts had free ice skating rinks set up but only for people with their address card proving they live in that district.
Every district has their own set up with different businesses .
Even many churches now ask a entry fee to go in.
Some districts also offer boat/dance events for free for seniors but you must first have a Hungarian only SS card, only good for Hu citizens or those who have retired from Hungary. Not open to the general public. They have a few events going on but only for those with HU SS cards.
I know seniors often fill up the entire bus in the summer with going for free to the lake. Read that sometimes not even one paying customer is on the bus from the city to Balaton. Have to be over 65 and have ID for that.
Every summer they have a free childrens day in the city park, games, contests for children. Nice but if you don't have any kiddies with you, it's not a good day to be out there.
So far though, walking is free.

One thing I love to do which is not cheap overall here in Hungary is swimming.
For a people who love water sports they sure make it pricey to enjoy the water.
It is hard to find a swimming pool that charges less then 2200 a head to enter. Spas, well they are great but many are close to 5,000 a head to enter so going daily is not going to happen.
The lakes are nice here but unless you drive over, the train round trip to Balaton is at least 5,000 a head plus getting to the station and back is another 700 round trip.
I heard that they are now building a new pool complex not too far from Keliti Station. No idea right now about if it is more of a spa mineral/thermal water complex or a regular swimming pool , indoors or outdoor complex.
Maybe I'm spoiled because in Las Vegas they have many swimming complexes with 20 or so lanes open plus outdoor pool for children and those who can not swim laps.
All that for the whopping price of $1. for seniors and $2.50 a day for adults. You  can buy a family pass for 4 people for $75. good for 3 months Or $25. for 3 months for seniors, good to use anytime during normal opening hours, 6 am to 10 pm. For some reason it is never really crowded even in the 110F heat.
Wish they had something like that available here in Budapest, even under 2,000 a head would be nice since most times these pools are very overcrowded in Hungary at any price.
Went to the spa last summer in the city park with my cousin and his wife, it was something like 5,000 each to enter and we spent the first 30 mins being directed to different locker rooms because all were taken, really crowded, couldn't get a lounge chair for hours,not exactly great to pay premium prices and be treated like cattle at a watering hole.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

One thing I love to do which is not cheap overall here in Hungary is swimming.
For a people who love water sports they sure make it pricey to enjoy the water.
It is hard to find a swimming pool that charges less then 2200 a head to enter. .....not exactly great to pay premium prices and be treated like cattle at a watering hole.

Tell me about it,  we've been a few times to Aqua World. 

It costs several arms and legs and then some.

Best time to go is during school term, during the day when no-one else is there.

Even free swimming at Balaton is not free any more.  They are charging now to go to some the municipal beaches.  Used to be free!   Now the municipal beach is less crowded and everyone is down at the free places.

Yes, if I leave Hungary it will be one reason behind my moving away, lack of places to swim daily.
No, there are plenty of places really, just paying for 2 people to get in then not even having room to swim laps.
How many times was I in the middle of a free style stroke, not my strongest move, when I had to stop cold because some kid or ball came into my lane? Too many to think of really.
The life guards are not really there to guard anything.
Yes, I suppose that could be a silly thing to move away because of lack of swimming but as a Cal. Hawaiian gal, it bugs to not have access to water at all times.
Was thinking of buying a house here and putting in a lap pool, heard it could be as low as 2 to 3 million for a pool, we know a guy who does this for a living.

Dnag, I would even grab a shovel and do it myself if needed!
I feel for families with several kids, could easily be over $100. for 4 people to have a spa day and that doesn't even cover lunch.
I visited HU several times back in the old days when prices were regulated and just about everyone could afford a trip to Balaton or one of the spas with their families.
It was crowded then too but not much difference, just now days most of the locals can't afford to enjoy their own city with all it has to offer.
These pools and spas are owned by a few co. and they are out to make a buck no matter what.
We were going at least 3 times per week to Pascal pool, cost was about 2,200 or so.
Enjoyed a good swim, a rest , brought a boxed light snack and a beer with us, brought our own chairs and made a day of it.
This past summer they raised their prices a bit,not much but what made us mad was every other hour or so they closed off 3 lanes for camp kids.
Fine, kids should have some fun but why raise the rates and lower the quality of the pol for other swimmers. We refuse to go there any longer, Balaton is allot better in the long run.
Margot Island has a couple of nice pools but when it's hot outside, you have to give way to swim clubs, make a res. or something to get in, not exactly great to call first to get in.
Was even considering buying a old house near a river somewhere here for use just in hot weather but naw, too much hassle just for a swim.
At times I do miss my pool in my old Ca. house...My friend in Vegas has a 20'x45' pool. Really nice, problem is she is in a wheelchair and can only get in 2 to 3 times per week because she needs help getting in and out, bathing afterwards etc. At least she can look at it with the night lights on.

Two or three days a year some museums, galleries and historic buildings in Budapest are open for free. However these days  are badly publicised and often if you do find out in time and turn up to have a look there are very long queues.
Sometimes if a new restaurant or bar opens they kick off with some discounted items. I went to a free food tasting last weekend but items such as cold rice and greasy lukewarm soup does not appeal. These opening opportunities are advertised usually on facebook and other social media.

I think that there are quite a few freebees for Hungarian and EEC pensioners such as free travel . If you are of senior age in the uk or even over 50 you can go swimming and to the leisure centers fairly cheaply. I am disappointed that there are no such opportunities in Budapest .  It actually costs more just to swim in Budapest than in most towns in the uk now.
I only go to the spas about once a year when I have visitors because they are too expensive for most locals. So just special occasions for me.

In the countryside , in the town near my tanya the  spa and outdoor pool is very cheap (900HUF)  and affordable.

It is still free to walk and cycle and it is free to walk around the parks and festivals that are happening almost every weekend from spring onwards. These happen somewhere in Budapest or in the smaller towns. It often includes free music and there are a few completely free music events  and free conferences and exhibitions but its very difficult finding out about such events in time because of the often poor publicity.
I may miss things because they are only advertised on local radio stations and  I don't tend to read the local press or listen to radio.

However, because of the tourist industry there are very few totally free events in Budapest and if an event is free there are far too many stalls trying to get people to buy buy buy.

That is very true, these days most of the "Free" events going on in the city are more or less set up for vendors to sell overpriced goods.
It seems to my mind that in the past 5 years or so that the truly free city events  have  gone and a selling agenda is now in place. Tourist bucks are more important then giving the people something for free.
I am disappointed that the beer garden in the city park was not up last summer, think it may be gone for good.
They sold reasonable meals, had drinks, live music and dancing.
I may post again in the summer when it's time for a music event up in Buda which so far is free even if very crowded.
I forgot exactly which month and day it is, mid summer.
Well with the snow fall last night, little that it was, I plan on taking advantage of free sledding  today in the city park.
Haven't had much use of our kiddie sled in a couple of years, time to break it in, just hope I don't break more then the sled!

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

That is very true, these days most of the "Free" events going on in the city are more or less set up for vendors to sell overpriced goods.

That can be said for everywhere, you have to take into consideration that the vendors have to pay to have their stall or attraction. Take Christmas markets, for instance, they have to pay for their stand, possibly pay staff and make a profit in some way. Its when they start charging to enter the markets and the stall prices stay the same, that is P^ss take, which some places in the UK have started doing. 

I know, vendors have to pay for stales but then again, who needs vendors.
I understand some people like to sell rather then doing a 9 to 5 sort of job.
We used to try and sell in Hawaii and have sold many times in the past at large boot sales, had yard sales etc. but basically we were just trying to make a few bucks on used items that were still too good to just toss out. That's the risk of being a seller sometimes you lose out and sometimes you don't. The crazy high prices these vendors are asking for is really all in their favor, no risk on their part.

Anyways, getting back to free stuff:
The city of Budapest, was and is still allowing people with a HU or EU ID free travel if they are over age 65 BUT that may soon change from our understanding at least.I had my husband look into a discount travel card for me as people over aged 63 were suppose to be able to get a discount but only for inside Budapest, a small discount on train travel with a book of coupons they would mail out to your home.
OK, so now they are making people go into the Hungarian Social Security office and fill out forms. My husband did work in HU in the past so he is on their books, need that for my discount pass.
They are also about to change the rules for those over 65. Need a translated paper that shows you are retired.
I could of done this 3 months ago but so far have not even walked in to find out how much they charge for this service.
I rarely use public transportation and even with free travel my husband rarely uses it either.
Just a heads up for those about to reach age 65, they are going to issue special travel cards after you check in with SS in HU and prove you are actually retired.
They will start this very soon, should of been in place already but they have fallen behind in doing the paperwork and getting the cards out.
So far my husband only has to show his HU ID for free travel but very soon he will need a special card to prove he was in the HU work force to get free travel. Not sure how this will effect people outside of HU but still in the EU.
More on that later... So far I am not overly interested in discount public transportation, would rather walk then sit on a bus .
Last week I walked from Deli station to Keliti ... Took only 75 mins.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.....
So far my husband only has to show his HU ID for free travel but very soon he will need a special card to prove he was in the HU work force to get free travel. Not sure how this will effect people outside of HU but still in the EU.
More on that later... So far I am not overly interested in discount public transportation, would rather walk then sit on a bus .
Last week I walked from Deli station to Keliti ... Took only 75 mins.

I reckon that'll won't fly as you implied - not sure what people actually have in the EU to prove they are retired other than say, a passport.  UK doesn't have anything cards as far as I know.  Maybe over 65, EU ID document, benefit of the doubt. 

I think today, you'd rather take the bus or tram, it's been a blizzard all morning.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Just a heads up for those about to reach age 65, they are going to issue special travel cards after you check in with SS in HU and prove you are actually retired.
They will start this very soon, should of been in place already but they have fallen behind in doing the paperwork and getting the cards out.
So far my husband only has to show his HU ID for free travel but very soon he will need a special card to prove he was in the HU work force to get free travel. Not sure how this will effect people outside of HU but still in the EU.

Info here: http://bkk.hu/en/pass-id-for-pensioners/

It is rather "thick" reading, and not very clear (typical), but basically :

1) If your Hungarian Husband gets a retirement pass, he can "share it with you" and you get to use the same pass if you are above a certain age, depending on birth date (even if you get no "retirement" compensation).

2) Foreigners only need to show they get retirement compensation (am guessing, but payment slip from the US SS Admin would probably work).

Sad to say I do have a retirement income slip from the USA but the Bkk sends you to the HU SS office first and the SS sends you to get your out of HU income papers translated.
At least this is what they told us in person a month ago.
Also they are about to issue travel cards after people get cleared through HU SS.
Last time I bought tickets at Keliti station we asked  the two ladies who worked selling tickets. They were very nice and had some free time, they looked at all the info they had on their computer relating to this subject.
As we entered the subway he double checked again with the agent and he confirmed that the system is about to change but not just yet.
My husband asked for a form to fill out for the new travel cards and they told him they were delayed in setting that all up, maybe this springtime.
When it's not so cold outdoors we will head over to find out how much they will charge to translate my retirement papers. If it's too much, I'll just forget the whole thing.
We did walk all the way to the park in the light snow with our sled today.
Really pretty out there.
A few people had the same idea but there were still allot of bare spots on the hill.
We let some kids use our sled although we took a few rides down ourselves.
Getting to be more hassle to walk up the hill then it's worth.
Started snowing heavier on the way home, had a gyro treat and on home to make some nice hot soup, fun day overall.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

....a gyro treat and on home to make some nice hot soup, fun day overall.

Ideal weather for hot soup.  Made some this morning - Indian soup called Mulligatawny (or "curry water").  Worth making, especially for cold weather!

Just to keep in the theme of free and low-cost leisure activities, I spent the afternoon trying to repair my tumble dryer which was of course, free and considering my other job, doing anything else other than that is almost leisure.

I notice in this colder weather that the mall is always full of people.
Not so overly crowded in the Tesco but window shopping in stores.
Had to go up and walk through the mall last week to try and find a copy store( none in Arena other then Media mart but they didn't have color in the format we needed).
Guess that's the only place many people can think of to meet up with friends, at least younger people who live with their parents.
Brought me back some,used to do the same thing as a teenager but  not very often.
Our local mall was a 45 min. car ride away over the hills where the Manson family lived, over what was called,"The old pass road" a old stage coach route. Had to go past that ranch when using the pass road.
Everytime we drove past in our parents car, my sisters would comment on the "weirdo's" living there. They had rented horses from them once and got freaked out by the "family".
A real cliff hanger of a road, not many guard rails in place and sometimes cars would fall over the sides. Mostly cars that had stopped at the Card Club on the highest peak. A Indian casino in Ca. from way back when.There was  live poker and drinks. Think my parents went there once, once was enough, a rough road house of rough necks.

My sister would hop the afternoon train that came through town under a overpass, it always slowed down to a crawl there so kids would climb on and hold on for life.
That was a free activity... We had zero bus or taxi service in our town growing up, had to walk, bike or hitch a ride to go anywhere.
We walked allot, no self respecting teen age girl would ride a bike in the 60's, only farm workers rode bikes in our town back then,
My ex BIL used to run for free on the UCSB track team, I ran with him a couple of times which back in the 60's only the nerdiest people would do. Everyone else was a Hippie at UCSB.
Now looking back, I wish I had a bike to use and had enjoyed those "nerdy" runs more.
So free activities in Hungary would include biking and running.Hopefully in the park and not on the public walkways though...
Train hopping might not work out so great here, the ticket agents are like wind up dogs, they won't stop until they give you a ticket, you would have to out run them.

Cross country skiing could be free or nearly free. 

And with this snow, looks like there could be plenty of opportunity for it.

Check out the web cam at the Matra mountains: Kekesteto webcam.  Pretty busy for a weekday!

Not been skiing for some years but used to go a lot when I lived in Germany. Dodgy knee on the right (caused by blow years ago to my medial collateral ligament when I skiing) has pretty much stopped that kind of knee intensive workout.  Hasn't affected my cyclng though (and somewhat strangely).

For free (which requires no special purchase of equipment or tools):

- Walking/rambling. That includes window shopping, sight seeing, walks in the park/local forest.

- People watching. Park yourself on a bench and watch the world go by.

- Conversation. Sit in a park and play a game like chess, checkers, Backgammon etc. and chat with a friend.

- Jogging (I suppose.... I have heard some people like doing that).

Low cost (maybe some cost/rental/etc):

- Rambling wine tasting (that is, do not do one of the way, WAY, WAY overpriced tours). Pick a wine area, go there, and just walk around and ask cellars if you can taste their wine.

- Cycling (you have to buy a bike of course, but it is an investment, and then you can go anywhere you want).

- Drive days. If you have a car, just take it for a spin around the country.

- Bus/train days. Just buy a ticket "somewhere", maybe even a random "somewhere", and sight see the end destination for the day. Have a good meal there, then come home.

- Small bar/restaurant live music events. There are many small places that host live music events for a modest fee.

klsallee wrote:

.....
- Bus/train days. Just buy a ticket "somewhere", maybe even a random "somewhere", and sight see the end destination for the day. Have a good meal there, then come home....

Fella I know (and I still work with) told me some years ago he was visiting every metro, tram and HEV station in Budapest to check out the stations.  That was his weekend when visiting Budapest. 

Why?

I dunno and I never found out and I'm too polite to ask.

Haven't been to a "club" in forever and a year.
Both my husband and I USED to be clubbers to the high extreme.
These days we find our own company more then enough.
Back in the old days both of us would of rather slit our wrists then stay home on a Fri. or Sat. night.
Life does have it's seasons.
Now I would probably slit my wrists if I was forced to go clubbing.
Well, I almost was taken for the first time in my life to a male review in Vegas with my niece and her 2 friends from SF. Not a thing I would ever think of on my own.
Got sick from too much of a good thing, booze and sunshine and had to be "collected" by my husband before the limo arrived to take them to the review, oh well, maybe next life...
Not interested at all really in seeing Narc. guys wearing a G-string and doing their thing for a buck or two in tips.

Off track, sorry maybe I was thinking a bit too hard on the all male review after all!!
All free for me because my niece loves me so.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Fella I know (and I still work with) told me some years ago he was visiting every metro, tram and HEV station in Budapest to check out the stations.  That was his weekend when visiting Budapest. 

Why?

I dunno and I never found out and I'm too polite to ask.

Maybe he has simply risen to a station in life where he can take a busman's holiday.....

klsallee wrote:

.....

Maybe he has simply risen to a station in life where he can take a busman's holiday.....

Maybe that's the ticket for him but perhaps not quite the right track for others.

Retirement sometimes generates some interesting hobbies - better than going off the rails.

I have some sympathy with the interest of the systematic detail on such a specialist subject but I'm not quite that far down the tunnel yet.

Lots of free time on ones hands can be a dangerous thing!
I am glad I am busy being a housefrau , keeps me out of troubles.
I find I change most all of my hobbies depending on my environment.
Called being flexible.
In NM I was target shooting with machine guns, in Hungary I do the parks and lots of walking, in Vegas the free drinks and 3 way poker machines,etc.
No time to be bored in life, it's far too short to waste time.
Have to go with the flow as they say in Hawaii.
Honestly I don't have allot of free time even in retirement.
My husband is still a full time job.
My sister volunteers in Minn. at the zoo. She is single,70 and still working part-time.
I know if I were ever single again( hope that never happens though) I would also spend my last years doing some sort of volunteering.
Probably in the US though, wouldn't wish to live in HU alone.
Animal work, reading to seniors or children in hospitals etc. would suit me I think.
We used to do a once a year thing where i worked where we volunteered to do hair for single mom's who were about to re enter the work force.
Couldn't afford to do that more then once a year in those days but something like that does give one a feeling of actually doing something worthwhile.
I might even do a charity thing like beauty days for people about to get back to work or for older people who are depressed about their life situation and need a uplifting day of being pampered.
We even did cuts where I worked for cancer patients. Some people want one more good haircut before they loose it all. Just helps them to feel like all is not lost.
Sounds a bit "corny" but anyone who is bored is not putting their talents to good use, giving to others if you have the time and don't need the pay really is one of the greatest things you can do for the world and for yourself .
I have to wait to volunteer, ATM my family needs me more then the world does.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Lots of free time on ones hands can be a dangerous thing!
...

Really it all works in reverse. 

We should be given a huge wodge of cash when we are born which we can fritter away in our healthy youth having a good time until we can carefully manage to reach the end of our days with zero left.   

Instead we have  zero to start (unless The Donald etc), struggle to obtain more wealth and experience over decades, then have  to give it up when the grim reaper comes a' knockin'.....

My ancient parents (still going in their 90s) have been told continuously to use their cash on entertaining themselves but being who they are, they think it's necessary to leave something behind.  But why?  Blow it all and let the kids and grandkids sort themselves out!!!

I agree. A number of elderly people become a bit miserly but mainly not wishing to spend on themselves. However, my elderly mother was a great help to my younger sisters who lived nearby and got a lot of enjoyment supporting them.
I suppose charity begins at home but if you are the type of person who likes to keep occupied there are a number of charitable groups in Budapest who do voluntary work with people and animals in need. You can participate for free and they do advertise on facebook.
I volunteered a few times to help with some houseparties for learning English and for me it was doing English conversation in a nice hotel for a week full board and everything. These are advertised under workaway.com which is a worldwide group.
Some activities Budapest groups do sounds fun e g they do sponsored sports events etc.
Also you can join arts and crafts groups like the urban sketchers. They meet up around Budapest . There is also a hikers group . All easily findable on facebook.

My husband has always said the same thing, a amount should be given to everyone when they are born, free to have fun and experience life and then work when your older, if your still kicking it that is...
Really lovely to still have your parents around in their 90's.
We know a HU couple living here in HU that I met in Ca.
My husband has known them since they all were teenagers in HU.
All 3 of them, husband and this couple lived in the states for many years before returning home to HU to retire.
The women in this couple is really too much at times.
She was really upset and telling me all about her FIL who died in HU and had spent all his money on himself before dying.
Like how dare he!
He went to Egypt and other exotic places and even had the nerve to have sold all the fancy old silver candlesticks etc. that should rightly of been hers and his son's.
I was looking at her and trying not to laugh in her face.
What a spoiled women.
My mom always told us not to expect a penny from her ever... That her doing 18 years of support was all to expect out of her. Of course in the end she did us all even Steven with what she had left in life.
None of us really expected a cent so it was rather moving to know she actually did think of us in the end.
Wasn't exactly a Kings ransom but with a 6 way split , it was better then a kick in the pants.
Of course she passed on the very young side of life so hard to know what the future would of brought.
One regret I do have is my mom always wanted to see Hawaii. I moved there and still she would not part with needed funds to come visit me, even not when her only grandson was born in HI. She came from that generation that never indulged themselves.

To tell the truth, sometimes having the funds to travel etc. isn't all it's cracked up to be either.
The biggest rip is "them" telling people to work hard for your old age, when that time comes not everyone is up for adventures and some people just don't know how to retire or quit working.
They got so used to the tread mill that they are afraid to get off.
My friend in Vegas has had cancer, all sorts of health issues but still keeps working away at age 75 or 76. I know she has a ton of funds in her savings. She collects the max. amount in US SS every month too. She told me her last husband had a huge amount coming his way, he was over 25 years her senior and
he married her just before he passed away to make sure she would be taken care of for the rest of her life.
Telling her to relax and take a trip is like speaking to a brick wall, she seems to think she will live forever and is afraid to not work, nice lady but I do not understand her at all.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

.... I moved there and still she would not part with needed funds to come visit me, even not when her only grandson was born in HI. She came from that generation that never indulged themselves.....

To tell the truth, sometimes having the funds to travel etc. isn't all it's cracked up to be either.
....She collects the max. amount in US SS every month too. She told me her last husband had a huge amount coming his way, he was over 25 years her senior and
he married her just before he passed away to make sure she would be taken care of for the rest of her life.
Telling her to relax and take a trip is like speaking to a brick wall, she seems to think she will live forever and is afraid to not work, nice lady but I do not understand her at all.

I dunno,  I can half relate to this thinking. 

As I may have said I travel a lot and this fella I know and work with sometimes says he cannot be bothered to even leave the hotel and he eats the same stuff each day for lunch.  He says he's been all over the world and lived in many countries and he says he's seen it all!   Well!  Cannot argue with that.  However we've managed to get out a couple of times so not all was not lost.

In other matters, I'm just looking at paying for a road trip via Germany, Netherlands, UK and France for holiday and family purposes.  As my travel is usually paid by someone else, I'm finding it quite difficult to comprehend I would spend my own money on going somewhere which does not as result in actual income.   Guess I'm in training for saying, over X years and therefore: been there, done that.

In other matters, couple of experiences I've had - some older people think they haven't got any  money or that someone has stolen it, either by getting into their residence and taking it all or the government took it.  They've basically forgotten their money is in their bank account.   Turned out to be an sign of dementia.

I think this conversation should have been moved to "absolutely everything else" a long time ago. 

klsallee wrote:

I think this conversation should have been moved to "absolutely everything else" a long time ago. 

Agreed - yes, off topic.

But while on the subject, what do you do for low-cost leisure with disabled or people with less mobility in Budapest?

fluffy2560 wrote:

But while on the subject, what do you do for low-cost leisure with disabled or people with less mobility in Budapest?

Agree with what Marilyn said.

Hello everyone,

Can we please get back on the initial topic?

I invite other members to share their experience about the topic :

Priscilla wrote:

,

Is there a way to find out about free or low-cost fun activities in Hungary, such as a specific app, or a newsletter, or magazine, tourism board, etc.? How do you find out where events are organised?

What are the most common free leisure activities in Hungary?
Which free activities do you recommend for children, for teenagers, for adults, and for seniors?

Are there certain days where access to paid activities are offered at a lower price or even for free, such as museum entry, or exhibitions, or a theme park, etc.?

How do you maximise your leisure activities in the most cost-effective manner?

Thank you for sharing your experience,

Priscilla

Thank you,
Christine

For myself, I find there are sufficient street festivals and free events to keep one busy in the Spring to Autumnal seasons. Winter is much more difficult -- not so nice to have open air business at these times.  Just walking around the city can be relaxing to me. I need the exercise and often there's something new to discover.

If I need to know things happening in the city, I am on a couple of Facebook pages and there's also this website: https://welovebudapest.com/

I also have Hungarian friends who try to update me on the more formal events, like the upcoming 4-day holiday.

I'm trying to think of "free things" to do in the city.  I'm reminded there is a fountain show on Margit Sziget, along with a small zoo on the island.  So aside from the many strolling pleasures and the swimming pool and water park you have to pay for, there are those.

There are several parades throughout the year, free to look at. My favorite is what I call "Budapest Day" -- but is properly August 20th's St Stephen's Day.  It also includes quite a large fireworks display.

A quick search jogged my memory and the following thing came up, although I am very far removed from the age limit myself:  If you're a citizen of the EEA, and under 26, you can gain free entrance to many more on the third Saturday of the month. These include The Museum of Fine Arts, The National Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. The Military Museum has free admission on the last Sunday of every month for persons under 26. 
And if the age limit hinders you as well, then plan a visit during one of the national holidays when several museums open their doors to all: A number of Budapest's top museums open their doors for free on Hungarian national holidays (March 15; August 20; October 23). Consider planning a trip to coincide with these dates to take advantage of free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

There's a quick peek into St Stephen's Baszilika; although going up to the tower for a panoramic view of the city is not free. It is a church interior to marvel at.  I can't remember if seeing the mummified hand of St Stephen is free or not; but it might be.

Close to the Basilica is this one too:  Budapest's annual Belvarosi Festival is a 3-day celebration of live music in the city's 5th district. Enjoy pop, folk, rock and jazz concerts across a number of stages between the basilica and the Hungarian parliament. This family-friendly event takes place at the end of May/beginning of June and features film screenings, dance performances and a number of activities for kids.

And finally, a personal favorite, is to enjoy the many Christmas villages that spring up around every major city in the country in November. I love the one in Szekesfehervar for personal reasons, I find the Budapest one too expensive, but many cities put on a display to be proud of.

Best wishes for everyone else to enjoy!!

Believe tonight ,Sat the 17th at the Franz List music school, they are having a free concert tonight . Might be good to double check before hand though, in case of the rain , not sure it is being held indoors  or not.
Last time I went there it was held outside in the square area.

Did have a great time on the 15th. Took a nice walk with my husband in the rain, one of my fave things to do is walk in the downpour.
Went to the city park and yes, 2 musems were open but there were lines.
Not in the mood to wait, been in all of them several times in the past.
Had a nice uncrowded time just enjoying the statues in Hero's Square, someone brought over a semi-truck and was playing HU music, nice touch.
I suppose most of the town was listening to Orban that's why the park was so light traffic.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Did have a great time on the 15th. Took a nice walk with my husband in the rain, one of my fave things to do is walk in the downpour.

Yes, walks are wonderful. And were my first free suggestion. Walking/rambling.

For my own free rambling, I walk the dog. In fact, I must walk the dog. He is my boss. Sun. Rain. Snow. We have to go for a walk. Because he says so.

BARK - BARK - BARK. ..... whine.... bark... pause .... BARK - BARK - BARK.

Sorry, I can not comment more. I have to go for a walk. 

klsallee wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Did have a great time on the 15th. Took a nice walk with my husband in the rain, one of my fave things to do is walk in the downpour.

Yes, walks are wonderful. And were my first free suggestion. Walking/rambling.

For my own free rambling, I walk the dog. In fact, I must walk the dog. He is my boss. Sun. Rain. Snow. We have to go for a walk. Because he says so. ....:

It's scary how much power pets have. 

One could try to argue they are working dogs but less easy to argue working hamsters or fish.

(p.s. update on Google listening in on my phone....strangely I was offered - by Google Ads - a stair lift then some pedigree puppies but no dinosaurs yet - I am sure I'll have the walking route to myself with t-rex or velociraptor on a lead in front of me).

fluffy2560 wrote:

It's scary how much power pets have.

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