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Thanks to its many iconic attractions, Budapest is viewed as a bit of a tourist trap by in-trepid travellers. However, much like any great city, there are many hidden gems waiting here that’ll take you off of the crowded tourist path. These hidden gems reveal the true heart and soul of Hungary’s capital and will provide you with an authentic experience. If you want to avoid the crowds and discover Budapest’s best-kept secrets, read on for my personal recommendations. And, if you’re looking for more, you could try asking your Budapest Airport shuttle driver about his/her favourite areas! Visit the Wekerle Estate Situated just outside of the city centre, the Wekerle Estate is often missed by tourists. This is a shame because it is such a unique attraction, but – on the other hand – it adds to its allure. Built in the early twentieth century, this self-contained and self-sufficient urban district is quite a sight to behold. In fact, its quirky turreted houses, wooden gables and balconies and colourful roof tiles are typically Transylvanian features, which are well worth capturing on camera. The Wekerle Estate (named after the Prime Minister of the time) was originally designed to solve the housing shortage that local workers faced, but now serves as a great escape from the city centre and as a very cool place to stroll around. Roaming the Esceri Market There is no better way to get an authentic experience and see how the locals live than by checking out a local market. Of course, this is also the best place to pick up some rare souvenirs. Personally, I love the Esceri Flea Market, located about 40 minutes outside of the city centre in the Kispet neighbourhood. Like any good flea market, you could find almost anything here, so take your time, check out all of the stalls and simply soak up the atmosphere. You can expect to find wartime memorabilia, antiques, artwork, furniture, jewellery, vinyl and anything vintage that you could think of. I recommend going on a Sunday, as this day tends to be a bit quieter. You may even be able to chat with the friendly vendors and learn about the history of whatever they are selling – for the most part, their English is pretty good. Haggling is ex-pected, but do not worry about this too much, as everything is so affordable anyway! Király Baths There is nothing better after a long day on your feet than pampering yourself in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. In addition to relaxing in style, these baths are a key part of the city’s heritage, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. You will want to avoid the crowds at the baths, which is why I suggest staying clear of the queues at the Rudas Baths and getting some peace and quiet at the Király Baths instead. Built in 1570, this is the oldest thermal bath in the city. Entering it feels like stepping back in time, as the building retains all of its old features and has not been renovated for a long time. The bath is a breathtaking sight: it’s naturally lit by the sixteenth-century holes that are spread across the domed roof like stars in the night sky. How to Get There Budapest is perfect for a weekend getaway; the flight takes just under two and a half hours from London airports. There are about 90 flights every week that are offered by a handful of budget carriers, including British Airways, easyJet, Norwegian and Ryanair. Upon arriving at Budapest Airport, Shuttle Direct is your best bet for getting into the city. If you’d like to avoid the hassle of public transportation, simply pre-book a Budapest Air-port shuttle, and one of our local and experienced drivers will be ready and waiting when you land. Before you know it, you can sit back, enjoy the ride and be at your hotel in just under an hour. If you’re looking for a non-touristy weekend in Europe, you cannot go wrong with Buda-pest. Author Plate Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an af-fordable Budapest Airport shuttle, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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