relatively cheap, but fun solo programs in Budapest

Posted by Careful_Respect_6413@reddit | budapest | View on Reddit | 12 comments

Hi!

I’m Hungarian (27F), but I only moved here a couple of months ago due to my studies, so I’m not that familiar with the city yet. I live alone, I’m single, my family and friends live far away from me and I haven’t been able to make any friends here (and we’re not that close to each other anymore, so that’s it), so I’m all by myself. As much as I enjoy the peace and freedom that comes with it, sometimes I can’t help but feel lonely and bored as hell. I’m interested in a wide range of stuff: I love animals, I like spending time in nature, I’m into arts and crafts, reading, cooking, baking, watching films, doing yoga and the list goes on. Cringe or not, I don’t really enjoy doing anything these days because I feel like I need more time spent outside or around people, some sort of community or a group of people to do something together. The problem is that everything’s crazy expensive (it’s relative, I know, but I feel robbed by paying rent etc.), so I’d be looking for some cheaper options that might be enjoyable joining / doing alone as well.

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AZ424242@reddit

See the classic, old museums Nemzeti Galéria and Nezeti Múzeum, there is student ticket.

Careful_Respect_6413@reddit (OP)

Thank you! I’ve been there for a couple of times, I love the building itself as well! By the way, they’ve got no student discounts anymore. If I remember correctly, they offer discounts only to those under 26 (and yes, most students might fall into this category, but I’m one of the few exceptions :D).

I used to have discount there, but I look young.

Riharudo@reddit

Margaret Island is free. They have a little zoo... kind of stuff. I don't remember any entrance fees last time I was there. You can also take walks to the castle district or to the top of Gellért hill, I believe the citadell will be (or already have been) reopened around this time.

If you're a student (I assumd, university), then you can check the uni sport clubs, I'm sure they have yoga, where you can make friends easily.

AdEmbarrassed8927@reddit

If you need someone to talk with, just message me☺️

CloudCalmaster@reddit

Here's a plan: get a bike. Bike to Margit island i'll let you discover but you can find and animal sanctuary free to pet there (other option is népsziget with goats) bring a book find comfy open air bistro where you can read. As the night sets and people start dancing you can find a group or go home and cook. Alternatively you can grill outside too some places.

igenigen@reddit

1) As a student, you can get a discounted Country Pass. Take day trips.

2) You can buy a bike and cycle around the city.

If you can wait until June 2026, then you can try the new generation of MOL Bubi. It’ll be easier if you don’t have a place to store your bike in your apartment.

LeoMehdy@reddit

if you don’t mind, could you share what will change in the new generation of MOL bubi? ive used the green ones and they were mostly fine so im wondering what this change is gonna cover

Here you go

https://bkk.hu/en/travel-information/bubi/

Thanks!

terabithiann@reddit

What do you consider expensive? It would be helpful to others in their recommendations.

Since you like nature, there are so many places to visit in Budapest for free or very cheap.

Some I liked/found interesting: Orczy kert (there is a small like with ducks/turtles), ELTE botanical garden, Budai Arboretum, the Jewish cemetery, Varosliget (there you have the Music House which had several interesting shows/exhibitions).

If you have a monthly BKK pass, you can take Danube boat trips for free (at least this was the case 2 years ago).

With a student discount, you can also buy theater/opera tickets for a lower price. And I would check events organized by your uni.

Then there is a Budapest Girl Gone International Facebook group where women living in Budapest organize different events that you can join.

This is what I remembered at the top of my head. If I can think of something else, I’ll add more.

trollokvoltak@reddit

Since you mentioned you love animals and nature: you can volunteer at Herosz Állatotthon to walk some of the dogs in the shelter, and with Kamarerdő is basically next to the shelter, you can take hikes there with the dogs. If Herosz is too far away, some other shelters might provide the same opportunity.