The Best Way to See Budapest Is Hiding in Plain Sight

"Beyond its steady fixture in history books and modern headlines, Budapest has become a place known for ruin bars and stellar street food. Add that to an arsenal that includes Old World thermal baths and luxurious Danube river cruises, and you've got a destination ready-made for stag parties, honeymoons and everything in-between. But hopping on the No. 2 tram at Vigadó Tér near Pest's city center, I ensconced myself among another demographic - a confederation of locals, including workers trekking to offices, parents schlepping kids and retirees doing their afternoon shopping. I stood out like a clumsy American thumb. Little did I realize the joys of going local that lay on the tracks ahead."

"The first rule of traveling like a local is to be prepared. I had neither downloaded the Budapest public transit app nor brought exact change for a ticket, so when a transit officer demanded to see proof of fare about 50 seconds after I'd boarded, my breezy $1.67 trip suddenly became a $15 adventure after he pulled me off the train at the next stop, scolded me and fined me. If travel is partially meant to humble us, well, consider that one accomplished."

Budapest's No. 2 tram follows the Danube and threads past many major sights, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life alongside tourist landmarks. The tram mixes commuters, parents, office workers and retirees, creating a local atmosphere distinct from curated tourist experiences. The city also features ruin bars, notable street food, Old World thermal baths and Danube river cruises, appealing to a wide range of visitors. Using the tram without proper preparation, such as ticketing apps or exact change, can result in fines and abrupt interruptions. The tram connects to landmarks like the Chain Bridge and can turn sightseeing into everyday local travel.

Read at InsideHook