Having had a highly memorable trip to Budapest in the summer of 2013 , I was keen to return for a longer stint and see what it was like over the winter months for a two month stint.
Unsurprisingly given it's status as a tourist hotspot, there is no shortage of great accommodation options in Budapest and if booking in advance for out of the peak summer months, you should get a great deal.
For a distinctive experience, try and find an apartment in one of the many opulent townhouses with large communal courtyards.
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New legislation
Recent changes introduced by the Turkish government has made short-term rentals for under 100 days more restricted. Keep an eye on Reddit threads for up-to-date assessments of how the new legislation is impacting short-term rentals in practice.
There's a good number of dedicated coworking spaces across the city, with the majority of them being found in the centre. Unfortunately the office I worked from has subsequently shut down, but 'KAPTÁR' is worth a look and would have been my second choice.
There is no shortage of quality coffee shops across the city that are suitable to work from. 'My Little Melbourne' has a secluded upstairs sitting area suitable for a few hours work (with great coffee).
The city has an enormous range of very well priced options for casual lunches and dinners. There are numerous quality Thai/Vietnamese meals that can be picked up for well under €10 across all areas of the city.
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The yen is currently at a 34-year low
While this is undoubtedly a negative for the Japanese, it makes for an exceptionally good time to visit Japan from abroad. Although this trend is unlikely to reverse significantly in the short term, it's still worth checking before visiting.
Read moreThere’s a lot to explore in Budapest, and among European capitals, it compares favourably with other large cities. During the week, the city centre, especially around Deák Ferenc tér, has a bustling, working atmosphere. On weekends, it becomes a popular destination for tourists, with numerous baths and historical sites to explore. The Jewish Quarter is an excellent base for nightlife, offering enough bars and restaurants to explore over a month-long stay.
Hungary operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with Western Europe.
I've written a guide on how to structure your day to get the most out of the time difference.
Read articleWithout doubt, being able to speak Spanish with a degree of fluency is a huge asset when visiting South America. I had always put off visiting the continent due to my Spanish skills not extending beyond requesting a "cerveza grande".
But even with my incredibly primitive linguistic capabilities, it was not in any way to the detriment of the trip. English is spoken sparsely, but armed with a few phrases, some polite enthusiasm and a translator, it shouldn't deter you from visiting.
St. Stephen's Basilica, one of the most dramatic pieces of architecture in the city centre.
A typical central courtyard in a block of apartments in the Jewish Quarter.