How to cool down in style

The days are warming up and you might be wondering how people are coping with the heat in Budapest. Although the weather is relatively cool now compared to the real summer months, when temperatures can reach 40°C, it's good to be prepared and to have some tricks up your sleeves for the times when sitting in the shades are simply not enough.

#1 Cool by the river

One of the best things about Budapest is the Danube: although you can't always see it, the river is a constant humming presence in the back of your mind. It's enough to look at the gently lulling water to feel refreshed, but it's best if you camp out in one of the riverside cafés to enjoy the view and sip a cold drink. As an added bonus, temperatures are always a bit cooler by the river, since the water generates a light breeze. If you want to add a touch of beach living, you can add Fellini Bistro on Római part, where you can relax in deck chairs, while the waves are lapping at your feet.

#2 City of Spas

If the Danube can't cool you down anymore, and you'd like a more submerged experience, you can choose from a wide selection of bathing places in the city. Although the logical thing to d would be to select a beach, you should really do as the Hungarians do, and visit a spa. Besides refreshing you, the water is also great for your health and will provide an experience you won't soon forget. The city has 15 public thermal baths, each unique in its own way. Some of them offer a wide variety of activities, such as Rudas, where you can go partying on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer a quieter experience, you should visit Gellért bath, housed in a beautiful art nouveau building. The old kid's pools of the bath have been transformed into a bar and restaurant, making it one of the best places to relax after an afternoon of swimming.

#3 Caveman style

Probably not the most obvious place to spend your day, but definitely the most logical one. The Buda mountains are teeming with cave systems for you to explore, providing hours of amazement and fun. If you've never explored caves before, you'll be dumbstruck by the intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations in the Pál-völgyi cave, but you can also take the chance to improve your allergy or the effects of smoking in the Óbuda Saltcave. There are numerous other alternatives to choose from, but one thing is common in all of them: the air is refreshingly cold, and you can forget the heat of the city for a couple of hours.

#4 Hello sailor

Yes, it's the Danube again. If the banks don't cool you down enough anymore, hop on one of the BKK ships and take a turn on the river. The ticket is about the price of two beers, but will keep you chill much longer. The breeze above the water combined with speed of the boat is enough to make you feel cold on even the hottest days in the summer. Just don't forget to use suntan lotion, because it's easy to get a burn!

#5 Afternoon getaway

And if you really can't take it anymore, just hop on a train. One of the cool things about Budapest is that it has a very quick train line to both Lake Velencei and Balaton. You can reach the first beaches of Lake Velencei in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for a quick afternoon dip after studying all day. With your student ID, the ticket costs next to nothing, and the beaches are free - could it be any better? If you are more adventurous, you can even travel a bit further, and have lángos on the shore of Balaton. Depending on where you are heading, you can reach the Eastern end of the lake in roughly an hour.