Budapest Break Up Guide

Heartbreak sucks. It’s a universal fact no matter where you are. But if you find yourself in Budapest when the tears start flowing, what can you do?

After seven years in Budapest, I know how breakups abroad can really throw you for a loop. So many times, you’re not only losing a love, but also losing a sense of security (especially if you dated a local who could help you with the language). To go through heartbreak is hard enough, but to do it in a foreign country, where you’re far from your own support system, surrounded by a different language, and need to wrestle with visas and immigration? Well, speaking from personal experience…ouch.

So yeah…breakups abroad suck.

But nothing’s wasted! Through it all, I’ve collected some resources that I hope will help help you through heartbreak if you’re ever in the same boat. The Budapest Break Up Guide starts now. And remember–you’ve got this.

Xx Denae

P.S. If you’re reading this and you’re one of those friends who was there for me through heartbreak, listening to my 1 a.m. sobbing voice notes, asking for my location on the many first dates, bringing your laughter to dinner parties, thank you. You have no idea how much your love helped me heal. Okay let’s get into it Xx

For Letting Loose

Maybe it’s denial, maybe it’s distraction, or maybe you just feel ready to put yourself back out there. Here are some ways to let it all out!

Break Something at Rage Room Budapest

It’s just not good to keep all of those hurt feelings trapped inside. Sometimes, you just need to break something! Enter…Rage Room Budapest. Honestly, I can’t think of anything that sounds more therapeutic. Don protective gear, grab a baseball bat, and get ready for some glorious smashing.

Hit Your Target at Axe Throwing

Similar to the Rage Room above, axe throwing is a good way to let off some steam. This way, you have a physical target for all of your regrets and frustrations. Channel your inner lumberjack and get ready to hit a bullseye!

Go Out Dancing

Everyone deals with breakups differently, but I think that dancing is all-around a wonderful way to boost endorphins and shake out frustrations (and have a little cry on the dancefloor, but who cares?). Not to mention, sweaty eye contact with a stranger across the room can do wonders for the self-esteem. Some places to go dancing in Budapest?

BoB
Dojo
Akvarium
Club Heaven
Vicky Barcelona (weekend evenings)
Pontoon (summertime)

Sip at a Cocktail Bar

Are you wallowing in your flat still? I get it! Although alcohol doesn’t really fix problems (if only life were that easy), I find that drinking beautiful cocktails or mocktails in a beautiful setting can be a real mood-booster. When breaking free of the breakup funk, it’s good to give yourself a sense of occasion and a reason to dress up. Budapest has plenty of high-end cocktail bars–grab a friend and enjoy!

For Getting Out of Town

Trust me, I know it can be smothering to live in the same place of a past relationship. Budapest isn’t that large of a city, and it can feel like there are memories on every corner. Sometimes you just have to get out and get a taste of somewhere new! Thankfully, there are plenty of places to go without even jumping on a plane. Here are some popular Budapest day trips/long weekend trips:

Daytrips from Budapest:

Szentendre: Cute and colorful medieval town just a 40-minute train north of Budapest. Known as an artist’s refuge, spend an afternoon browsing galleries and then stop at one of the famous lángos kiosks.
Etyek: A 40-ish minute bus or taxi south of Budapest, Etyek is all about the wine. You can start with the newer wineries (like Etyeki Kuria) or hop between the historic mom-and-pop cellars. Either way, it’s a great place to get your mind off things.
Lake Balaton:
Bratislava: 2-ish hours on a train and you’re in another country! The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is small enough to do a day trip. Walk around their cute Old Town and get a breath of fresh air!
Vienna: Sometimes you need a whole country in between you and your ex! Vienna’s a 2.5 hour train from Budapest and can take you a world away. Roam the halls of one of Vienna’s world-class museums, enjoy a slice of Sacher cake, or stroll through the gardens of one of the palaces.

For Mental Health in Budapest

English Therapy in Budapest:

Looking for an English-speaking therapist/counselor in Budapest? I can wholeheartedly recommend Nora at TalktoNora. She’s located on the Buda side close to Moricz Zsigmond Tér, and has quite a calming presence. Talking through your feelings can help put things in perspective and help you sort things out in your mind.

Nature–Hiking in Budapest:

Is there anything more healing than nature? It’s so good to turn your phone off and spend some time with the trees, you know? If you really want to stay central, then a walk on Margaret Island is a good start. Otherwise, you can take a 20-minute bus up to Normafa and enjoy the trails there. Also a 20-ish minute bus ride from town is the Tündér Szikla (Fairy Rock) hiking trail.

Along with mental health, let’s also take a moment to talk about sexual health. This can be especially intimidating as an expat when you don’t know the native language. Maybe you need to find emergency contraception in Budapest. Maybe you need an English-speaking gynecologist (try Madach 11 or FirstMed) to discuss getting on or off birth control or write a prescription for a UTI. Either way, I hope these resources help you out!

For Restoring and Relaxing:

The #1 rule of healing post-breakup? Be kind to yourself. Maybe that calls for a calming spa day or a peaceful retreat. Here are some places to start:

Hátmaszsasz: They have an affordable and varied menu of massages, and are quite central (by Nyugati). I for one love the Swedish massage–if you want an extra boost, add on a hot stone treatment!
Mandala Day Spa: For absolute serenity in a luxurious setting, Mandala is an urban retreat. When you step inside, it feels like you’re a world away–perfect for thinking new thoughts and building a new reality.
Altair Teahouse: Is there anything more comforting than a warm cup of tea? Altair has a secret-like vibe about it (so hopefully you won’t run into your ex there). The jungle-gym type setup also adds a fun atmosphere.
Budapest Baths: If you just need to soak your cares away, there are so many Budapest thermal baths to choose from. Try Gellért if you want to be surrounded by Art Nouveau luxury, or Veli Bej if you want a quieter atmosphere.

For Building Something New: Hobbies in Budapest

Newly single? It’s a chance to write a new chapter. Now you have more time to pour into yourself, your friends, and your hobbies.

Ceramics: Paint your own ceramics at Madebyyou
Crafting: You can sign up for classes in jewelry making, floral arranging, textile design, and more by looking into Budapest Art Design Collective.
Yoga: After being knocked off your feet in a breakup, yoga is a great way to find balance and confidence in yourself again.
Wine: Have you ever wanted to be that person at the dinner table who knows all about what’s in your glass? Bortodoor Wine Bar hosts weekly Wine Mafia tastings–a blind-tasting game that helps you learn all about wine.
Dance: Let the music take control. There are plenty of English-run dance classes in Budapest. I enjoy Dance With Lena, and Master Dance is a popular larger studio.
Aerial Yoga and Fitness: This is the perfect blend of athleticism (trust me–it’s quite a workout) and femininity. They have two calming locations in Budapest.
Budapest Book Club: This absolutely charming book club is run by stylish expat Nasya, and it brings expats and locals together monthly to discuss books and life. She puts so much effort into making these meetings full of connection, introspection, and conversation (and she’s an amazing decorator!).
Budapest Gyms: This has nothing to do with a “revenge body” and everything to do with creating endorphins in your body. There’s a wide range of Budapest gyms to choose from. Number 1 Fitness has the basics, is open 24/7, and is more affordable. GoActive Gym and 4% Fitness are stylish and social. Life1 is modern with a wide range of group classes and an incredible wellness section (at their Springday location). I’ve also written about other English fitness classes in Budapest!

Budapest Breakup Guide Bonus! Best Places to Cry in Public in Budapest:

Sometimes you just have to let it out, okay? (And don’t forget your tissues–Hungarians hate it when you keep sniffing instead of just blowing your nose.) Can 10/10 recommend these places for public crying:

Danube riverside at sunset
4/6 tram between the hours of 12 a.m.-2 a.m.
Refrigerator section of your neighborhood Aldi
The Wine Mafia room at Bortodoor

I can’t take the pain of your breakup away, but I hope I can give you some resources to help you through. Tomorrow is a new day! You’ve got this.

Xx Denae

Budapest Break Up Guide