Navigating the unique challenges of a new city is an age-old problem for expatriates. Budapest is no different, and as expats that have been here for a while, we’ve stumbled upon a whole host of apps and
websites that you might find helpful in your day-to-day life here.
BKK Futár
An absolute must-have for anybody that makes regular use of public transport, this app helps with route planning across the capital’s network of buses, trams, trolley-buses, HEV trains and even boats. It also gives you up-to-date arrival times to ease those boring moments waiting at a stop. Available for iPhone or Android.
NetPincér
If you’re craving some takeaway food, you can fire up the NetPincér website to see menus and order from hundreds of restaurants all over Budapest. While the website is in Hungarian, you should be able to get by with the help of Google Translate. Once you’ve found a place you like, add items to a shopping basket and then send your order. You can pay by card through the site or in cash when your food arrives. NetPincér even gives you an estimate of delivery time when you place your order. Available for iPhone and Android. Website: netpincer.hu
In Your Pocket
Designed for tourists and curious expats, In Your Pocket is an online guide-book crammed with reviews on restaurants, attractions, bars and other places of interest, as well as other useful information about life in Budapest. Visit their website at inyourpocket.com/Budapest.
We Love Budapest
We Love Budapest is the ultimate culture and what’s-on guide for Budapest. They keep coverage of the city’s happenings light-hearted and regularly review new bars, restaurants and clubs. Visit their website at welovebudapest.com.
Route4U
If you have a disability or you simply want to find the simplest way to navigate around the city, Route4U is a constantly updated map of roads that are wheelchair accessible and it shows important amenities along the way. Available for Android.
Fröccs
Fröccs is one of Hungary’s much-loved drinks, a mix of soda-water and wine. How you mix it is important and there are dozens of varieties, dependent on the amounts of water and wine used, and all with their own sometimes amusing names. This is where this app steps in: experiment with the desired ratios and get the name so you can head to the bar with confidence. Available for iPhone or Android.
Learn Hungarian
Hungarian is a hard language to learn but there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. The Learn Hungarian app is one of them. Hear and practise hundreds of useful words and build them into real sentences. The app uses picture cards to help with memorising and you can even record yourself speaking to listen back and learn from. Available for iPhone or Android.
Written by Andrew Davison, a local writer and entrepreneur who runs Teacher Finder. Originally published on budapestinc.com, which is a media partner of The Budapest Times.
