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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
We are featuring an episode on the Sziget Festival in Budapest Hungary. I am not recommending anyone going to festivals at this time, but one day, things will go back to normal and if you are planning your after the pandemic bucket list experiences, this is one to add to the list.
Sziget Festival 2020 is Cancelled
Please note that the 2020 Sziget festival is canceled. We did record this interview with Sofie from the travel blog Wonderful Wanderings before the pandemic, so the information in this episode and the show notes is based on pre-pandemic experiences.
If you are looking at researching more trips for after the pandemic, I highly recommend you to subscribe to this podcast and check out more ideas there and also check out Sofie’s site at wonderfulwanderings.com.
What is the Sziget Festival?
This is not your typical festival. Over a 7-day period this festival offers TED Talks, dance performances, circus acts and there’s even a beach. It’s simply impossible to do everything even if you stay for all 7 days. It normally takes place in mid-August, however, it is canceled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Where is the Sziget Festival and How do you get There?
In Budapest, Hungary, on Óbudai-sziget (“Old Buda Island”). This is the island in the Danuba north of the better-known Margaret Island. It’s easy to get to Budapest by plane, train, or long-distance bus. Because the festival is so popular, several bus travel companies organize special bus trips to Sziget from other European countries.
There’s also a shuttle for those coming by train or plane but it’s just as easy to take public transportation into the city center and then make your way to the island from there. The Budapest tourism board also releases a special version of the Budapest City Card for Sziget
which includes the special boat taxis to the festival site from the city center.
How much does the Sziget Festival Cost?
Attending Sziget is not expensive. You can get a 7-day pass for a little over €300. As you can choose anything from free camping to luxurious glamping, from staying at a hostel to staying in a 5-star hotel in the city, the cost of accommodation is up to you but do know that the city tends to sell out during the festival, so book ahead of time.
Public transportation in Budapest isn’t expensive. The only thing Sofie found expensive, was the food on the festival site. You paid the same as you would at a Western European festival (up to €10 for a “meal”) and the quality was often lacking.
You are allowed to bring your own food and water.
Do you need a rental car?
No, it’s super easy to get there by public transportation from the city center or you can stay at one of the campsites on the island and simply walk onto the festival grounds.
What type of Lodging is available?
There are may different types of campsites on the festival island, going from the ultra-basic free campsites to luxurious glamping sites. The free camping looked horrible to me, as you basically just pitch your tent wherever you find a spot on the festival site. That means in between the walking paths, stages, and toilet facilities. This free camping is included in your ticket.
Then, the more luxurious you go, the more it costs. Instead of staying on the island, Sofie rented an Airbnb in the city center.
Is the Sziget Festival Kid Friendly?
While it isn’t advertised as such, there are plenty of places and things for kids to enjoy, like an old school fun fair, the many circus performances, and the art workshops. I saw kids while I was there but I wouldn’t say Sziget is a family-oriented festival.
Is the Sziget Festival Accessible if you have limited mobility or are in a wheelchair?
The island itself is mostly flat. When Sofie was there, it was very dry, which is helpful if you are in a wheelchair. However, there are only a few bigger lanes that are concrete or have a hard floor and in case of rain, everything else would get muddy pretty soon.
There is a special watch area by the main stage but not by the many other stages.
What should you bring to the festival?
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sweater for the evenings
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Snacks, because you can bring them!
- Paper Tissues
- Credit Card – Sziget is cashless!
Sofie’s Bio
In 2012, Sofie started her travel blog WonderfulWanderings.com when she realized the writing she did at her office job left her creatively unfulfilled. That hobby quickly grew into a business, allowing her to quit her job at the start of 2015. She’s been blogging full-time ever since and has recently also launched her own influencer vetting agency Influ Inspect.
Her location-independent business has offered Sofie the opportunity to experience a lot of firsts. One of those was her first time attending a festival all by herself and not just any festival, but the 7-day Sziget festival in Budapest.