I lived in Budapest for 7 years. There are 4 tourist spots I wouldn't recommend — and 4 that I've found worth the hype.

In my opinion, Fisherman's Bastion is worth the crowds.

Denae McGaha While living in Budapest for seven years, I visited many of the city's popular tourist attractions .

I found the Széchenyi Baths and New York Café too crowded, and think there are better alternatives.

There are some tourist spots that are worth the cost and crowds, though, like Fisherman's Bastion.

When I moved to Budapest, Hungary, at 23 years old, I didn't expect it to become home for the rest of my 20s.

I loved it, though — so much that I even started my own Budapest travel blog and joined the tourism industry once my teaching contract expired.

By the time I left last year, I had more than seven years of experience showing guests around one of the world's most beautiful cities .

It's safe to say I know how to build a stacked Budapest itinerary.

There are four popular tourist spots I wouldn't recommend, but another four that I believe are worth the hype.

I typically skip the stunning but often crowded Széchenyi Baths.

Széchenyi baths s4svisuals/Shutterstock This Neo-Baroque bath complex is certainly eye-catching, but in my experience, Széchenyi is often packed with visitors.

I usually tell visitors to instead check out the Rudas Baths, which are just as gorgeous but often less crowded.

These Turkish baths date back to the 16th century, but the complex also includes some newer additions for a modern spa experience — including a rooftop hot tub that provides a stunning panoramic city view.

Unless you specifically want to shop at designer stores, consider passing on Andrássy Avenue. cafe on bartok bela boulevard Denae McGaha Budapest's original grand boulevard, Andrássy Avenue, is now mostly full of pricey restaurants and designer stores.