Budapest

Favorite discoveries or tips:

Stay in Buda, play in Pest. The new Buda Castle Hotel is terrific -- large, pleasant rooms with excellent bathrooms, good service, wonderful breakfast, modest prices. While Buda's interesting activities are limited to walks, views and the Mathias Church, it's a peaceful and picturesque place to stay, easily accessible by bus. We think the Buda Castle Hotel may singlehandedly turn around the negatives listed in the guidebook.

Richard and Karen in Montpelier, VT USA 01/27/2010

To add to recommended restaurants, for a great dining experience, try "21" located in Castle Hill, just down the street from Budapest Hilton. Traditional Hungarian dishes served in Nouvelle Cuisine fashion, being both delicious and beautiful. The squash soup starter was spiced with bits of fresh, tart apple. The chicken stew contained an amazing repertoire of flavors. It was so good, we ate there a second time during our trip. It was moderately expensive, maybe $25/person with wine. At Fortuna ut, 21. Try it.

Pat Lane in Evanston, IL USA 12/10/2009

In your Heroes Square/City Park walk, when discussing the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, you suggest the lavish interior more interesting than the exhibits...I entered to see the interior decor, but I must say, left with a greater appreciation for the exhibits. I learned more about land use and the social and legal structure of Hungarian society over time than in any other place I visited. It was also kind of a "kick" to see such items as a scythe forged and wielded in the 15th century! One can also read the actual words of kingly declarations in social context. This museum is rich! I hope you'll revise your dismissive opinion...

Pat Lane in Evanston, IL USA 12/10/2009

A private and independent tour guide named Istvan IZSO (Ish is his nickname) was wonderful. He has a 9 person van so small groups can use him. He picked us up at the hotel and dropped us off there or anywhere we would have prefered at the end of the tour. He did an overview of the city, with short stops and mini info sessions at main Budapest sights including both sides, castle hill, fishermens bastion, heros square, the park. His english is wonderful and he is very very nice! I also did a full day tour with him to the Danube bend (Visegrad),Estegrom cathedral, and a trip over the bridge to Slovakia. He also makes several stops all throughout the country side (mideveil castle looking over Danube with lovely views) and a longer stop in the town of Saint Andrews. He let us shop and snack. This full day tour cost 240euro but was full day and all the local information you could ask for. He is really a wonderful secret!! His local mobile is 0036-30-405-5322, email istvan.izso@gmail.com.

Another discovery which was mentioned to do but a specific company for the Danube river cruise which MUST be done at night to see all the buildings lit up at night! We used the company called Legenda www.legenda.hu +36 1 317 2203. The boats are wonderful with multi langauge audio sessions and video. Also two drinks are included in price which was 4900 HUF. Wonderful staff and great experience!

Finally a great and delicious restaurant called Nosztalgia located at 1051 Budapest, Oktober 6. u.5 Phone is +36 20 9699 130. www.nosztalgiaetterem.hu. Open everyday 6pm - 1 am except closed sundays. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere couldnt be beat. The inside of the building was breathtaking with beautiful marble and architecture. Mid to high range prices but well worth the cost for a great hungarian meal with LIVE MUSIC!!!

Anne Reagan in Dayton, OH USA 12/07/2009

We followed all of the Budapest walks and saw more of the city than any of our compatriots who had arrived with us off river cruise. Follow Rick's advice and wander the back streets of this great city and discover why so many Europeans are taking their holidays there instead of Prague.

cathy in victoria, BC canada 11/04/2009

For a Spurge in Budapest I am recommending the Marriott on the Danube. I visited it's concierge level lounge with friends who were staying there. The food and the views were the highlight of my trip.

Heather in Cleveland, OH USA 08/05/2009

The Yellow Metro line lets out right behind the szechenyi baths- leading you directly to the entrance mentioned in the book.

Also- the 4/6 Tram (not mentioned in the book) goes right to Muscov Ter to connect to the buses for the Castle Hill walk.

Green's restaurant- we called it "good and cheap" Green's Sorözo és Fozelékbár Address: Dob utca 3., VII. district Tel: (+36 1) 352 8515

Laurianna Murray in Minneapolis, MN USA 07/31/2009

I recommend the Hotel, Residence Izabella, Izabella Utca 61, Budapest 1064. It is just off Andrassy Ut. We enjoyed thie apartment hotel because it is clean modern, and close to a metro stop.

Heather in Cleveland, OH USA 07/29/2009

Excellent reasonably priced restaurant on Buda side, short walk from the Bellevue B&B and near the vegetarian restaurant, both already recommended in the book: A La Carte, Bp., I. ker. Iskola u 29 Tel.: 20-20-580 www.alacarte.atw.hu

George Palmer in Dallas, tx USA 06/04/2009

The format of the book worked very well. I left the back half of the book at home and stapled the different "Walks" separately and then just carried the ones we planned to do for that day.

Jan Baker in Arlington , TX USA 05/29/2009