Budapest Guidebook
Favorite discoveries or tips:
We just returned from a two week vacation, which took us to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Prior to our arrival in Budapest, we had arranged for a private tour with Peter Polczman on our first day in town and we couldn't have made a better choice! Walking through the city with Peter, is like hanging out with someone you've known for a long time. His friendly, easy going demeanor immediately puts you at ease, yet he is constantly providing you with all the information you need to get the most out of your trip. His highly interactive style not only provided us with the historical information and perspective that we were seeking, but he also gave us useful information on things to do on our own, going so far as to 'mark-up' a map with recommended sites, restaurants, Ruin Pubs and transportation routes. I would highly recommend that anyone planning a trip to Budapest kick off their visit by spending a few hours with Peter! (http://budapestyourself.com/index.htm)
Mike in Wildomar, CA USA 01/07/2012
We bought two 7-day Legenda City Passes, and mentioning Rick Steves saved us $7.50, I think. We then saved about $20 using our Legenda Passes at the House of Terror, Hospital in the Rock, Memento Park, and bike rental on Margaret Island. Having the transportation pass is *the* way to go--no hassles buying tickets, and you can jump on and off public transportation easily.
Madeleine in Redlands, CA USA 11/27/2011
took the Orangeway bus between Budapest and Prague and it was great, express service with a bus attendant serving coffee etc, there was even an "in-bus" movie in English. Great service, right on time and another chance to immerse in the culture
Wendy in Chatham, Ma USA 10/15/2011
Check your change! The money is confusing because it is in such huge denominations, and I definitely got ripped off at least once. Also, we stayed in the Budapest budget hostel. It's a bit away from old town but was really inexpensive, clean and the staff was the best we've encountered on our tour thus far.
Emily fink in West Chester, pa USA 07/18/2011
Allow plenty of time for the House of Terror. It will grab & hold you there.....
Larry Iversen in Bremerton, WA USA 07/07/2011
1) We found the Danube Guest House on the RS' web site by his reader's last year, and we loved it too (@ 59 Euros or @ 15,939 FT [less 5% for multiple nights & 5% more for cash], Tel/Fax: 36 1 788 2891, M: 36 20 419 3986; 1074 Budapest, Dohany u, 16-18 Fel em. 1a; danube.guesthouse@upcmail.hu. 2) Romeo & Juliet Ballet at the Opera House was great!
Larry Iversen in Bremerton, WA USA 07/02/2011
Thanks for the cafe recommendation - Gerloczy - part of your Budapest city walk... As I entered the owner saw your book in my hand and said I was the second person in two weeks to come because of you. He was so thankful! Lovely lunch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barbfiorillo/5680691338/in/photostream
Barbara Fiorillo in New York City, NY USA 05/03/2011
Best langos in the city is on the 3rd floor of the Feny Utcai Piac (Feny street open air market). The traditional way to eat them is with sour cream and cheese. Best place to buy pastries (ground floor of the Great Market Hall). Excellent selection of pastries for 120-130 Forints each (about 50 cents). Just buy them here instead paying 5 times this much in a cafe.
Gabrielle Donnald in Sykesville, MD USA 11/29/2010
We took a day trip to Bratislava from Budapest and did a private tour of the Old Town and castle with Martin Sloboda, the tourguide mentioned in the guidebook. He was great, very approachable, he explained a lot about the recent history of Slovakia and his English was fabulous. We truly enjoyed our guided tour with him. He recommended the Chocolate shop in the Old Town and that was the best hot chocolate I have ever had.
Marina in Washington, DC USA 10/21/2010
We contacted the guide Andrea Makkay for a private tour of the Communist past. She was booked but she arranged for us a tour with one of her colleagues, Aniko Kiss, it was super interesting! Also, Andrea sent us a lot of information and tips for our visit to Budapest and booked a folklore show for us. I would definitely recommend her services. Also, for people who love classical music, we attended a concert at the new Palace of the Arts, at the Bela Bartok Concert Hall and it was a fabulous place, with great acoustics. A little bit out of the way, but totally worth it.
We tried the following hotel and really loved it: Central Basilica Hotel,Hercegprimas Street 8Budapest 1051, Hungary, Phone: 36 (1) 328 5010. The location, half a block away from St. Stephen's Basilica, was superb, close to 3 Metro lines, and it had a great a buffet breakfast. The rooms were spacious and quiet and the front desk staff really nice.
Marina in Washington, DC USA 10/18/2010
We have to agree with Anne Reagan that István IZSÓ is an excellent private / independent guide for a City tour of Budapest! As she noted, he has a very nice van and combines a driving tour with stops and explanation at the major sights. He’s very informative and accommodating, and his English is excellent. Besides our City tour, he also drove us to the airport when our vacation ended! His contact information is: e-mail at istvan.izso@gmail.com and phone at 0036-30-405-5322.
Gary & Kathy Hughes in Marion, IA USA 09/28/2010
The exchange rate for the US dollar was 195.5 FT for $1.00 at the airport. The standard exchange rate in Budapest was 223-225 FT for $1.00. These comments were based on our visit on 8/28 to 8/30/10
Dick Simpson in Cincinnati, OH USA 09/26/2010
Bus and metro access from the airport is cheap and easy. Just realize that the metro station has steps with no escalator, so heavy bags can be unwieldy.
David in Jacksonville, FL USA 09/21/2010
I found an amazing wine cellar under the Hilton Hotel by the Budda Castle. The place is called the Faust Wine Cellar and "palinka tasting". I was traveling for five weeks and this experience was one of most memorable of the trip. The man who owns the cellar served my friend and I little snacks and a wide variety of wines. Each month he dedicates the tastings to one region of Hungarian's wine. We happen to try the Egar region(the wines were referred to as Egri wines). I've been on many wine tours and this was the best wine I've ever had in my life. The man was so knowledgable about the history of the grapes, the way it smells and looks, and which foods to eat with the wine. I would highly recommend his cellar to be included in your next book. Thank you Rick for making my trips so spectacular because I used your guide books. On all my trips my friends and I all love your advice and appreciate your knowledge.
Tricia Stacey in New York , NY USA 08/23/2010
I am planning my third trip to Budapest this fall and decided that I would pick up your guide for this trip. I am convinced that we must "take the waters" and I feel confident about doing so.
Kathy Kuddes in Allen, TX USA 07/25/2010
There is magnificent room from a converted mansion where you may have coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, and wine. The room is covered with murals and mirrors worthy of Versailles. Several afternoons each week there is live piano music. The prices are more than reasonable. It is located inside the "Alexandra" bookstore, which is just a couple of doors from the rather dull "Writer's Bookshop" mentioned in the Budapest Guidebook along the major boulevard of Andrassy Ut. I have photos, if you would like to see the beauty of this room.
Teri in Pittsburgh, PA USA 07/25/2010
For medical history freaks like me the Semmelweis Museum is a gem. He is a much overlooked figure by tourists and his landmark contributions to infection control should be better known
Carole Toebe CA USA 07/09/2010
The Liszt Ferenc House/Museum is a gem. They have a hand-held, self-paced audio guide that expands this small museum. Be sure to go on Saturday when they open at 10:00am and often have summer concerts given by the Liszt Ferenc music association in the summers at 11:00 in the first Liszt music academy concert hall. The concert is included in the museum ticket price and in June 2010 we were treated to a full-house concert of violin pieces each played on different hand-crafted violins with the violin mastercraftsman taking a bow after each performance!
Amy M. in Boulder, CO USA 07/07/2010
We just returned from Budapest. One thing that no one has noted - in the book or on the boards: mosquitoes. It apparently was a rainy June and now a hot and humid July and the varmints were attacking. In the City Park, we ate at Robinson for lunch and the waiters actually brought mosquito spray to our outdoor table with the bread!
I don't want to scare anyone - we were there for 4 days and only had issues on the last day. But on that day, we saw them everywhere including the Park, bathrooms at the Duna Palota, and in the local markets.
i suppose this is mainly a summer thing, but just a note of caution for you all!
Blaise Nauyokas in San Diego, CA USA 07/04/2010
Thanks for the great guide book: Eastern Europe / Budapest 2008 edition. Page 445 describes Franz Liszt Square. Liszt’s apartment, now a museum is labelled on the map on p443 but there is no description in the text. This is a wonderful museum for piano lovers with Boston-made Chickering and Austrian Bosendorfer pianos that Liszt played. Also Liszt’s own collection of delightful and unique keyboard instruments such as a combination harmonium/piano, a glass (!) piano and a piano built into a composing desk. I recommend you include this information in the next edition. www.lisztmuseum.hu1064 Budapest, Vörösmarty utca 35, Magyarország
Charles Skinner in Lawrenceville, nj USA 07/03/2010
The 48 hour family ticket for the metro costs 2200 Ft and is the least expensive option for families.
Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 06/30/2010
In Budapest: Cafe New York and Rose restaurants were great. Cafe New York is priccy but worth it. Barbara Lang-Szabo was an excellent city guide. Good English, friendly and good recommendations. barbara.langszabo@gmail.com +36 20 925 1174. Corinthian Hotel is very luxurious and i found a great price on the internet. Train ride from Prague to Budapest was dreary, expensive and long. i would fly next time or try a bus to save money.
arthur stein in bethesda, md USA 05/31/2010
Just returned from a trip to Eastern (Central) Europe. In Budapest, I highly recommend the Free Budapest Walking tours owned and operated by a local couple. Absolutely incredible!
Hotel Musuem Central in Budapest was very nice, reasonably priced and good location.
debbie in tucson, az USA 05/12/2010
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