i am going to budapest on very short notice (next week). i
am planning to get a guide book, but i would like to ask of
all of you:
1. what are the must-sees for a four-day trip?
2. i didnt see too much info below about hotels there that
are decent (clean, quiet) and reasonable (under US$75)--any
info?
3. any ideas for a must-see day trip by train from
budapest? or will four days there take all of my time??
thanks much!!
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We stayed with a retired English-speaking attorney & his
wife at their home overlooking the city. For about
$40/night for 2 we got a bedroom with terrace view, own
bathroom & huge breakfast. You take a bus to the metro and
3 stops you are downtown. Dr. & Mrs. Walter Fleps are
gracious hosts. The phone numbr is 36-1-326-8170. The
address is Bogar utca 20b, 1022 Budapest, Hungary (although
next week is a little close to write). St. Matthias Church
and the area surrounding it are nice. The symphony/opera
hall is very nice & very inexpensive ($1.50-$13). There
are spas & islands to visit. Budapest is an interesting
city.
I've been studying in Budapest since Jan. '99. Although I
have not been staying here as a tourist, I have managed to
hit most of the touristy highlights in my four months here.
It's a great city. Don't let the rather "cool" demeanor of
the Hungarians put you off. Most people are quite helpful
and friendly--they just don't show it immediately. Learn a
few phrases in Hungarian. It will make all the difference.
Of course you'll have to explore Castle Hill: Wonderful
views of the Danube and of Pest. It's tourist-central up
there; watch out for pickpockets (gypsies, mostly).
Try to see a performance at the lovely Hungarian State
Opera House on Andrassy Ut. You can get tickets at the
office across the street from the Opera.
They speak some English. Seats on the balcony are
practically free (300-500 forint, or $1.50-$3.00). They will
probably try to sell you seats on the floor though, and they
are much more expensive. Most balcony seats are not bad.
I hear the nighttime boatrides on the Danube are sort of
cheesey, but its a nice way to see the lighted bridges and
castle hill.
Most people say the village of Szentendre (a commuter train
ride north of the city) is a must-see. I found it
suffocatingly touristy and just a tad too cute. If you do
go, check out the museum devoted to Hungarian folk artist
Margit Kovacs. She was quite a talent.
Whatever you do, drink lots of Tokaji (go for the "3
puttonyos" (sp?)) Nectar of the gods!
Have fun!
All who live for Budapest!
Due to major roadworks in Buda from May 4 for about two
months, a few bus stops to Metro means at least 30-40
minutes in Central Buda and surroundings.
So the regular trip from the green Buda suburbs takes about
an hour instead of a usual 15-30 minutes.
I'd add my vote to the idea of a night cruise on the Danube
as a way of seeing the city lights. And do try a tour of
the Parliament Building if you get the chance. Margit
Island is also a pleasant place for lunch, afternoon
stroll, cycle.
Enjoy! It is a great city.
thanks for the postings. linda--i called and spoke with
dr. fleps. while he is busy, he has suggested an
alternative and even though i wont be staying with him he
has promised to give me information about walks in
budapest. thanks again for the referral!
kj
Definitely see the Chain Bridge at night, from the Castle Hill on the Buda (west) side. You can see a picture that I shot there at night at:
.
http://www.ionet.net/~jacq/hungary.htm
.
Walter
Na most itt kevered a szart?? nem volt eleg a melbournei
dolgok neked? ott is megkeverted jol es eltuntel na most
ide jossz es itt irogatsz?? ugynezki hogy te egy profi
vagy mindenkinek irsz nagyon jo de te televagy bullshittel
most mar aszt akarod mondani hogy nem te vagy valaki mas ,
csak emlekezzel mit irtal nekem es a tobbieknek az
australokrol iam you are all australian etc stb stb de nem
mertel kijonni vele hogy a szuleid magyarok es verted a
melledet hogy milyen nagy ausztral vagy ,
szegyelled magyarsagodat , es most itt irsz..furcsa