Budapest , Hungary. Advice please.

greenface

Going to Budapest at the end of November for a few days . Great deal . Now looking for knowledgeable people who have been there and any tips of what to do and see , where to go day and evening and where notto go . thanks in advance .. GF

richardw

It can get very very cold, consider taking some thermal underclothing.

shoopi

Definitely consider the free walking tour. (There are three different tours - I only tried the general one.) We did this on our first morning - it gave us an excellent grounding for the remainder of our stay. The guides are young and very well-informed and give you context on the country's history, its different areas and culture, and also where to eat, drink, what to expect in terms of transportation etc. (The tours are free but it's worth budgeting for a tip for the guide.)

http://www.triptobudapest.hu/

Have a fantastic time in Budapest - I loved it there. I found it interesting that almost every cafe and bar had free WIFI. Oh, and definitely spend some time in the spa baths - beautiful buildings, and it's fun relaxing in the steam outdoors while there's frost on the ground. And be sure to visit a ruin pub eg Szimpla.

Have a great trip!

xinran

Another vote for the free walking tour: http://www.triptobudapest.hu/
We started our trip with the 10:30 morning tour - a moderately active 2 1/2 hour tour of the city, led by two locals, who gave us a candid, honest and very entertaining introduction to the city.
They also suggested what to do during the remainder of our stay, where to shop and eat, and most importantly how to avoid the tourist traps. They were very happy to answer questions and seemed genuinely interested in the people in the group.
Although the guides rely on tips, there is no pressure to give anything – it is only mentioned at the end, and is very gratefully received.
I think it's an ideal way to get their bearings at the start of their trip.
Have a look at Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g274887-d1566303-Reviews-Free_Budapest_Walking_Tours-Budapest_Central_Hungary.html

macca1974

would also recommend the walking tour which is excellent. I really liked the Cathedral and there is a nice square there (well three sides nice + one side horrible communist building), there is also a really nice / cosmopolitan shopping area a little way away from the cathedral that was good fun, with outside bars etc. The Szechenyi Thermal Spa is a great experience and well worth a few hours.

I also found that once you have worked them out, the underground system there is really cheap and quite comprehensive (as well as having very retro wooden escalators).

I've been over to Budapest a few times with work and been out in the evening with customers until the early hours and never saw any trouble (although we may have just been lucky!).

Fabulous City

Miró

The Great Market Hall (aka Central Market) is worth a look. Downstairs for fruit/veg/meat/fish etc, upstairs for cafes/gifts/souvenirs etc.

Can also recommend a visit to the Great Synagogue, (the largest in Europe), and the nearby Jewish Museum. In the Memory Park in the rear courtyard is the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs - a silver coloured sculpture in the form of a weeping willow tree, each articulated leaf has the name of a victim inscribed on it. If there is a slight breeze the leaves tinkle and shimmer...I found it very moving!

Hope you have a great time.

greenface

brilliant . there are 4adults going and the walking tour may suit one couple buy the other has walking difficulties . Itcould help both couples in knowledge . we have heard of the ruin pubs and on the list . shoppings a must for mrs greenie . Are there brgains to be had . is te price there cheaper than here for a decent coat or bag etc . thanx please keep them going

bambibear

Food and Beer - There's a pub called the "For Sale pub", it's right opposite the market and quite possibly the worst fire hazard in the world (due to the wooden floors, monkey nut shells and 10 years of train tickets, post its etc covering every surface etc), but you have to try the goulash as it's phenomenal. Good beer, excellent atmosphere and fabulous food.

Travel - we went everywhere by tram as its so cheap, buy a day pass almost anywhere and you just validate it on the first tram you get on (they're valid for 24 hours too so can get away with afternoon one day and morning the next.

Weather - definitely second the wrap up warm comments!

Macca1974 is spot on with his spa comments also. There are 5 of these I think but this is supposedly the best so we tried it in March this year. Funny to see older guys stood playing chess in it!

Enjoy - I did and would definitely go back.

bambibear

greenface wrote: »

brilliant . there are 4adults going and the walking tour may suit one couple buy the other has walking difficulties . Itcould help both couples in knowledge . we have heard of the ruin pubs and on the list . shoppings a must for mrs greenie . Are there brgains to be had . is te price there cheaper than here for a decent coat or bag etc . thanx please keep them going

The only real bargains are really for beer and anyhting to do with paprika...Clothes etc are similar to here. You can get some fairly unique xmas decorations (mostly painted eggs)

greenface

We are staying at The Corinthia Hotel . Location looks good . Market and beer then and some fascinating interesting things to do . Great news about the easy tram system too .

girl_afraid

Transport passes are pretty cheap and you can use them on the buses, trams and metro, just make sure to validate them before use. I loved Szechenyi Baths and the ruins bars.