Budapest
May 1st, 2017, 08:41 AM
#1
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Budapest
Travelling to Budapest for a mini Break in May, Monday to Thursday.
There's 2 of us, myself and my Dad, who is in his early seventies, but very fit with it.
Looking for advice regarding Public Transport, to and from the Airport, and getting around the city.
Are there discounts for OAPs?
What are the best/most authentic coffee shops/Cafés to visit?
Are there any free must do's?
Any advice would be great,
Slán Tamaill.
There's 2 of us, myself and my Dad, who is in his early seventies, but very fit with it.
Looking for advice regarding Public Transport, to and from the Airport, and getting around the city.
Are there discounts for OAPs?
What are the best/most authentic coffee shops/Cafés to visit?
Are there any free must do's?
Any advice would be great,
Slán Tamaill.
May 1st, 2017, 09:54 AM
#2
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What's an oap? Old-a** person?
Getting around the city = metro, bus or tram. Maps available online. Make sure you punch the tickets without fail because the Budapest cops look out for tourists who don't.
No such thing as a must do - issue is what you want to see. There's a lot you CAN do in Budapest just walking around various areas in Pest.
Getting around the city = metro, bus or tram. Maps available online. Make sure you punch the tickets without fail because the Budapest cops look out for tourists who don't.
No such thing as a must do - issue is what you want to see. There's a lot you CAN do in Budapest just walking around various areas in Pest.
May 1st, 2017, 03:28 PM
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Do not take public transport from the airport, it's super un-trustworthy and just plain sh*tty. Just take a taxi, it's way cheaper than in most countries. There's a taxi line just outside the arrivals hall.
Getting around the city is easiest by metro, there are 4 lines, the Metro Line 1 has stops at multiple downtown sights actually, including the Opera and Heroes' Square. There's a central place called Deák Ferenc Square, 3 of the 4 metro lines have a stop there, so it's actually best to stay near there if you can. It's also a good area to stay because many sights are walking distance: the St Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Andrassy Avenue, the Synagogue, and many of the best ruin pubs Budapest is famous for are in that area. Ruin pubs by the way are actually giving you a more authentic Budapest experience than cafés do - Hungary is more of an alcohol drinking nation than a coffee drinking one. Also, your dad can travel for free on public transport if he's over 65, just show his ID.
For "authentic" cafés, visit Gerbeaud or Centrál downtown, or, although it's not central, Szamos Szépkilátás in the hills of Buda - it's fairly easy to access from the Buda Castle which is definitely a must see in town, so although most touristy places are on the Pest side, Buda is definitely also worth a day of your visit. For really GOOD coffee, Espresso Embassy or Budapest Baristas downtown are great spots, the former is super close to the Basilica which you'll probably gonna wanna see anyway, so I definitely recommend buying a cup there.
Have a great time you guys, you're probably even gonna be lucky with the weather. Btw, DEFINITELY go to one of the thermal baths if your dad is older, he'll love it!
Getting around the city is easiest by metro, there are 4 lines, the Metro Line 1 has stops at multiple downtown sights actually, including the Opera and Heroes' Square. There's a central place called Deák Ferenc Square, 3 of the 4 metro lines have a stop there, so it's actually best to stay near there if you can. It's also a good area to stay because many sights are walking distance: the St Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Andrassy Avenue, the Synagogue, and many of the best ruin pubs Budapest is famous for are in that area. Ruin pubs by the way are actually giving you a more authentic Budapest experience than cafés do - Hungary is more of an alcohol drinking nation than a coffee drinking one. Also, your dad can travel for free on public transport if he's over 65, just show his ID.
For "authentic" cafés, visit Gerbeaud or Centrál downtown, or, although it's not central, Szamos Szépkilátás in the hills of Buda - it's fairly easy to access from the Buda Castle which is definitely a must see in town, so although most touristy places are on the Pest side, Buda is definitely also worth a day of your visit. For really GOOD coffee, Espresso Embassy or Budapest Baristas downtown are great spots, the former is super close to the Basilica which you'll probably gonna wanna see anyway, so I definitely recommend buying a cup there.
Have a great time you guys, you're probably even gonna be lucky with the weather. Btw, DEFINITELY go to one of the thermal baths if your dad is older, he'll love it!
May 2nd, 2017, 10:15 PM
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Yes an OAP is an old aged pensioner, sorry for the jargon.
Thanks for your insights. Really looking forward to our trip to Budapest. One further question, is there somewhere you'd recommend for a traditional night out?
Go dtí sin, slán.
Thanks for your insights. Really looking forward to our trip to Budapest. One further question, is there somewhere you'd recommend for a traditional night out?
Go dtí sin, slán.
May 10th, 2017, 12:24 PM
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Central Market Hall – don’t miss the strudel (very inexpensive) from the stand along the middle aisle (you can tell which one by the crowd). Strudel can sell out by early afternoon. Also upstairs is a good place to try langos. Try to do this on a weekday as it's a bit less crowded than on the weekend.
The free walking tours, especially the one on communism. I was completely fascinated by this tour and loved our guide, Anna. http://www.triptobudapest.hu
Public transportation boats along the Danube – a really relaxing and scenic way to get from point to point; on certain days it's included in the transit pass.
Shoes along the Danube
Ruin bar – we love Mazel Tov for dinner and drinks if you can get a reservation to be seated outside. mazeltov.hu/en
The free walking tours, especially the one on communism. I was completely fascinated by this tour and loved our guide, Anna. http://www.triptobudapest.hu
Public transportation boats along the Danube – a really relaxing and scenic way to get from point to point; on certain days it's included in the transit pass.
Shoes along the Danube
Ruin bar – we love Mazel Tov for dinner and drinks if you can get a reservation to be seated outside. mazeltov.hu/en
