RChandler1118

I know that Budapest has a ton to offer and believe me when I say that I wish I had more time there...but I dont. So with that being said, I would like to have a quick overview of the major sights, take a thermal bath have a nice meal and maybe take one of those cheesy night boat tours in a DAY. Possible? What is the best way to catch a nice "glimpse" of the city? Should I hire a personal guide? (price is no object considering the short amount of time;it is the least I can do). I will be there in October staying at Hotel Astra. Thanks for all of your input. I will come back!!!

tomboy

Have you considered looking out the windows on the top floor of the tallest building in Budapest? That way you could see the entire city in ten minutes.

L84SKY

Even a day in Budapest will be a pleasure. The baths open early in the morning. I liked the Szechenyi Baths. There are a few to choose from. The Gellert is lovely but the water wasn't very hot and it was a little worn (imo). A couple of the baths have days for men and days for women but the Szechenyi is open to everyone all the time.
A guide might be a good idea then you could see more. You'll find great views from the Fisherman's Bastion and it's a nice district.
Lucky you, have fun!

Clifton

Walk across the Chain Bridge, take funicular to Castle Hill. See the view from Fisherman's Bastion and visit Matyas Church.

Come back down, cross river, check out Vaci Utca. Have pastries as Gerbauds. Take nice old metro from Deak Ter near Vaci Utca to Hero's Square.

Skip boat trip (or at least I would if given another chance).

platzman

The first time I went to Budapest, it was a daytrip from Vienna. It remains more vivid in my memory than the second (longer) visit.
We concentrated our visit along the Danube, the old bridge, castle hill, cathedral.
The biggest surprise was the beautiful view of the city at night through the train window as we departed.

Rod

Hiring a personal guide is an option, of course. Either way, what would fit in would be nicely covered by a "standard" 1/2 day [3 -3.5 hour] sightseeing tour, supplemented with the restaurant, bath and possible boat tour.
If taking the standard tour, choose one using a live, multi-lingual guide, not just prerecorded tapes.
Notwithstanding any wear, the Gellert baths are the most elaborate and are the ones I'd suggest for your visit.
Restaurant choices are many, and the most famous may or may not be best for your objective.
Finally, the boats do not run year-round. I recall last operations sometime in October, so be sure to check operating schedules when making your plans. If the boat isn't running, you may choose a more leisurely meal, or a live performance - symphony or opera perhaps.

RChandler1118

Thanks everyone for all of the input. Clifton inparticular to your detailed response (I had something very similar) I am looking forward to seeing Budapest even for a glimpse.

Rose

socal

Rose... I'll be heading for Budapest next month and I've got about 5 days set aside for Budapest, a week in a time share near Hevitz/Lake Balaton and a few days with stops on the road at Sopron and Eger. One of the web sites that I used is one tht was put together by Ryan James. He is American and he runs a B&B located in the Pest side of the city. His recommendations on things to see and places to go were very helpful for me as were the maps and info in the Lonely Planet travel guide to Budapest. Try www.budabab.com
Ryan has posted here on this site, and if not here try Frommers. He's answered a few of my questions and I'm sure he'll be willing to help you out. Good luck.... Mike Sullivan

shandy

I would definitely start with trying out the thermal baths. I too reaaly enjoyed Szechenyi. They open quite early and you can have a spent an hour or two there and still be out in time for a latish breakfast.

If you are the type an evening at the Opera followed by dinner next door at Belcanto is wonderful. However, Belcanto's struck me as the sort of place you share with someone and you sound as though you are on your own. Otherwise, choose a restaurant along side the river which will give you a lovely view of the castle lit up at night. We enjoyed Spoon and I would happily dine there alone.

The castle/Fisherman's Bastion area is a must and we went several times because we were staying in the immediate area, but our favourite time was catching the funicular up after dinner and then wandering around at night. Fisherman's Bastion was particularly beautiful lit up at night and you had the most wonderful views back over the river with all the lights.

In between choose whatever takes your fancy. Personally I was rather disappointed with Vaci Utca, but did really enjoy just generally wandering arounda and stopping at a cafe or two to people watch and listen to the buskers.