Critique my Budapest itinerary please!
Nov 19th, 2015, 02:28 AM
#1
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Critique my Budapest itinerary please!
Hi All, here is our itinerary for 6.5 days in Budapest. Please provide your thoughts and suggestions. I know there is possibility we can add things but we would like some relaxed time at each site rather than rush hence a bit open. Are there things you suggest I have missed or anything else at all, please advise. With regards to taking the public transport, what will be our best option to buy please given we have 6.5 days?
19 Dec Saturday- Arrival late afternoon.
Ho Ho bus if available
Arrange SIM cards, travel passes etc, some shopping at Vaci Utca
20 Dec Sunday
City Tour covering Citadel-Castle district-Chain Bridge-Liberty square-St Stephens-Andrássy Avenue-Heroes square-City park with Széchenyi spa and Vajdahunyad castle
21 Dec Monday
Danube Bend Day Trip
Night visit to Ruin Bar (recommendations?)
22 Dec Tuesday
• Parliament at 10am
• Central Synagogue
• Tram Number 2
• Great Market Hall
• House of Terror
23 Dec Wedn
• Shoes on Danube
• Margaret Island
• Hospital In The Rock
• National Gallery
24 Dec Thurs
11am Nutcracker at Opera House
Please suggest other things to do than walking around in the city. I am aware many things will be closed and this is an often repeated question on the forum but am still interested in fresh ideas and any advise
25 Dec Fri
Visit to Gellert Spa
Danube Cruise at night
Same request for things to do as above but may not have as much free time.
I know Budapest is pretty spread out so anyone has advise on if the above needs to be juggled to make more geographical sense, please advise.Thanks in advance to everyone!
19 Dec Saturday- Arrival late afternoon.
Ho Ho bus if available
Arrange SIM cards, travel passes etc, some shopping at Vaci Utca
20 Dec Sunday
City Tour covering Citadel-Castle district-Chain Bridge-Liberty square-St Stephens-Andrássy Avenue-Heroes square-City park with Széchenyi spa and Vajdahunyad castle
21 Dec Monday
Danube Bend Day Trip
Night visit to Ruin Bar (recommendations?)
22 Dec Tuesday
• Parliament at 10am
• Central Synagogue
• Tram Number 2
• Great Market Hall
• House of Terror
23 Dec Wedn
• Shoes on Danube
• Margaret Island
• Hospital In The Rock
• National Gallery
24 Dec Thurs
11am Nutcracker at Opera House
Please suggest other things to do than walking around in the city. I am aware many things will be closed and this is an often repeated question on the forum but am still interested in fresh ideas and any advise
25 Dec Fri
Visit to Gellert Spa
Danube Cruise at night
Same request for things to do as above but may not have as much free time.
I know Budapest is pretty spread out so anyone has advise on if the above needs to be juggled to make more geographical sense, please advise.Thanks in advance to everyone!
Nov 19th, 2015, 04:11 AM
#2
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A few of quick observations:
- Be flexible, as you have to allow for difficult weather. Some of your plans for outdoor stuff might have to be moved around.
- In my book, no trip to Budapest is complete without climbing Gellert Hill.
- I found the night cruise disappointing - but you might love it.
- Metro Line 1 is worth travelling on - the oldest underground service in continental Europe.
- Visit at least one of Budapest's famed coffee houses.
- Vaci utca mainly for window-shopping and tourist stuff; high-end (well, highish) at the West End Shopping Centre; interesting shopping around Rakoczi ut.
- Use the trams.
- Sorry, I'm not up-to-date on ticketing options for PT, but NEVER risk travelling without a valid ticket; inspectors are very strict.
- Be flexible, as you have to allow for difficult weather. Some of your plans for outdoor stuff might have to be moved around.
- In my book, no trip to Budapest is complete without climbing Gellert Hill.
- I found the night cruise disappointing - but you might love it.
- Metro Line 1 is worth travelling on - the oldest underground service in continental Europe.
- Visit at least one of Budapest's famed coffee houses.
- Vaci utca mainly for window-shopping and tourist stuff; high-end (well, highish) at the West End Shopping Centre; interesting shopping around Rakoczi ut.
- Use the trams.
- Sorry, I'm not up-to-date on ticketing options for PT, but NEVER risk travelling without a valid ticket; inspectors are very strict.
Nov 19th, 2015, 04:21 AM
#3
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I know your tour says it includes the Castle District but does it include a full tour of the Castle itself? If not I would list this as a separate item as it takes a while to explore. Also be sure you get to Fisherman's bastion.
We walked back over the chain bridge - not sure if the tour allows for that.
Also exploring along the river on the pest side.
We walked back over the chain bridge - not sure if the tour allows for that.
Also exploring along the river on the pest side.
Nov 19th, 2015, 04:37 AM
#4
A few suggestions for consideration.
21 December. What is your Danube Bend Tour? I am curious. We're always looking for interesting places for day trips from Vienna, and I'd like to know where the tour goes.
22 December. Book your tickets for the Parliament Tour as soon as you settle your itinerary. And, the queue for the Synagogue may be long, FYI.
23 December. The tours of Hospital in the Rock are guided; be certain to arrive at the appointed time.
21 December. What is your Danube Bend Tour? I am curious. We're always looking for interesting places for day trips from Vienna, and I'd like to know where the tour goes.
22 December. Book your tickets for the Parliament Tour as soon as you settle your itinerary. And, the queue for the Synagogue may be long, FYI.
23 December. The tours of Hospital in the Rock are guided; be certain to arrive at the appointed time.
Nov 19th, 2015, 05:26 AM
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Padraig, thanks duly noted about weather but we dont have too many options as our days are limited. Just keeping fingers crossed I guess.
Nytraveler- yes definitely plan to do the whole thing. We are staying at the Four Seasons at the foot of the Chain Bridge so will be able to explore that as we please.
Fourfortravel- Our tour covers Esztergom, Visegrád ,Szentendre . Viator does organised tours covering these places but that doesnt run in the winter so found a private tour to take us. Yes, the Hospital on Rock tours starts 5 mins past every hour, so will plan accordingly. Thank you so much for your thoughts everyone. Keep them coming!
Nytraveler- yes definitely plan to do the whole thing. We are staying at the Four Seasons at the foot of the Chain Bridge so will be able to explore that as we please.
Fourfortravel- Our tour covers Esztergom, Visegrád ,Szentendre . Viator does organised tours covering these places but that doesnt run in the winter so found a private tour to take us. Yes, the Hospital on Rock tours starts 5 mins past every hour, so will plan accordingly. Thank you so much for your thoughts everyone. Keep them coming!
Nov 19th, 2015, 06:28 AM
#6
I would skip the HoHo and day tour and visit independently.
I would hold all museums aside from the House of Terror in reserve for bad weather as they are not great, although the National History museum is the best of the bunch. And if it is open, do visit the Zelnik Istvan SEA Gold Museum.
I never visit Budapest without walking the length of Andrassy ut, and I would recommend a stop at number 39 for the Book Cafe, for the room, although currently my favorite coffee house is the Central.
I am a fan of the evening river cruise.
Unless it's raining I would pick Szechenyi over Gellert.
The Opera House is worth a visit.
I have a number of posts on Budapest on my blog. Go to mytimetotravel.wordpress.com and put Budapest in the search box.
I would hold all museums aside from the House of Terror in reserve for bad weather as they are not great, although the National History museum is the best of the bunch. And if it is open, do visit the Zelnik Istvan SEA Gold Museum.
I never visit Budapest without walking the length of Andrassy ut, and I would recommend a stop at number 39 for the Book Cafe, for the room, although currently my favorite coffee house is the Central.
I am a fan of the evening river cruise.
Unless it's raining I would pick Szechenyi over Gellert.
The Opera House is worth a visit.
I have a number of posts on Budapest on my blog. Go to mytimetotravel.wordpress.com and put Budapest in the search box.
Nov 19th, 2015, 06:39 AM
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The GREAT MARKET WAS FABULOUS!
I suggest allowing time to enjoy all the different kiosks with different Hungarian specialties. Amazing.....salami, paprika
Take the tour at the Central Synagogue,inside as well as small museum attached.....it is given by a local Hungarian of family that survived the Holocaust, and the outside memorial was important to see.
Walk the full length of ANDRASSY AVENUE.It is a great walk and wonderful buildings.
Amazing, huge Art Nouveau buildings that are fabulous, each with unique decorative front doors and details.
Unfortunately many of these fantastic Art Nouveau homes are vacant, and you can see bullet holes on many of them from when the Russians invaded Hungary.
Many of the luxury shops are on this street, and some lovely coffee shops and cafes like Callas, etc.
I suggest allowing time to enjoy all the different kiosks with different Hungarian specialties. Amazing.....salami, paprika
Take the tour at the Central Synagogue,inside as well as small museum attached.....it is given by a local Hungarian of family that survived the Holocaust, and the outside memorial was important to see.
Walk the full length of ANDRASSY AVENUE.It is a great walk and wonderful buildings.
Amazing, huge Art Nouveau buildings that are fabulous, each with unique decorative front doors and details.
Unfortunately many of these fantastic Art Nouveau homes are vacant, and you can see bullet holes on many of them from when the Russians invaded Hungary.
Many of the luxury shops are on this street, and some lovely coffee shops and cafes like Callas, etc.
Nov 19th, 2015, 06:40 AM
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WonderWomann,
Your itinerary is pretty exhaustive, so I just have a few suggestions you might wanna consider
- Szimpla Bar : ruin bar, great music (if you like EDM that is). Might get overcrowded during weekends
- Turkish Bath : a must if you ask me. 14€ for 3 hours with some 22 different kinds of pools
- Gellert hill
Your itinerary is pretty exhaustive, so I just have a few suggestions you might wanna consider
- Szimpla Bar : ruin bar, great music (if you like EDM that is). Might get overcrowded during weekends
- Turkish Bath : a must if you ask me. 14€ for 3 hours with some 22 different kinds of pools
- Gellert hill
Nov 19th, 2015, 06:54 AM
#9
Oops, forgot the Museum of Applied Arts which I love, but I prefer arts and crafts to fine arts.
@ddaga87 - WHICH "Turkish" bath are you recommending? (They are more usually referred to as "thermal" baths. The Hungarians probably don't want to be reminded of the Ottoman occupation.)
@ddaga87 - WHICH "Turkish" bath are you recommending? (They are more usually referred to as "thermal" baths. The Hungarians probably don't want to be reminded of the Ottoman occupation.)
Nov 19th, 2015, 07:06 AM
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The old beautiful historical GELLERT HOTEL was next to GELLERT BATHS. The inside of the Hotel was great to look at with amazing Art Nouveau stained glass scenes on all staircases.
The actual Hotel looks a little "worn" to stay at for me, yet it is historical and worth looking at the lobby. you enjoy beautiful decorative details, statues.
The Gellert Baths are absolutely beautiful on the outside and inside area. Stained glass everywhere.....on the ceilings. tile work and beautiful details in the lobby area.
If you ask one of the people admitting people in for spa treatments nicely, they will let you "LOOK AROUND THE LOBBY AREA" with all the decor, and you can see the LARGE BATHS That were inside.
Trend Girl
The actual Hotel looks a little "worn" to stay at for me, yet it is historical and worth looking at the lobby. you enjoy beautiful decorative details, statues.
The Gellert Baths are absolutely beautiful on the outside and inside area. Stained glass everywhere.....on the ceilings. tile work and beautiful details in the lobby area.
If you ask one of the people admitting people in for spa treatments nicely, they will let you "LOOK AROUND THE LOBBY AREA" with all the decor, and you can see the LARGE BATHS That were inside.
Trend Girl
Nov 19th, 2015, 07:59 AM
#11
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Some of this is repetitive.
A HOHO bus is duplicative of your City Tour.
A ride on the #2 tram would largely duplicate the HOHO bus and the City Tour.
Look into a walking tour that deals with Commie Budapest, but make sure it takes you to Szoborpark.
A HOHO bus is duplicative of your City Tour.
A ride on the #2 tram would largely duplicate the HOHO bus and the City Tour.
Look into a walking tour that deals with Commie Budapest, but make sure it takes you to Szoborpark.
Nov 19th, 2015, 08:31 PM
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You've gotten some great advice!
I'll just add a 2nd for the Fisherman's Bastion and note that I generally enjoy museums, and was glad to see the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Applied Arts, and Hungarian National Gallery. YMMV.
Enjoy!
I'll just add a 2nd for the Fisherman's Bastion and note that I generally enjoy museums, and was glad to see the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Applied Arts, and Hungarian National Gallery. YMMV.
Enjoy!
Nov 24th, 2015, 11:55 AM
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1.I join the skip both the Hoho and the City tour opinion.
Your Hotel is very well located, Public transport is
good in the inner city. Buy a 7 days travel card a DIY.
2. See the shoes on the Danube before or after visiting
the Parliament. It's very close to it.
3. Churches are closed for visitors until 1pm on Sunday
and the 25th. Matthias Church was completely renovated,
it's beautiful. Go upstairs, visit the balcony and the
treasury as well. Proper visit of the church takes an
hour. Check their homepage for the daily opening times.
4. There is a new elevator going to the Hospital in the
rock from the top of the Castle Hill.
5. Parliament is beautiful, but be prepared: it is tourist
factory. At he beginning of the tour you have climb cca.
100 step. If you need the elevator, tell the guide.
6. Museums (National Gallery) are open on the 25th and the
26th
7. On the 24th there is no public transport after 4pm and
very few restaurants are open for dinner.
8. Market Hall will be overcrowded, avoid the 23rd and the
24th morning.
9. Shopping. Shops on the Vaci street are boring, on the
above mentioned Rakoczi street are empty, because they
went bankrupt, the shops on the second floor of the
Market Hall are junk. High end shops are around the
Opera House. But you are lucky, because the Christmas
Marketsare very good, best ones on Vorosmarty square
and infront of the St Stephen Basilica , both very near
to Four Seasons.
10. Margaret Island could be very cold and very empty in
December. Nothing to do.
11. Nutcracker will the an interesting experience. You will
see hundreds of grandparents with grandkids. During
that time the parents are preparing for the Christmas
night and think the Nutcracker the best option to send
the kids away. Sometimes small children, who can't sit
silently , there will be a lot of souting, laughing etc.
Your Hotel is very well located, Public transport is
good in the inner city. Buy a 7 days travel card a DIY.
2. See the shoes on the Danube before or after visiting
the Parliament. It's very close to it.
3. Churches are closed for visitors until 1pm on Sunday
and the 25th. Matthias Church was completely renovated,
it's beautiful. Go upstairs, visit the balcony and the
treasury as well. Proper visit of the church takes an
hour. Check their homepage for the daily opening times.
4. There is a new elevator going to the Hospital in the
rock from the top of the Castle Hill.
5. Parliament is beautiful, but be prepared: it is tourist
factory. At he beginning of the tour you have climb cca.
100 step. If you need the elevator, tell the guide.
6. Museums (National Gallery) are open on the 25th and the
26th
7. On the 24th there is no public transport after 4pm and
very few restaurants are open for dinner.
8. Market Hall will be overcrowded, avoid the 23rd and the
24th morning.
9. Shopping. Shops on the Vaci street are boring, on the
above mentioned Rakoczi street are empty, because they
went bankrupt, the shops on the second floor of the
Market Hall are junk. High end shops are around the
Opera House. But you are lucky, because the Christmas
Marketsare very good, best ones on Vorosmarty square
and infront of the St Stephen Basilica , both very near
to Four Seasons.
10. Margaret Island could be very cold and very empty in
December. Nothing to do.
11. Nutcracker will the an interesting experience. You will
see hundreds of grandparents with grandkids. During
that time the parents are preparing for the Christmas
night and think the Nutcracker the best option to send
the kids away. Sometimes small children, who can't sit
silently , there will be a lot of souting, laughing etc.
Nov 28th, 2015, 04:36 PM
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Agree...it is historical, having been named The Hungaria Cafe, then New York Cafe... a fixture on Elsabeth Korut, great pastries,had a marvelous lunch (and later a full afternoon tea)there several years ago. I will post pics below of the interior. Good shopping street, main boulevard.
We enjoyed staying on the Buda side at the very different Hilton which was an old military school, overlooking the Danube. Just up the hill from The Gellert (where the interior baths are something to see and experience...as posted above).
We enjoyed staying on the Buda side at the very different Hilton which was an old military school, overlooking the Danube. Just up the hill from The Gellert (where the interior baths are something to see and experience...as posted above).
Nov 28th, 2015, 04:59 PM
#18
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...t1980SAnd2000S
These represent three visits to Budapest, 1980's through
2005/ I will post Vienna below since I see that you asked about it,
These represent three visits to Budapest, 1980's through
2005/ I will post Vienna below since I see that you asked about it,
Nov 28th, 2015, 05:16 PM
#19
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...nna1980S1990S#
These represent 1980s to 2000s. Be sure to see the Hundertwasser complex..remarkable. In good weather it's a nice walk from central Vienna, eastward to The Hundertwasser.
Yeah, the man was whacko-eccentric to the point of walking naked around Vienna. In December I would not recommend this!
Happy travels!
These represent 1980s to 2000s. Be sure to see the Hundertwasser complex..remarkable. In good weather it's a nice walk from central Vienna, eastward to The Hundertwasser.
Yeah, the man was whacko-eccentric to the point of walking naked around Vienna. In December I would not recommend this!
Happy travels!
Nov 28th, 2015, 05:27 PM
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When on your Danube Bend tour in Szentendre, ask your guide if there is time to visit the Marzapan Museum. I enjoyed it a lot...intricate buildings, fruits, replicas of churches etc. all made from SUGAR. Very colorful. Does not take a lot of time, but unique. Real artistry.
