roma_allen

How long would you suggest staying in Budapest and is there any "must do" side trips?

Txs.

degas

Hi Roma

Looks like to me you could devote at least three to four full days. I have not been, but am thinking about going.
Hope you get some more feedback.

donw

We were there on last 3 days of a trip last year and it's GREAT there. The spas with mineral baths are super with $20 massages, etc. They are gorgeous too built by turks 100's of years ago with jewels, etc.

I'd stay 3 days and see the castle and just walk around Pest side, etc. Relax there.

Fidel

I had to cut my trip short so couldn't do any side trips -- www.absolutetours.com I thought had a good selection as well as Budapest Walks. I'd plan for four full days, even five if you're going during summer. Lucky you.

tedgale

I once spent 10 days there, though in that time we took a weekend trip to Vienna. Hence, we really spent only 8 days.

That is plenty.

Three days will give you a good taste but will not exhaust all there is to see and do.

I think the city is exceptional, especially if you like museums. And eating. And walking.

There is lots to see in the suburbs in the city's immediate vicinity:

Szentendre is popular, though it left me cold -- I preferred Godollo and also Nagyteteny, both of which have distinguished palaces that are also museums.

nytraveler

Minimum 3 days in the city plus time for whatever day trips your want. (Great walking city - both sides as long as you're up for somwhat of a climb (streets ot hiking) on the castle side. Great cafes, shopping, strolling and restaurants - some truly incredibly kitsch.

mjs

Another vote for 3 to 4 full days.

Padraig

I'd happily give Budapest a week or more. It's a place that is most enjoyable to wander about, with interesting bits all over the place. It's a city for boulevardiers.

See reports of two of my trips at http://www.iol.ie/~draoi/ (copy and paste the url). There is other good stuff that I don't mention in those reports. The cog railway and children's railway make for an enjoyable half-day; the statue park would appeal to some; I have not done the trip to Eger, but some people recommend it as a good outing. A special interest programme might be to get a history of the 1956 rebellion and visit some of the key sites -- I found that interesting.

donw

Yes- there are some great boat and day trips if you want to just stay there and not go on to other parts of europe on this trip.

Mathieu

The first time I visited Budapest in September 2004 I was there for 2 days and immediately wished I could have stayed for longer. It is a beautiful city and is easy to travel on foot, bus, boat and tram. I packed a lot in my 2 days there, strictly within the city core as thats all I had time for.

The next visit was in May 2005 for 5 days. This time I was familiar with the city from the previous visit and so I was more relaxed, took my time to stop and savour everything as I had the time to do so (the parks, the food, the galleries, the museums, the coffee houses, the Opera, etc.) and ventured further afield from the central core of the city. Really wonderful.

The third visit was last year - November 2006 for another 5 days. Similar in nature to the 2005 visit, but yet more relaxed and increasingly ventursome, with visits to the outer reaches of the city and malls where few tourists would go. I also had the benefit of local friends this time, that I had made on the previous visits that allowed me to further my reach.
I got a true feel for what life is like for a average Hungarian, and some not-so-average Hungarians.

Budapest is a wonderful city, full of beautiful things to see and do, and I caught them at different times of the year. I'd agree with previous posters that for a first timer, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to get a taste of the city.

There are all types of excursions that one can take for a half or full day from the city centre, by bus or boat (on the Danube) and these, though seemingly touristy for the likes of me, are perfect for a first timer's experience of Budapest. It is also a great walking city with some spectacular views within easy reach. Everything is very close by.

Have fun.

julie_Colorado

We are leaving Saturday after spending 5 weeks in Budapest. We just can not believe it is over.

Everyday, while I'm at work, my husband and daughter go places... and after all this time, we will leave with a list of things not done.

My 16 year old daughter (not thrilled with 5 weeks away from friends) commented at dinner last night that she is shocked how much she has fallen in love with Budapest. As much time as you are able to spend, you can consume. Enjoy it!

Before we came, we all read a James Michener book "The Bridge to Andau" about the 1956 Hungarian uprising. It's a wonderful little book and really set the stage for some great exploring.