I am making a last minute stop to Budapest for a day as a side trip to my Vienna trip. What are some things not to miss? I'm not thinking museums...I'm thinking What makes Budapest..well Budapest?<BR>Any advice appreciated!<BR>Thanks,<BR>Julie

Only one day in any European city always seems too short! My wife and I were there for 5 days this past June. We found it so different from so many other European places we have been to (somewhat Eastern and still a bit Communist in temperament, but most people were very nice). Some of the things we found interesting:<BR><BR>the roof covered market across the bridge from the Gellert Hotel: meats, vegetables, clothing, toys, you name it! the locals shop there.<BR><BR>the Gypsy flea market: huge, 'one man's junk is another's treasure'; some inexpensive old souvenirs;<BR><BR>evening musical show of traditionally dressed Hungarians: very enjoyable.<BR><BR>the parliament building: 3rd largest in world, gold and art laden public areas; Castle Hill of course is an interesting site;<BR><BR>a warm respit in thermal baths at Gellert Hotel; we stayed there, it was very interesting!<BR><BR>a visit to Statue Park: old soviet style statue 'graveyard'<BR><BR>All of the above are unique experiences that 'make Budapest, Budapest'.<BR>There are others, but these come to mind. Choose those that sound the most interesting to you. I always have problems making those kinds of choices. Good luck and have fun.<BR><BR>

I lived there for over 2 years, and have to agree with the other responder (Ron (?)), that a day is not sufficient but is better than nothing. His suggestions are good ones, and the note that there is more also applies. Budapest is a city, and in that sense is like other cities relative to their countries. Hungary has many wonderful traditions, things, and unique characteristics. Getting the feeling does take time. Budapest has several characters ranging from the hills in Buda (the part of the city west of the river) to "downtown" Vaci utca. If you can, try to have a meal in a "good" restaurant, or even a simple one, not a tourist trap -- there are several, and of different types. The "traps" are generally easy to spot. I think experiencing the hospitality that I found outstanding there (in "real" Hungarian places) is part of the attraction.<BR><BR>Enjoy your visit.<BR><BR>Rod

Hi Julie. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You've had some good suggestions above. If you are there overnight, you might want to check out any performances at the Opera house. The Opera house itself is very beautiful (kind of a smaller version of the Vienna house. The performances are very inexpensive. Two years ago, you could get the best seat in the house for about $13.00 US. At the end of the street that the Opera house is on (Andresy) is heroes square with some great gardens behind it also with mineral baths.<BR>Have a great time on your trip.<BR>Regards,<BR>Art<BR><BR>

Julie---<BR>Although you say "no museums," I would hate for you to be in Budapest without at least going into the huge National Art Gallery on the hill in Buda, practically adjacent to the Budapest Hilton. It's one of the most spectacular art museums in all of Europe. Spend an hour or so wandering through it, just to get the feel of its magnitude, and you'll be glad you did.

Hi, Julie!<BR><BR>My wife and I spent 3 days in Budapest in October and it is a very beautiful city. Spectacular views.<BR><BR>Highly recommend:<BR><BR>Buda side:<BR>Trip up to Castle District -- Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion -- the view of Pest, Parliament, St. Stephen's from Fisherman's Bastion is just beautiful.<BR><BR>Walk over to Buda Palace for views from there if you have time. You can take the funicular down from there.<BR><BR>If you can, the view from Gellert Hill is fabulous.<BR><BR>Pest side:<BR>A walk across Chain Bridge over the Danube to Pest is neat. Then, look back across the Danube from where you just were! It will blow you away.<BR><BR>Spend time around the Danube promenade -- it's just a great feeling -- it is right off of Chain Bridge on the Pest side by Hotel Intercontinental.<BR><BR>The views at nite are really awesome in this area.<BR><BR>If you have time, Vaci utca is neat for shopping and people watching. <BR><BR>There is much more but I would love to go back and do the above any time.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Bob

Hi,<BR><BR>I agree with all of the above, but as a Hungarian I have to say for your quetion my answer is: walk around in the center of the city and try to go inside onside of the very characterisic, eclectic style 3-4 floor houses. For me the courtyards makes Budapest what it is. Try on Andrassy, Korut, Houses around the Synagoge. Most of them are in bad shape, but they breath time and life. At the end of your walk go to Museum Cafe on Andrassy, it is one of the old coffe houses.<BR>The big market (Vasarcsarnok) is also a good idea to see how the local shop.<BR>For restaurant: very Hungarian food: Fatal on So and Vaci utca corner, or Tukory R. on Hold utca.<BR>Have a nice time, Kriszta

Thanks everyone for your advice. I am hesitant to only spend one day there but I feel like its either that or nothing the way my trip is planned. And if I really like it I may plan a future trip to just Budapest.<BR>Thanks again!<BR>Julie

I lived in Budapest for a year and loved it. Go to Vaci Ut and shop. Walk along the Danube on the Pest side and stop into one of the cafe's for a coffee to warm up. Go take the tram up and walk through the Castle and the small streets on the Buda side overlooking the Danube. Walk across the Chain Link Bridge and marvel at its beauty. You will love Budapest, its Vienna only rougher and more real.

Just got back from Budapest - it snowed while there - absolutely enchanting. The only thing I regret is not getting to Szechinyi Baths to soak outside admist the snow cover statues and mist. If you're there on a Monday - museums will be closed. I had a wonderful 6 course meal at Gundel - wonderful food, service and ambience - and pretty reasonable for a 6 course with accompanying glasses of wines. I believe they serve a brunch on the weekends (www.gundel.hu) Also, there is another wonderful restaurant on the Pest side near Erszebet hid (Elizabeth bridge) called the Golden Stag - great game dishes - check Eyewitness for address. It will be quiet - but Vaci is decked out with white Christmas lights. Lots of Christmas markets. Check out www.budapestsun.com - should be able to give you some up-to-date information.

I was in Budapest for three days as an extension to a trip to Salzburg/Vienna. stayed at the brand new Meridien just a few blocks from the plaza and river... definitely recommend if you're looking for an upscale accommodation! (I got a reduced rate b/c it wasn't completely finished being built). I spent my first day just wandering along the river to get a sense of the city... and browsing along Vaci Utca which is a shopping area that is closed to cars. <BR><BR>I wasn't impressed with the shops on Vaci Utca... I was hoping for fewer names I recognized from home... but I did manage to stumble into a great store for Folkart and bought some beautiful black pottery from a village in Nadudvar, Hungary. the store, Folkart Centrum is at Vaci Utca 14. <BR><BR>keep in mind that Budapest is such a great walking city. Enjoy walking over the different bridges if you have time, especially the Szechenyl Chain Bridge which will give you great access to the Buda side and the Castle district... once on the Buda side spend the money to take the Furnicular up the cliff... the views of Pest from the top are gorgeous. walk over to the Mattius Church and then enjoy more great views from the unique architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. I didn't have time to spend in museums, Parliament (limited tour times) or Opera House (again limited tour times)... but did wander into the Central Market which I understand is the most impressive one in Budapest. schedule your day so you can indulge in tasting from the different food vendors. I took an interesting walking tour of the Jewish Quarter which included the Dohany Synagogue which is the second largest in the world. <BR><BR>remember, you can get an amazing meal for very little. I ate at Kispipa Vendeglo in the Jewish district ($4 for a huge portion of schnitzle, salad and beer)... it's an older restaurant with many typical hungarian dishes (except Paprika chicken which I never found on a menu!). and then I accidentally stumbled on this "trendier", more modern restaurant called Cafe Kor (Sas U. 17)... I definitely recommend a reservation! I got lucky and begged my way into a table... great food and huge portions (had a delicious greek salad, huge fish dish, and wine for about $11). hope this information helps. happy and safe travels.<BR>

For those of you familiar with Budapest, have you been to Paks? It's not to far from Budapest and used to be a small village where my father-in-law was born. I understand now it has a nuclear power plant and wonder if it's beauty has changed. Should we stay in Budapest and drive down? Thanks in advance for any information.