Arriving in Budapest 9/11!
 

We're flying from Paris to Budapest on 9/11/16 (arriving 3:30p) and will be there until 9/14 (departing 5:30p). We're staying at the Courtyard Marriott in the Palace District (thanks to Marriott points). Have never been to Budapest and know it's a very short visit. We've done our research but would love to hear from you experts as to how you'd spend these 3 1/2 days. Basic info:

• confident travelers
• able-bodied
• know no Hungarian but will practice basics
• interested in excellent food experiences
• interested in getting an overview of the city
• love arts/cultural experiences
• two American men in our 50s, married (to each other)

Any advice and suggestions welcomed. We believe in hearing from as many knowledgeable seasoned travelers and local experts as possible.

Thanks in advance.

I love Budapest and in fact am returning in October. There is a lot of information on this board about things to do. I would start with a free walking tour to get an overview and get specific recs from the tour guide. The "free" Communism tour was one of our favorites anywhere.

For restaurants, we love Mazel Tov and Nightingale.

You don't need to speak any Hungarian, but a few words like please and thank you are always appreciated.

Let us know if you have any specific questions as you look into the variety of things to do.

such an easy city! we absolutely loved our hotel there -- hotel victoria-- which we found to be perfectly located, reasonably priced, with world class views of the river, bridge & parliament. it's on the buda side. There is a tram stop right in front so it is easy to get into the more bustling side of the city.

of course, thermal water is a special treat in budapest! here is a link to one review of some spots... we had a very special relaxing day at the huge and beautiful Széchenyi Baths. Like public pools, but in an elegant old building, which is right in a great park area. we also loved Kiraly Thermal Baths... it's old and a bit funky... but these little baths date back to the ottoman empire! (when we went, they had separate men/women days, but i think they've changed that, sadly.) http://gotohungary.com/about-hungary...hs-in-budapest

the opera house is gorgeous-- but looks like it's dark when you are there.

some of the spas are more gay friendly than others, a look at TA will advise, assuming you are not cruising all would be suitable. Certainly the large one at Széchenyi Thermal Bath is by far the most fun, but also one of the most popular, the system is easy to understand (a watch strap keeps the door token).

Beware the underground train system, well worth using but you have to buy a ticket and stamp it as you enter, if not the railway police will snatch you in seconds. There are also fake police doing the same thing, so stamp the ticket straight away.

You might like the segway tour of town early on, you get a good overview and a segway ride.

just a point, europeans write it ll/9 :-)

The area to the east of the Opera house before the inner ring road house some of the best restaurants. They cluster either side of the underground line which makes looking for places to eat very easy.

We just returned from a Budapest trip and can offer the following. We had excellent meals at Vintage Garden (old Jewish quarter near your hotel), Cafe Kor (near St. Stephen's) and Borbirosag (near the Market Hall). There were also pastry/coffee stops to enjoy at Gerbeaud, New York Cafe (at the Boscolo Hotel), Book Cafe and the First Strudel House, along with gelato at Gelarto Rosa. The market was a fun experience, but quite crowded around lunch, with not so many options which resulted in our finding and enjoying Borbirosag.
There were wine Wednesdays at the Palace (Hungarian National Gallery) but even without the evening program it is worth a visit and the view, as from the Citadel and Fisherman's Bastion is incredible, especially at twilight and later.
We did a tour of the Dohany Synagogue and Jewish quarter along with Parliament and a night river tour and all were terrific.

Since you will only be in Budapest a short time you may want to consider a private tour guide. It's short notice, but we took a tour with Travel Guide Hungary it found it very worth our while: http://travelguidehungary.com/#_=_

They will personalize your tour if you have special requests.

Please remember to give your guide & driver a good tip to let them know how much you appreciated their time & professionalism. (cultural note)

Thank you all for these wonderful recommendations. Extremely helpful!

These pictures might give you some idea of what to see in Budapest:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...730601912/show