BIG BUS TOUR IN BUDAPEST
 

Has anyone used "Big Bus City Tours" in Budapest? We definitely plan to take a full bus tour of this city and before we buy their tickets on line, need to know if they are reputable? Likewise, their self promoting advertising on the web states that this tour includes fares for the boat rides day/night on the Danube along with discounts to enter some museums and other venues. Obviously, this sounds all enticing in order to purchase from them. I wonder if this is worthwhile...or is it similar to an all-inclusive buffet where all the food tastes mediocre? Please let me know of your experiences with this bus tour company and/or any other better bus tour companies we should buy tickets from. Thank you.

Don't know about that particular outfit, but I did do a bus tour on my first visit to Budapest and decided it wasn't worth the money unless you are very rushed. Budapest has excellent public transport. Get a transport pass and take a good guidebook.

In many big cities including Budapest an introductory tour of some sort, whether by bus or on foot, helps set you up for the rest of your visit. The circuit of Budapest by bus, my first morning, aided my orientation. I don't remember which company I used. Afterwards I took the subway. Hop-on hop-off buses can be far too slow to use as basic transport from point A to B.

I will be in Budapest for a little over a week which is why I wanted to take a bus tour in order to see as much of this city as possible. I must also mention that I have great difficult walking due to a torn meniscus that I'm still waiting to be seen for. This is why you may have seen my other inquiries about elevators in hotels, renting a car, and now bus tours. For the time being I am disabled and need to find other alternatives getting around this city that doesn't require too much walking. In as far as taking public transport, I am also unable to raise my knee if I needed to embark on a tram, train etc. Having lived in London for 7 years, I realize that the best way to visit cities in Europe is by foot along with other modes of transport like public subways and the like. I wish I could do this but for now this is not an option. Thank you for responding to my questions.

<< I am also unable to raise my knee if I needed to embark on a tram, train etc. >>

How will you manage the high bus steps if you can't take a tram or train?

I am sorry to hear of your injury, but if you can't get on a tram I don't see how you are going to get on a bus. My second visit to Budapest I limped for much of the time, but could bend my knees.

Well, I hope when I'm about to board the tour bus, some fit, muscular Hungarian man, will pick me up and carry me up the stairs. Do you think there's any chance of that occurring? Hee! Hee! Actually, I have my other strong leg that can go up a step while I pick up the other to follow suit...one step at a time. I certainly don't intend to hop on or hop off at every designated stop. I'm bringing a fold up cane for balance and I have a patella knee support to relieve some of the pressure on my knee. Hopefully, this should do the trick. Thank you all for your concern and comments!

Let's look at this in reverse...I really don't understand why you can't take a train or tram if you believe you can manage to get on and off the bus. It's all the same in terms of steps.

You don't have to explain this but it seems bizarre to me and you're limiting yourself.

adrienne, point well taken. I look at it this way, when I'm on the bus ( tour ) I'm gonna stay put for at least 2-3 hours...depending on which company we choose. Taking a tram or train will require me to get off at a designated spot and who's to say I've reached my destination? I may have to walk to another station and embark all over again. I don't think my knee, could stand this exertion. I'm in quite a bit of pain as it is.
If I have the strength when I'm over there, then ya, I will take public transport. But for the time being, my bummed knee is killing me...I'll be sure to get another cortisone shot before we go there.

OK. I thought you were only referencing sightseeing, not public transportation. I can well understand the limits of public transportation with stairs up and down (as in the metro).

One thought was the little tourist train on Margaret Island and that you would not take this because it was a train and not a bus. It's only 1 step up to the seat and you can get on at the parking lot. A taxi could get you to the parking lot. Taxis are also allowed to drive on the island but the little train has commentary.

I've taken trams in various cities to see the non-central parts of the city; the parts where people live and work. There is no commentary but I've found it an interesting thing to do when I've had the time. There are no designated stops where you must depart. You ride until it's no longer interesting, descend and then cross the street for the tram back to the center.

I've never had a torn meniscus but I have hurt my knee on vacation and the worst thing I could do is sit in one place for hours without stretching my legs.

For getting between sightseeing locations it's best to take a taxi.

adrienne, thanks for telling me about Margaret Island and the tourist train...I haven't heard about this, it sounds interesting to do. Great idea! The trams is another thing I hadn't thought of. Sounds like a plan.
You're right about sitting for a long time...I will have to move or my knee will stiffen up, which is no better.
Thanks for your input...greatly appreciated