which part to stay in..or <BR>both..which would you choose and why <BR>thank you for your replies...

hi Sue <BR>We stayed in Buda on Castle Hill and were glad we did. Pest is more bustling and big city. On Castle Hill on the Buda side there are (I think) only 2 hotels, the Hilton and the Kulturinov (where we stayed). Mathias church and the fishermans bastion was just accros the cobblestone street from our hotel next to the Hilton. It is very quaint and small city feel. We walked to restaurants, and even across the bridge to the Pest side. View from the Hill to Pest is great with Parliament, etc. <BR>We did go over to Pest for dinner one night and do the Danube cruise at night. Also went over for a walking tour of pest to see the markets, shops etc. You can walk or take a bus. <BR>My sister in law who was with us is Hungarian by decent and she loved the Buda side. Easily walked to church on Sunday, and went to a concert there as well. I think Buda has a more old Europe feeling to it. Of course the hotel we stayed in was in one wing of an old government building bombed in WWII making you feel the history even more.

WE also stayed in Buda, but at the bottom of the hill right on the Danude at Hotel Victoria, which I recommend highly. Every room hasa view of the river. You are a 5 minute walk from the funicular that takes you to castle hill and then another 5 minutes across the chain bridge. In the other direction its about 8 minutes to the red line metro stop Bathyanyi Ter. that can take you anywhere you want! We think that location is the best of all worlds in Budapest

The Buda side has Castle hill, Gellert hill, the royal palace, the Semmilweise museum and a few other things, but Pest has the most to see. From the Buda side you must either have a long walk or take a bus to get to the bridge. On the pest side are the 3 Metros and trolleys running everywhere. <BR>The Pest side has the national museum, the Jewish Synagogue, the Opera house, Heroes square, the Postal museum, shops, more restaurants, etc. <BR> <BR>The Pest side has the national museum, the Jewish Synagog, the Opera house, Herous square, the Postal museum, shops, more resturants, etc.

But my dear Art -- all those things in Pest are spread out and just as easily accessed from Buda as from Pest

Wanna fight Sally? <BR>

Nah..... we can meet in the middle

Now children - no cat fights! <BR> <BR>The real answer is that the best place to stay is somewhere near the river - on EITHER the Pest or Buda side. That way, you are fairly close to many of the sights on both sides of the river.

i love all this help...what i dont get <BR>is if you all are talking in "real"time <BR>or not...meanwhile...it is great to <BR>check this board often...a new <BR>routine in my life...til my trip, that is

Hi Sue, no this is not a chat room. We just check messages and when we have something to offer we add to the thread. Of course there are those who have nothing at all to say that just like to start something. <BR>Welcome to the forum. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

We had a rough time in Budapest and I do believe that a large part of that was our choice of hotel. <BR>Oh don't get me wrong.. the hotel itself was top notch, staff terrific.. sweeping panoramic view of the city... but the location quite frankly SUCKED!.. <BR>It was in a safe, quiet, suburbank section on the Buda side up in the hills and I wouldn't recommend staying that far out of city center unless you have a car and nerves of steel. The buses we encountered were very unreliable.. I don't know if this was poor luck or the norm.. and taxi's were a nightmare. Again, I would love to try Budapest again, but you can bet I'd stay in the very heart of Pest!

I think Hiho's advice is right on target - along the river, either side. I would add - from the Chain Bridge to the Liberty Bridge (Gellert Hotel). If you want immmediate access to restaurants, stores, etc - then stay on the Pest side. If you don't mind a brief walk - the view from the Buda side along the river is wonderful. <BR>Another option is Margetsziget, an island located in the middle of the Danube - but you'll need to take a taxis at night which could be problematic. Spend the extra dollars if you can - and stay in the heart of Budapest.

Margaret island is toofar out of the swim. <BR> <BR>Here's a review of the restaurant we likes lot last time. It's just north of the Bathyany Ter. metro stop. <BR> <BR>Kacsa Vendéglo <BR>I. Fo u. 75 <BR> <BR>tel.: 1/201-9992 <BR> Central Buda <BR>Eastern European <BR>Price Category: Expensive <BR>CURRENCY CONVERTER <BR> <BR> <BR>Kacsa (meaning "duck") is located on the main street of Watertown, the Buda neighborhood that lies between Castle Hill and the Danube. Here you'll find an intimate, elegant, and understated dining atmosphere. A string trio is appealing, but the service seems overly attentive and ceremonious. Enticing main courses include roast duck with morello cherries, haunch of venison with grapes, and pike-perch Russian style. The vegetarian plate is the best we had anywhere. For dessert, sample the assorted strudels, prepared with fruits in season. <BR>Soup 350-500 Ft; main courses 1,300-2,300 Ft. Open: Daily 6pm-1am. Reservations recommended. Credit Cards: AE, DC, EURO, MC, V. Metro: Batthyány tér (Red line). <BR> <BR>We had a great dinner here last summer when Bagolyvar was booked.

If you donot have a budget limit take one of the Pest side riverside hotels,riverside room in Hyatt,Marriott or Intecontinental.Traffic in Pest is much better,find a hotel in Pest inner city,for ex K+K Opera is a good choice <BR>Eva