Budapest - the little things
 

For my parents who are off to Budapest on an organized tour, I'm seeking any tidbits that might be helpful as a gift to them. They will be well prepared with site-seeing agenda, ATM card, money belt, etc. What I'm hoping for is insights to the culture such as traditional good bakery treats to seek out, local customs and manners, anything to be wary of concerning safety. Is toilet paper really an issue as they have been advised?

I didn't find the toilet paper to be an issue but then again when I was there I stayed in the Hilton!

I would warn them about taxis should they decide to use one...I think some of the meters are rigged...I'd advise finding out the probable price to a destination first. But on a tour they might not need that info.

My spouse is off to Budapest again tomorrow so we are all primed with Budapest lore and advice.

1. I find it a safe city and have never felt any apprehension. Of course there are scam artists (money changing on the street for example) but use good sense and there is little to fear.

2. I have been advised that tipping -- which may be only 5-10 percent -- is customary in all sorts of places where we would not tip -- e.g. gas stations (!!). As the Hungarians are so much worse off than we, I would recomend generosity whenever it seems merited.

3. Lunch is the big meal for Hungarians and dinner is often quite small. In consequence, restaurants tend to cater primarily to tourists in the evenings. If you want to see the locals, go to a cafe -- kavehaz -- or a wine bar.

3. As Hungarian (Magyarol) is impenetrable to all foreigners, ask someone at the hotel for a few useful phrases AND WRITE THEM DOWN, so you can put them in front of, say, a ticket-seller. Embarrassing but unavoidable, I found. English is spoken by many young people but few of their elders.

TTT

HI,

I just returned from Budapest a week ago. In reply to your specific questions:
Bakery treats--I tried every kind of strudel I could find--there's a lot of them; and I made sure I had some Dobos Torte.

Toilet paper--I did notice in some places it was kind of rough, but there always WAS toilet paper in public bathrooms. Many bathrooms in public places (subway, Great Market Hall) were monitored and cost money to use (I paid 50 and 60 forint at various times) so keep some change handy. But because of this they were super clean and well stocked.

Taxis--in order to not be ripped off, phone for a taxi (or have your hotel do it for you,) don't flag one down in the street.

Tipping--I had read too, that Hungarians were accustomed to tips but one night at a restaurant, the waiter brought back my bill and money and told me I had tipped too much, to please take some money back! After that I didn't know what to do!

There's so much to see and do in Budapest, I'm sure your parents will have a great time!

Patti

Thanks to each of you. My Dad will be especially pleased to hear about the strudels!