My husband and I will be staying at the Best Western Hungaria next month for only 3 nights. Can anyone give me some great ideas for good places to eat while there? We would like to try the local food but are open to any restaurants that don't cost a fortune and are unusual or delicious! Also what is easiest way to get around - we aren't that centrally located! Txs.

We walked from Hero's Square to the train/subway station right near your hotel. On the way we had lunch at Paprika Vendeglo - 72 Dózsa Gyðrgy Ut. Very good traditional food & not expensive. 9310 Ft for 4.

Ian

3-day travel cards can be bought in metro stations (and other places) for 3100 HUF -- that's not a lot of money, perhaps about US$15. Good for metro, trams, buses. Be sure to write your names on them, and carry them in accessible pockets, as there is is strict inspection regime. The transport system is easy to master, and I think the trams are very enjoyable. Be sure to make at least one journey on Metro Line 1 -- it's cute.

If you need a taxi, don't hail one on the street. They don't rip you off illegally, but they generally cost more than a taxi you call out. I use City Taxi, local phone number 2-111-111 (that's why I use them, the number is easy to remember).

For an interesting and cheap lunch, go to the gallery of the Central Market and find something to your liking. Generally very Hungarian.

For a moderate splash on a meal, try Bagolyvar at City Park (there's your excuse to use Metro Line 1). Lovely building, interesting and tasty Hungarian food, nice staff (all female -- house policy). Expect to spend about 10,000 HUF, with wine.

I second the Bagolyvar (Owl's Castle)...that meal was one of our favorites! http://193.91.64.41/dinningout/Bagolyvar/index.php

The 3 day travel card is not worth it. We just bought individual tickets. If you do not know the numbers in Hungarian, just hold up the requisite number of fingers and they will give you the tickets.

I had good meals at Appetito on Castle Hill and Le Jardin de Paris on the Buda side.

Single tickets cost 260 HUF; buy 10 for 2050 HUF. You need to use a ticket on each transfer. Unless you plan to do a lot of walking, I think the travel pass is a good bargain.

Be careful about indicating with your fingers that you want two of anything: use thumb and index finger

sorry, Roma, don't really understand the question. aren't they all hungarian restaurants in Budapest?


when we were there, the problem was finding anything else!

regards, ann

annhig, if you want a change, there are a good few Italian-style eateries in Budapest. Some other options, too, but Italian seems to be the popular alternative.

And McDonald's and Burger King.

Check out Kis Rablo, located about a block and a half behind the Gellert Hotel - one block away from the Danube, and half a block to the left.

(Got that?)

It was recommended by a Budapest resident we met on the place, and later by the staff at the Gellert.

I presume it was authentic Hungarian food. At least it was unlike anything I had ever had--delicious, and lots of it.

Inexpensive.

Byrd

Years ago we were recommended by a local to a cellar Russian/Hungarian restaurant. Can't remember the name anymore. It's somewhere in the center of Buda. Great lunch.

Also, at least have a drink at the New York Coffee House, <i>New York K&aacute;v&eacute;h&aacute;z</i>. It is one of the most beautiful rooms in Europe.

We walked and used the trams to get around. Took a city tour to get oriented and that was very worthwhile.