Hungary Travel Plans
 

Hello - I am planning a trip to Hungary for late May/early June, flying into Budapest and spending nine days there, not counting the days I fly in or fly out. I would like some advice on possible itineraries. <BR> <BR>I am interested in history, architecture, urban places, and nice secenery. <BR> <BR>My plan is to stay in Budapest for maybe 5 or 6 days, including day trips - one or two to the Danube bend area. Is this a good amount of time there? Which of the Danube bend sites are the bestfrom among Visegrad, Szentendre, Esztergrom? Can any be easily combined in one day trip? <BR> <BR>I then plan to base myself in one other city for a couple of nights? Does anyone have a recommendation? Sopron, Eger, Pecs all seem similar. Does anyone have thoughts on these or other places? <BR> <BR>Thanx!

Hi Howard, I'm just cruising this morning before I get serious at work which I must do. I spent 7 days in Hungary in Sept 1999 (mostly in Budapest) and loved it. I'll try to find this thread tonight and respond a little better, or you can e-mail me and I'll respond through there. <BR>Art <BR>

Hi Howard - I visited Budapest in May 2000 and am going back this coming May. If you like architecture & design - the Museum of Applied Arts has a great collection of seccession / fin-de-seclie / arts + crafts pieces - pottery, glass, furniture, fabrics, books. And the building itself is a wonderful example of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Eyewitness and Knopf guidebooks have great information regarding history, architecture, etc. I hoping to explore a bit of the countryside this time around also - I'm leaning towards visiting Pecs (Zsolnay) and Eger (wine) . Can't decide between Esztergom or Szentendre. <BR>Check out this website (it's a bit basic), you can order free booklets regarding areas in Hungary: <BR> <BR>http://www.gotohungary.com/index800.htm <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hi! My sister, grandmother and I traveled to Budapest in August/September 2000. We stayed in Buda, in the Castle District. The architecture in this area is amazing, especially Fisherman's Bastion! That is a must see, especially at night. What is also amazing is the apparent evidence of the time Budapest was occupied -- ruins of bombed out churches, bullet holes in sides of buildings, etc. It made a huge impression on me since it was the neighborhood in which my grandfather grew up. The Parliment building is also quite a sight, and has been open to the public in recent years. The crown and scepter of St. Stephen (Hungary's first king) has also just been returned to the country. A must see. Very moving. People are brought to tears by the sight of it. <BR> <BR>Hero's Square is also very beautiful, and the parks around that area are an urban oasis. There is even a statue of George Washington. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to go into and under the Castle. That is a must do from what I understand. <BR> <BR>We did a day excursion to both Szentendre and Esztergrom. We were being guided by teachers from my grandfather's school, so we did not set the itinerary. In Esztergrom, we visited many churches and the Christian museum. . . very gory religious paintings! Amazing views of the Danube from atop of these buildings. <BR> <BR>In Szentendre, we ate and visited the museum of a famous local sculpturer. I am embarrassed that I cannot think of her name off-hand (Kovacs? Someone help me out here. . . ) Very well worth the visit! And doable in one day, if you don't mind being rushed. <BR> <BR>I will go through my pictures/journal if you are interested in any more information from me. <BR> <BR>I have the name of a GREAT restaurant in the Castle District! Have to dig it up. <BR> <BR>-Kellie

I'm Hungarian,and a pro guide.So I think you can trust me. <BR>The best town in the province is Pécs,full of museums,roman catacombs-5th A.D.-original turkish mosques,mediterranian feeling-it's in the South-,and good wine.But for a one day excursion, it is a bit far away,take an early train ,stay a night,and return to Bp. next evening. <BR>I do not like Szentendre,i have to go 3 times a week.Someone mentioned the Kovacs Margit ceramic museum,but to really enjoy it you need explanation,or background.If anyone is coming to Hungary earlier ,it is closed until 15th of April.Szentendre is full of souvenir shops,people are crazy for shopping,but every shop owner in Szentendre has an other or more shop in Bp. same things,same prices.Esztergom is a must,if you stay a week,by bus it' s a bit more than an hour. <BR>If you want to see the 3 places in one day you have to take part in an organised tour,but these tours do not visit thr former royal castle and the Christian Museum in Esztergom.I suggest <BR>to go one day to Esztergom,and if you are intrested to take a boat to Szentendre,and come back by the suburban train, as a half day excursion.To skip Visegrad you do not miss to much <BR>An other excursion is to the Puszta,-Kecskemét,Bugac-,it's practical only with organized tours.It's the so called <BR>Great Plain,horse show etc. <BR>If you rent a car there are a lot of possibilities,spending 5 days in the province,including the Danube Bend area,and spend 4 days in Bp.,which is enough,if you use your time well. <BR>If you consider renting a car I'll give you some itinary suggestions,an if you have any qustions feel free to contact. <BR>

I hate making travel plans when I'm hungry. It's the worst. I always want to just stop and get a bite to eat.

Hi Eva is right about Esztergom, it is a lovely place to stay. We found a hotel in the hills by the Slovak border. Can't remember the name but it was interesting. We've been to Sopran and Eger. They are at opposite ends of the country. Both very nice and different. we preferred Eger though either is fine. We found a very good restaurant in Eger through the Fodors guide. It was downstairs very near the castle. You didn't say how you will be traveling. I am hoping to go to Pecs and either Croatia or Roumania this Sept. I have heard from others that Pecs is s city to visit. Enjoy your visit. Hungary is probably our favorite country, we have been there twice already. My wifes Father came from there. <BR>alan

Thanks for all of your responses. Dear Grumble....nice stab at humor, but I think that was stale 75 years ago. <BR> <BR>I will check out some of the web sites mentioned. I will be travelling by train/bus.