Michael

<i>think how Austria-like Czechoslovakia and Hungary and Poland would or could have been!</i>

Probably not. Years ago, shortly after the breakdown of the Eastern bloc, I read an article that claimed--presumably through valid statistics--that the relative economic status of the Warsaw Pact nations was exactly the same as it had been before 1938.

PalenQ

Well yes that seems plausible - Austria always was the lead engine of the so-called eastern Europe (really central) countries - it's that Germanic thing I think.

thursdaysd

For once I have to disagree with stu. Not sure when he visited Szentendre, but when I went in 2004 it was tourist central, and since Budapest is getting a lot more visitors these days it can only have gotten worse. Possibly Godollo instead if you want a short trip out of Budapest. For a longer trip I highly recommend the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, including the synagogue, in Szeged.

See: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...eds-synagogue/

I also disagree about the baths, but the Gellert was being renovated when I went there.

StCirq

Thank you so much, thursdaysd! We'll check it out. This trip is such a challenge, I love it! Im not worried much about the baths - they are everywhere. We'll manage to soak ourselves wherever.

thursdaysd

You're welcome! Budapest is one of my favorite cities. I have several other posts on my blog on Budapest and Hungary, I think most of them are tagged, so you can just put budapest in the search box.

If you like Art Nouveau there are a number of good buildings in Budapest itself. I don't think the tour I took is still running, but you might find another. If the Gold Museum is open while you are there, don't miss it!

The public transport system is very good, but the inspectors are notorious. I always buy a transport pass. I don't usually bother with first class on European trains, but on some Eastern European trains you may find it worthwhile.

PalenQ

I doubt if any transport pass- railpass that is would be cost effective with the few trains Saint is taking. But first class yes may be a good suggestion on longer train rides - fares are cheaper than in say France.

thursdaysd

I was referring to a transport pass for the public transport system in Budapest. You have rail passes on the brain.

StCirq

I'm not buying a railpass. We will get the local Budapest transport pass, already looked into that. I'll check into 1st class on the train from Budapest to Bratislava. We normally travel 2nd class and are happy with it, but if it's not much more 1st class could be a bit of a treat.

Spent the day researching places to visit on the way to Bratislava, and Györ seems to tick all the boxes. While we would love to visit Szeged, it's 2.5 hours in the wrong direction for us. Györ looks marvelous - what an incredible history! And on Booking.com I found what looks to be a darling hotel 500 m from the train station and the center of the old town for only 43€ a night, including breakfast!