Budapest - a few questions

ronano

I'm heading over next week and just wondering if anyone has any advice about

Is budapest a walkable city or should i invest in the budapest card for transport?

recommendations for budapest at night (i'll be alone so no club lark)

Any recommendations in general for nice food places or what to see

P. Breathnach

ronano wrote: »

... Is budapest a walkable city or should i invest in the budapest card for transport?...

No to both questions. Buy a public transport pass at any of the larger metro stations. My Budapest stuff is filed away, so I can't give you exact information: I think the passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days. Never use public transport without a proper ticket: inspection is heavy.

undo

P. Breathnach wrote: »

Never use public transport without a proper ticket: inspection is heavy.

While I agree that it is wrong to use public transport without paying, we got away with it in Budapest before... The ticket checker spoke only Hungarian and there was just no communicating with him. He tried a few times to explain there was a fine to pay - and then gave up . But do not count on that. Get a ticket. They are dirt cheap anyway.

As for things to see and do: The baths! Visit some of the marvelous spas Budapest has to offer. The city is built in a geologically active area with many hot springs. You have not seen Budapest until you have visited some of the hot springs.

Stuff to do at night is a bit more tricky. There is heaps going on but most is not advertised well. If you do not know about it, you will end up walking the bitterly cold streets for hours. My best advice would be to do your research before you go out. Do not just head into town, hoping to find a nice place. Inquire beforehand what is on that night. Your ho(s)tel should have some tips.

I particularly like some cafes (open till the late afternoon) and a jazz club where we once happened to stumble upon a jam session going on late into the night... But there are plain old pubs as well - it depends on what you are looking for.

If you have the time and are up early enough, try to visit the Parliament. The building is a gem of architecture. There are only a few tickets available to see it each day so if you get up early and grab one, you will get to do a tour not many people have done.

P. Breathnach

It won't fill a full evening, but it's worth getting to the top of Gellert Hill at night for the view of the city and the Danube bridges lit up.

Another transport point: taxis are not very dear. The best rates are given by a couple of firms that you call out (cheaper than those you hail on the street, which tend to charge the highest legal rate). I normally use City Cabs, but there are others as good.

You can pick up a useful free guide at the airport that gives you information like that.

ronano

Thanks folks great replies

Kristian_

ronano wrote: »

Thanks folks great replies

Make sure to get your budapest travel card!

Also below is nice area to pick up any gifts, beautiful eateries!:cool:

The location is ideal, Vörösmarty Square lies in the heart of Budapest.

undo

For restaurants, I recommend Liszt Square. There are some brilliant places there and not too dear either.