Check out the Budapest Tourist Card to see if it makes sense for you (I've never used so can't comment)
Below are some must-dos, must-sees, must-eats in Budapest from me and my dad...
First, pay for everything in HUF (forint), either credit card or cash. We use Google Pay to pay for most thing. Shops charge 5-10% more if paying in US$ or Dollars, so always pay in HUF. If ATMs/Credit Card machines offer to convert to your currency for you at the machine, they are giving you a worse rate (~5-10%), so best to hit decline and let your own bank do the conversion. DO NOT USE EURONET ATMs - they charge crazy fees.
If you buy a local SIM card for your phone, it's good for travel around the EU and costs about $20 and includes 10gb. Most of them work throughout EU. There's a convenient Vodofone Shop at Deak Ter, and they speak English.
Next, buy tram/metro/bus tickets. If you are mostly walking, get a book of 10 tickets (1 ticket/trip/person), otherwise an unlimited 24-hour or unlimited 72-hour pass.
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Prices: 450huf/ticket; 4,000 for 10 pack; 2500 for 24-hour pass; and 5500 for 72-hour pass.
Click to see all current options from the BKK website. You can also use the Mobiljegy app and then scan a bar code before entering boarding Trams/Buses and entering Metro stations.
If you prefer not using your phone, just look for the Purple BKK machines at Tram/Metro stations. The individual tickets need to be "stamped" on entry, where the passes don't. The fine for not stamping a ticket, or not having a pass is 12000huf (~$35).
If you have the time (about two hours), we recommend one of the pools/baths: the Gellért fürdő or the Széchényi fürdő (bath)..
FROM DEAK/VOROSMARTY TER
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Visit the inside of the Bazilika (Cathedral) and the Zsinagóga (Synagogue).
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Walk down Andrássy út all the way to Hősök tere (Heros’ square) Along the way, be sure to:
- Look at the Opera House on your left as you walk down Andrássy út. Walk into the lobby to get a taste of the interior architecture.
- Stop to see the outdoor restaurant scene on Liszt Ferenc tér (Franz Liszt square). It’s on your right as you walk down Andrássy út.
- Stop to look at or have a tea in the garden of the Arany muzeum (Gold Muzeum) near Hősök tere.
Don't mis the new Hungarian House of Music.
- Take the Metro 1 [also called the kis földalatti (little metro)] back to Vörösmarty tér.
ALONG THE DANUBE
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Take a ride on the #2 street car along the Danube between the Margit (Margaret) and Szabadság (Freedom) bridges. Sit on the Danube side and take lots of pictures.
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While at the Szabadság bridge, go in to the Nagycsarnok (city market).
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Have lunch or dinner, or both, on the terrace of the Dunacorso restaurant on the promenade along the Danube. Dad's favorite dishes: Halászlé (Fisherman’s soup), Bécsiszelet (wiener schnitzel - better here than in Vienna!), then share one order of Túrógombóc for dessert. For drinks, ask for a Kis fröcs (Small spritzer of 1⁄2 white wine, 1⁄2 club soda)
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Take the Bus #16 from Jozsef Attila u / Erezsébet tér (square) up to Várhegy (Castle Hill).
- Walk along Halászbástya (Fishermen’s Bastion)
- Spend a little time in the National Gallery
- Check out the roof of the St Mathias Church
- Go to Ruszwurm Cafe for Kremes desert.
- Walk down the hill and over the Lánc hid (Chain Bridge) back to Pest. -
Walking over Lánc hid either east or west is an absolute must.
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Take a bus or a taxi up to the Citadella on Gellért hegy (hill) where the Szabadság szobor (Statue of Liberty) is. The view from there is unforgettable. (currently under renovation)
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A short cruise on the Danube is a nice tourist attraction.
EATING
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Rosenstein's Restaurant is a famous and highly rated historic Jewish restaurant - reservations required. +36.1.333.3492
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In the Jewish district is Macesz Bistro (Matzoh Bistro) maceszbistro.hu. It is at Dob utca 20. Make a reservation +36.1.787.6164.
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Two rows of indoor/outdoor restaurants for lunch on Liszt Ference tér run between Andrássy út and the Zeneakademia (Academy of Music). Our favorite is Menza. Beckett's is a good Irish pub
IN THE EVENING
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Walk to the Bazilika (Cathedral), and just walk around the square or sit down at one of the outdoor coffees for a drink.
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Favorite photo opp is at night is on the South side of the Margit bridge. Trust me.
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Spend time on any of the bridges just after it gets dark.
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A wild in-door and out-door night scene of young Hungarians and rowdy foreign tourists is at Gozsdu Udvar. (It is near Deák tér, between Dob utca and Király utca.) - 34 bars and restaurants in one area.
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There are many Ruin bars in the 6th/7th district, the most famous is Szimpla Kert
