I am leaving for budapest in June for 10 days with a friend that is working for 4 days of the trip. I am considering taking an overnight train to Prague and maybe another spot. I have 3 alone days to see outside Budapest and have seen several areas of Hungary but it has been over 10 years. Trying to decide if I should do day trips in and out of Budapest and stay in Hungary or see a new country. Any great suggestions for a female traveling alone?
Thanks
I'm a real fan of Slovakia but that's hard to do without a car or if you have more means, a car and driver. Still a stunning country. Well worth the effort. But that's only if you want to get out of Hungary. Don leave Hungary until you have seen:
Gyro and the Archabbey at Pannonhalma
Tihany at Lake Balaton
Pecs
Eger
The three towns of the Danube Bend
Tokaj wine region
Tata
In other words there is a lot to see in Hungary. All of it fascinating and beautiful. For that matter i bet there is more in Budapest to see than you saw ten years ago.
Google the names above and if anything interests you let me know and I can help you plan it.
James
Thanks James
I've been to Gyor, Tata, Sopron, & Pecs. I plan on trying to see Pecs again I loved it. I did not make it to Eger or Esztergom & Szentendre and that area so I want to hit that area too. I have been trying to locate a guide for a day trip outside of Budapest or two 1/2 days in Budapest but the people Rick suggested are busy and the ones they referred me too have not responded.
I appreciate any guidance it has been a long time since my last visit and I loved Hungary when I visited before.
James I would love to see Slovakia but I think a car is not in the cards for me this trip.
One way to tip your toes in Slovakia is to take the train to Kosice, SK. I think its about 3.5 to 4 with out a change.
Guide: Contact Andrew Illes at .http://www.guideinbudapest.com/ I have known him, used him and recommended him for about a decade now. I have been looking for a backup but haven't found anyone with his abilities, professionalism, etc.
Here is something interesting you might like http://www.mavnosztalgia.hu/
Back to Slovakia, another option is to take the train to Bratislava for a night then up to the High Tatras for a night (I like the Kempinski Grand High Tatras, but there are cheaper nice hotels on the same beautiful lake). Spend a night then on to Kosice for a night and then back to Budapest. Sounds like a lot but they are all pretty much short hauls and the country is stunning.
Thanks James I will do some research this weekend, that may be a good option!
In addition to James's Hungary list, I'll put in another of my plugs for Vac. It's north of Budapest, on the east side of the Danube. The mummies found under the central square during a recent renovation are fascinating, and the town is lovely and untouristed. I learned about it from Frommers Budapest (Rick doesn't include it in his books). Just a caution if you go there. There are three train routes: one goes along the river express and takes 25 minutes; one goes along the river local and takes 45 minutes; and one goes inland, making many stops, and takes 90 minutes. I thought I was catching the river express and ended up on the inland local; be sure you get the train you want.
Thanks Harold. I keep forgetting Vac. Excellent half to full day trip.
My primary advice is to go somewhere you have not been before! I have not had any safety concerns as a solo traveler using public transport in this region. It shouldn't really enter the equation, but you can also see solo travel tips at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning.
I dont know your budget, but I know a good guide in Romania that will pick up and drop off in Budapest.
By the way, we arrive in Budapest on the 11th from Istanbul. Wave if we pass on the street.
AND
Last trip did you get to Balaton? If not, then Google Tihany. One of the sweetest places we have found in Hungary.
