Budapest - What to arrange in advance

If you are talking about August of this year....................the performances sold out 3 months ago. Unless you are a museum junkie I don't thing the "Budapest Card" is that great a deal. My opinion is to get a Travel Card when you get to town at one of the metro stations. No advance purchase necessary. You might make dinner reservations in advance if you want to go to some place nice. If you are into night time boat cruises on the Danube you might want to book that in advance. Here are the festivals in August. Pretty much pay when you arrive sort of things. http://visitbudapest.travel/budapest-events/ As for housing. Since this is high season you might want to find a place soon. Its a good summer and the occupancies are way up. Make sure you get AC

Otherwise I think the best you can do is buy a good map, make a list of things you want to see and go have fun.

I was in Budapest last August and of course had a hotel reservation but the only other thing I did that seemed to be a good idea to have a ticket in advance was a tour of Parliament, very interesting and I recommend it. Very easy to book on the website, and you want to be sure of being with an English-speaking guide. www.jegymester.hu

While specific museums or tours in Europe may need reservations, city transport passes and museum passes are always sold locally. I can't think of any exception in those two categories, even if they are also offered online.

Listen to Christa. If you want to go on the tour of the Parliament you are best to get the tickets in advance. The tour is worth he time and they tours do sell out.

Thanks all - great info!