Opinion on location

I found another listing for the apartment that appears to have a more accurate map placement. https://www.airpaz.com/en/hotel/bright-maison-in-prime-location.2814868 No guarantee that its any more accurate than the AirBnb map. I would write and ask for an address or at least a street name. They dont show any outside photos of the building which makes it impossible to nail down.

But, from the other listing the apartment might be on Raday utca. There is one building right at the point on the map of the second listing that has trees in the courtyard which matches the verbal description. So, thats consistent. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pSCAzwLwNvKbqTAF7 (zoom in on the red marker). What is concerning is that Raday utca would be a selling point as its a lovely pedestrian street. But the description of the apartment doesnt match that. The architecture on that street is well renovated and lovely, but the photos in the listing dont show the exteriors. I have seen so many misrepresented apartments that I just dont trust. Again, get an address.

Now, lests say I am correct and I found the location. I will send you a PM with a link (hopefully it works) to map that shows where this apartment is relative to the major activities and sights in town. You will see, the other side of the central district. Because it is on a fairly long pedestrian street even getting to public transportation isnt quick and easy. You are a 10 minute walk to the 4/6 tram to take you to upper Andrassy ut, or 10 minutes to the 47/49 to take you to the Jewish District and lower Andrassy ut and a 10 minute walk to the 2 tram to take you along the river front.

But it is a lovely apartment and the street, if I am correct is a lovely street with quite a few restaurants. Mostly university students in that area.

Where to stay in an AirBnb comes up pretty often. The answer used to be easy, then District VI ended all short-term rentals in the district. So now you have to be a bit more creative. This is very subjective and it’s such a lovely city that you really cant do wrong. Just my humble opinion.

I used google maps and did a walk. Inside the walking boxes are the areas I think are pretty good.

• First Choice: This one https://maps.app.goo.gl/nECEA4c8zeN8m2g67 is in District VII, but far enough out in the district to be away from the party people. It works because it’s a quick walk to Andrassy ut. The closer to Andrassy ut the better. But don’t cross Kiraly utca as that is the border to District VI.
• Second Choice: This one puts you fairly close to a lot and fairly close to the metro. The area is also quiet but has good access to things in the evening. https://maps.app.goo.gl/q3Re7xyHDTwU9LJE9
• Third Choice: This one works on the 47/49 tram line and the Astoria metro stop. Not terrible. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mpsfkb5HAkqv4wfw6

But to be perfectly honest, with really beautiful 4-star hotels for under $150 a night, in historic buildings with lots of character and culture, if its just two people I would take advantage of the better location in District VI along or within 2 blocks of Andrassy ut. Even with larger groups there are a few well located and reasonably priced apartment hotels and hotels with family rooms.

Thank you so much. We are three (a very tall adult son) so need two bedrooms (not just a sofa bed) so apartments seem to work best for us. I will ask for an address and confirm location - but also look closer in. (We can still cancel).
Thanks again!

Another source to check for short-term rental is Budapest Apartment Service: https://budapestapartmentservice.com/about-us/. I have known Andy and Renata for going on 15 years. Not sure what they have these days, but they are honest and decent to work with. Worth asking.

I have no problems with short-term rentals in Budapest. Many years ago I owned a couple (Andy and Renata managed them for me). Some can be very interesting. But while you are looking, here are some apartment hotels.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/collect-residence.html and https://www.secure-hotel-booking.com/d-edge/be/JBBY/en-US/RoomSelection They both have 2 bedroom units with prices that start under $200. They are both are well reviewed and in excellent locations.

I think the key to a great trip here is the public transportation. Its not a necessary evil, its part of the tour. Sort of like the train at Disney Land, no one takes it to get from point A to point B, they take it for what you see along the way. Same here. So to that end you want to be near above ground (tram) transportation. Sure, the metro is fun too, but you cant see much under ground. Still, worth a few trips for the experience and for the interesting stops. One i know of has a redneck bar, one stop has a used clothing store, all of them have pastry shops; they are like little underground worlds. So naturlaly you will need a pass for the duration of your stay. Read the travel notes I sent you a link to. All in there.

Hi Mary, I see your reasons for wanting an Airbnb but Mr. E is right about the many wonderful hotels in better locations. Have you considered booking a hotel and getting two rooms? I stayed at the Hotel Medos and only paid around $100/night for my room. The room was quite spacious, in a wonderful location right off Andrassy, about two blocks from the opera and close to so many restaurants and cafes. The Oktogon Metro station was only a block away. Here is a link to my trip report, which has a review of it.

The hotel has a wonderful breakfast spread that was included in the price. You could always request two rooms next to each other or near each other. There are other reasonably priced rhotels in the area as well, like K+K Hotel, which also gets good reviews. The location of that area just can't be beat.

Thank you Mardee. Excellent points. I think it being Christmas and knowing the 24-25 will be quiet we enjoy having the space to eat and relax (watch Xmas movies!) that we can’t always do in a hotel. I know it’s a trade off with some of these lovely historic hotel buildings!

Ahhhh Christmas. The Travel Notes do have a very short section on Christmas.

This is a pretty fair Christmas Brunch: 25 December DNB Christmas Brunch https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/dnbbudapest/kar-csonyi-brunch-a-dnb-budapestben---2024-december-25-christmas-brunches-at-dnb-budapest---25-december-2024-5584816011444224 and in Travel Notes there is a list of restaurants that are open. But there are many more than just that list.

Cork Breakfast and Wine, which is currently my favorite restaurant in town has a Christmas party / dinner the evening of the 24th. If you are interested but cant get reservations, I may have an idea. https://www.facebook.com/cork.breakfastandwine/posts/-christmas-dinner-at-cork-christmas-is-about-warmth-togetherness-and-a-truly-spe/825816433676482/
Some of the markets will be open till early afternoon on the 24th and reopen on the 25th. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/budapest-christmas-markets-d26f8ab1-2048-4160-bfb3-bf13b096683e

Of course there is the Oprea House, the Oprett Theater. If you don’t have tickets, you might find some.

At the Vígszínház Theater there is The Little Dictator, Pinocchio and Pride and Prejudice all with English subtitles. Why would you want to go to one of those? To sit in this theater and share the evening with 15-hundred locals: https://vigszinhaz.hu/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvigszinhaz.hu%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fvig_nezoter_domolky_daniel_CF002398_WEB_02.original.jpg&w=828&q=75

At the Madach Theater is Joseph and the colorful broadcloth dream coat with English Subtitles. https://budapestpartyservice.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/madach_szinhaz-2-560x560-1.jpg

December 29th is Sparkling Wine Night (tasting event) at the Intercontinental Hotel on the river https://wineloversrendezvenyek.hu/sparkling-night/https://wineloversrendezvenyek.hu/sparkling-night/ These are always good and always very local. And I am fairly certain between now and then another wine opportunity will come up.

Not sure when you are coming but the Dresch Quartet is playing at the Opus Jazz Club (and dinner) on the 20th. Sort of near that apartment you have rented. https://opusjazzclub.hu/
Then the Orfeum has a number of concerts leading up to Christmas if you can still snag a ticket. https://orfeum.hu/musor

OH, on that flat you rented. Go to google maps and use the address Raday utca 37 then get individual directions to

• Heroes Square
• House of Terror
• Hungarian State Opera House
• Dohany utca Synagogue
• Hungarian Parliament
• Fisherman’s Bastion

Check them walking and with public transportation (which you understand if free if you are over 65)

Thank you Mardee. Excellent points. I think it being Christmas and knowing the 24-25 will be quiet we enjoy having the space to eat and relax (watch Xmas movies!) that we can’t always do in a hotel. I know it’s a trade off with some of these lovely historic hotel buildings!

Mary, that makes a whole lot of sense! In fact you make me want to jump on a plane and come over and join you right now! 😂 That sounds like a wonderful thing to do. Enjoy your time there!

Mardee, send the flight number, I'll pick you up at the airport.

The more the merrier! Thank you both - and Mr E I will look at all your suggestions.
I think we’re sticking with that apartment. It’s on second (our third) floor with no elevator - but that just means I can eat more pastries.
Thanks again!

Mardee, send the flight number, I'll pick you up at the airport.

Oh, if only....!

Did you say KLM KL715 Tuesday at 14:23? Excellent. See you then

Mary, I left out Mezzanine. So, where a US office building is about 14 feet floor to floor and a US home is 9 or 10 feet, here we have 20 feet Ground to First and not less than 14 to 16 feet for each additional floor. 🤣🤣.

I think the flat will be great. Now plan out a few days. You can always toss the plan later, but doing it teaches you the city and gives you a plan B. Son will need a 15 day pass, you guys are free. Remember Jewish district closes early on Friday and all day Saturday. Most museums closed on Monday. 24 and 25 December require some planning but tgere are things. Great bathhouse days. But which one? Hmmmm two actually.

And consider this, because I think ome other RS couple will be here https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/hungary-rs-forum-members-meetup-thread

Mary, if you're not sorted yet, Collect Residence is a super little hotel. Walkable from main station, close to buses, trams. 2 bdrm apartment was spacious with 2 bathrooms. Super lovely staff, and great value.