Saturday, November 1st, is All Saints Day which appears to be a big holiday for Budapest. Will most things be closed on that Saturday? I do know that the Parliament is not open that day We were interested in seeing the Szechenyl thermal baths but cannot tell from the website if it will be closed. Also, will it be too cold to enjoy as the outside appears to be the more beautiful area.
We would also appreciate ideas and tips on what to see and do for that day.
The bath house is open 365 days a year. It's a thermal bath, the water is hot so it fine outside in cold weather. You will find us there on Christmas Day.
Since you are the Opera type I am just guessing that you might enjoy opulence and architecture. So that’s a lot of what I will recommend here.
You said you are flying in on 10/31? I hope not from the states. If you are and you are going to the Opera you are a better person than me. I would need a long, long nap before I could stay out that late. So Friday, if you have the energy make it a M1 Metro day. This is the oldest metro line on the continent of Europe. You will get on the metro in front of the Opera and take it to Vörösmarty tér (one end of the line). There you can walk a few yards to the river embankment for the view. Since you like the architecture then you might pop into the Gerbeaud Cukrászda for overpriced coffee and cake but excellent atmosphere and architecture and history. Then I would walk back to the Opera House only to get back on the M1 to almost the other end of the M1 Metro at Hero’s Square. Eat lunch at Paprika http://www.paprikavendeglo.hu/ Then I would take the metro back to the Opera House but stay on for a stop, then walk a stop and then back on for a stop and repeat. This way you get a bit of a view of Andrassy ut without having to walk the entire length.
Saturday
get up, the K&K has a decent breakfast buffet, then walk to
St. Stephen's Basilica then
walk across the Chain Bridge to Buda, take the Funicular up and
visit Matthias Church and poke around Buda Hill for a while.
Now walk down to Batthyány tér where you can get on the
19/41 river front tram to Szent Gellért tér. See the hotel (research history)
Then cross the river on the Number 47/49 Tram and get off at the first stop at the other end.
You are at the Great Market. I “think” it will be open. Can’t swear to it. Ask them: http://budapestmarkethall.com/budapest-central-market-hall-opening-hours
Now take the Number 2 tram all the way down the embankment and around the Parliament building to its terminus. This is one of the world’s great tram rides.
At its terminus you will find the 4/6 Tram which you will take to the Wesselényi utca stop from which you will walk to the New York Palace Café (research the history). This is what the opera would look like if the opera were a coffee house.
Now take the 4/6 back to the Oktogon stop and walk to your hotel to get ready for the evening. Oh, did I suggest reservations at Menza for dinner after the concert/opera or what every decided on? http://www.menzaetterem.hu/menza_eng.php
LUNCH? Saturday during the tram tour if you get hungry just hop off. There is good food all over Budapest.
Sunday,
Hire a guide that will give you a world class tour of Jewish Budapest or what ever else interests you; after you see inside the Parliament. Then have the guide get you on your way to the airport.
@James Thanks so much for your reply back as I was hoping you would see this and my other Opera post. My daughter and I will be flying in and out from Barcelona so I will not be Wonder Women coming in from the states. It's only a 2 hour flight but we will be flying in on Wizz Air and out on Ryanair. To be honest with you, I am concerned about those low cost airlines and delays.....I've heard horror stories. The good thing is we will be traveling very light. My daughter is studying abroad in Barcelona and I actually fly in there on Tuesday and, trust me, I plan on having a glass or two of wine and then take a siesta!
Your suggestions sound great. I'm wondering if I need reservations for the Parliament. I guess it never hurts and it does save from standing in lines (which I am not so good at). Thanks again!
If the weather is good then @worldinbetween has an excellent idea. We once spent the better part of a day there and could spend another day or two very easily. But I would keep it to a maybe 2 or 3 hours so you can see the rest of the town. https://www.google.com/search?q=kerepesi+cemetery&safe=off&biw=1920&bih=971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=M2U9VO_HDoqV8gGo9IC4Dg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ
The Saturday Tram Ride schedule is just a good way to see a lot and see it quickly. I gave your beginning and terminus points on each tram line but it's what is in-between the stops that is interesting. Get on and off as you wish and explore in detail. You will need a 24 hour travel card and a good and very graphic Travel Guide Book to make the most of this.
