The Radisson Blu Bleke isn’t exactly in the tourist zone. Its about a half km to the nearest Point of Interest and Public Transportation. But, hey, it’s a great town to walk so don’t sweat it.
If you like this, Map this out in advance so you feel comfortable.
So, you arrive Wednesday morning and take a taxi to your hotel.
Then do that half km walk southeast (turn left out the door of the hotel) past the yellow trams to the first major intersection. This is the Oktogon and is a the major transportation hub. You need to see Budapest so while you can take the M1 metro at this point, turn right down Andrassy ut and follow it to the end. Sort of the Champs-Élysées of Budapest. You will pass some nice restaurants, the Opera House some really beautiful old apartment blocks; and an OTP Bank. Use the ATM and pull out maybe 40.000 forints.
At the end of the street turn left towards the yellow tram stop. Across the street from the yellow tram stop you will see a metro line entrance. Go down the stairs and at the bottom will be a service center. Buy a 72 hour travelcard for 4.150 forints. Now back up and get on the yellow tram. It’s the end of the line so it only goes in one direction. Sit on the left facing forward and you will see the synagogue as you pass.
The first stop is Astoria. Get off and walk back about a block from whence you came and you will see the great Synagogue. Second largest in the world and ground zero of the WWII holocaust in Budapest. Worth the short tour but I doubt you will have time. At least walk around to the left side and see the tree of life and read some of the history. That will put you in the WWII Deportation Ghetto.
Back on the tram and two more stops and you are at the Great Market Hall. Worth the tour of the ground floor, the first floor is Tourist trinkets and some food stalls.
Walk towards the river and you will see stairs going down. At the bottom you will find the Number 2 Tram, one Europes great trams. Take it to the right. Sit on the left and enjoy the view of Buda. Second stop is Vigadó tér, get off and walk away from the river and you will find Vorosmarty ter. Ground zero for tourist hell, but still worth seeing. Shops, architecture, food.
Back on the Number 2 for 3 stops to Kossuth Lajos tér; on the way you will cross under the Chain Bridge. Get off and cross the road to the river. Here (a few meters back) you will find the Shoes on the Danube memorial.
Back on the Number two and in a couple of stops you will find yourself parked behind the Parliament Building. Hop off and admire the building and all the other old government buildings. Note one across the street from the back of the Parliament with brass plugs about 1” in diameter all over the façade. Read about the ’56 Revolution to understand.
Okay, back on the Number 2 again to the end of the line. Continue walking in the same direction that the tram was traveling and in a few yards you will see the 4/6 Tram. A big shiny new tram. Take it one stop to Nyugati Rail Station. Get off and take a look inside. It’s a Eifel creation.
Back on the 4/6 one more stop and then walk the same road in the same direction about 4 minutes to your hotel.
Its late and you are pooped, but you have seen a lot of Budapest. This is the night I would do the river cruise because it leaves fairly late. You can walk back to the Oktogon and take the M1 to Vorosmarty ter and walk to the pier from there. I usually say take the boat without the dinner but you may be hungary and the timing may be better. Or you can eat on the Danube embankment at one of the many restaurants with a view of Buda. Its beautiful at night and near you boat dock. In that case sign up for the boat ride with drinks but no food.
If any of this gets to be too much or runs too long just stay on the tram and look at the beautiful views.
