Two over 65 year olds (one 86), one disabled, getting around Budapest advice.

I hope your Airbnb is on the Pest Side of the Chain Bridge. If on the Buda side you have a lot of walking ahead.

Those 65 and over need only show an ID with a birthday on it if asked while traveling.

There are buses into town and they are free for you. If walking is an issue it’s a pretty good walk from the bus stop to the chain bridge. So take a taxi.

The best way to get around is with public transportation. A tram goes past almost every point of interest in Pest.

Where to go? There is a link here that might be helpful: https://community.ricksteves.com/users/50322

For the weather check https://weatherspark.com/y/84771/Average-Weather-in-Budapest-Hungary-Year-Round

For special events https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/who-will-be-in-budapest-thru-july-thru-december-and-events-in-the-city Check back often as it gets updated.

As a base, Budapest is good for visiting

Outside of Hungary by Train: Vienna, Melk, Bratislava
Inside of Hungary by Train: Gyor, Pannonhalma, Balaton, Eger, Pecs, Szentendre
Outside of Hungary by Discount airline: The number of locations within 1:15 and less than $75 that you can reach from Budapest is sort of impressive. Budapest is so reasonably in cost, especially AirBnb, that you just leave the heavy luggage behind and travel light.

Again, thank you for you advice Mr E, it is much appreciated.

The Airbnb we propose is on the Pest side of the river and not too far from the Chain Bridge.

You say that those over 65 only need to show ID with DOB (Passport in our case). Does that only apply to buses? Or, does it include trams & metro? Is there an area within Budapest that this concession applies to or does it apply anywhere in Budapest? What about Hungary generally?

Thank you so much for your links. :-)

We always try to get off the tourist track. Can you suggest a train/bus ride to a village/town in the vicinity which would be suitable?

Everyone regardless of nationality who is over 65 rides for free. You only need some form of picture ID with a birth date on it. But I can tell you that in the last 7 months I have been asked to show that ID twice and both times they waved me on before i got it out of my pocket.

Free is for Busses, Trolly Busses (electric busses), Trams and the underground metro. I does not cover the Funicular up to Buda Castle. But it does cover the airport shuttle bus. It also covers the Commutter HEV train line and regular trans are heavily discounted to free.

We always try to get off the tourist track. Can you suggest a
train/bus ride to a village/town in the vicinity which would be
suitable?

The towns of Vac, Szentendre, Visegrad, Esztergom can be day trips. A bit further is Gyor and the archabbey at Pannonhalma which is also a reasonable day trip. A hard one day trip (but many do), but a great overnight would be Eger or Pecs ........... and there are more.

But Budapest is a very large city. The size of Chicago more or less. Every neighborhood is like its own little village. Budapest has twenty-something semi-autonomous districts. So, first I suggest Obuda (District III), District XI and District XIII and Margaret Island. Just hop a tram go to the heart of one of these districts, get off and poke around.

You say that those over 65 only need to show ID with DOB (Passport in our case). Does that only apply to buses? Or, does it include trams & metro?

Only show if asked (but have it with you). I used my DL a time or two but was rarely asked. It And yes, it applies to all busses, trams, metro lines within Budapest, as well as to the 100E Airport Bus. That bus arrives to and departs from Deak ferenc ter, in case that is useful. The taxi is a good easy option to and from the airport - only you can decide whether free outweighs the ease of door to door for @ $30.

Is there an area within Budapest that this concession applies to or does it apply anywhere in Budapest?

Anywhere within Budapest. Elsewhere in Hungary? I don’t know.

What sort of weather can we expect

It could be warm to cool in the evenings. So bring for warm weather (probably not hot), with layers you can add in the evening.

Bring something nice if you plan to attend the opera.

Can you suggest a train/bus ride to a village/town in the vicinity which would be suitable?

Many people recommend Szentendre for a day trip. With 5 nights, I don’t know that I would try an overnight elsewhere.

I was thinking of renting a car

If you were thinking of renting for a return visit, I would use this trip to evaluate what driving looks like. I can’t imagine you would need a car within Budapest or that it would practical or even cost efficient compared to taxis, but elsewhere might depend on where you want to go.

Have fun!

Thank you again.

The reason for renting a car would be to see non-tourist areas and countryside which is what we do in every country. My travel list and yours are about the same length, never package holidays, round the world twice. Stayed in caves, home built wood huts, no toilets, bath in rivers, always with locals where possible. I think it is the only way you can say, "I have been there" truly. However, age curtails to much off the tourist track nowadays.

You advice and suggestions are much appreciated. :-)

Then rent a car for a day or two. That works.

I have forgotten to mention:

1. I have a Clarity MasterCard credit card which does not charge for purchases or cash withdrawals.
2. I have a smart phone and use it to pay via the Clarity card for everything whilst travelling.
3. I usually withdraw local currency on arrival.
4. My debit card bank charge 2.99% for all foreign purchases and cash withdrawals.

a) Do FőTaxi accept card payments via smart phones? If not I will need to make withdrawal at the airport.
b) Are there any particular ATM's to avoid?
c) Is there any problem using a credit card in Budapest? I gather they are not commonly used by locals.
d) It appears that MasterCard do not charge a currency exchange fee?

a) Do FőTaxi accept card payments via smart phones? If not I will need to make withdrawal at the airport.

I have google pay set up on my phone but have yet to try it. But it appears to me that every machine that takes a tap card will work with your phone. Some one correct me if this is wrong. If i am correct in my assumption, then since FoTaxi takes tap credit cards, your phone should work.

b) Are there any particular ATM's to avoid?

Look for a bank ATM to reduce convenience charges. OTP or Erste, or K&M or Raiffeisen are the biggies around town. The private ones, to avoid if you can, are Eurnet mostly. Always decline to have your account charged in Dolllars, always pay in Forints.

c) Is there any problem using a credit card in Budapest? I gather they are not commonly used by locals.

No, everyone pretty much uses credit cards here. I suspect as a tourist that 98% of everyplace you go will take your card. Off the tourist path, might be 95%. But yes, a lot of cash gets used too.

d) It appears that MasterCard do not charge a currency exchange fee?

They generally give a fair exchange rate. Any charges beyond that are between you and your bank.

I live here and I pretty much live off a U.S. ATM and a couple of U.S. Credit cards. EasyPeasy.

But never hurts to have a few thousand forints in your pocket. If the ATM lets you choose, then choose 19.000 forints so you get some smaller bills.

EDIT One final note. While its always good to be prepared and know the ins and outs of a place, also know that no matter what there is always an easy solution. The worst that comes out of these sorts of things is that you have another story to tell when you get home. So, relax and enjoy the trip.

a) Do FőTaxi accept card payments via smart phones? If not I will need to make withdrawal at the airport.

If they don’t, why not just use your Mastercard? Even with Google Pay or Apple Pay, you should still bring the physical card. Pay by card and wait to get cash at a bank atm in the city.

b) Are there any particular ATM's to avoid?

Some people prefer to avoid Euronet ATMs, which charge a fee. I do also when feasible. But you will likely only need to get cash once, so I don’t worry too much about the Euronet fee in the big scheme of things (and I think that is what is available at the airport).

The fee YOUR bank debit card will charge on $50 (for example) is $1.50. Plan to only get cash with it once. You do have time to start an online Capitol One 360 checking account before you leave, which charges no fee for a ATM withdrawal anywhere international.

c) Is there any problem using a credit card in Budapest? I gather they are not commonly used by locals.

I use Apple Pay or my credit card almost 100% of the time. Tourists use tap to pay and probably locals do, as well. Almost everywhere is equipped for it.

d) It appears that MasterCard do not charge a currency exchange fee?

That is a question for your own flavor of Mastercard. Mine does not charge fees, but you need to check on your own. Cards are not all the same. Note: when you pay with your card or phone, make sure you pay in forints, not dollars.

A few days ago I was with a couple that werent walking as well as they once did. Not that this applies to you but a few things of note for the experience of the day.

The trams have very high steps to get into them. I've noticed the locals are pretty darn understanding and helpful when people are needng time to make the three steps up. But the tram doors only stay open 10 to 15 seconds, so do move to front when the tram arrives. People will understand. And when on the tram do start moving towards the door before you get to the stop. Again, people are understanding.

The first time I saw someone in a wheel chair on a tram I was confused, how did he get there? Then when the tram stopped it became apparent. One gentleman and I sort of carried the man down the steps and two others carried his wheelchair down. It was just routine. I am no saint, i just followed the lead of those around me.

Other than the M4 line, the metro stations rarely have elevators. Its a lot of steps up and down. But again, people are patient and helpful.

When I get to the point where I dont move as fast as I use to, I will look into these
https://budapesttuktuk.com/en/
https://tuktuktaxi.hu/

And you asked about driving around to the less visited places.

Someone else asked the same question today and I suggested this: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VX7UT4W9sckaox9g6 Spend the night in Gyor. Google the cities and towns on the list and you will see why they are interesting and off the beaten path.

Thank you Steve

Hello again,
I'm wondering if the tap water is drinkable or should we use bottled water?

Tap water if fine. Maybe not the sweetest stuff in the world, but..... The locals drink a lot of bottled water. I drink both.

Back on the driving issue. I gave you a list of cities. But most all of those are accessible by train. Riding the train to Szentendre or any small town outside of Budapest is a very local thing to do. Driving a car is more of a tourist (and rich folk) thing here. So to get local, get on a train. Its really easy here and its almost free for you. Most often about 600 ft for the seat reservation (less than $3) is all.

And within the city, to get off the tourist track, public transportation does the trick. I have a few place I go for lunch or coffee or strudel that are sort of on the lower side of Buda away from tourists. I can do that because of how good the transportation is.

Also, the best and most extreme comparison woudl be to Prague. In Prague the Old Town and Castle Areas combined are about the size of DisneyLand and as packed full of tourists as DisneyLand. Here the area that houses the top 10 or 15 tourist attractions is 10 to 15 times greater in size and the tourism density, outside of a few hot zones, is a fraction of what it is in Prague. In other words, walk one block over and you wont see a tourist. Despite the size, the landscape that connects the sights is just as interesting as the sights themselves so you loose noting by taking the trip on the tram. You get to see more of what is special about the city. Because this is so true, that when tourists discover a neighborhood and things begin to fill up a bit, someone buys a building a block away to renovate for tourism and the density drops again. We have a city the size of Chicago to grow into.

Im sorry. I like the place.

I am on a roll, so forgive if I keep bloviating.

If you have mobility issues:

A hotel by the Chain Bridge isnt going to be the most convenient unless it is right down on the tram line.

On that tram line you will have the Great Market Hall at one end and the Parliament at the other end. In between are a lof of good views but no other of the top 10 sights. The trams and many of the busses have 3 fairly tall steps to board. Busses do have drop down platforms and the driver will get out and assist. Also, the locals more often than not will assist if you look like you need it.

The corridor with the most sights will be Andrassy ut. Directly under Andrassy ut is the M1 metro. But to reach it is about 12 vertical with steps and no elevator.

The thrid corridor is the 47/49 tram line. At one end is near Andrassy ut and the other end, before crossing the river is the Great Market Hall. Halfway is the Dohany utca (great) synagogue. After crossing the river the next stop is the Gellert Bath House.

Given where you are staying, you might want to google Budapest Tuk Tuk and see what their rates are. Sort of a nice way to get around town and I dont think terribly expensive. Better than a taxi. But if you do use a taxi consider City Taxi. They have a phone app that makes the proces easy and the cars are new and clean.

Thanks Steve, I am liking what I see so far too. We are lucky n that some friends will also be in the same area, they stay at the easyhotel oktogon so we will meet up. I have been told BudapestG0 app is the best one. But wonder how to call a cab if we need to. Call you hail them on the streets? I will get the taxi app. TuTuks look fun I've used those in many places.
I was thinking of inviting you for a coffee, but that is probably against your personal rules as you must advise many people.

"Given where you are staying, you might want to google Budapest Tuk Tuk" Why is that suggestion related to our abode?

Airbnb premises

Does it have an elevator?

It says it does.

The Oktogon is a long way from the Chain Bridge. The Oktogon is a pretty good tourism accommodation location.

The Tuk Tuk for sightseeing if you have mobility issues. More flexible than a taxi as the pedal ones go in pedestrian zones. And the end of the chain bridge isnt the most user friendly location.

For a taxi download the City Taxi company app. Don't hail, call, or use the app for app pickup. https://citytaxi.hu/

BudapestGo in your case will serve to know the public transportation schedule, but most everything runs every 3 to 5 minutes. It's also a site to buy tickets and passes, but you are over 65 so you travel for free so you don't need that.

Also, OP, some of your comments indicate that maybe you think Rick Steves is answering your questions. He is not personally involved in this site. Any answers you are getting, including from the very knowledgeable Mr. É, are just from fellow travelers.

Budapest is a marvelous city with things to see, but also amazing architecture and good food. Public transportation is free for you so take advantage of it - it is a huge part of the fun and the sightseeing for me. Use it!

You shouldn’t actually need the BudapestGo app, especially if you have and know how to use Google Maps.

Download and set up City Taxi before you leave. It works just like Uber, once you are there.

Have fun!

coffee? sure. But I leave town on the 10th (Salzburg and Hallstatt) so the 8th or the 9th. I get back on the 14th.

Dunno how I come to call you Steve lol. Must be the age and stuck in my mind. As for the coffee, I was thinking more near the end of our trip rather than our first day, sorry.

I have google maps set up and a list of places+ so we are fine thanks to you and the other participants in this thread.

I will also get a 'booklet' from a book shop one tram stop away from our accommodation. Apparently it is a handy guide, hopefully similar to our London one. We will try to use trams as far as possible to see the surroundings as we travel.

I also have 'Bolt', an app to call transport in many countries if necessary.

Enjoy your trip Mr E.

I think I sent you a link to a guide. If not it's on my profile page. If you are around after the 14th, sure, coffee ... or the Thai Festival on the 15th LOL.

Safe travels,
James (aka Steve)

For currency I have a credit card which does not charge a fee for foreign cash withdrawals or purchases. I avoid the high interest charge by pre-loading the card with cash before we leave. It must be loaded with cash so it cannot easily be returned to my current account. The bank frown on the practice but I have used it for many years all over the world.

I also carry another pre-loaded credit card but it is for emergencies only as it it my daily use one in the UK.

I will use GooglePay for the taxi from the airport and withdraw 19,000Ft (as a start?) from a bank in the City somewhere near our accommodation. (Must find that before I leave).

End of the Chain Bridge is big territory so I can't recommend a bank ATM but google for ATM and look for K&H or OTP or Erste or Raiffeisen or MKB. That's sort of a dry area for banks, but there is a K&H ATM at the Intercontinental Hotrl and at what used to be the Sofitel Hotel. I like Raiffeisen as many of their ATMs are tap type so loosing your card isn't going to happen. Erste is my least favorite as they have fees.

The 19000 is a good idea for small bills. And it's nearly 50 euro so good pocket money.

Mr E, I am not lodging near the Chain Bridge. You may remember you said not Oktogon and I said I'm near there. Actually I am in Budapest, Jókai tér (Low number) 1 emelet 2 lakás, Budapest, 1061, Hungary. That is where I will look for banks when I get the time, hopefully today.

It looks a great area with a park, bakery and lots of shops, even a bar :-)

Much better. There are 3 banks at the Oktogon.