I’ve lifted this quotation from another forum. It’s an interesting question IMO - valuable local knowledge, for sure.“What did you discover you wished someone had told you before your first trip? Did someone give you advice that you found particularly helpful or useful that you'd be willing to pass on? Anything from communicating, how to deal with scammers, public transport, public toilets, supermarket etiquette, restaurant behavior, tipping, speaking the language, cultural "quirks" particular to Hungary/Budapest, how to generally not annoy the locals and be a good visitor etc. etc. etc.”
Posted by
Land of La
9268 posts
I was 21 and experiencing being in love…or thought I was. Not talking about Hungary. Never been.
Sharing reflections on first European visit over 50 years ago…..
Went with the then college boyfriend to Europe. He was on a sales trip for his father’s company.
1st learning experience: How long the international flight took from California.
2nd learning experience: that eggs, bacon and toast weren’t served for breakfast.
3rd: that my high school French sucked
4th: that Geneva was on a lake
5th: that the Night Watch was huge
6th: that London pubs were great places to meet people and their dogs, cats, grand parents and babies in prams
7th: that Paris hotels had elevators like I’d seen in the movie Charade
8th: that the French onion soup I had in an Amsterdam cafe was the best I’ve ever had
9th: that having a coin purse was brilliant
10th: that I could drink and enjoy warm Guinness
11th: that I didn’t get sea sick.
12th: that taxi’s in Germany were Mercedes Benz
13th: that Hofbrau House mugs were extremely heavy.
14th: that I liked train travel
15th: unisex toilets
16th: that I’d fall in love with London
17th: that you’d leave your room keys at the front desk
18th: that towels and wash cloths felt rough enough to take your skin off.
19th: that moleskin was magic
20th: that Europe is intriguing
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20592 posts
This might be better in General Europe.
Posted by
OP
eastern US
131 posts
Mr. E. - I don't think they will let me re-post because it has already been posted, even if I delete it. I tried before posting a similar message (actually, almost identical) and forum would not let me do it.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20592 posts
Just that more people would find it, and it's interesting subject.
Posted by
OP
eastern US
131 posts
I tried posting in General Europe per your suggestion and it would not let me. Maybe I can wait a couple of days and see if it works then.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16643 posts
Harwood, from your posting history and that you mention being interested in tips having to do with "cultural "quirks" particular to Hungary/Budapest", makes sense that you've posted your question in the Hungary forum. Hope you get the tips you're looking for!
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20592 posts
Ohhhh geeze, I didnt see the "particular to Hungary/Budapest": Was it always there or was I haveing a senior moment?
how to generally not annoy the locals and be a good visitor etc. etc.
etc.
There is no unique cultural taboos here. Be polite and courteous. I try and walk the streets like I am a guest in someone's home. Other than that live and enjoy. These are pretty good people by and large.
To the broader question, I dont think the guidebooks emphasise the how learning and using public transportation will improve your stay. On top of that, it can be fun. Forget the HOHO Bus here, ride a tram and look out the window and hop on and off as often as you want. This city, for me, is as much about what is between the Top Ten as it is about the Top Ten sights. But I am so biased that maybe I am not a good source on this one.