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Recommendations for Trip to Budapest

I am an American college student studying abroad in Copenhagen this semester, and I will be visiting Budapest Thursday, April 14th-Sunday, April 17th. I was in Hungary three years ago for two weeks as an exchange student, but I only spent one day in Budapest. And, when I was there, I only made it to the Nagy Zsinagóga (Great Synagouge) and the House of Terror Museum. Does anyone have any recommendations for things to do, sites to see, museums to visit, places to eat, walking tours to check out etc. (keeping in mind that I am on a college student's budget)? Thank you!

Posted by
811 posts

Hi Alyssa, A couple days ago there was a similar thread (that also included Prague), and you might find it useful for planning your visit: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/64619/prague-and-budapest.html In Budapesting's second post he references Central Market Hall (I've also seen it referred to as Great Market Hall), but all he says is that it is at the end of Váci utca. For us it was a highlight, so I wanted to make sure you didn't miss it in all of his other great suggestions. Additionally, Google "langos" before you go to see if it would be of interest (it's a local specialty food item), as there is a great stand on the second floor of Central Market Hall from which to try one. Good luck!

Posted by
26 posts

Hi, I am going to Budapest next month and have been doing some research. In Rick's book he states that one of the best deals is an opera at the Hungarian State Opera House. You can get an obstructed view seat for about $2.50US. If you are fan of opera or just want to check it out, this would be a great way to do it on a budget. I have purchased my tickets already for next month so I can vouch for the price.
The website is http://opera.hu/

Posted by
15560 posts

I downloaded self-guided walking tours from Frommers website. They were good, but didn't include maps so it was a tad (just a tad) confusing. They include ideas for food and coffee breaks, plus almost all the worthwhile sites. You can get a pretty cheap ticket to an evening concert at the basilica (not much more than an entrance ticket during the day). Get there early and you will have lots of time to see the inside, all lit up, and take photos before the program begins. Then sit back, enjoy the music - whatever it is - and soak in the beauty all around you. Since you mentioned the synagogue, you might be interested in the Holocaust Museum, which is very well done. The tour of the Parliament is excellent, but it isn't easy to get tickets - you have to line up well in advance to get the ticket, then come back and wait in line again for your tour. If you have only a short time, you may not want to spend so much time on it. Hungarian wine is cheap and very good. You can buy bottles in the supermarket, but do get a glass with your meals too.