Budapest - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
See comments to #7 above. Our favorite local Hungarian restaurant was Regos Vendeglo, a tiny below-ground restaurant with delicious food and excellent prices. For craft beer, we liked Csakajósör (bring your own food), Legfelsobb, Pater Marcus (primarily Belgian), KEG Sörm?vház, and Bölcs? Bar & Food. Hot Rod Budapest is a blast, as you drive tiny cars around the city (expensive-$100 pp). Create your own scavenger hunt by searching the city for mini statues (https://budapestflow.com/hidden-mini-statues-budapest/), Lehel Market is about as local as a local market gets! Delicious langos and cheap wine in refillable plastic bottles. The wine tasting at Faust Wine Cellar (under the Hilton Hotel next to Matthias Church) is a great experience. You can also take the H5 train to Roman ruins at Aquincum and to the quaint town of Szentendre. The list goes on and on. - Feb 2020
Rick Steve's book for Budapest is a good guide. I loved the Labyrinth, castle district, Basilica, etc. - Nov 2018
Drive to Bavaria (5 hours), Croatia (4 hours), Slovenia (4 hours), Vienna (2.5 hours), Slovakia (2 hours), Lake Balaton (1-2 hours). Within Budapest: go to Margaret Island, the great zoo, the circus, the baths (Szechenyi in winter, Gellert in summer), go to the wonderful chandelier-filled coffee shops, the Christmas market. Don’t miss the big festivals like Mohacs near Pecs or Easter in Holloko 2 hours north of Budapest. - Dec 2017
Drive to South Germany (5 hours), Croatia (4 hours), Slovenia (4 hours), Vienna (2.5 hours), Lake Balaton (1-2 hours). Within Budapest: go to Margaret Island, the great zoo, the circus, the fantastic baths (Szechenyi Baths especially), go to the wonderful chandelier-filled coffee shops, go to the Christmas market. - Jan 2012
There are many good restaurants, lots of sight seeing, excellent (and cheap) spas, and great travel opportunities within a few hours of Budapest. - Apr 2010
There is a lot to do for families with older and younger children. My children were 14 and 10 when we moved to Buda. - Dec 2009
All outdoor activities, with beautiful parks, great hills, etc. Lake Balaton has outstanding beaches, boating, outdoor nightclubs. Local wines are great in every price point. Frequent festivals and Christmas markets offer great food and drink. Lots of movie theaters and a surprising number of modern shopping centers cater to those pastimes. The historic sights of Budapest are world-class, and the surrounding area is full of fun day trips and suited to longer excursions. Classical music and ballet (Nutcracker, opera) a treat in this city that truly values culture. - Feb 2008
