Help Needed Last few weeks of planning

[BJinNM]

As some of you know, we are spending a week in Prague and a week in Budapest this fall, with a river cruise in between. These are the last few weeks before we leave, and I have one question so far and a plea for restaurant suggestions and place not to be missed in Prague and Budapest. My question is whether anyone who has visited Budapest has purchased the Budapest card and whether it is worth it. Budapest Card We are in each city for a week. I would love your suggestions and your opinions.

BJ

 

[Katt B]

I've been to Budapest three times in the past few years, one of my favorite cities to visit. I've never purchased the Budapest Card - I was just not very interested in the sights it has to offer. I have however purchased a transit pass which I used heavily (the 5/30 BKK Travelcard worked well for me). Note that if you happen to be an EU citizen and are 65 or over (dual citizen, perhaps?), you travel free on Hungarian public transport.

My top recommendation for Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament tour, which you can/should book ahead online. Other favorites are St. Stephen's Basilica, the Great Synagogue, Fisherman's Bastion, Castle Hill, Gellert Hill, Heroes Square, Great Market Hall, and Margaret Island (with its musical fountain). Also, if you have a transit pass, it includes the boats which go up and down the river, which is a pleasant ride on a nice day.

My favorite Budapest restaurant is Hungarikum Bisztro near the Parliament (book online at least a week or two in advance). Other faves are Cafe Kor, Borsso Bistro, and Barack & Szilva Restaurant.

I hope you have a wonderful time in this beautiful city!

 

[BJinNM]

Thanks! This is great information. Where can you buy the transit pass?

BJ

 

[Katt B]

At the BKK Customer Service Center at the airport, in both terminals 2A and 2B. Here is the link for more information:

https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/

I see there is a 7-day travelcard for HUF 4950 so maybe that would work out well for you. If you are not arriving at the airport, there are numerous ticket machines throughout the city where you can buy your tickets or passes. Here is a good guide to public transport in Budapest including how to buy tickets:

https://www.budapestbylocals.com/budapest-public-transport.html#ticketspasses

 

[BJinNM]

Thanks so much. We are arriving on a river boat so I will be looking for the ones around the city. I really appreciate your insights.

BJ

 

[Shannon]

Not food - but try to go to a ruin bar. You can go in the daytime, along with a lot of other tourists, to this one:
Szimpla Kert

Just google ruin bars to find more. At night, of course, they can get pretty packed. In the daytime, nice and pretty quiet.

Very close to Szimpla Kert is a very cool food truck place - Karavan Street Food

 

[BJinNM]

Thank you, Shannon. I have been reading about these and they sound interesting. Love the daytime idea and the food truck lead. (BTW is the volcano in Sicily eruption going to affect you guys?)

 

[Shannon]

BJ, should not affect us, we won’t be that close to the mouth. But it will be pretty, I hope.

 

[BJinNM]

BJ, should not affect us, we won’t be that close to the mouth. But it will be pretty, I hope.

Hopefully, some spectucular views!

 

[Shannon]

When I was there during last years eruption BJ - it was pretty stunning. One night we were all at a winery drinking and eating and watching the lava come out. It was awesome.

 

[BJinNM]

Wow, I would love to see an eruption, from a distance, of course!