Where to stay in Budapest?

[swl]

Thinking of going to Budapest at the end of May for a few days. Is it better to stay on the Buda or Pest side? Mainly looking for 3* hotel accommodation for 2 adults and a 3 year old kid.

Does anybody know of any sights or things to do for a 3 year old kid in Budapest. Most of the things I read on the net are about going to the spa, musuem and eating. I did read somewhere about a children railway but not too sure where that is.

Thanks.

 

[Maff]

Plenty to do in Budapest! I'll get typing tomorrow.

 

[swl]

Plenty to do in Budapest! I'll get typing tomorrow.

Thanks, Maff. looking forward to reading your recommendations.

 

[twice]

Thanks, Maff. looking forward to reading your recommendations.

Hi,

I live in (near) Budapest I can help you with choosing program for you and the kiddie. I will get back to you tomorrow.

Attila

 

[1998K]

Nice choice. I went last december and I foud really a beautifull place to visit. Lots of museum, possibility to make a boat trip on the river is a must, that I couldn't

Wait for Attilia suggestion he probably will find something nice also for children.

Do you go by car of flying?

 

[twice]

Hi,

I have gathered a couple of places that might worth visiting.

- Ship tour to Szentendre (this is a nice little town, with a skanzen http://www.skanzen.hu/engn/index2.html) and Visegrád (http://www.visegrad.hu/). The timetable for the ships can be found here: http://www.web-set.hu/_Mahart_P/mahartpassnave_en.htm.
- Children's Railway (http://www.gyermekvasut.hu/english.html)
- Railway museum (http://www.vasuttortenetipark.hu/) there will be a special program on Children's day (28-29 May) and a Candle-lit Express tour on 27 May
- Budapest Amusement park (http://www.vidampark.hu/english/indexe.html), Budapest Zoo (http://www.zoobudapest.com/en/index.html) and Museum of Transport (http://www.museum.hu/search/museum_en.asp?ID=43). These are close to each other in the middle of a big park
- Millenáris park (http://www.millenaris.hu/index.php?lang=en)
- There is Open Air Aircraft Exhibition near the Ferihegy Airport, just by the way out from the Airport. (http://www.bud.hu/english/services/...tion=&lPath=/english/services/open_air_museum)
- Tropicarium (http://www.tropicarium.hu/_lang/eng/flash_eng.htm)
- Palace of Miracles (http://www.csodapalota.hu/main/english/index.htm)

You can purchase Budapest Card for having discounts at many places. (http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/index.html) You can also find hotel information on this site.

If you decided which places to visit, I will be more than happy to help you with the details.

Regards,
Attila

 

[swl]

Attila, thank you very much for getting me all those info. :bannana:

As our planned arrival in Budapest is 30 May 2005, we will miss the Children's day (28-29 May) program at the Railway museum. What a pity.

I am on a training course this week. We have been warned to do some revision every night if we want to pass the exam. Hence, I won't have much time till Friday to look into more detail the wonderful recommendations that you have drawn up for us.

Cheers.

 

[Maff]

Sorry for the delay in replying, been waiting for my other half to confirm the following....

A nice hotel to stay in is the Hotel Andrssy (Andrassy) located on the Pest side (not really any hotels on the Buda side). This is a high 3 star, low 4 star hotel in the centre of the Pest side. There are plenty of hotels on the pest side near the river but more expensive. I stayed here once when I went out clubbing for the night, and it's a nice new building.

The places below are all very close to each other and about 10 min.
walk from Hotel Anrdassy.

Robinson Restaurant - very nice restaurant, expensive for Hungary, but VERY nice food, steaks are out of this world, located on the lake next to Hero's sqaure.

Heros' Square - nice place at the end of the road the above hotel is on. Statues galore, and very historic.

Zoo/Circus - say no more.


On the Buda side:

Buda Castle (To get to Buda Castle take the "fldalatti" to Vrsmarty
Square and from there it should be signposted how to get to the Chain
Bridge - which is the oldest bridge in Budapest. Cross the bridge and
then take the "fogaskerek?" which takes you up the hill, or you can
walk up. Have a walk around there; there are some galleries up there
and fantastic view over the Pest side of the city.

House of Parliament- is on the Pest side and nearly opposite Buda
Castle; it's worth a visit. there are guided tours also in English; check
the time schedule of the English tours; I think you can buy them in
advance, not sure though.

Vci Street (Vaci Street) - pedestriants street by the Danube; shopping
area full of tourists. It is worth to go ther for a walk and maybe sit in for
a cup of coffee or a piece of cake to the famous 'Gaerbo Cukrszda'. It is
right at Vrsmarty Tr (Square).

Westend City Centre - VERY nice shopping centre, one of the largest in Europe, with hot air ballon rides on the roof, next door to the train station, and the most luxurious McDonalds you have seen, located in an old town hall/concert hall style building. Worth a visit!

Jnos Hegy (Janos Hill)- libeg?; nice view + fun to get up there

Statue of Liberty (Citadella)

Childrens' Railway - not sure how to get there; check tourist guide, however this can be quite a way up the buda hill, and may not be worth it for the distance required on the bus.

There is also the spa/swimming pools on the buda side next to the Margerat bridge from memory, which are nice old traditional swimming baths. Hotel will be able to direct you.

Hope this helps, just a collection of random thoughts!

Matt + Katalin.

 

[swl]

Hi Matt + Katalin - Thanks for your input.

Matt/Katalin/Attila - There is a special offer going on at the Ramada Hotel Budapest,
30-34 Tompa Utca
Budapest 1094.

Is this hotel's location any good for getting to the usual touristy places using public transport like metro, bus and trams? If the answer is "Yes", I will book the flights and hotel asap.

Thanks again.

Regards,
swl

 

[twice]

Hi,

The place is ~5mins walk from a main tram line and ~10 mins walk from a metro line.
It is on a newly rebuilt street/area of the IX. district of Budapest.

Here is the map: http://www.atc.hu/images/Hotel_Ramada.jpg

The main tram line is on 'Ferenc körút', the stop is between Tompa u. and Mester u. The city center is 4-5 metro stops from the Ferenc körút station.

Regards,
Attila

 

[swl]

Hi Atilla,

I was just about to book the Ramada Hotel when I noticed that their check-in time is 15:00pm. Have decided against staying there. Will either book into the Inn Side Hotel Delibab or Domina Hotel Fiesta. Probably will go for Inn Side Hotel Delibab unless you know of any negative aspects of that hotel. Would have stayed at the Andrassy had it been a little cheaper.

Thanks.

 

[twice]

Hi,

I have never been to that hotel before, but it is close to the pig park of Városliget, Heroes square and Andrási street. It's transport properties is also good being the close to the Yellow Metro line.

Another tip:

The best way of getting into the city from the Airport, if not renting a car is the Airport Minibus (http://www.bud.hu/english/services/...ion=&lPath=/english/services/open_air_museum/)
since the Taxis waiting at the entrance/exit are surely part of a little "maffia", "hunting" tourists. You can also look for non "maffia" taxi companies like Citytaxi (www.citytaxi.hu), Főtaxi, these cars can be ordered inside the terminal.

I just found that Főtaxi has an Aiport Transfer for 3500Ft to the Pest side, but I am not sure if it is for one person of more.

I will PM you my phone number, just in case you need further assistance after arrival.

Regards,
Attila

 

[swl]

I will PM you my phone number, just in case you need further assistance after arrival.

Regards,
Attila

Thanks, Attila for your phone number.

I have now bought the air tickets and booked the hotel. If you are not too far away, maybe we can meet up so that I can buy you a drink or two to thank you for your help. I will pm you with our details in case you want to meet up.

Regards,
swl

 

[twice]

Have a good time in Budapest. I have also sent you a PM.

 

[swl]

Hi Attila,

Sorry to bother you. Can you please find out for me the name of the nearest metro station to the Inn Side Delibab. I cannot find out what this is anywhere on the internet.

As I will be arriving fairly early in Budapest, I will probably take the local bus (need to find out bus no at airport) from the terminal to the end stop Kobanya Kispest as it should be free with the Budapest card. (just need to find out where they sell the card in Termainal 2B). Thereafter, I hope to take the metro to my hotel. If this proves too difficult, I will take the airport minibus.

Thanks.

swl

 

[twice]

Hi Attila,

Sorry to bother you. Can you please find out for me the name of the nearest metro station to the Inn Side Delibab. I cannot find out what this is anywhere on the internet.

As I will be arriving fairly early in Budapest, I will probably take the local bus (need to find out bus no at airport) from the terminal to the end stop Kobanya Kispest as it should be free with the Budapest card. (just need to find out where they sell the card in Termainal 2B). Thereafter, I hope to take the metro to my hotel. If this proves too difficult, I will take the airport minibus.

Thanks.

swl

Hi,

No problem.

There is bus line called "REPTÉR-BUSZ" it is "Airport Bus" in english. (here is the schedule for it: http://www.bkv.hu/angol/busz/reptervissza.html)

So you take the bus to KoKi (Kobanya Kispest) then get on the metro (this is the blue line) and go to Deak Ter. There you have to switch to the Yellow line also called Kis Foldalatti, since it is smaller and older line. Go to the direction of Mexikoi ut. You have to get off at Hosok tere (Heroes square) and have short walk.

Here is the map:

But be prepared that "crossing" Kobanya Kispest could be like a travel back in time, since it is so crowded in the peak hours.


As just found on a Hungarian site, the Budapest Card can be purchased at the
Minibus counter at the Airport. But you can ask it at the information as well.
You can have 15% discount on the Minibus with the Budapest Card. (http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/card/)

Please feel free to ask other question when needed.

Best Regards,

 

[swl]

Thanks a lot Attila. :bannana:

Regards,
swl

 

[swl]

Attila, you have pm.