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Budapest Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Budapest

Budapest guide

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Budapest is a city that still bears the scars of communism but one that is constantly developing into one of the world's greatest capitals. Split in two by the grand River Danube, on one side you have the Buda, the hilly side dominated by the castle and Royal Palace. On the other you have the Pest, a flat side where you will find the city's financial district, high street shops and its most popular bars. But something you can find anywhere in the city are its public baths...don't leave without treating yourself to a dip in one.

Latest reviews of Budapest

grocery very cheap!!! sight seeing awesome!!! nearly anyone is talking englisch or german. very nice people, wheather was awesome,too! you can reach everthing by walking...it\'s all nearby,although u wouldn\'t believe it...eating out is worth it! most of the sights are for free for...more grocery very cheap!!! sight seeing awesome!!! nearly anyone is talking englisch or german. very nice people, wheather was awesome,too! you can reach everthing by walking...it\'s all nearby,although u wouldn\'t believe it...eating out is worth it! most of the sights are for free for European Union citizens!!! the parliament is the best and don\'t miss the unforgettable view from the mount gellert (Liberation Statue), and Citadelle. And matthew church was worth it, president\'s palace, too. and chain bridge by night! close

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by rubibubi179400 – posted on Apr 1, 2008

rubibubi179400, from Germany, has 3 reviews 3

Budapest is very cheap in terms of accomodations and food. The pride in the culture is very apparent in this city, but definitely check out the museums to get a bit of background. There are so may things to see here. I spent 4 full days and could have easily spent more. There seems to be quite a...more Budapest is very cheap in terms of accomodations and food. The pride in the culture is very apparent in this city, but definitely check out the museums to get a bit of background. There are so may things to see here. I spent 4 full days and could have easily spent more. There seems to be quite a few festivals, markets, celebrations going on, but also a lot of places to just sit down and relax. Nightlife isn\'t very apparent, but I had some locals to show me down the sidestreets to find the popular clubs. Also, the metro system is simple, and easy to navigate, but gets you everywhere you want to be. close

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by hazle0131570 – posted on Mar 23, 2008

hazle0131570, from USA, has 14 reviews 14

I live in Zagreb, a semi-central european metorpole, and it beats Budapest ! It\'s deserted, dirty, smelly, and, truthfully, not very interesting. An overgrown, overpriced 18-19th century central-european city. And if you\'re trying to get a coffe at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, better be...more I live in Zagreb, a semi-central european metorpole, and it beats Budapest ! It\'s deserted, dirty, smelly, and, truthfully, not very interesting. An overgrown, overpriced 18-19th century central-european city. And if you\'re trying to get a coffe at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, better be prepared for a long walk. The bloody city shuts down for the weekend! close

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by maris-s – posted on Jan 5, 2008

maris-s, from Croatia, has 4 reviews 4

We visited Budapest around Christmas time and I would suggest that this is the best time to go because you have a chance of getting snow as we did! This made the trip really special because we don\'t get much snow in England! The city is large but we enjoyed travelling on foot so that we...more We visited Budapest around Christmas time and I would suggest that this is the best time to go because you have a chance of getting snow as we did! This made the trip really special because we don\'t get much snow in England! The city is large but we enjoyed travelling on foot so that we could see all the sights. Outdoor iceskating in city park was amazing and the Christmas market in Vorosmarty Ter was very enchanting and served the best mulled wine I have ever tasted. We ate at a small restaurant called Lugas across from St Stephen\'s Basilica which was very nice and friendly. Overall, a lovely city to visit especially in the winter season. close

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by stressbynature – posted on Dec 14, 2007

stressbynature, from England, has 2 reviews 2

Budapest was awesome. I travelled there with two friends at the end of Novmeber. The weather was great! It was 13-15 degrees Celsius- which was a big change from the 0-4 degree weather in Prague! I\'m not sure about the transporation system as we only used it once, but if you like to...more Budapest was awesome. I travelled there with two friends at the end of Novmeber. The weather was great! It was 13-15 degrees Celsius- which was a big change from the 0-4 degree weather in Prague! I\'m not sure about the transporation system as we only used it once, but if you like to walk around, there is plenty to see in Budapest. Great city, I am very glad I didn\'t miss it!close

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by virginia8588 – posted on Nov 23, 2007

virginia8588, from USA, has 2 reviews 2

Baths are an experience but not necessary if pressed for time. Lybranths are amazing and a great find, especially to escape the cold weather. Opera is a must. Coffee and Pastry at numerous places was enjoyable. Some of the best music in the world at many bars and local establishments,...more Baths are an experience but not necessary if pressed for time. Lybranths are amazing and a great find, especially to escape the cold weather. Opera is a must. Coffee and Pastry at numerous places was enjoyable. Some of the best music in the world at many bars and local establishments, be sure to pick some up on the way home. Stay at Enter Privates if you want a great place to stay.close

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by Onmyjour – posted on Nov 22, 2007

Onmyjour, from USA, has 3 reviews 3

Budapest is an amazing city! There is beautiful architecture, interesting history, good food, and beautiful views on top of the mountains of this hilly city. Musts for Budapest: chill in the thermal baths (alongside the old men playing chess), eat everything covered in paprika, walk along the...more Budapest is an amazing city! There is beautiful architecture, interesting history, good food, and beautiful views on top of the mountains of this hilly city. Musts for Budapest: chill in the thermal baths (alongside the old men playing chess), eat everything covered in paprika, walk along the river that divides Buda and Pest at night, and ride Europe\'s oldest metro.close

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by carolineholc – posted on Nov 22, 2007

carolineholc, from USA, has 10 reviews 10

Budapest is a fantastic city. There has to be something here to suit everyone\'s tastes. It is a very big city and the sights, attractions and night life are well spread out so, for the not so fit, making use of the city\'s extensive public transport system is to be recommended. The...more Budapest is a fantastic city. There has to be something here to suit everyone\'s tastes. It is a very big city and the sights, attractions and night life are well spread out so, for the not so fit, making use of the city\'s extensive public transport system is to be recommended. The taxis were reasonably cheap as well so getting back to the hostel after a late night out is not too hard on the pocket. Even though it was November when I was there I found the city to be an attractive place. I\'d love to return in the summer. I\'d recommend a trip to Budapest to anybody.close

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by PolishHippy – posted on Nov 18, 2007

PolishHippy, from Poland, has 26 reviews 26

Some breathtaking architecture, the Parliament and Cathedral are \'must see\' if only for the gold leaf. Sad that the city is blighted by graffite on every available space. Tourist areas good, but still strong signs of old drab and grey communist era in outer districts. A city well...more Some breathtaking architecture, the Parliament and Cathedral are \'must see\' if only for the gold leaf. Sad that the city is blighted by graffite on every available space. Tourist areas good, but still strong signs of old drab and grey communist era in outer districts. A city well worth a visit and I shall return.close

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by mal – posted on Nov 15, 2007

mal, from England, has 2 reviews 2

Budapest was a fun city with lots to see and do there. We really enjoyed our first night out when we went to a buffet restaurant recommended to us by the folks at Aventura Hostel. It was full of locals and for 14Euro we enjoyed all you can eat fantastic food and all you can drink beer, wine an...more Budapest was a fun city with lots to see and do there. We really enjoyed our first night out when we went to a buffet restaurant recommended to us by the folks at Aventura Hostel. It was full of locals and for 14Euro we enjoyed all you can eat fantastic food and all you can drink beer, wine an d non- alcoholic beverages. It was fabulous!close

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by heather1358 – posted on Nov 14, 2007

heather1358, from Canada, has 28 reviews 28

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Top Rated Budapest Places to Stay

  1. Hotel Molnar 100%      

    the first minute in the reception was a desaster, later it was merveillous. The hotel valeur **** I go 2 or 3 times a year in 5* and world leat hotels. I asked you for MILAN 4 TO 8 FEB

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    by victor9440 – posted on Jan 2007

    victor9440, from Belgium, has 4 reviews 4

  2. Mandragora Doubles 88%      

    good and cheap. The only problem is you have to go to another place (two tram stations away) to check-in.

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    by jingyuancheng7355 – posted on Oct 2008

    jingyuancheng7355, from China, has 1 reviews 1

    Like staying in your own apartment. Great kitchen. Dodgy lock on front door... Quite hot in the summer as no cooling system in the rooms. Would definitely stay again

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    by LizStur – posted on Jul 2006

    LizStur, from Australia, has 15 reviews 15

  3. Karat Guesthouse 85%      

    the location is really far away from any sightseeing site or center. But, there are bus or tram station which are not so far away . It is in quiet place and hard to find at the first time.

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    by DuPen – posted on Aug 2008

    DuPen, from Hong Kong, has 4 reviews 4

    The accommodation appeared to be a one bed apartment attic conversion in a 3 storey building. The bedroom had two beds (the door has a lock) with a further two beds in the living room (this was classed as a dorm). The fridge was a great asset although you may want to take cotton sheets as they...

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    by onlyos – posted on Jun 2008

    onlyos, from Ireland, has 57 reviews 57

  4. Budapest Apartment 80%      

    This apartment is quite nice and spacious and it's location is also good (near opera). But because the heater is too small, it was cold to us. Except this, everything was fine.

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    by which-tsai7054 – posted on Nov 2008

    which-tsai7054, from Taiwan, has 1 reviews 1

    the apartment is well situated, it is possible to visit most of the city without using the public transport. we had a problem with the gas on sunday morning and the staff intervened very fast. our plane was delayed and we arrived very late in the evening but there was no problem to get the...

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    by zazzza6751 – posted on Nov 2008

    zazzza6751, from France, has 1 reviews 1

  5. Attila Hotel 60%      

    Overall, real good value compared to other options.

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    by clarkef7719 – posted on May 2008

    clarkef7719, from Canada, has 3 reviews 3

    The staff was really unpolite and they didnt know anything about the payment or the conditions of our reservation. We needed a tram and a subway to go to the center, and in the shower the water wasnt really hot. they didnt change the towels in the whole weekend. the only thing that was good was...

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    by hijadelafortuna861735 – posted on Apr 2008

    hijadelafortuna861735, from Spain, has 2 reviews 2

Top Rated Budapest Restaurants

  1. Avocado100%      

    • What?

        International Cuisine

    • Where?

        Near the Határ út (Jókai Mór utca)‎ Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        There is a wide selection of dishes from many different regions such as the Hungarian, French and Italian regions. There is also a good selection of Hungarian and International wines and beers.

    I've eaten in many places in Budapest but this place is my favourite. The decor is really cool. Dark, but cool. Food is great, and there's a downstairs club also so you don't have to go far if you want a boogie after your bites.

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    by colm – posted on Jul 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  2. Dunacorso100%      

    • What?

        International Cuisine

    • Where?

        Near the Vigado Ter 3 Subway station

    • Anything Else?

        There is a good family atmosphere to this place and during the summer you can eat on the terrace and get a good view of Buda.

    Don't let the stuffy decor put you off this restaurant. Prices aren't extortionate but certainly aren't cheap. The decor is extremely plush, and musicians might put people off, but if you want to treat yourself try this place out.

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    by colm – posted on Jul 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  3. Abszint Restaurant100%      

    Very good restaurant located on Andrassy, the main boulevard in Budapest, very close to the popular Liszt Ferenc tér (square) which is a popular restaurant spot. Food is very good and wines are reasonable. Main courses typically in the region of €10. Service is excellent and friendly (unlike many places in Liszt where the presence of a customer seems to...

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    by Knockavullig – posted on Oct 2008

    Knockavullig, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

  4. Coffee Cat100%      

    Excellent café. Small but with a good atmosphere. Friendly owner who speaks a number of languages. Excellent service. Croissants, cookies and pastries constitute the food selection.

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    by Knockavullig – posted on Oct 2008

    Knockavullig, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

  5. Taverna Dionysos Greek Restaurant80%      

    Good Greek foor and wine. Excellent service and all reasonably priced. Atmospheric decor. Located close to the main pedestrianised city centre shopping and eating street (Vaci Utca). Has better food and service than many restaurants on that street and it's slightly off the beaten track location means it tends to avoid the stag night brigade.

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    by Knockavullig – posted on Oct 2008

    Knockavullig, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

Top Rated Budapest Attractions

  1. Parliament100%      

    • What?

        Hungarian Parliament Building

    • Where?

        Beside the Kossuth Lajos tér Subway station

    • Anything Else?

        One of the oldest and largest legislative buildings in Europe, it is the current seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. The building is also the largest building in Budapest. The buildng can be toured in groups led by guides.

    I reckon this isn't just one of Europe's most amazing buildings, but one of the world's! It has been the scene of violence in the last year with all the protests and everything, but there haven't been any there in a while. You can do free tours also - there's a sign about it outside. For the best views though, make your way across the river to the Buda side.

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    by colm – posted on Jul 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  2. Buda Palace100%      

    • What?

        Palace and Galleries

    • Where?

        Near the Halász utca Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        The original foundations for the palace were laid in the 13th Century and since then the palace has been razed on many occasions. The last rebuild was in 1966 and the interiors were completed in the 1980's. There are now museums and galleries here.

    Looming over Pest from the Buda side, you could spend an entire day exploring Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. This is where you will encounter the National Gallery and the History Museum, Mathias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, a viewing platform that boasts unforgettable views over the Hungarian capital.

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    by colm – posted on Jul 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  3. House of Terror100%      

    • What?

        Museum

    • Where?

        Near the Déli pu vá.‎ Subway station

    • Anything Else?

        This museum serves as a constant reminder to people of the attrocities committed in to people in Hungary during the time of Nazi and Soviet rule. The building was used by the Nazis and Soviets for torture of prisoners.

    Brilliant museum! The most interesting, informative and moving museum I have ever been to. If you were to only see one thing in Budapest I would highly recommend this.

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    by ambero – posted on Jan 2008

    ambero, from Australia, has 26 reviews 26

  4. Great Market Hall100%      

    • What?

        Market Hall

    • Where?

        Near the Fővám tér Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        It is the largest Market Hall in budapest and there are stalls offering a huge variety of vegetables, fruit, cheese and meat for sale. There are also stalls selling everything that a tourist could want. The building itself is also quite impressive.

    Budapest's famous Great Market Hall isn't just a great place for cheap, decent Hungarian food, it's also a great place to see. When you walk in go up the stairs and over to the stalls on the left. There are loads of stalls there to choose from. The view of the market below is great also.

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    by colm – posted on Jun 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  5. Rudas Baths100%      

    • What?

        Baths

    • Where?

        Near the Döbrentei tér‎ Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        These thermal and medicinal baths were built in 1550 during the time of the Turkish occupations of Hungary and are very much in the style of Turkish baths and have elements of them.

    Built by the Turks in 1566, Rudas is the oldest thermal bath in Budapest. Recently renovated, its unique, magic atmosphere remains. If you try only one bath in Budapest, you have to try this one !

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    by frakass – posted on Aug 2007

    frakass, from France, has 3 reviews 3

Top Rated Budapest Bars

  1. Kameleon Club100%      

    • What?

        Nightclub

    • Where?

        Near the Széna tér‎ Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        The club has a srong Latin influence and a relaxed atmosphere. The interior is all red with plush sofas adding to the comfort whilst you watch the go-go dancers on the catwalk. There is a large selection of cocktails available.

    In a word -- wow! great place. Full of women and cheesey music. What more do you want. Lots of dancing, drinking and other stuff too. had a great time and am only dissappointed it was my last night in Budapest before I discovered the Kameleon. Brilliant spot!

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    by Melanie2006 – posted on May 2007

    Melanie2006, from Australia, has 21 reviews 21

  2. Wine and Coffee House80%      

    Open early for breakfast on Saturday unlike many cafés in Budapest. Friendly staff and godo service. Good coffee and fresh croissants. From lunchtime it turns into a wine bar with a good selection on offer.

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    by Knockavullig – posted on Oct 2008

    Knockavullig, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

  3. Old Man's Pub80%      

    • What?

        Music Club

    • Where?

        Near the Blaha Lujza tér‎ Subway and Tram station

    • Anything Else?

        A good club for live music and when there isn't live music there are DJ's playing music through out the night. The club is located underground and the drink is reasonably priced.

    The Old Man's Pub is one of Budapest's best known pubs, if a bit hard to find. At weekends it's packed and there's live music a lot of the time. If you're looking for a good night out on a Saturday hail a cab and dive in!

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    by colm – posted on Jun 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  4. Fat Mo's Music Club80%      

    • What?

        Music Bar and Restaurant

    • Where?

        Near the Március 15. tér‎ Tram stops

    • Anything Else?

        A bar that has live jazz music every night from 9pm and there is a selection of 11 different draught beers and a variety of cocktails. Be sure to book your table in advance if you wish to try either the American or Mexican cuisine that is available.

    Last time I was in Budapest I was in here about three times. It's a really cool bar in a good location, with good food, helpful staff, and music at weekends.

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    by colm – posted on Jul 2007

    colm, from Ireland, has 223 reviews 223

  5. Paul's Pub66%      

    • What?

        Bar and Restaurant

    • Where?

        Near the Március 15. tér‎ Tram stop

    • Anything Else?

        There are two floors to the pub, the top floor being the bar and the ground floor is the restaurant. The bar is full of pine panelling including the ceiling. There is a selection of 2 draughts beers and 22 bottled beers.

    I've been to that restaurant a couple of times and it was always a good stay. I didnt have a problem with the waiters or waitresses. They do have a bitter taste of humer but if you are up for sarcasm i think its cool. I also feel that considering that fact that its downtown the prices ar fair. The food is good and they've got a nice variety of wines.

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    by Anonymus – posted on Mar 2008

    Anonymus, from Hungary, has 1 reviews 1

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