A Vacation Insiders Travel Guide to Budapest

Hungary's Budapest

A Vacation Insiders Guide

MEET JÁNOS & VIRÁG Contact János & Virág: +36.70.2211.797

This Insider Guide is brought to you by János & Virág, owners of 5 apartments in the heart of Budapest, Hungary, a city full of history, charm and diversity.

THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube, is often described as one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. Our latest Guide is brought to you by János & Virág who are fulfilling a dream to provide affordable comfort in a great location for those wishing to share in Budapest's many charms.

Budapest's other moniker, The Heart of Europe, is very apt for János & Virág since this dream encompasses not only a love affair with the city but also with each other.

One of their first 'dates' was a viewing of what was to become their very first vacation rental apartment.

I have never been to this great city but its name conjures up images of the history, culture and style from the Golden Age of travel. After reading this guide from János & Virág, I've realised that, whilst those images hold true,

E: joe@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com

there is also a youthful energy and vibrancy to modern Budapest. A fizzing nightlife, great restaurants and a diversity of activities that include relaxing river cruises and thermal baths, ice skating, exploring cave systems and Live Action Games (which from personal experience of playing in Singapore I'd highly recommend!) makes Budapest a truly memorable vacation destination.

MEET YOUR INSIDERS

JÁNOS & VIRÁG...

In the last 20 years I had the chance to travel a lot. I visited many places mainly in Europe, Asia and Australia, and stayed at many apartments, guesthouses, and hostels. It was during this time that I had the dream of eventually settling down and hosting guests from around the world in my very own property in Budapest, Hungary.

In 2011 I met a nice girl and we started dating. I mentioned to her my dream that I had been thinking of for more than a decade. She liked me and my dream as well :). There was one time, a few hours before our next date, that an estate agent called me - there was

Photo by Lindtner Béla

“I had the dream of eventually settling down and hosting guests from around the world in my very own property in Budapest, Hungary.”

Photo by Dennis Jarvis

Photo by Jo Peattie

a run down apartment at a great location right in the very heart of Budapest that I should take a look at.

It could be renovated and then sold for a good price.

I asked the girl to join me for this strange date and surprise, she was flexible enough to say yes to this unusual occasion!

Luckily for me, she fell in love with that run down flat and I bought it, renovated and furnished it as my first apartment for rent. The renovation took over a year as I did almost everything on my own during the weekends. It turned out that it was not just the flat that she fell in love with:) We married and have now a cute daughter and 5 apartments that we run.

I put a lot of effort into these 5 apartments, to hopefully make them the best choice for travelers. In case you like our story and some of the amazing experiences in this guide please give us a call or email; we'd be happy to host you! Hope to see you in Budapest.

JÁNOS & VIRÁG'S REAL BUDAPEST...

The real Budapest is its diversity. Ask any Hungarian to name their favourite street, square, corner, park or promenade... we're certain you'll get different answers.

Whatever your interests, you'll be satisfied in Budapest!

Did you know we're the only capital city in the world which has spas? The architecturally outstanding Széchenyi and Gellért, Rudas next to the Király and Lukács is the perfect

lions guarding the Chain Bridge do not have tongues.

In fact the lions DO have tongues, but they can only be seen from above!

On the Buda side of the bridge a tunnel was built under the castle hill. Its length is approximately identical to that of the Chain Bridge, prompting anecdotes according to which the tunnel has only been built so that during a

Photo by Lindtner Béla

choice for those who wish to heal, relax and recuperate.

According to www.thrillist.com Rudas Thermal Bath is on the list of "11 Hot tubs in amazing places". Built in 1550, some of the Turkish-period features are still used today: The octagonal pool, the four small corner pools, each with water of a different temperature, and the characteristic Turkish dome.

According to www.ucityguides.com New York Café in Budapest is the most beautiful café in the world. We must agree. Please come and have a look at the interior, featuring ornate lamps and paintings on the ceiling mixed with contemporary furnishings.

The Chain Bridge from 1849 was the first permanent bridge to cross the Danube from Regensburg (Germany) until the Black Sea. It is a widespread urban legend in Budapest that the bridge was perfect except that the

rain the Chain Bridge can be pushed in and be protected from moisture.

National Geographic has collected the world's Top 10 trolley rides. Budapest's #2 tram has been awarded with the 7th place, being the best European line on the list.

At a price of a single ticket you can see several sights.

Some of them are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, like the view of the Danube and the Buda Castle Area.

Other sights also deserving of World Heritage status are Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and Metro 1 (the oldest underground on the continent).

But there's more! The world's largest thermal water cave system, Europe's largest synagogue, and the Hungarian Parliament building, the world's third largest parliament, the home of the Hungarian Holy Crown. We think it's the nicest Parliament building in the world. Come to Budapest and decide yourself. It's your turn to judge!

János & Virág's Favourite Local Produce...

Fish soup (halászlé) is a popular Christmas dish (but also year-round), served with slices of fresh white bread, and add as much paprika as you can take!

Gundel palacsinta is a crêpe with a filling made from walnut, raisin, rum and lemon zest, served with a chocolate sauce. At some places it is served flambéed.

Hungarians are crazy about Túró Rudi so don't leave before tasting it! It's a chocolate bar with an inner filling of túró (curd) popular in Hungary since 1968.

Photo by Restaurant Gundel, Budapest

Photo by Restaurant Gundel, Budapest

Photo by Jo Peattie

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

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Budapest's Best View...

The guide books of Budapest usually write about finding the nicest views from the top of the Citadel, from the castle hill and from the top of the Saint Stephan's Basilica. But you don't need to climb up so high for an eye-catching view... just walk to the middle of the Margaret bridge and be astonished by this gorgeous city! Also a great spot is on the Buda side at Batthyány square. The Parliament house will delight you just on the other side of the river with its magnificent appearance.

Photo by Lindtner Béla

Ship Ride and Nice Walk at Rómaifürdő...

A ship ride on the Danube river to Rómaifürdő is a must. Ask a friendly local on the ship to show you the tourist attractions on your way. In summer time have a nice walk at Rómaifürdő. It is a place that is visited mainly by Hungarians who escape from the city for a few hours to get some rest under the shady trees on the bank of the river. There are many restaurants and bars there but, if you'd like to taste something typically local, instead of a dinner buy a lángos at one of the buffets.

Photo by Lindtner Béla

Special Vehicles Tour in the Buda Hills...

Start your tour at Széll Kálmán tér and take a short ride on tram no. 61 to Városmajor. From here take the Cogwheel Railway train to Széchenyihegy (Széchenyi Hill). Then take the Children's Railway to János-hegy (János Hill). It is the highest peak in Budapest. The Erzsébet lookout tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Buda Hills. Finally take the two-way Chairlift (Libegő) system providing beautiful panorama along the way from János-hegy down to Zugliget.

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Live Action Games...

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Vibrant Club and Pub Life...

Photo by Jo Peattie

Live action games inspired by computer games and horror movies are mushrooming in Budapest. The mystic atmosphere is spooky but not frightening. The games combine riddles and physical tasks with the aim to escape from a room. To find your way out you need to solve various puzzles using creativity and common sense. The adrenaline kicks in as soon as the time starts. Few succeed. Real fun and an unusual way to spend an hour.

Kazinczy Street is not to be missed - beer gardens in inner atmospheric courtyards, tiny bars, and ruin pubs which are unused, deserted buildings that have been turned into pubs. Don't be afraid of the shabby exteriors... Lonely Planet voted Szimpla Kert the third best bar in the world! Also pop in to Kőleves, Mika Tivadar, Ellátó Kert and Bobek. And don't miss Gozsdu Udvar's trendy scene that's bustling with life.

Photo by Fekete Vica

JÁNOS & VIRÁG'S WINTER WARMERS...

Although Budapest has a moderate climate, sometimes it happens that the weather circumstances do not inspire tourists. But Budapest is not a dull place even at winter time! Next to the more than 200 museums, there are many other things to do in cold weather.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS OUTDOOR ICE RINK An outstanding winter activity is certainly the popular outdoor ice rink in the City Park just next to the splendid Heroes Square. In the neighborhood of the more than 140 year old open air artificial ice rink stands the Castle of Vajdahunyad, that provides a scenic background for the skaters.

c Photo by Themightyquill

From mid-November there are Christmas markets all around the city, with the most famous one on Vörösmarty Square.

The aroma of special culinary delights like kürtöskalács (a coneshaped sweet hollow pastry), strudels, töki pompos (oven-baked dough), roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will surely whet your appetite.

Enjoy the holiday mood and keep yourself warm while lingering among the festively decorated wooden market stands. The magical atmosphere of the Budapest Christmas market is a truly unforgettable experience.

CAVE SYSTEM Many know about the spas of Budapest but just a few have heard about the 120 km long cave system that stretches under the residential districts of Budapest. Among the numerous caves of Budapest only two can be visited without previous caving experience. The museum-like Szemlő-hegyi cave has a concrete path and it is lit by artificial light. The Pál-völgyi cave system offers two types of tours: The 45 minute long easy walk is appropriate for anyone. The path has an artificial footway and lighting. Also there is a possibility for an adventurous climbingcrawling tour even for those who don't have any prior experience just looking for a glamorous activity. These tours are guided by qualified caving guides. During the 2.5-3 hrs long tours you will often have to climb on walls and crawl through narrow passages so you have to be prepared for adventure. Caving equipments are provided but extra clothes are necessary to change after the challenge.

THERMAL BATHS Pamper yourself in the open air Széchenyi thermal baths, no more than a 10 minute walk from the City Park ice rink. Walk in the snow barefoot and then submerge in the warm water. You can stare at the stars after dark while sitting in the healing water. Have you heard about late-night dancing in the hot water? Saturday night you can join the most extravagant party in the city in Széchenyi bath. You shouldn't miss this extraordinary experience. The thermal bath pool parties are real Hungarian specialties with spa waters, music and party adding up as a ‘Sparty’.

Photo by Jo Peattie

JÁNOS & VIRÁG'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

Budapest has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are János & Virág’s very own apartments, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!

János & Virág’s Very Own...

Our apartments have an excellent location in the very heart of Budapest and all look on to a very quiet inner yard. You would not imagine that an apartment in the touristic area can be so quiet. All apartments have separate bathrooms with a shower. As they are all on the same floor next to each other we can offer a maximum capacity of 23 people if you have a larger group.

Visit the Katona Apartments Website to Find Out More...

János & Virág Suggest Friends Hostel...

A cosy, small and cool budget accommodation with artistic design in the centre of Budapest, surrounded by several tourist sights, cinemas, theaters, plenty of good restaurants, clubs, cafés. Including their two apartments they can accommodate 45 persons in total. Unlike the huge hostels they intend to take care of every single traveller in case of any questions from program planning to local assistance.

Visit the Friends Hostel Website to Find Out More...

János & Virág Suggest Origo...

Located in one of the nicest areas of downtown Budapest next to the Parliament, several major sights and the River Danube, the Origo hostel offers you cozy and budget friendly accommodations.

It is situated on the second floor of a nice, historic building, offering double, twin, triple and 4-bedded rooms. The multilingual staff is happy to assist you in every respect.

Visit the Origo Website to Find Out More...

JÁNOS & VIRÁG'S BUDAPEST "No-No's" Tipping in restaurants...

Money exchange...

In restaurants sometimes service is added to the bill automatically. Before giving a tip to the waiter or waitress, we suggest you check the restaurant's policy on the menu. If the tip is usually included in the bill then you do not need to give any additional tip (unless, of course, you are extremely satisfied with the food and the service). If the tip is not included in the bill then we would suggest around 10% as a normal amount. However, if you are not impressed with the service, don't feel obliged to leave anything, or leave less than 10% - this is genuinely a service related charge!

Don't be ripped off! We strongly recommend the changers in the city center which have better rates than the airport or train stations.

Taxis...

We advise against hiring a taxi at the train stations. In case you need a taxi, call one on phone or ask us to reserve one for you.

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