Hungary: Budapest

A November 1993 trip to Budapest by kylebarber

Matyas Templom Photo - Matthias Church (Matyas Templon), Budapest, Hungary

Quote: I visited Budapest for a weekend when living in Florence, Italy, and was surprised by the exciting and still exotic world of the then newly Western state of Hungary.

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Hungary: Budapest

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Overview

Quote:

While it was unusual to be floating around with naked people who don't speak a word of English, visiting the baths was quite an experience.

Quick Tips:

People really don't know English in Budapest, so many Westerners who are used to the locals of their European destinations knowing at least some key words are often surprised and at a loss. Make sure to familiarize yourself with some Hungarian basics. Bring along a phrase book, be patient and smile a great deal.

Best Way To Get Around:

I walked everywhere, though Budapest is a large city and can wear a person out. The funicular ride to the top of Varhegy (Castle Hill) is both practical and fun all by itself.

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Hotelpension Gold

Hotel

Quote:

After staying in youth hostels throughout Europe, it was a real treat to spend $22 for a double room with cable tv and a private bath. No matter how much the snow and cold outside were getting me down, the unlimited hot water showers picked me up for another long day of sightseeing. One thing to consider: though the hotel booking agency assured me this was in the center of town, I think you could find a room much more central to popular sights and attractions for not too much more money.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Hotelpension Gold
Ungvar u 45
Budapest, Hungary

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Magyar Nemzeti Galeria

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Attraction

Kiralyi Palota Photo - Magyar Nemzeti Galeria, Budapest, Hungary

Quote:

The Magyar Nemzeti Galeria, or Hungarian National Gallery, surprised me with the volume of works on display. With over 10,000 pieces in the collection they certainly have a great deal to pick and choose from. The presentation of works in the fabulous Kiralyi Palota will entertain even those not interested in visual art, as the old castle is fascinating in and of itself and affords fabulous views of the Danube and Pest below. Artists of note shown in the Magyar Nemzeti Galeria include sculptors Istvan Ferenczy and Beni Ferenczy and the great 20th century Hungarian expatriate Tivadar Csontvary Kosztka.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 24, 2000

Magyar Nemzeti Galeria
Kiralyi Palota
Budapest, Hungary

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Matthias Church (Matyas Templon)

Attraction | "Matyas Templom"

Quote:

A fascinating church in any setting, the Matyas Templom appears extraordinary perched high on the eastern cliffs of Castle Hill. The interior of Matyas templom (or Matthias Church) is no less dramatic, with gold flourishes and stained glass windows vying for attention with ceiling and wall frescoes.

Dating back to the 1200's, Matyas Templom has been host to a number of important historical events and has undergone quite a few changes over the years. A significant reconstruction occurred in 1896 resulting in much of its physical appearance today.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 24, 2000

Matthias Church (Matyas Templon)
Szentharomsag Ter 2 Castle Hill, District I
Budapest, Hungary 1014
36 1 355 5657

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Erkel Szinhaz

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Attraction

Quote:

Unlike the main opera house of Budapest, the beautiful Magyar Allami Operahaz, this smaller building is pretty unremarkable architecturally or in atmosphere. But the performances are fun and remarkably cheap. For one evening's presentation of La Traviata, I sat near the front of the orchestra seating for less than $3. Not being a big opera buff, I was a little bit lost without English subtitles. But one couldn't help getting caught up in the performers' enthusiasm or the audience's eagerness at seeing the performance.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Erkel Szinhaz
Koztarsasag ter 30
Budapest, Hungary

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Rac Kert

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Attraction | "Rac Bath"

Quote:

Going to the thermal baths was the most unusual but memorable experience I had in Budapest. Like everywhere else in town, people were not at all fluent in English. But this proved to be more of a problem in the bathhouse, where certain rules and customs are followed and could not be explained properly to me. Everyone looked on with frustration as I tried to make heads or tails of the odd little costume they wished for me to wear around my waist. Once I finally made it down to the baths I was surprised to find the water only mildly warm. After soaking up some heat in the sauna, I figured out where to receive a massage, which was amazingly only $14 for a half hour. I tipped the massuese approxiamt...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Rac Kert
Hadnagy utca, 8-10
Budapest, Hungary 1013