“Perfect Location”
Hotel Central Basilica in Budapest was affordable, clean, comfortable and conveniently located, providing easy access to all other parts of the city. It was a quick walk from the hotel to Deak Ter Metro Station, where all subway lines originate, and to the trolley that goes to the Buda side of the Danube.
It was near a currency exchange store, coffee shops, good restaurants and souvenir shops. A free walking tour meets outside the hotel every day at 2:30.
Staff at Hotel Central Basilica were courteous and helpful. The rooms were small but clean and comfortable, and the plumbing in the bathrooms worked well. Free breakfast offered a variety of choices, from eggs to hot cereal.
I highly recommend Hotel Central Basilica for its location, convenience and price.
Area recommendations
Every neighborhood in Budapest is worth exploring, but don't miss the Jewish Quarter, which has Europe's largest Synagogue and lots of nightlife in its many "ruin bars." It is also a great neighborhood to learn about the holocaust in Budapest, especially on one of the free walking tours.
Getting there
American Airlines now offers non-stop flights both ways between JFK and Ferihegy Airports.
Getting around
Get a subway map (very easy to get around by subway) and use the trolley to travel between the Pest and Buda sides of the city. But try to walk as much as possible, so you don't miss anything, and because Budapest is safe and beautiful.
What to pack
Weather is similar to New York, but about 5 to 10 degrees cooler, so pack according to seaonal temperatures. Bring an umbrella, rain poncho and hat, since rain happens there much as it does in NY.
Pack a washcloth for the shower, as most European hotels do not provide them. Comfortable walking shoes.
Must see
Parliament Building, Opera House, House of Terror Museum, City Park (Fairy Tale Castle, Heroes' Square, Szechenyi Barths), Gundel Restaurant, St. Stephen's Basilica, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Dohanyi Street Synagogue, a nighttime boat ride on the Danube, a classical music concert, some "ruin" bars in the Jewish Quarter.
Dining
Gundel and Gerbeaud for pricey but excellent gourmet Hungarian food. Il Terzo Cerchio Ristorante/Pizzeria(on the corner of Dohanyi & Nyar) for a great brick oven pizza.
Try the Langos, a pizza-like snack with sour cream, melted cheese and garlic & oil spread on top. Try the Hungarian wines, the Palinka, and a popular candy bar called Pottyos Turo Rudi.
Nightlife
Szimpla (on Kazinczy Utca between DohanyUtca and Wesselenyi Utca), and Old Man's Music Pub (Akacfa Utca), both in the Jewish Quarter. Try to get tickets for something at the Opera House on Andrassy Ut, and check St. Stephen's Basilica for weekly concerts of Classical favorites featuring their magnificent pipe organ. And then, just look and listen, it's all around you, everywhere, every night!
Other
Check out the Free Walking Tours - easy to find online through a search engine.
