Central Hungary Dos and Don'ts

Budapest! I love this city, and I spent the whole day wandering around the city by foot!! Walking from Buda to Pest area was a nice experience because I could see closely the daily life of the people, the fresh market colored with spices, the amazing construction of the parliament building, and also the legendary river, the Danube. I admired the Magyars, that is how they called the people of Hungary, because they still preserve their culture and history.
It seems that they are serious in tourism business. When I was there in 2004, I arrived in Budapest train station, there at the entrance was a group of a people that were ready to drive me to my hostel, and it was for free. First I was suspicious but then other tourists were joining us.
Budapest is also the best place for shopping. Everything is cheap, and you can fine locals as well as branded items.

Szentendre is another historic town near Budapest. It has one of the most revered Orthodox Churches in Hungary and has a beautiful artsy feel to the town, with many crafts and artistic items for sale. Alot of folk items as well. Check out Arany Sarkany for dinner....great local wines on the list too.

Staying at the astoriarooms.blogspot.com to get to know locals and to get the best out of your stay in Budapest, as you'll get the best recommendations from the people who live in the city! Affordable, central and nice accommodation for people, who don't want to be tourists but travelers...

Bakeries in Budapest are the bomb. Just like their counterparts, the Austrians and Germans, Hugariansknow their pastries. Obviously, you are going to try the goulash...just don't be surprised if it is MUCH spicier than typical US version. Also, be on the look-out for paprika rolls; they are bread rolls made with cheese and onion dusted with paprika. DELISH!!! Buy yourself some of the true spicy Hungarian paprika to add to stews and scrambled eggs.

Budapest is really a nice city. The marketplace downtown close to the Danube is excellent and the view of the city from the statue of Freedom overlooking both Buda and Pest is wonderful