Bratislava and Budapest - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

mirevolver · 03-06-2005, 10:26 AM

This summer I'll be spending about 7 weeks in Germany. Since most of it will be in the southern part of Germany, I'm looking at doing some travelling into Slovakia and Hungary.

So I'm looking for travel tips on the cities of Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary. I'll be travelling by train and I intend to buy an Eurail train pass for Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Mostly I'm looking for tips on places to stay and local customs to be aware of.

As far as places to stay, my preference is towards a locally run hotel. I don't like staying in the large Americanized hotels and I would prefer not to go to a hostel, though I haven't ruled it out.

With the language barrier, I don't speak Slovak or Hungarian, but I'm curious to know how well I would get around with English, German and Russian. And of course I do plan on learning a few key words and phrases in the local languages.

tommylee02 · 03-06-2005, 10:47 PM

I have been to Budapest and I loved it! Very affordable and English was spoken in many places. It wasn't as hard to communicate as some other places I've been. And with English, German and Russian, it doesn't sound like you'de have any problem finding someone in that region to communicate with! We stayed in a hostel, so no advice there. Make sure you go to the baths! How relaxing. Stay away from the Chinese restaurant across the street from the all you can eat Mongolian BBQ (which I do recommend. TRY THE HORSE MEAT!) It was on the Buda side of the river. We all got violently ill there, from the Chinese place, not the BBQ spot. (All you can eat and drink, including beer and wine, for like $9 US for lunch!) Check out your Lonely Planet books, we may have found in the Europe on a Shoestring version. Walking around on the Buda side was a lot of fun, and pub-hopping on the Pest side was great times, too. The people were really friendly and the nightlife was lively. It's often called the Paris of the East. Have a great time! I'm jealous!

Charlatan · 03-07-2005, 05:39 AM

Budapest is a fun city... it has been about six years since I was there last... There are all sorts of hotels, just do an online search for the cheapest in the central area... most of the hotels there are nice. I stayed at the Taverna. It was right on the Vaci Utca (the walking street). It wasn't too extravagant.

If you have time try to spend a day at one of the hot baths... definately worth it. Also make sure, if you are a wine drinker, drink the local rose... it is very good. Also try the goose livers... it is a regional specialty. They are very good.

Never been to Bratislava so I can't help you there.

03-06-2005, 10:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
mirevolver Inspired by the mind's eye. Location: Between the darkness and the light.	Bratislava and Budapest This summer I'll be spending about 7 weeks in Germany. Since most of it will be in the southern part of Germany, I'm looking at doing some travelling into Slovakia and Hungary. So I'm looking for travel tips on the cities of Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary. I'll be travelling by train and I intend to buy an Eurail train pass for Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Mostly I'm looking for tips on places to stay and local customs to be aware of. As far as places to stay, my preference is towards a locally run hotel. I don't like staying in the large Americanized hotels and I would prefer not to go to a hostel, though I haven't ruled it out. With the language barrier, I don't speak Slovak or Hungarian, but I'm curious to know how well I would get around with English, German and Russian. And of course I do plan on learning a few key words and phrases in the local languages. __________________ Aside from my great plans to become the future dictator of the moon, I have little interest in political discussions.

03-07-2005, 05:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Budapest is a fun city... it has been about six years since I was there last... There are all sorts of hotels, just do an online search for the cheapest in the central area... most of the hotels there are nice. I stayed at the Taverna. It was right on the Vaci Utca (the walking street). It wasn't too extravagant. If you have time try to spend a day at one of the hot baths... definately worth it. Also make sure, if you are a wine drinker, drink the local rose... it is very good. Also try the goose livers... it is a regional specialty. They are very good. Never been to Bratislava so I can't help you there. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

03-06-2005, 10:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
tommylee02 Tilted	I have been to Budapest and I loved it! Very affordable and English was spoken in many places. It wasn't as hard to communicate as some other places I've been. And with English, German and Russian, it doesn't sound like you'de have any problem finding someone in that region to communicate with! We stayed in a hostel, so no advice there. Make sure you go to the baths! How relaxing. Stay away from the Chinese restaurant across the street from the all you can eat Mongolian BBQ (which I do recommend. TRY THE HORSE MEAT!) It was on the Buda side of the river. We all got violently ill there, from the Chinese place, not the BBQ spot. (All you can eat and drink, including beer and wine, for like $9 US for lunch!) Check out your Lonely Planet books, we may have found in the Europe on a Shoestring version. Walking around on the Buda side was a lot of fun, and pub-hopping on the Pest side was great times, too. The people were really friendly and the nightlife was lively. It's often called the Paris of the East. Have a great time! I'm jealous!