Going to Budapest on business for 5 days. Can anyone recommend good bars/cafes ??

Question

Staying in the Hilton West End Hotel. Any venues in particular in the vacinity? .. Also interest history - partically Military or 20th Centuary .. Any suggestions for places to visit?

Cheers

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Your hotel is near Vaci UT(street) which is one of the largest pedestrian shopping areas in Budapest. I know that at the far north end is Café Gerbeaud which is a world reknown coffe house, but is always pretty packed. There are tons and tons of little coffee shops all around. Also on Adrassy UT there are some newer hip coffee houses. Also on the Pest side about 5 or six blocks to the east is Gerlóczy Cafe... A very small cafe this is my favorite cafe in Budapest. I usually take a sunday paper ang go about 10 o'clock on a rainy day for breakfast. Though the service is always a bit dissapointing you get a true taste of what life in Budapest was like before the russians came in. I remeber the entire downtown was dotted with cafes like this 50 years ago. There are quite a few restaurants and honestly we have gotten so used to just going to the local SPAR(grocery) and making our own food that we don't go out that often. However, my favorite italian restaurant is Tratoria toscana about 10 block walk down the Danube. On Vaci you might also want to go to Fatal nice hungarian fair. You might have heard of Gundel which for a long long time was considered the best restaurant in Central Europe...well, it's still probably one of the fanciest but unless they have changed ownership in the last 3 years, would avoid. Some still consider it a must stop for their trip, you won't be dissapointed but I don't think people come out of there awe struck anymore.If you make it to the Octogon on Andrassy, this might sound weird but the TGI fridays is very good the other ones are terrible. It is right across the street from the worlds largest Burger King. There is also a pretty good chinese restaurant about 1/2 down the strip on your left side if you are walking or taking the metro to Heroes square and the park. When it comes to 20th century Military Museums the only one I know of is the Terror House on Andrassy. There are some tanks and prison cells in the basement, very depressing though well planned out. Enjoy your trip.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Many Thanks for your comments ...

Do you have any advice on places to go to get a flavour of Budapest's history? Im particully interested 20th centuary or military history

Answer 2

There is a website, www.pestiside.hu and it's partner sites; www.caboodle.hu and www.chew.hu.

There is a list of the 33 best bars and restaurants somewhere on there. It's a subjective choice, but pretty good, IMHO.

Caboodle also has a list of where to go and what to see.

I hope the weather's better here than today when you come :-)

Source(s):

www.pestiside.hu
www.caboodle.hu
www.chew.hu

Answer 3

I was there Christmas 2005, so I'd recommend the Shakespeare Cafe, I can't remember the street but I'm sure they can tell you about it in your hotel. The food was delicious, they had this dish called the Knight's Sword which was lovely, and this dessert that was dense chocolate cake with orange sauce. Gorgeous.

There was also a really nice place called the Octagon Cafe near the Oktagon metro stop.

Lots of great Turkish restaurants too, by the way.

Answer 4

There will be many bars and stuff around the West End area where you are staying. Lots of shopping areas too, so you can get your partner some nice presents!
History: hungarians are very knowledgable about their history so if you ask anyone (and I mean anyone) they'll be able to point you to the direction of museums that you can visit. There is a military museum as well (not only 20th century!), which is close to one of the famous spas. You must try at least one spa, the water is very beneficial for you. Have fun but don't work too hard!

Answer 5

try the mail tourist area in the lovnely planet book, they are great

Answer 6

Concentrate on your Business programme and perhaps the hosts will have the local knowledge you seek.