We spent 10 nights at the Victoria Hotel, Bem Rakpart 11 on the
Buda side of the Danube River across from the Parliament.
The staff was very warm and helpful, they spoke English very well.
The room was clean and comfortable with an in-room safe.
The breakfast buffet was nutritious and delicious, the coffee was always hot and the eggs were made to order.
There is a lap top for guest use free of charge.
It is a 5 minute walk to Batthyany Ter Metro Station.
The buildings in this city is absolutely beautiful, there is every possible type of art, music, drama, churches, museums and restaurants. We loved everything there except that we did not feel safe walking the streets because of the drivers.
BUDA WORST:
1) Drivers do not stop at crosswalks for pedestrians, they are faded and need to be repainted ASAP. It was impossible to cross Fo Uta to get to the Siklo, funicular.
2) On Dobrentei Ter cars started driving up on the pavement towards us, we realized that they were trying to overtake other cars at our risk.
3) After we got over that shock and waited to cross at the green traffic lights, some drivers stopped while one went straight through the red lights.
4) On Andrassy Ut a driver came out of a parking garage, never stopped on the pavement or looked on either side, he just drove out onto the streets.
5) The Szechenyi Lanchid chain bridge need traffic lights at each side. The bridge is not child safe, wires are needed for extra protection to walk with small children.
6) The Labirintus is moldy and a health hazard..
BUDA BEST:
1) Flodni - an old Eastern European layered pastry of apples, poppy seeds, walnuts, and plum jam only sold at Cafe Noe.
2) Sziklatemplom Rock Chapel across from the Gellert Hotel and Baths Complex.
3) Gul Baba Turbeje - Tomb of Gul Baba, a Muslim Dervish and rose gardens.
4) Zsinagoga - The great synagogue and the sculpture of the weeping willow in the courtyard.
5) Orszaghaz - The majestic Parliament building.
6) Iparmuveszeti Muzeum - Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts - Eastern sculptured walkways.
7) Nagyar Allami Operahaz - Hungarian Opera House.
8) Magyar Nemzeti Galeria - Hungarian National Gallery.
9) Neprajzi Muzeum - the Museum of Ethnography.
10) Skanzen - Open Air Ethnographical Museum, a 15 minute bus ride from Sentendre Train Station which is a 45 minute train ride from Batthyany Ter. .

On our recent visit to Budapest 18 May - 25 May 2009, we purchased the 3 day Budapest card (available in 1, 2, and 3 day). As a result, we had absolutely no problem using any public transport. Yes, the guards asked to see our cards, and easily let us through. We even got a few smiles from them along the way. When we did use a single fare ticket, we had no difficulty either. Not sure why others have said differently, but wanted to post a positive experience for balance. The guards tend to be at the most heavily used metro stops. When we went off the beaten tourist track, as we are prone to do to avoid touristy areas, there wasn't a guard in sight.

Buy the Budapest card. Not only does it afford you stress-free transportation on subway, buses, and trams; but it provides discounts on most of the key sights you're likely to visit during your trip. AND, even if the sight isn't listed in the Budapest Card booklet, ask at the door. We did, and frequently were given a 10 - 20% discount.

I hate to advertise this near-secret destination, but Budapest is by far my favorite city anywhere. It's gritty and urban AND cultured and refined. Pretty much everything to everyone. The Hungarians are just about the friendliest people I've ever encountered, barring those lovely Welshmen. Most speak excellent English in the city (not so much in the countryside) and are so excited when you even attempt to say even one word in their language. Kosonom (Ker-ser-nem) is thank you, Jo Napot (Yo napot) is good afternoon. Try it, you'll like it and bring a huge smile to a Hungarian's face. Americans are being viewed in a much more positive light these days and you're likely to encounter lots of positive curiosity about our new president and first lady!

I have visited Budapest twice and am ready to return permanently. Culturally, there are museums galore, churches, art galleries, music, restaurants, and wine tasting. The Szechenyi baths are a not to be missed experience. This is not a run to the tourist shop kind of city. Get out, walk around, turn onto the side streets away from the crowds, settle in at an outdoor cafe and enjoy life. You will return time and time again, I promise. I've only been home 2 days and I'm already planning a return trip.

Heed the warnings re: Metro police checking tickets and fining foreigners. We researched how to use the Metro,,bought a book of tickets, were sure to stamp our tickets at entry and asked questions when unsure. We transferred bus to metro and asked upon entry if ticket sufficed. We were stopped at the subway exit and detained for 30 minutes because we refused to pay a fine since we could not use ticket for transfer ... Metro patrol constantly trhreatened to call police which we agreed they should do in order to resolve issue ...offered to buy appropriate ticket ....finally paid 6,000 hu fine ...$30 each,,,but definitely did not make us feel good about Budapest. If the horror stories about cabs push tourists to public transport ,,, tourism business is sure to suffer if this type of treatment continues.