Hi,

Budapest is a major tourist destination and has only become moreso over the past 2 years as we have seen a more than 20% increase in European tourists due to a number of new, European low-cost air carriers (easyjet, air berlin, wizz air, germanwings, and skyeurope) flying to Bp. Thus, now, in early-May, the city is already totally full of tourists. In July and August, most Hungarians who can leave the city do so and it is far more common to hear German, French, Italian, English, etc. on the streets than Hungarian. June is still borderline but for sure, there will be lots of tourists here.

I haven't visited the Marco Polo hostel but it has a good reputation around the city. It is in a central location. Their website is marcopolohostel.com . Another very good, clean, centrally located small hotel is called the Queen Mary. They do have a website but I couldn't locate it through a google search. You can find this for around 75 euros a night inclusive of breakfast. This is a good place to know about, not a chain, new, and centrally located.

Also, priceline has reportedly been used in Bp to great success, punch in $70 a night (less in off-season) for a 4 star hotel and something, usually one of the large chain hotels, will likely come up. Particularly with the dismal state of the dollar, this may be a good option for you.

Budapest has the first metro in continental Europe and one of the finest public transport systems around.

In terms of alternative night life, try hitting one of the run-down courtyard bars popular with younger Hungarians such as the szimplakert. Another street few tourists know about is called Hajos Utca, it is a pedestrian street full of small cafes behind the opera. Far better, more-informed, less-touristy choice than Liszt Ferenc Ter or Raday Utca.

A good, non-touristy Hungarian restaurant is the Kiskacsa (the little duck) in the heart of what was once the Jewish ghetto, corner of Dob and Kazincy streets.

That said, it is probably a safe bet that there would be far fewer tourists in the mid/late Fall than in June and the weather could be far more pleasant then.