Originally Posted by belle3388
I will be travelling alone, with two suitcases, so would like to avoid train or subway if possible. Is there a shuttle service and how to avoid being 'ripped off' by the taxis? Any other helpful advice/tips for visiting the city would also be greatly appreciated.
I think everyone else has covered the issue with the taxis and the like. As for general tips, I'll suggest the following:
If you're going to be there for more than a day or two, purchase the book of 10 subway/tram/bus tickets, and just stamp as you go. (You keep the book and just stamp a new ticket every time you board a new piece of equipment; or in the subway, every time you transfer). Marvel at the differences between the No. 1 line and the Nos. 2 and 3 line.
Must-see sights, in one solo traveler's opinion and no particular order: Fisherman's bastion (and most of castle hill, actually); Parliament and the 1956 memorials near it (spheres on the Agriculture ministry across the square to the SE, followed by the statue of Imre Nagy between there and Szabadszag Ter.); the House of Terror museum; the Chain Bridge at night, Heroes' Square at Sunset. You won't be able to miss Vaci Utca or Vorosmarty Ter and the Gerbeaud Cafe.
Keep your eyes peeled for small but wonderful details like crumbling old balconies, Communist-bloc-built cars like Trabants and the occasional street sign with a red X of paint over it, next to a much newer sign with a different name on it.
In case you can't tell, I miss Budapest already.