Thank you, MIKESILV.

Thank you, MIKESILV.

Lake Balaton, no brainer, you will love it.

Are there any decent airport hotels? or those that offer free airport shuttles from the city?

No, nothing near the airport and no free shuttles ... but many hotels, particularly the smaller apartment/panzio type of hotels, offer airport pickup for 10 Euros. But you really don't want to stay near the airport. If cost is a concern, there is a public bus that takes you to Metro (subway), and almost everywhere in Budapest is well served by public transit (however this only works if you have little luggage).

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.

Formula 1
 

I'm heading to Hungaroring F1 race this weekend with a friend of mine. We are staying at a hotel in center of Budapest. How much about is a taxi ride to Hungaroring? I guess it's a bit tricky to find a taxi back to the city? Maybe a rental car would be good, though a bit difficult in Hungaroring? Are there good parking areas? Any other tips?

Yeah, lotsa questions. Thanks!

I was in Budapest for five days last November. Although I usually avoid organized tourist activities, I decided to join a walking tour--and it was excellent. The tour started right across the street from my hotel (Le Meridien--highly recommended; I got it for $85 on PriceLine).

The tour was led by a 20-something native of Pest who had an extensive knowledge of Hungarian history and its current politics--and near flawless English. Half way thru the tour, we stopped at their central office--and there I learned that they also offered Segway tours of Budapest. I wish I had known this earlier--it would be a great way to see the city and I have long wanted to try a Segway. Unfortunately, my schedule did not permit this.

As for transport to and from the airport. I took the airport shuttle to Le Meridien (I had to wait half an hour at the airport, but luckily my hotel was the first stop). For my return, I chose to have my hotel arrange a taxi. It cost a bit more than some of the other taxis, but I had an early flight and this was totally stress-free. For $30, it was well worth it.

As of Aug 15th taxis from the airport to parliment (5th dist.) will now have a fixed price of 3,500 HUF (USD1 = HUF 210) or $16.67 USD.

http://www.bbj.hu/main/news_14614_bu...er+winner.html

But avoid any services which are offered by a supposedly large transportation compnay: VOLAN: may stories from travelers and hotel people that their drivers are out to rip you off.

Airport to Downtown, taxi fare
 

I believe there is a law as of 2013 that requires all taxis to operate by the meter from the airport and fixed prices agreed in advance are verboten.

All well and good, but how do you regulate rogue taxi drivers from driving an unsuspecting visitor along a convoluted route, just to inflate the meter reading?

So, does anyone know of a driver who will provide an airport transfer for a reasonable fare, agreed in advance?

Any updates from recent travelers on the questions posed here? I'll be in Budapest in March next year. I have almost 2 weeks and my return flight will be out of BUD also. We figure we'll spend a day or two to start in BUD and then do a little train travel to Vienna and possibly Croatia before coming back to BUD for 2 or 3 days on the weekend when they have a spring festival. I'm guessing it will still be on the chilly side while we're there and we'll want to check out the hot baths / spas, museums, castles, good food. Staying at the Le Meridien the first couple nights.

Thanks for any feedback.

I took the orange ways bus it was called to Vienna. it cost me like 3 euros?? and only took 3 hours or so.
http://www.orangeways.com/en

From Budapest to Salzburg, it is 5-1/2 hours on the train, which goes through Vienna. I would rather go to Salzburg in the Alpine countryside than Vienna, just another big city, a too clean and proper version of Budapest. From Salzburg, it would make sense to head south to Lubjliana, then Croatia, then back to Budapest. Google Rick Steves rail maps.

I was in Budapest this March and didn't find it chilly at all. It was 60F Fahrenheit or hotter during the day. In fact, I never wore the jacket I brought. Below is a link to a trip report I did for my trip, I included a lot on the activities I did in Budapest. It's a great city:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...rst-class.html