Will be there April 7-11
Has anyone been there recently and can tell me availability of ATM machines and other cash exchange options (I will be arriving on a Saturday and would like to avoid the usually bad exchange rate at the hotel)

I noticed there is a ballet the night I arrive - what are my chances of getting a ticket that day or is there some way I could book ahead online?

Any other suggestions welcome - I will be at the Hilton (old one)

There are (some) ATM machines in downtown 'Buda' as well as in 'Pest' (at least one is at the airport too). Banks are ususally open on weekdays from 8:30AM to 4PM (but also on weekends in the airport).

But the best exchange rate I got so far was at a bank in the Vienna airport changing Austrian Shillings in to Forint (sep-2000).

The Hilton (adress: on the Buda hill overlooking Pest and the river Duna = Donau, Hess Andras t�r 1-3, H-1014 Budapest, tf (01) 2143000, fax (01) 3560285) concierge will gladly look for any theatre/opera ticket for you (he will expect a tip of US$ 10-20 for doing so) - give him at least a 24 hours advance notice (and tip him right away when asking for his service; why not fax him in advance?).

Parts of the hotel (the gambling casino too, which offends my feelings a little bit) are in/around the remains of a 13th century Dominican chuch.

Thanks Rudi
Wow - I would think the price of the ballet wouldn't be more than 10 or 20 US - I wouldn't have known that a "tip" of that amount would be expected (I think even the booking fees in London aren't that high)!
Unfortunately I don't have a fax but am trying to get the email address - or maybe I will just take my chances.

I didn't realize the casino was in the old church - doesn't seem right does it?

Estnet --

The Hilton paid for my transpot from the airport to the hotel. Upon arrival, they gave me a choice of a tour or opera tix. I don't know if this was part of my rate, but I was not expecting it! If you have a Citibank ATM, they have their own machines in downtown Budapest.

There is a cash machine right outside the door of the Marriott in Pest (a nice hotel, because when staying there, you don't have to look at it from elsewhere). Cross the avenue, and wander down the side street by the wine shop.

Lots of ATM options all around Budapest. This is my favorite European city, by far. Great food, great sights, cheap prices.

Like Paris, but minus the rude French people, constantly striking workers, high prices.

Apologies to rude French people ;-)

Took a short trip to Budapest in February, and loved it. Like the previous posts say, ATMs aren't too hard to find in the city, and the airport has at least one.

Though I don't know what availability is like for ballet tickets, I went to the opera (on Andrassy ut, right on the yellow metro line), and was able to get tickets a few hours before the performance. (It was "Das Rheingold" -- a bit incomprehensible for me, it being German with Hungarian translation, but really enjoyable nonetheless.)

Have fun, estnet, and give us a report when you get back!

I got back last night.
We had a great time! ATM's were all over the place.
We rented an apartment right by the Octogon. Huge, 2 bedrooms, large kitchen...$80 per night for the 4 of us.
We had dinners at small local places, the food was very good everywhere we went.
The best was Csarnok Hal Vendeglo @ Hold u. 11, right by the American Embassy. We made 2 visits. Our big blow out at this place, with appetizers, dessert and way too much beer was $8 each.
Have a great trip!

Tomphot -

Were you at the 'Sydney Apartment Hotel'? Had a friend there last summer and it was amazing given the price (about $100).

We stayed at an apartment we found on www.budapestweek.com It was listed as the "Aradi" as it is located on Aradi Ut.
The price was $48 for 2 people and $17 extra per person.
It is owned by an individual and an agency rents it for them.
I've done the apartment thing in Vienna as well to great success, found a large 2 bedroom with a great location for $85 night.

i stayed at the hyatt, if i still get it right, hilton is clse by and also well located.

there is ATM machine while you are waiting for the lugguage.

there are also airport shuttles which cost ~10$

buy a Budapass, that entitle you to all free bus/subway transport plus 80% of the museums!

Budapest is one of the best cities i saw in europe, and i believe perhaps the best in eastern europe..enjoy!

I've stayed in the Hyatt earlier this year - just by the Chain bridge - must have one of the best views ever over the river !!!

Would recommend this hotel, even though I'm a Hilton man myself ! Great location, and excellent facilities - food, drink, salon etc etc

Enjoy !!