Travel at the Top

Any old car can take you from Budapest airport to city, but if you’re planning on blowing the budget on your holiday then you might as well ensure that your transport is at the top of its game. What could be more stylish than seeing the city from the back seat of a limousine? There are several companies from which you can hire yourself a car and driver in Budapest, so sit back, relax and enjoy the sights in style. Just don’t forget the obligatory wave out of the sunroof to all those who watch you go by. A minibus or car might well be what you need to get from Budapest airport to city, but if you really want to top-range travel, a limousine is the only way to do it.

Spend at the Spa

Nothing screams luxury more than a day out at an exclusive spa, and after flights and the journey from Budapest airport to city, what could be more enjoyable? Bathhouses are a long standing tradition in Budapest. A place where people go to relax, to socialise and even to improve their health, the baths are an important part of everyday life. To bathe in the most comfortable manner however, you will want to head to the Gellert and Szécsény thermal baths, which are renowned for being the most expensive in Budapest. The rules here are that you pay the maximum amount of money on arrival, and if you leave before the maximum allotted time, you may get some of your entry refunded, and that’s just for basic bathing! Should you wish to make the most of the other treatments on offer such as massages and therapies you will have to dig a little deeper. And the most important thing to remember about visiting the Gellert and Szécsény baths? Tipping is the key to getting the best possible treatment.

Eat on the Edge

Once you’ve seen the city from the back of the limo and soothed your aching feet at the spa, you’re bound to have worked up quite an appetite. Why not treat yourself to dinner at one of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants in all of Budapest; airport to city to suburbs, Gundel has earned its reputation. Enjoy a selection of wonderful Hungarian dishes from roasted pheasant to goose liver as you take in the lavish and extremely fancy interior of the restaurant. And if you really want to spend the big bucks, be sure to indulge in plenty of wine from the cellar which is a relic of the restaurant that came before Gundel; though we can’t guarantee that the wine will be quite as old as the cellar itself.

So, if you’re looking to spend, spend, spend all the way from Budapest airport to city, there are plenty of ways to splash the cash.

About The Author:

Gergely Garami is a driver for Shuttle Direct on the Budapest airport to city route. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Take the Night Train to Nowhere

Hungary is actually one of the cheapest places in Europe (some of my customers are even surprised at the prices of the shuttle from the Budapest Airport to city with me), and our public transport is extremely affordable. One tip I love to give people is to jump on tram number 2 after dinner and ride the route along the Pest riverbank from start to finish. You will enjoy the entire panorama of the skyline at night with the city lights twinkling magically along the way.

Shop for Bargains

Instead of heading for the designers streets selling upmarket fashion and souvenirs (which most people ask me to point out on the shuttle trip from Budapest Airport to city), head to Ecseri Piac, one of Europe’s biggest flea markets. These markets are an amazing place to browse antiques, jewellery, clothes and second-hand knick knacks. You certainly don’t have to buy as the entertainment value is enough, but if you do choose to pick up a few things they will be at a fraction of the cost of shops on the main thoroughfares.

Low Cost Culture

Many of the museums and galleries in Budapest are free and the rest are very reasonable so there’s no excuse for not getting a little culture whilst you’re here. On the way from Budapest Airport to city destinations, we pass a few of the main ones I recommend, like the National Gallery, the Roman Baths Museum and the Hungarian National Museum. These places are not only wonderful for a history lesson, but their stunning architecture is a major part of their charm as well.

Food Glorious Food

Not just a place to stock up on some local delicacies, Nagycsarnok indoor market is a visual treat in its own right. Chock full of such culinary delights as sausages, cheeses, bread and amazing cakes, this genuine Art Nouveau market hall is the largest in Budapest and certainly the most beautiful.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Whilst Budapest is a spectacularly beautiful city, its outskirts and surrounds should not be undervalued. You will get a brief taste of the countryside when on your shuttle trip from Budapest Airport to city stops, but to really appreciate the Buda Hills you need to embark on a hike on one of the many paths which snake across and through them. Set out with a picnic lunch and make a day of it and experience Budapest from a different perspective.

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Margaret Island

Although we can’t strictly drive right past this on our Budapest Airport to city route, I always point it out as a place for young (and not so young) lovers to go. Margaret Island is a 2km long island set in the middle of the Danube which separates the two sides of the city. It has a lovely calming atmosphere and you can either stroll through the landscaped garden admiring the profusion of flowers; or simply sit quietly in one of the bars with a cocktail and watch the world go by. But the most romantic way to see the entire island is to hire a pedal carriage and cycle at your leisure along the beautifully kept paths and walkways.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

I always tell my clients looking for romance about this amazing place. It is fabulous for relaxing and unwinding after a day spent sightseeing, and I actually even had one elderly gentleman and lady ask me to take them there on their way back to Budapest Airport! To city workers and tourists, these thermal baths are a haven of comfort and relaxation, and the decor of the building itself is worth the visit alone. Its neo-classic silhouette presides over three outdoor thermal pools complete with fountains and marble statues. It is a wonderful place for lovers to go and drift lazily in the warm, tranquil waters before an early evening stroll along the river.

A Candlelit River Cruise

If I’m driving people at night on the Budapest Airport to city route, the first thing they see as we near the centre is the beautiful Danube River. It is truly the most stunning aspect of the city, dividing the two sides neatly in half. In my opinion, the ultimate romantic thing to do on a visit to Budapest is to go on a candlelit dinner cruise with the one you love. I have recommended so many couples to do this because I know from personal experience how lovely it is. Every year, on our anniversary, my wife and I take the same cruise along the Danube and every year we agree; our beautiful city just gets better and better.

These are just three of my favourite romantic ideas for a visit to Budapest, but in reality, the entire city is built on romance and you cannot escape her magical spell. Viva l’amore.

Gergely Garami is a driver for Shuttle Direct on the Budapest airport to city route. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

Hungary – a Crossroads of Europe

The history of Hungary and Budapest goes back to pre-Roman times. The country occupies a unique position in Europe. It has been open to influences from the Mediterranean world through the Western Roman Empire, then latterly the heavily Greek influences of the Byzantine Empire to the south.

Over the centuries it has also seen influences, incursions and at times, the ravages and occupations, of many peoples. These included the Huns (where the name of the country comes from, although this is a misnomer as Hungarians are not descended from the ancient Huns!), the Turks, the Austrians, Germans, Russians and eventually the Soviets. All these passing tides of history have given Hungary a uniquely cosmopolitan, but essentially ‘Hungarian’ culture that is phenomenally rich.

Budapest – Two Cities for the Price of One

Hungary’s capital city is one of the real gems of Europe sitting astride the mighty River Danube. It reflects much of the rich and diverse cultural legacy outlined above and contains a number of ‘must see’ sites.

In fact, until the latter 19th century, Buda and Pest were two different cities sitting on opposite banks of the river. Their originally separate development has given them different architectural styles and a different ‘feel’; with Buda giving off old-world ancient charms and Pest having a slightly more modern metropolis feel to it. Of course, before you can enjoy the sights, you’ve actually got to get there!

Taxis just about everywhere in the industrialised world may now be fairly expensive but, fortunately, there is a regular and modestly priced Budapest airport shuttle that can take you from the airport to a number of city or wider destinations. You can find details through the Internet and by keeping your eyes open in the airport terminal for signs.

Budapest – Some Key Sites

No brief article can possibly do justice to this magnificent city, which is regularly cited by travellers as being one of the most beautiful in Europe. Several parts of it are listed as World Heritage Sites.

It is worth doing some research before you go, but here is just a taste of what you can see:

• The parliament buildings – one of the largest in the world and they also house the crown jewels
• 6 or 7 major museums and art galleries
• Vajdahunyad Castle – built at the end of the 19th century, it is an very impressive reproduction of a typical ancient castle of the region
• The Dohany Street Synagogue, which is the largest in Europe
• Matthias Church – 700 years old and a building that has been at the centre of many of the major events of Hungarian history
• The fishermen’s’ bastion – a spot near Matthias Church where one can take in panoramic views over the city
• The embankments along the Danube, The Castle Hill and Andrassy Ut are all UNESCO heritage sites and well worth a visit
• Finally, if you’ve had a little too much history and culture and fancy indulging yourself, take a stroll along Andrassy Ut – a fantastic avenue lined with impressive buildings, bars, restaurants shops and chic cafés

All of these sites and many more can be easily reached if you’ve taken the Budapest airport shuttle into the city centre. Budapest offers the possibility of a fabulous weekend or short break. Cheaper flights and the convenience of the Budapest airport shuttle put the city well within geographic reach, and within the scope of even a modest budget. Enjoy!

Gergely Garami is a driver for Shuttle Direct on the Budapest airport shuttle route. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

Szechenyi Bath

Budapest’s most famous bath is the Szechenyi, housed in a neo-baroque building which was established in 1913. Surrounded by the distinctive yellow building, the three outdoor baths are popular with locals and playing chess in the thermal pool with waterproof boards is a popular past time with the locals. I always advise tourists, who claim to be good at chess, not to be shy and to strike up conversation and a game with one of the locals. The main chess playing pool is the thermal pool, where water temperatures often reach 35 degrees. Whilst most people are content to just soak in the warm waters, there are jet massagers and waterfalls for those looking for a little more luxury.

The second pool is slightly smaller and geared towards swimming, with wave machines and whirlpools for you to practise swimming against. Temperatures are slightly cooler than the main pool and never exceed 25 degrees. Whatever you do don’t let the weather determine whether or not you visit these baths. On my Budapest airport to city route I got chatting to a couple of tourists that had visited Szechenyi when it was snowing outside and they both agreed it was an incredible experience, and they only noticed the weather when they had to run from one pool to another barefoot in the snow!

Gellert Bath

I have to admit that, as a local, I prefer the Szechenyi bath, the majority of tourists on my Budapest airport to city routes visit the Gellert Bath. This is often because they hear about it from their friends who have in turn heard about it from their friends. We locals rarely visit the Gellert Baths and I would advise tourists that want a more authentic experience to visit the Szechenyi Baths. Although having said that I have to add that the Gellert Baths are beautiful and those that don’t want to brave the cold will be happy to hear that they have a few baths housed indoors in the stunning art-nouveau style building. Braving the cold is all part of the Hungarian experience so I would suggest visiting the outdoor baths, of which there are three. One of these is solely for children and the other two are separated by swimming and bathing facilities. The Gellert Bath differs from Szechenyi in that certain areas are separated by sex, with men and women able to bathe in separate areas.

Kiraly Bath

One of the rarer baths and not known by many people on my Budapest airport to city routes is the Turkish Kiraly Bath. This must be one of the oldest baths in the city, if not Europe and dates from 1565. Men and Women have different bathing times with women on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and men on all the over days. The hot water in this bath is supposed to cure all muscle aches and the site benefits from having a hamman on the premises.

Whichever bath you choose, you’re certain to have an incredible experience in one of Budapest’s famous baths. Just try not to stay in there too long as you may come out looking more than a little prune-like!

Gergely Garami is a driver for Shuttle Direct on the Budapest airport to city route. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Therefore, I’m always able to recommend my passengers fascinating places to visit, whether they’re hidden gems or well-known tourist destinations. However, I can’t help but be jealous when my passengers return on their Budapest airport transfers home regaling me with stories of all the places that they’ve been and seen. If I had a morning free in the city, this is how I’d spend it:

Breakfast

With so many early morning flights into Budapest, I’m always up at the crack of dawn collecting people on their Budapest airport transfers. Therefore, my ideal free morning would be spent enjoying a leisurely breakfast. The best breakfast in town is to be had at the Four Season’s Gresham Palace and since an early morning is such a rarity for me I’d go all out and order the blintzes. Blintzes are similar to crepes, in that they are basically filled crepes, but differ in that they contain yeast whereas traditional French crepes do not. I would wash these crepes down with thick Hungarian coffee and make my way over to the Danube.

Morning

The Danube is a truly fascinating river, as well as being the longest in the European Union it is also one of the most romantic. I drive past the Danube every day on my Budapest airport transfer journeys so it would be nice to have someone drive me for once! The cruise should take me through the historic castle district, where I’ll be able to spot such landmarks as the towering Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastian.

The cruise will then meander around St. Margaret’s Island, although by this point it may be too late to catch the early morning joggers going about their rounds. The boat usually turns around at this point, taking in the scenic Elizabeth and Liberty Bridges and the National Theatre, which marks the end of the cruise.

It won’t be quite lunchtime when the cruise finishes, so I’ll have time to stroll around the market inside the Great Market Hall. Most of the guests on my Budapest airport transfers come back from their holidays brandishing jars of paprika which, believe it or not, are a common souvenir amongst visitors to Budapest. I think we’re alright for paprika at home, so I’d just spend some time looking at the various fungi on sale, which is marked out in terms of its toxicity.

Lunch

Although I’ve had a hearty breakfast, I’m pretty sure that I’d be hungry again by lunch time and if that is the case then I’d probably head to Náncsi Nénivendégloje for a traditional Hungarian lunch. This particular restaurant is very popular with locals like me. In fact, you can often find large families occupying trestle tables in this eatery. If you asked my opinion on what to order, then I would have to recommend the chicken soup, it’s a Hungarian speciality and known to cure almost any ailments. The paprika catfish is another speciality and after I’ve had my fill of these delicious dishes I’d be well prepared to pick up afternoon passengers on my Budapest airport transfer routes.

About the Author

Gergely Garami is a Budapest airport transfer driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

The Latin Quarter

Budapest airport shuttle drivers rarely get to visit the Raday Utca, or the Latin Quarter as it also known, this is because the street has been partially turned into a pedestrian only street. Even so, if my passengers are looking for somewhere a little more interesting to visit whilst on their holiday then I’ll usually point them in this direction. The street was the former main street of the historical Ferencvaros District and buzzes with a mixture of cafes, bookstores and snack bars.

Although the city may be known by tourists for its trendy European nightclubs, the Latin Quarter is where the locals head out for unusual nightclubs and popular restaurants. The Berliner, located in a cavernous underground room, is one of Budapest’s hidden gems, serving up large platefuls of food – this restaurant is a “must visit” whilst in Budapest.

Shoes on the Danube

On my Budapest airport shuttle runs I am often asked by visitors to explain the significance of the 60 pairs of metal shoes, set into concrete along the Danube. The shoes symbolise the killing of Hungarian Jews between 1944-45 by the Arrow Cross militiamen. Tourists in my Budapest airport shuttle are often understandably shocked when I explain how the victims were lined up alongside the embankment of the Danube and simply shot, falling into the water. The memorial is simple, yet very moving and serves as an effective reminder of the harrowing past that the city once endured.

Nyugati Railway Station

I often pick up young people from the Nyugati Railway Station on my Budapest airport transfers who tell me that they recognise the station but simply can’t place it. My trick is to then start humming a Gwen Stefani song and then instantly they get it. The song appeared in Gwen Stefani’s ‘Early Winter’ video in 2007. However, this isn’t the station’s biggest claim to fame. The large iron structure was built in 1877 by the Eiffel Company of Paris, which would later become famous, following the completion of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. I recommend that people take their Budapest airport transport to this stop if they enjoy shopping, as in 1999 the largest commercial mall in Europe was built next to the train station. The mall boasts over 400 shops, which should be more than enough to keep you entertained for at least a morning on your Budapest holiday.

Marxim Restaurant

History and food is combined in an unusual manner at the Marxim Restaurant and, if I have a history buff in my Budapest airport shuttle, then I usually recommend that they visit the Marxim Restaurant at some point whilst in Budapest. The restaurant is based in a large derelict factory and the entrance is marked by a Communist star. It is well known for the numerous law suits against it.  Hungarian law bans all symbols of oppression but, to date, all have been unsuccessful and, as a result, the cellar space is a mixture of barbed wire and Communist propaganda. Although the food takes a back seat at this unusual restaurant I often recommend passengers on my Budapest airport transfers to try the Lenin Pizza or the KGB Pasta before they head back home.

About the Author

Gergely Garami is a Budapest airport shuttle driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

The Danube

Approaching the city, the 20 mile Budapest airport transfer journey will pass along the beautiful Danube River. The Danube has been described as one of the world’s most romantic rivers, and even from your Budapest airport transport you will be able to see why. The river dissects the city neatly in two, dividing the quieter Buda on one side, and the bustling Pest on the other. The banks are lined with buildings in the eclectic mix of Classicist, Romanesque, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture for which Budapest is famous.

The Parliament

Depending on which route your Budapest airport shuttle takes, you could pass by in close proximity to perhaps the city’s most magnificent building – the Parliament. This stunning structure has become the symbol of Budapest, its massive 18,000 square feet housing 691 separate rooms, and a library of half a million volumes. The fabulous detailing on the outside can be seen from your Budapest airport transport, but you will definitely want to pencil in a closer inspection of the most extravagant building in Hungary.

St Stephen’s Basilica

Just around the corner you can spy the towering dome of St Stephen’s Basilica. Many of the country’s celebrated artists and craftsmen worked on it, over fifty years of construction and decoration. A true collaboration, this wonderful neo-renaissance dome is even more impressive on the inside. So as you whizz by in your Budapest airport shuttle, make a promise to come back and venture to the top (by elevator!) and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The Opera House

Another magnificent example of Budapest’s neo-renaissance architecture is the Opera House. If you are lucky enough to be staying nearby, your Budapest airport transfers may whisk you by this on the way to your hotel. It is an amazing feat of architecture, and the entire front of the building is decorated with intricate statues of renowned composers. It took nine years to complete, and at its splendid opening in 1884 it became Europe’s most modern opera house. Inside, a magnificent marble staircase dominates, and the walls are adorned with frescos. Although it the outside can be appreciated from your Budapest airport shuttle, you will need to come back by foot to enjoy the fabulous interior.

Buda Castle

Although your Budapest airport transfer may not take you past the famous Buda Castle which presides over the city, you will probably see a tantalising glimpse of it from a distance, which will whet your appetite for a closer inspection. Beginning life as a fortress in the 13^th century, the castle was later extended to become a palace, and has undergone several major reconstructions. It now houses the Historical Museum, the National gallery and the National Library, and you can catch a funicular to the top from the eclectic Castle district of the city.

By the time your Budapest airport transfer reaches your hotel, the city will be beginning to feel like an old friend. Take some time, relax and unpack and then let her take you by the hand as you explore her many fantastic sights. But as with all holidays, all too quickly you’ll be boarding your Budapest airport transport for the return journey – so don’t waste a single precious moment of your time in this beautiful city.

About the Author

Gergely Garami is a Budapest airport transfer driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.