Mistakes Tourists Make in Budapest

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
  • Hey there fellow travelers, today we are talking about silly mistakes tourists make when they visit Budapest and Hungary in general. So we hope this can help you with tourist and travel information for Hungary and Budapest.
    Filmed in Budapest, Hungary
    Copyright Mark Wolters 2021
    #travelmistakes #budapest #hungary
    Grab some Wolters World travel gear www.woltersworld.store
    Help Us Keep Make More Honest Travel Videos: / woltersworld
    Follow Jocelyn's Adventures in Cooking & Life at Simply Jocelyn - / @woltersworldeats
    Some of Our Favorite Travel Videos We Think Other Travelers Would Love
    • Our Favorite Travel Vi...
    Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
    Follow Us At
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    www.woltersworld.com

Komentáře • 507

  • @woltersworld
    @woltersworld  Před 3 lety +80

    Some of the video background footage does not match exactly with some of the sights. We only had limited B-roll so had to use what I could as I am not as pretty to look at as Budapest and other random Hungarian fun.

    • @ccityplanner1217
      @ccityplanner1217 Před 3 lety +1

      It also keeps jumping, not very easy for me to watch when I have a headache.

    • @Sir_Gom_bOach
      @Sir_Gom_bOach Před 2 lety +2

      @S TJ place an "only" beetween _don't_ and _visit_ and I will not slap you

    • @HTommy2133
      @HTommy2133 Před 2 lety +3

      And last but not least learn the proper pronunciation of Budapest. :)

    • @Cosmic_Code
      @Cosmic_Code Před rokem

      its all about money, barely no culture left...

    • @robertmorrison1751
      @robertmorrison1751 Před rokem

      @The Hungary expert from Beijing 匈牙利专家频道 You are as expert about Hungary as my a.s.s. Go to those places you prefer and perhaps should try h.e.l.l. too.

  • @moonstriker7350
    @moonstriker7350 Před 2 lety +521

    Let me add one more as a local: most tourist avoid 'fancier' restautants, either assuming they are very expensive or 'not hungarian'. Big mistake! One of the best things about Budapest/Hungary is that you can have gourmet level foods at bargain prices. At places like borkonyha (winekitchen), you'll get michelin star winning meals for the price of half a glass of wine in NY.

    • @annettique
      @annettique Před 2 lety +7

      Could you please recommend a specific place?

    • @colors6692
      @colors6692 Před 2 lety

      Looks like you are lying as you could not recommend a single place!

    • @miklovelka6526
      @miklovelka6526 Před 2 lety +39

      Didn't he recommend one..the winekitchen...borkonyha?

    • @markblaze10
      @markblaze10 Před 2 lety

      @@colors6692 Then what? Hope people don't notice the price of food when they go to eat?

    • @gergomajer261
      @gergomajer261 Před 2 lety +25

      @@colors6692 As a Hungarian, he is not lying,

  • @vonPeter_
    @vonPeter_ Před rokem +312

    Hi! I'm a local guy and credit/debit card acceptability is mandatory in Hungary since 2019 with a very few exceptions. If a restaurant say it's a cash only place, they are probably tourist traps and/or trying to cheat with taxes. Just ask about the payment when you arrive, if they refuse cards, you should walk away. Actually card acceptability is much better here than in most West-European countries (yes... I pointing at you dear Germany!)

    • @revsnowfox5798
      @revsnowfox5798 Před rokem

      Sure, but for many years, card usage (and thus acceptance) was below the regional average.

    • @vonPeter_
      @vonPeter_ Před rokem +4

      ​@@revsnowfox5798 This was only true in the 90s, actually in the early 2000s the government gave a lot of tax relief to the card/terminal issuers to popularize these payment methods. In the late 00s, early 10s this not only meant higher acceptance rate (per capita) than the European average but more advanced infrastructure and relatively low commission fees compared to the western countries.

    • @brizzle3903
      @brizzle3903 Před rokem

      Good to know because your country is on my list of places to visit ☺️

    • @diegocastillo5400
      @diegocastillo5400 Před rokem

      Any restaurant /food recommendations? Next week will be my first time going.

    • @vonPeter_
      @vonPeter_ Před rokem +3

      @@diegocastillo5400 Probably the most famous hungarian food is the gulyás (goulash) which can be either a soup or a stew, you should check out the "Gettó Gulyás" restaurant. If you willing to try out hungarian foods with a fine dining spin you should give a shot to the MÁK Bistro, this one is a bit pricy (8 courses menu with wine is around 150 euros per person) but you won't forget it anytime soon. Make sure to reserve a table prior to your visit on both places.

  • @Bonegilla1987
    @Bonegilla1987 Před 3 lety +133

    The large bath you mentioned isn't Gellért, It's Széchényi. They are two separate baths and the picture's were of Széchényi

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  Před 3 lety +31

      I hear you. It was the only "spa" footage we had.

    • @Bonegilla1987
      @Bonegilla1987 Před 3 lety +11

      @@woltersworld All good Mark. If you ever need help with Toronto stuff let me know.
      I live there and always happy to help.

    • @michaelpit4432
      @michaelpit4432 Před 2 lety

      @@woltersworld When was Széchényi?

    • @fixipszikon6670
      @fixipszikon6670 Před 2 lety

      @@michaelpit4432
      2:28

    • @88szisz
      @88szisz Před 2 lety +5

      Széchenyi. Not Széchényi.

  • @insertname383
    @insertname383 Před 2 lety +28

    Service is slow because you are supposed to enjoy and relax. Not gob down in a hurry, there are McDonalds there for that

    • @shaggydog9789
      @shaggydog9789 Před 2 měsíci

      I think it’s a very American thing to be obsessed about service, Wolter mentions it in all his videos.

  • @Ethaara
    @Ethaara Před 3 lety +75

    I live here. In this year, all small shops are required to provide electronic payment option by law. So if they don’t want to take your credit card, they just dont want to pay taxes...

    • @Akitlosz
      @Akitlosz Před 2 lety

      Using the banking system is very expensive. The Banks are robbing their customers.

    • @Ethaara
      @Ethaara Před 2 lety +11

      @@Akitlosz still it is not an option to not use one. By law you required to provide electronical payment option for the customers in Hungary. If not with credit card, they should be able to give you a bank account where you can transfer the money if you don't want to pay with cash. And if a place operating in Budapest can not afford tohave a a digital payment solution, you better be not eating or drinking there trust me.
      On the other hand, to even open a place you have to open a bank account for the company or the legal entity what will operate the restaurant or bar. So there is NO WAY, you can't pay with card at a legally operated place anymore.

    • @robertmorrison1751
      @robertmorrison1751 Před rokem

      @@Akitlosz As every banks everywhere in the world. They are licenced thieves.

    • @robertmorrison1751
      @robertmorrison1751 Před rokem

      I am afraid this is a farce. They do not want to pay the credit companies high charges. In order to evade paying tax they would have to circumvent the use of their cash machine which is linked to the tax department. Doing so can end them in really hot water.

  • @creativia6639
    @creativia6639 Před rokem +74

    As a Hungarian person with a foreign partner I especially appreciate that you called out accepting paprika and sour cream in your diet (at least while you're there). It's like not trying curry in India or kimchi in Korea, they are such basic ingredients of most main meals that if you are rejecting them, you're missing out on half of your trip. Try the food, judge after. :) Have a great trip!

    • @josephwinder6878
      @josephwinder6878 Před rokem +2

      I am visiting in 2023 and am so excited. I love the food. I am going to eat my way around the country.

    • @doomedinscrolling3587
      @doomedinscrolling3587 Před rokem +2

      I have been living here for 5 years now, the payment method here pretty much good you can pay with credit cards anywhere and any amount, I remember I could not pay with a credit card my cup of coffee in Switzerland land of bankers 🙄

    • @forthecountry7920
      @forthecountry7920 Před rokem

      Should I protest when my daughter was raped by your countrymen?

    • @Scowlingoverlord
      @Scowlingoverlord Před 6 měsíci

      @@doomedinscrolling3587do you know if they take Apple Pay at the Christmas markets? We are going next

    • @doomedinscrolling3587
      @doomedinscrolling3587 Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@Scowlingoverlord yes yes do absolutely

  • @jonathanfrench5323
    @jonathanfrench5323 Před 3 lety +35

    Thanks for the great video. Budapest is seriously my favorite city so far of many to visit in Europe. Been there 3 times the last time was epic. Love it and it relatively the best deal around. Architecturally and the history and the people and the food and the proximity you can’t beat it!

  • @eszterceszter
    @eszterceszter Před 2 lety +9

    As a hungarian really liked your video, and found it helpful in a sense of viewing the city as a tourist.

  • @mog8776
    @mog8776 Před rokem +32

    Just returned from my trip to Budapest a few weeks ago. A few more tips I can add: always check your receipts for markups, and keep some low denomination Forints handy for emergency bathroom stops. Public transport is extremely easy to navigate - just make sure your single use tickets are validated, especially when using the metro line. I noticed quite a few people being ticketed for un-validated tickets (or those just trying to get a free ride).
    The sights and sounds in this city are absolutely incredible - one of Europe's true gems.

  • @Impresya9
    @Impresya9 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Wow I loved this video, very informative, very honest. You are so good to listen to, cheerful and organised. 10/10

  • @BuddhaL0rd
    @BuddhaL0rd Před 2 lety +2

    Great guide buddy this was really helpful for me.

  • @gaborbeneb.1288
    @gaborbeneb.1288 Před 2 lety +86

    1. The bath you showed is not Gellért but Széchenyi. Both are very touristic though.
    2. It's obligatory for every shop to accept credit cards by law and like 90+% of them accept credit cards. It's much better than in Germany or Amsterdam for instance, so don't worry if you don't have too much cash.
    3. Besides pálinka, there's also Unicum that you can try. It's a herbal liqueur, it gives you less hungover headache in my experience.
    4. Regarding taxis: use public transport, some of the vehicles are old but it's very cheap and it goes everywhere (even during the night). There's also a public bike system the 'Bubi', which gives you a different view of the city.

    • @lameowizard
      @lameowizard Před 2 lety +4

      UniWHAT

    • @stettiner2238
      @stettiner2238 Před 2 lety +3

      Unicum is for stomach ache.

    • @robertmorrison1751
      @robertmorrison1751 Před rokem +2

      I am not sure about #2. Many small shop owners cannot recap the cost highway rubber credit cards charge and go a long way to avoid using the machine.

    •  Před rokem

      ​@@robertmorrison1751 It's obligatory, that's a fact. (Actually maybe it's not CC acceptance that's obligatory but some form of electronic payment. Which can likely also be instant wire transfers, but that won't help most tourists and most places will use a CC reader anyway.) I'd say it's 99% and not 90. I hardly use any cache since the pandemic broke out 3 years ago. I mean I haven't withdrawn money from an ATM for so long a time that I forgot my PIN code (which has been the same for like 15 years) and took a day until I remembered when I actually did need the cash.
      The pandemic made credit card acceptance a lot better. Or I became a lot less apologetic to use it for small payments (think under 1000HUF). And I'm not seeing small shop owners making a fuss. They just include it in their prices. The only guy who didn't want to accept card payments in the past few years was at the Balaton (Balatonfured) when I had to buy a swimming suite because forgot to take one. He bull-shited something about not having a card reader only SimplePay (but the SimplePay app does work as a card reader on your mobile, of course).

    • @originalg3560
      @originalg3560 Před rokem +1

      @@lameowizard Sort of like jagermeister... Only this is a 240-year-old classic Hungarian recipe

  • @aregomez89
    @aregomez89 Před 3 lety +21

    I've been watching your videos about Budapest and it really makes me wanna get there now, in this very moment. Very good tips!

  • @TheSpecialOnes7
    @TheSpecialOnes7 Před 11 měsíci

    thanks for sharing your knowledge!!! Appreciate it my booooy

  • @rick15666
    @rick15666 Před rokem +1

    Great tips sir! Especially those ATM….

  • @robertbutler2481
    @robertbutler2481 Před rokem +13

    I have just returned from Budapest and found many taxis trying to rip me off. I found an App for FO TAXI and this company was fantastic. They came to pick us up within minutes of calling them and charged a very reasonable fare each time. I cannot over recommended this company. First class.

    • @hollywoodhh5646
      @hollywoodhh5646 Před rokem +1

      Fo taxi has been the cheapest taxi in budapest for a long time

  • @MrGeoffrey1998
    @MrGeoffrey1998 Před rokem +23

    Currently in Budapest with friends from work. The city is absolutely incredible, our boss is in fact a crazy tour guide so we saw much things, got so many explanation. And he lives there so that's an insider view, you surely have a wonderful city. Came there by car from France, slept 5h in 2 days when coming but damn was it worth it... Plus the firework/lightshow/droneshow/music show, so wild !!

    • @callumballantine1328
      @callumballantine1328 Před 9 měsíci

      You have any insider recommendations you'd be willing to share? me and my friend going next week.

  • @LingardFamilyAdventures
    @LingardFamilyAdventures Před 2 lety +3

    Just started our visit to Budapest, love your videos. New subscriber here.
    Look forward to seeing future videos

  • @muhy9247
    @muhy9247 Před rokem

    Thank you for this amazing video YOU ARE GREAT I am going to Budapest next week I did subscribed to your channel as well

  • @10mbc
    @10mbc Před 3 lety +39

    I love Budapest, went there 3 times and will go there again. We always took public tranport (not taxi) there and it was good.

  • @LA-ff7jm
    @LA-ff7jm Před rokem

    Thank you for all the currency tipps !!!!
    I will definitely keep that in mind when I go there soon.

  • @offthebeatenpathadventures1348

    Awesome sauce. I appreciate the taxi advice.

  • @robertbutler2481
    @robertbutler2481 Před rokem

    Great info thanks

  • @kerekestamas
    @kerekestamas Před 2 lety

    Good. You are right. Best regards from Budapest

  • @HardikPatel1993
    @HardikPatel1993 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Hey Man! you are the best honest and genuine guy speaking on the CZcams. Trust me your research and speaking method are way better !!!!

  • @FearFukerz
    @FearFukerz Před rokem +8

    Guys! This is important ! Do not buy paprika from the souvenir stores ! That's the same paprika that you can buy at any groceries , but 5x more expensive !

  • @CatETru
    @CatETru Před rokem +2

    Well done for cramming in so much info in less than 10 minutes!

  • @grooveman222
    @grooveman222 Před 2 měsíci

    Thx, very helpful. I'll be there in late June.

  • @travelwithmansoor
    @travelwithmansoor Před rokem +1

    good,very informative video 👍👍👍

  • @stacyparis4408
    @stacyparis4408 Před rokem +62

    I can honestly say as a female in Budapest, I have never once left a club or bar and had any hassle! Yeah keep your eyes open and stay with your friends but I lived in the 8th and walked from the 6th and 7th home almost every night and nobody ever bothered me. Imo it's one if the safest cities I've ever been in!

    • @sodapop83
      @sodapop83 Před rokem +4

      oh dear 7th/8th districts are notoriously ratchet but some parts are getting cleaned up finally

    • @justaguy9224
      @justaguy9224 Před rokem +2

      Did you have no trouble in the 8th district at night? Damn you’re very lucky

    • @stacyparis4408
      @stacyparis4408 Před rokem +2

      @@justaguy9224 In the 6 years I've been there and lived there, I've never had any trouble at all and in fact the opposite and people have been genuinely nice and helpful towards me. Not that I haven't seen the odd argument or fight but nothing has ever been directed at me.

    • @hollywoodhh5646
      @hollywoodhh5646 Před rokem +2

      @@sodapop83 baros utca Jozef korut. I lived there in the 90s for a little bit it was rough but never had a problem.

    •  Před rokem +1

      @@justaguy9224 Nah. Though I'm far from being a girl, but I've grown up in the 8th district, I've walked home from a lot of parties through the darker parts of it (think Matyas ter, etc.) and never had any problem. Indeed, in the old days, there was a saying that you were safe there because the pimps kept order so that their business doesn't suffer.

  • @Sailor_worldwide1
    @Sailor_worldwide1 Před rokem

    Wonderful info!

  • @FocusedonChange
    @FocusedonChange Před rokem

    Walter, mate you are the best feedback man out here. All your points are realistic and true. Thanks for each and every video you do.

  • @MoThe3rd
    @MoThe3rd Před rokem

    Great vid man

  • @maggiemalone3540
    @maggiemalone3540 Před rokem

    Very good advice.

  • @starlight6901
    @starlight6901 Před rokem +1

    Great video! I have a little correction though, when you talked about the thermal baths you mentioned Gellert and showed a picture of gellert Hotel but then you showed videos of Széchenyi baths which I believe is actually the one you were talking about where you had the best massages etc? Just thought I'd mention that to avoid any confusement to anyone coming to Budapest and expecting the inside of Gellert hotel to look like the videos you showed of Széchenyi :)

  • @ManciniFamily
    @ManciniFamily Před 11 měsíci

    Great. Thank you

  • @vale.antoni
    @vale.antoni Před rokem +6

    2:25 Minor correction: The bathhouse you were refering to is actually called Széchenyi. There is actually one by a similar name to what you used, it's Gellért, and it's at the Buda side of the Liberty bridge.

    • @leobarzan17
      @leobarzan17 Před rokem

      Which one is better?

    • @vale.antoni
      @vale.antoni Před rokem

      @@leobarzan17 Széchenyi is a good deal larger, but there is no significant difference to the service or experience. The hot sring might deliver slightly different water (smells different) but that's all down to personal preference

  • @maresz21
    @maresz21 Před 2 lety +9

    As a Hungarian, first of all Thanks for this, I think it is great for all involved 🙏
    But there's one thing that I'd like to, if I may address is, it is BudapesHt when you say it 🙌 ..that is definitely helping with pretty much everything, when being there 🤗

    • @velvetthunder96
      @velvetthunder96 Před rokem

      BudapesZt is the English form anyway.
      We Hungarians may call it Budapesht, but for example if we go to Vienna, we are going to call it Vienna in English, not Wien, you get it

  • @jenniferbenzie6594
    @jenniferbenzie6594 Před 3 lety +3

    This look like a pretty amazing place! Thanks for this hot tip!!

  • @krakendragonslayer1909
    @krakendragonslayer1909 Před 2 lety +3

    In Krakow, Warsaw, Prague it is the same with taxis.

  • @fruzsimih7214
    @fruzsimih7214 Před 2 lety +1

    The bathhouse with the yellow walls and the outdoor hot-water pools is not Gellért, but Széchenyi. Otherwise, very nice and accurate!

  • @PCFDD
    @PCFDD Před 3 lety +1

    Very good point about the baths, I loved the Lukacs baths on the Buda side of the river!

  • @darkvalue505
    @darkvalue505 Před rokem

    Going to Budapest next week. Subscribed to your channel. I hope you can explain more about exchanging money in the airport.

  • @offthebeatenpathadventures1348

    The food looks so good that it's worth the wait. My wife tells me it's to die for. I found out I may be going there over Christmas. I'm way excited.

    • @jmcq9200
      @jmcq9200 Před 2 lety

      Your wife is right. The food is beyond wonderful! It's some of the best food in the world.

    • @hvobrigada8657
      @hvobrigada8657 Před 2 lety

      Mene Budimpešt nije lijepa ni Madžarska nije interesantna zemlja

    • @zoltanmarmorstein1540
      @zoltanmarmorstein1540 Před 2 lety

      @@hvobrigada8657 Hope your health insurance includes mental health care. Or you confused Budapest with Bucharest, Romania. : -.)))

  • @bencetoth9491
    @bencetoth9491 Před rokem +2

    According to the Hungarian law, they must accept credit cards everywhere from 2021.
    Some cool place outside the city:
    - Miskolctapolca cave bath
    - Caves of Aggtelek
    - The Tokaj Wine Region
    - Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma (more than 1000 years old)
    Recommended bath:
    - AquaWorld (if you are with children, there is a hotel next to it Aquaworld Resort Budapest)
    - Széchenyi bath (on Saturday there is a Bath Party)
    - Rudas Thermal Bath (children under 14 are not allowed to enter)

  • @PoisonelleMisty4311
    @PoisonelleMisty4311 Před 2 měsíci

    Great tips for visiting Budapest! It's important to be cautious with taxis and public transportation to avoid common tourist pitfalls. Thanks for the helpful advice!

  • @revsnowfox5798
    @revsnowfox5798 Před rokem

    In the video, you mention Gellért bath, but you describe Széchenyi and the footage also shows the latter. Széchenyi is on the postcards.

  • @ianmackenzie686
    @ianmackenzie686 Před 3 lety +3

    Excellent financial advice which is applicable everywhere you travel!

  • @davehughes6501
    @davehughes6501 Před rokem +2

    Great video 👍 we visited budapest in 2019 and we are visiting again in march this year, which led me here.
    When we were there in 2019, we got fined on the metro, i think we didn't validate or had the wrong ticket. I can't remember. Not sure how many HUF the fine was but it worked out at £21 (GBP)
    So we didn't mess it up on the metro, we got a taxi from outside the zoo, a white taxi. Ended up costing £50 from the zoo to our hotel which was right next to the chain bridge. Our first day left a bad taste in our mouth. We asked a staff member in our hotel how to correctly use the metro and all was fine then.

  • @bzsula85
    @bzsula85 Před rokem +5

    as a hungarian if u want italian food then go to italy

  • @athb4hu
    @athb4hu Před rokem +4

    Brit who lives in Hungary here. Thanks for the info. I have found that nowadays I can pay with credit cards in most places. But I do speak the language, so maybe I am less likely to be scammed. I do love this country, by the way.

  • @AcePaintingandDecorating

    From Chicago love your videos
    Do you recommend any tour guid in Budapest
    For American

  • @EdBrinton
    @EdBrinton Před 3 lety +13

    Great video! I wish I watched this before I went to Budapest haha, great city though :)

    • @EdBrinton
      @EdBrinton Před 2 lety

      @unreal 99 I am sure I will be back mate. All of those places you mentioned look very intresting...

    • @EdBrinton
      @EdBrinton Před 2 lety

      @unreal 99 That sounds awsome mate thank you! So many places to explore, I think I'm going to rent a car and drive round all of your country. What a place it is 🇭🇺. Love from 🇬🇧

    • @EdBrinton
      @EdBrinton Před 2 lety

      @unreal 99 I certainly will mate, I only went to Budapest so far so I want to see a lot more of Hungary

  • @jesusizquierdo3831
    @jesusizquierdo3831 Před 2 lety +27

    Man, I remember watching your videos like 7 years ago? Before my first backpacking trip to Europe. Now I live here in Budapest and what a surprise, you are over here too!

  • @oksanabula8709
    @oksanabula8709 Před 2 lety

    thank you!

  • @BioHazarddasdadfasfsad
    @BioHazarddasdadfasfsad Před 5 měsíci

    I would watch local food reviews from this guy definitely knows the stuff

  • @jlizamavera
    @jlizamavera Před 2 lety +7

    Same thing in Berlin...always fined because not validaring tickets or because buy the wrong one🙄

    • @kataszamel4525
      @kataszamel4525 Před 2 lety

      Yeah, it's a complicated system. Of course buy and validate your ticket (some tourists assume that they are entitled to not pay) but here's a trick if you tried and made a mistake and you're getting fined: the controllers do not have the right to ask for your ID or to keep you from walking away. They can call the cops but they do not have the right to keep you there until they arrive. They also often don't speak many languages. Sooooo... you can kinda just walk away.

  • @pirkbori1572
    @pirkbori1572 Před rokem +2

    Another good tip for the transport: If you have a driver's license, in Hungary you can rent a car. It's more more cheaper than a taxi, and sometimes, more cheaper than public transport. The name of the aplications: Sharenow, or Greengo

  • @menyus1010
    @menyus1010 Před rokem +1

    If you want to save money on exchange then would be better to use Transferwise or Revolut card, so you do not need to worry about the exchange and comission rate. In most places in Hungary you can pay by card.
    In Budapest the public transport is really good and much cheaper than taxis, so I recommend do not use taxis. You can buy Budapest card or tourist ticket.
    If you want to taste Hungarian food, it would be the best to try an all you can eat restaurant like Campus Royal restaurant (this one is really good in taste and price).

  • @travelgalaxy8291
    @travelgalaxy8291 Před rokem

    Thank you

  • @johnny427
    @johnny427 Před rokem +16

    I am Hungarian, and I can confirm most of the points from the list. I would suggest anyways what you should do at any travel, be cautious (especially where money changes hands) do not be afraid to ask help from locals, they usually happy to help you, try what locals think good (food, entertainment, etc). Actually you can use credit cards at almost every shop, restaurant, etc, on the door you can see "visa" or "mastercard" mark, and if you see that you can assume that you can use your card there. Paying with your creditcard is the safest option everywhere I guess, the places where creditcards are not accepted are the places you should avoid anyways.

  • @Mo.Jo.
    @Mo.Jo. Před 2 lety +12

    I was in Budapest earlier this year for a month - and i planned ahead and brought enough USD cash with me for day to day spending. I looked for an exchange place away from the touristy spots that does NOT advertise 0% commission and only advertises the rate you will get per dollar. I already did my research on what a good exchange rate should approximately be and then it was easy to spot a good exchange place as the rates were always on display out front.

    • @AanchalKhumanthem
      @AanchalKhumanthem Před rokem

      If you don't mind me asking you about where you got that good exchange done?

    • @hankspangle3867
      @hankspangle3867 Před rokem +1

      Pay for everything in Forint. Thank me later.

    • @whoknowswhoto
      @whoknowswhoto Před rokem +1

      @@AanchalKhumanthem don’t take usd. Most restaurants only accept euros or gbp . The best option is to use card

    • @justaguy9224
      @justaguy9224 Před rokem

      You don’t need to use cash and exchange your money or use those notorious Euronet atms. By law, you can pay with credit cards almost everywhere in Hungary. If a place doesn’t have an option to pay with card, then it’s probably a scam.

    • @justaguy9224
      @justaguy9224 Před rokem +1

      @@whoknowswhoto But they would rip you off with the exchange rate. Sometimes you would end up paying 20-40 percent more in Euros or GBP compared to paying in Forint. It’s an easy way for them to make more money from naive tourists.

  • @davidsanvar4758
    @davidsanvar4758 Před 3 lety +3

    Great video! And first

  • @CommonSense9eleven
    @CommonSense9eleven Před 4 dny

    the spa you have mention wasn't Gellert but Szechenyi...

  • @tcngtv2465
    @tcngtv2465 Před 2 lety

    Amazing

  • @Szabchen
    @Szabchen Před 3 lety +7

    Thats the Szechényi, not the Gellert bath

  • @domonicsdaniel4497
    @domonicsdaniel4497 Před rokem +10

    One other thing with the "get out of the city"-tip: if you are here for a city tour specifically, don't just go to the tourist attraction/famous/tourist-y places. Make sure you know where it's safe to walk, and just explore the city. Go into random streets, bars, restaurants, parks, residential areas, etc. Even the most unassuming, eventless areas or parks can be beautiful places to take a stroll in (time permitting, of course, say, if you're here for more than 5-7 days). Go, take random detours of alleyways, side streets, etc. IF YOU KNOW IT'S SAFE TO DO SO (make sure to check beforehand), and do these trips mostly during the daytime. I have been living here in BP for almost 8 years now (am a Hungarian), and I just love how if I take a random turn on a main street I'm 100% familiar with, I can end up in a place just 2 alleys away where I have never ever been to, haven't even seen and has a beautiful scenery/look to it. BP is huge and it's not only Margit-sziget, the castle, the Basillica and Deák Square!It has a lot of hidden gem spots all around, just like any other big city would. Also, for architecture lovers, the style of Zugló (14th district) can be stunning, as well as that of the 5th. Remember: every district was, in essence, a town in and of itself way back then before they merged into what is known today as Budapest, so almost every district has their own styles in architecture, layout and looks!

  • @barnabasszabolcs8708
    @barnabasszabolcs8708 Před 2 lety

    as a local - Mark: spot on!:)

  • @LeoFtravels
    @LeoFtravels Před 3 lety +6

    Great tips. I absolutely love Budapest.

  • @KonyaK95
    @KonyaK95 Před rokem +2

    1. About transportation: google maps greatly helps with public transportation.
    2. About euros: if you pay in euros, they will rip you off. Better to change to HUF and later change it back if not needed. And some smaller business does not accept payment with card under 500 HUF because of banking fees.

  • @EndreTomos
    @EndreTomos Před 2 lety +3

    Small update, since about a year ago, they accept credit card payments (contactless two) everywhere. EVERYWHERE (bars, clubs, ice-cream shops included)

    • @akosczirjak4932
      @akosczirjak4932 Před 2 lety

      by the law ;), they must accept digital payment method, which allowed them to refuse cards and use money transfer. I get this opportunity once :( .

  • @anantrelan4071
    @anantrelan4071 Před 2 lety +11

    " Its not someone trying to skim your card , its the actual ATM trying to get you " 😂😂 Idk why its funny

  • @Thelilichannel6907
    @Thelilichannel6907 Před rokem +1

    Way to go Wolter! As a Hungarian-American, I really enjoyed it. Another thing for Americans to know about the sour cream….if you are reticent to eat it because you are lactose intolerant, chances are you’ll have no problems with that in Hungary because their cows don’t have the same genetic mutation that most American cows have (so they drink A2 milk instead). Also, Paprika is pronounced PUP-ree-kuh (the last a is like the a in “art.”). And pálinka is PAH-lin-ka. Wonderful tips! I agree about the villamos…I wish I had rinden it more when my husband and I were there last year.

    • @darith770
      @darith770 Před rokem

      You are not a baby, and definitely not a baby cow. Stay away from milk. Checkout "Dairy is Scary" on CZcams

  • @theakergaming8469
    @theakergaming8469 Před rokem

    What is the purple beer called ?

  • @TinaR622
    @TinaR622 Před 3 lety +7

    Loved Budapest, can’t wait till I can visit again sometime 😀

  • @audiblesharpness
    @audiblesharpness Před 3 lety +25

    I'm pretty sure you actively have to search for a place that doesn't take credit cards.

    • @gaborrab4785
      @gaborrab4785 Před 3 lety +2

      It was filmed in 2019, there were some places, and there are still some these days, even though it is required by law now.

    • @streettravelxxi
      @streettravelxxi Před 2 lety

      @@gaborrab4785 depend what neighborhood u r in I was staying in the XXI district most places didn’t take card restaurants except McDonald’s

  • @dhruvilthaker504
    @dhruvilthaker504 Před rokem

    Which near by caves do you suggest to visit?

  • @budapeststu
    @budapeststu Před rokem

    When you describe Gellért baths, why do you show footage of Szécsényi?

  • @SandraHof
    @SandraHof Před 3 lety +7

    I moved to Europe in 2013 and before the pandemic I traveled a lot. One trick I learned about getting reliable taxi service when arriving by train/bus: Go to the tourist information office marked with the blue and white ℹ️ sign and ask them to phone a taxi for you. It has worked very well in every city I have tried it including Prague and Budapest. The rate was much cheaper than the taxis waiting outside the station.

    • @user-tr5wf8wu9h
      @user-tr5wf8wu9h Před 2 lety

      or literally just call an uber lmao

    • @SandraHof
      @SandraHof Před 2 lety +1

      @@user-tr5wf8wu9h True. But I do not always feel comfortable doing that as a female when traveling in a foreign country.

  • @DanielGenis5000
    @DanielGenis5000 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Palinka almost killed me in Körmend. Szia!

  • @gear3204
    @gear3204 Před rokem +1

    'Bank back home will rip you off the least' lol true

  • @DLITTLE69
    @DLITTLE69 Před rokem

    Coming from Munich by Rail Jet which station should I travel to? And how far is it from the riverboat docks? Should I Taxi. I'm taking a Daube trip to Germany by boat Any advice is appreciated.

  • @davidgavin7280
    @davidgavin7280 Před 3 měsíci

    As someone who has just got back from Budapest after a visit in February 2024 I'd say always pay for everything in forints, every place has a big mark up (terrible exchange conversion) on their Euro pricing
    Food and drink- even in tourist trap areas are still relatively cheap but all the 'tourist' activities are pretty expensive.
    The public transport is excellent but with a very unique language it isn't necessarily straightforward to relate places you might want to visit to the transport system. As for taxis- we had no problem with our taxi arranged at the airport into central Budapest or the one back out booked for us by our hotel reception, when speaking to one of the 'freelancers' it was clear that they'd try and take you for fools.If you want to do the baths pack your own towels,flip flops and maybe even robes, the baths will charge you a huge mark up to buy their ones.
    To end I would also like to add what a delight it was to walk around a European city that hadn't been 'strengthened' by an influx of mobile enrichment units providing diversity. Instead it was very much like my own country before such things were inflicted upon us...

  • @chris-channel
    @chris-channel Před rokem

    In which kind of buses one must use the front door and show the ticket to bus driver?

  • @andresangulo6452
    @andresangulo6452 Před rokem

    What's the weather like in march and April

  • @BillGreenAZ
    @BillGreenAZ Před 3 lety +7

    Paprika and sour cream? Mmmmm. I can't wait to visit.

  • @rooosssyyy
    @rooosssyyy Před rokem

    Have you ever been to the szechenyi baths? If yes, do you recommend them?

  • @ZsoltPinters
    @ZsoltPinters Před rokem +1

    As a resident of Budapest, I confirm the points of this video.

  • @christianoliver3572
    @christianoliver3572 Před 3 lety +8

    It's a good idea to watch out for that palinka!!!
    It's very smooth and sweet and depending on which fruit it's made from doesn't have that burn in your throat like for instance vodka or bourbon will.
    But it can be up to about 90 proof or 45% alcohol by volume!!
    It's just like unfamiliar alcohol drinks anywhere you go in the world in that it's important to be careful.
    There's no reason to feel like crap the next day and be miserable while out sightseeing or worse be so sick that you have to stay in the hotel room.

    • @hannahalexy
      @hannahalexy Před 2 lety +1

      Proper palinka, the actual homemade stuff, is anywhere between 55% and 75%....

    • @sepruecom
      @sepruecom Před 2 lety +1

      Also, another problem is the serving size. In most of the world a "simple" is 20 ml, and a "double" thus 40 ml. In Hungary, a "simple" is 50ml (5cl), and a double thus 100 ml, which is like 15% of the usual bottle size. That can surprise you and make you rather drunk. Or if you are already drunk, you might not care and regret it the next morning...

  • @sylvia7000
    @sylvia7000 Před rokem

    they should have a river taxi its hard to walk so far since they repair now few bridges

  • @EiZoLp
    @EiZoLp Před 6 měsíci

    Where should i go when i go out of the city? I have no idea what to do there

  • @andrewbushby5972
    @andrewbushby5972 Před 3 lety +3

    your the first time ive seen a travel video of budapest that mentioned the roman ruins and caves. also a great day trip is ezstergom or lake balaton which also has a cave. and in budapest theres also the childrens railway trip. Your videos ate my favourites :-)

  • @1991cycy
    @1991cycy Před rokem

    About the exchange issue, I always come with cash (euros) and check online the real exchange rate, then finde a place that gives me near that rate :)

  • @alexthomson7465
    @alexthomson7465 Před 3 lety +4

    We booked a food tour when we were there and it was fantastic! Love that city

    • @annettique
      @annettique Před 2 lety

      Could you please share the link how to book it?

    • @alexthomson7465
      @alexthomson7465 Před 2 lety +1

      I think it was this one. It was quite a while ago now. It was definitely through viatour though. It started in the market, then went to a eaterie, then had some coffee and cake in a lovely old coffee shop and it finished in a wine cellar. The guide was absolutely lovely and we had such a great time! Enjoy

    • @annettique
      @annettique Před 2 lety +1

      Oh thanks you so much Alex! I will definitely check it out for my upcoming trip on the 28th of December. Hopefully no covid restrictions by that time will have arisen!

    • @alexthomson7465
      @alexthomson7465 Před 2 lety +1

      @@annettique I have tried to resend the link. The company was called Taste hungary, culinary walk. Have a great time. Its such a fantastic place!!

    • @annettique
      @annettique Před 2 lety

      @@alexthomson7465 thanks so much!!! 😊

  • @trezegol2007
    @trezegol2007 Před 18 hodinami

    HI. Is that 72 hour ticket a ticket you need to validate only once (instead of every time you take transportation?), and can then you can use it on any transportation mean available, like metro, bus, tram? Because that would be really cool and easy. I get the issue of forgetting to validate a ticket, happens to me often as well :)))

  • @lelaamparo483
    @lelaamparo483 Před rokem

    Which underground lakes do you suggest we explore? Sounds great!

    • @nikocat2008
      @nikocat2008 Před 6 měsíci

      I think IT is in Tapolca.
      And we have a cave spa in Miskolctapolca.

  • @georgiancrossroads
    @georgiancrossroads Před 3 lety +26

    Thanks Mark. It seems like both Prague and Budapest are plagued by scams more than usual. Which makes sense since they both became open for business around the same time in the early 90s. I think you could make the ATM warning even stronger. If it says Euronet or anything generic like that, avoid it! My rule is to learn the name of a few reputable banks and use the ATM's in their lobbies or in front of the bank. Watch out for the grift machines in train stations and airports. Hope to see you on the road this year!

    • @alexjenkins1079
      @alexjenkins1079 Před 3 lety +3

      Yes, this. Honest Guide have done a good few videos on how they scam people in Prague. Another couple of things I've learned from them is to be careful with exchange offices, and to *reject* currency conversion at cashpoints (so only get a withdrawal in the *local* currency, not your home currency)

    • @KultAnarchist
      @KultAnarchist Před 3 lety +4

      "learn the name of a few reputable banks and use the ATM's" For example: Erste Bank, OTP, K&H.

    • @botondwolf984
      @botondwolf984 Před 3 lety

      Clever...

    • @edlawn5481
      @edlawn5481 Před 2 lety +1

      @@alexjenkins1079 Highly recommend his videos.

    • @sodapop83
      @sodapop83 Před rokem +3

      show me a big city where they don't scam ppl

  • @dhruvilthaker504
    @dhruvilthaker504 Před rokem

    is public transportation in Budapest not good enough(from reachability standpoint) that we need to use Taxi?

  • @tutaphafanjumpa1429
    @tutaphafanjumpa1429 Před 2 lety

    hallo it's very nice like