Hungary: Budapest
We were excited to come to Budapest -- after four decades of communism we figured a) everything would be cheap and b) they'd be ready to party. We expected the best goulash soup (a Hungarian specialty), mud baths, massages, cheap liquor and next to nothing hotel rooms. We didn't stay long enough to get a real sense of the city, but it was long enough to shrivel our optimistic preconceptions.
TIP: The older people speak German and the younger speak English but when they rip you off they speak neither.
TIP: The Hungarian bottled water tastes like shit. Theodora is a popular and disgusting brand. Go to the grocery store and buy some Evian.
If you came to the city for a spa treatment, the Gellert Hotel is supposed to be the place to go. They offer pedicures, mud baths, massages, thermal treatments etc. and the big draw is that they speak English. BUT you need a doctor's prescription for most of it… and don't be surprised if everything is closed but the pool.
We met the nicest Hungarian lady on the train and she highlighted certain spots in the city. We didn't check them all out, but here's her list (in order):
Central Market (number 22 on the tourist map)
Obuda, Main Square (24)
Buda Castle (1)
Synagogue (6)
Museum of Fine Arts (28)
Matthias Church (5)
