Advice visiting Budapest on Viking cruise

[doublet]

We will begin boarding (our first) Viking River cruise - specifically the Grand European itinerary - in Budapest. According to Viking the itinerary includes the first night docked overnight in Budapest, with organized excursion(s) included on Day 2 - before departing Budapest the 2nd evening.

For anyone experienced with Viking’s Danube cruises departing from Budapest can you share details of what goes on with boarding the ship on the first day. How early are passengers permitted to check-in? For the early arrivals is there an escorted tour of the city planned, and if so which sights? I’ve read Viking offers a ‘walk to the Great Market Hall’. Are there other sights included along the way? Is lunch made available on-board on day 1?

Since we will have minimal time touring Budapest when arriving the city the day before boarding, we’d like to know which sights to plan for on our own that may not be included on Viking led excursions. Learning of any experiences are much appreciated.

[Bailey Swedishfish]

Do you have your flight arrival time yet? Typically you don't get into Budapest until later in the afternoon where you are picked up at the airport and then driven about 25-30 minutes (depending on traffic) to the ship. There may be a large bus or several vans awaiting you at the airport--we had two ships at once in BUD on our trip last month so there were three big busses.

 

Viking docks at the base of the famous Chain Bridge. You are within a very short walk to most of everything in the old city including St. Stephan's, the Parliament, Castle Hill (walk across the bridge) and St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, the Market Hall and other sites.

 

This was our second trip to BUD. We had a 3 day stay on our first cruise (at Christmas) and this trip we had 2 1/2 days. We did not participate in the city tours offered by Viking as we prefer to strike out on our own. We purchased a 24 hour transit pass and we jumped on and off busses and metros and subways, which was a blast.

 

By the time you travel all night and day, get bussed to the ship, get checked in and find you way around, you will have a few hours before dinner to explore. Also, when you depart, be sure to be topside. It's SPECTACULAR sailing under the beautiful bridge and then past the Parliament building. Viking departs at night so the show is worth the price of admission.

 

Viking does provide a light lunch depending on your arrival on the ship. Having just come off overnight flights where Delta feeds you mountains of bread and sandwiches and crackers and cheese, I'm usually not too hungry until dinner! :-)

 

Budapest is my favorite city in Europe so far. It's beautiful, walkable, friendly, super affordable and there is a LOT to do. I am super excited to be back in BUD again this December (their Christmas markets are the best. Hand's down) for another Viking Cruise (2nd time doing the Danube Waltz Christmas Market trip) but we will not be doing a pre-extension this time. We opted for 3 days post-in Prague.

 

Have fun on your trip!!!

[pontac]

How early are passengers permitted to check-in?

 

If you mean when can you occupy your room, 3pm is the stated time, to allow rooms to be cleaned and serviced and beds put in requested configuration, but in practise it will be as soon as the room is ready.

 

But you can board the boat before hand and leave your luggage there if you want to explore the city. A hot and cold buffet lunch is served in the lounge where you can spend the time till they take you to your room. Check in, such as it is, will be done at your lounge armchair

[franski]

You will be fairly close to the Shoes on the Danube memorial - and that is not included in any tours.

 

Depending on how early you arrive - and how much walking you want to do - you might want to walk across the bridge and go up the funicular to Castle Hill. You will get there with the Viking tour, but not sure how much time you get to walk around. There is also the Church in the Cave - across the river from the Market.

 

Fran

[Bailey Swedishfish]

The funicular is closed for major repairs. That was a month ago and it looked like a long project.

[doublet]

Thanks for the suggestions for sights to visit on our own. Since ‘franski has mentioned it I’ll be looking out for the “Shoes on Danube” memorial in addition to the more traditional Budapest tourist sights. We are walkers!

 

Another question please : Since we’ll be arriving mid morning on a Friday can those with experience for getting from BUD airport to the city (hotel is located near the Chain Bridge) recommend a means – i.e. taxi, hired car, shared shuttle, or other (public transport?) considering there are two of us traveling?

And are ATM’s readily available in the airport terminal?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[rcaruso]

There is an airport shuttle, Google the airport for info.

[ganski]

We did the Danube Waltz 3 years ago and went to the Gellert Spa in Budapest to unwind after the long flight from JFK, it was very relaxing and we both had massages. Our Viking boat was unable to dock in Budapest because of low water and we were bussed an hour away.

[franski]

We have used this service twice - and recommended it to friends who have used it as well.

 

http://budapestairporttaxi.com/Welcome.html

 

It is nice to come out of the arrivals area, and have someone waiting for you.

 

ATMs readily available throughout the city. Can't speak to the airport - and we never use ATMs at airports.

 

Fran

Edited May 15, 2015 by franski

[doublet]

We have used this service twice - and recommended it to friends who have used it as well.

 

http://budapestairporttaxi.com/Welcome.html

 

It is nice to come out of the arrivals area, and have someone waiting for you.

 

ATMs readily available throughout the city. Can't speak to the airport - and we never use ATMs at airports.

 

Fran

 

Thanks Fran. Your suggestions are much appreciated.

Wishing you a Bon Voyage on your upcoming trip.

 

Marty

[franski]

Thanks Fran. Your suggestions are much appreciated.

Wishing you a Bon Voyage on your upcoming trip.

 

Marty

 

Thanks, Marty...

 

Just starting to pack this weekend - we fly out late on Tuesday night!!

 

Fran

[eyeu]

Thought might as well ask here...

Since Budapest is not on the Euro...do the merchants readily take the Euro ?

Dollar? Or would you advise getting local currency when there? Hate to convert too much since will only be there a day or so.

thanks...

[EKML]

Thought might as well ask here...

Since Budapest is not on the Euro...do the merchants readily take the Euro ?

Dollar? Or would you advise getting local currency when there? Hate to convert too much since will only be there a day or so.

thanks...

 

The Euro and credit cards are usually accepted, but you should have some HUF available for small purchases. There is an exchange booth in the central market at the end of Vaci St., the main pedestrian street with good rates. Watch out for pickpockets!

[Hydrokitty]

The Euro and credit cards are usually accepted, but you should have some HUF available for small purchases. There is an exchange booth in the central market at the end of Vaci St., the main pedestrian street with good rates. Watch out for pickpockets!

 

Don't know if you know this, but Visa, Master Charge and Capital One cards are readily accepted ....Amex and Discover cards are not. this applies to just about every country I've visited. Amex charges vendor too much and I imagine Discover is the same but since I don't have a discover card, I don't know the why, I just know they are the two frequently not accepted.

[1char]

Thanks for the sightseeing info.