Holiday reviews for Budapest

I used to live in Budapest so here is my review for anyone thinking of going there on a stag or hen do:

General costs :

Marlboro Lights - 1.70 / 600F
Pint - 1.70 / 600F
Big Mac Menu - 2.20 / 1000F
Kebab / Gyro - 1.50 / 500F.

Taxis - NEVER, ever pick one up off the street without phoning it first ( you will get ripped off, stories of over 50 quid for a 2 mile journey not unheard of);. Most bars will call you one if you ask when you are paying the bill and usually there in 5-8 minutes. If not I recommmend TELE5 which is +361 555 5555 - Good english speaking operator , decent cars and decent prices.

Strip bars - DO NOT walk into one of the many on the main streets or back streets. These are mafia run places and what starts off as a bit a of fun will soon have you owing hundreds of euro's which the local meatheads will persoanlly see that you will pay - they are quite happy to frog march you to the nearest cash machine and will clean you out. usual scam is free entry and then a drink price list which whil OTT is not bad , then the birds are over asking for a drink etc etc and your next round the price suddenly doubles etc. I have know people go in for 1 beer and come out over 200 euro down and thats mild. Steer well clear. the ONLY place I recommend for that is Marylins. Totally safe , decent birds and not a rip off.

Nightlife.

Budapest is split on either side of the river Buda and Pest. As he weather is not great yet , the open air clubs and bars are not yet up and running so you are stuck to inside places. On the Pest side you can try Negro and White bars near to Basiilica or heard to Liszt Ference Ter where there are about 12 bars in a pedestrianised row which can be OK . I recommended here Incognito, but there are plenty to choose from.

For clubbing later on there is a great club called Buddah which I recommend , good birds, good venue , decent (ish); music

On the Buda side you best heading to Mamut Centre. this is a shopping centre at Moskva Ter which a night comes alive with bars and clubs and has 3 levels of them. I wouldnt head here until about midnight , but they are open until past 5. Cubre Libre on the 3rd floor is OK as in the one in ground floor (cant remember the name);.

Spa baths - Best is Szeychenyi (spelling); at city park , just behind Hero's Square at top of Andrassy Utca and is about 6 quid to get in for as long as you want. Can also hire swim shorts and towels if you need.

Hope this helps.