I've had received today some inquiries about how the new recommendations issued by the European Union might affect travels from the US to Hungary. The US is one of the five countries that have been removed from the EU safe travel list. What is important is that this is a guidance and each EU countries decide individually about travel restrictions. As for Hungary, you can enter Hungary if you come from the US with a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours - no PCR test is needed when you get to Hungary by road, rail or waterway. What is even more important is that Budapest is as beautiful as always, it's not overcrowded with tourists, so it's still a great time to come and see. Let me know if you have questions, or book a tour! Also, don't forget that a private tour is safer than being in large tour groups, myself and the drivers I work with are fully vaccinated and can't wait to meet you!
I’ve had received today some inquiries about how the new recommendations issued by the European Union might affect travels from the US to Hungary. The US is one of the five countries that have been removed from the EU safe travel list.
What is important is that this is a guidance and each EU countries decide individually about travel restrictions. As for Hungary, you can enter Hungary if you come from the US with a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours – no PCR test is needed when you get to Hungary by road, rail or waterway.
What is even more important is that Budapest is as beautiful as always, it’s not overcrowded with tourists, so it’s still a great time to come and see. Let me know if you have questions, or book a tour! Also, don’t forget that a private tour is safer than being in large tour groups, myself and the drivers I work with are fully vaccinated and can’t wait to meet you!
It's always nice to watch the fireworks from the balcony - the advantages of living on a beautiful hill in Buda. St. Stephen's Day (20th of August) is a national holiday in Hungary and the day's celebrations are crowned every year by amazing fireworks at night.
It’s always nice to watch the fireworks from the balcony – the advantages of living on a beautiful hill in Buda. St. Stephen’s Day (20th of August) is a national holiday in Hungary and the day’s celebrations are crowned every year by amazing fireworks at night.
I love my Gödöllő-Hollókő tour for many reasons, one of those being that I'm truly fascinated by the beauty of the Baroque Palace of Gödöllő. There are so many things to fall in love with: the architecture, the style, the colours, the details. It really is special because throughout the tour one has the impression to travel back in time to the 19th century. On our very last visit earlier this month we were being guided by Queen Sissi - the wife of the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef which has made our tour even more remarkable.
I love my Gödöllő-Hollókő tour for many reasons, one of those being that I’m truly fascinated by the beauty of the Baroque Palace of Gödöllő. There are so many things to fall in love with: the architecture, the style, the colours, the details. It really is special because throughout the tour one has the impression to travel back in time to the 19th century.
On our very last visit earlier this month we were being guided by Queen Sissi – the wife of the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef which has made our tour even more remarkable.
Finally, the moment has come, as of the 7th of August, travellers from outside the EU can enter Hungary by air. The rules are: "persons who are able to present an English or Hungarian language document containing the results of a molecular biological test (SARS_CoV-2 PCR test) not older than 72 hours, conducted in conformity with professional medical regulations in one of the following countries: a Member State of the European Union or in a candidate state of the European Union, a member state of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation," It means that all you need is to have a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours). We've been waiting for this for such a long time, it's such a great news and I really hope that many visitors will want to visit my Beautiful Budapest these coming weeks.
Finally, the moment has come, as of the 7th of August, travellers from outside the EU can enter Hungary by air. The rules are:
“persons who are able to present an English or Hungarian language document containing the results of a molecular biological test (SARS_CoV-2 PCR test) not older than 72 hours, conducted in conformity with professional medical regulations in one of the following countries: a Member State of the European Union or in a candidate state of the European Union, a member state of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation,”
It means that all you need is to have a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours). We’ve been waiting for this for such a long time, it’s such a great news and I really hope that many visitors will want to visit my Beautiful Budapest these coming weeks.
I get a lot of inquiries about travel restrictions related to COVID, it's actually still not easy to find out who can enter Hungary. The basic rules: The citizens of the EU who have the EU green card (EU Digital Covid Certificate) are free to enter Hungary by plane, by car, by train or by boat. Travellers coming from outside the EU are free to enter Hungary by car, by train or by boat. There are no local restrictions so you can go to any museum, restaurant, café, bar, hotel or bathhouse without any proof of vaccination and wearing a mask is no longer obligatory. Hopefully very soon the same restrictions will apply to travellers coming from the EU and from outside the EU, it's basically a political decision and there is nothing we can do to help visitors. The good news, is that if you are in Vienna or Bratislava, you're very close to Budapest and can easily plan a daytrip to visit my beautiful city. The train connections between Vienna and Budapest and between Bratislava and Budapest are great and it's easy to book tickets. I can also help you to arrange for private transportation if needed. I'm happy to customise any of my walking or driving tours so that you can have the perfect Budapest experience. I can pick you up at the train station or meet you in the city centre of Budapest and you'll see all the main attractions and the most beautiful parts of the city in a couple of hours. Please let me know if you need more details or have further questions.
I get a lot of inquiries about travel restrictions related to COVID, it’s actually still not easy to find out who can enter Hungary.
The basic rules:
The citizens of the EU who have the EU green card (EU Digital Covid Certificate) are free to enter Hungary by plane, by car, by train or by boat.
Travellers coming from outside the EU are free to enter Hungary by car, by train or by boat.
There are no local restrictions so you can go to any museum, restaurant, café, bar, hotel or bathhouse without any proof of vaccination and wearing a mask is no longer obligatory.
Hopefully very soon the same restrictions will apply to travellers coming from the EU and from outside the EU, it’s basically a political decision and there is nothing we can do to help visitors.
The good news, is that if you are in Vienna or Bratislava, you’re very close to Budapest and can easily plan a daytrip to visit my beautiful city. The train connections between Vienna and Budapest and between Bratislava and Budapest are great and it’s easy to book tickets. I can also help you to arrange for private transportation if needed.
I’m happy to customise any of my walking or driving tours so that you can have the perfect Budapest experience. I can pick you up at the train station or meet you in the city centre of Budapest and you’ll see all the main attractions and the most beautiful parts of the city in a couple of hours. Please let me know if you need more details or have further questions.
Rumbach street synagogue, one pillar of the famous synagogue triangle in Budapest was closed for renovation works for almost three years. From the 19th of July the synagogue is open for visitors, so that you can admire the interior of the building designed by Otto Wagner in the 1860’s.
The synagogue is of moorish architecture and surely you’ll be amazed by the abundance of colours: blue, purple and golden. There will be concerts, performances, exhibitions and conferences held in the building and you can also have some coffee and snack in the cafeteria.
The lake Balaton is the number one destination of Hungarians in the summer months. It’s the greatest freshwater lake in Central Europe and is famous for its wine regions, cute little villages, beautiful castles and of course the magnificent views over the lake.
You can book the tour or contact me for further details. I’ll make sure to include in the itinerary all the sights you would like to see.
Unfortunately the Great Synagogue (or as we call it the Dohány street Synagogue) is not yet open for visitors, however, we were fortunate enough to visit the building. It was unusually quiet and empty without the hundreds of tourists but it was a very special tour as you can see in the pictures. The synagogue will reopen in August and hopefully you’ll include a visit when you are in Beautiful Budapest.
Book the Jewish Quarter tour with me to explore all the sights and history of the Jewish Quarter of Budapest.
I was surprised to see that two cruise ships are currently docked in Budapest and I also met real tourists in the Buda Castle District and the City Park. I've just checked the official website of the Hungarian Police. It says: "Except in the case of entry by civil aircraft, entry into Hungary from Croatia, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia, regardless of nationality or protection against the coronavirus, is possible without epidemiological restrictions, but providing other general conditions of entry (eg valid travel document) is necessary." I'd think it means that travellers can enter the country without restriction except in case of entry by civil aircraft. However, I read the entire article and found this: "Foreign citizens arriving from abroad in passenger traffic – unless otherwise specified by law or government decree – shall not enter Hungary." It's hard to tell which rules apply to those who would like to get into the country by car. By the 1st of July the all travel restrictions will be lifted for those who have the EU COVID-19 Passport (when travelling, every Digital Green Certificate holder will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered). I'm really looking forward to it and to welcoming travellers in my Beautiful Budapest.
I was surprised to see that two cruise ships are currently docked in Budapest and I also met real tourists in the Buda Castle District and the City Park.
I’ve just checked the official website of the Hungarian Police. It says: “Except in the case of entry by civil aircraft, entry into Hungary from Croatia, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia, regardless of nationality or protection against the coronavirus, is possible without epidemiological restrictions, but providing other general conditions of entry (eg valid travel document) is necessary.”
I’d think it means that travellers can enter the country without restriction except in case of entry by civil aircraft. However, I read the entire article and found this: “Foreign citizens arriving from abroad in passenger traffic – unless otherwise specified by law or government decree – shall not enter Hungary.”
It’s hard to tell which rules apply to those who would like to get into the country by car. By the 1st of July the all travel restrictions will be lifted for those who have the EU COVID-19 Passport (when travelling, every Digital Green Certificate holder will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered). I’m really looking forward to it and to welcoming travellers in my Beautiful Budapest.
The iconic Chain Bridge is closed for renovation works and will hopefully reopen at the end of 2022. We'll of course miss it and our walking and driving tours will be a little bit different but we all agree that our Old Lady has needed these renovation works for a very long time.
The iconic Chain Bridge is closed for renovation works and will hopefully reopen at the end of 2022. We’ll of course miss it and our walking and driving tours will be a little bit different but we all agree that our Old Lady has needed these renovation works for a very long time.
Most of the inquiries I'm getting these days are about information on how one can enter Hungary in light of the spreading of COVID-19. It seems to me that the general information available online is mostly in Hungarian and it's not exactly easy to understand for most of travellers. So, here are the latest news and latest rules for you. The government of Hungary has been applying a colour-based categorisation depending on how serious the spreading of the virus is in the country of origin since the 15th of July. The three colours are green, yellow and red and it determines the rules of entry to Hungary. In case of transfer passengers the country of origin is applicable. Travellers arriving from GREEN countries are: allowed to enter Hungary without restrictions, if they have symptoms of the infection within 14 days after entry, then they can't leave their actual residence, and must notify the epidemiological authority immediately. Travellers arriving from YELLOW countries: have to undergo medical examination upon entryif there is a suspicion of infection, the travellers are not allowed to enter Hungaryif no such suspicion arises, travellers are allowed to enter, but it is mandatory for them to go to home quarantine for 14 days. no quarantine is needed if travellers have 2 negative SARS COVID tests (in English or in Hungarian) that were taken consecutively within 48 hours of each other and up to 5 days prior to entering Hungary Travellers arriving from RED countries are not allowed to enter Hungary in passenger traffic. The good news is that the spreading of the virus in Hungary is still under control and we don't see sudden increase in the number of infections. As of today there are 4,465 registered cases and 596 people died. I'd say that it's still relatively safe to visit Budapest and visit Hungary, if you
Most of the inquiries I’m getting these days are about information on how one can enter Hungary in light of the spreading of COVID-19. It seems to me that the general information available online is mostly in Hungarian and it’s not exactly easy to understand for most of travellers.
So, here are the latest news and latest rules for you.
The government of Hungary has been applying a colour-based categorisation depending on how serious the spreading of the virus is in the country of origin since the 15th of July. The three colours are green, yellow and red and it determines the rules of entry to Hungary. In case of transfer passengers the country of origin is applicable.
Travellers arriving from GREEN countries are:
allowed to enter Hungary without restrictions,
if they have symptoms of the infection within 14 days after entry, then they can’t leave their actual residence, and must notify the epidemiological authority immediately.
Travellers arriving from YELLOW countries:
have to undergo medical examination upon entry
if there is a suspicion of infection, the travellers are not allowed to enter Hungary
if no such suspicion arises, travellers are allowed to enter, but it is mandatory for them to go to home quarantine for 14 days.
no quarantine is needed if travellers have 2 negative SARS COVID tests (in English or in Hungarian) that were taken consecutively within 48 hours of each other and up to 5 days prior to entering Hungary
Travellers arriving from RED countries are not allowed to enter Hungary in passenger traffic.
The good news is that the spreading of the virus in Hungary is still under control and we don’t see sudden increase in the number of infections. As of today there are 4,465 registered cases and 596 people died.
I'm posting a lot of pictures of Szentendre on my Instagram, this is such a lovely little town and is only a 30-minute drive from Budapest. It's a popular destination for both locals and visitors. I'm currently putting together an itinerary of a few tours for a traveller's request in September and got the idea to include a countryside tour in my Social Distancing tours. So, here it is, 100% safe and social distance friendly, a private driving tour to Szentendre. My Szentendre tour is a great combination of history, architecture and culture, the Baroque style little town that has inspired many generations of Hungarian painters and sculptors. The village has a really unique Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture. Its charm is due to its colorful houses and cobblestoned streets. The town is full of art galleries, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. We’ll see beautiful Baroque architecture, small shops and the sweet Marzipan museum. You’ll have a magnificent view over the city from the top of the church hill and will witness 1000 years of history and culture. You’ll also have the option to taste some local treats or coffee and to do some souvenir shopping.
I’m posting a lot of pictures of Szentendre on my Instagram, this is such a lovely little town and is only a 30-minute drive from Budapest. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
I’m currently putting together an itinerary of a few tours for a traveller’s request in September and got the idea to include a countryside tour in my Social Distancing tours. So, here it is, 100% safe and social distance friendly, a private driving tour to Szentendre.
My Szentendre tour is a great combination of history, architecture and culture, the Baroque style little town that has inspired many generations of Hungarian painters and sculptors.
The village has a really unique Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture. Its charm is due to its colorful houses and cobblestoned streets. The town is full of art galleries, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. We’ll see beautiful Baroque architecture, small shops and the sweet Marzipan museum. You’ll have a magnificent view over the city from the top of the church hill and will witness 1000 years of history and culture. You’ll also have the option to taste some local treats or coffee and to do some souvenir shopping.
This is a very personal note as I think it's time to say THANK YOU. It's hard for me to express my gratitude for everything I've been given these last four months. I truly appreciate the kind words, support, phone calls, virtual tours and cooking classes, donations and all the great advice I've gotten so far. Thank you for postponing the tours instead of cancelling them. Thank you for booking tours in 2021, my calendar is filling up fast and I'm very happy. This is actually giving me more trust and strength to continue and to give the very special Budapest experience to all my travellers. I know that for most of you travelling to Europe is not possible right now so I'm still offering virtual tours. Also, I'm certain that in the not very far future we'll meet in person, we'll shake hands and we'll walk together around my Beautiful Budapest.
This is a very personal note as I think it’s time to say THANK YOU. It’s hard for me to express my gratitude for everything I’ve been given these last four months.
I truly appreciate the kind words, support, phone calls, virtual tours and cooking classes, donations and all the great advice I’ve gotten so far. Thank you for postponing the tours instead of cancelling them. Thank you for booking tours in 2021, my calendar is filling up fast and I’m very happy. This is actually giving me more trust and strength to continue and to give the very special Budapest experience to all my travellers.
I know that for most of you travelling to Europe is not possible right now so I’m still offering virtual tours. Also, I’m certain that in the not very far future we’ll meet in person, we’ll shake hands and we’ll walk together around my Beautiful Budapest.
I'm starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest. The 0 km stone symbolises the centre of Hungary. It's near the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, at the funicular. All the road distances in Hungary are measured from here.
I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest.
The 0 km stone symbolises the centre of Hungary. It’s near the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, at the funicular. All the road distances in Hungary are measured from here.
Ok, the timing might not be ideal. But. I originally created a Facebook profile for my tour guiding services some 5 years ago but I never really had time to take care of it and to publish enough interesting content. Now that I only deliver virtual tours obviously I have more time to work on my tours and profiles and uploaded some pictures and information. I'll try to post as often as I can so that you can learn more on my beautiful city and country: Please like, share, comment, send me messages, so that I can see that you're checking back on what's new in Beautiful Budapest!
Ok, the timing might not be ideal. But. I originally created a Facebook profile for my tour guiding services some 5 years ago but I never really had time to take care of it and to publish enough interesting content. Now that I only deliver virtual tours obviously I have more time to work on my tours and profiles and uploaded some pictures and information.
I’ll try to post as often as I can so that you can learn more on my beautiful city and country:
I know that these last 3-4 months have been extremely difficult for many of us. I delivered my first virtual tour on the 20th of March and haven't had a real, live tour ever since. I love virtual tours and I think travellers that booked any of them all had a very special experience. But. I need personal connection, I need instant reactions, I need to see and hear my travellers. As of last Wednesday our borders are open to the citizens of the EU and some other countries. I don't see many actual tourists yet but hopefully this will change soon. It was time for me to create my Social Distancing Tours. Rules are very simple: Tours are maximum 3 hours longOnly walking and driving tours are available, we don’t use public transportationTravellers, tour guide (and driver) are required to wear a mask for the length of the tourNo inside visit of the monuments, attractions, museumsNo coffee or lunch break togetherMaximum number of travellers on the tour shouldn’t exceed 4 people I hope I'll have the chance to finally meet real people and to show them around the city that I love the most. I hope that this is just the beginning and very slowly life will get back to normal, if you still remember what normal is :)
I know that these last 3-4 months have been extremely difficult for many of us. I delivered my first virtual tour on the 20th of March and haven’t had a real, live tour ever since. I love virtual tours and I think travellers that booked any of them all had a very special experience.
But. I need personal connection, I need instant reactions, I need to see and hear my travellers.
As of last Wednesday our borders are open to the citizens of the EU and some other countries. I don’t see many actual tourists yet but hopefully this will change soon. It was time for me to create my Social Distancing Tours.
Rules are very simple:
Tours are maximum 3 hours long
Only walking and driving tours are available, we don’t use public transportation
Travellers, tour guide (and driver) are required to wear a mask for the length of the tour
No inside visit of the monuments, attractions, museums
No coffee or lunch break together
Maximum number of travellers on the tour shouldn’t exceed 4 people
I hope I’ll have the chance to finally meet real people and to show them around the city that I love the most. I hope that this is just the beginning and very slowly life will get back to normal, if you still remember what normal is 🙂
The golden age of the famous coffeehouses of Budapest was at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. However, we see now the renaissance of the coffeehouse and coffee culture. We try to see different coffeehouses on our foodie tours so that travellers can sample the best Hungarian coffee and cakes. Book Café has always been a special place, hidden in a modern 20th century department store on Andrássy avenue. Unfortunately the building and the coffeehouse are both closed now and we don't know yet when they reopen.
The golden age of the famous coffeehouses of Budapest was at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. However, we see now the renaissance of the coffeehouse and coffee culture. We try to see different coffeehouses on our foodie tours so that travellers can sample the best Hungarian coffee and cakes.
Book Café has always been a special place, hidden in a modern 20th century department store on Andrássy avenue. Unfortunately the building and the coffeehouse are both closed now and we don’t know yet when they reopen.
This is a really great experience, cooking with all of you online, teaching you how to prepare the best Hungarian dishes. I can't remember the last time I used as much paprika as I did these last couple of weeks. Thank you everyone for booking this tour with me and thank you for your enthusiasm! Also, I'm grateful for the inspirations, that's why I was able to add more recipes. Now we can make together Flódni, which is probably the most famous Hungarian-Jewish cake with four delicious layers: poppy seed, walnut, plum jam and apple. I'm also looking forward to cook more vegetable and cold fruit soups the next couple of weeks. Book a tour now, so that you can enjoy the great Hungarian dishes!
This is a really great experience, cooking with all of you online, teaching you how to prepare the best Hungarian dishes. I can’t remember the last time I used as much paprika as I did these last couple of weeks.
Thank you everyone for booking this tour with me and thank you for your enthusiasm! Also, I’m grateful for the inspirations, that’s why I was able to add more recipes. Now we can make together Flódni, which is probably the most famous Hungarian-Jewish cake with four delicious layers: poppy seed, walnut, plum jam and apple.
I’m also looking forward to cook more vegetable and cold fruit soups the next couple of weeks. Book a tour now, so that you can enjoy the great Hungarian dishes!
As of today there are 3892 COVID-19 cases in Hungary and 527 people died. This means that the numbers haven't increased much since the restrictions were lifted about two weeks ago. That's again a very good sign showing that hopefully we might leave the pandemic behind us soon and we can start travelling again. Fingers crossed :) It's also safe to say that Hungary and the neighbouring countries were not as badly affected as other European countries, it might be safer to travel to Hungary than to Italy, France or England. And of course, private tours are much safer than any other group tour. Restaurants and bars, most of the shops reopened but the touristy places are still deserted and it literally breaks my heart. It's so sad to see that places that are usually packed with people talking a hundred different languages are practically empty even now. I don't know when travel bans will be lifted and when tourists can finally come to my beautiful Budapest but I'm very optimistic and excited. Also, I'm putting together the social distancing tours, they will be uploaded once travelling is safe again. In the meantime, I'm still offering my popular virtual tours. Sunset virtual Buda TourSunset virtual Buda TourBudapest by night virtual tour
As of today there are 3892 COVID-19 cases in Hungary and 527 people died. This means that the numbers haven’t increased much since the restrictions were lifted about two weeks ago.
That’s again a very good sign showing that hopefully we might leave the pandemic behind us soon and we can start travelling again. Fingers crossed 🙂
It’s also safe to say that Hungary and the neighbouring countries were not as badly affected as other European countries, it might be safer to travel to Hungary than to Italy, France or England. And of course, private tours are much safer than any other group tour.
Restaurants and bars, most of the shops reopened but the touristy places are still deserted and it literally breaks my heart. It’s so sad to see that places that are usually packed with people talking a hundred different languages are practically empty even now.
I don’t know when travel bans will be lifted and when tourists can finally come to my beautiful Budapest but I’m very optimistic and excited. Also, I’m putting together the social distancing tours, they will be uploaded once travelling is safe again. In the meantime, I’m still offering my popular virtual tours.
