18th of May: restrictions lifted in Budapest

We’ve been in self isolation for 9 weeks and I have to admit it’s a very long time. But it’s over for now, restrictions are lifted, shops, public areas, parks, restaurants and cafés reopened. We can even go to outdoor swimming pools, museums and the zoo, too. Social distancing measures will continue to apply and it remains compulsory to wear a mask in shops and on public transport in Budapest.

As of today the number of COVID-19 cases in Hungary is 3535 and 462 people died. These numbers are significantly lower than in many Western and Southern European countries, we can’t tell why but think it’s because Hungary was literally locked down very early, on the 16th of March.

We still don’t know when it will be safe to travel again but can’t wait to open our borders to all travellers when it’s safe again!!

Don’t forget, Budapest is waiting for you and of course I won’t stop offering virtual tours:

  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.

How exactly will we be touring when it’s safe travelling again?

In some countries the statistics are showing that we might be close to the end of the first shock of the pandemic and governments started considering the options of lifting restrictions. This also means that sometime in the not too far future we can all travel again, however, we’ll be more cautious than we’ve ever been (as of today visitors not obliged to 14 days of self quarantine are the ones who come for business and their country of residence is Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and South Korea).

I’m getting inquiries for tours for the end of summer – beginning of autumn and we’re discussing the different options of safe touring.

One thing is for sure, travelling in large groups will not be an option as long as we are still fighting the virus. That’s why private tours are better options, as it’s only you and your family members or friends in a small group, so it’s easier to keep social distancing.

We have discussed the topics below with my travellers but feel free to let me know if you have more ideas, I’m putting together the 2020 Special Edition Tours in the next couple of weeks:

  • Tours shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 hours
  • Only walking and driving tours will be 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 2 or 4 people

COVID-19 Update from Budapest

As of today there are 3035 COVID-19 cases in Hungary and 351 people died.

Today is a very special day, because we’re moving to the second phase of easing out of restrictive measures. That might be the light at the end of the tunnel we’ve been hoping for for over two months now.

The good news is that life is slowly returning to normal in the countryside, restaurants and cafés reopened, movement restrictions remained in force only in Budapest and Pest county.

Also, Budapest Airport is gradually restarting passenger services and more and more airlines restart their flights to and from Budapest, mostly from other European cities. You’ll find here all details about the rules of entry to Hungary.

I’d like to finish this post with a personal note. May is my favourite month and I think that’s when Budapest is the most beautiful. I really miss real tours and I’m so sorry that travellers from all around the world can’t see this beautiful city with all the bright colours and lights. I’m showing you as much as possible on my ON-THE-SPOT tours, feel free to ask for a customised tour!

Virtual Tours: ON-THE-SPOT VIRTUAL BUDAPEST TOUR

To be honest, this is my favourite tour these days. I know that it’s difficult to break the monotony of self isolation, all I can offer is an in-depth visit of a specific neighbourhood of Budapest, great stories, and a truly private tour.

You see through my camera what I see: my beautiful Budapest. From the comfort of your armchair you can take a virtual walk around the Parliament building on the Pest side of the Danube river or the magnificent Royal Palace in Buda. You see on your screen all the major attractions and can ask any question you’d like to, as if you were really touring with me around the city that I love the most and I know the best.

You can book 1 or 2 hours and see as much as possible. While you’re on a tour, you’re also supporting Budapest tourism industry devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feel free to contact me for further details or book online! I promise to deliver a special tour customised according to your interests and preferences.

Virtual Tours: the Virtual Budapest Tour

When I delivered this tour for the first time, I was afraid that technology might trick me or the virtual tour will not be as enjoyable as the real tours. I wasn’t right.

There are so many ways to present my beautiful Budapest to travellers! I have a lot of amazing stories and great pictures and videos to share with you. We usually use Google Street View to take a virtual walk around the city and that helps travellers to have a better understanding of my city.

All the virtual tours are private tours, for you and your family or friends, only. This is a great opportunity to ask all the questions you have, to see all the attractions you’d like to and to enjoy sightseeing from the comfort of your armchair.

It’d be great if I could show you everything live. But, in the meantime, feel free to book this tour, again, you’re not just helping me but you’re also supporting my colleagues in the Budapest tourism industry. I know sometimes self isolation is depressing, try to find some fun and try to find some time to see places you’ve never seen before, like my very beautiful Budapest.

Stay home, stay safe and I hope to see you virtually very soon!!

100th review on TripAdvisor

I’m ever so grateful for all your kind words and reviews. This one is even more special because this is the 100th review I’ve had on TripAdvisor. Thank you very much for all the kind words and comments!!

What a treat! Just like VIP

We booked an 8 hour tour of Budapest. This turned out to be one of the best moments in our lives. We were greeted by Julia in the lobby of our hotel. She was already waiting for us. She took us to a huge black limo, which was at our discretion for the whole day. This car could even access blocked streets! Just like magic, the blocking posts just opened for us only. We felt like real VIPs. She took us to so many places. Her English is perfect. I do speak Hungarian, but my spouse speaks only English. We’re had absolutely no problem understanding everything. Julia gave us a lot of information about the past, present and a little future about the city, also about the country. Budapest is really a magical city, Julia made it even more attractive. We can’t wait to do it again. Oh, and let’s not forget the secret places she took us to. On our own we would’ve missed so much! She recommended some excellent restaurants, which we really enjoyed. 
We ended the day in the evening, tired but happy. It was a perfect getaway. We loved it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun and at the same time learn about Budapest. 
Thank you Júlia! This will stay with us for ever. Can’t wait for the next time!

Fun moments in May

I’m happy to have met realy great people and to have had the chance to show them around my beautiful Budapest and some of the Hungarian countryside, too. It was a real pleasure!

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