Explore Europe: Budapest Show Notes Budapest is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of the East. It sits at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe and manages to combine old world charm, through its magnificent architecture and grand coffee houses with modern lifestyle, offering trendy cafés, bars and high restaurants and all for a really affordable price. Podcast Conversation Timeline 00:01 - Welcome to the Podcast1:46 - Where are we exploring today?2:31 - The History of Budapest 3:09 - How do you get to Budapest?3:50 - Ramona gets stuck in with good ole booking.com when it comes to accomodation. But, where should you stay whilst in Budapest? John tells you more…4:17 - What currency do they use?4:46 - What should you do when you arrive?5:22 - John gives you the lay of the land (with a little help of google maps) 6:14 - John’s infamous hop on hop off bus - what do you see and should you do it?7:39 - Budapest and Communism 8:15 - When is the best time to visit the city? 8:46 - Must see | The natural spas 9:36 - Did you know that Budapest has it’s own version of the statue of liberty? John tells you where you can find it as well as some perfect photo spots.10:45 - Visit The St. Steven’s Basilica | The main Catholic Church in Budapest 11:11 - Hero’s Square | The Victories Of War | The Buddapest Sign | The Archeangel Gabriel 11:49 - The Budapest Markets and did John love the Hungarian Chilli? 12:29 - Visit the 2nd largest synagague in the world 13:10 - The proud history of the Nobel Prize Laureates 13:55 - Academia and cultural history of Hungary 14:31 - Here we go…it’s food time! What’s the food like and where should you eat? 16:08 - John’s tip to make your trip easier 16:37 - More food glorious food!17:37 - John explains why you should definitely make it a must- see and visit, ‘The New York Cafe’ whilst you’re visiting Budapest. 19:06 - The Jewish Quarter and the nightlife 19:29 - Hang on, what about fine dining, John? 21:48 - Is Budapest safe to travel to? 22:59 - Do I need to speak Hungarian to visit? 24:22 - Booking with low cost airlines - the pros and cons 27:14 - Any specific visas/passport requirements when visiting?28:27 - John’s final tips for Budapest 30:43 - Michelle’s sustainable travel tip: Take your own reusable coffee cup with you!  Here are the links from our Explore Europe Budapest episode: John flew with WOW airlines but it seems like they don’t fly to Budapest, he of course meant Wizzair instead: https://wizzair.com/ The hotel where John stayed (he booked via booking.com): http://www.caratboutiquehotelbudapest.com/index.htm?lbl=ggl-en-rmk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqa32wtO52wIVVYfVCh13ZAAHEAAYASAAEgLr1_D_BwE The hop on and hop off bus tour: http://www.citytour.hu/en The Royal Palace: http://budacastlebudapest.com/open/ St. Stephen’s Basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen%27s_Basilica The mom & pop local restaurant that John recommends: http://hungarikumbisztro.hu/elerhetosegeink.html The New York Cafe where John went for breakfast: http://www.newyorkcafe.hu/menu.html Th