European Championship in football: Where to watch it in Budapest?

The Hungarian National Team in football has qualified to the European Championship in football for the third time in a row. As a result, they will carry the Hungarian colors and fight for the honor of the country once again as the European Championship in football is arranged in Germany in June and July, 2024. This article gives some information about the Hungarian team and what to expect, but most of all, information about how you as a football enthusiast can watch the different matches from the tournament as you visit Budapest.

Few people consider the Hungarian team to be among the favorites to win the European Championship in football. Honestly, Hungarians don’t think they will win either. But, the Hungarian team is a tough opponent, and that is why they managed to qualify for the knockout stage during the Euro 2016 (after winning their group in front of Portugal who later won the tournament, Austria, and Iceland). Unfortunately, it all ended quickly in the knockout stage after losing 4-0 against Belgium.

In 2021, the Hungarians ended up in a very tough group together with Portugal, France, and Germany. It started with an ugly 3-0 loss against Portugal, before they played a draw against France, and then played a draw against Germany in the last match. Not a bad accomplishment either, but unfortunately not enough to reach the knockout stage.

This summer Hungary will play against “easier” teams than in 2021, but it is hard to predict whether or not they can qualify for the knockout stage or not.

Hungary’s matches during Euro 2024.

Hungary ended up in Group A during the European Championship in football. Besides Hungary, the group consists of Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland. Hungary will play against the different teams on the following dates and times.

June 15, 15.00: Hungary – Switzerland (RheinEinergieStadion, Cologne)
June 18, 18.00: Hungary – Germany (MHPArena, Stuttgart)
June 23, 21.00: Hungary – Scotland (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

This is going to be extremely interesting. Would you like to cheer for the Hungarians, led by Marco Rossi (an Italian gentleman)? Here you have some suggestions for where to watch the event while in Budapest.

Where to watch the European Championship in football in Budapest.

We have already written an article on how to watch the Summer Olympics in Paris in Budapest, and the information here is very similar to that information.

At a TV where you live or online.

The easiest option is to watch the matches on M4 on a TV where you live in Budapest. The channel is available on all TVs in Hungary and come at no additional cost, so it is available wherever you find a TV. They also have live streams of every single match at their website, making it easy to watch all matches, even if you don’t have a TV nearby. For more information on how to watch the European Championship in football online, look at this article.

At a bar, a restaurant, cafe, or a pub in Budapest.

There are lots of places where you can watch the European Championship in football in Budapest. Here you have a few options.

Champs Pub (Dohány utca)
Champs Sziget (Margaret Island)
Pointer 5 (several locations in Budapest)
Jack Doyle’s bar (Pilvax köz).

At Szabadság tér (Liberty Square) in Budapest.

This is the most popular place for watching sports publicly in Budapest. It has been used for the last Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cups, and European Championships in football, so we expect it to be used once again for this purpose during the summer of 2024. It is easy to find, just walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica in the direction of the Hungarian Parliament, and you will walk across this fantastic square which has an amazing atmosphere during the different football matches.

Football outdoors in budapest — *Watch the European Championship in football outdoors in Budapest at the Szabadság Tér.*

At Kiosk Garden (next to the Elisabeth Bridge)

There is another very central location in Budapest where you can watch the matches from the European Championship in football outdoor. The place is called Kiosk Garden and it is located on the Pest side, next to the Elisabeth Bridge. In other words, you only need to walk 200 meter to get from the shopping street Váci utca until you reach this great location with a big screen showing the different matches from the European Championship in football. If you want a seat, you better reserve a table early, because it will get fully booked quickly during the popular matches. This is a great way to combine Italian pizza with fantastic football!

At Városháza Park / Akvárium Klub.

These are two different locations which we haven’t managed to get fully confirmed yet, but there are supposed to be large screens at both areas where you can watch the matches from the tournament outdoors. But, the good thing is that they are very close to one another so it doesn’t take much energy to walk from one of the locations to the other, and if you don’t have any success, then it only takes 10 minutes to walk from this area to the Szabadság tér or to KIOSK Garden mentioned earlier in this article.

Városháza Park is the free park area next to the city hall, while Akvárium Klub is a nightclub known for great concerts, food, and tasty drinks.

Do not forget to show up and cheer for your favorite country, but always cheer with respect and don’t get mad if your team lose. It is all about sports and having a wonderful time, celebrating life together with others. Bring your happy mood and have a wonderful time as you watch the European Championship in football as you visit Budapest.

If you want to read more about other things happening in Budapest, visit our Budapest calendar.

Factors To Ensure Before Traveling To Hungary This Summer

Posted on February 29, 2024February 29, 2024 by Budapest Guide

Hungary, famous for its rich history, astonishing architecture, and natural thermal spas, attracts travelers seeking Central European culture. Prepare for a seamless and memorable vacation if your summer plans include Budapest, Eger’s Vineyard Hills, or Lake Balaton. This comprehensive guide covers critical factors when traveling to Hungary this summer, maximizing your time in this beautiful country.

Freepik.com

Factors To Remember Before Traveling To Hungary

Before planning your trip to Hungary this summer, there are several factors you should take into consideration.

Visa And Travel Documents

Securing the appropriate visa and having the necessary travel documents is the first step toward a worry-free experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Visa Requirements

Most visitors to Hungary require a visa, except for EU and EEA citizens. Visa type (short-stay Schengen or long-stay national) depends on visit duration and purpose. Check the Hungarian embassy’s website for current details.

Gathering Travel Documents

You will require a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months from your planned return date. Additionally, you may need to provide:

A filled-out visa application form
Passport-sized photos
Proof of travel insurance
Itinerary details

Start preparing these documents in advance, as visa processing times can vary. Keep physical and digital copies handy during your trip for review by border officials.

Currency And Exchange Rates

Navigating the local currency and exchange rates is crucial to managing your finances in Hungary.

The Hungarian Forint (HUF)

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While some establishments might accept euros, having forints for smaller purchases and expenses is best.

Exchange Rate Considerations

For the best rates, skip airport or tourist center currency exchanges. Opt for ATMs or city exchange offices; watch out for high fees. Know the current rate to stay within reach.

Tips for Handling Money

Carry moderate cash for daily expenses and use credit cards for more significant transactions. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Weather And Packing Tips

Understanding the weather conditions and packing appropriately will enhance your comfort during the trip.

Summer Weather in Hungary

Hungarian summers are typically warm, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures can rise to high 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius).

Essential Items to Pack

Pack light, breathable clothes suitable for hot weather. Include a mix of casual wear for daytime activities and slightly more formal attire for evening events or dinners. You can also pack Mushroom Gummies into your essential kit, as they will add fun and flavor to your vacation.

Don’t forget:

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
An umbrella or a foldable raincoat

Pack any medications you need and a power adapter to keep your devices charged.

Language And Communication

While Hungarian is the predominant language, here’s how to ensure effective communication:

Common Hungarian Phrases

Learning basic Hungarian phrases can go a long way in engaging with locals and showing respect for their culture.

Language Tips

While Hungarian can be challenging, don’t lose heart. Young Hungarians often speak English, especially in tourist spots. Offline translation apps can help with quick communication.

Easy Communication Options

Carry a phrasebook or use a language app for quick reference. Pointing at words can bridge communication gaps. Stay patient and smile; kindness and positivity speak universally.

Transportation And Getting Around

Efficient transportation can make or break your trip. Here’s how to get to your destinations within Hungary.

Public Transport in Hungary

Budapest has an excellent public transport system with metro, bus, and tram services. Get a travel card or single tickets for your stay. The countryside has trains and buses linking major cities and tourist spots.

Car Rental

To explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace, rent a car. Expect toll roads and parking fees. Hungary drives on the right; you might need an international driving permit if not from the EU/EEA.

Travel Tips Within Hungary

Plan your route and consider traffic conditions and road closures. Apps like Google Maps and Waze offer navigational assistance. Validate your ticket in the designated machines for public transport to avoid fines.

Accommodation And Booking

Choosing suitable accommodation can contribute significantly to your overall travel experience.

Types of Accommodation in Hungary

Hungary provides accommodations, including luxury hotels in Budapest and cozy bed and breakfasts in the countryside. Hostels and rental apartments are great for budget travelers or those seeking a local experience.

Booking Platforms and Tips

Use trusted booking sites for a range of options and transparent prices. Filter based on your preferences – location, amenities, or budget. Check reviews to verify the accommodation meets your needs.

Budgeting for Accommodation

Accommodation costs can vary, with Budapest being more expensive than other parts of the country. Set a budget and remember a few cost effective tips to book well in advance, especially during tourist seasons, to secure the best deals.

Health And Safety

Your well-being is paramount. Here are some crucial health and safety factors to consider.

Health Insurance and Safety Precautions

Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including repatriation. Pack a basic first-aid kit for minor needs. Follow standard travel health tips like staying hydrated and sun protection.

Emergency Contacts and Medical Facilities

Know the emergency numbers in Hungary for ambulances. Major cities offer Western-standard medical facilities.

Local Traditions And Etiquette

Understanding and respecting local traditions and etiquette is a mark of a conscientious traveler.

Cultural Norms and Traditions

Hungarians cherish their history and culture. Respect churches and historical sites. Learn Hungarian customs, such as greeting friends with a kiss on the cheek and removing outdoor shoes before entering homes.

Freepik.com

Etiquette Guidelines

Hungarians value punctuality and may find it rude if you’re late. When dining, wait for the host to eat and stick to casual topics. Only visit a bathhouse if you know the accepted behavior.

Dos and Don’ts

Stand for the national anthem in public areas. Avoid raising your voice or using aggressive gestures, as Hungarians prefer a more reserved communication style. When unsure, observe and follow locals’ lead.

Conclusion

Consider these factors before your summer trip to Hungary for an incredible travel experience. Get the proper visas, money, and documents, understand local customs and language, and prepare for weather and health. Planning is essential, but it leaves space for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. Enjoy your trip!

How can I order a Kindle to Hungary from Amazon?

Posted on February 8, 2023July 30, 2023 by Budapest Guide

There is nothing like reading a good book. But sometimes carrying books around makes your bag heavy and can be inconvenient. A Kindle is small, but you can have hundreds of books available on your device at all times. It is no wonder why so many people love their Kindle readers. Would you like to buy a Kindle? How can you purchase a Kindle and have it delivered to Hungary?

When you live in Hungary, it is obvious that the best solution is to order products from Amazon.de. Why is that? Since Germany is in the European Union, you do not pay any VAT on products ordered and delivered from Amazon Germany. It is also the closest store to Hungary, meaning that products in stock are normally delivered within less than a week. There are additional delivery fees as you order a product to Hungary, but it isn’t a lot more expensive than what you would pay to have a product delivered to your house from a Hungarian webshop.

This article, however, isn’t about ordering general products from Amazon.de, it is about order the popular Kindle e-Book reader. What is the problem? As you visit the Amazon website to order a Kindle, you will normally see a message like this.

kindle only ships to germany, austria, liechtenstein, luxembourg, or switzerland.

What can you do if the Kindle you want to buy is only available for delivery to Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, or Switzerland? Is there any good solution to the problem?

How to order a Kindle and other limited products and have them delivered to Hungary?

There are several other products besides the Kindle that Amazon doesn’t ship to Hungary. The same is true for Fire TV products, the Echo loudspeaker, and many other products. What can you do to solve the problem?

Solution 1: Order a Kindle that Amazon delivers to Hungary.

The first solution, the easiest, is to find a Kindle that Amazon delivers to Hungary. There are a few versions of the popular e-Book reader that Amazon ships to Hungary. The cheapest versions are normally not on this list, but click the link below to see a list of all the Kindle versions available for shipping to Hungary.

Kindle readers available for shipping to Hungary.

Above, you can see which versions of the Kindle are available for shipping to Hungary at the time I am writing this article. You can also see the estimated delivery cost, which means you will pay about 125 euros for the cheapest Kindle with shipping included.

You can buy Kindle e-Book readers from a couple of webshops in Hungary. The cheapest variant of the same Kindle I found in a Hungarian webshop at the time of writing is 140 euros. In other words, ordering the product from Amazon.de is cheaper than buying it in a Hungarian webshop.

Solution 2: Order it to an address in Germany and have the package forwarded to your address in Hungary.

Have you found a Kindle on Amazon that cannot be delivered to Hungary, but you would like to buy it anyway? The easiest way to solve this is by using the service Mailboxde. We have used this many times, and it is very straightforward and easy to use.

Register a free account at Mailboxde.
Write down your postal address in Germany.
Use the address the next time you order from Amazon.de.
You will receive an email immediately as your package arrives at the address in Germany.
Choose a freight company that Mailboxde should use to forward the package to your address in Hungary. It is also possible to have Mailboxde create one package from several packages (thus making delivery cheaper), but this comes at an additional cost.
Wait a couple of days, and the package will be delivered to your home address in Hungary.

Is it expensive to use Mailboxde? Our experience is that you will not pay much more than you would to have Amazon deliver the product to Hungary. Why is that? Since your address is in Germany, you pay less shipping costs in the first place. It is also worth noting that Amazon often increases the price of products in your shopping basket when they realize it is going abroad. Small packages delivered from Mailboxde to Hungary normally cost around 10-12 euros. All in all, you will not pay much more using this service compared to having the product delivered directly to Hungary.

Can I purchase Hungarian books and read them on my Kindle?

If you want to read Hungarian books (in Hungarian) on your Kindle, you will not find such books on Amazon.de. Is it possible at all to add Hungarian books to your Kindle? The answer is yes.

There are several online shops where you can buy books and have them directly delivered to your Kindle, and you can also download books in the .epub format and send them to your Kindle on your own.

As you purchase a Kindle and register it to your Amazon account, you will find it on the Amazon website as you look at the page for your content and devices.

Here you can see the email address of your Kindle. If you visit a store for digital books like dibook.hu, you can have them deliver the e-Books you order directly to this address. If you download books to your computer or phone, you can also send them to this email address to read them on your Kindle.

A great place to find free books for Kindle in Hungary is the Hungarian Electronic Library. There you can find lots of free books, download them in the epub format, and later forward them to your Kindle.

Above, you can see that I have found a Sherlock Holmes collection that can be downloaded for free from the Hungarian Electronic Library in the .epub format, which is required for Kindle readers.

Do not forget to register the email addresses allowed to send content to your Kindle.

To prevent spamming of your Kindle, you need to tell Amazon which email addresses are allowed to send files to your Kindle. Go to the Preferences section and scroll to the bottom until you find the “Approved Personal Document E-mail List.” You must add the email address allowed to send content to your Kindle. If you plan on ordering books from DiBook or other online stores, you need to add their email addresses for the books to be delivered to your Kindle. The other option is to download the books manually and then send them to the Kindle from your own email address.

add new email addresses allowed to send content to kindle

That’s it. You are now ready to download content and send books to your Kindle, besides the books you buy directly from Amazon.de.

You can now order a Kindle and other products from Amazon.de to Hungary. If you have further comments or questions, use the comment field below.

Is it safe to visit Budapest and Hungary with the present situation in Ukraine?

Posted on March 30, 2022March 3, 2023 by Budapest Guide

Have you been waiting for COVID to disappear so that you could finally come to Budapest (again)? But, as you finally started to plan your trip to Budapest again, the entire conflict between Russia and Ukraine showed up and suddenly you got one more reason to worry. But, do you need to worry about the conflict if you are coming to Budapest and to Hungary?

Hungary has more than 2150km of borders and the biggest part of this is the border shared with Slovakia at a total of more than 650km. The second-largest border is shared with Romania (443km), then followed by Austria with which we share a border of 366km. But, what about Ukraine?

The smallest border part in kilometers is with Slovenia (only 102km), and then comes Ukraine with which Hungary has 133km of common border. And yes, that can be experienced these days as the number of refugees entering Hungary from Ukraine might have reached 500,000 already.

But, it is very important to understand that on the Ukrainian side of the border, there are several cities and villages in which a large part of the population speaks Hungarian. So far, these villages and cities haven’t been attacked at all, meaning that they are still doing good, even though they are a part of Ukraine.

Is it safe to visit Budapest right now? — The Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest – Source: Pixabay

What is the situation in Hungary?

The Hungarian people have done a wonderful job taking care of the people arriving in the country from Ukraine. Locals have opened up their homes and their wallets, and the government is also working with helping refugees coming to the country. Many of the refugees travel on to elsewhere in Europe from Hungary, while some reside here, hoping to stay here until the situation has calmed down in Ukraine so that they can return to their country once again.

As a tourist in Hungary…

If you come to Hungary as a tourist, you will most likely not notice anything at all. You might hear more of the Ukrainian language than normal, but since you most likely are unable to discern the languages you don’t know, you will not know whether the people you hear speak Hungarian or Ukrainian or any other language that you don’t know.

If you think about security, then there is no need to worry at all. It is considered a negative thing in general that the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Órban has a quite close friendship with Vladimir Putin, but if you think about the security of the country, then that might actually give it a little additional piece of security (if you fear Putin attacking areas outside Ukraine).

What about COVID?

Are you still worried about COVID as well? You might need to use a face mask on the flight carrying you to Budapest and to Hungary, but there is no need to use a face mask elsewhere in Hungary (besides if you have to visit a hospital or medical facility). There are still quite a lot of COVID each and every day and there are still quite some people dying due to COVID daily. However, people mostly live their lives like before COVID and all programs are available as they would normally be.

No matter what, you can come to Hungary without any worries. Get ready for a nice river cruise on the Danube, some tasty Goulash soup, and maybe a sweet sip of some wine from Tokaj?

How can Hungary get to the European Championship in football in 2020?

Posted on February 12, 2020August 9, 2023 by Budapest Guide

After their somewhat big success during the European Championship in football in 2016, the Hungarians are hungry for more. The fact that three matches during the European Championship actually will be played in Hungary, makes it even more interesting. But, how can the Hungarians get to the European Championship in football?

The legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskas has given name to the biggest football stadium in Hungary. It has recently been renovated, making it a fantastic arena for big football matches. And believe us, this will be an arena for awesome matches during the European Championship, with or without the Hungarians. How come?

The group that will play three matches at the Ferenc Puskas stadium consists of three teams so far; France, Portugal, and Germany. The matches in this group will be played in Germany and in Hungary, meaning that there will for sure be a match between France and Portugal at the stadium during the championship. That is gonna be wild! But, is there a chance that we can see the Hungarians at the stadium as well during the European Championship?

How and when can the Hungarians get to Euro 2020?

The Hungarians still have the chance to qualify, because of the new Nations League system. But, they still have two matches left that they need to win, and neither of those should be considered easy matches.

First of all, on March 26th, they need to beat the Bulgarian square in Bulgaria. The match will start at local time 20.45. Even though the Bulgarian team is a good team, this is a task that they might manage, at least if they have a good day.

The first play-off matches for Euro 2020

If the Hungarians win against Bulgaria on March 26th, the final task will be on March 31st against the winner of the match between Romania and Iceland. As we all know, this sounds quite a bit harder, and both the Icelandic squad and the Romanian squad are a couple of levels up from the quality of the Bulgarian players.

But, if we go back four years in time, we also know that the Hungarians are capable of playing very well under pressure (as when they won against Norway in their two play-off matches in order to get to the European Championship in 2016 in France). So, nothing is impossible. But, there will for sure be some tough moments in order for the Hungarians to get that far!

How to watch the Hungarian matches online?

The matches in which Hungary will play, first against Bulgaria, and then hopefully, against the winner of the Romania/Iceland match, can be streamed on M4 in Hungary. This is a free channel in Hungary, but it can also be accessed quite easily from abroad.

If you want to know more about how you can stream the actual European Championship in football online, click the link for more information. Hopefully, that will be a tournament in which the Hungarians will be present and ready to play against France, Germany, and Portugal.

I don’t believe they will have much of a chance if they actually get there, but it would be amazing to see the players present. And as they managed to surprise and win the group in 2016 (which also consisted of Portugal, Iceland, and Austria), they might be able to grab some points in the Euro 2020, even if their opponents will be Portugal, Germany, and France!

Do not forget, we can help you with lots of programs if you come to Hungary to watch the European Championship in football. We can pick you up at the airport, arrange a delicious beer dinner, or maybe let you enjoy a wine tasting program? Look around in our Budapest Guide for even more information!

Christmas market by St. Stephens Basilica 2018

Posted on October 17, 2018October 15, 2018 by Budapest Guide

We have known the dates for the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square for a long time, but just recently, the dates for the Christmas market in front for the St. Stephen’s Basilica was published as well.

The Christmas market in front of the St. Stephen’s Basilica is getting better and better for every year. In 2017, it didn’t only make the square fantastic, but also Zrinyi utca (the street connecting the Danube and the Chain Bridge with the St. Stephen’s Basilica). It is a fantastic market and every afternoon from 16.30 there will be light shows at the church building every 30 minutes.

The Christmas market will open on November 24th (some places it says November 23rd) and it will remain open until January 1st, 2019. The market is open from 10.00 (or 11.00) until 22.00 in the evening, except for December 24th, on which it will close at 14.00.

christmas market by st stephens basilica — The Christmas market by the St. Stephens Basilica – Source

At the Christmas market, you can find an ice skating rink, a big Christmas tree, and lots of small tree houses where you can buy souvenirs, presents, and lots of hot drinks and traditional food. The ice skating rink is free to use for kids under 14 years, but you need to rent the skates you will actually use on the ice.

This year the Christmas market calls itself an eco-fair. All exhibitors will have to use environmental-friendly packaging, resulting in less garbage and better for the environment.

If you want to read more about the different Christmas markets in Budapest, check this site.

Would you like to enjoy a wine dinner in Budapest during this period, or maybe a river cruise at the Danube River? Make sure to arrange your booking as soon as possible, because it gets crowded and fully booked quite regularly in December!

Egyetem square in Budapest (University square)

Posted on October 12, 2018October 11, 2018 by Budapest Guide

Budapest has a lot of hidden treasures, and one of them is the amazing Egyetem square (University square). It can be found between the popular Ferenciek square and Kalvin square, and it is very close to another hidden treasure, the Karolyi garden.

The square has been named after the university at the square, the University of Law in Budapest. The University was moved to the location in 1784, and the University of Law has been present here since the start of the 19th century.

The building of the university is really beautiful, and at night it is illuminated, making it even nicer. At the right side of the university (see the picture above), you can see the so-called University Church, also known as the “University Church of St Mary the Virgin.” This is a very special church as it was raised by the only Hungarian Monastic order, the Pauline Fathers (Pálosok). The construction work started at the start of the 18th century, and the first stone of the church was set on the ruins of the destroyed Mosque from the Turkish reign.

By the end of the 18th century, the Pauline Fathers were dissolved by Emperor Joseph II, and the church was given to the university.

A perfect place for eating

The Egyetem square is a perfect place to grab something to eat. There are many restaurants in the area, and if you want to enjoy a nice wine dinner just next to the square, check this article.

Do not miss out on the square as you walk the streets of Budapest. It for sure deserves a few minutes of your time!

Visiting Diósd outside Budapest? Where to eat?

Posted on September 20, 2018December 8, 2022 by Budapest Guide

Diósd is a small village/city, just outside the borders of Budapest. For a long time this was a city with one street going through it, but as Budapest has grown into a bigger and bigger city, the need for people to live near the city has grown. And thus, Diósd has turned into a very popular city for people to live, just outside the borders of Budapest.

Most people will never ever visit Diósd during their stay in Budapest. The nearest you will get to Diosd, is probably when you visit the Statue Park (Communist Park). This park is very near to Diosd.

But, let us imagine that you for some reason end up driving through (and stopping) in Diosd. What are you going to eat?

Eating in Diosd

We have recently visited two restaurants in Diosd, both popular among locals and visitors dropping by. Take a look at the images and read our comments, and maybe you will feel inspired to visit one of these places.

Il Gusto in Diosd

This is a new Italian restaurant in Diosd, that opening the summer of 2018. It serves traditional Italian courses, and if you want to eat pizza in Diosd, then this is the place to go. The rest of the Italian courses are okay, but nothing we would travel to Diosd to eat. But, if you are in the area and want to eat Italian food, this might be the place to go. The pizza was the best of the courses we ate. The rest of the Italian courses didn’t taste too good, and we would rather have ordered more pizza, instead of the other food.

Next to the Il Gusto restaurant, you will another restaurant which is praised by both locals and visitors. The name of the restaurant is Johnny’s Bistro.

Johnny’s Bistro in Diosd

We hadn’t heard anything about Il Gusto in Diosd before we visited the place. But, we had heard a lot about Johnny’s Bistro, meaning that we had higher expectations as we visited this restaurant. And to be honest, we weren’t disappointed. In Johnny’s Bistro, you can order a mixture of American and Mexican food. We ordered a hamburger, a taco tortilla, some fries, some chicken, and some onion rings.

Eating hamburger in Johnny's Bistro — Eating hamburger in Johnny’s Bistro

We were really satisfied with the food we were served in Johnny’s Bistro. We have probably eaten even better food, but this was more than good enough for a nice restaurant experience in the middle of nowhere (at least that is the feeling a tourist might have if they end up eating in Diosd).

Based on these experiences, we can warmly recommend a visit to Johnny’s Bistro if you want to dine in Diosd outside Budapest. If you are crazy about pizza and Italian food, Il Gusto might work out, but all in all, the food is much better in Johnny’s Bistro.

Want to read more about restaurants in Budapest? Want to experience a nice dinner with lots of wine instead? Read about the wine dinners in Budapest.

Grillmania in Budapest – Worth a visit?

Posted on September 17, 2018December 8, 2022 by Budapest Guide

Grillmania is a restaurant located near the Gellert hotel in Budapest. It is a grill restaurant in which you can eat traditional Balkan meals. Is it worth a visit?

If you come to Budapest, you are for sure eager to eat traditional Hungarian Goulash soup, to drink Hungarian wine, and to enjoy everything that Hungary has to offer. But, what if you would rather eat something not so traditional Hungarian food? Maybe you want to taste some of the traditional courses from some of Hungary’s neighboring nations (to the south)? Grillmania is the restaurant for you!

The location of Grillmania is ideal as it is located along the busy Bartok Bela ut. You can sit outside and enjoy your meal from early spring until late autumn (but, it is possible to sit indoors as well). This isn’t a typical restaurant, it is more a mixture of a fast food and a normal restaurant. It doesn’t mean that you get to food quickly, but it has more to do with the style of it all.

What can you eat at Grillmania in Budapest?

You will find lots of traditional meals from countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. On the menu, you can find Pljeskavica. This is one of the national meals of Serbia. It is a piece of meat, but the meat is a mixture of pork, lamb, and beef. It looks like a hamburger and has a very enjoyable taste. It is often stuffed with cheese.

Another traditional meal at Grillmania is the Ćevapi (often referred to as Cevapcici). There are small meat sausages made of minced meat, and they are served with fries, and often with ajvar. This is a national meal in both Serbia and Bosnia, but the people of Croatia and Slovenia consider this one of their national meals as well.

Besides these, you will also find Shashlik, Ustipak, hamburgers, burritos, and other tasty food on the menu.

A grill-plate for two at Grillmania Budapest

Is Grillmania worth a visit?

Maybe you are considering a visit to Grillmania in Budapest. Is it worth the money and the visit? First of all, the price level of the restaurant is fairly good. The grill-plate for two seen on the picture above costs less than 5000 HUF (appx 15 Euro), and it is more than enough for two persons. The normal single course meals cost less than 3000 HUF (less than 10 Euro), making them easy to digest (especially for tourists).

The quality of the food is good. The hamburger we ate was tasty, the grill-plate was ideal, and the cevapi was just fine. We had a hard time understanding how they could serve the Cevapi without ajvar (as it is such an important part of the meal), but if you want that, you will have to order it as an extra.

The atmosphere of the place is good, especially on a warm evening when you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, the people walking by, and just eat a large plate of food on the street.

Want to enjoy some other delightful meal in Budapest? Read about other restaurants in Budapest right here.

Grillmania Budapest conclusion

If you want an easy grill-meal in Budapest with traditional courses from the Balkans, this is probably one of the best places to go in Budapest. It is very close to the heart of the city, making it easy to approach.

Have you been to Grillmania? Did you enjoy your meal? Please share your thoughts in the comment field beneath.

The Károlyi garden in the heart of Budapest

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Budapest Guide

Few tourists have ever seen or visited the Károlyi garden, but if you want a breath of fresh air and a green lounge in the midst of your shopping time in Budapest, this is a garden worth visiting.

The Károlyi garden is located close to Váci utca, the shopping street in Budapest, but still hidden away. It is found in somewhere in the middle between famous spots such as Ferenciek tére, Astoria, and Kalvin tér. The park is one of the oldest parks of its kind in Hungary, and it has a rich and a long history.

The beautiful Karolyi garden in the heart of Budapest.

It had its “prime-time” in the 19th century when it had lots of exotic flowers, its own tennis court, and other nice elements. The Károlyi family (the owners of the park) planned on selling the park at the start of the 20th century. However, it ended up in the hands of the state. Unfortunately, the park was heavily damaged during the Second World War, but after the war, it was quite quickly restored. But, during the 1970’s the park was closed down for almost ten years due to the construction of metro line three (the blue line). As a result, most flowers and green areas in the park died, and this had to be fixed over again as the construction work was finished.

Today it is a beautiful park. It doesn’t have the exotic flowers anymore, but it is still a peaceful lung in the heart of Budapest. There are two playgrounds in the park, there is a fountain, and there are several places where you can sit down to relax and gain new strength before discovering more hidden parts of Budapest.

The park is located next to the Karolyi palace, a beautiful building finished in 1830. Inside the palace, you can find the Petöfi Literature Museum, and you can also find the Karolyi restaurant, the location for one of our popular wine dinners in Budapest.