DAYTIME GUEST PROGRAM for SMRA 2025

As always, families, friends, and partners are warmly welcome! We’re excited to offer a memorable Guest Day Program for those traveling with SMRA attendees. While delegates participate in the scientific program, guests are invited to explore Budapest’s rich culture, history, and charm together as a group.

We’ve curated a special experience that includes iconic landmarks, panoramic views, and authentic Hungarian cuisine. A WhatsApp group will be created to ensure smooth communication. We’ve outlined the details below to the best of our ability, but please note plans are subject to change.

Cost of 3-Day program: $190.00 USD per person

Organizer: Behind Budapest alongside Eva Toth

DAY 2, Friday, August 22, 2025

HERO’S SQUARE AREA (PEST SIDE):

• • • Ride along the gorgeous Andrássy Avenue (“The Hungarian Champs-Élysées”)
    • See the statues of Hungarian kings and chieftains, and the famous Memorial Stone of Heroes at the UNESCO World Heritage site Heroes’ Square
    • Immerse yourself in the beautiful City Park and discover gems like Vajdahunyad Castle
    • Marvel at the architecture of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
    • Admire the award-winning design of the House of Music and the Museum of Ethnography, or take time to explore one of the many nearby museums or galleries
    • Take a short stop at the Dohány Street Synagogue

9:30 AM: Meet in the Hotel Vision lobby (Budapest, Belgrád rkp. 24, 1056)

9:40 AM: Hop on group transportation and enjoy a scenic ride along Andrássy Avenue en route to Heroes’ Square. Drop off at the Kunsthalle.

10:30 AM: Explore highlights around Heroes Square* – Museum of Fine Arts, Kunsthalle, Museum of Ethnography, Hungarian House of Music, Boating Lake, Vajdahunyad Castle, Agricultural Museum (Tickets will be purchased for the group as requested, up to a certain amount) *Optional Ligetbus/bicycle PYO ticket https://www.ligetbus.com/en instead of walking

1:00 PM: Lunch at the renowned Gundel Restaurant, a historic spot known for traditional Hungarian cuisine (at guests’ own expense): https://gundel.hu/en/menus/cafe-patisserie-menu/

2:30 PM: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Budapest’s biggest green space, the Citiy Park. View the exterior of the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden and the impressive Széchenyi Thermal Bath

3:00 PM: Board transportation near the Museum of Fine Arts at Heroes’ Square

3:20 PM: Visit the significant cultural site around Dohány Street Synagogue

4:00 PM: Depart for Hotel Vision

4:30 PM: Arrival back at Hotel Vision

DAY 3, Saturday, August 23, 2025

WALKING TOUR TO PARLIAMENT, ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA AND GRAND MARKET (PEST SIDE)

• • Stroll through the northern section of elegant Váci Street, Budapest’s main shopping promenade, and pass the lively Deák Square to visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Cross Liberty Square, lined with beautiful historical buildings, on your way to the iconic Parliament Building
  • Choose to take a guided tour inside the Parliament, or enjoy the scenic views of the Danube Quay, Margaret Bridge, and pause at the poignant Shoes on the Danube Memorial
  • Discover Europe’s largest indoor market, the lively Great Market Hall, filled with local treats, traditional products, and souvenirs

9:30 AM: Meet at Hotel Vision lobby

9:40 AM: Walk via Váci Street and Deák Square to St. Stephen’s Basilica (~20 minutes) (Tickets to enter the Basilica will be provided)

11:30 AM: Walk to Parliament (15 min walk) and choose between tour of outside or visiting surrounding sites

12:30 PM: Take the scenic tram ride along the Danuber (Tickets will be provided)

1:00 PM: Lunch at Párisi Passage (at guests’ own expense) – https://parisipassage.hu/en/our-menu.html

2:30 PM: Stroll through the vibrant Great Market Hall

3:40 PM: Meet at 1000TEA House https://1000tea.hu/teahause.php

4:00 PM: Walk back to Hotel Vision (10 min)

Please note that, according to Hungarian insurance providers, the risks arising from our guiding activity are typically covered by the guests’ own travel insurance.