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.

Please note that, according to Hungarian insurance providers, the risks arising from our guiding activity are typically covered by the guests’ own travel insurance. This agenda is subject to change and may be impacted by the national holiday taking place on August 20, 2025. Your host will be able to support your questions and make you aware of any changes.  

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

Organizer: Behind Budapest alongside Eva Toth

9:30 AM: Departure from Hotel Vision, walking and using public transport (BKK) to the Buda Castle District.

10:30 AM: Visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion (only the parts where no ticket is required).

11:00 AM: Visit to Matthias Church with a private organ concert (tickets paid in advance). – awaiting final confirmation on organist – tba

Guided walking tour in the northern part of the Buda Castle including the Mária Tower, National Archive, etc. (only exterior visit)

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch on your own at one of the following recommended restaurants:
21 Bistro – Address: 21 Fő utca, 1011 Budapest (Modern bistro with Hungarian and international cuisine).
Fehér Holló – Address: 5 Szentháromság tér, 1014 Budapest (Traditional Hungarian food with a cozy atmosphere).
Spíler Beergarten – Address: 1-3 Szentháromság utca, 1014 Budapest (Casual beer garden offering craft beers and hearty pub food)

Please note: Lunch is self-funded, and there are no reservations at the mentioned restaurants (see Note 1 below)

1:30 PM: Meeting at Szentháromság Square.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Guided walking tour of the southern part of the Buda Castle District, including the Royal Palace, Royan Stables, Riding Hall, Csikós Courtyard, Castle Garden Bazaar and more.

3:30 PM: Return to Hotel Vision.

AY 2, Friday, August 22, 2025

HERO’S SQUARE AREA (PEST SIDE):

9:30 AM: Departure from Hotel Vision by private coach to explore the City Park.
Scenic drive along Andrássy Avenue, passing the Opera House, the House of Terror Museum, and the old Music Academy.
Guided walking tour in the City Park (Heroes’ Square, Széchenyi Bath, and the Zoo).

11:00 AM: Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts with a guided tour (entrance fees are included in the price).

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Discover the area around the City Park — Vajdahunyad Castle, Lugosi and George W. Bush statues, House of Hungarian Music, and the 1956 Memorial.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch on your own at one of the following recommended restaurants:
ETNO Bistro – Address:  Dózsa György út 35, 1146 Budapest (Modern and trendy café serving international dishes).
Trilla Bistro  – Address: Olof Palme stny. 3, 1146 Budapest  (Traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist).
Zöld Küllő  – Address: Paál László út, 1146 Budapest (Vegetarian and vegan dishes with a focus on sustainability).

Please note: Lunch is self-funded, and there are no reservations at the mentioned restaurants.

2:30 PM: Visit to the Museum of Ethnography with a guided tour (entrance fees are included in the price).

3:45 PM: Return to Hotel Vision by coach, passing notable landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohány Street Synagogue. Expected arrival at the hotel by 4:30 PM.

DAY 3, Saturday, August 23, 2025

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

9:30 AM: Departure from Hotel Vision, walking to Váci Street and Deák Ferenc Square, Erzsébet / Elizabeth square.
Visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica (entrance tickets included).
Walking tour towards the Szabadság Square and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at one of the following recommended restaurants (please note that this is subject to change if the Central Market Hall will be visited in the morning):
Szamos Gourmet House – Address: 2 Kossuth Lajos tér, 1055 Budapest (Elegant restaurant offering Hungarian and international dishes, daily menu, plus a variety of cakes and pastries).
Retro Lángos – Address: 4 Kossuth Lajos tér, 1055 Budapest (Traditional Hungarian lángos in a retro-style setting, perfect for a quick and tasty snack).
Smúz Café – Address: 10 Kossuth Lajos tér, 1055 Budapest (Casual café offering a variety of Hungarian and international dishes, with a relaxed atmosphere).
Séf Asztala – Address: 3 Kossuth Lajos utca, 1053 Budapest (Modern Hungarian dishes in a cozy setting).

Please note: The lunch is self-funded, and there are no reservations at the mentioned restaurants.

2:00 PM: Walk to the Shoes on the Danube Memorial and continue along up to the Chain Bridge. Take tram number 2 to Fővám Square.

4:00 PM: After a refreshments at 1000 Tea House, walk back to Hotel Vision (tickets are included in the price).