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: Eva Toth

DAY 1, Thursday, August 21, 2025

CASTLE DISTRICT (BUDA SIDE)

• • Stroll the charming cobblestone streets of Budapest’s historic Castle District
  • Admire the Gothic splendor of Matthias Church and the views from Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Wander through the Royal Palace complex and its scenic courtyards
  • Enjoy panoramic river views featuring the iconic Parliament building

9:30 AM: Meet at Hotel Vision (Address: Budapest, Belgrád rkp. 24, 1056)

9:40 AM: Board group transportation to Buda Castle District

10:00 AM: Explore the stunning Royal Palace area, including- Riding Hall, Matthias Fountain, National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, National Széchenyi Library, St. Stephen’s Hall. (Tickets will be purchased for the group as requested, up to a certain amount)

12:00 PM: Lunch at cozy and charming Arany Hordó Restaurant (at guests’ own expense) https://aranyhordovendeglo.hu/

1:30 PM: Walking tour of Castle Hill – Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Labyrinth, Hospital in the Rock, Mária Tower

3:30 PM: Board group transportation at Bécsi Kapu to Hotel Vision

4:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Vision

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 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)