Welcome! Üdvözöljük!
Below is a list of resources we’ve compiled that we hope can smooth your journey as you prepare to come to Olive Tree Counseling Center. If you have any additional questions, please email ambernicole@olivetreecounseling.org and we’ll try to answer what we can! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just some things our team has found helpful in navigating the city as individuals and families.
TRAVELING TO BUDPAEST, HUNGARY
Double check that you are booking for BUDAPEST, HUNGARY and not any other similar sounding cities in this region :) BUD (Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport) is the airport you want to fly into. Also make note of this when booking housing during your stay ahead of time.
Please check to see if you need a visa to enter Hungary. Hungary is part of the EU and is part of the Shengen visa opportunity. Many countries do not require an additional visa for up to 90 days in the country. Please check this site for further info.
https://www.budapest.net/travel-advice
Some sites that can offer additional recommendations:
https://www.wandertooth.com/budapest-tips-best-budapest-travel-tips/
GETTING AROUND BUDAPEST
Budapest Go (for Metro, Tram, Busses) – If you download this app before you arrive, you can purchase a month-long pass (15-day passes are sadly no longer available) that works for all modes of public transit within Budapest proper. Make sure your pass starts on the day you arrive so it is valid throughout your stay. Once you have purchased the pass on the app, it will say when it is “activated” and you don’t need to validate ticket further to use it.
You can also purchase a physical ticket at the airport or at metro sites.
If you purchase a single ride ticket, you will need to validate it for each use.
They will check periodically and you can be fined for not having a ticket if you haven’t purchased it or validated it first. The app also allows you to plan trips and see the easiest modes of transport to get there. Google Maps is also very efficient in planning trips and best transport options. (Note: Not all metro stops are handicap accessible, so make note of that when looking for elevators, moving luggage or strollers around. You can view this on metro signs ahead.)
You might find this link helpful for exploring the city too: Tram lines with stops for tourists
- Bolt Taxi Service – We would recommend using Bolt (downloadable app) instead of general taxi services as some are not as trustworthy. The Bolt app is reliable, easy to use in English and affordable when public transit is not as accessible. (Note: You are not required to have a carseat for children when using Bolt services.)
- Car Sharing Services – can rent for a few hours/days and use, pick up locations available throughout the city
- Mo Limo (need an address card to register)l: https://mollimo.hu/en/
- GreenGo:https://greengo.com/hu/index-hu
- Wigo: https://www.wigomobility.com/en/home
(Please note if you do use one of these services, you will need to have a carseat for smaller children. Sometimes you can request a car with one available, but this isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be able to find one.)
GETTING TO THE OFFICE
Budapest, Bartók Béla út 105-113, 1115 (LINK HERE)
You can take the 49 or 19 tram to Karolina ut stop. The entrance to our office is in building 1/A to the left of the Orlen gas station. Enter there and the receptionist can help direct you. We are located on the 4th floor of the office building. There is a nice elevator that is handicap accessible.
Our office is located in the 11th district on the Buda side.
PARKING AT THE OFFICE:
There is paid street parking in front of our building and along Bartok Bela (the main road running in front of our building.)
Read more about parking in Budapest here: https://bkk.hu/en/travel-information/parking/parking-on-the-premises-of-budapest
Olive Tree in the outer (külső) Bartók Béla út section, XI. kerület (Újbuda). The active include codes in the 3114–3118 range, typically at 200–300 Ft/hour, operating 08:00–18:00. (Please verify the exact code on the nearest parking sign from where you park.) The zone code on the nearest parking meter or street sign is what matters — check it on arrival.
PAYING
Download the EasyPark (iOS/Android) in advance to quickly pay for parking in your zone throughout the city. It works across Újbuda and most of Budapest, lets you start/extend/stop sessions remotely, and sends reminders. Register your car plate and payment card before you arrive. No Hungarian phone number required.
https://www.easypark.com/en-hu
Alternative Payment Options
Option 1 — Parking meter (automata) Pay in cash or by card at the nearest ticket machine. Display the ticket on the dashboard.
Option 2 — Mobile phone (SMS/call) Budapest mobile parking uses a shared prefix: dial your network’s area code + 763 + zone code. Example: +36 70 763 3114 You can also pay via SMS — send the zone code and your plate number as directed on the sign.
Key Rules
Fines are handled by Újbuda Parkolásüzemeltető NKft., reachable at Bartók Béla út 79 or online at parkolas.ujbuda.hu
Maximum stay on-street: 3 hours (no day tickets)
Paid hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–18:00 (free evenings, weekends, and public holidays)
TRANSIT FROM THE AIRPORT
The 100E (Airport Shuttle Bus) between Liszt Ferenc Airport and city center (Deak Ferenc ter or Kalvin ter.) This shuttle goes directly to the airport. Be aware that the Budapest transit pass does not include getting to the airport, so you do need to buy an additional ticket for the airport shuttle bus. That can be done at the airport as you are arriving, or on the BudapestGo app ahead of time. They come about every 10 minutes.
Taxis can be acquired from right outside departures. There’s a booth to your left when you exit the airport, where you give them your address, confirm the estimated cost, and then show you where to meet the taxi.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Unfortunately, Olive Tree is not able to provide housing for clients during your stay in Budapest, but we can recommend a few places around the city. Thankfully, since we are in a very tourist-friendly capital, there are several good options for your time here.
Our office is located in the 11th district (on the Buda side). It is easily accessible by the 19, 48, and 49 trams and the 7 bus. If you can get to Moritz Zsigmond station (metro, buses, and trams) you will have easy transfer access, or a 12-15 minute walk to the office from there. This can help as you are looking for nearby accommodations.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION:
B&B Hotel – Centrally located, breakfast buffet is included, with reasonably priced small rooms.
Anna Hotel Budapest – Only a 12-15 minute walk to the office, nicely updated and clean
AIRBNB:
There are many good airbnb options throughout the city. We recommend the following when searching for Airbnbs:
District 5 is very centrally located but many areas are still relatively quiet. It is easily accessible to the office.
Avoid District 7 and 8 for housing (some rougher areas)
It’s helpful to look for areas that are close to metro and/or tram stops
Look for super hosts and read the reviews on that place before booking to get an idea of the location and place to make sure it’s adequate for your needs.
District 11 on the Buda side is generally a bit quieter and in the same district as the office.
District 1 is also a good area and reasonably accessible to the office.
RECOMMENDED AIRBNB’s if available:
1. Spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms in Buda – Apartments for Rent in Budapest, Hungary – Airbnb
2. Stylish new apartment with 2 bedrooms in Buda – Apartments for Rent in Budapest, Hungary – Airbnb
GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency is the forint (HUF or ft.)
English is widely spoken, especially in the city
ACTIVITIES
Here are a few recommendations for exploring this beautiful, iconic city. However, we do recommend that you pace yourself. Intensive counseling is just that, intense. We recommend planning extra down time for reflection and rest while you are here. And you may find that some of these activities can provide just the right spaces for that.
Some sites that can offer great recommendations:
TOURIST SITES:
Thermal Baths
Free walking tours of Budapest
St. Steven’s Basilica (with panoramic views of the city)
Castle District: Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion
Central Market Hall
QUIET SPOTS IN & AROUND THE CITY:
City Park – A beautiful lake / park area with restaurants, cafes and places to relax. There’s also some incredible playgrounds for kids of different ages to explore at the park.
Margaret Island – walking/running paths, fountains, mini zoo, places to lounge, run, play, in the summer there’s also swimming options. This is a great weekend hangout spot year round.
Szentendre – Quick day trip on a weekend for a charming, small town Hungarian experience
KIDS ACTIVITIES:
Budapest Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the world, this is a fun area to explore with kids or without!
City Park – big interactive playground for multiple ages
Gellert Hill Park – lots of slides (for adults and kids)
RESTAURANTS
Everyday Cheaper Eats We Love
Hummus Bar (several locations)
Pad Thai Wok Bar (several locations)
Cafes / Coffee
Madal Speciality Coffee (several locations)
Kelet (Buda side)
Vivina’s (Pest)
Close to the office
Il Treno (in the same building as the office)
MgTels Pizzéria és Kisvendéglő (6-8 min walk)
Pho Vietnámi Büfé
Pont.Itt.Cafe
Allee Mall (10-ish minute walk from office) food court has several good options and an indoor kids play area
Favorite Restaurants
Cafe Hadik (traditional good Hungarian food)
Nagyi Langos (casual Hungarian food)
Pichler (Chimney Cakes)
Leila’s Lebanese Restaurant
Hilda Budapest (pricier but delicious!)
Tom Yum (Thai) – a chain across the city
Devbhhoomi (Indian)
Pizza Manufaktúra
Breakfast / Brunch
Nicaragua
Cookie Beacon
Cafe Budapest
The Garden Cafe
Deskra
ATMS & MONEY EXCHANGE
Please be careful when using ATMS as some have very large exchange fees. Do not use EuroNet. Look for a specific bank ATM (OTP or Raiffeisen, etc.) when you need to pull money.
You mostly should be able to use credit cards for everything throughout the city and might not need to pull any cash.
If you need to exchange money, there are places with good rates and no commission. A few we recommend are:
DOCTORS & PERSONAL HEALTH CARE
Emergency Numbers
112: General emergency number (can be dialed for police, fire, or medical emergencies)
104: Ambulance
105: Fire department
107: Police
If you run into an emergency and need to find a nearby hospital, here is an ER search:
https://surgossegi.info/
RECOMMENDED TO US:
FirstMed (English) – General Care and many special fields
Pediatricians: Dr. Laufer and Dr. Wilde at FirstMed
Ob/Gyn: Dr. Agnes Kormos at 2B Medical Center (avoid Dr. Singh at FirstMed)
Waberer Medical Center – Mom mall area – English speaking german medical care
Rozsakert Medical Center – recommended for a pediatric allergist.
AMERICAN EMBASSY LISTS FOR MEDICAL NEEDS:
https://hu.usembassy.gov/medical-assistance
LIST OF ENGLISH SPEAKING CLINICS:
ONLINE DR VISIT:
SHOPPING & RESOURCES
MALLS: Allee Mall, MOM Mall, Etele Mall are all good resources
Thrift Stores are plentiful and good here if you find yourself ill-prepared for the different climate when you arrive! We recommend CREAM (several around the city) for adults and Hada for children’s clothing:
https://g.co/kgs/aPHqmcX