Traveling on the Danube River next week, any suggestions on food, sites, etc...

In Budapest, try the public baths--it makes for a great afternoon of relaxation. and don't miss the central market--it is huge and jammed with gorgeous foods. The synagogue in Budapest should be on your list--and a bit of reading about Raoul Wallenberg is in order. In Prague, the Jewish Museum is extraordinary. It is spread over at least six buildings, which were former synagogues, and includes the old cemetery, where Rabbi Loew (creator of the Golem) is buried. I ate at the Jewish community center, which was behind and to the right of the Alt-Neu Shul. this was a good way to experience a bit of day-to-day life in Prague.

I did an (accidental) Danube journey a few years ago, by train, and it was wonderful. There are many recommendations for Prague and Vienna, but as for sites in Bratislava, St. Martin's Cathedral is an interesting visit with many unusual small animal statue decorations, and the city museum is another standout. The castle/fortress is absolutely worth visiting as well - it's everything you think of when imagining a typical "Middle Ages" town with a castle, guilds and all of that. I don't think I ate anything particularly memorable in Bratislava itself, but the coffee is good all over this part of the world. Sites in Budapest: I recommend the synagogue/Jewish museum, the chain bridge, and the Terror Haza. My favorite place I ate in Budapest - in fact, of the whole trip - was the restaurant Kőleves ("Stone Soup") - I know other people who have gone there for the same reason. I highly recommend it! Have a great time -

Thank you, Susan. (blushing).

I'd have that historical novella about Rigo Jancsi done by now if work didn't keep on getting in the way...

Budapest is truly a cross between Vienna and Istanbul. Must-see in Budapest: Mátyás Templom (Matthias Church), and climb the nearby Halászbástya (Fisherman's Bastion), which afford you great views of the iconic Parliament across the river. If you have time, go to the farmers market or the flea market...great place to pick up handcrafted souvenirs and get amazing photos. Hungarians are famous for their colorful embroideries, from doilies to blouses and vests.
Food: can't get a bad meal in Budapest! Go for the paprikas or pörkölt (beef or pork or veal stew). You'll also find some Austrian specialties.
Be sure to partake in the coffeehouse culture. Cukrászda is the word for "pastry shop" where you can sit with a slice of torte, a coffee, and a glass of water to cleanse your palate while you people-watch. The most famous are Gellert and Gerbeaud, but the smaller places are just as lovely. Have a Fekete kávé (Turkish black coffee) if you dare. The iconic dessert is a Rigo Jancsi, a chocolate cake filled with ganache and topped with chocolate icing, and like most things Hungarian, there's a story behind the name.
As George Lang said, a Hungarian cannot do anything on an empty stomach.
Have a grand time!

nice time to go...few tourists. a friend just returned from france (paris, rouen, normandy, mt. st. michel) that they relied heavily on rick stoves' recommendations. they were very happy they did. have a good trip.

Lucky, lucky you. Not related specifically to food, but . . . you should read the works of Patrick Leigh Fermor, of his trip down / near the Danube when he was a young man. So interesting, and so beautifully written. ;o)