Sweet Dreams in Budapest
Budapest has its fair share of luxury accommodation and, more often than not, it can be found in spectacular buildings and prime locations. The superior hotels, many of which are landmarks in their own right, are listed here.
With a little more research, you will also find something to suit the more modest wallet. Pest is full of mid-range hotels and hostels, like the Ibis Hotel in Ráday utca, while in residential Buda, you might even find a family-run panzió. If you wish to stay in an apartment Budarentals offers a wide range of apartments.
The Internet is a great place to book, but read up in a guidebook for impartial recommendations.
Something Slightly Different
Budapest may be a city steeped in history, but there is also plenty still going on today.
Buda Hills
Buda is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Pest. It is, literally, a breath of fresh air, particularly in the hotter summer months. Take the time to admire the lavish residential villas, follow a nature trail, hire a bike and enjoy the views, explore the stalagmite caves, or just enjoy a meal in a leafy restaurant. The cog-wheel railway, which begins its climb a short walk from Moszkva tér, is an ideal starting point. And the Childrens' Railway is not just for kids, even though it is operated by them.
In addition to over 60 thermal springs, Budapest is also a city of caves. The Szemlő-hegy Cave (Pusztaszeri út, open Mon-Sun 10-16, closed Tue) and the Pálvölgyi Stalactite Cave (Szépvölgyi út, open Tue-Sun 10-16:15, closed Mon) are the most spectacular of those open to the public and contain fascinating fossils and attractive crystal formations. Access is limited to some of the caves, but some companies offer tours.
Extreme Sports
Budapest now enjoys a thriving extreme sports scene, including skate and snowboard parks, the Extrém Sziget, Hungaroring Adventure Park, paintball and karting. For team-building exercises, Fun Extreme Canopy operate an obstacle course in Visegrád, to the north of Budapest.
Watersports
The stretches of the Danube alongside the islands to the north and south are closed to motorised boats, making them ideal for canoeing and rowing. Boats can be hired just by turning up on the Pest side of Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) or along the Római Part, the site of the ancient city of Aquincum. There are also various cable wakeboarding and waterskiing centres in and around the city.
Rent a Bike
The busy streets of Pest are reserved for those with a deathwish, but the Margitsziget and Városliget parks are ideal for a relaxing cycle ride – particularly in the two-person peddle cars that can be hired once you get there. For the more adventurous, the Buda hills above Moszkva tér are a great for touring and off-road exploration. If your legs are not up to the long uphill slog, the Cogwheel railway offers an easy alternative. Bikes can be rented here.
Vintage Railways
Trainspotters need look no further than the excellent Hungarian Railway Museum website. Not only is the museum a fascinating look back into transport history – it is even possible to fulfil your childhood dream of driving one of the engines yourself – the museum is also a top venue for events and concerts. The website is also a great way to find out about nostalgic train journeys to destinations outside Budapest.
Zoo
Most major cities have their own zoo, but none quite like Budapest's, nestled in Városliget (City Park) just behind Hősők tere. The buildings were designed by ground-breaking architects from the National Romantic School, giving the zoo a slightly surreal atmosphere.
Palace of Wonders
In the beautiful Millenáris Park near Moszkva tér, the Palace of Wonders (Csodák Palotája) is a chance for kids to get their own back for being dragged around the sights and museums. The colourful playground allows them to gain some hands-on experience of science at work, and have a great time doing it.
Shopping
Budapest, like any big city, offers plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned cash. The easiest option is to head for one of the city’s large, American-style malls, such as the West End City Center (behind Nyugati Station on blue line M3 on the metro) or Mammut (near Moszkva tér). For a more traditional shopping experience, take a walk along Váci utca or the nagykörút (Grand Boulevard). If you are looking for antiques, Falk Miksa utca near the Pest bridgehead of Margit híd is the best place to start. The Ecseri út flea market is a great place to pick up an unusual piece of furniture and the city’s market halls are great for picking up some Hungarian delicacies, like suasages, salami, pálinka (fruit brandy) and even lace tablecloths. The Bradt City Guide to Budapest contains an extensive shopping section.
The Tisza Shoe Shop
Hungarians now wear sports shoes from all the major global companies, but under the Socialist regime, Tisza Shoes were the only recognisable brand on the shelves. Today. the label lives on, Tisza’s stylish collection of retro shoes and clothing are manufactured in Hungary and can be purchased in the Tisza shop, just around the corner from Astoria.
Budapest Around the Clock
Explore by day, discover by night
In Budapest, every building, every tram ride, every panoramic view, every cosy coffee shop and every night out holds new surprises.
And the liveliest parts of town are not necessarily in the city centre – it is worth taking the time to take a look around. Wherever you go, there is an unmistakable feeling that something out of the ordinary is just around the corner. It may be a nuance of architecture, an interesting statue, a pretty smile, a courting couple, or a group of elderly men putting the world to rights.
The city also offers a mouth-watering selection of restaurants and an array of bars and clubs that will leave your head spinning. If you want to treat your partner to something special, Budapest offers luxury accommodation that won't hit your wallet too hard. You can also indulge in a relaxing soak and invigorating massage in one of the city's many spas – the best hangover cure known to man.
And you may well need a pick-me-up. Budapest is a city where people are on the move at all hours of the day and night – the call of that last drink is difficult to resist. But Budapest is not all about boozing, there are enough concerts, festivals and events to satisfy even the most committed culture vulture. The Sziget Festival in August, Europe's biggest, wildest and longest party, is not to be missed – there is so much going on that, for a whole week, you'll be wishing you could be in two or three places at once. Once it is all over, you might need to check in to a spa hotel for a week to recover.
If you find the time to do some sightseeing, the best place to start is the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or looking down from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube or a ride on the number 2 tram is a good way to take in the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Other must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
One of the most endearing charms of Budapest is that the traffic and noise of downtown Pest quickly make way for leafy parks and forests. Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda offer a haven for cyclists and hikers. The surrounding countryside also lends itself to scenic day trips, as well as a range of extreme sports and other exciting outdoor activities.
Dining Out in Budapest
Today's Budapest is very much a cosmopolitan city, and you can find any type of food from anywhere in the world. Most restaurants offer a mixture of Hungarian and international flavours, but at much more affordable prices than you will find at home. Restaurants are required to display their prices outside their doors, so you always know what to expect before you take the plunge.
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Top Attractions
BUDA
Castle Hill
Castle Hill – home to what you might call Buda’s ‘old town’ – has been a cultural and strategic focal point of the city for centuries and was also the site of over 30 sieges. The inevitable damage resulted in several episodes of rebuilding, often re-using stones from the rubble and lending to the district a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The showpieces are the square of Szentháromság tér, the spectacular Mátyás Church and the Buda Royal Palace to the south. In addition, the views over Pest from the Fishermen’s Bastion will take your breath away.
Buda Royal Palace
The enormous building at the southern end of Castle Hill has been the royal palace, in various styles and guises, since the 14th century. It was rebuilt 400 years later and required major reconstruction work after World War II. It now houses the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchenyi Library. Every September, it plays host to the Budapest International Wine and Champagne Festival, the top event on the wine calendar.
Fishermen’s Bastion
The Halászbástya is often the first stop for tourists visiting Budapest, the fairytale turrets offering an elevated vantage point from which to view the city. The minarets and walls look medieval, but they were actually built in 1902 by Frigyes Schulek to complement Mátyás Church.
Gellért Hill and the Citadella
Visible from almost everywhere in Budapest, Gellért Hill (hegy), with the impressive Freedom Monument on its peak, is one of the city's memorable landmarks. The 14-metre monument was originally commissioned by Miklós Horthy as a memorial to his son, who died in a wartime air accident. When the Russians arrived, they replaced the propellor that the figure was originally meant to hold aloft with a palm frond to symbolise the country’s liberation from the Nazis. Just beyond the monument is the Citadella, a fortress constructed by the Habsburgs following the 1848–49 War of Independence. It now houses an open-air museum chronicling the history of the hill. The views from Gellért Hill are breathtaking; the summit is best approached along paths leading from opposite the Gellért Hotel and Spa. You can take a look around the Cave Church on your way up.
THE DANUBE
Elizabeth Bridge
When first built at the start of the 20th century, Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) was the world’s longest single-span chain bridge. Like all Budapest's other Danube bridges, it was destroyed during World War II; unlike the others, though, it was subsequently rebuilt with a completely different design to its predecessor. Today’s reincarnation is in striking white and is watched over by the spectacular statue of St Gellért on the craggy side of Gellért Hill.
The Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) was the first permanent link between Buda and Pest and is a fitting monument to István Széchenyi – known as the 'Greatest Hungarian'. The bridge has a British connection too: it was designed by William Tierney Clark and constructed by Adam Clark, after whom the roundabout on the Buda side is named. It is closed to traffic on summer weekends, when it is filled with market stalls selling folklore souvenirs, children's toys and snacks.
Margaret Island
Budapest’s playground, car-free Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing day – including a sports stadium, numerous tennis courts, the huge Palatinus outdoor swimming complex, an open-air theatre, Japanese and Rose gardens, early-medieval ruins, two spa hotels and a delightfully low-key beer garden.
PEST
Parliament
The world's second-largest parliament building – its neo-Gothic design is inspired in part by London’s parliament – is a postcard favourite, particularly when reflected in the River Danube below it. It is equally lavish on the inside, but tourists must be part of an organised sightseeing tour to enter.
St István Basilica
Named after Szent István (St Stephen), founder of the Hungarian Christian state, the basilica towers over the surrounding buildings just a short walk from Deák tér. The square in front of it is a nice place to enjoy a summer concert and sip a coffee or cocktail in one of the nearby cafés or bars. Inside, significant events in Hungarian history – with those featuring St István to the fore – are depicted in an appropriately Christian context.
The Great Synagogue
The Dohány utca Synagogue, between the Deák tér and Astoria metro stations, is the world's second largest (after the one in New York). It is also the focal point of Budapest's thriving Jewish community, which holds an annual festival in and around the impressive building. Behind it, towards what was formerly Budapest's Jewish ghetto, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park – dedicated to the Swedish businessman who rescued thousands of Hungary's Jews from the holocaust – contains a silver tree whose leaves are inscribed with the names of many of the victims. It is a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives. The Jewish Museum can also be found here, and the Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre is an important and powerful reminder of one of the darkest periods in European history.
Andrássy út
Andrássy út was the late-19th-century brainchild of Count Gyula Andrássy, who was determined that Budapest should have an elegant thoroughfare to emulate Paris's Champs Elysées. The arrow-straight, tree-lined boulevard connects the city centre with Heroes' Square and City Park. Along its length you'll find the stunning State Opera House, Liszt Ferenc tér with the Academy of Music and bustling cafés, the fearsome House of Terror, the KOGart Gallery – and plenty of grand architecture. It's a lovely stroll, but if you want to take the weight off your feet, then board the underground railway (the yellow M1) -- the oldest in continental Europe -- which runs beneath.
Heroes' Square
The statues on Heroes’ Square are very much a who’s who of Hungarian history (with the notable exception of the unpopular Habsburg monarchy, whose statues were removed and replaced), and its scale and grandeur is an indication of the pride Hungarians have for their country. It is flanked on either side by the almost identical neo-Classical edifices of the Műcsarnok Exhibition Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts. Behind it, the Városliget (City Park) offers a host of attractions of its own, including the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle, the Zoo and the obligatory Széchenyi baths.
Városliget
Budapest’s second favourite park after Margitsziget, the City Park is situated behind and to the right of Hősők tere as you approach from the centre of town. It contains the Széchenyi baths, the Petőfi Csarnok concert venue, the vast Transport Museum, the zoo and several outdoor watering holes.
Vajdahunyad Castle
This fairytale castle was originally constructed from timber and cardboard for the exhibition held in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars to the Carpathian Basin. Its aim was to give the visitor an insight into Hungary's rich architectural past and it features small-scale reproductions of various buildings around Hungary and, in particular, Transylvania (now Romania). This architectural cocktail was such a success that it was rebuilt from more permanent materials in 1904. In winter, it provides a spectacular backdrop to an ice rink, while in summer, it is surrounded by a lake where pedalos and rowboats can be hired.
Art Rediscovered
Like many areas of the Hungarian economy, the art market is just beginning to find its feet after 40 years of turmoil. For the last decade and a half, dealers and connoisseurs have been hard at work trawling through the nation's attics and cellars discovering and cataloguing the work of long-forgotten artists. Hungarian art has consistently followed European trends, the majority of well-known artists, including József Rippl-Rónai and Tivadar Csontváry Koszka, spent a great deal of time outside Hungary honing their skills, while staying true to their roots. There is a large number of artists, such as Victor Vasarely and Mihály Munkácsy, who established themselves outside Hungary. In fact, as result of the political restrictions of the last century, some of these are all but unknown in their home country.
For comprehensive information on Hungarian art and the best known artists, click here.
Danubius Hotels
The Danubius Hotels Group has 23 hotels in Hungary. The hotels are located in the most popular cities visited by foreign tourists: Budapest, Balatonfüred, Bükfürdő, Győr, Hévíz, Keszthely, Pécs, Sárvár and Sopron. For bookings and further information click here.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Budapest
Tripatlas 6.05.2008.
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Gellért Baths
Of the 40 baths and outdoor pools in Budapest, the Gellért baths, around the back of the famous Gellért Hotel, are the most prominent and elegant. The indoor pool is a firm favourite with photographers and a familiar images of Hungary, consistently upstaging the huge and equally impressive entrance hall. But there is much more to the Gellért than just the Art Nouveau architecture. Slip into the separate men’s and women's warm pools, saunas and steam rooms for Turkish-style relaxation, or enjoy the sunshine and splendour of the outside pools, complete with a wave machine for the kids – and the big kids.
Day Trips from Budapest
Budapest is a fascinating and vibrant city, but there is plenty more to see in the countryside beyond. The most obvious tours are to the artists’ colony in picturesque Szentendre and the famous Danube Bend, taking in the former religious centres of Esztergom and Visegrád to the North, all of which can be reached by boat. The small town of Gödöllö, just 30 km east of Budapest, is the site of Hungary’s largest Baroque mansion and a great location for a concert and a picnic on the grounds. The HÉV (urban railway) will take you there from Örs Vezér tér.
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Sightseeing Tours
Widely available in Budapest, surrounding areas and other regions. Choose from boat and coach tours presented in a variety of languages. These can be booked upon arrival, directly through the tour company or through the hotel concierge.
Boat Tours
www.legenda.hu
www.mahartpassnave.hu
Coach Tours
www.eurama.hu
www.cityrama.hu
www.programcentrum.hu
www.budatours.hu
www.veterama.hu
Take a Break for Coffee and Cake
In the first half of the twentieth century, if you wanted to track down well-known writers, poets and painters, it made more sense to enquire about their regular coffee house (kávéház) than their actual address. Today, this institution is being revived, Budapest is full of dark corners and grand halls - a haven for idlers and thinkers. Take the time to enjoy a cup of coffee and choose from an extensive array of delicious home-made cakes and pastries. Traditional favourites include the Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty tér, Ruszwurm in the Castle District, the Centrál Kávéház near Ferenciek tere, and the Művész Kávéház opposite the State Opera House. If you have a sweet tooth, you will find it almost impossible to walk past the Sziget Cukrászda opposite the Vígszinház (Comedy Theatre) on Szent István körút or Hauer on Rákóczi út, near Blaha Lújza tér. For something a little more down-to-earth, check out one of the city’s many presszós – Bambi Presszó is the pick of the bunch – like entering a socialist time warp.
Lukács Baths
More functional than the extravagant Szécheny or Gellért baths, the Lukács (near the Buda side of Margit híd) is less frequented by foreign tourists, but no less hot, sweaty and relaxing. The extensive roof terrace is that little bit closer to the sun, the outdoor swimming pool is refreshingly cool and the second interior courtyard offers powerful bubble and jet massage.
Budapest Cafés
After a day of intensive sightseeing or soaking in a mineral bath, do as Budapesters do and unwind over strong coffee and sweet cake in an old, cosy café. There were more than 400 coffeehouses in Budapest at the turn of the 20th century, attracting everyone from soldiers and aristocrats to poets and actors, and some of the best are still in business today.
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Széchenyi Baths
No visit to Hősők tere (Heroes’ Square) is complete without a wind-down in the Széchenyi baths in the Városliget (City Park). The complex, one of the largest in Europe, boasts the usual network of hot tubs and steam rooms, but the outdoor pools in the enormous neo-Baroque courtyard are the main attraction, and are particularly atmospheric in the winter months. The warmer pool is better suited to a chat, a soak and a game of chess, while the second offers alternate bubble massage and a bizarre aquatic roundabout that brings a smile to faces of all ages. Only committed swimmers, equipped with the obligatory swimming caps, take to the colder water in the central pool.
Museums in Budapest
Budapest is packed with museums and galleries, and there are plenty of temporary exhibitions in the most unlikely of settings, particularly in summer – so keep your eyes peeled. Also note that most museums are closed on Mondays. Entry is often free of charge, particularly with a Budapest Card, but the House of Terror charges 1,200 Ft. For up-to-date information on exhibitions and events, consult www.museum.hu.
The House of TerrorFor the much of the last century, 60 Andrássy út was an address that struck fear into the hearts of Hungarians. First, it became the headquarters Arrow Cross regime in 1944, before being taken over by the Communist secret police until the short-lived 1956 revolution. The building has now been converted into a highly stylised museum, incorporating the cellars – and even the instruments – used to torture prisoners. It is designed as much to remind visitors of the horrors of the totalitarianism as it is to educate. We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time, read up on the background before you go, or check out the museum’s excellent website. Open: Tue-Fri 10-18 (last admission 16.30); Sat-Sun 10-19.30 (last admission 18)
Museum of Fine Arts
The museum to the right of Hősők tere boasts a fine collection of art from all over Europe. The names speak for themselves: El Greco, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, Monet, Manet and Cezanne. And there's much more, including an Egyptian section and some Greek and Roman remains. Open: Tue-Sun: 10-17.30 (closed Monday)
Statue Park
This is an out-of-town cemetery for Hungary's former symbols of repressive Communist ideology, the statues of Marx, Engels, Lenin and other socialist heroes force fed to the Hungarian people. Like the House of Terror, it is a stark reminder of the “Big Brother” Hungarians lived with for four decades.The Stature Park is accessible via public transport and a direct bus from Deák tér. Open: Daily from 10 am till sunset.
Hungarian National Gallery
Occupying three wings of the Buda Royal Palace, the National Gallery contains around 100,000 works of art from the 11th century onwards, including architectural remains, carvings, reliefs and paintings. Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)
Hungarian National Museum
It may be a cliché, but the National Museum really is impossible to miss. A short walk along Múzeum körút from the Kálvin tér metro station, its Roman columns loom up on your right. The artwork and artefacts on the inside are equally impressive, and include Szent István's coronation cloak and huge frescoes and wall friezes. Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)
Ludwig Museum
Relocated to the newly built Palace of Arts, the Ludwig Museum was Hungary’s first international showcase for contemporary art, including some late Picassos and examples of American pop art, as well as collections of work from the former Eastern Bloc. Open: Tue-Sun 10-20 (closed Monday), every last Sat. of the month: 10-22
Museum of Ethnography
A celebration of Hungarian folklore just opposite the Parliament. Features a variety of temporary exhibitions of artwork, photography, clothing and jewellery (visit their website for up-to-date information). Even if ethnography is not your thing, the building itself is well worth a visit.Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)
Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts, the grand building with the green tiled roof you see as you enter the city from the airport, contains a wide range of textiles, ceramics and furniture handed down through the centuries. More than anything, it is worth visiting for its breathtaking interiors. Open: Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)
Műcsarnok Exhibition Hall
To the left of Hősök tere, the Műcsarnok is Budapest’s premier showcase for contemporary art. Check the website for information on the latest events and exhibitions.
The Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre
Intended not just as a museum and memorial, the Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre is also a forum for discussion and an attempt to promote acceptance of the holocaust as part of Hungarian, as well as German history. An estimated 600,000 Hungarians, the majority Jews and Roma, were killed towards the end of the Second World War in Auschwitz and by Hungarian Arrow Cross troopers.
The Jewish Museum
Tucked in behind the Great Synagogue and in the house where Theodore Herzl, the father of the Zionist movement, was born, the Jewish Museum contains a wealth of photography and artefacts documenting Budapest's proud Jewish heritage. Even after the devastation of the holocaust, Budapest has the largest Jewish population of any city in Eastern Europe.
KOGart
KOGart is an Andrássy út mansion dedicated to art and pleasure. Regular exhibitions, events and concerts are just part of the story, the building also boasts an excellent restaurant and coffee house.
Uránia mozi
Small cinemas in Hungary are being upstaged by large and impersonal multiplexes and Hollywood blockbusters, but some bastions of small-scale, arty filmmaking remain. The Uránia cinema is the perfect antidote to bright lights and popcorn, even if you don't catch a film, drop in for a coffee.
Rudas Baths
The Rudas, near the Buda bridgehead of Erzsébet híd, is a men-only baths (although the outdoor pool is open to both sexes) built by the Turkish Pasha of Buda in the 16th century. Its soothing turquoise octagonal pool makes it all the more relaxing – and helps you come to terms with wearing nothing but a skimpy apron. Open Monday to Friday 06-20, Saturday and Sunday 06-13.
Goulash Backlash
The Guardian, September 4, 2004
It's all change on the menus of eastern Europe. James Wallman finds Budapest a tasty option.
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Palatinus
More of a playground than a spa, Palatinus is where Budapesters go to cool off in the height of summer. Expect to find young and old frolicking, sunbathing, eating ice-cream and drinking beer in this huge outdoor complex on Margitsziget.
Budapest on Foot
Once you understand the basic concept of Budapest, it is fairly easy to navigate. The river Danube separates the two sides of the city, the residential Buda Hills to the west and the flat metropolis of Pest to the east. Deák tér is the city centre, and this is the point at which the capital's three metro (underground) lines converge. Váci utca, the main pedestrian shopping street, runs parallel to the Danube and is also nearby. The city’s radial streets, Bajcsy Zsilinszky út, Andrássy út, Rákóczi út and Űllői út, extend from the crossroads of Deák tér, Astoria and Kálvin tér to the South. If you walk far enough in any direction, you emerge on the nagykörút (often referred to as the Grand Boulevard), which is easily recognised by the continuous procession of 4 and 6 trams.
Public Transport
One of the last real throwbacks to the Communist era, Budapest’s public transport system really was built for the people. It remains comprehensive and efficient – if a little ragged around the edges. It is a fast, convenient and inexpensive way to get to know the city – and, generally speaking, the metro, buses and trams run so regularly that you will never need to consult the timetable.
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Taxis
Although prices, particularly in Budapest, are on the increase, taxi travel remains relatively inexpensive. However, there are more than enough unscrupulous drivers about and hailing a cab on the street is often taken as a signal for drivers to charge whatever they please. However strange it may seem, the best way of ensuring you get a fair price is to phone for a cab from a reputable company. Once ordered, the taxi will generally arrive within ten minutes, depending on your location and the time of day. The most foreigner-friendly cab companies (with dispatch centre staff who speak English) are listed below:
Tele5: Taxi 06 1 355 5555
Taxi4: 06 1 444 4444
Radio Taxi: 06 1 377 7777
Fő Taxi: 06 1 222 2222
City Taxi: 06 1 211 1111
Budataxi: 06 1 233 3333
6x6 Taxi: 06 1 266 6666
Budapest Card
The Budapest Card is the cheapest and easiest way to see Budapest. It includes unlimited public transport, reduced or free entry to museums, spas and sports facilities, as well as discounts at restaurants and city tours. You also receive a comprehensive booklet. Full list of the services is available by clicking here. Each Card is valid for one adult and one child up to 14 years of age. And at just 6,500 Ft for 48 hours and 8,000 Ft for 72 hours, it's a snip (a three-day tourist pass for public transport costs 3,400 Ft alone).
| Available: |
More than 250 locations in Budapest: main metro ticket offices, tourist information (TOURINFORM) bureaus (also at the Airport), travel agencies, hotels and the airport. |
Budapest by Boat
The city can be explored in a number of ways, but a boat ride along the Danube is by far the most relaxing. Two companies (www.legenda.hu and http://www.mahartpassnave.hu/) offer city cruises, as well as regular rides to tourist attractions outside Budapest, such as Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom. Bratislava and Vienna can also be visited by hydrofoil.
Let's Get Ruined
The Guardian, August 20, 2005
Each summer, bars and clubs spring up in the crumbling courtyards of Budapest, burst with energy for a few brief months and then disappear. Martin Mevius reports
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Be a Hungarian Chef for a Day
Yes, you too can don a toque and apron and learn to how to make the perfect goulash!
As part of its wide-ranging programme of presenting the best in local food and wine at Budapest's Great Market Hall, Bridge Tours has hired a local chef to teach visitors the fine art of Hungarian cuisine. Guests in small work groups learn how to prepare a main dish and garnish on the spot. Each light, enjoyable session on the
first floor by the Fakanál restaurant lasts about 90 minutes and is
conducted in English. Sessions (£17 in Hungarian forints in cash) start at 10am (arrive by 9.45) except on public holidays and days when the Market Hall (IX.Fövám tér) is closed. Participants can take advantage of the 30-minute baking time to make a shopping tour of the riverside market, beautifully restored to its 19th-century glory in 1994.
1956 Revolution
To and from the airport
Budapest Ferihegy Airport has two terminals roughly 16 kilometres from the city - MALÉV Hungarian Airlines flights use Ferihegy Terminal 2A, with all other traditional airlines flying into and departing from Terminal 2B. Most low cost carriers use Terminal 1.
Public Transport
Buses (service No. 200) run from the Kõbánya-Kispest terminus, metro line 3, to/from Ferihegy Terminals 1 and 2, every 15 minutes during the day.
Train
Passengers can easily reach Ferihegy Terminal 1 from the Western Railway Station in Budapest. On weekdays 51 at weekends 38 trains ease the travelling from the city centre to the airport within less than half an hour for 300 HUF.There are 60 trains on weekdays and 45 at weekends from the airport to the city centre. For the map and the timetable click here.
BusExpress is a quick, safe, quality and guaranteed cheap transfer service. The company fixed the prices so that they would be available for everyone. It connects the Lake Balaton region, Hévíz, Keszthely with Budapest, Ferihegy Airport.
Taxi
The journey takes between half an hour and an hour by car. The official contractor of the Budapest Airport is the Zóna Taxi, you can order a cab at their desk in the airport for fixed, reasonable prices. Or if you order a cab by phone, most companies offer a fixed price of around 4,000 Ft, often depending on whether your destination is on the Pest or Buda side of the river. Otherwise, the journey can cost 6,000 Ft or more. However nowadays it is rare but still be aware that there is a risk of being overcharged by unscrupulous drivers if you simply hail a taxi. Where possible, always telephone to order a cab and agree a fare for the journey.
Airport Minibus
If you are travelling on your own, it is cheaper to use the Airport Minibus service, which has a desk at the airport. For 2,990 Ft for a single and 4,990 Ft for a return, they will deliver you anywhere in Budapest, and pick you up again when you leave. They recommend that you reserve your return journey 24 hours in advance (+36 1 296 8555)
Budapest Art Fair 2008
Antique and contemporary – all that is art at the same time and place…
Budapest Art Fair, the antique and contemporary exhibition, the most significant domestic event of arts, looking back to a period of 15 years during which it gradually became a cultural event on the international scene too, renewed last year in terms of both its name and profile, will be organized in the Art Hall between 20 and 23 November 2008.(read more...)
The real railway children
The Times, October 23, 2005
Ronald Gribble on Hungary's Children's Railway
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Breathtaking Budapest
You don't need to be in Budapest long to realise that you never know quite where you stand – and that's not because of the street layout. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of a city that has been brought to its knees – and restored to its former glory – time and time again.
Even today, it is littered with Roman remains, Turkish baths and Gothic and Baroque architecture, as well as elaborate secessionist (Hungary’s take on Art Nouveau) facades. But visiting Budapest is not just about discovering the past, it is also an opportunity to witness a city building its own bright future.
The most obvious way to begin exploring Budapest's extraordinary diversity is to view it from the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's eclectic Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll or a ride on the number 2 tram along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube is a great way to admire the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Further exploration of the wealth of fascinating architecture in the hustle and bustle of Pest is also a must.
Then it's on to the real sightseeing. Must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
Budapest is not just a city of stunning buildings – many of its museums serve to highlight a history that is proud and unfortunate in equal measure. The imposing National Museum is impossible to miss, and the chilling House of Terror – the building used by both the Nazi and Communist secret police – is impossible to ignore.
The city is also packed with clubs, concert venues and festivals for music of every possible genre – and the Sziget Festival in August is Europe's largest and loudest. In addition to providing a springboard for home-grown talent, Budapest can now draw the world's top contemporary artists.
And not far from the traffic and noise of downtown Pest, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda are a haven for cyclists, walkers and families. And who could forget the relaxing and healing properties of the city's spas.
Find out more about Budapest and its surroundings! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the official website of the Budapest Tourism Office. If you are planning a visit to Budapest the Budapest City Guide (5MB pdf) is a must to take with you.
Restaurants Reviewed
Read reviews of more than 50 restaurants in Budapest, published by Budapest Week online.
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Out on the Town
The first thing many British visitors ask is "when do the pubs and bars close?". To a Budapester, this is something of a difficult question, and the answer is often “when the last guest leaves”. As a rule of thumb, smaller cafés and drinking dens close around midnight, while larger music venues tend to go on until at least 2am on weekdays and well into the early hours at the weekend (which usually begins on Thursday). There are also a number of hybrid restaurants that offer live music and turn into clubs in the evenings.
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5-star Hotels
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4-star Hotels
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BUDAPEST CONGRESS & WORLD TRADE CENTRE – Refurbished and Renamed
The Budapest Congress & World Trade Centre has undergone an 8 million Euro refurbishment project, which was completed this October. The centre, a member of the Accor Convention Network, is the largest conference space in Hungary, and its upgraded facilities are designed to meet the requirements of international conferences, assemblies and summits.
In 2005, for the first time, the UK has become the largest meetings and incentive market for Hungary, creating increased demand for conference facilities in Budapest. 2005 will see an estimated 80,000 meetings and incentive visitors to Hungary from the UK (approximately 20% of all British travellers to Hungary).
Previously known as the Budapest Congress Centre, the property has been granted the title of World Trade Centre, drawing attention to its status as an international meeting point. The main conference room, the Patria Hall, holds up to 1,800 delegates, and a further 18 small and medium-sized rooms can be adapted to suit any conference requirements. There is also a 900m² exhibition space connected to the Patria Hall.
The contemporary, dynamic design incorporates cutting-edge developments in the form of the latest audio-visual facilities, stage equipment and lighting technology. The in-house catering department offers high quality banqueting for groups of any size.
Zoltan Kiraly, Marketing Director of Accor Pannonia Hotels, says, “The Accor Convention Network already counts well-known properties such as Dubai and Bucharest as part of the World Trade Centre network, so the experience gained from creating and running these projects will be fully employed in the development of the Budapest centre. We have calculated a flexible pricing system, and are in a position to offer everything under one roof in order to create consistently efficient and smooth-running events.”
The Business Travel Show will be hosted in the newly refurbished Congress & World Trade Centre from 22nd-24th November 05.
For further details on the Budapest Congress & World Trade Centre, see http://www.bcwtc.hu/
3-star Hotels
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Heaven is a direct line to God
The Times, October 23, 2004
Ronald Gribble finds himself in paradise as he notches up 2,500 miles on a train buffs’ dream trip around Central Europe
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Camaraderie and goulash
The Times, October 23, 2004
Jill Crawshaw enters into the spirit of Magyar tradition aboard the Royal Hungarian Express, where imperial indulgence meets communist chic.
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From bar to bath
Guardian, January 12, 2005
Nick Hall finds hidden nightspots, thermal spas, and solemn reminders of the communist era as he visits Budapest
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Nostalgia trip
The Guardian
October 23, 2004
Ben Mallalieu boards the teak-panelled Royal Hungarian Express for a three-day tour of one of Europe's strangest countries
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Short, sharp break
The Guardian, July 20, 2004
Lounging in Budapest's bath houses is certainly a relaxing way to spend the weekend, but be prepared for an unusual charm offensive, says Simon Busch
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Forint Affairs
The Guardian, May 22, 2004
Few cities offer the history and culture - or fun - of Budapest. Oliver Bennett visits one of Europe's favourite destinations
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My Kind of Town
Telegraph, Aug 20, 2005
Author Bob Dent has lived in the 'Pearl of the Danube' since 1986
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Carriages made in heaven
Telegraph, November 23, 2004
John Graham Hart puts aside his fears about trainspotters to journey around Hungary in civilised comfort.
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Where the cakes are big and the baths are hot
The Observer, May 30, 2004
Putting the memories of a bawdy bath house encounter behind him, Tim Moore returns to Budapest and finds the only thing to fear in the pool is defeat by a bearded chess player
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BUDGET Accommodations
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Dance of the Vampires - musical, Budapest
1 - 27 January, 5 June - 27 July, 27 December - 27 January
Two vampire researchers - Professor Abronisius, a scientist, and his young assistant Alfred - travel to Transylvania to make certain the existence of vampires and defeat them. Many humorous and adventurous stories come alive as they reach their destination, the castle of Count Krolock, where they find themselves at the Vampires' Ball. The excellent music of Jim Steinman follows the story of the film by Polanski faithfully and is a harsh dig at rabid pseudo-science. More information
Hungary in Schengen - new rules at Ferihegy Airport from 30th March 2008
As of this date, passengers traveling within the Schengen zone will no longer be subject to border controls. The strict inspection of travel documents will remain in place for non-Schengen passengers
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