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.
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.
(read more...)
Car Hire
All the major international players in the car rental market are present in Hungary. If you are planning to extend your trip to neighbouring countries, make sure you clear it with the hire company, some companies have restrictions on taking rental cars into bordering countries.
COMPANIESAvis
Tel.: +36 1 318 4240
Budget Rent a Car
Tel.: +36 1 214 0420
Europcar Inc.
Tel.: +36 1 477 1090
National
Tel.: +36 1 477 1083
Fox Autorent
Tel.: +36 1 382 9000/9003
Hertz
Tel.: +36 1 296 0997
Americana Rent-a-Car
Tel.: +36 1 350 2542
Recentcar
Tel.: +36 30 474 1826
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.
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.
Driving in Hungary
There is a zero tolerance policy with respect to drink driving, if you consume a drop of alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Outside urban areas, vehicle headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. The M1, M3, M5 and M7 motorways are toll roads, stickers must be purchased in advance at petrol stations and on-line. A four day pass costs 1170 Ft, a weekly pass 2550 Ft, and a monthly pass 4200 Ft.
Around Budapest
Budapest is a fascinating and vibrant city, but there is plenty more to see in the coutryside. 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.
Szentendre
The delightful Baroque old town of Szentendre is packed with galleries and museums, as well as a host of homely restaurants and pleasant outdoor cafés. The cobbled streets, secret gardens and attractive townhouses are worth exploring in their own right, and you don't need to venture far up the hillside to find a local vineyard and a spectacular view. A summer festival of concerts and dance performances begins in late June and culminates on Saint Stephen's Day on August 20. The Skanzen open-air museum, 4 kilometres to the west of Szentendre, is Hungary's largest collection of rural architecture and is designed to give visitors a feel for life outside the capital.
Visegrád
Your first glimpse of Visegrád as you approach by boat will be the eye-catching ruins of the citadel, perched high above Danube Bend. Making the trek to the summit is a must, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the river below. The small town below, Solomon's Tower and the Royal Palace to the north hark back to Visegrád's hayday before the Mongol invasion and are also worth exploring. The surrounding hills offer panoramic hiking for those with more time and energy, as well as a summer bobsleigh course.
Esztergom
Another 25 kilometres up the Danube from Szentendre, Esztergom is famous for its imposing hilltop Basilica and its memorable location on the Danube. The home of Hungarian Catholicism and formally the state capital, the town is steeped in a history stretching back to the days of Saint Stephen. The town maintains a uniquely Hungarian charm that is manifested in a glut of traditional restaurants.
Pilis and Börzsöny Highlands
The hills around the Danube to the north of Budapest are a perfect escape from the traffic and noise of Budapest and offer a natural world easily accessible by HÉV for day-trippers looking to stretch their legs. The colours of Autumn enhance the rolling woodlands further and sharp-eyed visitors have a good chance of glimpsing a deer or wild boar.
The Royal Palace in Gödöllő
Just 30 kilometres east of Budapest, the impressive Baroque mansion was the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth (known affectionately as Sissi). Today, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for concerts and opera performances all year round, including the Baroque Palace days in August, the International Harp Festival and the Franz Liszt Piano Festival.
Taxis
Outside the capital, taxi drivers are less prone to unscrupulous pricing and can usually be flagged down on the street without any problems. Ask what the fare will be to the destination before departure. Always check to make sure there is a meter, running in the taxi.
Hotels around Budapest
Thermal Hotel Visegrád****superior
Brand new wellness & conference hotel in the pictureque Danube-bend with own spa facilities.
Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel***** Göd
Only 20 minutes from downtown, a unique complex waits for those who need recreation, the lovers of sport and the participants of conferences.
Castle Hotel Szirák****
Less than an hour drive from Budapest to the North-East, a real gem of the Forever Resorts holiday chain.
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
(read more...)
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.
(read more...)
