Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. With green filled parks full of charming pleasures, museums that will inspire, and a pulsating nightlife that is on par with its European counterparts, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Thanks to the perfect location, inhabitants’ hospitality and memorable monuments is it mentioned as “Little Paris of Central Europe” and “Pearl of Danube”.

What to see

• Fisherman’s Bastion: Located next to the Danube and within the Buda region, Fisherman’s Bastion is an eye-catching landmark, with no less than seven towers and beautiful bright architecture.
• Citadella (Citadel)
• Great Synagogue (Dohany Street Synagogue)
• Old City Walls
• Janos Hegy: The highest hill in Budapest provides a scenic natural backdrop to the city and at more than 500 metres height
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Royal Palace (Buda Castle)
• St. Stephen’s Basilica: This spectacular religious landmark is quite like no other in the whole of Hungary and is simply enormous.

Here you may find a short list of Budapest’s museums

What to do

• Experience an opera at Budapest’s spectacular State Opera House or a performance of forklore or classical music at any of Budapest’s many concert halls.
• Buda Hill Labyrinth. The Labyrinths are accessible by two points on the Buda hills. Originally parts were formed from hot water springs and then during WW2, they were linked with some of the cellars on the hill to create an air raid shelter for up to 10,000 people and a military hospital. The labyrinth is now a popular tourist attraction. It is a bit cheesy, but would be good for families travelling with children.
• Walk around and look at the market stands and the entertainment on some of the bridges in the evening.
• And the best of all: get a map, circle the things you want to see, divide up your time and see the city by yourself. Locals are always ready to help and they even tell you what to see and what is better to stay away from. They even guide you for a short time to keep up their English by having a good conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
• With your children go to the City park. Great fun can be made here. Walk arround the lake and feed the ducks. See statue of Anonymus in a fairytale-like building, the Vajadahunyad Castle. Next to the lake the Széchenyi Spa is really enjoyable for kids as well, or a performance with international artists in the Great Capital Circus or adventure in the fun Fair. As a finish of the day more than 800 special animals can be visited in one of the oldest zoos in the world.
• Rent a bike and go round the city, it’s lovely! You can easily go outside the city as well. Szentendre is a 2hrs ride max from the center and you get to see nice places like a lake when you follow the river.

Area

90.030 sq.km.

Population

10.035.000 ppl. (2007).

Capital City

Budapest (2.400.000 ppl.). It consists of two cities: Buda and Pest.

Official Language

Hungarian, German

Religion

Christian Romeo Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox 79%, Atheists 20%, Other 1%

Currency

Forint (HUF)

Social Comportment

Social life is quite formal. Discussions about politics would rather be avoided. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings and services. Some alcohol drinking is allowed.

Climate

Climate is continental with higher temperatures in the East of the country. Summers are hot and dry and winters are cold followed by sharp frost and snowfalls. Rainf usually falls during autumn and spring.

Clothing

Light warm clothes in spring and autumn, light in the summer – a sweater is recommended. Coats, boots and raincoats are recommended in winter. Sport clothing is generally accepted. Smart dressing is necessary for restaurants and business meetings.

Landmarks

• The Castle, St. Matias Cathedral, the fishermen Tower, the royal palaces, the hamams, the national museum, the Danube bridge, the Parliament, the big synagogue and the museum of fine arts in Budapest.
• The castles and palaces spread all over the country.

Shopping

• The famous black ceramics, carved wood, enameled articles.
• Handmade drapery
• Zsolnay, Herend and Hollohaza porcelains in specialized shops.
• Crystals decorated with lead pencil
• Tokaji wine

Dining

• Goulash with veal, vegetables, potatoes and small pieces of boiled bread
• Chicken with paprika and sour cabbage
• Chicken soup with vegetables
• Vegetable soups
• Tokaji wine