Open left menu budapest. Hungary is a great country for budget travel

Pictured is the capital of Hungary

Capital: Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the largest city in the country. The population according to the 2007 census is 1.7 million people. The city was formed as the capital in 1873, after several nearby cities decided to unite into one common state - Hungary.

The composition of the population is represented mostly by Hungarians (90%), the rest of the percentage is made up of Germans, Slovaks, Gypsies, Jews, Slovenes, Ukrainians, Serbs. officially accepted official language- Hungarian.

national currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF). The exchange rate of the Russian ruble RUB to the Hungarian forint is 1 RUB = 6.7283 HUF.

One of the sights of Budapest is the Buda labyrinth. The labyrinth is located under the Buda Castle, and, according to experts, these catacombs are a work of nature. Collapses, the movement of the earth's crust and other factors have influenced the fact that under the ground naturally formed ornate labyrinths are so popular among tourists. Tours run daily except Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, everyone can visit the catacombs and only with a guide.

The Freedom Monument is one of the majestic sculptures of the city. This 14-meter sculpture was installed in 1947, in honor of the liberation of the city. Citizens worried that post-war Soviet domination would affect the demolition cultural monument, but they were wrong. The sculpture has become so accustomed to the general panorama of the city that it still stands on Mount Gellert.

The Fisherman's Bastion is a relatively young attraction. The bastion was built in 1895 on the site of the old fish market. The attraction plays the role of an exclusively cultural decoration of the city, rather than symbolizing a historical event. Tourists often visit the bastion, as it offers a stunning panorama of the city.

Hungarian cuisine is replete with fantasy, hearty dishes, with an abundance of seasonings and spices. Dishes of meat, vegetables, various stews, as well as hearty and rich soups with cracklings and bacon, pepper are presented in abundance. If it's noodles, then always with a rich meat sauce, if sandwiches, then always with salami sausage or sausages with paprika. Budapest also has its own fast food - langosh flatbread. This cake is made from yeast dough, fried in boiling oil. Garlic sauce is served with a tortilla, and sprinkled with grated cheese on top.

In Budapest, as in the whole country, there are rules of conduct. A single handshake is used for greeting, while it is customary to shake hands with both men and women, with the difference that the female handshake is not so strong. Say goodbye by raising right hand up, at the same time, it is necessary to fold your fingers. Do not worry if, when meeting a Hungarian, he does not smile at you in greeting, this is quite normal, since Hungarians are not very emotional, unlike the same Americans.

Useful information for tourists about Hungary, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Hungary, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions Hungary.

Geography of Hungary

Hungary is a state in Central Europe, bordering Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.

The Danube River crosses Hungary almost in the middle, another river, the Tisza, flows to the east; both are from north to south. Divided equally total area lowlands and mountains of medium height.

Most of the right bank of the Danube is occupied by a hilly plain - Transdanubia, which is crossed by a strip of limestone mountains with plateau-like massifs and a height of 400–700 m. Higher mountains stretch along the northeastern border of Hungary, reaching a maximum value in the Matra massif. Here is the highest point of Hungary - Mount Kekes (1015 m).

West of the Danube is Lake Balaton - the largest not only in the country, but throughout Central Europe. This is the warmest lake in the region.

State

State structure

The form of government is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. Parliament is a unicameral National Assembly, elected by the people for a term of four years.

Language

Official language: Hungarian

Many Hungarians speak English, German or Russian.

Religion

Catholics - 67%, Protestants (mainly Lutherans and Calvinists) - 25%, Jews.

Currency

International name: HUF

1 forint = 100 fillers. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 forints each. Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 for.

Currency exchange can only be done in official exchange offices, and a certificate of currency exchange must be kept before leaving the country.

History of Hungary

Modern Hungary was in ancient times part of the Roman province of Pannonia and was one of the first to be conquered by the Germanic tribes in the second century AD. After that, the country was ruled by the Huns, Avars and Franks. At the end of the 9th century, Pannonia was captured by the Magyars.
The first king of the Hungarians was Stephen I (Saint) in 1000, having received the blessing of Pope Sylvester II. For almost 300 years, the Kingdom of Hungary was independent, but after the Mongol invasion in 1241, royal power began to weaken and at the beginning of the 14th century foreign dynasties began to rule the country.
In 1521, Turkey launched a successful war against the Hungarian king, after which the country actually broke up into several relatively independent regions and remained in this state for almost 150 years. At the beginning of the 18th century, power in the country passed to the Austrian royal house of the Habsburgs, and after another 150 years, Austria and Hungary became independent kingdoms under the control of one emperor, and in 1867 Austria-Hungary arose.
On November 11, 1918, the empire was officially liquidated, and five days later Hungary was proclaimed a republic. In the 1920s, the monarchy was restored with the establishment of the pro-fascist Horthy regime, but in 1945 Hungary again became a republic. One of the important, albeit dark, pages of Hungarian history is the 1956 uprising, crushed by Soviet troops.
In 1989 the Hungarian People's Republic was renamed the Republic of Hungary, the communists were actually removed from power, and in March-April 1990 the first free multi-party elections were held in 45 years. Hungary is a member of the UN, IMF, World Bank, GATT, Council of Europe.

Popular Attractions

Hungary Tourism

Where to stay

Hungary attracts numerous tourists not only with its magnificent nature, but also with its wonderful climate and numerous healing springs and thermal centers. Accommodation in Hungary provides many options for every taste. The official classification of hotels was adopted in Hungary in 2003. Gradation - generally accepted in Europe: from two to five stars.

In Hungary, you can stay in one of the luxurious hotels, where, in addition to excellent service and a beautiful thoughtful interior, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, the opportunity to use a fitness room, parking, a beauty salon or a hairdresser. Hotels two or three stars offer acceptable service for a very affordable fee. Breakfast is included in the price, you should check the facilities in advance - as some rooms do not have a bathroom and a toilet.

IN resort areas you can stay in one of the spa hotels, which also have a gradation from two to five stars. Here, in addition to accommodation, guests can take advantage of spa services and medical procedures. A higher level of service and a wide range of health services are provided by wellness hotels (gradation - from three to five stars).

In Hungary, you can also stay in a garni hotel, that is, in one where there is no restaurant. This is offset by comfortable living conditions, relatively low fees. And the presence in the immediate vicinity of numerous cafes and restaurants will help solve problems with food.

It is also possible to rent apartments. The cost of living here will depend both on the level of service and on the proximity to historical monuments or thermal spas. As a rule, apartments are rented for any period. During the tourist season, you should take care of booking in advance.

Hungarian cuisine is characterized by dishes rich in harmonious taste, made using red peppers, onions, tomatoes and capsicum: the famous Hungarian goulash, chicken paprikash with dumplings and cabbage rolls....

Tips

In restaurants, service is not included in the bill, therefore, as a rule, they give 10-20% of the final amount for tea. The same applies to hairdressers, beauty salons, taxis and other types of services.

Visa

Office Hours

Grocery stores in Budapest shopping centers on weekdays they are usually open from 07:00 to 19:00, on Saturday - from 07:00 to 13:00. On Sundays, only some large supermarkets are open until 14:00. Clothing and other consumer goods stores and department stores are open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays, on Saturdays from 09 am to 1 pm.

Museums, as a rule, are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, the day off is Monday. Many museums are open one day a week for free admission. Banks are open on weekdays from 10 am to 3 pm, on Fridays from 8 am to 1 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed.

Purchases

VAT on industrial goods in Hungary is 25%, on products and services - 12%. Foreigners when leaving Hungary can claim the amount of tax if the unit value of the goods exceeds 50 thousand Ft. This rule does not apply to antiques and works of art. There are several offices in Budapest where you can arrange a tax-free purchase. But the reimbursement will not exceed 18% of 25%.

You can get your tax refund at customs when you leave the country. Reimbursement is made only in forints. If you paid with a credit card when making a purchase, the amount can be transferred to your bank account. In this case, make sure that customs stamped the check.

Budapest from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Budapest.

• Hot tours to Hungary
• Tours for May Worldwide

Once, in immemorial legendary times, on the banks of the majestic Danube, carrying its green waters through half of Europe, two settlements appeared, each of which was located on the opposite bank from each other. One of the shores was higher, and a village called Buda arose there, and cozy Pest was located on the gently sloping shore. After some time, both cities merged into one - called Budapest. To say that Budapest is the real "pearl" of Europe and its most beautiful capital is to say absolutely nothing. Ancient baroque quarters, luxurious theaters and palaces, which have preserved in their bronze, green domes, the spirit of the empire, the ancient fortifications of Buda, monuments to the great Hungarian kings and saints of the enlighteners of the Magyar land, of course, the majestic parliament building, beautiful at any time of the day or night.

This is not all that the Hungarian capital is rich in. It is impossible to deny yourself the pleasure, so that at the height of the day or in a quiet evening you do not sit down at the table of a cozy restaurant and taste wonderful goulash and drink a glass or two of Tokay. You can not ignore the famous baths, which Budapest is famous for throughout Europe. It is difficult to list all the sights of this city, so it is better to come and see everything with your own eyes. We can say with certainty about Budapest - this point on the map is a must-see.

Search flights to Budapest

Districts of Budapest

The main thing is that everyone who arrives immediately learns about the geography of the Hungarian capital - the Danube divides it into two parts. Hilly Buda remains on the western shore, and Pest stands proudly on the eastern shore, without the need for elevations. The city is divided into 23 districts. Buda includes districts I, II, III, XI, XII, XXII. Almost the entire region III is the territory of Obuda ("Old Buda"). At the end of the 19th century, three cities, Buda, Obuda and Pest, were merged into one Budapest.

Buda: securely hides antiquity in the shade of trees and the brilliance of restorations

District I (Castle District) is the smallest on the territory of Buda, but it is here that the Buda Castle is located. Everything points to the fact that we will see some medieval castle and… no. Castles, of course, were built more than once, because Buda was built from the 14th century, but little remains of them: the fortress walls were rebuilt, the Matyasha Cathedral changed its appearance for 700 years, and the Royal Palace (never was a royal residence) from a small palace mid-18th century became grand building beginning 20.

Along the Danube, under the fortress and to the north, the Vizivaros region stretches (regions I, II and III). Art Nouveau fountains (early 20th century), medieval baths "Kiraly" and "Lukács", interesting architectural solutions, including cathedrals, founded in the Middle Ages. Stalagmite cave Pal-Voldi, the most visited among all the underground labyrinths of Budapest, is located here.

Mount Gellert, located south of the castle hill, competes with the much more remote Mount Janos for the title of the best vantage point cities. At its foot, since 1918, the Art Nouveau hotel of the same name has been welcoming guests; its Gellert baths are famous far beyond the borders of Hungary.

District III (Obuda). This is a quiet area where the sights coexist perfectly with the sleeping quarters and panel houses. The most remote of all tourist centers Budapest; considered to be the most ancient. If only because here we will find the ruins of Aquincum, a city that was part of one of the outlying provinces of the Roman Empire. Two amphitheatres have been preserved. Other places are already related to the history of Obuda: Szentlélek tér square and the Zichy family palace, Fyo square (Fő tér) with the city hall building and sculptures by the Hungarian Imre Varga.

According to the locals, the whole of Buda can be easily walked around. Walk from Buda Hill to central squares in Obud it will take 2-2.5 hours.

Pest: grandiose buildings and avenue geometry

One of the reasons for the disputes between Buda and Pest is where is it better to start exploring the city - from Buda Hill or from old Pest? Let this be a rhetorical question.

So across the river from castle complex the Belváros district, the core of the old city, is spread out, the first surviving buildings in which date back to the 12th century (such as the parish church). Right on the square in front of the church, the ruins of a small fort from the time of the Roman Empire are mothballed. The embankment was rebuilt for walking - it is customary to admire Buda from here.

In Belvaros, as well as throughout central Pest, there are many monuments to prominent Hungarians - this is a kind of national showcase of the formation of statehood. From here, from Vörösmarty Square, the Vaci pedestrian street begins (may the flow of tourists not dry up on it day or night). And the majestic buildings of the city council and the university library are not so far from the no less majestic Central Market.

Belvaros smoothly flows into Liptovaros (the first area that once began to be built outside the walls of Pest). Here the sovereign scope is felt more strongly. What is worth only one building of the Hungarian Parliament, so huge, 268 meters long and 96 meters high, that tourists prefer to photograph it from the west coast. The square in front of the Parliament is again full of monuments, and on public holidays it gathers parades. Barely inferior to him in size, perhaps, the main Hungarian temple - St. Stephen's Basilica (not a museum, so admission is free). Both buildings were built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Liptovaros is famous for its bridges: in the middle of the 19th century, the Chain Bridge (named after Szechenyi) became the first permanent crossing between the two banks, and the Princess Margaret Bridge built after it broke the record for the number of rebuildings and reconstructions.

Both Belváros and Liptovaros are located in the administrative district V, the smallest district of Pest, which gives an idea of ​​the actual size of this part of the city. The territories of the districts grow as they approach the outskirts.

The main street of District VI (Terezváros) is the straight and wide Andrássy Avenue. A hackneyed comparison with the Champs Elysees sounds silly, but this is one of the most popular streets in Budapest, built up with palaces and mansions of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The avenue ends in area XIV, where the Heroes' Square and the City Park are located (the largest in Europe and the most popular Széchenyi baths among tourists, as well as an eclectic complex of buildings in different architectural styles that are found on the territory of the country - among the people of Vaidahunyadvar). Neighboring District VII is notable not only for its proximity to the old center and Art Nouveau buildings, but also for the Jewish quarter of Erzsébetváros (buildings built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries). The Great Synagogue on Dohany Street, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people, is still one of the largest in Europe.

Jozsefvaros (district VIII), outlined by Rakoczi Avenue from the north, is interesting for the oldest, opened in 1847, the cemetery "Kerepesi". In the same area and in the same year, the National Museum, the first museum in the history of Hungary, was opened. The baroque building of the St. Roch Hospital appeared 6 years earlier. Two blocks away, you can walk along the narrow street of Pushkin.

The territory of the city is 7 more islands on the Danube, including, in fact, the Palotai Peninsula. Margaret Island, in the center of the capital, is included in district XIII and has been completely turned into a recreation park (mostly active), has several thermal springs. It is not possible to drive here by private car. The largest island, Csepel, stretches for 48 km in length and belongs to Budapest only with its northern tip.

Tourist safety in Budapest

The crime situation in Budapest is by no means worse than in others big cities Europe. Most often, guests of the capital become victims of scammers, pickpockets and car burglars.

Transport

The role of public transport in Budapest is the metro, trams, trolleybuses and buses, as well as taxis. Tickets can be bought at the entrance to the metro, at newsstands and orange ticket machines located on the street near transport stops. A single ticket costs 350 HUF, a single ticket with the possibility of transfer - 530 HUF, a subscription for 24 hours will cost 1650 HUF, for 72 hours - 4150 HUF. Buying a single ticket already in transport will cost 100 HUF more.

Three metro lines intersect in the city center at Deak Square (Deak ter). Trains run every 2-15 minutes, depending on the time of day. Opening hours from 4:30 to 23:00, after 23:00 you can get to the hotel by night buses, which are marked with the letter "E" in the schedule. In total, there are about 200 bus routes in Budapest, there are even express buses with red numbers, which (you should be careful!) do not stop everywhere. To get off the bus, you need to press a special button above the door.

In addition, more than 30 tram routes, which go with a frequency of 5-10 minutes.

An important point: all stations of the Budapest metro have separate platforms for trains traveling in different directions, with separate entrances, usually located on different sides of the street. It is impossible to go from one side of the station to the other in the metro itself: you have to go upstairs, cross the road, go down and pay the fare again.

We read about modes of transportation that are unexpected for many cities in the world, but not for the Hungarian capital, on the page "Public transport in Budapest".

Taxi

Cars have a TAXI sign and a yellow number plate, the fares are posted on the door glass or on the dashboard. Landing - 300 HUF during the day, 420 HUF - at night; 1 km - 240 HUF during the day, 336 HUF - at night; a minute of waiting - 60-84 HUF respectively. At the request of the client, the driver is obliged to provide an invoice. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Rent a Car

At first glance, being "on horseback" in a car in Budapest is not a very good idea. Parking in the city center is paid, the traffic is dense, there are many pedestrian zones. However, any motorist will object to you that for the sake of freedom of movement (it is easy to get to Obuda, suburbs, see local attractions, and not just those concentrated in the old center), “he will survive this trouble.”

The further away your hotel is from the old town, the more likely it is to have free public or private parking. At hotels in the center, parking, as a rule, is paid even for customers. It is cheaper to find a city parking somewhere nearby and leave the car there for a day, saving up to 50%.

The city has a network of municipal parking lots P + R (Parking and ride), designed for 4 thousand cars. parking spaces(about 30 parking zones organized near metro stations or tram stops). Most zones are free for a few hours.

Parking lots are equipped with automatic machines; on weekends, public parking is not charged (on Saturday they can be paid from 8:00 to 12:00), on weekdays - paid hours from 8:00 to 18:00. You should carefully read the information at the machine: in the center and near the sights, parking may remain paid both on weekends and in the late evening and night. Get ready for the fact that you need a trifle. Old-style machines do not accept cards, and sometimes paper money. All parking lots are divided by cost into zones, depending on the approach to the old center. The maximum cost of an hour of parking in the center is from 450 HUF.

In the central part of Pest (the area between the Erzhebet and Chain bridges) there are restrictions on the movement of cars, in Buda the same restrictions apply on the Fortress Hill; it is forbidden to enter by car and to Margaret Island (recreation area).

There are many international car rental companies in the city: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar. The rental price, of course, depends on the class of the car; There are discounts for the duration of the rental. On average, it comes out from 17,000 HUF per day. Be prepared that the deposit will be frozen on the card - from 400 EUR (again, the amount depends on the terms of the contract and whether you agree to pay extra for insurance). Interestingly, the vignette is usually already included in the price of the contract. There are fewer local offices, but they exist and you can negotiate some bonuses with them: no deposit, a smartphone with a local SIM card and mobile Internet for the driver, walkie-talkies for two or more cars (Smart Trip4, Rent-a-smart Budapest, Fox Auto Rent) .

Communication and Wi-Fi

It is easy to find free Internet access in Budapest, it is more difficult not to find it, but in order to call home using not an Internet messenger, but a cellular network, you will have to put up with rather sad international roaming conditions.

If you need constant mobile access, there is an option to purchase a SIM card from one of the local operators working in 3G and 4G: Telenor, Vodafone or Magyar Telecom (formerly T-Mobile). The latter is somewhat cheaper. On average, the cost of 1 GB of traffic ranges from 1000-1500 HUF. Telenor offers a special "guest" line: only for mobile access, without the possibility of making calls. Such SIM cards require a minimum of settings and are immediately inserted into a tablet or smartphone.

Calling through Hungarian operators to Russia is not a very good idea. Despite the fact that roaming in Russian cellular networks has been rising in price since 2014, tariffs for local operators will be higher. In addition, when buying a Hungarian SIM card, you must present a foreign passport - only the main operator points of Budapest work using this system, in the rest the SIM card may not be sold. Also at Russian tourists often it is not possible to set up a SIM card on your own, even through the menu in English. In this case, the help of a sales assistant is needed.

Once a very common option, telephone booths are becoming less and less common in Budapest.

Now about the pleasant. Free Wi-Fi meets immediately at Franz Liszt Airport. The Budapest metro also has partial coverage. Some bus routes (as a rule, after all, tourist or intercity / international) are equipped with hot spots. Moreover, Budapest museums are so interactive that they strive to provide visitors with free access to online guides and online exhibitions, as well as to all other sites.

Tourists are so accustomed to public or private free networks that they complain that Wi-Fi is not available in all city baths. Judging by the reviews, the VII administrative region of the city (Erzebetváros, bordering old Pest) provides free Wi-Fi throughout the territory as a municipal project.

Needless to say, free Wi-Fi has become the norm for most Budapest cafes and restaurants - both for small and for chain establishments ... Hoteliers in without fail organize free access in common areas and most often in rooms too. However, before booking, this point should be clarified on the website of a particular hotel.

Budapest Card

In Budapest, to save on travel costs, it makes sense to buy a "tourist pass" or a "Budapest" card. With this card, you can ride public transport for free for three days and visit museums, receiving “up to a heap” discounts in a variety of places: from baths to shops and from restaurants to minibuses towards the airport. The cards are sold at tourist information offices, hotels, travel agencies and major public transport ticket offices (BKV).

Budapest Hotels

What to buy

Traditional food. Wine (from 300 HUF per bottle) and local beer (from 180 HUF) are advised not to take in duty free: in city markets and in grocery stores the range is wider, and the prices are lower. It is advisable to choose palinka (brandy on fruit) under a well-known brand, since cheap analogues are far from the original taste. Bitter liqueur "Unicum" (infused with 40 herbs) is produced family company Zwack; even a carbonated version of the Unicum Next drink appeared on sale, designed, as the name implies, for a youth audience.

Hungarian salami is not only famous throughout Europe, but also perfect for transportation. Therefore, in Budapest we buy Pick salami, the most “saussy” brand from the city of Szeged. The capital also produces Herz salami, popular in the domestic market but less well known outside of Hungary. Tubed paprika paste (pirosarany) is another local product that is hard to find elsewhere. Saffron, marzipan and other sweets are also brought from here. For example, Dobos torta multi-layer biscuit cake with chocolate cream and caramel cannot be bought anywhere else.

If the food is finished, then what about folklore motifs? As in other countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Hungarians retained bright national clothes with embroidery. Also in large quantities tourists buy embroidered tablecloths, curtains, bed linen. Real Hungarian porcelain is much more difficult to find. In the country for several hundred years it was produced at the two largest factories, Zsolnay and Herend. Until now, such dishes are a luxury item, and due to the economic downturn, production capacity had to be significantly reduced. In any case, you need to remember that on souvenir malls in the city center or in shops in the castle area, there are a lot of one-day crafts from China.

Where to buy

Now more about the outlets: some of them are so majestic that they can be recommended for inspection as an architectural landmark. First of all, this is the covered Central Market in the building of the late 19th century. People come here for local products, alcohol, clothes made in Hungry and souvenirs. The Lehel market, located on the street of the same name, is considered a market "for the locals", selling mainly food products. It is on Lehel that farmers bring vegetables, fruits and their home-made products.

There are quite a lot of shopping centers in Budapest, where chain mass clothing brands are concentrated. So, within walking distance from the Central Market is the West End. The largest shopping center in Budapest at the moment Arena Plaza (more than 200 stores) is located a few kilometers from the historical center. Armani, Zegna, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Dior, Versace, Lanvin boutiques are located on Andrassy Avenue in the city center. Many tourists are surprised by another sign of Budapest, the abundance of second-hand shops right there, in the city center. Budapest is sometimes called European capital"secondhand". Some stores in this segment claim to be elite and vintage chic (like the Szputnyk chain, which has several outlets around the city).

Usually shops in the city are closed on Sunday and close early on Saturday. However, supermarkets, and even private shops, often do not comply with this rule. The markets are closed on Sundays, and on Saturday at 13:00 they are rapidly emptying. Shopping centers on Saturday are consistently open until 19:00-21:00. Some Tesco stores are open around the clock.

What to try

Good wine, tart cheese, an abundance of meat and vegetable dishes, generously seasoned with spices and paprika - Hungarian (aka Magyar) cuisine is considered an explosive mixture of European traditions and oriental motifs. Some disappointment may await vegetarians, for whom the choice, on the contrary, will not be so great.

The main thing that you cannot miss when you are in the capital of Hungary is goulash. We are talking about a thick, high-calorie and spicy soup - there is so much meat in it that vegetables serve only as a light load ... We eat the “correct” goulash in a restaurant or diner - from 700-800 HUF per serving in a bowl to 3500 HUF and more, for soup served in bread. In addition to the classic version of the dish, in Budapest you can try an even thicker version, “perkelt”, or goulash with mushrooms and green peas - “tokan”.

Meat dishes are the basis of all Magyar cuisine, they are generously seasoned with sour cream and paprika, dumplings and mustard sauce. Few people know, but a special breed of pigs has even been bred in Hungary. In addition to their specific appearance (long bristles), these pigs differ from other brethren in even more fatty meat. Therefore, local sausages, including Debrecen sausages and Hungarian salami, are known far beyond the borders of the country. In supermarkets, a stick of inexpensive sausage costs from 600 HUF, raw smoked meat - from 1500 HUF.

Hungarian cuisine has one important feature: fish appears in it sporadically, and seafood does not. The fact is that the country is deprived of access to the sea, fish are caught in inland rivers or lakes (the pike perch from Balaton is called “fogash” here). One of the popular Christmas dishes is the local fish soup, originally from the city of Szeged, on the Tisza River. It can easily be prepared in restaurants with traditional cuisine, but shrimp or mussels will most likely be defrosted for you first and only then served.

Hungarian wines for visitors start with the most famous, Tokay. The wines of this region cannot be confused with others thanks to the large Tokaji inscription on the label. There are three main varieties. The most popular Aszu (Aszu) due to the peculiarities of cooking causes the most confusion. On each bottle of this wine, the number of puttonyos (puttonyos) is indicated: 3, 4, 5, 6. This is not about the years of aging, but about how many barrels for berries were used to create the wine: the more there are, the sweeter the final product and the more expensive a bottle of wine.

From September 9 to 13, the annual wine festival (Budapest International Wine Festival) is held in Budapest: on the square in front of the Buda castle and other venues throughout the city. In order not to dizzy, more than 170 varieties of local wines should still be eaten - national dishes offered right there.

If you didn't come to Budapest during the festival, and the interest in Hungarian winemaking is not limited to the widest range of supermarkets, welcome to the tasting rooms. You can not go far, but right in the old town look into the Faust Wine Cellar, which is loved by tourists. Tasting accompanied by an English-speaking sommelier lasts about two hours in the format of 5 sets +1 and costs 5900 HUF.

The tasting rooms are interesting because they bring here, among other things, wines from small farms, created according to original or old recipes. Such wines are not available for retail sale.

After the first or second courses and wine tastings, it’s not up to sweets anymore. Therefore, we strongly recommend starting your day in Budapest in a patisserie cafe. Whether it's puff pancakes, chocolate brownies or cakes (the famous almond-chocolate "Esterhazy" also comes from here), you will once again see that counting calories is not customary in Hungary.

Budapest tourist

Cafes and restaurants in Budapest

Hungarian cuisine has not become a brand, like Italian or French, but in Western Europe, spoiled, what can we hide, by establishments of various formats, people love this “neighborly” food, they go for it.

A popular place of deployment not only for tourists, but also for locals is the pedestrian street Vatsi (Vatci utca), similar to the Moscow Arbat. It has many shops and restaurants of all kinds. All in all, in Budapest, according to the most rough estimates, there are more than 3 thousand restaurants.

Even on central streets there are enough “kebab” and burger restaurants, however, as elsewhere in Europe, international catering is flourishing. We find characteristic signs of Budapest in small and cozy pubs, in coffee houses with cakes and marzipans: here the locals sit, it seems, for hours, chatting and not in a hurry. In bakeries, most often there are tables where you can drink coffee with a still warm bun or eat one “tredelnik” (a long baguette, hollow inside, sprinkled with nuts and sugar) for two.

In the pubs of Budapest, you will definitely be offered not only beer, but also wine. Despite the fact that the locals have great respect for their Hungarian beer, the beer list always includes Czech, German and Austrian brands. And to have a snack, for the first acquaintance, God himself ordered Hungarian sausages, and even home-made ones (they, however, are not at all cheap, unlike light alcohol that flows like a river).

Some pubs at the same time literally honor the spirit of old England, but tourists are much more interested in "ruin pubs" (from the English. Ruin - a ruin). This is not only a new format among drinking establishments, but also a real city landmark. The first ruin pubs arose in the bicentennial Jewish quarter of Erzsébetváros, within walking distance of the old center. They were opened right in abandoned buildings, making minimal repairs and making sure that the ceiling would not collapse on the heads of visitors.

Mostly people come here to drink, not to eat; because of the love of tourists, establishments keep an average price tag. Close attention is paid to the interior: broken or worn furniture gets the most unexpected neighborhood in the form of car tires, old bicycles, household appliances turned inside out. It got to the point that "pseudo-ruin-pubs" appeared. The owners open them in ordinary buildings and arrange "artificial wear" in the premises.

It is customary to invite gypsy ensembles to local restaurants, which play not on a common stage, but for each table separately. If you do not like this custom or loud music is not included in the plans, then you must immediately make it clear that you do not need to play for you, since it is customary to thank the performer with a tip (the size should not exceed 1500-2000 HUF).

The main thing that tourists note is still democratic prices, and in comparison not only with other European cities, but also with Moscow or St. Petersburg. Yes, it is more expensive here than in other regions of the country, including the small resort villages of Balaton, but it is quite possible to meet 3500-4500 HUF in one of the many restaurants in Budapest. A piece of pizza or a bun from hawkers on the street - from 200-225 HUF.

Booking a table in the most popular establishments if you want to dine on the weekend is better a few weeks before dinner. Almost all institutions, both inexpensive and respectable, accept payment by card. A tip of 10-15% is usually included in the bill. The kitchen closes one hour before closing. If the cafe is open until 0:00 or until the last visitor, then the kitchen takes orders strictly until 23:00.

Portion size depends on the policy of the institution, but in a traditional Hungarian bistro / bar, all meat is served at the rate of 1 dish for 1.5 people: there should be a lot of hearty food, they say in Budapest.

The best photos of Budapest

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Guides in Budapest

Entertainment and attractions in Budapest

Budapest is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the panorama of the central part of the city overlooking the Danube is included in the List world heritage UNESCO. The capital of Hungary consists of three historical parts - Pest, Buda and Obuda and is the only city in the world that has more than 120 thermal springs. First of all, you should visit the Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion: from there, from the Buda Mountains, there is a magnificent view of the opposite bank of the Danube, including the most beautiful building in the Pest part - the Parliament.

The fortress complex on the mountain can be treated differently: it is called both the “dead” city and the “eclecticism” of Budapest, but this quarter, rebuilt over the centuries, has absorbed so many features ... Its heart is, of course, the Royal Palace, with a typical and at the same time not a very logical and not very royal story.

The first castle erected on this site was, indeed, the home of a royal person (13-14 centuries). The Renaissance, and then the Turkish domination, made their own adjustments, but he did not survive the 17th century. After 30 years, on its ruins, the venerable Empress Maria Theresa of Austria-Hungary began the construction of a new, compact and not particularly necessary for Her Majesty (one wing of the building was eventually transferred to the convent). When Budapest became the capital of Hungary, the palace was assigned a new role and a truly grandiose construction project was started, which, starting from 1875, was carried out for a full 40 years.

This massive building gives an idea of ​​greatness, but not of the first kings who reigned on this hill (Bele IV or Sigismund). It also houses such important institutions as the National Library, the Museum of the History of Budapest, the National Gallery. Not far from the colossus of the Royal Palace, on St. George's Square, stands the less noticeable Shandor Palace. This is the former residence of the Hungarian prime ministers and the current one for the presidents of the country (it was completely destroyed in World War II and reconstructed in the 90s).

But on the Royal Hill there are still buildings that remember the "ancient" kings of Hungary. First of all main temple Buda, Church of the Virgin: the first mention dates back to the 13th century. The temple survived the Turkish invasion, having been the main city mosque for a century and a half. Major reconstruction took place at the end of the 19th century. The remains of Bela III and his wife (12th century) are buried here, Hungarian rulers were crowned here until 1916. However, in terms of size and decoration, the church is inferior to the main temple of Hungary today, the Basilica of St. Stephen (built in 1905), which rises on the opposite bank in the territory of old Pest.

Once on the Buda Hill, you must also visit the underground caves that pitted the mountain, as well as go through the mid-19th century pedestrian tunnel (connecting the Danube embankment with the western regions).

Walking around Pest, one cannot pass Andrássy Avenue, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: from Opera House, the old building of the Academy of Music, the University fine arts and decorated with sculptures round square them. Kodai. Andrassy Avenue rests on Heroes' Square with an architectural ensemble of museums and the Millennium Monument, a symbol of the Hungarian capital. Most of the most significant sights of Budapest can now be seen from the water, during a rafting excursion on the Danube or on the RiverRide miracle bus.

Picturesque Margaret Island, nature reserve with a wonderful park-arboretum - one of the main "must-see" of Budapest. It is located in the middle of the Danube in the very center of the capital between the Margaret and Arpad bridges.

If the Royal Castle was not enough to get acquainted with the palaces of Hungary, we recommend going to the suburbs. In Godollo (a place 30 km from the capital, convenient to get suburban trains HEV) is also Royal Palace, only built in the first half of the 18th century. The residence was honored with royal favor: Franz Joseph I liked to stay here for a long time. And, having passed in Szentendre, a town on the right bank of the Danube (20 km from Budapest), we will find there many original temples of the early 18th century, museums of wine, marzipan, ceramics, museums several prominent Hungarian artists.

The neat town of Vac (“the pearl of the Hungarian Baroque”) and one of the country’s ancient capitals, Visegrad, are also must-see suburbs, where it is worth seeing the ruins of a medieval fortress on Sibik hill and the well-preserved watchtower of Shalamona ... Acquaintance with Hungary continues.

10 things to do in Budapest

1. Explore the old city in Buda and on the other side, in Pest, to form your own opinion which of these two Budapests you like best.
2. Go to boat trip along the Danube in the evening: wrap yourself in a blanket, admire the backlight, do not spill Tokay from a glass.
3. Inspect the baths: compare Széchenyi, where “we were all” in the city park, with the Gellert view baths under the mountain.
4. Start the day with a cup of strong coffee and a terribly high-calorie cream cake while watching the old center fill up with tourists.
5. Visit the most colorful of the zoos in the Old World - even if you are only a child at heart.
6. Climb to the observation deck on Mount Janos or Mount Gellert, startle.
7. Spend the day, not in a hurry, in one of the city parks: feed the birds, sunbathe and immediately take pictures of historical sites.
8. Surprise at underground Budapest: catacombs under the castle hill, natural labyrinths in the stalagmite cave of Pal-Völdi.
9. Take a ride with or without a breeze: on the funicular (silko) to the Buda Castle, in the car of the longest tram in the world, 1 (yellow) metro line with small cars to imagine how it looked at the end of the 19th century.
10. Rush to one of the nearest suburbs, where you will finally be greeted by natural ancient ruins and baroque untouched by creative alterations.

Museums

Among the main museums of the capital, the National historical Museum Hungary, Hungarian Art Museum and Hungarian National Museum natural history, as well as the palace complex with a Gothic temple in Buda and the Parish Church in Belvaros. As a rule, museums are open from 10:00 to 18:00, the day off is Monday.

Not so long ago, a museum dedicated to hairdressing (Fodraszmuzeum) was opened in the capital. On permanent display is a recreated hairdressing salon from the 1880s, with more than 2,000 items on display, including very rare tools for making wigs. And also: old hair dryers, razors, scissors, curling irons and many unusual entertaining things.

Budapest for kids

If older children share their parents' passion for architectural beauties and historical monuments, then we simply open the guidebook and start from the old center, diluting the views with gastronomic joys. But even in this case, you will have to devote several days exclusively to "children's" entertainment (a water park, a zoo, a cable car, an ice rink in winter or water procedures in open parks in summer). Of course, it all depends on the interests of your child, and we will only talk about the most "Budapest" of children's joys.

If you are lucky with the weather, we recommend one of the city parks. You should definitely visit Margaret Island, located along the Danube just north of old Buda and old Pest between the Margaret and Arpad bridges. This is a completely green area for active recreation, as much as 100 hectares, where there is something to do: the ruins of an ancient monastery, a Observation deck, baths at hotels (admission for a fee), a Japanese garden, a rose garden, fountains (including a light one, as well as a fountain with live turtles), a mini-zoo, a singing well. A huge selection of rental equipment for moving around the park (in addition to bikes and rickshaws, electric cars and electric scooters). Bath "Palatinusk" has its own beach, as well as pools and water slides; it is sometimes referred to as a "mini water park".

You can head to the Central City Park (Varoshliget), a no less striking place. The always crowded Szechenyi baths are not very suitable for children under 5-6 years old, since there are no children's pools here, but the hot springs will be of interest to everyone who is older. On the territory of Budapest there are no architectural “miniatures” so common throughout Europe (reduced copies of the very best buildings and monuments), but in Varosliget there is the Vajdahunyad palace complex (elements of 21 of the most famous buildings in Hungary are included here). Next to the palace, opposite the baths, there is a city zoo: not boring with cages and aviaries, but cute, as all visitors note. For example, the elephants are assigned a building in the style of an Indian palace, and a hippo bathes in a thermal bath. Many children have never seen so many heat-loving animals at once: sloths, lemurs, pandas, rhinos, anteaters. IN winter time(November-February) an ice rink is poured in Varoshliget.

Are the kids tired of castles and baths? Then it's time to go to big Adventure» on Mount Janos, the highest point in Budapest (529 m above sea level), and climb the observation tower (admission is free). You will have to desperately climb only in places; the 1.5-kilometer cable car "Libego" leads to the mountain. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the tower. Do not think that you will use wagons on the cable car - chairs for two with a crossbar clamp to enthusiastically turn your head and dangle your legs in the air. The cable car has an alternative in the form of a children's railway. Then the ascent and descent will lose all sharpness, you will slowly go in one of the open cars (there are no windows as such).

Combine a walk along the old Buda with a trip to the Marzipan Museum: located on the first floor of the Hilton hotel on the Buda Hill (aka Castle Hill or Castle Quarter), next to the Fisherman's Bastion. Marzipan sculptures, interior items, paintings, fruits and plants. The shop and cafe at the museum are considered expensive. Take a look at the exposition, eat sweets, but it will be cheaper to buy marzipans with you elsewhere.September

October

november

December

The climate is temperate continental, seasonal temperature fluctuations are very significant. Usually the most cold month- January, the hottest - June, July and August.

Hungary is located in east-central Europe and borders 7 countries: Slovakia in the north, Ukraine in the northeast, Romania in the east, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia in the south, and Austria in the west.

The country is divided into 19 regions (county).

The capital of Hungary is Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The largest cities in the country:

• Debrecen;
• Miskolc;
• Seben;
• Gyor.

Climate and weather

The geographical position of the country has a beneficial effect on its weather conditions. Hungary has a comfortable temperate continental climate with mild winters and hot summers. average temperature January — from 0 to -4°C, July — +22°C. Hungary receives the largest number sunny days from all European countries. In Budapest, the sun shines 85 days a year, 69 of which fall between April and September.

Nature

The variety of landscapes in Hungary is one of the main attractions of the country. Mineral springs, the only thermal lake in Europe and the famous Hungarian steppes attract many tourists from all over the world. The terrain is mostly flat, mountains are found on the border with Slovakia, and in the center of the country is the largest freshwater lake central Europe - Balaton. The Hungarians call it the sea.

Attractions

Hungary is one of those countries that has everything for unforgettable holiday. The main thermal hospital in Europe is rich not only in its springs, spa resorts and wineries. Many historical and cultural values ​​are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in museums you can find exhibits from the 9th century. BC.

Of course, during the first visit to this country it is difficult to appreciate all the sights at once, but the most important ones are a must to see. Among them:

• Budapest is a resort city with an unforgettable atmosphere;
• Lake Balaton - the most visited Hungarian resort;
• the cozy old town of Veszprem;
• Debrecen with its abundance of architectural masterpieces;
• Bükk and its baths;
• the baroque city of Eger;
• the Tokay region is the birthplace of the famous Tokay wine.

Nutrition

Hungary is famous for its national cuisine, amazing Tokay wines And fruity vodka palinka. In numerous cafes and restaurants you can try a wide variety of dishes. The most popular recipes among tourists:

• goulash;
• paprikash;
• percelt;
• numerous types of sausages;
• Debrecen sausages;
• Dobosh cake, etc.

It is noteworthy that in many establishments they offer a menu in Russian and give guests a large portion of treats. However, do not forget to include tip of 10%.

Accommodation

Hungary has no shortage of hotels. And even in those that are marked with 2 or 3 stars, the service is provided at a decent level. For those who do not like hotels, we offer campsites(for example, on Lake Balaton) or hostels.

Entertainment and recreation

There are only 8 official holidays in Hungary, among them are the usual Christmas, New Year, Easter, Republic Day, etc. However, this country has no equal in terms of the number of festivals and international holidays held. These are various music and folklore festivals, grape harvest festivals, a carnival of flowers, a shepherds' gathering, a sail raising festival and many others. noteworthy events. The resorts regularly host spa parties and various fairs, the big cities are full of nightlife, and almost every hotel has tennis courts or a golf course.

Purchases

From Hungary, in addition to the usual magnets and key rings, you can bring world-famous wines "Tokay" And " bull's blood», palinka(fruit vodka) marzipan sweets and of course salami. Colorful handicrafts made by Hungarian craftsmen will also be a pleasant gift.

For shopping, tourists should go to the central market of Budapest or to any shopping center, where during the period of discounts and sales you can update your wardrobe without damaging your wallet.

Transport

Hungary has quite a comfortable transport connection. In Budapest, the best way to get around is by car (you can rent it) or by public transport. He starts work at 4:15 and ends at 23:15. It is most convenient to buy a weekly ticket. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you should definitely take a ride on the longest tram in the world (its length is 53.9 m) and the oldest metro in Europe.

Connection

To stay in touch while traveling in Hungary, you can activate roaming from your operator or buy a SIM card from one of the local ones, such as Westel, Pannon, Vodafone, etc. You can also call home from any payphone, after purchasing a card for international calls at the post office or at a kiosk. The average cost per minute is 1 $ . You can access the Internet in any Internet cafe or using Wi-Fi hotspots, which are available in all major cities.

Safety

To travel to Hungary, you need a passport with free pages for a visa and the visa itself. When crossing the border, it is worth remembering that dairy and meat products cannot be imported into the country. Valuable items must be declared.

The crime rate in Hungary is low and therefore, in order to get only positive impressions from the trip, it is necessary to adhere to simple rules: a copy of the passport and return ticket leave at the hotel, do not carry large sums of money with you (it is better to pay with a plastic card) and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places.

Just in case, it's worth remembering a few useful numbers: 104 - ambulance, 107 - police, 105 - fire brigade and emergency phone number - 112 .

You should always have your passport with you - according to the law, it can be checked at any time.

Business climate

Hungary is a rapidly developing country. A significant part of the budget is profit from the tourism business. Geographic location and historical heritage made Hungary attractive to international investors.

Much attention is paid to the development of business relations with neighboring countries. To maintain a positive image, international exhibitions, conferences and business seminars are held.

Real estate

Every foreigner has the right to acquire any real estate and land in Hungary, with the exception of arable areas and objects protected by law. Compared to real estate in other EU countries, real estate in Hungary becomes especially attractive to foreigners. The tax on the purchase of an apartment will be 6%, A for a house or land - 10%. To attract foreign capital, the procedure for registering property in ownership is simplified as much as possible.

As in any country, Hungary has its own unwritten rules and behavior. For example, the use of Soviet symbols is prohibited, it is not customary to talk loudly, discuss politics and religion.

Before the trip, you should take care of the Russian-Hungarian phrase book in advance. Even a couple of phrases in Hungarian will make a good impression on local residents, because they are very proud of their unusual and complex language (there are 25 cases in Hungarian).

Visa Information

Hungary is a country that is part of the Schengen area. Applying for a tourist visa to Hungary, you will have a tempting opportunity to visit other European countries.

Visas to Hungary are divided into several types. The easiest way is to get a transit visa. However, having it, you will be required to leave the country within 24 hours. You can get a transit visa by providing a standard package of documents and a visa to the country of final destination. The most popular among visitors to Hungary is a tourist visa, which is granted for a short period of time (about 10-12 days).

Frequent visits to the country, study and business trips will require a long-term multivisa.

Hungary located in Central Europe. In the north it borders with Slovakia, in the northeast with Ukraine, in the east with Romania, in the south with Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, in the west with Austria.

The country is named after the ethnonym of the people - the Hungarians.

Official name: Republic of Hungary

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 93,030 sq. km

Total population: 10.4 million people

Administrative division: It consists of 25 administrative units, including 19 regions (county) and 6 cities, including the capital, equated to the county.

Form of government: Parliamentary republic.

Head of State: President elected for 4 years.

Composition of the population: 88% - Hungarians (Magyars), 4% - Gypsies, 2.6% - Germans, 2% - Serbs, 0.9% - Slovaks, 0.8% - Romanians, 0.7% - Croats.

Official language: Hungarian. English and German are also widely used in the country. In some resort areas, the staff understands Russian.

Religion: 67% - Catholics, Protestants (mainly Lutherans and Calvinists), 25% - Jews.

Internet domain: .hu

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +36

Country barcode: 599

Climate

The main influence on climate formation in Hungary is exerted by westerly winds and features geographical location. Being inside the mountainous arc of the Carpathians, the country is reliably protected from cold air at any time of the year. Therefore, the climate of Hungary is characterized by mild winters and warm and sometimes hot summers. Hungary has the highest number of sunny days per year among European countries, with an average July temperature of almost 25.7 degrees Celsius.

The coldest winter month is January, during which the average temperature is about 4 degrees. Also, the climate of Hungary is significantly influenced by oceanic air masses. The country can be divided into two main climatic zones - continental and temperate. The south of Hungary is subject to Mediterranean influence.

Geography

Most of Hungary is occupied by the Middle Danube Plain, surrounded by mountains. The Danube River divides the country into two parts. To the east of the Danube lies the Great Middle Danube Lowland, indented by the channels of the Tisza and its tributaries. It lies at an altitude of about 200 m above sea level. Floods are frequent on the Danube and the Tisza. To the north of the plain, in a range of low mountains, is the highest point in Hungary - the city of Kekes (1015 m).

The lands to the west of the Danube are a hilly plain. The largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton, with an area of ​​600 km², is also located here. The lands of the Central Danube Lowland are actively cultivated, however, about 18% of the country's territory, especially on the hills, is covered with forests.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Typical of the transdanubian regions and mountains is deciduous woodland - with oak, birch, linden and chestnut - but these quickly disappear as one approaches the Great Plain, where steppe conditions dominate. Archaeological research show that the Great Plain was previously forested, like the rest of Hungary, and that the forests here were cut down by the first conquerors from Asia. The destruction of forests continued during the protracted wars with the Turks.

Later, the systematic draining of swamps on the Great Plain unexpectedly lowered the upper water table, and the trees and all other vegetation of the Great Plain died. Light sandy soils, devoid of vegetation, were eroded, and extensive sand dunes. Reclamation of sandy deserts through artificial afforestation and irrigation stopped the process of degradation of the Great Plain, and the maximum possible area of ​​land was introduced into agricultural circulation.

Animal world

The most common type of wild animal found in mountain ranges Hungary, are wild boars - they are also found in all hilly rural areas. There are hares, foxes, deer and some remnants of beavers and otters that once lived in large numbers. The most common bird species in the country are storks, cranes and swallows. Part of Lake Balaton is a bird sanctuary, especially for marsh species.

Attractions

Almost the entire territory of the country is saturated with historical, cultural and natural monuments world importance. Hungary ("Pannonia") was once the eastern border of the Roman Empire, and even before the arrival of the Hungarians, the Romans, Germanic and Slavic tribes lived in the middle reaches of the Danube. Treasure hunters are still looking for the grave of Attila, the legendary leader of the Huns, who visited here during the great migration of peoples, on the banks of the Tisza. In 896, Hungarian tribes came from the east to the Danube valley.

The turbulent events of history are also evidenced by the unique architectural style Hungarian cities and luxurious collections of numerous museums and exhibition halls. Monuments of the times of the Roman Empire coexist here with the buildings of the era of Turkish rule, the Romanesque temples of Lebenye, Pannohalme and Yake - with the medieval fortresses of Eger, Sümega and Sikloshe.

Luxurious palaces in Sirak, Sheregeyesh and Nagytsenok are "framed" by colorful small towns of characteristic local architecture, in which each house is unique and original in its own way. Resort region of Lake Balaton, more than 150 mineral springs, hot lake Heviz, balneological resorts of Budapest, Balatonfeldvar, Balatonfured, Heviz, Debrecen, Hajduszoboszló, Sarvar and others, have created Hungary the glory of one of the best resort areas Europe.

Banks and currency

Official currency unit in Hungary - forint (1 for. = 100 fillers). Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 forints each. Banknotes: 200, 500,1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 for.

Currency exchange is recommended to be done only at official exchange offices, and a certificate of currency exchange must be kept before leaving the country. Currency exchange outside official points is at your own responsibility, which, as a rule, is associated with risk. On Saturdays all banks are closed. In the center of Pest (V district) and in the area of ​​the Buda Castle (I district), many currency exchange offices are open on weekends as well. Around the clock you can exchange currency in hotels, and in the middle of the week - and in travel agencies. During off-hours, currency exchange machines and ATMs are at your service.

Banks in Hungary are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:00. Only a few branches are open on Saturdays and Sundays. Regardless of their work, there are many ATMs and automated exchange offices in cities.

The most popular credit cards in Hungary are: AMEX , Diners club, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, JCB, VISA. With the help of them you can receive money from banks and ATMs, as well as pay bills in hotels, restaurants and shops. On the doors of the listed places indicate which cards are accepted.

Useful information for tourists

Museums, as a rule, work daily from 10.00 to 18.00, the day off is Monday. Many museums are open one day a week for free admission.

Grocery stores are usually open from 7.00 to 19.00 on weekdays, on Saturdays until 14.00. Large shopping centers, department stores are open on weekdays from 10.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 13.00. Many supermarkets do not have days off.

Post boxes in Budapest are red. In Hungary, it is customary to write the surname first, and then the given name.

Rendering first medical care and delivery to a hospital in Hungary is free for everyone, including tourists. Only follow-up care is covered. Therefore, before the trip, you should take out an insurance medical policy.