Hungary name. Tourism in Hungary. Balneological resorts in 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. More than high mountains reaching maximum value in the Matra array. Here is located highest point 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 magnificent nature, but also with a 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 use 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. IN tourist season booking should be arranged 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

In Budapest grocery stores and shopping malls are usually open from 07:00 to 19:00 on weekdays, and from 07:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. 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.

The city of Budapest appeared on the world map relatively recently - its appearance was the result of the merger of three big cities(Buda, Obuda and Pest) in 1873. So on the banks of the Danube a real pearl arose - the capital, which knows no equal in Eastern Europe beauty and richness of architecture. However, to this day, different parts of the city are striking in their dissimilarity - the streets of old Buda, wandering along the slopes of the hills, contrast sharply with the modern boulevards of Pest, dressed in the luxury of shops and shopping centers.

The unique appearance of Budapest is largely due to the picturesque area in which it is located. The wide Danube, through which several amazingly beautiful bridges are thrown, divides the city into two large historical parts. On the one hand, there is hilly Buda, easily recognizable by textured medieval buildings, headed by Royal Palace and snow-white towers of the Fisherman's Bastion. From the windows of the Royal Palace there is a striking view of the Danube and another part of the city - modern Pest, which today has become the center of the cultural, economic and political life of the Hungarian capital.

The waters of the Danube River within the boundaries of Budapest wash the shores of seven islands, of which Margaret Island is the most famous - like a green oasis in the middle of the silvery Danube waters, it attracts tourists and lovers of leisurely walks in the shade of trees. The island has a large botanical garden and the ruins of a Dominican monastery.

But opposite the island of Margaret, on west bank river, lies the oldest part of the city - the Obuda district. Literally everything here reminds of the past - streets, buildings, ruins of ancient Roman temples and amphitheatres.

By the way, Budapest is the only capital in Europe that has been given the status of a resort - thanks to its numerous thermal springs, the city is recognized great place for rest and recovery.

Public transport in Budapest

Budapest has quite developed system public transport represented by buses, metro, trolleybuses, trams and taxis. Trams are perhaps the most popular mode of transport in the city - the Budapest tram lines are considered the busiest in the world. By the way, in the capital of Hungary go the most long trams on the planet.

Tip: if you want to quickly see the main sights of the city and get unusual impressions, take a ride on tram number 2 - its route runs very well along the Danube embankment, allowing you to appreciate the amazing appearance of Budapest from the outside.

The metro in Budapest consists of 3 branches and has 40 stations. All three metro lines intersect at Deák Ferenc ter station. When using the subway, you should be careful - at most stations, the platforms for different directions of movement are separated and you cannot go between them without going to the surface. Interestingly, the Budapest metro is the oldest in European continent- the first metro line under Andrássy Avenue was laid in 1896.

The bus network of the capital of Hungary has more than 140 routes operating around the clock - special night routes are indicated in the schedule with the letter "E".

Climate of Budapest

The climate of the capital of Hungary can be described as quite mild, its official definition is temperate continental. The city on the Danube rarely experiences extreme temperatures, the winters are short and not too cold, but the frequent piercing winds can cause a lot of trouble. Summer, on the other hand, is hot and long.

average temperature in Budapest by months

• The world's longest trams "roam" around the Hungarian capital - their length reaches 54 meters
• The Budapest Metro is the longest in mainland Europe
• Budapest is the only capital in Europe that is also considered a resort
• In Budapest, the man who gave the world the most famous puzzle in the form of a cube was born - Erno Rubik
• The city has the largest synagogue in Europe, accommodating 3,000 people.

Having once visited beautiful country in the middle of Europe, I really want to go back there again. Hungary (Hungary) enchants at first sight, it is impossible not to fall in love with the beauty of Budapest, convey the sensations of visiting thermal springs, forget the taste of tart Tokay wine and goulash, the favorite dish of the Magyars. Ancient fortresses and majestic cathedrals, beautiful monuments architecture and educational museums, the Budapest Parliament alone is breathtaking. A variety of markets and shops attract shoppers. Let's get acquainted with Hungary (Hungary). What kind of country is it worth visiting?

Geographical position

Hungarian Republic (Hungary - translated into English language) is a state in the heart of Europe. In the main part, it is located on the flat and slightly hilly territory of the Middle Danube Lowland. Therefore, most of the country's economy is occupied by agriculture. The state borders in the south with Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. From the west - with Austria, in the north - with Slovakia. In the east, Romania is located nearby, and in a small part it joins in the northeast with Ukraine.

The green fertile fields flow from north to south, the two most major rivers- Danube and Tisza. In the north, between Slovakia and Hungary, are the higher mountains of the Carpathians (the highest high peak 1015 m - Kekes), in the west of the country are the foothills of the Alps. largest lake Europe's Balaton is adjacent to forested hills. Not far from it are the famous karst North Bordeaux Mountains with popular the most beautiful caves Aggtelek. But the main attraction of the country is its unique thermal springs. The entire tourism business in Hungary is based on resorts with thermal baths.

Climatic conditions

The territory surrounded by mountains contributes to the formation of a kind of warm climate in the central part of Europe. The average temperature in the middle of summer does not exceed + 22 degrees, and in January it does not fall below - 1 degree. The long off-season periods are spring and autumn. It sometimes rains in summer. On frosty winter days, the Danube is often covered with a layer of ice. Snow can lie on the ground for up to 1 month. In winter, cold days are replaced by periods of thaw.

natural attractions

Hungary is a country, most of which is in the steppes and hilly areas. Hares, foxes, deer live there, otters live in the rivers, in some places beavers. IN mountainous areas you can often meet wild boars. Among the birds there are storks, cranes, herons, swallows, steppe eagles. Typical trees of the Hungarian mountains are lindens, chestnuts, birches, oaks. On the shores of Lake Balaton, the authorities organized the Kish-Balaton nature reserve for marsh bird species.

Near the lake there is an interesting karst cave Loci with an underwater reservoir, along which tourists are taken on excursions by boat. The famous Tapolca caves have a unique microclimate due to the location of thermal springs in them. The Tihany peninsula will interest not only nature lovers, but also connoisseurs of architecture. There is a beautiful old abbey.

Near Mount Badacsony you can visit the rich variety of trees and rare plants. Botanical Garden Folli family, which is already 100 years old. The largest national park in the country, Hortobágy, will delight visitors.

Thermal springs of Hungary Hungary

What kind of country contains such rich reserves thermal waters? Only in Hungary there are water sources filled with a unique composition of minerals. Near each of them, enterprising residents built health-improving complexes. Of course, the Hungarians have long realized what benefits can be obtained from such abundance. Since ancient times, people have been treated with water throughout the country. The most popular among our tourists are the baths of Budapest. In the center of the city, in the Varoshliget park, visitors can visit the Széchenyi baths, also loved by both the townspeople and tourists Gellert, located on the mountain of the same name, not far from the Royal Palace.

Popular and relaxing thermal lake Heviz with a water temperature of +33 degrees. On the territory of Hungary, the number of baths cannot be counted. These are caves in the town of Miskolc, and the Zalakaros well at a depth of 2500 m, in which the highest water temperature (96 degrees). Many scientists from all over the world have repeatedly examined the quality of water and concluded that nowhere on the planet can one find such healing and unique thermal water.

What diseases are treated in baths?

People come from all over Europe who have undergone operations on bone and connective tissues, various skin diseases, chronic diseases of the nervous system and inflammatory processes in the gynecological area. Even with infertility, doctors recommend a course of thermal procedures. Water helps to dissolve adhesions after surgery, restores the skin in places of scars and burns, and has a beneficial effect in osteoporosis and rheumatism. The baths are also useful for relieving stress after. Locals spend weekends and holidays in the baths with the whole family. Young people arrange nightly discos in thermal pools. The whole life and work of many residents of the country is connected, one way or another, with thermal springs of which there are more than 60 thousand in the country.

The peculiarities of the country lie in its historical monuments of various times. The era of the Roman Empire left Romanesque temples, for example, Pannokhalma, as a keepsake for the inhabitants. You can meet fortresses of the Middle Ages (Eger, Sikloshe). The country has many unique palaces, castles, beautiful houses of the nobility and kings. In any Hungarian city there are many noteworthy tourist of architectural beauties. This is the Grasszalkovich castle with magnificent gardens, and the majestic Gothic temple in Nirbator.

You can look at the residences of the Hungarian kings in Esztergom and Vysehrad. Photos of Pechvard Abbey will be the decoration of the family album. Holidays on Lake Balaton with its hospitable resorts attract lovers of water adventures and fishing. Riding scooters, boats and water skiing, windsurfing will entertain on a hot day. On the shores of the lake, those who wish can undergo rehabilitation in balneological clinics.

Traveling around Budapest

Arriving in the capital, you are amazed at what kind of country? The Danube embankment is simply enchanting. On one side of the coast is beautiful building Europe, and maybe the world, the Budapest Parliament, on the other side - the magnificent Royal Palace and A little further, on Mount Gellert, the old building of the baths of the same name flaunts. After crossing the bridge of Count Szechenyi, you get to the central pedestrian street Vaci. Walking along Andrássy Avenue and looking at the beautiful churches and the theater, you get to the Heroes' Square.

Behind it is the city park Varoshliget with the famous Széchenyi baths. After swimming, you can go to the central old market at the end of Vaci Street and buy fresh fruits and famous sausages. Walks from the market shuttle bus before shopping center Campona, which houses the oceanarium - a tropicarium with a long tunnel, where visitors feel like they are in the middle of the ocean with swimming sharks and many other exotic fish and creatures.

Hungarian cuisine

Experienced tourists know that no one will go hungry in Hungary. Wonderful meat, fish and vegetable dishes are full of variety. The country's favorite spice is paprika. It can be found in the famous. Arriving here, you must definitely try traditional dishes. When ordering cold snacks in a restaurant, be prepared for large portions and a variety of what is offered: stuffed palacsinta with various fillings (with hungary in translation - pancakes), breaded fried liver (goose) - rantott libamajszeletek libamaj, stuffed red peppers - toltott paprika, etc. d.

Soups are served after appetizers, they are very thick and hearty. So before ordering, think carefully whether your stomach can handle such portions or not. The most popular soup in Hungary is the famous goulash - Gulyas leves. The composition includes a large number of meat, dumplings, vegetables. It is served in bowls with bread. Halasz Leves, or fish soup with tomatoes and, of course, paprika, includes several varieties of river fish. Vegetarians can please themselves by ordering lecho - Lecso.

When ordering excellent and delicious dishes in the restaurant, do not forget to try the famous Tokay wine. On the slopes of Mount Tokai, grapes have been grown since ancient times for the production of this drink. This area of ​​Hungary is listed by UNESCO. Tokaji Aszu wine is made in a special way. The berries are left on the vine until the end of autumn. Thanks to local climate a specific mold appears on them, giving an unusual taste to the wine.

Barrels are stored in ancient cellars, the length of which is about 40 km. The next famous brand of wine produced by Hungary is "Bull's Blood" (Bikaver). Each region is famous for its vineyards. Every year in Budapest is held in numerous tasting rooms you can choose any variety you like and feel the taste of Hungary.

tourist memo

Before leaving, tourists are advised to learn more about the traditions and mentality of this country in order to be fully armed. Now the reader knows - Hungary (Hungary) - what kind of country. A visa is required to enter. Currency - forint. Money exchange is made in special exchange points or banks. The official language is Hungarian. Many understand German, some understand English. Nobody speaks Russian. Most people are Catholics, but there are also Protestants. Hotels need to be booked in advance, as there is a large influx of tourists during the season. People are friendly and talkative. They will always help you find a way or a tourist site. So before the trip, learn a few well-known phrases from the phrase book.

Hungary is hospitable and beautiful country tourists are always welcome. There are many entertainments, the architecture is beautiful, the nature is pristine. Come, relax, get healthy! You will not regret!

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. The official state language is Hungarian.

national currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF). Well Russian ruble RUB to 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 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.

The capital of Hungary is recognized as one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. On its streets bizarrely intertwined historical Buildings Roman times and modern quarters. Budapest fully possesses that special European mood and chic that other elegant old European cities are famous for.

History of the city on the banks of the Danube

The Romans built bridges across the Danube in the 2nd century, but Buda, located on the right bank of the river, and Pest on the left could only be connected in 1840, when the grandiose Chain Bridge was built. This was not done before, obviously, because in that place there was a very turbulent current, the river often overflowed its banks, preventing the formation of dense soil. The first bridge was regarded as an engineering marvel of the time. The construction was supervised by two Englishmen. Many of the workers were English, and Italians from Trieste and Slavs also worked with them. The Hungarian nobility provided funding.

In 1873, Buda, Obuda (old Buda) and Pest merged into a single city. New bridges have appeared. But all of them were blown up during the Second World War, when the Germans were preparing the last defensive line on the Fortress Hill. The recovery process took quite a long time. The chain bridge was put back into operation in 1949, exactly one century after its construction. However, the single-span Elizabethan (Erzhebet) bridge was restored only in 1964.

This bridge is named after a representative of the House of Habsburg, who was very popular in these parts: Empress Elisabeth, the wife of Franz Joseph, was called Sister all over the world.

One of the bridges was also named after Franz Joseph, which was later renamed Sabadshaghid (Freedom Bridge). Buda looks much older than Pest, but in fact it was founded after the Mongols destroyed the latter in 1241. The left bank of the river is flat, but the steep limestone hills of the right bank served as natural defensive barriers, and the Danube separated Buda from the road , along which eastern riders on short skewbald horses could return at any time.

The current boulevards and ring roads were laid mainly at the beginning of the 20th century. They can handle today's workload just fine. traffic, which cannot be said about the older districts of the capital. On one of the hills of Buda, the venerable Bishop Gellert in 1046 tried to preach Christianity to the locals, for which he was severely punished: he was stuffed into a barrel studded with nails and thrown down the hill into the river. This mountain is now called the name of the priest. From its top you can see the whole city, the flat expanses beyond its borders and the winding ribbon of the Danube.

Standing on the mountain ancient citadel and the monument to the Liberation of Hungary from the fascist invaders. Bela IV began the construction of the new city of Buda in the 13th century. from the construction of a fortress on the Fortress Hill, which was supposed to protect a residential area located north of Mount Gellert. The city was going through tough times. In 1526, the Ottoman Turks conquered it (the decisive battle took place near Mount Mohacs). Buda then did not suffer much, it was destroyed in 1686, when it was recaptured from the Ottomans. Having established themselves in the city, the Turks turned the churches into mosques and brought an oriental flavor to Buda.

Buildings and fortresses

Some houses and baths, so beloved by the Turks, still bear the stamp of the East to this day. On Uri Street on the Fortress Hill is the grave of Abdurakhman Ali, the last Turkish pasha who ruled Buda. After the expulsion of the Turks, the ruined city was rebuilt in the late baroque style, which then dominated the trend in architecture. Vivid examples of this style in the city are:

• university church;
• Zichy castle;
• a silk-spinning factory in Obud;
• the two-tower church of St. Anne on Batthyani Square.

The restoration of the monarchy in 1867 caused a second wave of construction of ceremonial buildings. The fortress was transformed into the Royal Palace. The Hungarians, devoured by an ambitious desire to fashion a city out of their capital, eclipsing Vienna with brilliance and beauty, launched a grandiose construction on the coast where Pest stood. During these events, the city, destroyed during the suppression of the revolution of 1848, was almost completely restored. But more trouble lay ahead for the Hungarians. The foreign intervention of 1919 and the Second World War did not leave Budapest untouched.

fortress mountain

The Germans, destroying everything that stood on the fortress hill that served them last stronghold in 1944, to some extent, they did the city a favor: archaeologists had a great opportunity to rummage through the cobblestones. They brought to light the material facts of the activities of the great people of Hungarian history - the Arpads, representatives of the Angevin dynasty, Matthias Korvin (Hunyadi) and others. These finds were skillfully used in the reconstruction of the palace, which now houses:

• Museum of Modern History of Hungary;
• Hungarian National Gallery;
• Museum of the History of Budapest;
• National Library.

A funicular will take you to the Fortress Hill, through the sewer systems of which the tunnel passes. Landing takes place at Adam Clark Square, located at the Chain Bridge. Several streets on the top of the hill, connected by narrow galleries, have a fair atmosphere, this is especially noticeable near the Matthias Church. Cars are not allowed to enter.

Matthias Church

The official name of Matthias Church is the Church of Our Lady (at one time it was even an important Turkish mosque), but it is more often called after the Hungarian king and national hero Matthias Hunyadi, who was married twice in this religious building and reconstructed it. In 1686, the church was almost completely destroyed, rebuilt in the 18th century, and acquired its current appearance only in the 19th century. The last two Hungarian kings, Franz Joseph I and Charles IV, were crowned here.

Through the dark windows, a little light penetrates into the church, but as soon as the eyes get used to the dim lighting, the eye snatches elegant columns, walls and vaults of the grandiose interior from the twilight. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Hungarian saints. King Bela III (reigned 1173-1196) and his wife Anna of Chatillon are buried in the Holy Trinity Chapel, their ashes were brought here from Szekesfehervar in 1898.

Fisherman's Bastion and museums

A few steps from the church is the Fisherman's Bastion with many towers and stairs. This rather whimsical building with winding galleries was built at the beginning of the 20th century. on the site of the fish market and the village of fishermen. Among museums palace complex crouched on Fortuna Street, not far from the Hilton Hotel, a curious little Museum of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business. But don't let its name fool you; this is not a paean to gluttony or the work of canteens. The museum consists of several halls, decorated in the style of the lobbies of Budapest hotels of the time when they were an integral attribute of the lifestyle of aristocrats.

If you want to breathe a little more air of nostalgia for the past, take a look at the Museum military history, which, in particular, contains a collection of military uniforms of cavalrymen of the 19th century, which to a large extent contributed to the formation of an opinion about Hungarian officers as boastful madcaps. The exposition is mainly represented by materials about the uprising of the Hungarians in 1848, who opposed the dominance of the Habsburgs. The arch near the Museum of Military History serves as one of the entrances to the more modern area of ​​Buda, the main street of which is Fö Street. The street ends at Jozsef Böhm Square, named after the Polish general, the hero of the Hungarian liberation struggle of 1848-1849, whose monument stands in the center of the square.

Baths of Budapest

On Feu street is the Kirai bath, formerly Turkish bath. About 120 hot springs flowing along the banks of the Danube supply 16 million gallons of medicinal water, which was used by the Romans. The baths in Budapest serve the same purpose as the coffee houses in Vienna (separate visiting days for men and women). The most popular are the Gellert and Szechenyi baths.

From Buda to Pest, located on the east bank of the river, you will reach the Chain Bridge, walking along a footpath for 600 m. On this side are Roosevelt Square with a statue of Count Istvan Szechenyi and the Academy of Sciences founded by him - a palace in the style of neo-Renaissance architecture. Tsorzo street, escaping into southbound designed for walking. It will lead to Vigado Square, where the Concert Hall is located, in which almost all the great musicians of different times performed. The list is headed by Brahms and Liszt.

Shopping in Budapest

Parallel to Zorzo is Vaci Street, the most elegant shopping street in Budapest. Even in the 70s and 80s, luxury goods were sold here, which could not be found in any of the countries of Eastern Europe. The same is true of the Budapest Market, located at the opposite end of Vaci in an amazing building with soaring metal columns, high covered galleries and ramps.

The shopping area of ​​Pest is pedestrian zone, and walking here is especially pleasant. Voroshmarty Square resembles a beehive. Almost everyone considers it their duty to pay a visit to the famous confectionery shop "Gerbaud", which opened in 1857. Most airlines have offices in this area.

Soul food in Budapest

To the north of the square is the neo-Romanesque basilica of St. Stephen - a place of pilgrimage for Hungarian Catholics who want to look at the right hand of St. Stephen. Istvan. Nearby is located Opera theatre Budapest. Tickets for the performances going on here are not available, but you will not regret if you just take a tour of the theater in between performances. Near the InterContinental Hotel you will see the parish church inner city, which was erected before the Mongol invasion. Liszt regularly played the organ here, the composer lived literally around the corner, and Richard Wagner often visited his house on Sunday evenings.

Parliament of Hungary

The huge building of the Hungarian Parliament on Kossuth Square is completely copied from its British counterpart - both the compositional structure, and even the way it is reflected in the river, only in the Danube, and not in the Thames. The building was built from 1880 to 1902 according to the project of Imre Steindl on a special concrete base, taking into account the proximity of the river. Behind the 280-meter facade with statues of 88 Hungarian leaders and commanders, there are 10 courtyards, 29 stairs and 27 gates. In front of the parliament building there is a monument to Lajos Kossuth, the leader of the struggle for independence in 1848-1849. Tours of the grandiose premises of the Hungarian Parliament are organized in the mornings on certain days.

National Museum

Must visit National Museum Budapest, if only to look at the apostolic crown of St. Istvana, the most powerful symbol of the country, created by Byzantine masters of the 12th century. This is certainly a masterpiece, but not the crown that Pope Sylvester II gave Istvan. Stephen was the first Hungarian king, and a millennium later he was canonized. The cross on the crown is bent, as at a critical moment in the Middle Ages it had to be hastily hidden. At the end of World War II, the Hungarian military handed over the crown and all the royal regalia to the Americans, who returned the treasure only in 1978.

Synagogue and Museum of Fine Arts

Next to the museum is a synagogue, one of the largest in the world. You will recognize it immediately by its onion-shaped dome. The Hungarian Millennium Monument and the Heroes' Square were created to commemorate the millennium anniversary of the conquest of this land by the Magyars. The sculptural ensemble consists of statues of the leader of the Hungarians, Prince Arpad and seven of his associates. The ensemble was created in 1897 according to the project of Albert Shikedanets. Museum rises on the square fine arts Budapest and the Artist's House.

The first exhibits one of the most significant collections of paintings in Eastern Europe, while the second hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the Museum of Applied Arts. It stands apart from other museums in the southern part of the city, you need to go to it by taxi. The museum building, created by Eden Lechner in the 90s of the last century, is in itself a masterpiece of architecture.

If you feel like drinking coffee or having lunch, go to the cafe-restaurant "Hungary", located on the outer ring road. This Art Nouveau establishment is considered one of the most luxurious in Budapest.

Obuda (old Buda) is located a little away from the city center. You will get there by HEV train departing from Batthyany Square. Now it is predominantly an area of ​​apartment buildings, but there is also a historical center with the ruins of a Roman amphitheater for 15,000 seats. Main cultural building Obudy is a baroque castle built by the Zichy family in the 18th century.

Country and city from rich history will not leave anyone indifferent, because they are a part of beautiful Europe.