Is it worth going to Budapest? Toy railway

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its appearance harmoniously combines Gothic, Venetian, Byzantine and modern building elements.

Budapest is located in the central region of Hungary, on two banks of the majestic Danube. Until 1873, the city included three separate settlements: Buda, Pest and Óbuda. After the unification of the settlements into one large city, it was decided to give it a name by combining parts of the names of these points. It is interesting that in the word “Budapest” both parts are of Slavic origin: “buda” is translated as a building, house, and “pest” is an oven, hearth.

The city is inhabited primarily by Hungarians (more than 90%), about 1% of the residents are Germans, almost 0.8% of the population are Roma, and the rest of the residents belong to other nationalities. The religious composition of Budapest is quite diverse. Most people (about 63%) consider themselves to be of various directions of Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy). Almost 20% of the city's population consider themselves atheists. The remaining residents are adherents of other beliefs.

Modern Budapest is a major cultural, scientific and industrial center of Hungary. The main educational institutions of the country are located here. There are also more than 170 exhibition halls, museums and theaters.

The main sectors of Budapest's economy are mechanical engineering and metalworking. In addition, the city has well-developed textile, clothing, light, food and chemical industries. It is in Budapest that the main office of such a large pharmaceutical company as Gedeon Richter is located.

The capital of Hungary has gained worldwide fame due to its famous mineral springs, of which there are more than 80 in the city. Interestingly, Budapest is the only capital in the world that has received official resort status. In this city, both young and old people will find entertainment to their liking. Budapest is perfect for families and children's holidays.

Climate and weather

The weather conditions of Budapest are determined by a temperate continental climate. This area is characterized by short and very mild winters with average daily temperatures of -5 °C. Sometimes at this time the thermometer drops to -15 °C.

Summer in Budapest is long and quite hot. The warmest month is July, when during the day the thermometer rises to +30 °C, and night temperatures rarely drop below +18 °C.

Atmospheric precipitation occurs rarely in Budapest, mainly in spring and autumn. Their annual number does not exceed 600 mm.

Most tourists prefer to visit Budapest between April and October. Optimal air temperature and lack of precipitation allow you to concentrate on relaxation and exploring the unique sights of the Hungarian capital.

Nature

Beautiful Budapest enchants foreign tourists not only with its magnificent sights, numerous mineral springs, but also with its incredibly beautiful nature. The capital of Hungary is located in a lowland, which is surrounded on all sides by the Alps, Carpathians and South Slavic mountain ranges. Budapest is located on a tectonic fault, which results in the presence of multiple famous thermal springs. There are about 80 mineral springs in the Hungarian capital.

The majestic Danube crosses Budapest from north to south, and at the same time divides the city into two parts: flat Pest and hilly Will. Interestingly, within the city limits there are seven beautiful islands on the river.

Attractions

Of course, the main attraction not only of Budapest, but of the whole country, is the Parliament building, erected at the end of the 19th century. The neo-Gothic style of construction has become a unique symbol of the Hungarian capital.

Not far from this most recognizable building in Budapest is the largest temple in the Hungarian capital - St. Stephen's Basilica, also built at the end of the 19th century.

In the Buda Hills, you should pay attention to the famous mountain Gellert, Cathedral Matt, Buddha's Fortress and Fisherman's Bastion. The church is of greatest interest to tourists. Matt, which is named after the first king of Hungary, crowned here in 1458.

One of the most remarkable buildings in western Budapest is the Royal Palace, built in the 13th century. Today, its territory houses a history museum and the National Art Gallery.

The bridge is considered the symbol of Budapest. Count Széchenyi. Local residents also call it Lion or Chain. This bridge is an exact copy of London Bridge Hammersmith.

When in the capital of Hungary, you need to visit one of the most stunning avenues in the whole world - Andrássy. This street was recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its incredibly beautiful single architectural ensemble. The main building of the avenue Andrássy It is certainly considered an Opera House, which is one of the best in all of Europe. There is a city park nearby "Varoshleget". Here during his reign the Hungarian king Matt loved to hunt hares and foxes. Today the park is the most favorite vacation spot among local residents and guests of the capital.

Budapest has a large number of museums and galleries. The most visited by tourists are the Hungarian National Museum and the Aquincum Museum. The latter contains interesting exhibits (sculptures, sarcophagi, coins, jewelry and other objects) related to the culture of the ancient Roman city, which was once located on the territory of modern Budapest.

Nutrition

In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, along with national cuisine, almost all cuisines of the world are represented. The most famous restaurants in the city - "Gundel" And "Zhebro." The first is one of the ten best restaurants in the world. Opened almost 120 years ago, this establishment today accurately reproduces the atmosphere of the 19th century. Here you can try world-famous Hungarian dishes: goulash, paprikash, perkelt, cabbage rolls, halasle, pancakes a la Gundel, served with nut filling, chocolate sauce and rum. Interestingly, Hungarian goulash is a soup, and the familiar dish called “goulash” in Hungary is called “perkelt”.

The biggest event in the life of the Hungarian capital is rightfully considered the Formula 1 Grand Prix stage that takes place in August. This event attracts a huge number of people.

Budapest's bustling and fun nightlife is reminiscent of the fun in other European capitals, such as Amsterdam. The city has a huge number of nightclubs, bars and discos. Almost all clubs are open until the morning and attract a huge number of people.

Purchases

Many tourists, coming to Budapest, strive to buy several dozen cute souvenirs for their family and friends. The most popular shopping centers and souvenir shops among foreign tourists are WestEnd City Center, Duna Plaza, Auchan, Mammut, Tesco. At the large city market you can buy various goodies, from spices to Hungarian wines. Here you can buy the famous Tokaj wine and Unicum balsam.

Most often, foreigners buy Hungarian porcelain, crystal, ceramics, items of national clothing, marzipan figurines, textiles with unique handmade embroidery, as well as wines and spices.

On the central streets of the capital of Hungary you can find a huge number of jewelry stores and antique shops. The most popular are items made of silver and gold.

Almost all shops in Budapest are open from 10:00 to 18:00. And on Saturday the working day is reduced to 13:00. On Sunday, only large shopping centers and supermarkets are open. Payments are made in Hungarian forints. Many stores also provide cashless payments.

Transport

The transport system of Budapest is widely developed. Public transport is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro. In the Hungarian capital there are three metro lines, about 200 bus routes, 14 trolleybus and 34 tram lines. Tickets for all specified types of transport cost about 0.55 €. Interestingly, Budapest's tram routes are recognized as the busiest in the world. And the Budapest metro is considered the oldest on the entire continent.

Near Budapest there is a large international airport named after F. Liszt. The Hungarian capital is connected by air to major cities of the country and neighboring countries.

Budapest is connected by rail to major cities not only in Hungary, but throughout Europe. There are three railway stations in the city. The cost of tickets for commuter trains does not exceed 5-10 €, and for interregional trains - 20 €.

There is also a children's railway in Budapest. One of the tram routes approaches its first terminal station, and a rack railway approaches the second. The latter is another landmark of Budapest. Its difference from a conventional railway is the presence of a rack between traditional rails, which allows for additional communication with the rolling stock. In Budapest, this road leads to the tops of the Buda Hills.

In addition to the rack railway, there are several other special types of transport in the Hungarian capital, namely the cable car and the funicular. You can take the cable car up and down János Mountain. Tickets for it cost about 3 €.

The Buda Castle Funicular is especially popular among foreigners. During a trip along it, tourists can observe the amazing natural landscapes of Budapest. The cost of tickets for this vehicle is approximately 3 € for adults and 1.5 € for children.

The Danube is considered one of the main waterways of Western Europe. Therefore, river transport is well developed in the capital of Hungary. In Budapest you can take an unforgettable trip on river buses and pleasure boats.

Among other things, you can use taxi services in Budapest. On average, taxi drivers charge 1.2 € per pick-up and almost 1 € for each kilometer of travel. By the way, you can also rent a car. To do this, you must have an international driving license, a passport, and at least one year of driving experience. The driver must be over 21 years old. It is worth noting that the quality of roads in Budapest deserves the highest praise. Excellent asphalt pavement is present on almost all city streets, even those significantly removed from the center. Traffic in the Hungarian capital is on the right. Drivers in Budapest have a rather aggressive driving style, so foreigners need to be extremely careful.

Connection

The communications and telecommunications system in Budapest has undergone intensive development, especially after Hungary joined the European Union. Throughout the capital there are numerous payphones that operate from coins or T-Com calling cards, sold in any large retail establishment. For an international call you will have to pay about 0.8 € per minute.

If your trip to Budapest promises to be long, then it makes sense to purchase a SIM card from local mobile operators. Several operators provide GSM 900/1800 communication here: T-Mobile, Vodafone And Telenor. One minute of conversation on a cell phone will cost only 0.15 €. By the way, all of these operators support roaming services of the world's largest mobile companies. These same operators offer residents and guests of the Hungarian capital to use mobile Internet services. Depending on the volume of traffic selected, the cost of this type of communication is approximately 10 € per month.

There are a huge number of Internet cafes with Wi-Fi networks in Budapest. It is worth noting that such Internet can be found in large shopping and entertainment centers, as well as in restaurants and hotels. Sometimes Internet access may require a fee (approximately 2 € per hour). A regular connection costs much less - about 0.7 € per hour of operation.

Safety

Budapest is considered one of the safest capitals of the European Union. The overall crime rate here is quite low. However, as in any other large city, you should not let your guard down in crowded places where there is a huge likelihood of pickpocketing. It is better not to take particularly large sums of money or valuables with you on excursions, but to leave them in hotel or hotel safes.

The sanitary situation in Budapest is quite favorable. There are no dangerous tropical infectious diseases here. However, the quality of tap water, despite the implementation of treatment measures, is extremely unsatisfactory. Experts recommend using bottled water or boiling it before drinking. When buying fresh fruits or vegetables in stores or markets, be sure to wash them.

Business climate

Hungary as a whole, and Budapest in particular, is a great place to do business. State authorities promote the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the city. To attract foreign investment to the capital of Hungary, the reporting and accounting system was significantly simplified, a low tax burden was introduced, and a number of laws were adopted regulating the relations between foreign enterprises. Such changes in the country's legislation could not go unnoticed. Numerous investors have flocked to Budapest with a huge number of business proposals. The Hungarian capital is recognized as the best city in Europe for registering offshore companies.

Tourism is considered the most popular sector of the city's economy. Most foreign businessmen choose this area of ​​activity. The excellent location of the city, mild climate, urban areas rich in thermal springs, favorable legislation - all this attracts hundreds of investors from all over the world to Budapest.

Real estate

The real estate market in Budapest is one of the most stable in all of Central Europe. The desire to purchase residential premises here is due to several factors. Firstly, the capital of Hungary is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In addition, urban infrastructure and transport are well developed here. Secondly, real estate prices in Budapest are an order of magnitude lower than in the capitals of neighboring countries. The cost of apartments in the Hungarian capital ranges from 1300 € to 2300 € per square meter. Luxury housing will cost slightly more (about 2500-4000 €). Pest is considered the most expensive area of ​​the Hungarian capital, as the commercial and financial center of the city. Here apartments with an area of ​​no more than 40 m2 will cost about 70,000 €.

A large number of foreigners coming to Budapest for a long period of time prefer to rent separate living quarters. As a rule, apartments in the city center, located next to the metro line, are especially popular. Today, prices for rental housing (one-room apartment) fluctuate around 200-350 € per month in the city center, and no more than 200 € in a residential area of ​​Budapest.

For the safest holiday in Budapest, you must adhere to some rules of behavior in the capital of Hungary. Any foreigner coming to Budapest must respect the local population and their traditions. When communicating with residents of the Hungarian capital, it is not customary to talk about personal topics (about family, work, health, salary, etc.). It is also impossible to discuss the way of life of the Hungarians and their Slavic neighbors.

Foreign guests of Budapest need to be attentive to their belongings in crowded places and in transport. There is no need to show off large sums of money, expensive jewelry and valuable items on the street. You should not walk the streets of Budapest at night in areas remote from the center, especially alone. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at government exchange offices.

When purchasing souvenirs for your family, it is worth considering that in accordance with Hungarian legislation, the export of 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages, 5 liters of beer and 500 grams of tobacco is allowed without paying an additional duty. It is allowed to export various spices and seasonings without any restrictions. To freely export abroad things and objects of historical and cultural value, jewelry and antiques, you must obtain the appropriate permit from the store.

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A long time ago, when the Danube carried its waters across Europe, small settlements were created on both sides: “Buda” and “Pest”. After some time, the size of the villages increased and they merged, turning into a majestic city Budapest.

The Hungarian capital is called the “European pearl”. The city is dotted with historical buildings, cut by narrow streets and neighborhoods in the Baroque style, theaters, palaces, and monuments. Numerous wars have taken their toll, and now a mixture of styles is clearly visible in the city. Most of the buildings date from the 18th century.

The city also owes its beauty to its natural landscape. You cannot deny yourself the pleasure of visiting restaurants where they will prepare traditional local dishes for you, such as goulash or paprikash, which goes well with a glass of dry Tokaj wine.

It’s definitely worth setting aside time for the city’s mineral and thermal springs. Budapest became famous throughout Europe for its baths. The museum, exhibitions, and theaters are ready to welcome guests all year round. Margaret Island and the central park are especially popular for walking. For fun, you can check out night bars or casinos.

Video from Budapest

Budapest is ranked among the most beautiful cities on the globe. This is the only city in the world that has so many thermal and mineral springs, the number of which exceeds 100. We advise you to immediately go to the Buda mountains, where the bastion rises. From here you can see the beautiful...

Budapest: tours and activities

Budapest is ready to offer its tourists year-round visits to museums on various topics: ethnography, history, galleries, exhibitions. There is even a Bible museum in the Hungarian capital.

What could be better than going to a natural thermal spring? There are almost 100 of them here. Every day they splash up to 70,000,000 liters of healing water to the surface. Among the baths you can find authentic Turkish baths that have reached us in good condition. The cultural program includes visits to more than two hundred museum complexes and 30 theaters. The opera house and several concert halls are always ready to please tourists. Coming here in March, you can get to the “spring festival”, where music lovers gather. Ballet and folklore. In June there is another traditional festival in honor of music. Along with it there is the “Bridge Festival”, as well as the “Danube Water Festival”.

At the end of summer, the authorities organize an “Opera Festival”. In September, tourists will be treated to a grand event in honor of wine and champagne. Of course, on New Year's Eve the squares are filled with shopping stalls, and local residents rush to visit all the Christmas markets. Once in the capital of Hungary, take a short gastronomic journey into the world of traditional dishes.

History of Budapest

Budapest is the largest Hungarian city, the center of economics, politics and culture. Officially, the city appeared only at the end of the 19th century. Initially, there were three small settlements on both banks of the Danube: Buda, Pest and Óbuda, which later merged and formed a large...

Budapest is an ideal holiday destination at any time of the year. The climate smoothly transitions from temperate to continental.

Winters are characterized by short frosts and mildness. Not much snow falls, and due to the short cold period it melts quickly. But the summer is very hot, but there are practically no extreme temperatures here. You should be prepared for strong winds that can penetrate to your very bones. Despite the long summer, the most favorable time to visit is autumn or spring. During the New Year holidays, tours also begin to gain popularity.

Budapest: entertainment and active recreation

Budapest offers tourists many opportunities for active activities.

The most interesting way to get to know the city from the inside is on wheels. There are bicycle rental points for children and adults scattered throughout the city. You can mingle with the locals on standard models, or take a romantic trip on a two-seater tandem bike. There is also a special model for the whole family with additional space for a child. For convenience, the city is riddled with special paths for riding an “iron horse”. Margaret Island offers an exciting holiday. Especially in summer, tourists from all over the world rush to get here. Active games are offered here, such as frisbee or badminton. It will be interesting to ride in a special car that is driven by hand pedals. With friends, such a trip around the island will be unforgettable.

If speed and adrenaline are not enough, Budapest is pleased to present karting. The track, just over 400 meters long, will allow you to remember the adrenaline for a long time. There are cars for children, teenagers and adults. Budapest is an ideal place for both passive and active recreation, all you have to do is choose your option.

Transport features of Budapest

The transport network of Budapest is highly developed. The airport is represented by three passenger terminals. The opening of the airport took place not so long ago, in the mid-20th century. All major highways in Hungary lead to Budapest. Road signs are the same as in other European countries.

Public transport includes almost 200 bus, 15 trolleybus and 30 tram routes. The metro includes three lines. The Budapest metro is the oldest in Europe. The tram tracks are very congested, considering the fact that the length of the tram reaches 50 meters. Navigations are regularly carried out along the Danube; the port is located on one of the islands.

The importance of Budapest for Hungary can hardly be overestimated. This city is home to two million people, that is, approximately one fifth of the country's population. It is the center of political power, finance, culture, and the most important transport hub. Starting your walk around the city from Castle Hill, you will understand why Budapest was called the “pearl of the Danube”. The majestic buildings and long curved bridges look especially beautiful when lit by fireworks. Castle Hill (Varhegy) is the most prominent point of the Buda area with its ancient mansions and a huge palace overlooking the Water Town. Buda and Pest are rich in attractions, including museums and galleries, restaurants and bars, and various entertainment venues.

There are a lot of nightclubs here, but many townspeople get up early and return home by 22.00, relaxing at lunchtime in pastry shops and bars. You can plunge into Budapest life in the thermal baths (gyogyfurdo). With a regular ticket you can spend three hours in the pools, saunas and steam rooms (gozfurdo), and for an additional fee you can also enjoy such pleasures as mud baths (iszapfurdo) and massages (masszazs). Each of the 23 districts (keruletek) of Budapest is designated on maps, street signs and addresses with Roman numerals: for example, the number V stands for Belváros in Pest, and I for the Castle district in Buda.

The city has three main stations, connected by metro lines to the central station Deak ter in Belvaros, the center of the Pest district. Most international trains arrive at Keleti station, including from Vienna, Bucharest, Zagreb and, as well as domestic trains from and. Trains from Bratislava come to Nyugati station, and only one train from (from Westbahnhof station), one from and internal trains from and from Lake Balaton arrive at Deeli station. From Ferihegy Airport (Liszt Ferenc Airport) a minibus will take you to your accommodation (travel orders can be accepted at the terminal building).

Food and drink in Budapest

In Budapest restaurants, Hungarian cuisine is presented along with international cuisine. By European standards, prices here are quite reasonable. Confectionery shops (cukraszdas) serve coffee and sweets, restaurants serve a full lunch or dinner, and you can have a snack in a bar or pub. This classification is somewhat arbitrary, since all restaurants serve alcoholic drinks, all bars serve food, and cafes serve both plus coffee and cake.

• Budapest Restaurants

1). Restaurant Abszint– Dishes of Provençal cuisine at reasonable prices. You can try Bulgarian absinthe. Location: Andrassy ut 34;

2). Restaurant AI-Amir– Offering excellent salads and hummus, this Syrian restaurant is a vegetarian paradise. No alcohol. Location: Kiraly street 17;

3). Restaurant Art Alhambra– The lush interior, delicious tapas, exhibition activities and Moroccan tea will help you relax. Location: Jokai ter 3;

4). Restaurant Kor– Popular place next to the basilica. Excellent cuisine, excellent wines, delicacies. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sundays. Location: Sas street 17;

5). Govinda Restaurant– This oasis of peace of mind near Roosevelt ter offers Indian, vegetarian dishes and salads. Location: Vigyazo Ferenc street 4;

6). Restaurant Gundel– An establishment proud of its traditions has high prices. However, on Sundays brunch costs 20 euros. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sunday evenings. Location: Allatkerti ut 2;

7). Restaurant Kadar etkezde– Here you can taste homemade Jewish cuisine in the old quarter. It is recommended to try beef boiled in fruit sauce. Closed on Sundays. Location: Klauzal ter 9;

8). Restaurant Markus Vendeglo– Hospitable inexpensive Hungarian restaurant near Moszkva ter. Location: Lovohaz street 17;

9). Menza Restaurant– This retro-style establishment offers excellent Hungarian cuisine at very reasonable prices. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter;

10). Restaurant Papageno– A small cozy establishment specializing in French and Italian cuisine. Closed on Sundays. Location: Semmelweis street 19.

• Pastry shops and coffee shops in Budapest

1). Confectionery Agi Retes– Best retes (strudel) in town. Not far from Moszkva ter. Location: Retek street 9;

2). Confectionery Angelika– The former monastery has been turned into a modern establishment with techno music and a noisy terrace, but older people from among the locals still come here. Location: Batthyany ter 7;

3). Cafe Central– The old coffee shop has been restored to its former glory. The extensive menu includes both cheap and very expensive dishes. Location: Karolyi Mihaly street 9;

4). Cafe Eckermann– Large cups of coffee next to the Goethe-Institut. Closed on Sundays. Location: Andrassy ut 24;

5). Patisserie Frohlich– The kosher pastry shop is located a five-minute walk from the synagogue on Dohany Street. They offer delicious flodni - apple pie with nuts and poppy seeds. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Location: Dob street 22;

6). Cafe-patisserie Gerbeaud– A magnificent establishment in the center of Pest. Coffee with a piece of cake will cost you about 4 euros. Equally good cakes are available at Kis Gerbeaud around the corner. Location: Vorosmarty ter 7;

7). Cafe Muvesz– This old coffee shop has far fewer tourists than Gerbaud, and is also cheaper. Location: Andrassy ut 29;

8). Confectionery Muzeum Cukraszda– A welcoming establishment next to the National Museum, where they offer fresh pastries from the very morning. Location: Muzeum korut 10;

9). Confectionery Ruszwurm– Excellent cakes are served in an aggregate-flow method. Location: Szentharomsag street 7.

• Fast food and snack bars in Budapest

1). Buddha establishment– Here you can have a snack, Thai noodles, and coffee with a baguette. Location: Terez korut 46;

2). Duran Sandwich– A coffee bar and a sandwich bar is a rather unusual combination for Budapest. Closed on Sundays. Location: Oktober street 6;

3). Falafel Faloda– The best place that offers falafel. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Location: Paulay Ede street 53;

4). Karma establishment– Beautifully decorated place with great tapas. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

5). Marie Kristensen Sandwich– A nice sandwich bar is located behind Kalvin ter. Closed on Sundays. Location: Raday street 7;

6). Establishment Szahara– Clean, cozy place with a Middle Eastern menu. No smoking. Location: Jozsef korut 82.

• Bars and pubs in Budapest

1). Bar Bambi– A wonderful socialist-era bar offering breakfasts, snacks, cakes and alcoholic drinks. Location: Bem ter;

2). Bar Miro– A trendy bar in the castle area. There is often live music here. Location: Uri street 30;

3). Castro establishment– Lively place, popular among students. Internet access is provided. Location: Raday street 35;

4). Bar Darshan Udvar– The largest bar in a growing complex of cafes, bars and shops, located in a courtyard with hippie decorations in an oriental style. Good cuisine, foreign music and leisurely service. Location: Krudy Gyula street 7;

5). Bar Eklektika– An artsy bar favored by gay people, with a 1960s-style decor. The menu includes pasta and salads. It hosts art exhibitions and a ladies-only evening on the second Saturday of every month. Location: Semmelweis street 21;

6). Gusto's Bar– A tiny bar near Margaret Bridge in Buda offers the best tiramisu in the city. Closed on Sundays. Location: Frankel Leo ut 12;

7). Bar Szimpla“The spirit of grunge reigns here. During the summer months, outdoor evenings are organized. Location: Kertesz street 48;

8). Bar Vian– One of the best bars on the square. Friendly atmosphere, fast service. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

9). Bar Zold Pardon– Large outdoor bar with live music, located in the university quarter, popular with students. Opening hours: May-October. Trams 4 and 6. Location: at the Petőfi Bridge in Buda.

Entertainment and nightlife in Budapest

Alternative and folk music is performed in the Petőfi center in Városliget, in the Almásy cultural center (at Almassy ter 6), in the former Trafo transformer substation in Pest, Liliom street 41 and Fono in Buda, Sztregova street 3. Usually there , events dedicated to modern dance are held. Tickets for concerts of classical and pop music can be purchased at Ticket Express at Andrassy ut 18, for rock and jazz - at Publika, Karoly korut 9. New clubs are constantly opening, the number of floating dance floors is growing (see city posters and advertising or the section “ Konnyu" free magazine Pesti Est).

There are many cheap student clubs, and at the thermal baths Cinetrip organizes steam room parties. Annual cultural events include the Budapest Spring Festival (two weeks in March or April) and the Autumn Music Weeks (late September to late October). During the summer season, classical and popular music concerts take place, and the highlight of the season is the Sziget festival, where rock and pop stars perform. On St. Stephen's Day (August 20), a folk crafts fair is held in the area around the Royal Palace, and in the evening people watch fireworks from the city's embankments.

• Night bars and clubs in Budapest

1). Angyal Nightclub– The first club for gay people in Budapest. It looks like an airport lounge, but with an unusual crowd. On Saturday admission is for men only. Closed from Monday to Wednesday. Location: Szovetseg street 33;

2). Buddha Beach Night Bar– This bar, where wealthy young people gather, is one of the few places where you can dance in the open area almost until the morning. The cuisine here is good, so it makes sense to reserve a table. Opening hours: March-October. Location: Kozraktar street 9-11;

3). Night bar Capella– Gay people, jungle music and a lot of kitsch. Location: Belgrad rakpart 23;

4). Night bar Cha Cha Cha– Despite the rather strange location, the establishment attracts a lot of people. Closed on Sundays. Location: Kalvin ter (metro station);

5). Nightclub Suss Fel Nap– Lively youth club. Location: Honved street 40;

6). Night bar Trocadero– An establishment with excellent Latin music near Nyugati station. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Location: Szent Istvan korut 15;

7). Nightclub West Balkan– An excellent club with an optimistic atmosphere and two dance floors – open and closed. Opening hours: May-September. Location: Kisfaludy street 16.

In contact with

Budapest: features of tourism and recreation. Useful information for travelers about Budapest.

• Last minute tours to Hungary
• Tours for the New Year Worldwide

Unusual Budapest

In my life I have made many rash actions. All of them (with the possible exception of marriage) turned out to be complete stupidity. But no stupidity was prepared and planned as carefully as celebrating the New Year in the Hungarian capital. Starting from the choice of clothing - a new Russian cashmere coat, and ending with the excursion program - a visit to the oldest metro in Europe.

No, Budapest did not disappoint my expectations, and the view of the royal palace that opened after a kilometer-long forced march along the icy Rakoczi Street really made me freeze in admiration for a long time. Exactly until the moment when a thundering Ford drove up to me and the taxi driver offered to take me “to the best club in the city.” In general, looking like a foreign tourist in Budapest is an extremely unwise way to behave.

A lot of people will offer you to exchange money, show you the city, buy something unnecessary. In the best case, when you appear, gloomy musicians will begin to frantically play folk instruments.

A lot of people will offer you to exchange money, show you the city, buy something unnecessary. In the best case, when you appear, gloomy musicians will begin to frantically play folk instruments. You can only hide from the intrusive street service in restaurants, but at the same time, in the truly magnificent “New York” you will still be overtaken by a village violinist.

Since long walks along the streets of unfamiliar cities are among my favorite pastimes, already on the first day I began to think about buying a gray bolognese jacket, which seemed to be worn by half of the capital’s residents. My long-skirted “outfit,” although it protected me from the dampness of the Danube city, was still clearly inappropriate.

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As soon as I entered some bar not far from my Hilton, a nice girl invited me - completely free of charge - to take my coat to the cloakroom. Within a minute she sat down next to me at the bar and started a cultural conversation about the sights of Budapest. It didn't take long for a bottle of Hungarian white to materialize in front of us. But then the girl, apologizing, disappeared somewhere. And in front of me lay a bill, the number of zeros in which made me dizzy. Of course, the wine turned out to be a rare drink directly from the royal cellars. If the gentleman does not agree, we can call the police. The prospect of going to the police station, where identification would drag on until the morning (my passport was left at the hotel - along with my family, who did not share my love of hiking), seemed completely bleak to me. It’s good that I had enough cash on me, otherwise my credit card would have been maxed out. That is why in the countries of the former “social bloc” experienced tourists always hide their “credit cards” deeper.

Of course, after this there was no talk of any “New Year’s mood”. When rare flashes of fireworks appeared in the sky above the Chain Bridge and the magnificent Parliament, the pianist in the hotel banquet hall explained apologetically: “Well, what do you want, this is not Moscow...”

Yes, I completely forgot about the nostalgic metro (the oldest in Europe). On New Year's Day, my wife's wallet was stolen at the Opera station.

Not everyone speaks English. Of course, you can try to learn Hungarian, but we warn you right away: this language has 18 cases. Therefore, it is better to memorize a few important phrases in advance and download phrase books and translators to your phone. Even if you can’t pronounce the desired phrase, you can always show it on the screen; Hungarians are friendly people, they will understand everything and will definitely help.

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Hungarian

Here are a few phrases that will certainly come in handy during your trip to Budapest:

• Good afternoon - Jó napot [Yoo napot]
• Goodbye - Viszlat [Vislat]
• Thank you - Köszönöm [Kyoosyoom]
• Sorry - Sajnáljuk [Shainayuk]
• How much does it cost? - Menniibe kerül? [Manyube karyuly]
• Where is…? - Hol van...? [Hol van]

Currency of Budapest

In Hungary the currency is forint. Some shops and restaurants also accept euros, but at an exorbitant rate. We do not recommend changing money at the airport or city center unless you are willing to overpay. Where then can you change money? The best deals are in banks or points away from tourist spots. Be sure to ask about the commission - sometimes it is even higher than the exchange amount. Therefore, do not be lazy to find a place with a normal course and conditions.

Accommodation in Budapest

Budapest is divided into 23 districts, which are simply designated by Roman numerals. If you want to live in a quiet place, but at the same time close to attractions, settle in the eastern parts of districts II and XII. VI, VII, VIII are suitable for young people - there are many bars and clubs. But keep in mind that in district VIII there is also a gypsy ghetto, and it is not safe to walk here at night.

We advise you to choose apartments rather than hotels. You can rent an apartment in Budapest (even for several rooms) for the price of a three-star hotel. The capital of Hungary often hosts various festivals and conferences, and at this time housing prices can soar 2-3 times, so try to keep an eye on the dates in order to plan your trip as successfully as possible.

Transport in Budapest

How to get from Budapest airport to the city? From the international airport. Franz Liszt, which is located 20 km from the center, you can get to:

shuttle bus- about €10. Transfer must be booked in advance. The company's minibus will be parked at a designated location near the airport. The fare is different everywhere. If you are traveling with two or three, it is better to take a taxi.

bus 100 E- €2.83. Runs from 05:00-01:20 every 20 minutes. You can purchase a ticket from a ticket machine, but the price will be higher from the driver. Bus 100 E makes 3 stops in the city center: Kálvin t ér, Astoria and De ák Ferenc t ér.

bus 200 E- €1, 10 Stop – to the left of the exit from the airport. Bus 200 E runs every 7 minutes daily from 3:30 to 22:59. Tickets can be purchased at information desks at the airport, newsstands or from a machine directly at the bus stop. The driver's ticket will cost €1.42. This is 450 forints. You must pay for travel in local currency. When entering the bus, be sure to validate your ticket. The bus will take you to the final metro station Köb ánya -Kispest, line M3. From there you will reach the center by metro. Deak Ter station is a junction for three metro lines and is located in the very center of the city.

Taxi- from €23.

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Types of tickets and payment methods:

• Single ticket (vonaljegy) - valid for one type of transport for 80 minutes from the date of purchase. It can be bought in special vending machines. Be sure to validate your ticket, because inspectors may check you at the exit from the metro and on ground transport. At the time of publication, such a ticket costs 350 forints.
• Single ticket purchased from the driver (helyszínen váltott vonaljegy) - if you suddenly did not have time to pay for the trip in advance, you can purchase a ticket from the driver, but keep in mind that it will cost more (450 forints).
• Single ticket with transfer (atszállójegy) - the same for any two types of transport (530 forints).
• Ten tickets (10 darabosgyűjtőjegy) - a block of travel tickets for 10 trips on any type of transport. It will cost less than the same number of tickets purchased separately - 3,000 forints. The inconvenience is that you need to store all ten tickets until their expiration date.
• 1-day pass (24 órás jegy) - valid for 24 hours for all types of transport without travel restrictions. Costs 1650 forints.
• Group pass for 1 day (csoportos 24 órás jegy) - allows a group of up to 5 people to move around the city without restrictions for 24 hours. Costs 3300 forints.
• 3-day pass (72 órás jegy) - valid in all types of transport, the number of trips is unlimited. Price - 4150 forints.
• Weekly pass (Hetijegy) - applies to all types of transport and is valid without restrictions on the number of trips, its price is 4950 forints.

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And this is not a complete list of possible travel documents in Budapest. Apparently, the city authorities have done everything so that every tourist can choose a convenient option for themselves. All ticket prices, as well as transport schedules in Budapest, can be viewed on this website.

It is quite affordable to get around the city by taxi. Landing costs on average 470 forints (€1.5), and each kilometer costs 280 forints (€0.90). It is better to call a car in advance through one of the popular services: 6x6 Taxi, Barat Taxi and Budapest Taxi.

You can also ride a bike around the city. Rent for a day costs about 3,000 forints. There is also a free city rental network - Bubi, but you can rent bicycles here only for half an hour.

Budapest tourist map

The Budapest Kartya tourist card will help you save on travel on public transport and on visiting the main attractions. It can be purchased at the Tourinform tourist information office, numerous travel agencies, hotels, museums, and public transport ticket offices in the busiest parts of the city. Points of sale are usually indicated with a special sticker. Here are the prices: 1 day - 4900 forints, two days - 7900, three - 9900.

The card will cost less if you order it in advance online on this website. Here you can see the entire list of discounts that it provides.

Free excursions in Budapest

Be prepared to walk a lot to see the city's main attractions. Fortunately, it is possible to join a group for free and visit key places in literally 3 hours. On this site you will find offers for free sightseeing and themed excursions that take place daily.

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Unusual sights of Budapest

You can find out which iconic places are really worth seeing in Buda and Pest. Here we will recommend several places in the city that are not in standard guidebooks, but they are nevertheless worthy of attention:

• The Open Book Fountain (Henszlemann Imre) is a fabulous architectural creation. When you watch this fountain, it seems that an invisible magician or wizard is turning the pages of a huge book. In fact, these are properly illuminated moving jets of water.
• Sugar Store! (Paulay Ede, 48) - a real paradise for those with a sweet tooth. The largest store of various lollipops, sweets, cakes and other sweets. Here you will see that there are no limits to the imagination of confectioners.
• The Philosophical Garden (Gellért-hegy) is a more famous place, but still few tourists get here. A small well-kept garden, on the territory of which there are sculptures of Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Mahatma Gandhi and others.

Food in Budapest

If you don’t plan to spend money on restaurants, rent a house with a kitchen and cook for your health. Citizens buy groceries from the Tesco chain of stores. It is there that it is better to take the famous Hungarian Unicum balsam; in souvenir shops it costs exorbitant prices.

You can have a snack during a tour of Budapest with baked goods, for example, from the Lipóti bakery and Pavlovic Pekseg. The prices there are quite affordable, and the goodies are always fresh. Also take the traditional sweet Kürtőskalács for a walk. One serving costs about 315 forints. They are sold cheapest in the transition to the Deak Ferenc ter metro station and at the Western Station.

Do you love sweets? Then the ideal option for you is with tastings.