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Budapest
Overview
Without a shadow of a doubt the finest city in Central Europe, Budapest boasts an architectural wealth and stunning natural setting to rival that of any other European city. Since breaking free from the manacles of Communism and the Cold War the city has flourished and is today one of the continents most rewarding capitals ranking alongside the likes of Paris and Rome. Highlights of a visit will need to be counted on more than two hands with attractions ranging from the vast legacy of Habsburg, baroque and neoclassical architecture to bucket loads of museums and galleries, pristine parks and gardens to thermal baths and cruising along the majestic DanubeRiver. Moreover, Budapest is both a culinary playground, where Magyar flavors mix with Chinese and Arab influences, and a revered party town, boasting a sociable café scene, pulsating nightlife and grand theatres.
Vital to the city’s layout, culture and history is the River Danube cutting through her heart and separating the hilly western neighborhood of Buda from Pest, which stretches out into the eastern plains. Two separate cities until 1873, today the opposite sides of the river maintain distinctive airs, with Buda, dominated by Castle Hill, being the older more refined region and Pest the energetic district home to the majority of the city’s fine architecture and museums. What grasps visitors the most about the city is that it never seems overwhelmed by tourism and retains the romantic graces that began back in the days during the reign of the Hapsburg monarchy. Moreover, this is a proud and unique nation, whose closest language rival is Finnish and whose residents hold firm in protecting the local currency, the Forint, from the greedy hands of the Euro.
Pretty much located in the middle of Europe there are a myriad of ways to arrive to this gem of a city. Bordering no less than 7 countries, overland trains and buses connect to Belgrade, Kiev, Sarajevo, Vienna and Zagreb, amongst others. Low-cost airlines have also caught wind of Budapest’s rise and regular flights land from the likes of Berlin, London and Moscow. For an alternative experience book onto a hydrofoil service making its way up the Danube to Vienna, stopping off en route in Bratislava, or on a cruise through Bucharest and onto the Black Sea.
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Budapest
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Budapest
Historic Buildings in Budapest
Gazing at the architecture and cityscape of Budapest it would appear that every building is of historical significance, which makes walking the city streets as appealing as in any other European capital. Places not to be missed include the iconic riverside Parliament building with its spectacular neo-Renaissance dome and Hero’s Square dominated by the MillenniumMonument. Dedicated some time to exploring Budavari Palota, the 13thC RoyalPalace sat atop Castle Hill, and the fascinating Hospital in the Rock, a bunker leading to a former WWII field hospital. Then, no visit to Budapest is complete with a picture with the Smiling Child statue and crossing the Chain Bridge, the finest of the 12 bridges connecting Buda to Pest across the Danube.
Churches in Budapest
For religious houses Budapest is almost unrivalled, boasting to marvelous feats of century old architecture. Those with an interest in churches and synagogues should check out St Stephen’s Basilica, the city’s largest church dating back to 1851, Matthias Church, believed to date back as far as 1015, and the Serbian hilltop churches of Szentendre located 12miles outside of the city. For more examples head to the old Jewish quarter to check out the synagogues of Dohany, Kazinczy and Rumbach.
Museums in Budapest
Aided by its rich and interesting heritage Budapest is brimming with museums and galleries, all of which are worth visiting in their own right. To visit them all would be a fine and time-consuming achievement, so the following are some of the best:
Dreher Beer Museum - Hungary’s largest beer company invites visitors to discover centuries of brewing and bottling traditions followed by beer tasting. Open daily 9am - 4pm.
Franz Liszt Museum - Well-maintained museum in the OldMusicAcademy where Liszt lived and worked until passing in 1886. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm.
Hungarian National Gallery - The country’s finest collection of works by Hungarian artists is housed in the striking BudaPalace. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm.
House of Terror - Housed in the former HQ of the Fascist and Communist secret police is a memorial museum dedicated to victims of the repression. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm.
Holocaust Memorial Centre - Interesting, even if at times depressing, museum dedicated to the rise of anti-Semitism in Hungary and the persecution of Jewish and Roma people.
Museum of Fine Arts - Superb gallery showcasing works by such greats as Goya, Rembrandt, Boccacio and Raphael. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5.30pm.
Parks & Gardens in Budapest
Budapest is blessed with a fine array of wonderful parks and gardens that are frequented by both tourists and locals looking for an urban retreat. MargaretIsland, sat on a loop of the Danube, is one of the most popular parks for its open green spaces, tranquillity and summer swimming pools. Vasoligate (CityPark) behind Heroes Square is a favoured spot for walkers and picnics and also home to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. On the outskirts of the city Memento Park is another spot worth checking out for the 42 monuments celebrating the demise of Communism.
Cable Cars & Chair Lifts
A great way to see the glorious cityscape of Budapest is to ride one of the funicular trains that trundle from the city up into the surrounding hills. The Castle Hill, or Siklo, Funicular dates back to 1870 and its wooden carriageways climb up from the river to Varhegy. The Libego Chairlift is another interesting ride that glides up through the Buda Hills to Zugligeti.
River Cruises in Budapest
One of the best ways to enjoy the glory of the city is to relax on a cruise along the majestic Danube and numerous operators offer a range of trips, from simple 1-hour sightseeing tours to luxury evening dinner cruises. Check out Budapest Danube Cruise and Budapest City Tour for rates, or ask at the hotels or hostel.
Festivals in Budapest
Budapest Spring Festival - Hungary’s most celebrated cultural festival is a 2-week extravaganza of over 200 performances of opera, classical music, folk and jazz.
Titanic Film Festival - The month of May welcomes the 10-day international film festival with the moviemakers competing for the coveted Breaking Waves Award.
Sziget - Budapest’s biggest music festival is fast becoming one of the top European summer music events, attracting big name performers from across the world. 2011 welcomes headlining performances by Pulp, Interpol and Dizzie Rascal.
Budapest Nightlife
In terms of nightlife Budapest offers something for everyone, from classical music, opera and folk concerts to swanky bars and raucous techno clubs. Hostels are generally a good source of information on nightlife or check out the listings in The Budapest Sun.
Bars in Budapest
400 Bar - This Serbian bar is a pleasant spot for lunchtime food and doubles up as a lively live music and sports screening venue.
Morrison’s - Long running party pub frequented by students who lap up the boisterous sweaty atmosphere.
Old Man’s Music Pub - Ever lively live music bar hosting regular gigs by local artists and the occasional international act.
Szimpla Kert - Superb beer garden in an abandoned apartment courtyard that leans towards a derelict and rough and ready image.
Nightclubs in Budapest
Merlin - Popular and easygoing club hosting a range of club nights to suit all musical desires.
Rio - Vast outdoor venue where international DJs spinning the latest house and techno to thousands of local revellers.
Theatres in Budapest
Hungarian State Opera - Budapest grand neo-Renaissance opera house is a must see, if not for a performance then for the marvellous interior décor.
National Theatre - Head here if you are brave enough to sit through a play in Hungarian.
Obuda Music Society - Superb location for performances by the Liszt Chamber Orchestra and Budapest Strings as well as Jazz concerts.
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Hotels in
Budapest
Budget Hotels Budapest
Astoria City Hostel - Clean and comfortable city centre hostel good for nightlife advice. Dorm rates include breakfast. Tel (36) 1 266 1327.
Black Sheep Hostel - Independent hostel in downtown Budapest with helpful staff at hand. Tel (36) 1 950 4533.
Maverick Hostel - Stylish hostel commanding a central location within walking distance of all tourist sights. Tel (36) 1 267 3166.
Midrange Hotels Budapest
Easy Hotel - Part of the EasyJet group, this hotel offers good value rooms in the heart of the city. Tel (36) 1 411 1982.
Hotel Astra - Small and welcoming hotel in the Castle District. Tel (36) 70 321 7926.
Radio Inn - Modern apart-hotel offering large double rooms with living areas in the diplomatic district. Tel (36) 1 342 8347.
Luxury Hotels Budapest
Kempinski Corvinus - Elegant 5-star rooms accompanied by swimming pool, spa facilities and fine bar and restaurant in Belvaros. Tel (36) 1 429 3777.
Zara Boutique - Stylish and personal boutique hotel close to the Main Market Hall. Tel (36) 1 815 1000.
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Budapest
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Budapest
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