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European Vacations -
Hungary Vacation Packages &
Travel Information |
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Overview |
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Budapest is a thriving city of over
two million people. Budapest and
Vienna were twin capitals of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire, making it
much easier to understand the
stunning architecture that fills the
city.
The numerous sights can occupy
travelers for weeks. The most
prominent structure on the skyline
is the castle, which easily provides
a full day of exploration. A trip
through the district of Watertown
takes one back in time to gas-lit
streets and asymmetrical houses. The
numerous bathhouses and natural spas
soothe and relax their patrons. The
National Opera house performances
are sell-outs, and can be counted
among the world's best.
Budapest has a vibrancy and vitality
that never slows. Café owners do
everything in their power to
overcome the language barrier,
including parading each bottle of
wine past your table. As people
casually wander along the sidewalks,
delightful jazz seeps forth from
back alleys. Bars maintain a
friendly atmosphere and nightclubs
close well after sunrise.
Western fashion and brand names are
attacking the main boulevards, but
Budapest shopping still remains a
terrific bargain and an undiscovered
secret. Duck down the smaller
streets to discover the numerous
cafés serving exotic dishes for a
few dollars. Yes, Budapest offers a
fantastic deal for the foreigner.
Budapest is awaiting your discovery.
Whether you plan to stay for a week
or just passing through, there
couldn't be a better time to explore
the Gateway to the East. |
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Facts |
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Country:
Republic of Hungary
Capital:
Budapest
Time:
Hungary uses Central European Time (CET).
Hence, clocks are one hour ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six
hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time
(EST).
Currency:
Hungary wants to adopt the European
Union's common currency, the euro,
starting in 2008. Meanwhile, the
unit of currency is Hungarian Forint
(HUF). In Hungary the abbrevation of
Forint is Ft. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10,
20, 50, 100 HUF.
Weather:
Hungary has a temperate climate.
Winters in Budapest can be cloudy
and extremely cold with frequent
snow. Summers, on the other hand,
are warm and sunny. July and August
are the hottest months, so be sure
to pack appropriately. Allergy
sufferers should bring their
medication, as these hot months are
marked by high pollen counts.
Customs:
Everyone needs a passport to enter
the country. American and EU
passport holders can stay in Hungary
for 90 days without a visa. While
the obvious bans on illegal
narcotics and firearms are in place,
Hungary also forbids the importation
of paprika.
Electricity:
Hungary uses 220 volts AC and the
continental-style plug. If your
appliance has a 120/240-volt switch,
all you will need is a plug adapter.
Otherwise a current converter is
required. Pay attention to sockets
in bathrooms and on trains marked
"Shavers Only!" While these put out
110 volts, they will burn out with a
more powerful appliance.
Tipping:
Tipping, as in the rest of Central
and Eastern Europe, is not a common
practice. Feel free to leave 10-15%
in a restaurant. People generally
don't tip in bars and cafes when
ordering drinks. Unless a price is
agreed to beforehand, round up taxi
fees.
Getting Around:
Driving:
Driving in Hungary is the same as in
Europe and the United States.
However, drivers require an
international driver's license,
Green Card insurance, and
third-party insurance. Parking can
be a problem in Budapest.
Public Transportation:
Look above the streets and you will
see that most are lined with cables.
Budapest has a terrific system of
trolley buses and trams. Budapest
also has a clean, fast, and
efficient subway system. Buy tickets
at tourist agencies or any subway
station. To avoid lines, buy tickets
from street stands and newsagents.
It is also possible to buy tickets
from a machine. The basic ticket is
good for one trip; if you transfer,
you will need to punch a new ticket.
Undercover controllers may ask to
see your ticket, and WILL fine you
for having an invalid one. These can
be bought in packets of 10 and
twenty. Tickets with transfers are
also available. Day and tourist
packages offer a good deal for the
visitor, as they allow unlimited use
of the public transportation system
and can be packaged with free
admission to many museums. If you
are planning a long stay, these
passes are highly recommended.
Ticket vendors rarely speak anything
besides Magyar, so a little
provisional sign language may help.
However, detailed information about
tickets and transportation is
usually available next to these
booths in English, French, and
German. Hint: Many ticket-punching
machines on buses and trams are
manual. Be sure to insert your
ticket in the top slot and PULL the
mechanism toward you.
Taxi:
In general, avoid getting a taxi at
the airport. A better option is the
airport minibus, which takes you to
where you are staying. However,
taxis can be fast and cheap in the
city. They can be hailed from the
street, but it is cheaper to call
ahead of time. Fötaxi (1/222-2222),
Teletaxi (1/555-5555), and
English-speaking Citytaxi
(1/211-1111) charge fair rates.
Drivers are willing to negotiate a
rate late at night.
Public Holidays:
January 1st,
March 15th Easter Monday
May 1st Whitsun Monday
August 20th St. Stephan's Day,
celebrating his coronation in 1000AD
October 23rd
December 25th and 26th |
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Attractions |
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Castle Hill
This central destination is easily
visible from everywhere in Budapest.
Unfortunately, the hill lacks any
truly historical buildings, as every
structure was destroyed in the
battle between the Soviets and
Nazis. Nevertheless, exploring the
beautifully reconstructed buildings
and streets can occupy an entire
day. Reach the top via bus,
funicular, or one of the numerous
cobblestone paths winding through
lush gardens. The central Trinity
Square fills daily with tourists who
are eager to visit the memorable
Romanesque Mátyás templom (Matthias
Church).
Magyar Nemzeti Galéria (Hungarian
National Gallery)
Buda Castle, The Royal Palace,
Buiding B,C,D
2 Szent György square
(36-1) 1757-533
This museum displays Medieval and
Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood
sculptures, altars, and collections
representing the past five hundred
years of art. Tuesday through Sunday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free on Saturdays.
Historical Museum of Budapest (Budapesti
Történeti Múzeum)
Buda Castle, The Royal Palace,
building E
2 Szent György square
(36-1) 757-533b (36-1) 558-894
Permanent exhibits include the
history of the development of the
city of Budapest and archeological
items uncovered in various local
excavations. Tuesday through Sunday
10 a.m. to 4/6 p.m. Free on
Saturdays.
Országház (Parliament Building)
V Kossuth Lajos Tér
(36-1) 319-7520
This magnificent example of
architecture is just over 100 years
old, but modern air pollution
constantly attacks its porous
limestone walls, requiring
continuous restoration. Tours are
available when Congress is not in
session.
Szepmüveszeti Múzeum (National
Museum of Fine Arts)
41 Dózsa György út
(36-1) 343-9759
This museum houses extensive
exhibits of antiquities, including
Greek, Roman, and Egyptian
collections. The most significant
exhibit introduces the development
of painting in Europe, making the
museum one of the best of its kind
in Europe. European sculpture
includes Italian works dating back
to the 4th century, and French,
English, German, and Dutch sculpture
from the 13th. The highlight of this
exhibit is the Horseman sculpture
carved by Leonardo da Vinci. The
museum also has extensive
collections of 19th and 20th century
paintings.
Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
Long a religious center, this island
now serves as a recreational park in
the center of the Danube River.
Walking the length of the island
takes 20 minutes, but most visitors
spend more time in the Hajós Alfréd
pool complex. There they enjoy the
outdoor pool, a diving pool,
children's pool, and thermal hot
baths. If it is too cool to splash
around, an island tour introduces
relics hailing back to the island's
religious origins, including the
12th century Premonstratensian
Chapel. During summer months, it is
possible to rent bicycles and hire
horse-drawn buggies. Since vehicular
traffic is prohibited, the island is
a fantastic escape from the bustle
of the big city.
Thermal Baths
Budapest is the largest spa town in
Europe, boasting over 120 springs.
Locals and visitors alike utilize
the spas for their reputed healing
properties. Prehistoric people were
the first to use them and later the
Romans introduced the basis of the
bathing customs. Magyars elaborated
upon the tradition for roughly 800
years, but the spas reached their
refinement under the Ottomans in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
It is still possible to see the
original domes and pools, but most
have been modified and modernized.
The spas provide everything the
visitor may need, including towels
and swimsuits (however, it is best
to bring your own). Prices are low.
An hour or two is usually
sufficient. Showers are provided.
Massages are available.
Magyar Allami Operaház (Hungarian
State Opera House)
VI Andrássy Ut 22
(36-1) 331-2550
The opera house in Budapest stands
as one of the most beautiful in
Europe. Consider that when it was
opened in 1884, the city shared the
administrative duties of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire with Vienna.
In fact, Emporer Franz Josef
commissioned its design. Contruction
includes the use of marble,
guilding, and frescos by some of the
best artisans of that era.
World-class concerts and operas are
still performed, and quickly sell
out.
Széchenyi Lánchid (Chain Bridge)
Spanning the Danube between I Clark
Adám Tér and V Roosevelt Tér
This bridge was the first to
permanently connect Buda and Pest.
The engineer Adam Clark completed
the span in 1849.
Monument Museum
When Magyars chose to embrace a free
market economy, the new government
removed many of the statues and
monuments identified with the former
Communist regime. Now these formerly
revered relics of an unfulfilled
dream stand together in an outdoor
museum just outside the city.
However, anyone with even a remote
interest in the country's history
will find the short trip worth it.
Don't be afraid of climbing next to
Lenin for an once-in-a-lifetime
photo opportunity. The easiest way
to get there is to take a bus. As
bus schedules often change, ask your
hotel concierge for directions.
Admission is charged. |
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