YOUR GUIDE TO - BUDAPEST

CONTENTS
1.0 - WELCOME
YOUR AUDIO GUIDE YOUR PRINTED GUIDE

2.0 - MAP

3.0 - GETTING AROUND

4.0 - THE HIT LIST

PLACES OF INTEREST CAFES BARS RESTAURANTS SHOPS SPAS

5.0 USEFUL WEBSITES

1.0 WELCOME
Your audio guide: Thanks very much for choosing this mp3cityguides guide to Budapest. If you've already done any of our other walks, you'll know how it works but if not, I'll tell you now. As you've probably already noticed, each of these sections of the walk that you've downloaded on to your machine has a name - this first one is Heroes Square. Just consider each of these walks as individual tracks on an 'album' which is the complete tour of Budapest. You'll hear directions about where to go next at the end of each section but the route and the stopping points are also marked on your map which is page five of this Printed Guide. When you get to a stopping point find somewhere to stand or sit which is out of the way of people and traffic and then play the relevant section of the walk. The map has been especially produced to help you find your way while you're listening to the audio guide which means that it's not drawn exactly to scale. Top tip: when you print out this Printed Guide or, at least, the map, set your printer to high quality or fine print so that the map is as clear as possible and easy to read. Please take care when you're using the audio guide: Budapest is a relatively safe city but do keep an eye out for pick pockets and watch out when you're crossing the road. When we arrive at a monument, church or a museum, after I've described it you might want to go in or you might want to buy a ticket for later if it looks crowded. Or you might just want to carry on and come back and visit it afterwards now that you know where it is. Top tip: Play a few sections of the tour on your mp3 player or iPod before you go just to check that they've downloaded OK.

Your printed guide: This printed guide complements your audio guide. We know that exploring a city can take more than one visit - and possibly even a life time so we've pared our guide down to what we think are the essential things to see and do. They're included in section four, the Hit List. We've done our best to get it right and, because we're an Internet based guide rather than a conventional guidebook, we can update our information very quickly. That said, all kinds of places inevitably change their opening times at short notice so please accept our apologies if you arrive somewhere and, despite what we've said, you find it's shut. As with your Audio Guide, if you find that a museum, gallery, church, bar or restaurant is not as we've described it then please do let us know by contacting us at feedback@mp3cityguides.com

2.0 MAP
STOPS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Heroes Square History of Budapest House of Terror Opera St Stephens Basilica Lutheran Church Main synagogue Hungarian National Museum Central Market Hall Vaci Utca Vorosmarty Square Roosevelt Square Clark Adam Square Buda Matyas Church and View of Parliament

3.0 GETTING AROUND

From Ferihegy airport: By taxi This is the quickest and very much the easiest option. There is a taxi office outside each terminal which will allocate a taxi to you. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and costs about 4,000 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 13) depending in which party of the city youre going to. Airport Shuttle The Budapest Airport Minibusz operates from all terminals. Look out for the office to buy your ticket and have your bus allocated to you. The price is 2,490 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 8) per person for a return single ticket and 4,390 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 14) return. For reservations ring + 36 1 296 8555 or email booking@airportshuttle.hu www.airportshuttle.hu By Metro This is the cheapest but slowest option. The Repter-busz leave from the stop between terminals 2A and 2B and go the Kobanya-Kispest metro station (last stop). The total journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour into the city centre and costs about 200 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 60p). Getting around: Metro and bus Budapests public transport is reasonably efficient, cheap and safe. The Metro system and the buses run from about 4.30am until about 11pm. The easiest and probably the cheapest bet is to invest in a Budapest Card which offers free, unlimited travel on public transport as well as discounted entry to over 60 museums and attractions. It costs 6,500 Hungarians Forints/HUF (about 20) for 48 hours and 8,000 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 25) for 72 hours and it available from main metro ticket offices, tourist information bureaus, travel agencies, hotels and the airport. You can also order it online by visiting: www.budapestinfo.hu/en/budapest_card/order If youd prefer to buy tickets then theyre available from metro stations and newsagents. A single ticket starts at about 30p. Taxi Budapests taxis are reasonably plentiful and affordable. They are a variety of colours but all have yellow taxi signs on top and yellow number plates. Most can be ordered from hotel receptions. Prices start at 240 Hungarian Forints/HUF (about 75p) per kilometre during the day. As always, check that the meter is running when you set off.

4.0 THE HIT LIST

Getting to know Budapest or any big city can take a lifetime but if youve only got a weekend then here is what we recommend you see in descending order of priority. * = covered on our audio guide * Museum of Fine Arts This elegant, spacious gallery has an extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities as well as paintings and sculpture from around Europe from early medieval times to the nineteenth century. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am 5.30pm (last admission 5pm). Temporary exhibitions are open until 6pm (last admission 5.30pm). Heroes Square. M: Hosok tere. www.szepmuveszeti.hu * Hungarian National Museum The history of Hungary is explained in English with detailed, well laid out displays taking you from the earliest settlers on the plain through the elegance of the Hapsburg era to the turmoil of the twentieth century. Never too crowded and well worth a visit. Open: June to October Tuesday to Sunday 10am 6pm and November to May 10am 5pm. 14-16 Muzuem Korut. M: Kalvin ter. www.mnm.hu Hungarian National Gallery Extensive range of works of art dating from the Gothic period right up until the twentieth century. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am 6pm. Part of Buda Castle. www.mng.hu/en Museum of Applied Art Inside the striking Hungarian Art Nouveau building are regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm. 33-37 Ulloi Utca. M: Ferenc Korut. www.imm.hu * Mucsarnok Palace of Arts Grand exhibition centre with regularly changing exhibitions. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm. Heroes Square. M: Hosok tere. * Parliament Building The magnificent home of Hungarys Parliament is open to the public. Tickets are available at gate X on Kossuth ter (Square) at the Ticket Office. This is a popular attraction and so visiting ahead to check availability and to book tickets is often a good idea. There are tours in English daily at 10am, 12noon, and 2pm. If you cant get in or have to wait, why not visit the Museum of Ethnography (for details - see below) across the square? Kossuth Square. M: Kossuth ter. tourist.office@parlament.hu www.parlament.hu (Please note spelling no i)

* St Stephens Basilica The largest church in Budapest is beautifully and surprisingly subtly decorated inside. Look out for the mummified hand of St Stephen, the citys greatest relic. Open: Monday to Friday 9am 5pm, Saturday 9am 12noon and Sunday 1pm 5pm. Szent Istvan ter. M: Bajcsy. * House of Terror New museum that details the work of the Nazi and Soviet secret police in all its horrible detail and offers an understanding of dictatorship and an insight into recent Hungarian history. Open: Tuesday to Friday 10am 6pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am 7.30pm. 60 Andrassy utca. M: Vorosmarty utca. www.terrorhaza.hu * Hungarian State Opera House Grand, nineteenth century neo-Renaissance style building with tours in English daily at 3pm and 4pm. There are also high quality productions with ticket prices that are incredibly good value by British standards. 22 Andrassy utca. T: 36 1 332-7914. M: Opera. www.opera.hu/index_e.php?lang=en&module=main_eng Museum of Ethnography Just opposite the Parliament Building, this often overlooked museum has a well laid out collection of costumes and artefacts once belonging to ethnic groups from Hungary and throughout Central Europe. Look out for temporary exhibitions. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am 6pm. 12 Kossuth Square. M: Kossuth ter. Aquincum Museum and Ruins The ruins of the Roman settlement have been excavated and a very well laid out museum gives more information about the people who lived on the Hungarian plains in ancient times. Open: 15th 30th April and 1st to 31st October Tuesday to Sunday ruins 9am 5pm and museum 10am 6pm. May 1st to September 30th Tuesday to Sunday ruins 9am 6pm and museum 10am 6pm. 1st November 14th April closed for winter. Take the suburban line train from Batthny Square station on the Szentendre HV line and get off at the Aquincum stop. www.aquincum.hu Inner City Franciscan Church Despite the busy road just outside it, this is a peaceful church which dates back to the eleventh century and has decorations which date from the Ottoman invasion through to Hapsburg years and the Baroque style. Open: Daily 10am 6pm. Please be mindful when services are taking place. Ferenciak tere. M: Ferenciak tere * Dohany Utca Synagogue One of the largest synagogues in the world with beautiful decorations and a pleasant garden. Open: April to October: Monday to Thursday 10am 4.30pm, Friday 10am 2.30pm and Sunday 10am 5.30pm. November to March: Sunday to Thursday 10am - 3.30pm, Friday 10am 1.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. 2 Dohany utcai. M: Astoria/Deak Ter.

* Jewish Museum Small but informative and sometimes moving museum exploring the history of Jews in Hungary back to 300AD. Open: March to October: Monday to Thursday 10am -5pm, Friday 10am 3pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm. November to February: Monday to Thursday 10am 3pm, Friday 10am to 2pm and Sunday 10am 3pm. Part of the Dohany Utca Synagogue, 2 Dohany utcai. M: Astoria/Deak Ter. * Lutheran Church Simply decorated church which is a perfect example of the elegant NeoClassical style. Look out for details of evening concerts. Open: Daily 8am 6pm. Deak Ferenc ter. M: Deak Ferenc ter. * Lutheran Museum Small museum exploring Lutheranism in Budapest which includes Luthers will. Open: Daily 10am 6pm. Part of Lutheran Church, Deak Ferenc ter. M: Deak Ferenc ter. All cafes, restaurants and shops listed below are in Pest unless otherwise stated. Cafs: Budapest is the home of the grand Central European caf buzzing with life, gossip and intellectual debate. Perfect for brunch, coffee, light lunch or an aperatif. Caf Callas Traditional grand caf and restaurant that has recently been refurbished. Open: Daily 9am 11pm. 20 Andrassy utca. M: Opera. www.callascafe.hu Caf Lukacs Elegant caf in the great Budapest tradition. Open: Monday to Friday 8.30pm 7pm, Saturday 9am 7pm and Sunday 9.30am 7pm. 70 Andrassy utca. M: Oktogon. Central Kavelaz Marble tables, leather armchairs and waiters with white aprons are all part of the charm of this traditional caf which has been refurbished recently. The upper balcony is a great vantage point. Open: Daily 7am 12midnight. 9 Karolyi Utca. M: Ferenciek tere. www.centralkavehaz.hu HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Gerbaud Cukraszada Grand caf with a proud history. Sit inside in the elegant lounges or enjoy a drink and a gorgeous ice cream in Vorosmarty Square. Open: Daily 9am 9pm. 7 Vorosmarty ter. M: Vorosmarty ter. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Gerloczy The mood is as much French here as Central European but this pretty caf in a lovely shady square serves beautifully food. 1 Gerloczy utca. M: Ferenciek tere. www.gerloczy.hu

Buda Cafes Ruszwurm Patisserie Cosy caf with a relaxing atmosphere and excellent coffee and cakes. Open: Daily 9am 9pm. 7 Szenthromsg utca. M: Betthyany ter. Bars: Bor La Bor Buzzing bar and restaurant. Open: Daily 12noon 12midnight. 7 Veres Paine. M: Ferenciek tere. Castro Atmospheric bar which is popular with the locals and offers home cooked food as well as wifi access. Open: Daily 10am 12midnight. 35 Raday utca. M: Ferenc korut. Columbus Pub and Jazz Club Large, buzzing bar with live music and plenty of atmosphere. Open: Daily midday to midnight. 4 Vigado ter Quay. M: Ferenciek tere. Siraly Caf by day and relaxed bar by night with an arty Bohemian feel. Open: Daily 10am 12midnight. 50 Kiraly utca. M: Oktogon. Take Five With regular jazz acts, this relaxed bar attracts visitors and locals. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 7pm 3am. 2 Paulay Ede utca. M: Opera. Restaurants: Prices: Expensive: Hungarian Forints/HUF 8,000 (25) and above. Moderate: 5,000- 8,000 Hungarian Forints/HUF (15-25). Budget: up to Hungarian Forints/HUF 5,000 (15). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Baraka This relaxed, understated restaurant serves cutting edge international cuisine with interesting taste combinations and fusions of different cooking styles from Budapests hottest restaurant duo. Open: Daily 12noon 3pm and 6pm 11pm. Price: Moderate/Expensive. Inside the Andrassy Hotel at 111 Andrassy utca. M: Bajza utca. T: + 36 1 483 1355 Caf Kor More of a bistro than a caf, this small venue has a welcoming atmosphere and offers Hungarian and Eastern European cooking that is lighter and more modern than most on offer. Open: Monday to Saturday10am 10pm. Price: Moderate. 17 V Sas utca. M: Arany Janos. T: + 36 1 311 0053. Faustos Etterem Inventive, modern European cooking is served in a light, welcoming restaurant. Open: Monday to Friday 12noon 3pm, 7pm 11pm. Saturday 6pm 11pm. Price: Moderate.

2 Szekely Mihaly utca. M: Opera. T: + 36 1 877 6210. www.fausto.hu Gundel Budapests grandest and most famous restaurant serves classic French and Hungarian dishes many of which feature goose liver. Open: Daily 12noon 3pm and 6.30pm 11pm. Price: Expensive. 2 Allatkerti (just by Heroes Square). M: Hosok tere. T: + 36 1 468 4040. info@gundel.hu www.gundel.hu Kafana This rustic Serbian restaurant offers expertly grilled cuts of meat and hearty stews. Open: Monday to Friday 11am midnight. Saturday and Sunday 2pm midnight. Price: Moderate. 4 Sorhaz utca. M: Kalvin ter. T: + 36 1 266 2274. kafana@kafana.hu www.kafana.hu Klassz Elegant but affordable dining with rich, central European cooking a speciality. Open: Monday to Saturday 11.30am 11pm and Sunday 11.30am 6pm. Price: Moderate. 41 Andrassy utca. M: Oktogon/Opera. T: + 36 1 266 2274. HIGHL RECOMMENDED Papageno Despite the rather self consciously trend interior, the service is friendly and the Modern Mediterranean cooking is beautifully done at this small restaurant in a quiet side street. Open: Monday to Saturday 6pm midnight. Price: Moderate/expensive. 19 Semmelweis utca. M: Ferenciek. T: + 36 1 485 0161. Email@papageno.hu www.papageno.hu Il Terzo Cerchio Busy, unpretentious Italian restaurant and Pizzeria serving well known dishes which are well cooked and presented. Basement tables are quieter. Open: Daily 12noon 11.30pm. Price: Moderate. 40 Dohany utca. M: Blaha Lujza ter. T: + 36 1 354 0788. www.ilterzocerchio.hu Buda Restaurants Carne di Hall Elegant but relaxed restaurant serving modern European food with nice terrace outside. Open: Daily 12noon midnight. Price: Moderate. 20 Bem Rakpart. M: Battyany ter. T: + 36 1 201 8137 www.carnedihall.com Restaurant Kiraly This lively restaurant specialises in modern versions of traditional Hungarian cooking. Open: Daily 12noon 12midnight. Price: Moderate. 25 Tancsics Mihaly utca. M: Battyany ter. T: + 36 1 212 8565/9891 www.kiralyrestaurant.hu Trofea Grill Help yourself to a buffet of varied Hungarian and European dishes in this bustling eatery. Open: Monday to Friday 12noon 12midnight, Saturday 11.30am 12midnight and Sunday 11.30am 9pm. Price: Budget.

2 Margit Korut. M: Battyany ter (plus 10 minute walk). T: + 36 1 438 9090. www.trofeagrill.eu Shops Shopping streets: Fashion Street, just off Deak Ferenc ter (Square) is Budapests newest and smartest shopping street for clothes. The northern end of Vaci Utca has a range of affordable clothes shops. Womenswear Anda Emilia One of the Hungarys most celebrated young designers, Anda Emilia is famous for its elegant, understated designs. Open: Monday to Friday 11am 6pm and Saturday 11am - 6pm. 4 Galamb utca. M: Ferenciak tere. T: + 36 1 933 9746. Katti Zoob Probably Hungarys most luxurious designer, Katti Zoobs range exudes effortless elegance that wouldnt look out of place on the catwalks of Paris or Milan. Open: Monday to Saturday 10am 7pm and Sunday 10am 4pm. 17 V Szent Istvan korut. M: Nyugati pu. T: + 36 1 312 1865 Menswear Schiffer Elegant, understated menswear. Open: Monday to Friday 9am 5pm and Saturday 9am 1pm. In the Hotel Kempinski shopping arcade, 7-8 Elizabeth ter. M: Deak Ferenc ter. T: Not listed. Womenswear and menswear Jackpot The relaxed, casual Danish label has a substantial presence in this shopping street. Open: Monday to Saturday 10am 7pm and Sunday 10am 3pm. 9 Vaci utca. M: Deak Ferenc ter. T: + 36 1 266 0221 Merino-Szivarvany Smart fabrics and lace in a very traditional setting. Open: Monday to Friday 10am 6pm and Saturday 9.30am 1.30pm. 18 V Petofi Sandor utca. M: Deak ter. T: + 36 1318 7332. Naray Tamas Hungarys most famous designer is known for his striking colours and dramatic looks. Open: Monday to Friday 10am 6pm and Saturday 10am 2pm. 12 Karolyi Mihaly utca. M: Ferenciek tere. T: + 36 1 266 2473.

Accessories/other HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Omorovicza Smart beauty products based on Hungarys great spa tradition and created by a young Hungarian couple. Open: Monday to Saturday 10am 6pm. 2 Andrassy utca. M: Bajcsy. T: + 36 1 302 4604. Jewellery Ekszer Classic jewellery featuring age old Hungarian designs. Open: Monday to Friday 12noon 6pm and Saturday 11am 2pm. 7 Vaci utca. M: Deak ter. T: Not listed. Latomas More of a market than a single shop, this venue hosts accessories and other pieces from a large number of up and coming Hungarian designers. Open: Monday to Friday 11am 7pm and Saturday 11am 3pm. 20 Dohany utca. M: Blaha Lujza. T: Not listed. Pless & Fox Interesting antique jewellery and knick knacks are to be found in this fascinating emporium. Open: Monday to Friday 10am 6pm and Saturday 10am 1pm. 18 Szent Istvan korut. M: Nyugati ter. T: + 36 1 340 4333 Spas: Budapest is famous for its spas and thermal baths. Gellert Probably the citys best known spas complete with thermal springs, relaxing baths, bracing plunge pools and Art Nouveau steam baths. Main facilities open: Monday to Friday 6.00am 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 6am 5pm. Tickets available up until one hour before closing time. 4 Kellenhegyi utca. M: Kalvin ter (and then walk across the bridge). T: + 36 1 466 6166 www.danubiushotels.com/gellert Lukcas The Knights of St John reportedly used this spa and its still well known for its soothing mineral-rich waters. Most facilities open: Monday to Friday 6am 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 6am 5pm. 29 Frankel Le utca. M: Betthany ter. T: + 36 1 326 1695 Rudas Authentic Turkish baths designed in the 16th century for the Pasha of Buda. Open: Daily 6am - 7pm. 9 Dobrentei ter M: Ferenciek ter (and walk across the bridge). T: + 36 1 356 1322 Szchenyi Budapests largest bath complex offers modern gadgets and relaxation techniques. Open: Swimming pool and group thermal healing pool: Daily 6am 10pm. Most other facilities: Daily 6am 7pm. 11 llatkerti korut. M: Hosok tere. T: + 36 1 363 3210.

5.0 USEFUL WEBSITES

www.budapestinfo.hu The official tourist authority website