Budapest, the city that always changes

Written by Judit Gyry and Evelin Ilys January, 2011

Basic informations

Location It's the capital of Hungary and also the largest city there, situated in Central Europe, embracing the two sides of the river Danube.

Sightseeing in Budapest
autumn season is therere heavy rains. windy

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About the layout of the city Actually, Budapest can seem to be two town in one, it has too main part: Buda and Pest, which are divided by the river. It consists of 23 districts (the centre of the town is the area of the districts I. and VI). How to travel in the town You can reach easily almost every part of the town by public transport: theres three underground (the fourth is being built), numerous trams, trolley-buses and buses. One ticket cost 320 Ft (1,10 euro), or you can buy a daily turist ticket for 1500 Ft (5,50 euros). Taxis are also available, but don't hail taxi in the streets avoid being ripped off, always call one. A trip cost between 1500-4000 Ft, depends on the distance and the companies. Climate In the summer season it is mainly sunny, during June and July the temperature can be really hot, sometimes its higher then 40 C. At the winter season its normally about -2-5 C but usually theres snow and the roads are slippy with the temperature of - 10C . The spring is mild, but rainy, while during the

Most of Budapest's famous sights are concentrated on Castle Hill on the Buda side, in downtown Pest and along the riverside walkways. If you have only a little time to discover this wonderful town, it is recommended to start your sightseeing there, with the Matthias Church (Mtys templom). According to church tradition, it was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015. The current building was constructed in the florid late Gothic style in the second half of the 14th century. It has been named after king Matthias, who ordered the transformation of its original souther tower.

The most most popular attraction on the hill, the Buda Castle. It is a famous, historical castle complex of the Hungarian kings first completed in 1265. The first royal residence on the Castle Hill was built by King Bla IV between 1247 and 1265. Buda Castle is part of the Budapest World Heritage Site declared in 1987. It gives home to some museums, too: National Gallery (Nemzeti Galria) Inside the Royal Palace wings B, C and D houses an astounding collection of paintings and the Institute and Museum of Military History (Hadtrtneti Mzeum). Other famous sights which are worth seeing, but not located on the Castel hill are: The Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of the town. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.

Behind the Church you can find the Fisherman's Bastion and lookout terrace (Halszbstya). Especially in the evening the view is impressive across the Danube to Pest.

The Parliament Building (Orszghz) lies in Lajos Kossuth Square, on the bank of the Danube, in Budapest. It is currently the largest building in Hungary and the largest Parliament in Europe. It was in built in 1880.

Eating out
After walking through Budapests it is worth having a dinner in a tipical Hungarian restaurant, but of course there are also Italian, Chinese, Turkish, etc. restaurants. Hungarian food itself is certainly worth a try. Its signiture dish is the well-known goulash but grilled perch is another speciality as is chicken seasoned with red pepper. There are some tasty game dishes, like Pheasant stuffed with apples or Venison stew with wild mushrooms for those who like especialities. Here are some different type of the best restaurants : Gundel This is the citys fanciest and most famous restaurant, a real

St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvn Bazilika) is loceted in the district V. The church is named for Saint Stephen I of Hungary, the first King of Hungary (c. 9751038) and it was bulit in 1905. Near the Basilica can be found the citys famous shopping street, the Vci street where you can purchase from not only well-known boutiques but also from local merchants shopes. In december before Christmas do not miss to drink a cup of mulled wine the Christmas market on Vrsmarty square, which has its special atmosphere.

institution in the capital, and probably the only restaurant in town with an international reputation. Address: XIV Allatkerti t 2 Avocado Restaurant & Music Caf The restaurant is situated in the heart of the city. Avocado offers an extensive selection of Hungarian, French, Italian and Far-Eastern dishes, wide range of Hungarian and international wines, drinks and cocktails. Address: Budapest, Nyry Pl u. 9. Gerbeaud This landmark Budapest cafconfectionery is a must-see. The interior is gorgeous, done up in turn-of-the20th-century Austro-Hungarian opulence, complete with rich plaster work, magnificent chandeliers, marble tables, lavish fine wood paneling, and brocade wall coverings. Address:
Vrsmarty tr 7

Hungarian Grand Prix. It is important to book an accomodation in advance at these times. Because of the the Hungarian presidency of the EU more events are expect this year. The programmes of the first half year:
- Liszt Ferenc Anniversary Year 2011 -concerts, exhibitions and conferences - Mangalica Festival 4th-6th February - Opera Ball in Budapest Opera House 12th February -15th March National Day Commemorating the Revolution and the War of Independence in 1848-49. - Budapest Spring Festival, 18th March3rd April - Budapest Spring Wine & Jazz Festival, around the first weekend of April - Titanic International Film Festival - 7th 17th April - Easter in Budapest, 24th-25th April, 2011 -May Day, 1st May 2011 - National Holiday Budapest Plinka Festival, first weekend of May - Gourmet & Jazz Days in Buda, around the first-second weekend of May 2011 - Museum Festival - Mayday of Museums, mid-May - Floralia - Festival at Aquincum, buda mid-May - National Gallop - Nemzeti Vgta, June, 2011 Open Air Summer Festival June - 1st June-31st August 2011 Danube Carnival, June 2010 Budapest Fair - Connection Day Concert, 25th-26th June 2011 - Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, 31st July, Mogyord - BudaFest Summer Opera and Ballet Festival, 1st July-mid-August - St. Stephens Day, 20th August, 2010 public holiday

Events
The most popular evens in Budapest are the New Years Eve, Sziget Festival and the Formula 1