There is more to Budapest...
by vicky_cannae
There is more to Budapest than fish soup, paprika and Zsa Zsa Gabor. With its multifarious and often embittered history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary's capital has the justly deserved sobriquet of 'the Paris of Central Europe', set apart from other Hungarian and European cities by its beauty. The city straddles a gentle curve in the mighty Danube River, the Buda hills rising dramatically on the west bank while the Pest district marks the start of the Great Plain to the east.
The largest Hungarian city by a mile, Budapest is the heart, soul and memory of Hungary, with the Danube coursing through its veins. The city has a complex identity, currently facing something of a crisis with the allure of modern Western luxury in conflict with the simple traditions of its Eastern European roots and penchant for all things classical.
Area: 525 sq km (205 sq mi)
Population: 2,000,000 (approx)
Country: Hungary
Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus one hour ((plus two hours in summer)
Telephone Area Code: 01
Orientation
Budapest is in north-central Hungary, some 250km (155mi) southeast of Vienna. The focal point is the Danube River, which bisects the city into two distinct parts: Buda is mostly residential and built on the hills and high river terraces of the western side; and commercial Pest is on a large, sandy plain across to the east. It is a sprawling city, with the areas beyond the Nagykörút (literally the 'Big Ring Road') in Pest and west of Moskva tér in Buda mostly residential or industrial and of little interest to visitors. It is also a well laid-out city; you'll have done well to get yourself lost. Ferihegy international airport is 24km (15mi) southeast of central Budapest.
I'm sure I did visit Budapest...
by Pegasus74
I'm sure I did visit Budapest for a course of revitalization by relaxing and 'taking the waters' at one of the many thermal baths in the city. If you're not taking a dip, have a look at the buildings' beautiful art-nouveau mosaic. They're splendid! The Kiraly Baths and Rudas Baths are two impressive Ottoman architecture. The largest complex of spa baths in Budapest and in Eurpoe is the Szechenyi Baths, located in the City Park. Others include the Lukacs Baths and Gellert Baths in Buda which I went to.
Buda (Castle hill) courtyards
by diocletianvs
Most guidebooks will tell you to look at certain houses in old part of Castle hill: Neo-classical medallions at Bécsikapu Square no.7, stairway at no.5, St. John Nepomuk statue at no.6. etc. etc. …
Of course it’s necessary to look at the facades of these old houses in historical part of the city. But while walking there don’t miss the opportunity to peek at their courtyards. You’ll hardly find any medallions or statues here. What you will find are small, beautifully kept gardens or green oasis created with plants and flowers in pots. You’ll hear the sounds of everyday’s life – but like it has stopped in some past time. Depending of the time of the day and the season, through the open windows you’ll probably be able to smell some goulash being prepared for the dinner.
Packing List
by mmcguire
Any bag is suitable, but take some kind of small backpack or bag to carry necessary items like water bottle and sunscreen, because in the summer average daytime temperature can be up to 35 degrees. For the summer light clothing and sum kind of sport shoes or sandles are best for that time of year. Anti-perspirant, insect repellant, anti-histamine, sunscreen Normal photographic equipment will be OK. Most hotels and shops will carry the standard batteries and films for cameras. For video equipment (i.e. recharging the batteries) the plug/socket is the standard european two pin. So it you are from Britain/Ireland or the US/Canada bring an adapter.
Budai Rakpart
by edvin_br
This Danube bank area at the side of Buda looks much quieter then the one at the side of Pest.... there are less sights and less tourists....
I liked that area a lot, i remember the time when i passed Erzsebet hid in my way to Gellert hill... it was just the time of the sunset, the old builfdings looked very cahrming at the pleasent area under the hills of Buda... I really cant forget that view, it was very special...
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Revay Sorbar - 50 Metres From My Hotel!!
Airport Shuttle's Opel Vivaro
Funicular
Freedom Square, Budapest
