A visit to Budapest is love at first sight. The mighty Danube River divides the Hungarian capital in two, separating the hills and valleys of Buda from the flatland of Pest. The view of the bridges spanning the river, the buildings along the banks and the rich culture they represent, are on the list of World Heritage sites. This splendid panorama can be best enjoyed from the Buda hills, the promenade in Pest, or from a private boat on the Danube.
A stalactite cave system, hidden under the hills, sends 18 million gallons of thermal water gushing forth daily, making Budapest the only city in the world where 50 baths and spas are fed by natural mineral and therapeutic waters.
The mingling of cultures has brought about amphitheatres from the Roman Empire and genuine 16th century Turkish baths, preserved in their original form and still in use. Central Europe's largest Jewish community lives in Hungary, mainly in Budapest, making their traditions, architecture and art forms a valuable part of Hungarian culture. The Great Synagogue is the second largest in the world.
Budapest took its present form in the 1890s, when – celebrating the 1000-year anniversary of the foundation of the state – magnificent buildings were erected. Some outstanding examples are:
The largest Parliament in Europe located on the Pest side of the city: its 315-foot high dome overlooking the Danube is an impressive sight.
The neo-renaissance Opera House: its architectural details harmoniously blend its columns, arcades, woodwork, metalwork and mural decorations.
St. Stephen's Basilica: the largest church in the city with a breath-taking view from its dome.
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens: they have buildings that are masterpieces of turn-of-the-century Hungarian architecture, which features a spectacular mixture of Hungarian art nouveau and romantic styles with oriental patterns.
The Western Railway Station: designed and constructed by the Eiffel Company of Paris, the huge terminal behind the elegant glass façade is supported by a cast-iron structure.
There are ten different means of transportation available to discover the city, including the cogwheel railway, funicular, chairlift and the first subway (built in 1896). The two or three-day Budapest Card offers visitors free public transportation available and free or discounted entry to most museums and other points of interest.
Your choice of hotels in Budapest runs from small to large, oldfashioned to modern, traditional to international chains, such as Marriott, Intercontinental, Hyatt and Hilton. Also available are spa hotels built on the healing waters of the city that offer aunique opportunity to be pampered by highly qualified staffs. Nowhere else can you find so many thermal baths and state-of-the-art hotels.
Hungarians have always considered satisfying a visitor´s appetite the primary element of hospitality. Hungarian, as well as diverse specialty foods, can be found in Budapest. It is hard to resist the aroma of coffee and cakes emerging from attractive old cafés. Pubs and jazz clubs are very popular, especially on days when live music makes the beer taste even better.
Budapest is a city of history, culture, tradition and ambiance in a rapidly changing world. An amazing experience that needs to be experienced now.
Local Events
- March: Budapest Spring Festival
- August: "Budafest", Summer Opera and Ballet Festival
- September: Jewish Summer Cultural Festival, International Wine and Champagne Festival
- December: Budapest Christmas Fair
More Information
Tourism Office of Budapest
H-1056 Budapest
Március 15. tér 7. Hungary
Phone: +36-1-266 04 79
Fax: +36-1-266 74 77
Tourist Information:
+36-1-322 40 98
www.budapestinfo.hu
info@budapestinfo.hu
National Contact
Hungarian National Tourist Office
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 7107r
New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 695-1221
Fax: (212) 695-0809
www.gotohungary.com
info@gotohungary.com