Contents 5

Handy information 5

City transport 11

Museums, Churches 14 14

Cultural Avenue 22

Sights, Sightseeing 26 11
Antiques road show 36 42 26

Music, Theatres, Events 38

Beyond Budapest 40

Medicinal baths, Caves 42 40

Leisure 44

Shopping 47
38
Restaurants, Entertainment 49
44
Maps 6, 24–25, 51, 55

Legend
« Tram ó Opening hours 6, 24–25, 51, 55
« Suburban railway % Admission

ç Bus é Budapest Card

è Castle bus accepted 49

Publisher: Tourism Office of Budapest
ë Trolleybus A1 Map coordinate the official tourism marketing organization of Budapest
Publication manager: László Paszternák
1 Metro 1 ●
1 Site of museum © All rights reserved
Edited by Turizmus Kft. · Editor: Brigitta Vajk · Design: András Nász

2 Metro 2 on map

3 Metro 3 ●
1 Site of bath, Translation: CHFI Bt.
Cover: Future Card Stúdió · Maps: TOPOGRÁF
Photos: Tourist Office of Budapest photo archives
≥ Phone number cave on map The publisher does not accept responsibility for damages arising from any
changes in information contained in this publication.
¥ Fax [1] Photo Publication closed: November 2005
Printing: PAUKER Printing House Co.

www.budapestinfo.hu 3
 Dear Readers
I would like to welcome you to Budapest, a city which not only greets its
guests with a rich history and unique cultural heritage, but also where we,
the residents, can witness day by day its resurgence. That tourism is one of
the most important economic branches of Budapest is evident in the rise in
the number of tourists visiting the capital, and the growth of the quantity
and quality of tourism services. Year on year several new hotels spring up
in Budapest, numerous old buildings are reconstructed, and new cultural
and tourism establishments are born. The capital is made all the more
attractive for being renowned as the location of one of the most beautiful
World Heritage sites, and only Budapest can say of itself that it has
Europe’s largest Parliament, largest functioning synagogue and the
continent’s first underground railway. The visitor will find side by side the
remains of fortresses and buildings from Roman times, still operating
Turkish baths, Gothic and Baroque buildings, and the incredibly rich Art
Nouveau architectural heritage. Not only is Budapest worthy holder of the
title “Queen of the Danube”, but in fact there is not one other capital city
in the world with close on 100 thermal springs and 12 medicinal baths
within its boundaries, where 19 million gallons of thermal water rise to the
surface each day.
Despite the spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old
charm and magic. It is a city where the pleasing harmony of different
architectural styles and superb structures, the cafés, baths, the gastronomy
and culture, combined with legendary hospitality blend into an
unforgettable experience for visitors. Besides popular programmes and
festivals staged each year the capital’s tourism selection is further enriched
by new, high standard events each season. Tourists can stroll down the
“Pest Broadway”, now taking on a new lease of life, and enjoy a
programme in one of the atmospheric, unique repositories of music calling
to all ages, since there is a choice ranging from live music in the pubs to
the repertoires of the Opera House and the recently rebuilt, magnificent
Operetta Theatre.
So I warmly commend this publication to you, and trust you will find
yourself using it frequently. After careful preparation we compiled it with
great pleasure in the hope that it will allow you to discover what is best in
Budapest.

László Fekete
Director
BTH Budapesti Turisztikai Szolgáltató Kht.
(Tourism Office of Budapest)

BTH Budapesti Turisztikai Szolgáltató Kht. (Tourism Office of Budapest)

µ H–1364 Budapest Pf. 215 • ≥ (+36-1)266-0479 • ¥ (+36-1)266-7477 • E-mail: info@budapestinfo.hu
www.budapestinfo.hu

4 www.budapestinfo.hu
H A N D Y information
Turista információ • Tourist information

INFORMATION OFFICES
Tourinform Main office – Police-info office
1052 Budapest, Sütô utca 2 (at Deák tér) ≥ (+36-1)438-8080
info@budapestinfo.hu
ó 8 am–8 pm
Liszt Ferenc tér
1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 11
≥ (+36-1)322-4098, ¥ (+36-1)342-9390
liszt@budapestinfo.hu
ó 15 June–31 Oct. 9 am–7 pm; 1 Nov.–14 June Mon–Fri: 10 am–6
pm, Sat: 10 am–4 pm, Sun: closed
Western Railway Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar)
1062 Budapest, Teréz körút 55 ≥ (+36-1)302-8580, ¥ (+36-1)473-1436
nyugati@budapestinfo.hu
ó 1 May–31 Oct. 9 am–7 pm; 1 Nov.–30 Apr. Mon–Fri: 9 am–6 pm, Nonstop information:
Sat–Sun: 10 am–3 pm Tourinform call centre (24 hours):
Buda Castle (+36-1)438-8080
1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér ≥ (+36-1) 488-0475, ¥ (+36-1)488-0474 Tourinform hotline (24 hours):
budavar@budapestinfo.hu (+36-30)30-30-600 from abroad,
ó 1 May–31 Oct. 9 am–8 pm; 1 Nov.–30 Apr. Mon–Fri: 10 am–7 pm,
(06-80)630-800 from Hungary
Sat–Sun: 10 am–4 pm
Internet: www.hungarytourism.hu
Ferihegy – terminal 1
1185 Budapest, Ferihegyi Repülôtér 1 terminál ≥ (+36-1)438-8080 ¥ (+36-1)488-8661
ferihegy/1@budapestinfo.hu E-mail: hungary@tourinform.hu
ó 8 am–11 pm
Ferihegy – terminal 2A
1185 Budapest, Ferihegyi Repülôtér 2A terminál, arrivals ≥ (+36-1)438-8080
ferihegy/2A@budapestinfo.hu
ó 8 am–11 pm
Ferihegy – terminal 2B
1185 Budapest, Ferihegyi Repülôtér 2B terminál, arrivals ≥ (+36-1)438-8080
ferihegy/2B@budapestinfo.hu
ó 8 am–11 pm

PASSPORT, VISA
Entry with personal ID card
Citizens of the following countries may enter the territory of Hungary with a personal identification card for a stay
of maximum 90 days, provided the purpose of their visit is not to take up work or to conduct business-related
activities: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland,
Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.

Entry with passport, but no visa required

Citizens of European countries (with the exception of Albania, Russia, Serbia-Montenegro, Turkey and the
Ukraine) do not require a visa to enter Hungary.
Citizens of the following countries outside Europe similarly do not require a visa: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil,
Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Macao,
Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Salvador, Singapore, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.
For detailed information in English please go to www.mfa.gov.hu

www.budapestinfo.hu 5
 HUNGARY’S FOREIGN REPRESENTATIONS BUDAPEST BASICS
Great Britain 2 Fitzwilliam Place, Climate
Hungarian National Dublin 2 Temperate zone, continental
Tourist Office ≥ (353 1)6612-885 climate, four seasons.
46 Eaton Place ¥ (353 1)6612-889 Hottest months: July, August
London SW1X 8AL E-mail: repassy@visithungary.ie (temperatures can reach 28–35°C)
≥ (44-20)7823-1032 (general www.visithungary.ie Coldest months: December,
public) January (temperatures can fall as
≥ (44-20)7823-1459 USA low as –15°C)
(profession) Hungarian National Budapest has a relatively high
number of hours of sunshine per
¥ (44-20)7823-1459 Tourist Office
annum. It exceeds 8 hours per day
E-mail: info@gotohungary.co.uk 150 East 58th Street,
between April and September.
www.gotohungary.co.uk 33rd floor,
New York, N.Y. 10155-3398 Time zone
Ireland ≥ (1-212)355-0240 Budapest is on Central European
Hungarian National ¥ (1-212)207-4103 time (CET).
Tourist Office E-mail: hnto@gotohungary.com GMT +1 hour
Hungarian Embassy, www.gotohungary.com Summer time (March to the

Low-cost airlines
BUDAPEST IN EUROPE
flying to Budapest (as
at November 2005)

6 www.budapestinfo.hu
middle of October): GMT +2 Budapest facts and figures Buda: comprising one-third
hours Area: of the area of the city on the
525 square kilometres (in a north- hilly, right bank of the Danube
Holidays south direction approx. 25 km, Pest: comprising two-thirds of
Non-working days: national holi- east-west approx. 29 km) the area of the city on the flat,
days (15 March, 20 August, 23 Oc- Population: left bank of the Danube
tober) and 1 May (May Day) plus 1 815 000 Islands (from north to south):
Christian holidays: 1 January, All Population density: Óbuda Island, Margaret Island,
Saint’s Day (1 November), Easter 3456 persons/square kilometre Csepel Island
Mon., Whit Mon., Christmas and Administrative structure: Bridges: nine bridges, of which
Boxing Day (25–26 December). 23 districts two are rail bridges

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

By air and departure terminal for foreign

The Airport minibus service is airlines
popular and relatively cheap: for Airport information:
Central number:
(+36-1)296-9696
Flight information:
(+36-1)296-7000
Luggage search service: Eastern Railway Station (Keleti
• Ferihegy 1: (+36-1)296-5965, pályaudvar) VIII., Baross tér,
(+36-1)296-5966 ≥ (+36-1)413-4610
• Ferihegy 2A: (+36-1)296-8108, Western Railway Station (Nyugati
(+36-1)296-7217 pályaudvar) VI., Nyugati tér,
• Ferihegy 2B: (+36-1)295-3480, ≥ (+36-1)349-8503
(+36-1)296-7948
Telephone reservations for
MALÉV flights: (+36-1)296-5959
Airport minibus service:
(+36-1)296-8555

By train
HUF 2300 it will drop passengers Budapest has direct rail links to
anywhere within the city limits. A 25 capitals. There are more than
return ticket (HUF 3900) is valid Southern Railway Station (Déli
for six months. pályaudvar) I., Krisztina körút
Ferihegy 1 – terminal for low cost 37/A, ≥ (+36-1)375-6593
airlines

50 international connections each

day. Trains depart every three
Ferihegy 2A – terminal for all hours between Budapest–Vienna, Information on international rail
MALÉV Hungarian Airlines flights with a travel time of less than links: (+36-1)461-5500,
Ferihegy 2B – arrival two and a half hours. INTERCITY www.elvira.hu
links running between the capital All rail stations can be accessed
and the major towns around by the metro (‘Keleti pu.’, ‘Déli
Hungary are extremely popular pu.’ stops on Metro line 2, ‘Nyu-
and comfortable. gati pu.’ stop on Metro line 3.)

By rail By coach
There are three major international Domestic coach services arrive at
railway stations in Budapest: and depart from Népliget

www.budapestinfo.hu 7
 (obtainable at border crossing pull over to the side of the road
points and major petrol stations). in a safe area; drivers may not
The Hungarian Highway Code consume any alcohol before
(KRESZ) is based on the Vienna driving, and drunk drivers can be
and Geneva Convention, and as fined upwards of HUF 30,000
such traffic signs and road (USD 130); the speed limit in
markings are similar to those built-up areas is 50 kph, outside
found in other European built-up areas 90 kph, on main
countries. However, it is roads 110 kph and on motorways
≥ (+36-1)219-8000, Stadionok important to highlight a few key 130 kph; use of the horn in
≥ (+36-1)220-6227, Árpád traffic regulations that tourists towns is only permitted in
Bridge ≥ (+36-1)412-2597 and visiting Hungary must observe at moments of danger (despite
Etele Square in Buda all times: use of seatbelts in the which, unfortunately, Hungarian
≥ (+36-1)382-4910. The front and rear seats is drivers frequently use their horns
international coach station is at compulsory; only mobile phones without proper reason).
Népliget. fitted with loudspeaker and Hungarian Automobile Club
Volánbusz Rt. has scheduled microphone may be used in cars, (Magyar Autóklub) 24 hour
passenger coach services to and and it is recommended that helpline: (+36-1)345-1755
from the following countries: drivers making or receiving a call Roadside breakdown service: 188
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech
Republic, Denmark, France,
Germany, Great Britain, Greece,
Holland, Italy, Norway, Poland, CURRENCY Forint (Ft or HUF)
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Coins 100 50 20 10 5 2 1
Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey,
Yugoslavia.
Information on domestic and
international routes:
(+36-1)382-0888

By boat Banknotes: 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10

Hydrofoils run scheduled services 000 20 000
from Vienna and Bratislava to the
heart of Budapest between April Exchanging money
and October. Exchanging money is
There are three large only permitted in
international quays on the licensed, designated
places. Do not take the
risk of changing money
on the street. You are
likely to find yourself with
counterfeit money,
besides which such
transactions are illegal.
The Hungarian National
Bank gives official daily
Danube between Széchenyi foreign exchange and
Chain Bridge and Liberty currency rates on 23
(Szabadság) Bridge. currencies. Most banks
Information on Mahart Passnave have 24-hour banknote
sailings: (+36-1)318-6042 exchange ATMs. Besides
this there are many credit
By passenger car card and cash card ATMs in operation day and night. Banks and
Of the four motorways and four travel agencies can set (and modify) their own exchange rates,
highways in Hungary, seven taking the bank of issue’s rate as the basis. Any bureau de change
depart from Budapest (motorway has to have the current exchange rates clearly displayed. Please keep
No. 8 is the exception). your exchange receipt in a safe place until you depart the country.
Drivers are obliged to purchase a Broadly speaking, the best exchange rates are to be found close to
motorway sticker for the the rail stations and in the city centre (Petôfi Sándor Street). Banks
motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 generally give a middle rate, and the airport and hotel exchange

8 www.budapestinfo.hu
 GENERAL INFORMATION INTERNET

≥
Telephone Accommodation Internet cafés are highly
Hungary code: 36, The capital has every category of fashionable in Budapest. The
Budapest: 1, accommodation from luxury following list details just some of
dialling code for hotel to paying guest rooms. the most popular locations
inland calls: 06. Free copies of Accommodation in offering Internet access:
Budapest Budapest can be picked up from
telephone information offices and hotel AMI
numbers are 7 digits, countryside receptions in town. V., Váci utca 40
numbers (including the trunk Other useful information on ≥ 267-1644
code) 8 digits. accommodation can be found on ó 9 am–midnight
If you wish to phone abroad from the homepage of the Tourism
Hungary, first dial 00, wait for the Office of Budapest: CEU NetPont
tone, and then dial the country www.budapestinfo.hu, and in V., Október 6. utca 14
code, town code and continue information offices (for addresses ≥ 328-3506
with the telephone number. and telephone numbers see page 5). ó 11 am–10 pm
Public phones operate with 20,
50 and 100 forint coins and Postal services Internet Café
telephone cards. The latter can V., Kecskeméti utca 5
be purchased in tobacconists, ≥ 328-0292
post offices, petrol stations and ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–10 pm
newsagents. It is cheaper to
phone at the weekend, on public Internet Studio
holidays and in the evening. VI., Dessewffy utca 45
Mobile telephone numbers are ≥ 20/481-8688
9-digit, after dialling 06; ó 10 am–midnight
depending on the telephone
company, the first two numbers Libri Könyvpalota
are 20, 30 or 70. VII., Rákóczi út 12 ≥ 267-4484
ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–7.30 pm,
Credit cards Sat: 10 am–3 pm
The most commonly used credit
cards – AMEX, Diners Club, Matáv Telepont
Cirrus, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard, V., Petôfi Sándor utca 17–19
JCB, VISA – can be used to obtain ≥ 485-6612
cash from ATMs in banks and on ó Mon–Fri: 9 am–8 pm, Sat: 10
the streets as well as to pay bills am–3 pm
in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Emblems on the door of the Private Link
establishment detail which credit Post offices are generally open VIII., József körút 52
cards are accepted. from 8 am–6 pm Mon–Fri, 8 ≥ 334-2057
am–noon on Sat. There are two ó nonstop
post offices close to the rail
stations in Pest with longer Business centres in the major
opening hours: VI., Teréz körút hotels and shopping malls also
51. (open: Mon–Sat: 7 am–9 pm, offer Internet access facilities.
Sun: 8 am–8 pm), VIII., Baross tér
11/C (open: Mon–Sat: 7 am–9 IMPORTANT NUMBERS
pm). Ambulance: 104
Postal money services: credit
Police: 107
cards (VISA, VISA Electron,
Central help number: 112
EuroCard/Mastercard, Maestro)
Fire service: 105
can be used to make cash
withdrawals at all post offices in General enquiries: 197
the capital. Post offices also Inland enquiries: 198
exchange Eurocheques, American International enquiries: 199
Express traveller’s cheques and Auto club help number: 188
postal orders. Speaking clock: 180

www.budapestinfo.hu 9
Electricity from 7 am–6 pm, Office hours: generally
Hungary’s electricity network clothes shops between from 8 am–4 pm Mon. to Fri.
operates at 230 Volts. Plugs are 10 am–6 pm Mon. to Sat. Post offices: Mon–Fri: 8 am–6 pm,
the regulation continental type. Most shopping centres are also Sat: 8 am–1 pm (for details, see
open on Sun. Postal services section)
General opening times Tesco is open 24 hours a day, Banks: Mon–Thur: 8 am–3 pm,
Shops: food shops are open seven days a week. Fri: 8 am–1 pm

STAYING STREET-WISE

Security in Budapest Health matters, medical assistance

The general public security situation in the capital can Non-stop medical assistance:
be said to be good on an international average, and Falck SOS Hungary ≥ 200-0100
still it is better if tourists are prepared for certain
situations so that they do not end up feeling cheated. Non-stop dental service:
In general the tourist’s wallet is in greatest SOS Dental Service ≥ 267-9602
danger, and so it is advisable when using public
transport, at shopping centres, markets or any other Pharmacies in the capital are well stocked, and
busy area where people are jostling around to pay pharmacists may be able to suggest a medication
extra attention to wallets, purses and bags. for certain complaints.
Taxis are best pre-booked by phone; they are A notice on the door of pharmacies indicates the
cheaper and there is no chance that you will pick up address of the closest 24-hour pharmacy.
the one or two ‘private taxis’ who charge
outrageous fares. (For phone numbers of reputable Pharmacies operating around the clock:
companies, see the Taxi section p. 11.) Teréz Patika:
Always ask for a menu showing all the prices VI., Teréz körút 41, ≥ 311-4439,
before choosing which restaurant to eat at. This way Déli Gyógyszertár:
you can rule out any unpleasantness caused by XII., Alkotás utca 1/B, ≥ 355-4691
overcharging.
Never get mixed up in changing money or
gambling on the street. Carry documents, money
and credit cards in a closed, inner pocket, and don’t
carry a lot of cash around town. Never leave
valuables in your car.

Lost your passport?

You should report the loss of your passport to the
H–1134 Budapest, Dózsa György út 65
following authority:
Tel./Fax: (36-1)320-8287
Budapest and Pest County Directorate of the
Office for Immigration and Citizenship Tel.: (36-1)350-2542
Address: H–1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 60 E-mail: americana@axelero.hu
≥ 463-9165, 463-9181 Website: www.americana.matav.hu
Open: 24 hours
If your passport is stolen, you must report the loss
to the local district police headquarters.
Emergency services: ≥ 107 or 112.
The best prices & free services!
Tourinform telephone enquiries – Tourist Police:
438-8080 Air-conditioning, CD player,
from the smallest to the biggest one!
Left luggage
In Budapest left luggage counters and coin- FROM 19.9,– EURO/DAY!+TAX*
*min. 28 rental days!
operated lockers are to be found at the rail
stations. There are two non-stop left luggage
counters at both the Eastern (Keleti) and the
Southern (Déli) Railway Stations, while the Western
(Nyugati) Railway Station has a left luggage
counter open from 5 am-midnight, and lockers
available 24 hours a day.

10 www.budapestinfo.hu
CITY
transport
TRANSPORT IN THE CAPITAL

Public transport tobacconists and newsagents. It is

Budapest has an efficient public perhaps best to buy your tickets
transport network made up of at a metro station because there
more than 180 bus, 14 trolleybus, you have a choice of several types
29 tram, and three metro lines. In of ticket and various passes.
general the buses, trams and Single ticket (2005: HUF 170):
trolleybuses operate between 4.30 valid for bus, tram, trolleybus,
am and 11 pm. The three metro metro, cogwheel railway for the
lines intersect at Deák Square in entire length of the journey, as well
the centre of town. Metros run at as the suburban railway within the
2-15 minute intervals from 4.30 administrative limits of Budapest.
am to 11.10 pm. The ticket has to be purchased
The local suburban train (HÉV) beforehand, and validated in the
can be used to travel out to ticket stampers found on the public
Csepel Island in the south of the transport (on the metro, either
city, and to nearby Szentendre, before you enter the metro or on
Gödöllô and Ráckeve. the platforms) before the trip starts.
Maps sited at the entrances to The Budapest Transport
metro stations give a Authority (BKV) has published a
comprehensive overview of the free brochure in English and
entire public transport network in German entitled Information
Budapest. Conditions of travel (available from hotel receptions,
are also included, in German and Tourinform offices), and which
English. gives detailed information about may be requested to show your
BKV public transport is the types of tickets and costs. ticket on all public transport or at
available free of charge to retired Information can also be found on exit points of the metro by ticket
citizens of other EU Member the following Internet site: inspectors who wear armbands
States too. www.bkv.hu and have a badge with
Information on public photograph (they generally
Tickets transport: 06-80/406-611 operate in pairs, but there may be
May be purchased at metro Ticket
stations, ticket machines, controls: you

TAXIS
Budapest taxis have yellow number plates and a taxi Fôtaxi: 2-222-222, Mobil Taxi: 333-1757, Rádió Taxi:
sign in yellow. (Any vehicle without these features is 3-777-777, Taxi 2000: 2-000-000, Taxi4: 4-444-444,
operating illegally.) The total charge that has to be paid Tele5Taxi: 5-555-555, Tourist Taxi: 3-655-555, Volán
by the passenger is made up of three separate parts: the Taxi: 4-33-33-22
basic charge which is irrespective of how far the journey No call-out charge is levied on taxis ordered by phone
is (maximum HUF 300 during the day, maximum HUF within the boundaries of Budapest, except for
420 at night), a per kilometre charge which depends on exceptional orders (e.g. estate car, type demand etc.).
how many kilometres are covered during the journey All cars must have a taximeter installed, and these also
(maximum HUF 240 per kilometre during the day, print out a receipt. Taxi drivers are required to give an
maximum HUF 336 at night), and the waiting charge. invoice on request. Tipping: in general 10% of the
Tariffs are clearly displayed on the rear right door and fare is acceptable, but this naturally depends on how
on the dashboard. The larger taxi companies work with satisfied the passenger is with the service.
rates far lower than the maximum charges listed above. Taxi company call centre staff speak foreign
6x6 Taxi: 2-666-666, Buda Taxi: 2-333-333, languages. Every taxi company takes full
Budapest Taxi: 4-333-333, City Taxi: 2-111-111, responsibility for staff employed by it.

www.budapestinfo.hu 11
 Cars parked illegally will be clamped
BUDAPEST CARD — by the Municipal Public Roads
Launched in 1997, this city card Department. Any car fitted with a
is the tourist’s “best friend” for wheel clamp will also have an
2- or 3-day (48 or 72 hours) city information sheet in several languages
sightseeing tours. Children stuck to the windscreen to inform the
under 14 travelling with the driver how to go about having the
card holder are also entitled to clamp removed.
the benefits the card offers. The
card includes a colour Car parks and garages
prospectus (over 100 pages) in four languages Multi-storey car parks are generally open 24 hours a
with details of how to use the card and all the day; most larger hotels also have an underground
services and benefits that are available. Cards may garage. Some of the larger car parks: Bazilika Garage
be purchased in around 250 locations across the (V., Sas utca), Krisztina Garage behind the Hotel
capital (airport, hotels, travel agencies, tourist Mercure Buda (I., Kosciuszko Tádé utca), V., Aranykéz
information offices, main metro stations), and in utca 4–6, V., Szervita tér 8, VII., Nyár utca 20, Corvin
travel agencies abroad. Multi-storey Car Park (VIII., Futó utca 52), Páva Multi-
The Budapest Card provides the following storey Car Park (IX., Mester utca).
services:
• free travel on Budapest Transport Company Rent-a-car
(BKV Rt.) public transport A selection of the larger car rental companies:
• free admission to 60 museums and other Americana, Avis, Budget, Hertz.
important sites (Zoo, caves in Buda, Matthias In general, all companies require that the person
Church) renting a vehicle is at least 21 years old, has had at
• discounted city sightseeing tours by bus and boat least one year’s driving experience, has a valid
• discounted tickets for folklore and other driving licence and passport.
cultural programmes All the major rent-a-car companies have an office
• discounts offered in spa baths, restaurants, at the airport, and brochures on rent-a-car options
shops, airport minibus, car rental and numerous are available from hotel reception desks and
other places Tourinform offices.
Price: HUF 5200 (48 hours)
HUF 6500 (72 hours)

4-5 inspectors on the metro). For this reason, please

keep your ticket until the very end of your journey or
until you have left the metro station.
If you travel without a valid ticket or pass or if you
contravene the conditions of travel, you have to pay
a fine.

Parking
The capital is sectioned into several parking zones,
and different parking fees are charged according to
the zone (between HUF 120 and 400 per hour).
There is a charge for parking between the hours of
8 am–6 pm Monday to Friday. Parking is free on
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. On parking, a
ticket must be purchased from the nearest ticket
machine for the entire period the car is to be left.
This ticket should be displayed behind the
windscreen. Minimum parking time: 15 minutes,
beyond which the ticket machine gives a ticket for
the amount of time equivalent to the sum of money
inserted. Maximum waiting time: 2-3 hours. For
longer periods, it is recommended that you leave
your car in a P+R car park. P+Rs are generally found
at metro stations and bus termini (Pest side of Árpád
Bridge, Nagyvárad Square, Örs vezér Square,
Népliget etc.), from where travellers can then easily
access public transport for the onward journey.

www.budapestinfo.hu 13
 [1] [2] [3] [4]

[5] [6]

[7]

M U S E U M S , Churches
Most museums are closed on Monday. Budapest History Museum – B3
Admission charges show the lowest and highest
rates. There may be several variations between
Castle Museum 2 ●
I., Szent György tér 2 ≥ 225-7815 ó 10 am–6 pm
these two extremes, from student tickets to group (10 am–4 pm between 1 November and 28
rates. Prices valid to the end of 2005; admission
charges are likely to increase in 2006. February), closed Tue. —
— Budapest Card holders can visit over 60 Collection of archaeological finds in Budapest.
museums free of charge or at a discounted rate. Budapest in the Middle Ages: development of
settlements from the Roman age to the 13th century.
Aquincum Museum and Ruins [2] 1 ● E1 The medieval Buda royal palace: collection of original
III., Szentendrei út 139 ≥ 454-0438 objects, seals, glassware, weapons, tombstones. Gothic
ó April 15–30, October 1–31: archeological park 9 sculpture from the royal palace. Budapest in modern
am–5 pm; exhibits 10 am–6 pm; May 1–September times: historical moments in the life of a metropolis.
30: archeological park 9 am–6 pm; exhibits 10 è Castle bus % HUF 450–900
am–6 pm; (November 1–April 14: Closed for the
winter season) Closed Mon.! — Museum of Military History 3 ● A3
One of the largest I., Tóth Árpád sétány 40 ≥ 356-9522
archeological parks in ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm (10 am–4 pm between
Hungary looks back on 1 October and 31 March) —
a past of more than A rich collection of weapons from the days before
110 years. The ruins the Turkish wars to the 20th century. Collection of
area puts on display uniforms, flags, maps, ammunition and 28,000
around one quarter of coins. Memories of pilots who emigrated after the
the Civil Town of Second World War. The exhibition “Thirteen Days,
Aquincum with its most about the 1956 Revolution”, is well worth viewing.
characteristic public è Castle bus % free
buildings and dozens of
private houses. These Hopp Ferenc East Asian Art Museum 4 ● C2
building remains recall VI., Andrássy út 103 ≥ 322-8476
the most important ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —
heyday of the provincial capital, the town-structure The collection based on 19th century art collector
from the AD 2nd–3rd century. Chronoscopes installed in Ferenc Hopp’s collection of 4000 items of East
the park provide a glimpse into the way the buildings Asian, and primarily Japanese and Chinese, objects
of the town originally appeared. Visitors can see today has around 19,000 art objects. Among the
Roman period object from the territory of Budapest in pieces on display in the art collector’s former house
the permanent and temporary exhibitions. are important Japanese medieval art items and
« from Batthyány Square towards Szentendre Chinese bronzes and porcelain-ware.
ç 34, 42, 106 % HUF 200–1200 1 Bajza utca ç 4 ë 70, 78 % HUF 200–400

14 www.budapestinfo.hu
Museum of Applied Art [3] 5 ● C4 % Permanent exhibition: free, temporary
IX., Üllôi út 33–37 ≥ 456-5100 exhibition: HUF 300–600
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —
The beautiful Art Nouveau building (with Zsolnay Transport Museum 9 ● D2
ceramics on the roof) designed by Ödön XIV., Városligeti körút 11 ≥ 273-3840
Lechner and Gyula Pártos is one of the ó Tue–Fri: 10 am–5 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–6
most attractive sights in the capital. pm (closes one hour earlier from October to
Major collections and art objects: May) —
Oriental rug collection, wall hangings, One of Europe’s oldest transport history
Esterházy treasury, 17th century aristocratic collections. Its model railway material is world
costumes, Art Nouveau glassware, Italian famous. Permanent exhibitions over 8,000
majolica, Zsolnay ceramics, French furniture, square metres include: 100 years and today,
Augsburg Baroque goldsmith’s work. 100 years of Hungarian motoring, A century of
3 Ferenc körút « 4, 6 % HUF 300–600 Hungarian state shipping, History of Motoring,
History of steam locomotion, History of urban
Kassák Lajos Memorial Museum 6 ● B1 transport.
III., Fô tér 1 ≥ 368-7021 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — « 1 ë 70, 72, 74 % free
Exhibition in the former Zichy Mansion on the art of
Lajos Kassák, leading artist of Hungarian avant-garde, Hungarian National Gallery [7] 10 ● B3
poetry, painting and literary editor. The museum’s I., Dísz tér 17 ≥ 375-8584
new permanent exhibition: 20th century Hungarian ó Tue–Sun.: 10 am–6 pm —
art, from the legacies of Hungarian authors. The collection of 10,000 art objects sited in wings
ç 6, 86 « 1 « Árpád híd % HUF 100–150 B, C and D of Buda Castle Palace covers the period
from the foundation of the state to the present day.
Kiscell Museum 7 ● A1 Permanent exhibitions: Medieval and Renaissance
III., Kiscelli utca 108 ≥ 388-7817 lapidarium, Gothic wood carvings and tableaux,
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm — Late Gothic winged altars, Renaissance and Baroque
The museum building was constructed for the art, Habsburg palatine crypt, 19th century painting
Trinitarian order in the 18th century, while it was later (Gyula Benczúr, Mihály Munkácsy, Viktor Madarász,
transformed into a Baroque mansion and even served Pál Szinyei Merse) and sculpture (István Ferenczy,
as a hospital. Today it is one of the museums of Miklós Izsó), 20th century painting (József Rippl-
Budapest in perhaps the most picturesque of locations, Rónai, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, Béla Czóbel) and
surrounded by woods at the foot of the Óbuda Hills. Its sculpture (Béni Ferenczy, Ferenc Medgyessy).
exhibitions embrace two major areas of collections from è Castle bus % Permanent exhibition: free,
the Budapest History Museum: modern urban history, temporary exhibition: HUF 300–600
and the fine art collection of the Municipal Gallery.
« 17 ç 60, 165 % HUF 300–600 Hungarian National Museum 11 ● C3
VIII., Múzeum körút 14–16 ≥ 338-2122 ó Tue–Sun: 10
Ludwig Múzeum C4 am–6 pm (10 am–5 pm from November to May) —
Museum of Contemporary Art 8 ● The museum (founded in 1802) was based on the
(Palace of Arts) numismatic, book and document collections of
Count Ferenc Széchényi, and the number of art
objects now exceeds one million. The huge national
collection has occupied its present site, a neo-
Classical building designed by Mihály Pollack, since
1846. Permanent exhibitions: History of Hungary
from the foundation of the state to 1990,
Lapidarium-Roman stone finds.
3 Kálvin tér « 47, 49 ç 15, 9 % Permanent
exhibition: free, temporary exhibition: HUF 400–800

IX., Komor Marcell utca 1 ≥ 555-3444

ó Tue, Fri, Sun: 10 am–6 pm; Wed: 12 am–6 pm;
Thur: 12 am–8 pm; Sat: 10 am–8 pm —
The Hungarian contemporary art collection of
Cologne art collector couple Irene and Peter
Ludwig. A visit provides an overview of the past 50
years of universal art, and contemporary Hungarian
art from the last 10 years.
« 1, 2, 24 ç 23, 54, 103 « Csepel, Ráckeve

www.budapestinfo.hu 15
Hungarian Natural History Museum 12 ● D4 Samans and Stone Jaguars – The Ancient Art of
VIII., Ludovika tér 6 ≥ 210-1085 Ecuador, until 22 January 2006
ó 10 am–6 pm, closed Tue. — Johannes Paasuke – man with two cameras. Estonian
This imposing neo-Classical building together with ethnographical photo exhibition, until 28 February 2006
the courtyard has hosted the museum’s mineral and Huszka, Collector and Sketch Artist, until 5 March 2006
rock collection since 1995. Permanent exhibitions: World Press Photo, October – November
Man and nature in Hungary, Treasures from the « 2 2 Kossuth Lajos tér ë 70, 78
mineral collection, Time track-rock park in front of % Permanent exhibition: free % temporary
the museum. exhibition: HUF: 300–1200
Temporary exhibition:
MUMMIES – premiere of the world-famous Vác find Óbuda Museum 16 ● B1
(265 naturally mummified human remains); original III., Fô tér 1 ≥ 250-1020 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–7.30 pm
discoveries from Peru, Holland and elsewhere, April The collection in the Zichy Mansion includes historical
2006 documents and relics of the industrial history of Óbuda
3 Klinikák % Permanent exhibition: free, and surroundings, running from Roman times to the
temporary exhibition: HUF 600–1500 20th century. One can view Art Nouveau interiors and
toy and game collections in its permanent exhibitions,
●
Palace of Arts [1] 13 C2 as well as wrought-iron decorative work from old
XIV., Dózsa György út 37, (Heroes’ Square) Óbuda houses.
≥ 363-2671 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — « Árpád híd « 1
The largest exhibition gallery in the % HUF 200–300
country, a defining neo-Classical
structure in Heroes’ Square. It does Museum of Fine Arts [6] 17 ● C2
not have its own collection, but its XIV., Dózsa György út 41 (Heroes’ Square)
regular temporary exhibitions ≥ 469-7100
feature mainly the contemporary ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5.30 pm —
arts, and the works of artistic The core of the museum material derived from the
groups. superb collection of paintings formed by the
1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 75, 79 Esterházys and donated in the 1870s. The
% HUF 300–600 grandiose neo-Classical building in Heroes’
Square has housed the collection (now around
Nagytétény Mansion Museum 14 ● E2 100,000 art works) since 1906. The museum has a
XXII., Kastélypark utca 9–1 broad collection of foreign art from Antiquity to the
≥ 207-5462 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — present day. In addition to the Egyptian, Greek and
Not only Budapest’s, but indeed one of the Roman collections, the Italian collection, which
country’s finest Baroque-age palaces. The mansion, gives a comprehensive overview of Italian schools of
built on 15th century Gothic foundations, took on its painting from the 13th to the 18th century, is very
present form in 1766. Today the mansion forms a rich. The jewels of the Spanish collection are seven
part of the Museum of Applied Art, and its rooms El Greco works, and among 19–20th century
have a magnificent collection of European furniture masterworks French painting is most
(around 300 pieces, single items and suites) dating comprehensively represented.
from the 15th to the 19th century. Temporary exhibitions: Goya, El Greco, Velázquez – Five
ç 3 % Permanent exhibition: free, temporary Centuries of Spanish Painting, 26 January–30 April
exhibition: HUF 200–400 Rex et Imperator exhibition, 17 March–18 June
Rembrandt 400, 23 June–25 September
Museum of Ethnography 15 ● B2 Van Gogh exhibition, 1 December–20 March 2007
V., Kossuth tér 12 ≥ 473-2400 1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 75, 79
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — % Permanent exhibition: free, temporary
One of Europe’s largest specialist museums with exhibition: HUF 400–1500
around 139,000 Hungarian and 53,000
international art objects. The former royal Statue Park [5] 18● E2
court, a magnificent building XXII., Balatoni út (road No. 70)-corner of Szabadkai
sited opposite Parliament, út ≥ 424-7500 ó daily: from 10 am–dusk —
combines Renaissance, Baroque Multi-ton socialism: mega-statues removed from
and neo-Classical elements. public parks and streets around the capital,
Permanent exhibitions: monumental representations of the period of
Traditional culture of the socialism in Hungary (Lenin, Marx, Engels, Soviet
Hungarian people, From soldiers etc.).
primitive societies to civilization. ç 14, 114, 50
Temporary exhibitions: Clay % HUF 200–600

16 www.budapestinfo.hu
Vasarely Museum 19 ● B1
III., Szentlélek tér 6 ≥ 388-7551
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–7.30 pm —
The museum is named after Hungarian-born painter
Gyôzô Vásárhelyi who moved to Paris in 1930 to
work, and who as Victor Vasarely gained world fame
as the founder of the op-art movement. His pictures
use sharp colours, geometric forms and optical
illusions. The exhibition material encompassing the
entire oeuvre of the artist is selected from 400 works
bequeathed to the Museum of Fine Arts.
« Árpád híd « 1 % free Citadel B4
XI., Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány ≥ 466-5794
Jewish Museum 20 ● C3 ó 9 am–9 pm
VII., Dohány utca 2 ≥ 342-8949 ó Mon–Thur: 10 Interior courtyard: “Past and Present of Gellért Hill”,
am–5 pm (10 am–3 pm between 1 November and “St. Gellért Memorial Park”, “Waxworks 1944,
14 April), Fri, Sun: 10 am–2 pm — bunker and exhibition”
The museum, built in fitting style and attached to ç 27 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 % HUF 0–1200
the uniquely beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue,
has an unparalleled collection of Judaica. Permanent Dorottya Gallery B3
exhibitions: Devotional objects for Jewish V., Dorottya utca 8 ≥ 266-0877 ó 1 Sept–30 April:
celebrations, Everyday objects, History of the Mon–Thur: 1–7 pm, Fri–Sat: 11 am–7 pm —
Hungarian Holocaust. 1 Vörösmarty tér 2 3 Deák tér « 2 % free
2 Astoria ë 74 « 47, 49 % HUF 500–2000 (The
price of admission includes entry to the museum Budapest Gallery Exhibition House B1
and synagogue) III., Lajos utca 158 ≥ 388-6771
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —
OTHER MUSEUMS, EXHIBITION « Árpád híd « 1 % HUF 100–200
HALLS, GALLERIES
Ernst Museum B3
Agricultural Museum C2 VI., Nagymezô utca 8
XVI., Vajdahunyad Castle ≥ 363-1973 ó Tue–Fri: 10 ≥ 413-1310 ó Tue–Sun: 11 am–7
am–5 pm, Sat.: 10 am–6 pm, Sun.: 10 am–5 pm — pm — « 4, 6 (Oktogon) 1 Opera
1 Széchenyi fürdô ç 4 ë 70, 72, 79 ë 70, 78 % HUF 250–500
% HUF 200–600
Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum and Research
Ambulance Service Museum B2 Centre C3
V., Markó utca 22 ≥ 350-3737/4188 VI., Vörösmarty utca 35 ≥ 322-9804
ó Mon–Sun.: 9 am–1 pm — ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm, Sat: 9 am–5 pm —
3 Nyugati tér « 4, 6 % HUF 100–200 1 Vörösmarty utca ç 4 % HUF 180–370

Arany Sas (Golden Eagle) Pharmacy Museum A3 Fire Service Museum F1

I., Tárnok utca 18 ≥ 375-9772 ó Tue–Sun: 10.30 X., Martinovics tér 12 ≥ 261-3586
am–5.30 pm (10 am–3.30 pm between 1 ó Tue–Sat: 9 am–4 pm Sun: 9 am–1 pm —
November and 28 February) — ç 9, 32, 62 « 3, 28 % free
ç 16 è Castle bus % free
Flag Museum C3
Béla Bartók Memorial House E1 VIII., József körút 68 ≥ 334-0159
II., Csalán út 29 ≥ 394-4472 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 ó Tue–Sun.: 11 am–6 pm —
pm — « 4, 6 % free
ç 5 (to the Pasaréti Square terminus) % HUF 150–400
Foundry Museum E1
Bible Museum C4 II., Bem József utca 20 ≥ 202-5327 ó 1 March–31
IX., Ráday utca 28 ≥ 217-6321 ó Tue–Sun: 10 October: Tue–Sun: 9 am–4 pm 1 November–28
am–5 pm — 3 Kálvin tér ç 15 % free February: Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —
2 Batthyány tér ç 11, 60, 86 « 4, 6, 19, 41 % free
Budapest Exhibition Hall B3
V., Szabadsajtó utca 5 ≥ 318-8097 Gallery of the Óbuda Society Circle B1
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — III., Kiskorona utca 7 ≥ 250-0288 ó Tue–Sun.: 2–6 pm
« 2 ç 5, 8, 7 3 Ferenciek tere % HUF 150–300 « Árpád híd % HUF 200

www.budapestinfo.hu 17
Gizi Bajor Museum of Actors and Actresses B1 KOGArt House [7] (Kovács Gábor Art Foundation) C2
XII., Stromfeld Aurél utca 16 ≥ 356-4294 VI., Andrássy út 112 ≥ 354-3820 ó 10 am–6 pm
ó Thur–Fri: 2–6 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–6 pm % HUF 400–800
ç 102 « 59 % Groups welcome: HUF 1000–2000

Holocaust Memorial Centre C4

IX., Páva utca 39 ≥ 455-3320, 455-3333
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm
« 4, 6, 30, 30A
3 Ferenc körút
% free

Hungarian House of Photographers

(Mai Manó Ház) B3
VI., Nagymezô utca 20 ≥ 473-2666 ó Mon–Fri: 2–7
pm, Sat, Sun and holidays: 11 am–7 pm —
ë 70, 78 1 Opera « 4, 6 (Oktogon) % HUF 200–400

House of Terror Museum C3

VI., Andrássy út 60 ≥ 374-2600 ó Tuesday–Friday:
10 am–6 pm, Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–8 pm —
1 Oktogon « 4, 6 ç 4 % HUF 750–1500
(International student card required)

Medieval Jewish Prayer House A3

I., Táncsics Mihály utca 26 ≥ 225-7815
ó 1 May–31 October: Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —
ç 16 è Castle bus % HUF 150–400

Hungarian Electrical Engineering Museum B3 Miksa Róth Memorial House C3

VII., Kazinczy utca 21 ≥ 322-0472 VII., Nefelejcs utca 26 ≥ 341-6789
ó Tue–Sat: 11 am–5 pm — ó Tue–Sun: 2–6 pm
2 Blaha Lujza tér ë 74 % free ç 7, 78 2 Keleti pályaudvar % HUF 100–250

Hungarian National Television B3 Military Baths Museum

Museum of the Technical and Programming TV III., Flórián tér 3–7 (in the pedestrian subway)
V., Október 6. utca 9 ≥ 269-2265 ó Tuesday: 10 ≥ 454-0438
am–2 pm, Thursday: 2–6 pm, ó 30 Apr.–1 Oct.: Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm; 1
Saturday: 10 am–2 pm May–30 Sept.: Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm
1 2 3 Deák tér ç 15, 16, 105 % free ç 6, 34, 42, 106, 86 « 1

18 www.budapestinfo.hu
Museum of Crime C3 ó Mon–Thur, Sat–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —
VIII., Mosonyi utca 7 ≥ 477-2183 2 Stadionok « 1 ë 75, 77 % free
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —
2 Keleti pályaudvar ç 7, 7, 173, 78 « 24 ë 80 Stamp Museum C3
% free VII., Hársfa utca 47 ≥ 341-5526 ó Tue–Sun: 10
am–6 pm —
Museum of Hungarian Commerce and B3 « 4, 6 ë 74 % HUF 100–200
Catering
V., Szent István tér 15 ≥ 375-6249 Telephone Museum A3
Scheduled opening after moving: May 2006 I., Úri utca 49 ≥ 201-8188
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —
National Geological Museum D3 è Castle bus % HUF 100–200
XIV., Stefánia út 14 ≥ 267-1427
ó 8 Jan–21 Dec: Thur, Sat, Sun: Textile Museum B1
10 am–4 pm — III., Lajos utca 136–138 ≥ 367-5910
2 Népstadion ç 7 ë 75, 77 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —
% HUF 200–350 « Tímár utca ç 6, 86 % HUF 250–300

Pál Molnár-C. Studio Tomb of Gül Baba E1

Museum A4 II., Mecset utca 14 ó 1 May–30 Sept: Tue–Sun: 10
XI., Ménesi út 65 ≥ 385-3637 am–6 pm 1–31 Oct: Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm
May be visited by prior ç 91 % HUF 200–400
arrangement
ç 27 « 61 % free

Petôfi Literary Museum B3

V., Károlyi Mihály utca 16
≥ 317-3611
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm
3 Ferenciek tere ç 15
% HUF 150–350

Postal Museum B3
VI., Andrássy út 3
≥ 269-6838 Trafó Gallery House of Contemporary Arts C4
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — IX., Liliom utca 41 ≥ 456-2040
ç 4 1 Bajcsy Zsilinszky út ó Tue–Sun: 4–8 pm
2 3 Deák tér « 4, 6 3 Ferenc körút % free
% HUF 100–200
Underground Railway Museum B2
Railway History Park D1 V., Deák Square-pedestrian underpass
XIV., Tatai út 95 ≥ 450-1497, 238-0558 ≥ 461-6500 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —
ó 15–31 March: 10 am–3 pm, 1 April–29 October: 1 2 3 Deák tér « 47, 49 ç 9, 16, 105
10 am–6 pm, 31 October–17 December: 10 am–3 % cost of a tram ticket (HUF 170)
pm, closed: Monday
ç 30 « 14 % HUF 300–1800 Varga Imre Collection E1
III., Laktanya utca 7
Ráth György Museum C2 ≥ 250-0274
VI., Városligeti fasor 12 ≥ 342-3916 ó Tue–Sun:
ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm — 10 am–6 pm —
1 Bajza utca ç 4 ë 70, 78, 79 « Árpád híd
% free % HUF 200-400

Semmelweis Museum of Medical History A3 Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum and C2

I., Apród utca 1–3 ≥ 201-1577 Archives
ó Tue–Sun: 10.30 am–5.30 pm — VI., Kodály körönd 1 ≥ 352-7106
ç 5, 78, 86 « 18, 19 % free ó Wed: 10 am–4 pm,
Thur–Sat: 10 am–6 pm, Sun: 10 am–2 pm —
Sport Museum C2 1 Kodály körönd
XIV., Dózsa György út 1–3 ≥ 252-1696 % HUF 100–200, free on Sunday

www.budapestinfo.hu 19
 to his designs. The church has renowned stained
glass windows designed by the master artist Miksa
Róth. The church treasury preserves 17–18th century
liturgical objects.
« 47, 49 3 Kálvin tér ç 9, 15, 112 ë 83

Dohány Street Synagogue [4] B3

VII., Dohány utca 2 ≥
342-8949
ó Mon–Thur: 10 am–5
pm (10 am–3 pm
between 1 November
and 14 April),
Fri, Sun: 10 am–2 pm
—
% HUF 500–1200
(The price of admission
includes entry to the
museum and
synagogue)
The glorious building in
[8] Byzantine-Moorish style
is Europe’s largest
CHURCHES, synagogue. It was built by Viennese architect
ECCLESIASTICAL COLLECTIONS Ludwig Förster in the middle of the 19th century.
One of Budapest’s most imposing historical
Inner City Franciscan Church B3 monuments, it is faced in white and red brick, with
V., Ferenciek tere a wealth of ceramic decorative elements and two
Open to visitors every day onion-dome towers. The museum has an
In the 13th century a monastery and church stood unequalled collection of Jewish-related items from
on the site of the present-day church, while its the Roman period to the 20th century.
current decorative Baroque form was given in the 2 Astoria ë 74 « 47, 49
18th century. The frescoes speak of the talent of
Károly Lotz and Vilmos Tardos Krenner. The Lutheran Church B3
Baroque main altar and the statues decorating the V., Deák tér, ≥ 483-2150 ó daily 8 am–6 pm
altar are particularly attractive. National Lutheran Museum:
3 Ferenciek tere Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm
In line with the Puritanism of Protestant churches
Inner City Parish Church B3 the building, a striking feature in Deák Square, is
V., Március 15. tér 2 characterized by the typical simplicity of early neo-
≥ 318-3108 Classicism. Although the church was built between
Open to visitors every day during church services 1797–1808, its final facade with tympanum
The oldest church in Pest, built in the 12th century in supported by Doric columns was completed only in
Romanesque style on the site of the grave of martyr 1856. Its superb acoustics make it a popular
Bishop Gellért. Nothing remains of the original
church; over the centuries it took on Gothic
features, and during the 17th century it was used by
the Turks as a mosque. Following a fire in 1723 it
was rebuilt in Baroque style, but the interior has
neo-Classical features too. Main sights: Gothic
chapel, neo-Gothic carved pulpit, 15th century
Italian frescoes and 20th century main altar.
3 Ferenciek tere « 2

Inner City Calvinist Church B4

IX., Kálvin tér
Open to visitors every day
Built in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style, its four-
column portico at the main entrance was built by
József Hild. The organ loft and pulpit were also built

20 www.budapestinfo.hu
location for evening organ concerts. The adjacent
National Lutheran Museum has an interesting
exhibition revealing the history of the Hungarian
Reformation.
ç 4, 9 « 47, 49 1 2 3 Deák tér

Matthias Church A3
I., Szentháromság tér ≥ 355-3657
ó daily 6 am-8 pm, ecclesiastical history exhibition,
daily: 9.30 am–5.30 pm —

Guided tours including visit to the tower: adults HUF

1600, students/pensioners: HUF 800.
Admission to the tower for a 360º panorama of the
city: adults HUF 500, students/pensioners: HUF 400.
The largest church in Budapest. Its 96-metre-high
dome affords a view over virtually the entire city.
Building started in 1851, and then in 1867 the work
was taken over by Miklós Ybl, the greatest architect
of the day, and finally concluded in 1905 by József
Kauser. The neo-Classical building holds the greatest
reliquary of the Hungarian people: the mummified
arm, the Holy Right, of King St. Stephen, after
whom the basilica is named. Among the church’s
famous works of art are sculptures by Alajos Stróbl,
and a painting by Gyula Benczúr: St. Stephen
dedicating the country to the Virgin Mary.
1 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 2 3 Deák tér

Budapest’s most attractive and most famous Serbian Church B4

Catholic church, which due to its unique siting V., Szerb utca 2–4 Open to visitors every day
largely defines the view of the Castle quarter as seen Built by Serbian settlers in Baroque style in 1698. Its
from the Pest side. interior is patterned on the plan of Greek Catholic
The royal cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, was churches: a wooden railing separates the women’s
built in several stages between the 13th and 15th church from the church for men built one step
centuries. Today’s neo-Gothic form was given by lower down. Pictures in the iconostasis (1850) show
major reconstruction work directed by Frigyes Italian Renaissance influences.
Schulek in 1896. Frescoes and stained glass 3 Kálvin tér « 47, 49 ç 9, 15
windows in the church were made by some of the
age’s finest artists (Károly Lotz, Mihály Zichy,
Bertalan Székely).
The marvellous collection of the church includes the
lapidarium, reliquary, coronation relics and the
treasury with goldsmith masterpieces and church
textiles.
è Castle bus % HUF 300–600

St. Stephen’s Basilica [8] B3

V., Szent István tér ≥ 317-2859
ó daily 9 am–5 pm (no visitors from noon on
Saturdays due to weddings, and until 1 pm on
Sundays due to mass). No charge.
Weekday guided tours in English: 9.30–11 am, 2–3.30
pm (registration: 06-20/527-5329 mobile
telephone).

www.budapestinfo.hu 21
CULTURAL avenue
Welcome to Europe’s most diverse ●
31
Cultural Avenue!
You are invited to a remarkable
walking tour in Budapest.
No fewer than 18 museums, a host
of theatres running different shows,
the State Opera House, Basilica,
Synagogue, Funfair and Zoo are located
along Budapest’s Cultural Avenue. Select
from whatever interests you most!
The Cultural Avenue runs right through
the centre of Budapest between the
World Heritage Buda Castle district and
City Park. Concentrated along this axis are
most of the capital’s prominent sights,

cultural
insti-
tutions,
cafés,
theatres and
confectioneries,
not to speak of the
entertainment
quarter in City Park.
People of all ages will
find something to enjoy on
the Cultural Avenue.
Discover another – unique –
side to Budapest!

22 www.budapestinfo.hu
 ●1 Museum of Military History
●2 Hungarian Museum of
Commerce and Catering
●3 Museum of Music History
●4 Buda Castle Labyrinth
●5 House of Hungarian Wines
●6 Telephone Museum
●7 Matthias Church
●8 Ruszwurm Confectionery
●9 Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum
●
10 House of Traditions
●
11 Funicular Railway
●
12 Hungarian National Gallery
●
13 Budapest History Museum
●
14 Semmelweis Museum of Medical
History
●
15 Chain Bridge
●
16 Gerbeaud Café
●
17 Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Hotel
●
18 Millennium Underground
Museum
●
19 Erzsébet Square Cultural Centre
●
20 Synagogue
●
21 Merlin Theatre
●
22 St. Stephen’s Basilica
●
23 Postal Museum
●
24 Czech Cultural Institute
●
25 Austrian Cultural Institute
●
26 Hungarian State Opera House
●
27 Mûvész Café
●
28 Goethe Institute
●
29 Hungarian House of Photography
●
30 Ernst Museum
●
31 Budapest Operetta Theatre
●
32 Moulin Rouge
●
33 Jókai Square and Liszt Ferenc
Square
●
34 Academy of Music
●
35 House of Terror Museum
●
36 Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum

●
48 ●
37 Lukács Confectionery
●
38 Puppet Theatre
●
39 Kodály Memorial Room
●
40 KOGArt House
●
41 Hopp Ferenc Museum
●
42 Museum of Fine Arts
●
43 Palace of Arts (Mûcsarnok)
●
44 Skating Rink and Boating Lake
●
45 Gundel Restaurant
●
46 Hungarian Agricultural Museum
●
47 Municipal Zoological and
Botanical Gardens
●
48 Széchenyi Thermal Baths
●
49 Grand Circus
●
50 Funfair
●
51 Museum of Transport

www.budapestinfo.hu 23
 LEGEND

Motorway Information Office

Main road World Heritage site

Secondary road
Railway Church
Industrial railway
Synagogue
Suburban train (HÉV)
Museum
Metro station
Ruins
Built-up area, road, important
building Monument from the
Turkish period
Park, footpath
Monument, statue

Pedestrian zone, pedestrian street Theatre

Medicinal bath, swimming pool

Vacant area, business area, steps
Hotel
Sports ground
Market
Airport Botanical garden

Boat station Parking

Multi-storey car park
Coach station Underground garage
SIGHTS, sightseeing
SIGHTSEEING PROGRAMMES Hungarian National Gallery. The view from the
Leaflets published by travel agencies specializing in Royal Palace across the Danube is breathtaking.
city sightseeing tours around Budapest are available Despite being rebuilt in neo-Gothic style, Matthias
from hotel reception desks and information offices. Church has managed to preserve its interior layout
Visitors have a choice of sightseeing by bus, boat or first shaped 700 years ago. Once the church where
on foot. In addition to the traditional 12-16- royalty was crowned, today its excellent acoustics
language bus sightseeing tours the following special make it an ideal venue for organ concerts. Its
programmes can also be recommended: trips collection of ecclesiastical vestments is famous, and
around Parliament, the Opera House and there is also a replica of the Hungarian Holy Crown
Ethnographical Museum, a walk in the Buda Castle, preserved in the treasury. The pale masonry of
historical Pest, Jewish memories in Budapest, Fishermen’s Bastion serves as a fine backdrop to
Budapest by night, and the Red Star tour (features Matthias Church. Close by is the Hilton Hotel,
from communist times). awarded the Hotel of the Year prize at the time it
Boat sightseeing trips titled “Danube Bella” and was built. In summertime the Hilton café and
“Danube Legend” are organized by Legenda Kft. terrace are popular places to relax.
(≥ 266-4190). The most attractive parts of the Danube
Further information on city sightseeing embankment can also be observed while on the move.
programmes is available on the web page of the Tram No. 2 travels the entire length of the
Tourism Office of Budapest (www.budapestinfo.hu). embankment, and a return trip affords an excellent

ONLY ONE DAY?

WHAT YOU MUSTN’T MISS...
Budapest holds a front-ranking position among the
most attractive cities of the world. It successfully
combines a centuries-old architectural and cultural
heritage with the latest features of modern life;
cherished historical memorials are steadily regaining
their original forms (in line with available resources).
Anyone who has just one day to spend on
sightseeing around the capital needs a well-planned
programme. It would be a pity to miss the Buda
Castle, Danube embankment and Andrássy
Avenue, all World Heritage sites. The Castle district
is packed with museums, for instance the Castle
Museum, Museum of Military History and the

26 www.budapestinfo.hu
www.budapestinfo.hu 27
platform from where we can pick out the most Tokaj, Aggtelek, Lake Fertô). This means that now
important buildings: departing from Jászai Mari Square Andrássy Avenue and its historical environs join
we soon arrive at Parliament, and then a little further the Castle district and Danube embankment as
down the view of Matthias Church, Fishermen’s holders of the prestigious World Heritage award,
Bastion and the Royal Palace unfolds across the river. although it is true to say that local residents and
The tram rattles past one bridge after another, visitors consider the award fully deserved, Budapest
including Chain Bridge, the oldest in Budapest. being – in their eyes – one of the most beautiful
Leaving Elizabeth Bridge behind, Gellért Hill capitals in the world.
dominates the Buda scene, and then the marvellous The Castle quarter represents the core of the
old Gellért Hotel and Spa Bath hove into view at ancient town and an area guarding some of the
the foot of Liberty Bridge on the Buda side. most important historical monuments in the
The Citadel (formerly a fortress, today a country. And although in the 800 years since its
museum), the most important lookout point in the foundation it has been hit by virtually every disaster
city, sits atop Gellért Hill and offers an unrivalled imaginable – earthquake, fire, siege and world war –
panorama of World Heritage Budapest including the its beauty continues to shine through and its
Buda Castle district and both sides of the Danube medieval monuments are a delight. On entering the
embankment. At the end of our tram ride stand the quarter visitors generally get the impression they
new National Theatre and Palace of Arts on have travelled back in time to a completely
the Pest side close to Lágymányos Bridge. On the different, calmer age, where the gateways of
return trip (on the right-hand side) we have the Baroque houses reveal Roman-age stones and finely
dignified University Corvinus Budapest, behind carved sedilia from the age of chivalry. Underneath
the feet lies a vast labyrinth of caves, which
served as a military station for 20,000 German
soldiers during the Second World War. One of the
defining buildings of Budapest, the over 700-year-
old Matthias Church, stands in Szentháromság
(Holy Trinity) Square. Its Gothic tower and the
backdrop of Fishermen’s Bastion make this one

which is the remarkable Central Market Hall.

Further back into town we pass a series of top class
hotels and the Vigadó, whose concert hall and
lobby are as dramatic as the external view. The
Gresham Palace, which has been transformed
into a luxury hotel (Four Seasons), and the neo-
Renaissance building of the
Hungarian Academy of
Sciences, stand on
Roosevelt Square.
Andrássy Avenue is a key
element in the Budapest
city plan. An early underground railway (in fact the
very first on the continent) still runs the length of
the Avenue; stations on the line have preserved
their original designs created 130 years ago, and
small exhibitions at each station detail the most
interesting buildings of the age. Our tour concludes
at Heroes’ Square where it is worth devoting time of the most commonly photographed monuments.
to the world-famous collection of Spanish masters Over the course of centuries the church was the
and other treasures in the Museum of Fine Arts, scene for many coronations, then it served as a
or the contemporary exhibitions staged in the Turkish mosque from 1541 before being re-
Palace of Arts on the opposite side of the square. consecrated. Inside, the earthly remains of King Béla
III and his wife lie in a carved sarcophagus. The rich
OUR WORLD HERITAGE collection of ecclesiastical art attracts many visitors
In 2002 the UNESCO World Heritage committee each year. Fishermen’s Bastion was raised in neo-
enhanced the capital’s standing among the already Romanesque style on the foundations of the
existing eight World Heritage locations in Hungary medieval castle walls; it affords a superb viewpoint
(Hollókô, Budapest, Pannonhalma, Hortobágy, Pécs, (continued on page 30)

28 www.budapestinfo.hu
(continued from page 28) former prime minister who had done much to make
over the city. Right alongside, and happily alloying Budapest a true metropolis. The cream of Eclectic
the old with the new, stands the luxury Hilton architecture is to be seen along the Avenue,
Hotel built over 25 years ago. The hotel courtyard including the outstanding Opera House and many
encompasses the cloister of a medieval monastery, beautiful tenement blocks with intimate inner
inside which are the remains of an ancient church; courtyards, statues and fountains. But it is not only
theatrical performances are held here each summer. these buildings which are worthy of attention; the
The former Royal Palace and its attendant Avenue’s environs boast a huge variety of
buildings represent an architectural styles and interesting
organic, and yet at the sights. The near 2.5-km-long Avenue
same time a separate part was inspired by the boulevards of
of the Castle quarter. The France, and it originally had a separate
several historical sections, lane reserved for gentlemen out riding.
which were severely One of the special features of Andrássy
damaged during the Second World War, have Avenue is barely visible on the surface. The
over the intervening years found new only give-away is the occasional wrought
functions. Most wings of the palace have been iron balustrade leading underground...
turned into museums, and the National Continental Europe’s first sub-surface
Széchényi Library is also here. Sándor Palace, railway was built under the road, and the more
once the residence of the prime minister, is now the than 125-year-old underground is still carrying
office and residence of the president of the republic. passengers today along a line only slightly longer than
The Royal Palace and its fine buildings form a the original. After Oktogon the museum visitor comes
single entity with the rows of Danube embankment across a vast grey edifice, the House of Terror
houses under Castle Hill, with Rudas Baths, built Museum set up in the former headquarters of the
in 1566 by Pasha Sokoli Mustafa and once a cultic dreaded state police. Inside is a permanent exhibition
centre due to its proximity to a nearby Dervish dedicated to the many victims of fascism and
monastery, as well as the cliffs of Gellért Hill and the communism in Hungary.
bridges spanning the Danube. Among the latter, Villas along the Avenue are named after their one-
the oldest is Chain Bridge built in 1849, the most time owners or designers. This is where you’ll find
graceful is Elizabeth Bridge, one of the earliest the East Asian Art Museum, established in the
suspension bridges, and the newest bridge on the former home of Ferenc Hopp who collected most of
scene is Lágymányos, which diverts a considerable the works on display, and then bequeathed them to
amount of traffic away from the inner city. The the nation. The embassies have residences in equally
century-old building of Parliament, built by Imre imposing villas. A fine Bauhaus building stands at
Steindl in neo-Gothic style, defines the view on the the corner of Munkácsy Mihály Street; this is the
opposite side of the Danube. Behind this one can recently renovated Hotel Andrássy, designed by
see the dome of Budapest’s largest ecclesiastical Alfréd Hajós, Hungarian swimming champion at the
building, St. Stephen’s Basilica. Not far from this 1896 Athens Olympic Games. The neo-Renaissance
stands the dignified edifice of the Hungarian Hungarian College of Fine Art also stands on
Academy of Sciences on the Pest end of Chain Andrássy Avenue; a memorial museum established
Bridge, and beside it the Art Nouveau Gresham in the former flat of Zoltán Kodály, one of the
Palace which has been completely renewed to greatest Hungarian composers of the 20th century,
function as a Four Seasons luxury hotel. The can be accessed from Kodály Circus.
marvellous panorama is rounded off by the line of Andrássy Avenue terminates at the Millennium
hotels on the embankment and the grand old Monument erected to mark the thousandth
Vigadó. anniversary of the Magyar Conquest. Archangel
Andrássy Gabriel stands atop the huge column, at the foot of
Avenue and which are sculptures of the seven tribal chieftains.
environs make The semi-circular pantheon surrounding this
up a unified ensemble has depictions of famous kings, generals
architectural and great historical figures. In the foreground is the
form dating memorial to the Unknown Soldier. Most visiting
from the late heads of state and government pay their respects at
19th century, this monument. On one side of the square stands
despite which the Museum of Fine Arts with a Spanish
there are still collection unrivalled outside Spain, and opposite the
clearly defined Palace of Arts, home to temporary exhibitions.
sections to it. City Park Lake behind Heroes’ Square tempts
It was named the visitor to take out a boat in summer and skate in
after the winter. The entertainment and cultural centres in

30 www.budapestinfo.hu
City Park (Zoo, Funfair, Municipal Grand Circus,
Széchenyi Spa, Vajdahunyad Castle built on a mini
island, the museums of agriculture and transport as
well as Petôfi Hall) are the capital’s favourite tourist
destinations.

SIGHTSEEING OVER 3 DAYS,

OR WHERE YOU
SHOULD GO IN BUDAPEST
We hope that Budapest will captivate you, and you
have the chance of staying in our capital for at least
three days. But if you’ve already seen the Castle
district, Danube embankment and Andrássy Avenue,
don’t despair: there are plenty of other things to see
and do!
Parliament stands head and shoulders above its
neighbours on the Pest side of the river. Whether we
are talking of its external neo-Gothic appearance or
its interior, there is but one word to describe it:
stunning. Today it guards the Hungarian Holy
Crown, Orb and Sceptre, while the 1004-year-old
mantle, another part of the coronation regalia richly
embroidered with gold thread, is preserved in the
Hungarian National Museum. Not far from
Parliament is St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest
ecclesiastical building in Budapest and repository for
the relic the Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen,
Hungary’s first king. The Basilica’s dome affords a
superb all-round view of the city. One of the finest
historical monuments in the capital, the Opera
House, stands on Andrássy Avenue. It is well worth
visiting not only for its brilliant performances but
also for the magnificent grand stair and lavish
interior design. Buy tickets for an evening of
entertainment there. You’ll be able to enjoy the
classics or contemporary music in the form of opera
or ballet performed nearly every day of the week. It
will be a memory you’ll always treasure.
However, should the history of transport, rare
vehicles and the like, be more to your taste, then
we can recommend the Transport Museum. The
collection, set up in a museum in City Park, displays
a whole variety of items from veteran cars to a
space module. The museum’s model collection –
incredibly detailed scale models of locomotives,
carriages and ships – is spoken of around the world.
Life-size, working locomotives, the real thing, are on
display in the Hungarian Railway History Park
(indeed, you can even try your hand at driving
one). The Park boasts around 100 fully functioning
locomotives from the early days of steam up to
more modern times. Each year the legendary Orient
Express also makes several stops here.
Aquincum is packed with memories of the
Roman period. The town was the seat of the
province, and its excavated ruins allow one to
conjure up in the mind an image of the once
thriving centre complete with baths, amphitheatres
and military encampment. An extensive furniture
exhibition in the Nagytétény Mansion Museum

www.budapestinfo.hu 31
covers periods which came long after the Romans invasion, and he chose this spot as the seat of royal
had left: superb Renaissance, Baroque, Biedermeier rule. The Castle quarter on Castle Hill stands 180 m
and neo-Classical furniture. Budafok, famed for its above sea level. It is around 1.5 km long and in
wine-making, lies not far from Nagytétény. Millions places it is 500 metres wide. It boasts three
of litres of the very finest sparkling wines and select churches, five museums, many historical buildings,
reds and whites lie maturing in the cavernous cellar monuments, streets and squares, a theatre, four
system hereabouts. A tour of the cellars combined hotels, numerous atmospheric restaurants, cafés,
with wine tasting takes at least half a day. galleries and gift shops. Breathtaking panoramas
A trip out to the Statue Park will prove an open from the Fishermen’s Bastion and the
unforgettable experience. Gigantic statues and promenade in front of the National Gallery.
memorials erected during Communist times and
collected from all parts of the country (although Royal Palace B3
largely from around the squares and streets of the I. district Castle quarter – è Castle bus, Funicular
capital) after the change of regime have been One of the symbols of the nation, the palace has
brought together to make a stunning collection witnessed wars and occupation from the 13th to the 20th
probably unique in the world. century. The Turks occupied it, as did the Habsburgs, it
Budapest is a spa city. Travellers were writing was destroyed three times and then rebuilt, each time in
about its remarkable medicinal waters in the 1500s. the architectural style of the age. Today’s neo-Classical
One of the Turkish baths built around that time is style was taken on after the Second World War. The
the Rudas, and it still employs some of the original building hosts several distinguished institutions: the
fittings today. Gellért Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum
Spa is the most and the National Széchényi Library.
elegant in town,
offering a bubble bath, Fishermen’s Bastion A3
open-air wave pool, I., Szentháromság tér – è Castle bus
thermal pools and A relatively youthful structure next to Matthias
medical services to very Church. Building started in 1895 on the designs of
high standards. Frigyes Schulek. It was sited on the place of the
Of course one’s tour, medieval fish market and the walls protected by the
trip to a museum or guild of fishermen, whence the name. The neo-
spa wouldn’t be Romanesque bastion has only ever had a decorative
complete without role: it is a popular place to look out over Pest.
enjoying a fine meal in
one of the many Liberty Statue B4
excellent restaurants of the capital, or coffee and XI., Gellérthegy – ç 27, 86 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118
cakes in an equally outstanding confectionery. The 14-m-high statue, the work of outstanding
Budapest is proud of the Százéves (100-year-old) architect Zsigmond Kisfaludy Strobl, was raised in
Restaurant, which actually is well past the magical 1947 in memory of the country’s liberation. And
century. In fact the Alabárdos, Aranyszarvas even though the post-war period
(Golden Hind) and Kárpátia are also getting on also marked the start of Soviet rule,
in age. Their furnishings and style are delightful, the statue on Gellért Hill was not
and each serves traditional Hungarian cuisine made removed even after the change of
to order, just as is the case in the famed Matthias regime since it had become an
Cellar (Mátyás pince). Among the indelible part of the cityscape. There are
confectioneries, the once renowned Hauer has two other sculptures at the foot of the
reopened on Rákóczi Road, and Mozart on female figure holding aloft the palm of
Erzsébet Boulevard serves the creme de la creme in victory: one is an allegory of progress,
cakes and desserts. Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty the other the fight against evil.
Square and the Zsolnay confectionery in the
Béke Hotel are elegant and old world, with Hungarian State Geological
delicacies served on fine Hungarian porcelain. Institute D2
We hope that in the course of getting to know XIV., Stefánia út 14
Budapest you’ll discover for yourself: you just can’t 2 Stadionok ç 7
help falling in love with this city. One of the capital’s finest Art Nouveau buildings. It
was designed by Ödön Lechner and built in 1899.
Castle quarter and Castle Hill A-B3 Its light blue ceramic roof and blue Zsolnay ceramic
I. district (Buda) – è Castle bus ç 16 Funicular decoration harmonize with the yellow-brown
Part of the World Heritage. Due to its excellent façade. Three figures can be observed on the
features it was settled as early as the 13th century; middle roof crest holding a globe. There is a rock
King Béla IV built a castle here after the Tartar and mineral exhibition in the Institute.

32 www.budapestinfo.hu
Heroes’ Square C2
XIV, City Park – 1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 79
The most spectacular square in the capital, sited at
the entrance to City Park. Anyone coming up
Andrássy Boulevard sees from afar the 36-m-high
column in the centre of the Millennium memorial,
on top of which is a statue of the Archangel Gabriel
holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and apostolic
double cross. Quarter-circular colonnades extend to
both left and right of the column. Between the

pillars of the colonnade are figures of the ‘greats’ coronation regalia here: St. Stephen’s Crown, the
from Hungarian history, while the butt piers are sceptre, orb and Renaissance sword.
embellished with emblematic sculptural ensembles
(work, welfare, knowledge, honour and peace). The Hungarian Academy of Sciences B3
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is positioned in front V., Roosevelt tér 9 – « 2 ç 16
of the monument. The magnificent buildings of the The oldest and most significant building on
Palace of Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts to the Roosevelt Square. Its perfect neo-Renaissance design
right and left of the monument enhance the fine came from the studio of Berlin architect Stüler, and
architectural entity of Heroes’ Square. it was built between 1862–64. The grand gala hall
decorated with pictures by Károly Lotz is also used
Parliament B2 for staging concerts. There are lecture and session
V., Kossuth tér 1–3 ≥ 441-4000 www.parlament.hu rooms, and a valuable scientific library. Allegorical
Tours: daily every 15 minutes, groups of min. 5 sculptures in the imposing foyer and on the façade
persons (weekdays 8 am–6 pm, Saturday 8 am–4 are the work of Miklós Izsó and Emil Wolf.
pm, Sunday 8 am–2 pm); assemble at Gate No. 10.
Daily tours with foreign language guides: English 10 Hungarian State Opera House B3
am, midday, 2 pm; German 11 am, 3 pm; French 2 VI., Andrássy út 22 ≥ 331-2550 www.opera.hu
pm; Hebrew 10.30 am, 1.30 pm; Russian 3 pm ç 4 1 Opera
(Sunday 11 am); Italian and Spanish 11.30 am, 4 pm ó daily 3–4 pm
Admission: adults HUF 2300, students: HUF 1150, Daily guided tours in English, German, Italian,
International Student Card accepted, free for Spanish and French.
citizens of the European Union Prices: adults HUF 2400, students HUF 1200
Information: 441-4415 (International Student Card accepted).
2 Kossuth tér ç 15 « 2 ë 70, 78 Information: 332-8197
The largest building in the country, the permanent One of the most imposing opera houses of its day,
site of the national assembly, Parliament sits on the the Budapest Opera House opened in 1884. Its neo-
Danube embankment with its entrance looking out Classical and neo-Renaissance design is the work of
over Kossuth Square. The neo-Gothic building is the the greatest Hungarian architect of the 19th
work of architect Imre Steindl, and was constructed century, Miklós Ybl. The grandiose lobby, elegant
between 1884–1904. It has 691 rooms, is 268 m staircase and horseshoe-shaped auditorium are
long and its cupola rises 96 m into the air. The important tourist sights in themselves. Guest
staircase is embellished with fine frescoes by Károly conductors at the Opera House have included such
Lotz and sculptures by György Kiss. Parliament’s world greats as Gustav Mahler and Otto Klemperer.
most important work of art, the painting “The
Conquest” by Mihály Munkácsy, is in the Munkácsy Gresham Palace B3
Room next to the President’s office. Since 2000 the V., Roosevelt tér 5–6 – « 2 ç 4, 16, 105
general public has been able to view the Hungarian This Art Nouveau building was commissioned by the

www.budapestinfo.hu 33
Gresham Assurance Company, London, and built in One of the most imposing squares in the capital is
1907 on the basis of designs by the brothers József surrounded by fine buildings. The richly decorated
and László Vágó and Zsigmond Quittner. The most walls of the Hungarian National Bank look onto the
modern luxury apartments and offices of the day were Eclectic-Art Nouveau headquarters of Hungarian TV
established in the building. The Palace features several (formerly it was the stock exchange) opposite. Both
statues, one of which (at the top of the facade) is a were built to the designs of Count Ignác Alpár in
bust of Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the London 1905.
stock exchange. The Four Seasons, the capital’s most The building housing the American Embassy
exclusive luxury hotel, opened here in 2004. (1899–1901) is also worthy of attention.
On the north side of the square stands the huge
Central Market B4 memorial to Soviet troops killed during the siege of
IX., Fôvám krt. 1–3 – ç 15 « 2, 47, 49 Budapest in 1945, the only communist monument
The largest market in the capital, and the most still standing in its original position after the change
attractive. It was built in 1890, designed by Samu of regime. Leaving the square through Aulich Street
Pecz. Following its complete restoration in 1994 it we come to the Batthyány eternal flame: this was
has become one of the most popular and visited the site of the execution in 1849 (after the War of
shopping sites among tourist circles. The imposing Independence had been put down) of the prime
building of the University Corvinus Budapest stands minister of the first independent Hungarian
close by, at the Pest foot of Liberty Bridge. government, Lajos Batthyány. Walking down Vécsey
Street towards Kossuth Lajos Square the way crosses
Statue of St. Gellért B4 through Martyrs’ Square. The statue on the bridge
XI., Gellérthegy – ç 7 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 here is of Imre Nagy, the prime minister of Hungary
during the 1956 Revolution, who was also executed.

MOM Park A3
XII., Alkotás utca – ç 8, 139 « 61
This large residential estate, shopping and
entertainment centre (inaugurated September
2001) takes its name from the Hungarian Optical
Works (Magyar Optikai Mûvek – MOM) factory
which once occupied the site. However, today the
The statue of Bishop Gellért, who died a martyr in only memory of the works is the former MOM
the 11th century, stands opposite Elizabeth Bridge on House of Culture built in socialist realism style on
the south side of Gellért Hill. According to legend the plans of Károly Dávid Jnr. and which can be
this is the spot from where pagans pushed the seen standing on the corner of Csörsz Street. The
missionary bishop, sealed in a barrel, down into the park is the work of architects Antal Puhl and Tamás
Danube. The striking statue is enhanced by the Noll, and is built according to the best traditions of
semicircular colonnade behind and the natural classical modern Hungarian architecture.
spring which rises to the surface at this point, and
which turns into a waterfall below the statue. Palace of Arts
IX., Komor Marcell utca 1
Westend City Center B2 ç 23, 54, 103 « 1, 2, 24 « Csepel, Ráckeve
XIII., Váci út – « 4, 6 3 Nyugati pu. ç 6, 26, 91
At the end of 1999 the Western Railway Station,
unique in Europe, designed by Gustave Eiffel and
ranked as one of the most outstanding historical
monuments of the capital, saw a new “neighbour”
move in next door: the stunning modern complex
called the Westend City Center. The complex
(which has had a decisive impact on shaping the
cityscape) has a 14-screen cinema, offices and
60,000 square metre shopping centre (with
waterfall in the vestibule). The 200-room Hilton
Budapest Westend, the latest Budapest hotel in the The capital’s newest concert venue, the National
Hilton chain, is integrated in the mega-complex on Concert Hall, as well as the new residences of the
a site looking onto Váci Road. Ludwig Museum and National Dance Theatre are all
in the modern cultural structure positioned between
Szabadság (Liberty) Square B3 Lágymányos Bridge and the National Theatre, the
V., Szabadság tér Palace of Arts. In the few months since its opening
ç 15 « 2 2 Kossuth tér 3 Arany János utca in March 2005 the institution has attracted such

34 www.budapestinfo.hu
world-famous orchestras and companies as the Chicago
Symphonics, the London St. Martin-in-the-Fields Ensemble and the
Nederland Dance Theatre. The permanent exhibition of the Ludwig
Museum includes works by Picasso, Warhol and the greatest
contemporary Hungarian artists. All are welcome to take in the
building’s breathtaking interior dimensions; there is also a CD store,
gift and bookshop, restaurant and cafeteria.

French Institute B4
I., Fô utca 17
ç 86 « 19, 41
Of the contemporary buildings in
Budapest this centre of French
culture built to the plans of
George Maurios in 1992 takes a
leading position. Although
designed to fit the form of other
blocks along the Danube
embankment, details of the
building are radically modern. One interesting feature is that the
Institute is adjoined to the inner courtyard of the neighbouring
house with a glass wall, thus anyone sitting in the buffet is witness
to the everyday comings and goings of a typical Budapest
apartment block.

Elizabeth Bridge B3
ç 5, 7, 7, 8, 78, 86, 173 « 2, 18, 19, 41, 118
In the year of its construction (1903) it was the world’s longest
suspension bridge, a
record it held until
1926. The bridge was
named after the wife
of Emperor Franz
Joseph, Hungary’s
beloved Queen
Elizabeth. German
troops blew up the original bridge in 1945. The new bridge was
designed by Pál Sávoly and built in 1964.

Liberty Bridge B4
« 2, 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 ç 7, 7/A, 15, 86
Originally called Franz Joseph Bridge, it was constructed in 1899,
and following the destruction of all the Budapest bridges in 1945
this was the first one to be rebuilt (1946) since it had suffered the
least damage. During rebuilding all its decorative motifs were
retained: the mythical Turul birds, royal coat of arms etc.

Chain Bridge B3
ç 4, 16, 86, 105 « 2, 19, 41
The capital’s first bridge, a historical monument, has attracted many
tourists to Budapest: photographs or film of it illuminated at night,
with the imposing Buda Castle rising in the background, make for a
breathtaking sight. Count István Széchenyi commissioned William
Tierney Clark to design the bridge and engineer
Adam Clark (no relation) to build it. Construction
lasted from 1839–1849. The bridge did not
escape the destruction of the
Second World War, and it
was rebuilt in 1949, on its
100th anniversary.

www.budapestinfo.hu 35
ANTIQUES road show

[1]

ANTIQUES STREET the one her family had when she was young. The
PACKED WITH TREASURES association sparked memories of bygone days, which
Budapest’s street of galleries first began to coalesce just finally grew into a novel and then a popular stage play.
off Margaret Bridge around 10 years ago. A stroll Among the 21 shops and galleries on Falk Miksa
down just two blocks of Falk Miksa Street reveals Street, some specialize in certain areas and some sell
more than 20 shops and galleries stuffed with bric-a- a kaleidoscope of antiques. Some are just 20 square
brac, curios and objets d’art. (As an interesting aside, metres of shop floor, others are three-storey
politician and publicist Miksa Falk has gone down in emporiums. Most prop their doors open to entice in
history books as the person who taught Queen the curious, and many hold auctions of museum-
Elizabeth, wife of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, to quality pictures, sculptures and other outstanding
speak Hungarian.) The items on display (and the art objects. Among the bigger companies there are
prices) are so tempting that not many have a couple who specialize in the works of a chosen
managed to walk from one end of the street to artist or stage temporary exhibitions of the finest
the other without at least seriously considering paintings by a particular school, thereby
making an “investment”. Lace-like delicate spreading the word and bringing to the
porcelain, silken carpets, carved or inlaid attention of the general public the oeuvre of
furniture, all are handcrafted masterworks. In artists who have sunken into obscurity. For
fact, the choice can sometimes be a bit example, the Kieselbach Gallery gives a
overwhelming. It is as though each piece comprehensive overview of modern Hungarian
has its own story to tell and is just waiting painting from 1919 to 1964.
to be discovered. One may be able to The street is often busy (and all the more so
conjure up in the mind images of the artists before the major holidays) with shoppers looking for
who created the old crochet-work curtains something really special for a loved one: perhaps an
and filigree-lace tablecloths, or even the Art Nouveau brooch or a cast iron wall-mounted
superbly worked wardrobes and tables. But sink (which, by the way, today has a new function as
who was the little girl who played with the delightfully a plant-holder). This is truly the place for a “made-to-
costumed doll over a century ago? How many sat in measure” gift! However, even slow days in Falk Miksa
this turn-of-the-century, squat swivel barber’s chair Street are interesting. Collectors pop their heads around
upholstered in leather. Who was the beauty captured the doors to check out the ever changing displays,
so vividly by this deft-handed painter? Where could perhaps in the hope of finding that object that will
this charming landscape be that calls to us so complete a missing gap in the collection, before their
evocatively? What convoluted route did this silver eye is taken by something else... Then there are others
candlestick take finally to end up in this shop? Then who just enjoy trawling through the shops, learning
again, it’s always pleasurable to mull over where such about the styles and periods, getting simple pleasure
and such a piece would go in the house. A famous from handling old peasant faience kitchenware, ancient
Hungarian writer once glimpsed a sugar bowl in one colanders, the thick green glass of soda siphons,
of the shops and bought it because it was the same as pharmacy jars, Murano chandeliers, Pakistani or Afghan

36 www.budapestinfo.hu
hand-knotted wool or silk rugs, glorious Herend than a few thousand forints at most, there are some
porcelain and old horological timepieces, all the valuable rarities out there too. However, sorting the
creations of skilled hands from bygone days. 24-carat gold from fool’s gold requires not only a
good eye but some considerable luck too. A trip to
TREASURE, TRASH AND TRINKETS the flea market will almost certainly mean you’ll
AT ECSERI FLEA MARKET come across a painting, piece of porcelain or some
other antique which would look really good at
The largest second-hand market in Budapest, the flea home and be a pleasurable souvenir of Budapest.
market on Nagykôrösi Road, may be located some But don’t forget to bargain, because this is all part
distance from the centre of town and yet most tourists of the game! Tip: before getting down to
find the journey out there well worth the time. Known negotiations, decide the maximum price you’ll pay
by the locals simply as the “Ecseri”, the bustling and stick to it. You should never forget that most
market is an experience not only for those with a fixed dealers make their living selling to tourists...
aim but also for those who just want to do some “stall The Ecseri is a treasure trove of objects for serious
shopping”. After all, it is great fun to browse collectors and browsers alike because it is a gathering
through so many bits and pieces in the hope point for items from all over the Carpathian Basin
of turning up the occasional gem: including sub-Carpathia, Transylvania,
from trinkets to Art Nouveau Upper Hungary and the Vajdaság.
furniture, from black and white Moving further afield, some traders
greetings card to a silver fob travel all the way from Belgium
watch, from an early camera to and France, but mixed among
paintings of all schools and the stalls are Africans too selling
qualities, the Ecseri has it all. And antique silver. But Ecseri is not
more! Antiques, violins, gramophones, only about antiques because there
books, porcelain, old fashioned irons, are also stallholders selling leather
rugs and carpets, old soda siphons, pens, jackets and jeans at prices that put
dinner services, medals, militaria, lace... the downtown shops to shame. So whether
This is a cavalcade of old and new, the you come to buy or to browse, you’ll not be
superb and the showy, the glorious and the kitsch. Old disappointed by what you find here. And if you find
bronze pestles and mortars, bottles with marble stoppers, you really don’t need anything today, don’t leave
lead soldiers and military honours speak of bygone ages. empty handed! They do say the local lángos (fried
No wonder then that the visitor sometimes feels as dough smothered in sour cream, cheese and other
though time has stood still for a few decades. toppings) is the best in town.
The ramshackle market with absolutely no “extras” is
a world away from the modern, glitzy, air-conditioned „Ecseri” Flea Market
shopping malls of today. The Ecseri takes shopping to a 1194 Budapest, Nagykôrösi út 156 ≥ 282-9563
different level where passion is part of the story. Sellers ó Mon–Fri: 8 am–4 pm, Sat: 8 am–3 pm
are often eager to strike up a conversation with Access: tram 4 or 6 from Blaha Lujza Square to
potential buyers, extolling – at length – the virtues of Boráros Square, and then bus 54 to the market
their wares and spicing up bargaining with raised voice
and argument. The visitor can also claim that this is not
merely a shopping expedition but culture too. After all,
the variety of ancient wooden troughs, copper
watering cans and 100-year-old furniture on display can
be likened to a trip around an open-air ethnographical
museum! Gramophones, porcelain dolls and teddy
bears are jammed in between chests of drawers,
armchairs and oil paintings. Stands packed cheek by
jowl with each other and overflowing with knick-knacks
of every conceivable kind give one the sense of
wandering an oriental bazaar.
Every one of the items on sale has its own story.
And perhaps this very fact gives the market its
remarkable and sometimes mystical air. There is
plenty of jewellery of the sort that grandmother
probably wore for large family get-togethers, dinner
services into which the Sunday soup was ladled year
after year, and violins with strings worn thin by
generations of youthful Menuhin wannabes.
Although most items won’t set you back more

www.budapestinfo.hu 37
 [2]

[1] [3]
[4]

MUSIC, THEATRES, events

Hungarian classical and folk music is world-renowned. The names and works of Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály and
Ferenc Liszt have won Hungarian culture a considerable reputation. The concert halls of the capital attract not
only the best Hungarian artists, but also the greatest performers from every corner of the world. Each year the
Budapest Spring Festival and its counterpart the Budapest Autumn Festival host the very best of Hungarian and
international music, theatre, film and fine arts.
High standard opera and ballet performances of the Hungarian State Opera House and the Erkel Theatre
consistently play to full houses, and the audience can experience classical works of music in their original tongue.
The most famous Hungarian opera, Ferenc Erkel’s Bánk bán, and Béla Bartók’s beautiful ballet The Miraculous
Mandarin feature on programmes virtually all year round.
Aside from the successful operettas of Imre Kálmán, Pál Ábrahám and Ferenc Lehár (Countess Marica, Csárdás
Queen, Land of Smiles) playing in the renewed Budapest Operetta Theatre, the programme is also spiced with
popular musicals (Funny Girl, Sound of Music). The world famous musical Phantom of the Opera can be seen in
the Madách Theatre all year round. Several other theatres also feature Hungarian and foreign musicals on their
repertoires. The Merlin Theatre and IBS International Buda Stage most frequently perform works in English or in
other languages featuring Hungarian and foreign artists.
Globetrotting Hungarian folklore ensembles (State Folk Ensemble, Duna Artists Ensemble, Rajkó Ensemble etc.)
regularly take to the stage of the Buda Vigadó and Duna Palace.
The five-language monthly programme guide Budapest Panorama with detailed information on all the capital’s
cultural events and leisure opportunities is well worth scanning if you have just arrived in Budapest.
Complimentary copies of Budapest Panorama can be found in hotels and information offices.

MAJOR BUDAPEST THEATRES Palace of Arts [4] C4

AND CONCERT HALLS (National Concert Hall)
IX., Komor Marcell utca 1 ≥ 555-3000
Hungarian State Opera House B3 « 1, 2, 24 ç 23, 54, 103 « Csepel, Ráckeve
VI., Andrássy út 22 ≥ 353-0170 % Charges vary
1 Opera ç 4
% HUF 500–8500 Pest Vigadó [3] B3
V., Vigadó tér 2
Academy of Music C3 ≥ 318-9167
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 8 « 2 1 Vörösmarty tér
≥ 342-0179 Under reconstruction.
« 4, 6 ë 70, 78
% Charges vary Erkel Theatre C3
VIII., Köztársaság tér 30 ≥ 333-0540
National Theatre [1] C4 ç 7 % HUF 500–8500
IX., Bajor Gizi park 1
≥ 476-6868 Budapest Congress &
« 2 ç 23, 54, 103 World Trade Center A4
« Csepel, Ráckeve XII., Jagelló út 1–3 ≥ 372-5700
% HUF 1000–2500 ç 139 « 61 % Charges vary

38
Millenary Park A2
BUDAPEST EVENTS – 2006
II., Lövôház utca 39 ≥ 438-5312 (Preliminary programme)
« 4, 6 % Charges vary 1 January New Year’s Day Gala Concerts
25 February Budapest Opera Ball
Budapest Operetta Theatre B3 1–5 March Budapest motorcycle exhibition
17 March–2 April Budapest Spring Festival
VI., Nagymezô utca 19 ≥ 353-2172 9 April 21st T-Com Vivicittá Urban
ë 70, 78 % HUF 850–5500 Protection Race
19–21 May Plain Art – Festival of
Contemporary Arts
Duna Palace B3 20 May 18th Libresse Women’s Running Day
V., Zrínyi utca 5 ≥ 235-5500 May–August Summer Open-air Festival
ç 15 « 2 % Charges vary 1 June–23 September Óbuda Summer
1–5 June Festive Book Week
3 June–9 July Children’s Island
Thália Theatre B3 4 June 13th K&H Marathon and
VI., Nagymezô utca 22–24 ≥ 312-4230 Half-marathon relay
ë 70, 78 % HUF 850–5500 9–18 June Danube Carnival
11 June 3rd Budapest 10 km Race
15 June–9 July Ferencváros Festival
Madách Theatre C3 17 June Bridge Festival
VII., Erzsébet körút 29–33 ≥ 478-2041 23–25 June Budapest Equestrian Festival
« 4, 6 % HUF 400–8500 24–25 June Budapest Fête
1–30 July Buda Castle Summer
1 July–13 August Summer on Chain Bridge 2006
Comedy Theatre [2] B2
XIII., Szent István körút 14 ≥ 329-2340
« 4, 6 ç 6, 26, 91 % HUF 400–3000

Merlin Theatre B3
V., Gerlóczy utca 4
≥ 317-9338 —
« 47, 49 1 2 3 Deák tér 4–28 July BudaFest: Buda Castle Summer
% HUF 600–1800 Evenings in the Dominican
Courtyard of the Hilton Hotel
8 July Ratha Yatra Indian Cart Carnival
Trafó House of C4 9–28 July BudaFest: Concerts in the square
Contemporary Arts in front of the Basilica
IX., Liliom utca 41 20–23 July Danube Festival
31 July–6 August Tour de Hongrie cycle race
≥ 456-2051 4–19 August BudaFest: Open-air concerts from
« 4, 6 3 Ferenc körút opera to jazz
% HUF 1000–2000 4–6 August Formula–1 Hungarian Grand Prix
9–16 August Sziget Festival
17–20 August Crafts Fair
Buda Vigadó B3 19–21 August Danube Embankment Festivities
I., Corvin tér 8 20 August St. Stephen’s Day state ceremonies
≥ 201-3766 26 August Budapest Parade
Late Aug.–early Sept. Jewish Summer Festival
« 19, 41 2 Batthány tér 1–3 September Septemberfest
% Charges vary 3 September 21st NIKE Budapest International
Half-Marathon relay
7–10 September Budapest International Wine Festival
TICKET AGENCIES: 13–17 September MOL Budapest Jazz Festival
Ticket Express 16 September 2nd ABLON Business race
V., Andrássy út 18 16–17 September 6th Central European Locomotive
ó Mon–Thu: 9.30 am–6.30 pm Grand Prix and 2nd International
Dining Car Meeting
V., Deák Ferenc utca 19 (Book and music store) 1 October 21st PLUS Budapest International
ó Mon–Sat: 10 am–7 pm Marathon
II., Lövôház utca 2–6 (Mammut 1 Shopping Centre) 15 October 11th Women’s Race
19–23 October 17th Vienna–Budapest Supermarathon
ó Mon–Thu: 10 am–6 pm, Sat: 10 am–1 pm 13–22 October Budapest Autumn Festival
Central customer service: 312-0000 26 Nov.–24 Dec. Budapest Christmas
Phone ticketing: (06-30)30-30-999
Internet booking:
www.tex.hu,
www.eventim.hu,
www.ticketexpress.hu, 30 December Seasonal concert by the 100
member Gypsy Orchestra
www.musicmix.hu 31 December New Year Opera Gala
www.kulturinfo.hu 30 Dec.–1 Jan. 2007 Budapest New Year’s Eve
Information: jegy@tex.hu Further information: www.budapestinfo.hu

www.budapestinfo.hu 39
 [2]

[3]

[1]

[4]

BEYOND Budapest
JUST OUTSIDE BUDAPEST A further 20 km north and the traveller comes to
Whatever point of the compass we choose to follow, Esztergom [1], former royal town. Each year this
there is always something of interest to discover more than 1000-year-old settlement (founded 973)
beyond the border of Budapest. For instance, travel – the first capital of the country, site for the baptism
north and the nearest places of note are Szentendre into the Christian Church of our first king, where
(see separate article), Visegrád and Esztergom. the pagan rebel Koppány was cruelly executed and
Visegrád [2] is a synthesis of the past, present and his quartered remains hung on the city walls, seat of
future. At one time the border of the Roman Empire, kings and archbishops for centuries – attracts
the limes, ran past the settlement; you can still see the around 1 million visitors. Today the castle is a
ruins of Roman watchtowers along the Danube. The first museum, and its reconstructed grand hall the
king of Hungary, St. Stephen, established a stewardship location for scientific conferences and conventions.
here and raised the archdeacon’s church, the The most decorative part of the castle is the
foundations of which still stand on Castle Hill. The view frescoed Royal Chapel. Hungary’s largest church,
from here is superb, encompassing the incomparable the Basilica, stands atop Castle Hill. Its red marble
Danube Bend. Not far away is the imposing citadel and chapel, built on the commission of Archbishop of
the huge keep which takes its name, Solomon’s Tower, Esztergom Tamás Bakócz, is ranked as one of the
from the myth that once King Solomon was held finest works of art to have survived in Hungary from
captive here. It is a fact however that during the Middle the Renaissance. The Cathedral Treasury with its
Ages the royal crown was kept under lock and key here. remarkable collection of ecclesiastical masterworks
Today the tower is a museum with a display of always attracts crowds. There is a statue of St.
archaeological treasures. The towering Royal Palace Stephen not far away, and the recently rebuilt Mária
originally raised in Gothic style and later, during the Valéria Bridge also contributes to the delightful view
reign of King Matthias, rebuilt in Renaissance style has a of the surroundings. The Christian Museum in the
fountain which ran not with water but with wine during Primate’s Palace has a valuable collection of
VIP meetings. This too is a museum, one of the main medieval Italian paintings, gobelins, faience and
features of which is a reconstruction (supported by the porcelains.
British) of the masterpiece red marble Hercules fountain. Let’s return to Budapest and then set off in a
Exhibitions have been set up in some of the halls of the south-westerly direction. We are in for a trip back in
restored palace; period replica furniture can be seen in time... several thousand years! Visitors to
the one-time prince’s suite. The palace gardens have Százhalombatta come upon Iron Age relics of the
been replanted with flora identified from excavated so-called Hallstadt culture. More than 100 tumuli
fountains. Each summer a knight’s tournament, strong preserve the remains of Iron Age dwellers who lived
man competition and medieval crafts fair are organized hereabouts. Huge pyres were set ablaze on the
in Visegrád. Danube embankment in honour of those recently

40 www.budapestinfo.hu
deceased, and their ashes were then hidden away in of spectacular sights and a fascinating artistic presence.
the mounds made to carefully planned designs. One Longobard cemeteries and Avar memorials are to be
such grave has survived in pristine condition, found here, and there is a particularly strong Serbian
allowing archaeologists to reconstruct accurately the culture all around, brought here by Serb communities
burial customs of yore; deep in the tumulus visitors fleeing a Turkish onslaught in the late 17th century.
can trace (aided by sound and light effects) the Most of the houses which once belonged to wealthy
course of a burial ceremony as performed 4000 years merchants are now museums, but the Greek Orthodox
ago. What’s more, it has been possible to reconstruct churches still function and visiting hours are fixed for
not only the burial ceremonies but the everyday life times between masses which dazzle the onlooker in all
of Iron Age society too: house reconstructions, their Baroque pomp, as does the Rococo iconostasis.
furnishings and clothing, and the very meals eaten in All the listed houses in the centre have found new
millennia past. The third Sunday in every month from functions: a restaurant famed throughout Hungary
May to September is given over to a Family Day operates from the attic of one, and in another the
when groups and individual visitors will find the visitor is served fine cakes and coffee specialities in a
archaeological park offering special family-oriented cosy café. There are gourmet delicacies for the body
programmes. and enchanting exhibitions for the mind. In fact the
Martonvásár [5] lies close to the M7 motorway galleries, workshops, exhibition centres and museums
30 km from Budapest. This tiny [5] just come one after the other. Seven
settlement became famed or eight galleries deal with the
throughout Europe thanks to the marketing of art. If anyone becomes
hospitality and love of music of particularly interested in any one of
the resident Brunswick family. the artists, a studio visit can be
Indeed, Ludwig van Beethoven arranged. An exhibition of works by
was a regular guest and music Lajos Vajda, Dezsô Korniss, Endre
teacher at the attractive Brunswick Bálint and Piroska Szántó is set up in
mansion built originally in Baroque the Hunyadi Street old merchant’s
and later rebuilt in neo-Gothic house, No. 1 Vastagh György Street
style. Today Martonvásár remains preserves ceramics by Margit Kovács
a centre for the Beethoven cult: a whose works have enjoyed
museum set up in the mansion international acclaim for many
preserves items related to the decades, while the art of Jenô
great composer, while each Barcsay is displayed in Dumtsa Jenô
summer outdoor concerts are Street. Not far from here, an unusual
staged in the delightful grounds. museum shows just how far a skilled
Finally, if we leave the capital heading northeast, artisan can extend the boundaries of his trade. The
after 30 km we arrive in the town of Gödöllô, [3] Marzipan Museum displays how far the plasticity and
renowned for its association with Queen Elizabeth, wife colouring of this marvellous and delicious sweetmeat
of Franz Joseph, emperor of the Austro-Hungarian can – in the right hands – be moulded into just about
Monarchy. The restored Baroque palace, originally the any shape one could imagine. These works of art stay
Grassalkovich Mansion, was the favourite residence of locked up in the display cases, but many more can be
the queen, familiarly known by the Hungarians as sampled at the confectionery next door.
Sissy. This truly imposing palace lovingly restored to its It would be easy to spend a whole day strolling
original glory has a fascinating exhibition and regularly about the town and along the Danube embankment,
hosts cultural events and festivals. taking lunch and perhaps an afternoon coffee and
cake, and yet there is still another important place to
SZENTENDRE, TOWN see. Szentendre is home to the first (and still the
OF ARTISTS AND SKANZEN [4] largest) skanzen or open-air museum in Hungary.
This neat town with a decidedly Mediterranean feel to This park displays the continual development of
it lies barely 20 km from Budapest (suburban trains vernacular architecture from all the regions of
departing from Batthyány Square every 20 minutes Hungary in the form of original buildings typical of
reach it in 30-40 minutes), and it has gained a solid their area carefully dismantled and rebuilt in their
reputation as a popular tourist excursion spot. new home, the Szentendre skanzen. The rooms
Szentendre has preserved its 18–19th century compact come fully furnished with period furniture, linens and
and unified layout. Its picturesque setting on the beautiful needlework characteristic of the region in
Danube, its architecture and historical monuments all question, the kitchens display fireplaces and pots and
contributed to the formation over the years of colonies pans, the pantries have original containers for foods,
of painters, sculptors and artists who lived and still live sacks and wickerwork baskets, while the stables are
today in Szentendre. Indeed, the very air seems to full of all the essential equipment for animal
stimulate the creative juices! The town warmly husbandry. Museum experts revive the everyday life
welcomes the visitor, indulging them with its multitude and holidays of the old peasant way of living.

www.budapestinfo.hu 41
 [1]

[2] [3]

[4]

MEDICINAL BATHS, caves

Budapest is a city of medicinal baths. Although baths writers and artists among its regular clients. The
from Roman times (2nd century) have been uncovered 1800-square-metre park with trees, many of which
in Budapest, the true bathing culture was initiated are centuries old, is an ideal place for relaxing.
during the period of Turkish occupation in the 16th and « 17 % HUF 1500–1700
17th centuries. Even today there are four Turkish baths
in the capital (Rudas, Rác, Király, Császár), each one a Rác Medicinal Baths 4 ● B3-4
masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. I., Hadnagy utca 8–10 Under reconstruction.
Admission charges show the lowest and highest rates.
There may be several variations between these two Rudas Medicinal Baths and swimming pool [2] 5 B4 ●
extremes. Prices valid to the end of 2005; admission I., Döbrentei tér 9 ó Mon–Fri: 6 am–8 pm, Sat: 6
charges are likely to increase in 2006. am–5 pm, Sun: 8 am–5 pm
After several years of restoration work the Turkish
Gellért Spa Baths [1] 1 ● B4 baths section reopened in December 2005. The
XI., Kelenhegyi út 4–6 ≥ 466-6166 original fittings dating from the 16th century are still
ó Mon–Sat: 6 am–7 pm, Sat–Sun: 6 am–5 pm — in use today. An octagonal pool is sited under the
One of the most popular baths for tourists coming to characteristic Turkish dome (diameter 10 m)
Budapest. The medicinal spring here was already supported on 8 pillars. Medicinal waters can be
famed in the 13th century. The spa is decorated with taken in the pump-room in cure form.
a wealth of original Art Nouveau furnishings, artistic ç 5, 7, 8, 68 « 18, 19 % HUF 900–2000
mosaics, stained glass windows and sculptures,
although the interior of the hotel built alongside has Széchenyi Spa Baths [4] 6 ● C2
lost many of these fittings over the years. XIV., Állatkerti út 11 ≥ 363-3210
ç 7, 7/A, 86 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 ó Men’s and women’s thermal baths, swimming
% HUF 2500–3000 pool: daily 6 am–7 pm (October–April: 6 am–5 pm)
One of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, the
Király Medicinal Baths [3] 2 ● B2 premier medicinal bath of Pest. Its thermal springs
II., Fô utca 82–84 ≥ 201-4392 were discovered in 1879; they are the deepest and
ó Women: Mon, Wed, Fri: 7 am–6 pm, Men: Tue, hottest (74–75° C) thermal wells in the capital. The
Thur, Sat: 9 am–8 pm neo-Baroque baths were built in 1913, the swimming
It is believed that a start was made on building the pool in 1927. The open-air sections with their
bath by Pasha of Buda Arslan in 1565. It is one of the pleasantly warm waters are equally popular in winter.
few remaining monuments from the Turkish times, 1 Széchenyi fürdô ë 72 % HUF 1300–2300
receiving the visitor in all the original magnificence of
a period Ottoman palace of bathing. Aquincum Corinthia Hotel 7 ● B1
2 Batthyány tér ç 60, 86 % HUF 1100 Budapest, III., Árpád Fejedelem útja 94 ≥ 436-4130
ó all year round, weekdays: 7 am–10 pm
Lukács Medicinal Baths and A-B2 Located in a pleasant environment by the Danube, this
Swimming Pool 3 ● elegant spa hotel offers guests swimming and thermal
II., Frankel Leó utca 25–29 ≥ 326-1695 pools, steam bath, sauna, jacuzzi and Scottish shower.
ó Mon–Fri: 6 am–7 pm, Sat–Sun: 6 am–5 pm « 1 ç 106 % HUF 2200–4500
In addition to the medicinal bath section of the
bathing complex built in the 19th century, the Danubius Thermal Hotel Helia 8 ● B1-2
swimming pool is also very popular, attracting XIII., Kárpát utca 62–64 ≥ 889-5800 ó 7 am–10 pm

42 www.budapestinfo.hu
The Scandinavian-style 4-star spa hotel on the Pest the day, in the evening and at night. Exhibition of
side of the Danube embankment offers guests a fan- the ages and cultures.
tastic panorama of Margaret Island and the Buda Sunday morning: KID’S LABYRINTH – exciting
Hills. The popular fitness centre has four pools, sauna, exploration and games.
steam bath, workout room and sunbathing terrace. è Castle bus departing from Moszkva Square
ë 79 % HUF 3500–5000 % HUF 1100–1400

Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget, OTHER BATHS, SWIMMING POOLS

Danubius Margitsziget 9 ● B1
XIII., Margaret Island ≥ 889-4700 ó 6.30 am–9.30 pm Császár–Komjádi Swimming Pool 10 ● A2
The old and modern buildings of these two hotels II., Árpád fejedelem útja 8 ≥ 326-1478 ó Mon–Sat:
positioned on picturesque Margaret Island, the most 6 am–1.30 pm, Sat–Sun: 6 am–7 pm
attractive park in Budapest, are the ideal places for ç 6, 60, 86 % HUF 600–900
those seeking rest and relaxation. Far from the noise of
town, and yet within easy reach of the downtown, Csillaghegy Strand-Swimming Pool 12 ● E1
they offer guests every comfort and service (including III., Pusztakúti út 3 ≥ 250-1533 ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–6
a swimming pool and four medicinal pools). pm, Sat–Sun: 7 am–4.45 pm
ç 26 % HUF 5000–5800 « Csillaghegy % HUF 800–1000

Pálvölgy Stalactite Cave 24 ● A1 Dagály Medicinal Baths, Swimming Pool,

II., Szépvölgyi út 162 ≥ 325-9505 ó Strand Baths 13● B1
Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm — XIII., Népfürdô utca 36 ≥ 452-4500 ó
A superb cave in the Buda Hills open May–September: 6 am–7 pm October–April:
to tourists. It has interesting Mon–Fri: 6 am–7 pm, Sat, Sun: 6 am–5 pm
stalactite and stalagmite « 1 – Árpád híd ç 133 % HUF
formations (some 1100–1500
resembling an
elephant and Hajós Alfréd Sport Swimming
crocodile). Its air is ●
Pool 15 B2
recognized as having a medicinal effect. XIII., Margaret Island ≥ 450-4200 ó open-air pool:
ç 65 % HUF 400–600 6 am–1.30 pm, indoor pool: 6 am–3 pm
ç 26 % HUF 600–900
Szemlôhegy Cave 25 ● A1
II., Pusztaszeri út 35 ≥ 325-6001 Nyéki Imre Swimming Pool 17 ● E1
ó 10 am–4 pm, Tuesday closed — XI., Kondorosi út 14 ≥ 208-4025, 208-4026
The cave, formed as a result of natural tectonic ó Mon–Fri: 6 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun: 6 am–7 pm
movements, is the other cave in the Buda Hills accessible ç 7A « 47 Albertfalva, Kitérô % HUF 400–700
to tourist groups. Its remarkable formations (peastone)
were created in areas where thermal water permeated Palatinus Strand Baths 18 ● B4
the limestone. Its cool, moist air has a curative effect for XIII., Margaret Island ≥ 340-4505 ó May–Aug.: 8
those suffering from respiratory problems. am-–7 pm, 1–12 Sept: 10 am–6 pm —
ç 29 % HUF 400–600 ç 26 % HUF 1300–1900

Castle Cave 26 ● A3 Pünkösdfürdô Strand 21 ● E1

I., Országház utca 16 III., Királyok útja 272 ≥ 388-6665 ó May 15–August
This natural formation comprising a cave network 31: 9 am–7 pm
under the Castle Hill plateau enjoys protected « Pükösdfürdô % HUF 800–1300
status. It has a unique standing among the caves of
Hungary since it is the largest travertine cave system Római Strand Baths 22 ● E1
in the country. Closed for renovation III., Rozgonyi P. utca 2 ≥ 388-9740 ó May–Aug.: 8
è Castle bus departing from Moszkva tér am–7 pm 1–15 Sept: 10 am–6 pm
« Római fürdô ç 34 % HUF 1000–1600
Buda Castle Labyrinth 27 ●
I., Úri utca 9 ≥ 489-3281 ó 9.30 am–7.30 pm —
A3

A 1200-metre-long cave and cellar network running

under Buda Castle, part of UNESCO’s World
Heritage. Amidst the naturally wrought passageways
reckoned to be some half a million years old and
walls built over the past many centuries, visitors are
enticed into a secret, mysterious labyrinth during

www.budapestinfo.hu 43
 [2] [3]
[5] [6]
[1]

[4]

LEISURE
PARKS, HILLS, NATURE in the 19th century. Towards the end of the century
PROTECTED AREAS magnificent buildings and monuments (Museum of
Margaret Island [4] [5] B1-2 Fine Arts, Palace of Arts, Millennium memorial,
The historical monuments on this slender island Vajdahunyad Castle) were erected for celebrations
running between Árpád Bridge and Margaret Bridge marking the thousandth anniversary of the Magyar
date back to the 11th century. The capital’s most Conquest. City Park offers entertainment of all kinds
beautiful park is on the island, and visitors strolling and for all generations: Funfair, Zoo, Grand Circus,
around come across a variety of interesting structures museums, spa bath, boating lake and skating rink.
(the UNESCO-protected Water Tower, musical well, ç 4 ë 70, 72, 75, 78 1 Hôsök tere, Széchenyi fürdô
Open-air Stage, Church of St. Michael) and ruins
several centuries old (nunnery where Margaret, Buda Hills E1
daughter of King Béla IV, lived, and the remains of two (Széchenyi Hill, Sváb Hill, János Hill, Hármashatár Hill)
churches belonging to religious orders). And there is A mecca for nature lovers and excursionists, the Buda
still more: a strand, swimming pool, two hotels and a Hills (400–500 m) lie to the northwest of the city centre
variety of restaurants and buffets. ç 26 and offer visitors excellent air and endless forests with
well marked tourist trails. In addition to walking and
Gellért Hill B4 cycling, the most popular means of getting around for
A popular excursion destination for Budapesters and tourists include the cogwheel railway, the narrow-
tourists due to its attractive park and superb panoramas gauge railway which (apart from the locomotive) is
from the viewing terraces. The sights on the hill recall operated by children, and the chair-lift running up and
individual periods in history: the statue of Bishop St. down János Hill, which when the weather is fine offers a
Gellért that of pagan times, the Citadel that of Habsburg breathtaking panorama of the city.
oppression after the 1848-49 War of Independence, and 2 Moszkva tér, and then Cogwheel railway or Chair-lift
the Liberty Monument towering over the city the period
after the Second World War. The Citadel, the most Népliget D4
important lookout point in the city, sits atop Gellért Hill The largest park on the Pest side, founded in the
and offers an unrivalled panorama of World Heritage 1860s. Located to the southeast of the city centre,
Budapest including the Buda Castle district and both the 5-km-long, 112-hectare park filled with trees,
sides of the Danube embankment. flowers and grass is a pleasant place to stroll. Statues
ç 7, 7A, 86 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 and memorials line the paths. The ‘Centenarium’
park – established to mark the 100th anniversary of
City Park C-D2 the unification of Pest and Buda – forms a part of
The largest green belt expanse on the Pest side, a Népliget. The Planetarium, an establishment of
favoured place for family outings, weekend national significance, is also sited here. Visitors can
entertainment and those looking for the tranquillity learn more about the wonders of astronomy, or enjoy
of nature. After draining and planting trees across laser programmes projected on to the dome
this marshy area (centuries early a royal hunting (diameter: 23 m) with pop or classical music
domain), an English-style park was established here accompaniment. 3 Népliget ç 103, « 1, 1/A

44 www.budapestinfo.hu
SPORT SKATEBOARD, ROLLER SKATING
Entertainment and health sports are becoming every Görzenál
more popular in Budapest. Dozens of joggers, young III., Árpád fejedelem útja 46 ≥ 250-4800
and old, are to be seen in the capital’s parks (and ó March–November: daily 9 am–6 pm/10 am–5
primarily on Margaret Island) from morning to evening. pm % HUF 400–600
Besides the Hajós Alfréd National Sports Swimming Pool,
the most popular pool on Margaret Island, there are SQUASH
more than 25 other strands, swimming pools or A & TSH
medicinal baths in the capital. The city is networked by I., Pálya utca 9 ≥ 356-9530
many cycle paths, and in winter (between December ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–11 pm,
and March) the City Park lake is transformed into Central Sat–Sun: 9 am–9 pm %
Europe’s largest open-air skating rink (in summer it HUF 2900–3900
functions as a boating lake). The Buda Hills are generally City Squash & Fitness
suitable for skiing and sledging between December and II., Marcibányi tér 13 ≥ 336-0408
February. The following is a list of just a few of the near ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–midnight, Sat–Sun: 8 am–10 pm
countless fashionable sport offers around town. % HUF 2200–4200
Top Squash-Mammut Shopping Center
Budapest Madness II., Lövôház utca 2–6 ≥ 345-8193
www.budapestmadness.com ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–9 pm
Active, fun-packed craziness for young tourists. % HUF 2300–4500
Programmes: pub crawling, party-bus, riverboat
cruise, yacht tour, Trabant rally, pistol shooting, go- RIDING
kart, paintball, clay pigeon shooting, helicopter tour, Favorit Riding Club
sailplane tour, aquarena, thermal spas, water-skiing. XVI., Mókus utca 23 ≥ (06-30)966-9992
ó Tue–Fri: 2–6 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–4.30 pm, closed
BOWLING Mon % HUF 1500–1600
Mammut Bowling Club Petneházy Horse-Riding School
II., Lövôház utca 2–6 ≥ 345-8300 ó Sun–Thur: 10 am–1 II., Feketefej utca 2 ≥ 397-5048
am, Mon, Fri–Sat: 10 am–3 am % HUF 490–790 ó Fri–Sun: 9 am–4 pm % 1500–15 000 HUF
Strike Bowling Club
XI., Budafoki út 111–113 ≥ 206-2754 ó Mon–Thur: TENNIS
2 pm–1 am, Fri–Sat: 2 pm–3 am % HUF 490–790 Római Tennis Academy
Westend Bowling Club III., Királyok útja 105 ≥ 240-8616 ó 9 am–10 pm
VI., Váci út 1–3 (Westend City Center) ≥ 238-7040 % HUF 2700–3400
ó Sun–Thur: 10 am–1 am, Fri–Sat: 10 am–3 am Városmajor Tennis Academy
% HUF 400–730 XII., Városmajor utca 63–69 ≥ 202-5337
ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–10 pm, Sat: 7 am–7 pm, Sun: 8
FITNESS CLUBS am–7 pm % HUF 2800–4500
Astoria Fitness Studio
V., Károly körút 4 ≥ 317-0452 ó Mon–Fri: 6.30 am–11 pm, NOT ONLY FOR CHILDREN
Sat: 8.30 am–6 pm, Sun: 1.30–9 pm % HUF 1000–1200 Funfair C2
Gold’s Gym – Mammut 2 Shopping Center XIV., Állatkerti körút 14–16 ≥ 363-8310
II., Lövúház utca 2–6 ≥ 345-8544/45/46 ó Apr–Sept: 10 am–8 pm Oct.–March: only Sat and
ó Mon–Fri: 6.45 am–10.45 pm, Sat–Sun: 8 Sun: 10 am–7 pm —
am–7.45 pm % HUF 3500 1 Széchenyi fürdô ë 72 ç 4
Hotel Stadion (Danubius Premier) % park entry: HUF 200–300
XIV., Ifjúság útja 1–3 ≥ 889-5282
ó 6.30 am–11 pm % HUF 2000–3100 Municipal Zoo and Botanical Garden [3] C2
Park Hotel Flamenco XIV., Állatkerti körút 6–12 ≥ 273-4901
XI., Tas vezér utca 7 ≥ 889-5761 ó Mon–Thur: 7 ó Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec: 9 am–4 pm, March, April,
am–12 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–9 pm % HUF 2600–3400 Sept, Oct: 9 am–5 pm, May–Aug: Mon–Thur: 9
Római Fit-Forma Studio am–6 pm, Fri–Sun: 9 am–7 pm —
III., Monostori út 31 ≥ 453-2901 1 Széchenyi fürdô ë 72 ç 4 % HUF 900–1300
ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun: 8 am–4 pm
% HUF 1150 Buda Castle Labyrinth A3
I., Úri utca 9 ≥ 489-3281 (for details, see p. 43) —
GO-CART
Budaring Go-Cart Railway History Park [2] D1
XI., Budaörsi út (at the Floracoop flower market) XIV., Tatai út 95 ≥ 450-1497, 238-0558 —
≥ 247-4747 ó 11 am–10 pm % HUF 1500–2000 ó 15–31 March: 10 am–3 pm, 1 April–29 October:

www.budapestinfo.hu 45
10 am–6 pm, 31 October–17 December: 10 am–3 XXII., Nagytétényi út 37–45 ≥ 424-3053
pm, closed: Monday ó 10 am–8 pm —
One of Europe’s largest open-air railway museums Anyone interested in the world of water and
has nearly 100 rail curiosities, the majority still in rainforests will want to see Hungary’s only fantastic
good working order; indoor “fauna paradise” covering an area of 3000
Interactive games (drive a locomotive, locomotive square metres. Gaze in awe at the seven sharks each
simulator, rail-car, operate the turntable, model railway, a metre-and-a-half-long as they glide around the
car converted for rails, horse-drawn tram, “rail cycle”); giant aquarium. These are the kids’ favourites!
Exhibitions (locomotives, carriages, railway ç 3 (from Móricz Zsigmond Circus), 14, 114 (from
equipment, objects, fittings); Kosztolányi Dezsô Square) % HUF 900–1700
Railway nostalgia shop, Nostalgia café, playground;
Nostalgia Train: runs 1 April–29 October (Bp. Western Transport Museum D2
(Nyugati) Railway Station–Railway History Park) XIV., Városligeti körút 11 (For details, see p. 15) —
ç 30 « 14 % HUF 300–1800
Planetarium D4
Ice Terrace [6] B2 X., Népliget ≥ 263-1811 ó Tue–Sun: 9 am–4 pm —
WestEnd City Center Roof Garden 3 Népliget % HUF 840–940
VI., Váci út 1–3 www.jegterasz.hu
Ice rink on the roof; special events (Halloween, Chair-lift E1
Santa Claus, Christmas, carnival season, Valentine’s Zugliget–János Hill ≥ 394-3764
Day), weekends late night ice disco. ó Apr.–Sep.: daily 9 am–5 pm Oct.–March 10 am–4
ó daily 8 am–midnight until the end of March 2006. pm Closed every odd Mon. —
Tickets priced depending on the time of day between ç 158 % HUF 200–450
HUF 390–690; ice discos and events: HUF 790.
ç 6 « 4, 6 3 Nyugati pu. Buda Castle Funicular Railway B2
Operating between Clark Ádám Square and Buda Castle.
Palace of Wonders [1] (Millenáris) B2 ó 7.30 am–10.30 pm. No service on even Monday
II., Lövôház utca 39 ≥ 350-6131 ç 4, 16, 86 « 19 % HUF 500–600
ó Mon–Fri: 9 am–6 pm, Sat–Sun.: 10 am–7 pm —
3 Lehel tér, and then a 5 minute walk Cogwheel Railway E1
This unique interactive playhouse proves to young II., Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 47 ≥ 355-4167
and old alike that the world is a fascinating place. Trains run from 5 am–11 pm
Children are invited to watch “Palace of Wonders” « 56, 18, 118 % HUF 170
experiments, and to gain an appreciation of the
world around them through scientific games. Children’s Railway E1
« 4, 6 % HUF 600–800 Széchenyi Hill and Hûvösvölgy
≥ 395-5420 —
Budapest Puppet Theatre C3 ó daily between May–August; in September
VI., Andrássy út 69 ≥ 341-2166 operates on Tue and Sun
1 Vörösmarty utca % Charges vary ç 56 « 56 % HUF 150–400

Kolibri Theatre B-C3 Water-taxi

VI., Jókai tér 10 ≥ 312-0622 www.vizitaxi.hu
« 4, 6 1 Oktogon % Charges vary Private (“tailored”) programmes by luxury
motorboat or luxury yacht.
Municipal Grand Circus C2 (Budapest sightseeing, tours to Szentendre,
XIV., Állatkerti körút 12 ≥ 344-6008 Visegrád, Esztergom)
ó please make enquiries on the above number Sport programmes: water-skiing, wakeboard, tube,
1 Széchenyi fürdô ë 72 ç 4 % HUF 900–1900 banana.

Aquaréna Mogyoród aquapark F1 Stroll-bikes B1

Mogyoród, Vízipark út 1 (next to Hungaroring XIII., Margaret Island, Palatinus strand ≥ 388-7017
racetrack) ó 1 May–30 Sept: Mon–Sun: 9 am–7 pm ó 10 am to dusk (weekends only between 1
1.5-km over- and underground chute, 8 pools Nov–31 March)
covering a total 3500 square metres, 26 slides, % HUF 1300–1900/h
acrobat pool, slow river, cave, jacuzzi
% HUF 3400–13 000 Brigóhintó (family pedal ‘bikes’) [4] B1
Japanese Garden ≥ 329-2746
Tropicarium Budapest E2 ó 8 am–dusk, holidays: 9 am–dusk —
Campona Shopping Mall ç 26 % HUF 2480–3680/h

46 www.budapestinfo.hu
SHOPPING
[1] [3]

[2]

Just as in any metropolis anywhere in the world so shops marketing the very finest quality Hungarian reds
too in Budapest there are thousands of temptations and whites. Famous Szamos marzipan is available
to get out and shop, although it’s not a bad idea to in Párizsi Street, and the confectionery’s ice cream is
know beforehand what is especially worth taking outstanding too. And since the number of shops that
home as a souvenir and which are the best quality can be squeezed onto the street level is finite,
Hungarian products. enterprising Hungarians have moved underground:
Our shopping expedition starts in József nádor three shopping centres have been created out of old
Square where a visit to the Herend shop is like cellars. One shop in Fehérhajó Street sells healing
stepping into an exhibition of the finest applied arts. minerals, and in the middle of Váci Street others trade
Herend porcelain is, quite rightly, one of the industries in antique furniture, porcelain and kid’s clothing. In
Hungary is most proud of. Over the years Herend the meantime don’t forget to direct your eyes
hand-painted vases, plates and dinner services have upwards occasionally: most of the buildings in the
won several gold medals at world expos. One pattern heart of town were raised in the late 1800s, among
is named after Queen Victoria because the now- them there are several outstanding examples.
famous butterfly design was first made for her. In a The Csók Gallery on the corner of Pesti Barnabás
similarly fashion, a Persian motif is named after Sissy, Street displays and retails works by modern
empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and a Hungarian artists, but if you are interested in
remarkable bird pattern is linked to the Rothschilds. antiques, you’ll find them here too. Kígyó (Snake)
Just a block away, on entering Vörösmarty Square Street is gradually turning into a street of porcelain:
we are faced with a choice: do we drop in to two shops selling the finest Hungarian porcelain face
Gerbeaud, the most distinguished café in the each other across the street. The speciality of the
capital, with its delicious teas, coffees and cakes, or Zsolnay porcelain factory is its eosin glaze, a
head to the other side of the square and the Luxus technique rarely employed in Europe. This iridescent
department store selling global brand name glaze with its golds, greens and (more uncommonly)
clothing as well as Hungarian gifts and perfumes? blues covers Zsolnay statues, plates and ash trays,
Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed! while dining sets are characterized by an attractive
ivory hue to the porcelain. The Herend shop sells
ALONG VÁCI STREET single pieces, sets and statues patterned on classics
Váci Street linking Vörösmarty Square with Fôvám created by the old factory established 176 years ago.
Square represents the main artery of the inner city. Replacement pieces can also be ordered.
A stroll down “Váci utca” takes one past jewellers, At Elizabeth Bridge an underpass takes us on to
perfumeries, brand name clothes shops from Marks the continuation of Váci Street. Passing the
and Spencer to Cottonfield, a C&A store, boutiques Downtown Auction House (Belvárosi Aukciósház),
and bijouteries. it’s fascinating to scan the regularly changing
But leave time for the foreign language bookshop collection of shopwindow “treasures” small and
selling translated works by several Hungarian authors. large. Visit the Folkart Centrum at Váci Street 58
Then again, don’t forget to slide off down one or two for just the right gift to remind you of your stay in
of the side streets: you’ll discover boutiques and wine Hungary.

www.budapestinfo.hu 47
 CENTRAL MARKET HALL
Continuing up Váci Street, we finally reach the ever-buzzing
Budapest Central Market Hall [1] with its incredible
variety of quality foods. Encompassed within a building more
than 100 years old, the market with its paprika garlands,
strings of garlic, the fruits, vegetables, and on the first floor
the flower-sellers and snack bars offering true tastes of
Hungary create a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, aromas,
sights. Typical Hungarian merchandise, for instance the
world famous Tokaj Aszú, is to be found in the market. The
remarkable bouquet of the “Wine of Kings, King of Wines” is
given by the grapes being left on the vine to shrivel in the
sun, during which process they sweeten and wither. The
number of puttony (panniers) which go into a barrel gives
the Aszú’s puttony number, and the more puttony, the
sweeter (and more expensive) the wine is. Unicum is one of
the top bitters spirits in the world. Its absolutely unique
flavour derives from a secret blend of aromatic herbs.
Apricot and plum brandies faithfully preserve the scent
and flavour of the fruits they are distilled from. Whether
marketed tinned or in an earthenware pot, Hungarian
goose liver is excellent, and Herz and Pick salamis are
similarly “hungaricum” products! Daily from 10 am in the
“Fakanál” restaurant: cooking class [2] under the guidance
of a master chef. Learn how to cook some of the most
popular Hungarian dishes. An expert sommelier holds a wine
tasting session and at the same time speaks about the most
famous wines from the Hungarian wine regions.

SHOPPING MALLS
The plaza [3] opens up a different sort of entertainment
and shopping experience. Virtually everything can be
found in one place, the shops are open, enticing one to
wander around, try out the scents, feel the quality of
materials, try on clothes and so on. The most successful
malls tempt the buyer in with some special feature,
whether this be a waterfall Tropicarium, or Western-
style setup. There is a skating rink on the roof of one of
the buildings, with an ice disco in the evenings. Plazas,
generally open throughout the weekend too, have
become the favoured haunt of the young. Over the
past few years malls have been springing up all over the
capital, most at major intersections and metro stations
(Western Railway Station, Váci Road, Könyves Kálmán
Boulevard, Bécsi Road, Margit Boulevard etc.).
▲

Folkart Centrum
V., Váci utca 58 ≥ 318-5840 ó 10 am–7 pm
www.folkartcentrum.hu
Hungary’s largest folk handicrafts shop selling a
huge range of authentic hand-made items,
embroidery, hand-woven fabrics, costumes,
pottery, porcelain, wood carvings, flasks,
traditional painted Easter eggs and other gifts
from every ethnographical region in Hungary.

House of Hungarian Wines

▲

I., Szentháromság tér ≥ 212-1030 ó midday–8 pm

700 different types of wine from 22 Hungarian
wine regions. Wine tasting of 50 fine wines.

48 www.budapestinfo.hu
RESTAURANTS

THE BUDAPEST GUIDE RECOMMENDS: ó Mon–Fri: 7–11 pm, Sat: midday–4 pm, 7–11 pm,
RESTAURANTS closed Sunday
Legend Cost of average two-course meal per person, including Hungarian cuisine
service but without drinks: * = less than HUF 2500, ** = HUF ●4 Arany Bárány**
2500-4500, *** = HUF 4500-6500, **** = over HUF 6500 V., Harmincad utca 4 ≥ 317-2703
ó midday–midnight
●1 A38 Hajó** Hungarian and international dishes
XI., Buda side of Petôfi Bridge ≥ 464-3946 Lamb dishes a speciality
ó 11 am–midnight ●5 Arany Kaviár****
International cuisine, inspired desserts I., Ostrom utca 19 ≥ 201-6737
●2 Admirál** ó midday–midnight
V., Belgrád rakpart 30 ≥ 318-0723 Russian cuisine
ó midday–11 pm ●6 Aranyszarvas**
Hungarian cuisine I., Szarvas tér 1 ≥ 375-6451
Sited on the Duna embankment ó midday–11 pm
●3 Alabárdos**** Game dishes a speciality
I., Országház utca 2 ≥ 356-0851 ●7 Articsóka**
VI., Zichy Jenô utca 17 ≥ 302-7757
ó 11 am–midnight
Mediterranean dishes beneath palm trees and glazed
roof; roof terrace
●8 Bagolyvár**
XIV., Állatkerti út 2 ≥ 468-3110
ó midday–11 pm
Home-made cooking, Hungarian dishes
●9 Belcanto****
VI., Dalszínház utca 8 ≥ 269-3101
ó midday–3 pm, 6 pm–2 am
Famous singers, singing waiters
Buffet breakfast and lunch
●
10 Biarritz***
V., Kossuth tér 18 ≥ 311-4413
ó Mon–Sat: 11 am–midnight, Sun: 11 am–11 pm
Close by Parliament: grilled dishes, special desserts
●
11 Biedermeier***
VI., Mozsár utca 12 ≥ 331-8942
ó midday–3 pm, 6 pm–midnight
Traditional international cuisine
●
12 Café Pierrot***
I., Fortuna utca 14 ≥ 375-6971
ó 11 am–midnight
Intimate atmosphere, piano music in the evening
Choice of international dishes
●
13 Carne di Hall***
I., Bem rakpart 20 Tel: 201-8137
ó 11.30 am–midnight
Mecca for meat eaters, huge steaks, superb wine selection

www.budapestinfo.hu 49
●
14 Cascade*** ●
28 Kéhli**
XII., Szarvas Gábor út 8/D ≥ 275-1039 ó 10–2 am III., Mókus utca 22 ≥ 250-4241
Mediterranean and Hungarian cuisine ó midday–midnight
●
15 Champs Sport Pub*** The favourite haunt of 19th century writer Gyula
VII., Dohány utca 20 ≥ 413-1655 ó 11–2 am Krúdy; don’t leave without sampling the bone marrow
Sports broadcasts on 2 giant screens and 35 TVs; soup
fitness kitchen ●
29 Képíró ***
●
16 Champs Sport Pub Buda*** V., Képíró utca 3 ≥ 266-0430
II., Erôd utca 22 ≥ 201-0569 ó midday–1 am ó Mon–Fri: midday–3 pm, 6 pm–midnight, Sat: 6
A favourite with sportsmen, sportswomen and fans pm–midnight, closed Sun
●
17 Cyrano**** Varied and gourmet French and international cuisine
V., Kristóf tér 7–8 ≥ 266-3096 ●
30 King Arthur’s***
ó 11.30 am–midnight III., Bécsi út 38–44 ≥ 437-8243
Healthy eating: poultry, fish, plenty of vegetables, ó midday–1 am
steaks and Hungarian dishes Pleasant medieval atmosphere, huge helpings, good
●
18 Fakanál* wines; Renaissance music
IX., Fôvám tér (Central Market Hall, upstairs) ≥ 217-7860 ●
31 Kisbuda Gyöngye***
ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–7 pm, Sat: 10 am–2 pm III., Kenyeres utca 34 ≥ 368-6402
Homemade, cheap meals, rapid service ó Monday–Saturday: midday–midnight
●
19 Fausto’s**** Comfortable, homely surroundings
VII., Dohány utca 5 ≥ 269-6806 ●
32 Kispipa ***
ó midday–3 pm, 7–11 pm, closed Sunday and holidays VII., Akácfa utca 38 ≥ 342-2587
Italian cuisine ó midday–midnight
●
20 Firkász** Hungarian and international dishes
XIII., Tátra utca 18 ≥ 450-1118 ●
33 Kogart Restaurant & Café***
ó Mon–Thur, Sun: midday–midnight, Fri–Sat: midday–2 am VI., Andrássy út 112 ≥ 354-3830
The favourite restaurant for locals; retro milieu; ó 10 am–1 am
homemade dishes, great drinks selection Elegant milieu, high-standard service. International
●
21 Fortuna*** and dietary dishes, excellent Hungarian wine cellar
I., Hess András tér 4 ≥ 375-6857 ●
34 Love Café & Restaurant**
ó 12 am–4 pm, 7 pm–midnight VI., Podmaniczky utca 14
Hungarian and international specialities ≥ 354-0009
●
22 Fuji Japanese Restaurant*** ó midday–1 am
II., Csatárka utca 54/B (corner of Zöldlomb Street Discreet lighting amidst the ruby-red walls; rich range
and Zöldkert Street) ≥ 325-7111 of cocktails; special menu
ó midday–11 pm ●
35 Mágnáskert***
Sushi open kitchen II., Csatárka utca 58 ≥ 325-9967
●
23 Fülemüle*** ó midday–midnight
VIII., Kôfaragó utca 5 ≥ 266-7947 International cuisine
ó Sun–Thur: midday–10 pm, Fri–Sat: midday–11 pm ●
36 Malomtó***
Hungarian, European, Jewish cuisine II., Frankel Leó utca 48 ≥ 336-1830
●
24 Goa*** ó midday-midnight
VI., Andrássy út 8 ≥ 302-2570 Close to Lukács Baths with an atmospheric lakeside
ó midday–midnight terrace; rich choice of Oriental flavours
Chic and trendy; international flavours, wide choice of ●
37 Mátyás Pince****
pastas and salads V., Március 15. tér 7 ≥ 318-1693
●
25 Gundel**** ó midday–1 am
XIV., Állatkerti út 2 ≥ 468-4040 Hungarian cuisine
ó midday–4 pm, 6.30 pm-midnight ●
38 Náncsi Néni Vendéglôje**
Cuisine famed throughout Europe served in historical II., Ördögárok utca 80 ≥ 397-2742
surroundings ó midday–11 pm
●
26 Kaltenberg Bajor Királyi Sörözô és Étterem** Family-style restaurant with a large garden
IX., Kinizsi utca 30–36 ≥ 215-9792 ●
39 Oroszlános Kút Étterem – Gerbeaud-Ház***
ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–midnight, Sat–Sun: midday–midnight V., Vörösmarty tér 7 ≥ 429-9023
Snacks, fish, Hungarian dishes, substantial Bavarian cooking ó midday–3 pm, 6–11 pm
●
27 Kárpátia**** Classically elegant, international cuisine
V., Ferenciek tere 7–8 ≥ 317-3596 ●
40 Pest-Buda***
ó 11 am–11 pm I., Fortuna utca 3 ≥ 212-5880
Traditional and modern gastronomy in a Renaissance ó midday–11 pm
milieu Hungarian and international cuisine

50 www.budapestinfo.hu
RESTAURANT I.
●
41 Pilvax** ●
55 Új Sipos**
V., Pilvax köz 1–3 ≥ 266-7660 III., Fô tér 6 ≥ 388-8745 ó midday–11 pm
ó midday–midnight Hungarian, international flavours
Delicious Hungarian dishes, historical wines ●
56 Vadrózsa****
●
42 Pomo D’Oro** II., Pentelei Molnár utca 15 ≥ 326-5817
V., Arany János utca 9 ≥ 302-6473 ó midday–3 pm, 7 pm–midnight
ó Mon–Fri: 11 am–midnight, Sat–Sun: midday–midnight Small Baroque villa offering a romantic dinner setting
Popular spot in the business quarter; excellent Italian dishes ●
57 Vörös és Fehér**
●
43 Premier Restaurant & Terrace** VI., Andrássy út 41 ≥ 413-1545
VI., Andrássy út 101 ≥ 342-1768 ó midday–midnight
ó midday–11 pm Broad choice of Hungarian wines; tasty starters
International cuisine
●
44 Régi Sípos Halászkert** CAFÉS, BARS
III., Lajos utca 46 ≥ 368-6480 ●1 Angelika
ó midday–midnight I., Batthyány tér 7 ≥ 201-0668
Family-style inn, Hungarian fish dishes ó Mon–Wed, Sun: 9 am–midnight, Thur–Sat: 9–2 am
●
45 Remíz*** ●2 Ba Bar
II., Budakeszi út 8 ≥ 275-1396 ó 9 am–1 am VII., Huszár utca 7 ≥ 0620-919-7979
Close to the tram depot, family-style catering ó midday–1 am
Dishes cooked on lava ●3 Balettcipô
●
46 Rivalda Restaurant*** VI., Hajós utca 14 ≥ 269-3114
I., Színház utca 5–9 ≥ 489-0236 ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–midnight, Sat: 11–midnight,
ó 11.30 am–11.30 pm Sun: midday–11 pm
Modern European, international cuisine ●4 Beckett’s
●
47 Robinson** V., Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 72 ≥ 311-1033
XIV., Városligeti-tó ≥ 422-0222 ó Mon–Thur: midday–1 am, Fri–Sun: midday–2 am
ó midday–4 pm, 6 pm-midnight ●5 Centrál Café
International, Mediterranean cuisine V., Károlyi Mihály utca 9 ≥ 266-2110
●
48 Rosenstein** ó 8 am–midnight
VIII., Mosonyi utca 3 ≥ 313-3492 ●6 Darshan Café
ó Mon–Sat: midday–11 pm VIII., Krúdy Gyula utca 7 ≥ 266-7797
Home-made cooking, traditional Jewish dishes ó Mon–Fri: 7 am–midnight, Sat: midday– midnight,
●
49 Shalimar** Sun: 4 pm–midnight
VII., Dob utca 50 ≥ 352-0305 ●7 Gerbeaud
ó midday–4 pm, 6–11 pm V., Vörösmarty tér 7 ≥ 429-9000
Indian flavours; eight kinds of bread, vegetarian dishes ó 9 am–9 pm
●
50 Sir Lancelot*** ●8 Gusto Café
VI., Podmaniczky utca 14 ≥ 302-4456 II., Frankel Leó utca ≥ 316-3970
ó midday–1 am ó Mon–Sat: 10 am–10 pm
Pleasant medieval atmosphere, huge helpings, good ●9 Lukács
wines; Renaissance music VI., Andrássy út 70 ≥ 302-8747
●
51 Sörházpince – Gerbeaud-Ház** ó Mon–Fri: 9 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–8 pm
V., Vörösmarty tér 7 ≥ 429-9022 ●
10 Mai Manó Café
ó midday–11 pm VI., Nagymezô utca 20 473-2666 ó 10–1 am
Rustic furnishings; Snacks, grilled specialities ●
11 Miró Café
●
52 Spoon Café & Lounge*** I., Úri utca 30 ≥ 201-5573 ó 9 am–midnight
V., Vigadó tér, 3. kikötô (in front of the Hotel ●
12 Múzeum Café
Inter·Continental on the embankment) ≥ 411-0933 VIII., Múzeum körút 12 ≥ 267-0375
ó midday–midnight ó Mon–Sat: midday–midnight
A spooful of pleasure on the elegant “ship-restaurant” ●
13 Mûvész
●
53 Százéves*** VI., Andrássy út 29 ≥ 352-1337 ó 9 am–midnight
V., Pesti Barnabás utca 2 ≥ 318-3608 ●
14 Negro
ó midday–midnight V., Szent István tér 11 ≥ 302-0136
The oldest continually operating restaurant in town. ó Mon–Thur, Sun: 8–1 am, Fri–Sat: 8–2.30 am
Traditional Hungarian cuisine to the very highest ●
15 Ruszwurm
standards I., Szentháromság utca 7 ≥ 375-5284
●
54 Tom-George*** ó 9 am–8 pm
V., Október 6. utca 8 ≥ 266-3525 ●
16 Soho Café
ó midday–midnight I., Fô utca 25 ≥ 201-3807
Hungarian and Oriental “fusion food”; trendy setting ó Mon–Fri: 8 am–9 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–9 pm

52 www.budapestinfo.hu
RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS IN ●7 Jaffa
LISZT FERENC SQUARE IX., Ráday utca 39 ≥ 219-5285 ó Mon–Thur: 9–1 am,
●1 Birdland Fri: 9–2 am, Sat: 1 pm–2 am, Sun: 2 pm-midnight
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 7 ≥ 413-7983 ●8 Chinese Restaurant
ó 11 am–midnight IX., Ráday utca 18 ≥ 218-9546
●2 Buena Vista ó 10 am–11 pm
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 4–5 ≥ 344-6303 ●9 Memoár Café
ó 11–1 am IX., Ráday utca 1–3 ≥ 218-8698
●3 Café Miro Grande ó 10 am–11 pm
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 9 ≥ 321-8666 ●
10 Pata Negra
ó 10–1 am IX., Kálvin tér 8 ≥ 215-5616
●4 Café Vian ó 10 am–midnight
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 9 ≥ 268-1154 ●
11 Paris, Texas
ó 9 am–midnight IX., Ráday utca 22 ≥ 218-0570
●5 Fresco ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–3 am, Sat–Sun: 1 pm–3 am
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 10 ≥ 411-0915 ●
12 Pink-Cadillac
ó midday–midnight IX., Ráday utca 22 ≥ 216-1412
●6 Incognito ó 11 am–midnight
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 3 ≥ 342-1471 ●
13 Prince of Persia
ó Mon–Thur: midday–midnight, Fri: midday– IX., Ráday utca 21 ≥ 216-0566
midnight, Sat: 2 pm–2 am, Sun: 2 pm–midnight ó midday–midnight
●7 Karma ●
14 Ráday Drive 911
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 11 ≥ 413-6764 IX., Ráday utca 11–13 ≥ 219-5452
ó 11–2 am ó midday–midnight
●8 Mediterrán Café ●
15 Red Café
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 10 ≥ 344-4615 IX., Ráday utca 14 ≥ 216-5628
ó 11.30 am–midnight ó midday–midnight
●9 Menza ●
16 Sir Williams
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 2 ≥ 413-1482 IX., Ráday utca 9 Tel. 217-6093
ó 10 am–midnight ó Mon–Fri: midday–4 am, Sat–Sun: midday–1 am
●
10 Pesti Est Café
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 5 ≥ 344-4381
ó 11–2 am
●
11 Passion
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 10 ≥ 268-0199
ó 11 am–midnight
●
12 Pompeí
VI., Liszt Ferenc tér 3 ≥ 351-8738
ó midday–1 am

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS IN RÁDAY

STREET AND KÁLVIN SQUARE
●1 Calvin
IX., Kálvin tér 8 ≥ 215-1215
ó 10 am–midnight
●2 Castro
IX., Ráday utca 35 ≥ 215-0184
ó Mon–Fri: 9 am–midnight, Sat–Sun: 2 pm–midnight
●3 Coramia
IX., Ráday utca 31 ≥ 219-5233
ó 11 am–midnight
●4 Costes
IX., Ráday utca 4 ≥ 219-0696
ó midday–midnight
●5 Fotocella
IX., Ráday utca 17 ≥ 215-3248
ó 10 am–midnight
●6 Intenzo
IX., Kálvin tér 9 ≥ 219-5243
ó 10 am–midnight

www.budapestinfo.hu 53
●
17 Soul Café ●3 Columbus Pub & Jazz Club
IX., Ráday utca 11–13 ≥ 217-6986 ó midday–1 am V., Vigadó tér 4 kikötô (in front of the Hotel
●
18 Star Kávéház/Étterem-Internet Inter·Continental on the embankment) ≥ 205-3041
IX., Ráday utca 34 ≥ 215-2738 ó midday–midnight
ó Mon–Sat: 10–1 am ●4 Cotton Club Restaurant
●
19 Time Café VI., Jókai utca 26 ≥ 354-0886 ó midday–1 am
IX., Ráday utca 23 ≥ 476-0433 ó Mon–Wed: 11–1 am, ●5 Crazy café
Thur–Fri: 11–2 am, Sat: 3 pm–2 am, Sun: 4 pm–1 am VI., Jókai utca 30 ≥ 302-4003 ó 11 pm–1 am
●
20 Togana ●6 Dokk
IX., Ráday utca 29 ≥ 217-6625 III., Hajógyári sziget 122 ≥ 06-30/535-2747
ó 11 am–midnight ó Mon–Sat: 8 am–4 pm
●
21 Vörös Oroszlán Teaház ●7 Fat Mo’s
IX., Ráday utca 9 ≥ 215-2101 ó 11 am–11 pm V., Nyári Pál utca 11 ≥ 267-3199
●
22 Vörös Postakocsi ó Mon–Wed: midday–2 am, Thur–Fri: midday–4
IX., Ráday utca 15 ≥ 217-6756 am, Sat: 6 pm–4 am, Sun: 6 pm–2 am
ó 11.30–midnight ●8 For Sale Pub
V., Vámház körút 2 ≥ 267-0276 ó midday–3 am
RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS ●9 Inside
IN HAJÓS STREET IX., Közraktár utca 9 www.clubinside.hu
●
1 Balettcipô ●
10 Irish Cat
VI., Hajós utca 14 ≥ 269-3114 V., Múzeum körút 41 ≥ 266-4085 ó 11 pm–2 am
ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–midnight, Sat: 11 am–midnight, ●
11 Jailhouse
Sun: midday–11 pm IX., Tûzoltó utca 22 ≥ 0630-989-4905
●2 Chagall ó Wed–Sun: 10–5 am
VI., Hajós utca 2 ≥ 302-6030 ●
12 Janis’ Pub
ó Mon–Fri: 11 am–midnight, Sat–Sun: V., Királyi Pál utca 8 ≥ 266-2619 ó Mon–Thur: 4
midday–midnight pm–2 am, Fri–Sat: 4 pm–3 am, Sun: 6 pm–midnight
●3 Marquis de Salade ●
13 Jazz Garden
VI., Hajós utca 43 ≥ 302-4086 V., Veres Pálné utca 44/A ≥ 266-7364 ó 6 pm–1 am
ó midday–midnight ●
14 Kultiplex
●4 Picasso IX., Kinizsi utca 28 ≥ 219-0706 ó 10–5 am
VI., Hajós utca 31 ≥ 312-1727 ●
15 New Orleans
ó Mon–Wed: 4 pm–midnight, Thur–Fri: 4 pm–3 VI., Lovag utca 5 ≥ 269-4844 ó Wed–Sat: 9 pm–am
am, Sat: 6 pm–4 am ●
16 Old Man’s
●5 Thália VII., Akácfa utca 13 ≥ 322-7645 ó 3 pm–4 am
VI., Hajós utca 7 ≥ 269-1221 ●
17 Piaf
ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–10 pm, Sat: 4–11 pm VI., Nagymezô utca 25 ≥ 312-3823
ó Mon–Thur, Sun: 11–6 am, Fri–Sat: 11–7 am
JAZZ CLUBS, NIGHT CLUBS ●
18 Snapsz Café & Gallery
●
1 A38 Hajó VII., Király utca 95 ≥ 321-5323
XI., Buda side of Petôfi Bridge ≥ 464-3940 ó Mon–Fri: 10 am until the last guest leaves, Sat: 6
ó 4 pm–4 am www.a38.hu pm until the last guest leaves, Sun: closed
●2 Alcatraz ●
19 Szóda
V., Nyár utca 1 ≥ 478-6010 VII., Wesselényi utca 18 ≥ 461-0007
ó Sun–Wed: 4 pm–2 am, Thur–Sat: 4 pm–4 am ó 2 pm–dawn

54 www.budapestinfo.hu
 RESTAURANT II.

OPEN-AIR CLUBS
●1 Báziskert BUDAPEST
XIV., Stefánia út 2/ In the grounds of the Papp László
Sport Arena ≥ 273-0880 ó Tue–Sun: 3 pm–1 am
PANORAMA
●2 Buddha Beach Free monthly programme
IX., Közraktár utca 9–11 ≥ 210-4872 ó all Summer guide in five languages
●3 Café del Rió (English, German, Italian,
XI., Goldman György tér 1./ Pefôfi híd budai hídfô French and Russian).
≥ 06-30-2972158 www.rio.hu Available in hotels,
ó Daily 2 pm–5 am from April to the end of September
information offices,
●4 Copacabana beach
museums and restaurants.
The Árpád Bridge end of Margaret Island
www.copacabana.hu ó all Summer Everything for the visitors!
●5 Mokka Cuka
III., Hajógyári Sziget, K-híd, Május 9. park BUDAPEST
≥ 453-2120 www.mokkacuka.hu ó all Summer PROGRAM MAP
●6 Zöld Pardon
Free English-language monthly
XI., Buda side of Petôfi Bridge www.zp.hu
ó all Summer programme offers and city
map. Available at the
CASINO Budapest airports (Ferihegy 1,
●1 Las Vegas Casino Ferihegy 2A and 2B) and
V., Roosevelt tér 2 ≥ 317-6022 ó nonstop airport information offices.
E-mail: info@lasvegascasino.hu
Your Map –
Website: www.lasvegascasino.hu
Your Programmes!
●2 Tropicana Casino
V., Vigadó utca 2 ≥ 266-3062 ó 11 pm–6 am
e-mail: bp.pan@t-online.hu
E-mail: info@tropicanacasino.hu
www.budapestpanorama.com
Website: www.tropicanacasino.hu

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