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Budapest: City with two faces
Divided in two by the mighty Danube River, Budapest is a city with two faces. Buda, on the west bank of the Danube, and Pest, on the east, were two competing cities until two became one in 1873, around the time that many of Budapest’s most flamboyant art nouveau buildings were constructed.
Extravagant architecture is just one of the things luring visitors to modern Budapest. Many come for the pulsing nightlife, superior dining and the chance for a dip in the city’s famous thermal springs, which have been soothing the aches and pains of Eastern Europe since Roman times.
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24 hours in Budapest
Budapest is a paradox: By day, a hint of melancholy drifts through the museum-worthy architecture of the Hungarian capital; by night, the city glitters, as colorful and cool as a Warhol painting. Budapest is more than just a pretty face with church and cathedral architecture and magnificent bathhouses. It’s pretty, but it’s also mysterious and – surprise, surprise – young! To explore this city, you need stamina and good shoes, as well as good nerves – Budapest‘s taxi drivers are a wily bunch. Budapest is divided into 23 districts and is presently home to some 1.8. million people.
The city came into being in 1873 when the three communities of Buda, Óbuda and Pest were unified. The Danube divides the city into the Buda Hills on its right bank, the low hills of Óbuda, and the Pest plain on the left bank. The “historic” part of Budapest is chiefly to be found in Buda, where the castle district forms a part of the city’s world cultural heritage site. The Pest side with its many stores, hotels and restaurants, on the other hand, is younger and more modern.
The following tips and addresses can be downloaded as an iCalendar file (.ics) and imported into any of the usual calendar programs – experience Budapest for yourself!
09:00 a.m.: Lánchíd 19 design hotel
1013 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/419 19 00
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Enjoying your first coffee of the day on the green terrace of this smart design hotel is a great way to start the day. There are not many boutique hotels in Budapest, and very few in such an excellent location, just two minutes from the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The Lánchíd 19 is a popular hotel and fairly small. Some of its suites come with views of the Danube and Buda castle, placing them among the city’s most attractive, and they are always booked years in advance for New Year’s.
The hotel almost acquired an underground garage, but during construction work, the ruins of a water mill were discovered on the site. Now visitors can view the mill – and in any case, there are more practical ways of traveling to Budapest than by car.
10:00 a.m.: Breakfast in the Menza restaurant and café
1061 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/413 14 82
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Opening times:
Daily, 1000- 2400
Orange and brown are the dominant colors at this trendy retro eatery on busy Ferenc Liszt Square. The wallpapers with their tiny floral and diamond patterns contrast beautifully with the furniture, which tends to be on the dark side, and hip Hungarian sneakers by Tisza Cipő form part of the decor. The Menza serves an excellent breakfast, and the lively scene down on the square looks even better from the terrace.
This place attracts a young and fashion-conscious crowd, but the fare, both international and Hungarian, only rates a good average. Still, the Menza is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in meeting locals in the know.
12:00 p.m.: Time for a bath!
1118 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/466 61 66
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Long ago, the ancient Romans already enjoyed the relaxing properties of the thermal springs beneath the city. The baths experienced another heyday during Ottoman rule (1541-1686) and some of the bathhouses erected in those days still survive. In 1934, Budapest was officially granted the status of “city of spas.” Today, more than 30 000 cubic meters of mineral-rich water flows daily from 120 hot springs into 21 public baths, ten of which are designated “health spas.” The most famous baths are Gellért, Király, Rudas, Lukács and Széchenyi, but one of the loveliest Turkish baths is the Rácz bathhouse, built in the 16th century and meanwhile restored to its former glory, which was incorporated into a luxury hotel in 2011.
The only problem is that due to impenetrable contractual problems and dubious deals, it is still closed despite being freshly refurbished … for almost five years now!
Our recommendation: Gellért Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool
This Art Nouveau gem first opened its doors in 1927 and boasts one of the very first wave pools. There’s no better place in Hungary to indulge in a little Roman-style relaxation.
03:00 p.m.: Terror Háza Múzeum
1062 Budapest (Oktogon metro station)
Tel. +36-1/374 26 00
Tel.: (01) 374 2600
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Opening times:
Tue-Son 1000–1800
Admission: around three euros
Time for a little Hungarian culture? Then definitely don’t miss the “House of Terror.”
In the 1930s, the Neo-Renaissance building at Andrássy-Straße 60 that now houses the museum was converted into the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis (Arrow Cross Party) under Ferenc Szálasi, with torture chambers in the basement. After the Communists came to power, the Hungarian state security service used the building and had the basement extended between 1945 and 1956. Since 2002, the House of Terror has been a museum and the subject of controversy.
Why? Its intentional emotionalization: In films, contemporary witnesses report with faltering voice of executions at dawn, of mock executions, torture and shootings. Portrait photos of those killed hang in the museum basement – many young men in their early twenties fell victim to the Communist executioners – a disturbing sight.
05:00 p.m.: Time for some shopping
1075 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/374 2600
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Modern design & young fashions
Downtown Budapest basically has all the brands you will find in any pedestrian zone in Europe. Here’s a selection of Hungarian brands.
Mono Fashion: Young styles from Budapest’s own fashion designers, mainly trendy one-offs. facebook.com/monofashionbp/info
Eventuell: Lamps, cushions, and jewelry, all brightly colored and youthful: a smart self-help shop run by talented young designers from Budapest. eventuell.hu
Eclectick: Creative, sometimes a little garish manga fashion created by young Budapest designers, plus plenty of comic-based accessories. eclectick.hu
Tisza Cipő: Once Hungary’s monopolist sneaker, now in a hip new edition at the Tisza Retro Flagship 1. tiszacipo.hu
Retrock Deluxe: Young Hungarian designers’ latest collections alongside prettied-up flea market finds. retrock.com
WestEnd City Center: Big shopping center located next to the Western Railway Station. westend.hu
08:00 p.m.: Time to sample Hungary’s hearty culinary delights
1137 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/450 08 29
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Opening times:
Daily 1200–2400
The trip is worth making for fans of traditional Hungarian fare. This restaurant with its living-room atmosphere goes by the name of “Little Cuckoo,” has been going since 1913 and is located some way from the center of town. This has a positive effect on the prices, which are also affordable for locals. Definitely try the Baconbe tekert bélszin csikok, that’s strips of ham rolled inside sirloin steak – sheer poetry. The well-disposed gourmand should be aware that this is not the place to count calories.
10:00 p.m.: Get into clubbing mood in the Gödör culture center and park
1051 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-20/201 38 68
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Opening times:
Sun–Thu 1000–0200
Fri–Sat 1000–0400
Gödör means “pit,” and it’s also the fitting name for a club that really was not intended to exist here, in the heart of the city. Originally, this was the spot where the new National Theater was to be built. Construction work was already underway when the city ran out of money – to say nothing of the noise control problems.
In the end, the excavation on central Elizabeth Square became a large open space at the heart of the city frequented by skaters and students during the day. Come evening, it morphs into a buzzing meeting place for locals and tourists, with live shows, DJs and many other events.
00:00 a.m.: Clubbing in Budapest’s legendary ruin pubs
Fifteen years ago, some young locals made the “ruin gardens” flourish once more. Inventive event organizers began renting demolition sites and inner courtyards in the city center for temporary use as bars and cultural workshops. The first was Szimpla Kert in 2001. The concept was so successful that ruin pubs began popping up all over the city. Many of them are only open for a few months, others for years, until someone comes along to develop the site. Still others, like the newly opened The Box, only pick up on the alternative-style ruin gardens and are intended for long-term commercial use from the word go – but they can still be good.
For the latest update on which ruin gardens are currently “active,” visit ruinpubs.com.
These tips and addresses can be downloaded as an iCalendar file (.ics) and imported into any of the usual calendar programs – experience Budapest for yourself!
Flight and accommodation
Top 10 sights in Budapest

Royal Palace & Hungarian National Gallery
H-1014 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 201 9082
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Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1800
A funicular railway climbs from Chain Bridge to the palace atop Castle Hill, the grand residence of the Hungarian royal family. Housed inside this towering palace are some of Budapest’s most important cultural institutions, including the Hungarian National Gallery, displaying 500 years of Hungarian art.
St Stephen’s Basilica
H-1051 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 311 0839
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1900
Sun 0745-1900
The grandest church in Budapest, St Stephen’s is topped by a 96m (314ft) dome that soars over the surrounding streets. The interior of the dome is covered in glittering gold mosaics and Hungary’s patron saint is represented in the Holy Right Chapel by a mummified hand.
Hungarian Parliament Building
H-1055 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 441 4415
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0800-1800
Sat-Sun 0800-1600 (Apr-Oct)
daily 0800-1600 (Nov-Mar)
One of Europe’s oldest legislative buildings, the Hungarian Parliament rises dramatically above the Danube River in a cascade of Gothic spires. Tours lead through grand staterooms to the domed hall where the Crown of St Stephen – the official symbol of Hungary – is proudly displayed.
Andrássy út
H-1061 Budapest
Hungary
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The stately avenue that links Erzsébet Square with Városliget Park is World Heritage-listed for its grand neo-Renaissance buildings, which still conjure up images of Budapest in its fin de siècle heyday. Along this grand thoroughfare are museums, theatres and upscale boutiques.
Great Synagogue
H-1074 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 343 0420
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Opening times:
Sun-Thur 1000-1600
Fri 1000-1400
The largest synagogue in Europe, the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street was built to accommodate 3,000 worshippers in 1859. Fusing elements of Romantic and Moorish architecture, the synagogue contains moving memorials to the Jews killed in Budapest during WWII.
Heroes’ Square
H-1146 Budapest
Hungary
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Budapest’s most famous square is dominated by statues honouring national heroes, including the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, the ancient rulers of Hungary. Flanking this expansive space are the elegant neoclassical facades of the Museum of Fine Arts and Hall of Art, which display the city’s finest collection of international art.
Rudas Baths
H-1013 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-1/356 13 22 or +36-1/375 83 73
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Opening times:
Sun-Thur 0600-2000
Fri-Sat 0600-2000 and 2200-0400
History seeps like steam between the stones of this famous bathhouse, which opened its doors at the height of the Ottoman occupation in 1566. The central spa, with its octagonal pool and oriental arches is straight out of Arabian Nights.
Széchenyi Baths
H-1146 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 363 3210
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Opening times:
Daily 0600-2200
A baroque fantasy of pools and towers, this is the Budapest spa experience as it was meant to be, with the grandest setting and the warmest thermal waters. People have been bathing in this stately spa since the 19th century, and floating chess games are de rigueur.
House of Terror
Not a carnival funhouse, but a thought-provoking museum exploring the brutal excesses of the Fascist and Stalinist eras in Budapest, set in the former offices of the Hungarian secret police. The rooms used for interrogations offer a harrowing glimpse of the methods of totalitarian systems.
Matthias Church
H-1014 Budapest
Hungary
Tel.: (01) 489 0716
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700
Sat 0900-1300
Sun 1300-1700
The setting for royal coronations, Matthias Church is a grand Gothic construction that looms above the city streets. Topped by a dramatic, 60m-tall steeple, the church is famous for its stained glass, wall paintings and organ recitals.
Flight and accommodation
Country Information
Country overview
The small landlocked country of Hungary in eastern Central Europe is very much the ‘odd one out’ in the region. Surrounded by Slavs on all sides, apart from Austria to the west, the country is culturally and linguistically distinct from all of its immediate neighbours. Hungary is home to some outstanding historic towns and cities, numerous elegant castles, palaces and churches, as well as some attractive – albeit mostly flat – countryside.
This bucolic rural landscape is also home to many highly regarded winegrowing regions such as those at Tokaj. Thermal springs are another notable feature of the Hungarian landscape.
Geography
Hungary is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders to the north with Slovakia, to the northeast with Ukraine, to the east with Romania, to the south with Croatia and Serbia, and to the west with Austria and Slovenia.
Despite much of the country lying lower than 200m (656ft), there are several ranges of hills, chiefly in the north and west. The country’s highest point is Kékes in the Matra Mountains northeast of Budapest, which is 1,014m (3,327ft) high. Other, relatively low, mountain ranges include the North Hungarian Mountains, the Transdanubian Mountains and Mecsek north of Pécs. The lowest point, near Szeged in southern Hungary, is just 77m (253ft) above sea level.
The Great Hungarian Plain, which stretches northeast from the Danube to the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, east to the mountains of Transylvania in Romania, and south to the Fruška Gora range in Serbia, covers more than half of Hungary’s total territory. It is flat and low-lying throughout, never exceeding more than 183m (591ft) in height. The Little Hungarian Plain is similar, but much smaller, and lies in northwest Hungary next to the Austrian and Slovakian borders.
Two major European rivers run through Hungary, the Danube and the Tisza.
The former flows through Budapest on its way to the Black Sea via Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The River Tisza, which has its source in Ukraine, flows south through Hungary into Vojvodina in northern Serbia, where it joins with the Danube. Both rivers are navigable in Hungary. Smaller rivers include the Rába, Szamos, Sío and the Drava, which largely defines the Croatian border.
Hungary has no coastline, but the country is home to Lake Balaton in west-central Hungary, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hungarian Sea’. Lake Balaton is a regionally important freshwater lake, the largest in Central Europe, with a surface area of 592 sq km (229 sq miles). At 78km (48 miles) long and up to 14km (9 miles) wide, it’s Hungary’s largest recreational area and a popular destination for both summer swimming and winter sports. Hungary also has two much smaller lakes: Lake Velence, which is a bird reserve, and Lake Fertö, which straddles the Austrian border near Sopron.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 9.9 Million
Population Density (per sq km): 107
Capital: Budapest.
Language
Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language. German and English are widely spoken by both the older and younger generations. Some French is also spoken, mainly in western Hungary.
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF; symbol Ft). Notes are in denominations of Ft 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, and 200.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1630.
Country overview
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
2020
Újév (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Nemzeti ünnep (Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule): 15 March 2020
Nagypéntek (Good Friday): 10 April 2020
Húsvét (Easter): 12 and 13 April 2020
Munka ünnepe (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Pünkösd (Whitsun): 31 May and 1 June 2020
Szent István (St Stephen’s Day, National Day): 20 August 2020
Nemzeti ünnep (National Day): 23 October 2020
Mindenszentek (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2020
Karácsony (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Karácsony másnapja (Boxing Day): 26 December 2020
2021
Újév (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Nemzeti ünnep (Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule): 15 March 2021
Nagypéntek (Good Friday): 2 April 2021
Húsvét (Easter): 4 and 5 April 2021
Munka ünnepe (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
Pünkösd (Whitsun): 23 and 24 May 2021
Szent István (St Stephen’s Day, National Day): 20 August 2021
Nemzeti ünnep (National Day): 23 October 2021
Mindenszentek (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2021
Karácsony (Christmas Day): 25 December 2021
Karácsony másnapja (Boxing Day): 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Getting around
Public Transport
Budapest’s efficient mass transport system is run by Budapesti Közlekedési Vállalat, more commonly known as BKV Zrt (tel: (01) 258 4636; www.bkv.hu). Underground trains, suburban trains and trams connect most quarters of the city; buy tickets at stations or save money with a multi-trip travelcard or Budapest Pass. Tram Route 2/2A follows a particularly scenic route along the Danube. Buses and trolleybuses also zip around the centre; buy tickets onboard, or use your travelcard.
Taxis
Budapest has plenty of licensed taxis, with yellow number plates and an identification badge on the dashboard, as well as more questionable unlicensed cabs. Most people call ahead for a taxi rather than hailing a cab in the street and trying to negotiate a fare with the driver. Reputable firms include City (tel: (01) 211 1111; www.citytaxi.hu), Főtaxi (tel: (01) 222 2222; www.fotaxi.hu) and Budapest Taxi (tel: (01) 777 7777; www.budapesttaxi.hu).
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Budapest
Centred on Pest, the bar scene is fast paced and rapidly evolving. Currently, ‘ruin bars’ are all the rage – laid-back watering holes with modest prices and mismatched furniture,
where the focus is on unwinding rather than showing off. For a dressy night out, visit the clubs and cocktail bars around VI Listz Ferenc tér and IX Ráday utca.
Szimpla kert
1075 Budapest
Hungary
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Pioneer of the ‘ruin-pub’ craze, with an arty vibe, live bands and all sorts of cultural goings-on is the Szimpla kert.
A38
H-1093 Budapest
Hungary
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Floating in the Danube by Petőfi Bridge, this atmospheric art and music venue fills the hold of a decommissioned Ukrainian barge.
Bambi Presszó
H-1027 Budapest
Hungary
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Communist Budapest lives on in Bambi Presszó, a charming throwback to the 1960s, and a great spot for a pavement coffee or beer in summer.
Corvintető
1075 Budapest
Hungary
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Dance DJs and live bands rock through the night at this huge terrace club atop the former Corvin department store.
State Opera House
H-1061 Budapest
Hungary
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As glorious inside as out, Budapest’s graceful opera house is said to have the third best acoustics in Europe.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Budapest
Hearty Hungarian food is the mainstay in Budapest’s restaurants, but chefs are increasingly updating traditional recipes with modern ingredients. Dumplings, noodles and bread are served with rich stews and sauces, with spices
that recall the Ottoman occupation. Upscale restaurants are concentrated around Belváros and Castle Hill; cheaper eateries can be found around Parliament, Erzsébetváros and the Jewish Quarter.
Nobu
H-1051 Budapest
Hungary
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Price: Expensive
Famous chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa blends flavours from Japan and South America in this innovative fusion restaurant inside the lavish Kempinski Corvinus Budapest Hotel.
Costes
H-1092 Budapest
Hungary
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Price: Expensive
A Michelin star lures well-to-do diners to this elegant eatery, specialising in exquisitely presented modern European cooking with a subtle French flavour.
Onyx
H-1051 Budapest
Hungary
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Price: Moderate
Elegant dining, a few blocks from Széchenyi Chain Bridge, bringing traditional Hungarian dishes deliciously into the 21st century.
Spinoza
H-1074 Budapest
Hungary
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Price: Moderate
A top choice for café dining in the Jewish quarter, with live music, theatre shows and a menu that mixes Hungarian and Mediterranean specialities.
Kisharang
H-1051 Budapest
Hungary
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Price: Cheap
A friendly student hangout, serving filling Hungarian meals at bargain prices, a short hop from the Hungarian Parliament.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Titanic International Film Festival
Budapest’s best known and most respected film festival runs for longer than a week, taking in over five cinemas in the city. Bringing together the best in contemporary film, both Hungarian and international, the event has grown to encompass over 60 feature movies, plus dozens of shorts in the few decades it’s been going. Each year, a panel of judges will hand out the Breaking the Waves award for best film.
Budapest Spring Festival
Budapest Spring Festival is a two-week cultural celebration covering more than 200 events showcasing Hungarian and international culture. Taking place at several locations around the city, events within the festival include classical music recitals and opera, theatrical and folk dance performances.
Sziget Festival
An island in the Danube River is the annual venue for one of Europe’s largest and most popular music events: the Sziget Festival.
Wizz Air Budapest International Half-Marathon
Open to runners over the age of 12, the popular Budapest International Half-Marathon attracts over 13,000 runners from approximately 60 countries. The course begins in the City Park and then follows a route that crosses the Danube and takes in both the Buda and the Pest sides of this historic city. Runners and visitors can expect to be welcomed with a warm atmosphere as well as plenty of additional events and entertainment that takes place during the race weekend. The event was first held in 1986 and has become an important event in the city’s calendar.
SPAR Budapest Marathon
Participants in the annual Budapest Marathon follow a route that crosses the Danube and takes in both the Buda and the Pest sides of this fabulous city. Thousands of runners from all over the world compete in the event and a great atmosphere prevails throughout the marathon weekend with plenty of additional events taking place including musical performances in a number of open-air venues.
Budapest Christmas Market
November – Dezember 2020
Venue: Vorosmarty Square, Budapest
As the first Christmas Market to be welcomed into the bosom of Eastern Europe, Budapest’s extensive festive gathering continues to take over Vorosmarty Square towards the end of each year with scores of stalls selling everything from roast meats to mulled wine. With a giant Christmas tree and lit-up walkways, the Hungarian take on the traditional German market also has space for souvenirs and musical performances.
Music-Wine Gala Concert of the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra
December 2020
Venue: Budapest Convention Centre
This lively event provides visitors with an exciting introduction to Hungary’s wine regions during an evening of wine-tasting and supper, with music provided by the world-famous 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra. During the concert, visitors are treated to performances of pieces by Khachaturian, Brahms, Strauss, Bizet, Rossini and Liszt as well as classical folk music.
New Year's Day Concert
January 1, 2021
Venue: Budapest Opera House
A great way to see in the New Year, Budapest’s New Year’s Day Concert welcomes a host of internationally-renowned performers to the stage. The concert takes place in Budapest’s stunning 19th-century Opera House, located in the heart of this magical city, with the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra traditionally wowing the home crowd.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Budapest
Slumber in luxury like a royal highness? In Budapest, that can easily be arranged! Hungary’s capital, the famous city of spas, offer a wide selection of stylish hotel rooms, many of them in historical buildings. Gold leaf and loving care were lavished on restoring their former splendor, so that in many hotels, you can look forward to enjoying every modern comfort in a 19th century ambience.
Nearly all international hotel chains are represented in the center of Pest or on the green outskirts of Buda, and often boast a variety of spa facilities.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
1051 Budapest
Hungary
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Category: Superior
This luxury hotel housed in an Art Nouveau palace near the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of the best hotels in the city. Besides a magnificent view of the Castle District and an enchanting fairy-tale atmosphere, the Gresham Palace Budapest offers all the signature comforts and conveniences of a Four Seasons Hotel – and more: an exhilarating rooftop infinity pool.
Casati Budapest Hotel Superior
1061 Budapest
Hungary
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Category: Medium
Paulay Ede utca runs parallel to Andrássy út – making the location of this hotel just about as central as you could hope to find in Budapest. This boutique hotel is housed in an 18th century building that was completely renovated and refurbished in 2012. Its rooms and suites are done out in four distinct styles: Classic, Cool, Natural and Heaven. To avoid disappointment, best state your design preference when booking your room.
Continental Hotel Budapest
1074 Budapest
Hungary
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Category: Medium
This centrally located design hotel opened in 2010 in the magnificent Art Nouveau building that once housed the Hungária Spa. All of its 272 rooms and suites are done out in warm, welcoming colors. Tip for wellness fans: The hotel has an outdoor pool on the roof terrace as well as a large spa.
Airport Hotel Budapest
2220 Vecsés
Hungary
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Category: Medium
When you stay at this good airport hotel, you are just two minutes away from the terminals of Liszt Ferenc Airport. With its modern conference facilities, it’s an ideal venue for uncomplicated business meetings. The hotel provides a minibus shuttle service from and to the airport building.
Gozsdu Court Aparthotel
1075 Budapest
Hungary
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Category: Medium
The location of this apartment hotel close to Deák Ferenc tér metro station is unbeatable for tourists. Modern, fully equipped studios and one- to three-room apartments offer guests a stylish and comfortable place to stay. A (chargeable) transfer service from and to the airport can be arranged on request.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
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Climate and best time to visit Budapest
Budapest changes subtly through the seasons. Winters are cold but rarely snow-bound. Summers are hot but rarely sweltering, and nightlife goes into overdrive along the banks of the Danube. Autumn is generally agreed to be the best time to visit, with dry skies, warm days and smaller crowds at the city’s historic sights. Spring sees plenty of rain, but lots of cultural goings-on for the Budapest Spring Festival. The festival calendar is busy year-round, and accommodation can be in short supply during the Hungarian Grand Prix in July and the Sziget Festival in August.
Climate & best time to visit Hungary
Hungary has a mild continental climate. There are four distinct seasons, with a very warm summer from June to August where temperatures can rise to as high as 35°C (95°F). Spring and autumn are mild, while winters are very cold, as low as -10°C (14°F), and not a good time to visit rural areas – although city breaks are enjoyable at any time of year. The south of the country around Pécs is a little warmer on average, although the region still experiences snowfall in winter. Annual rainfall is an average of 6cm (23 inches) and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall common in winter.
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 15 °C | -22 °C | 2 °C | -2 °C | 80 % | 34 mm | 7 | 1.8 h |
Feb | 19 °C | -23 °C | 5 °C | 0 °C | 75 % | 33 mm | 6 | 2.9 h |
Mar | 25 °C | -15 °C | 11 °C | 2 °C | 65 % | 30 mm | 6 | 4.4 h |
Apr | 30 °C | -4 °C | 16 °C | 6 °C | 60 % | 38 mm | 6 | 5.6 h |
May | 34 °C | 0 °C | 22 °C | 11 °C | 61 % | 56 mm | 8 | 7.4 h |
Jun | 39 °C | 3 °C | 25 °C | 14 °C | 62 % | 68 mm | 8 | 8.3 h |
Jul | 38 °C | 6 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 60 % | 55 mm | 6 | 8.9 h |
Aug | 39 °C | 8 °C | 27 °C | 14 °C | 60 % | 50 mm | 6 | 8.3 h |
Sep | 35 °C | 0 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 65 % | 36 mm | 5 | 6.7 h |
Oct | 32 °C | -9 °C | 16 °C | 7 °C | 73 % | 36 mm | 5 | 5.0 h |
Nov | 22 °C | -12 °C | 8 °C | 2 °C | 80 % | 52 mm | 7 | 2.2 h |
Dec | 16 °C | -21 °C | 3 °C | 0 °C | 83 % | 42 mm | 8 | 1.5 h |
year | 39 °C | -23 °C | 16 °C | 7 °C | 69 % | 530 mm | 80 | 5.3 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +36
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Budapest
Key Areas
Shopping in Budapest has moved on from quaint wooden toys and folk art – the city has evolved into a vibrant hub for modern fashion and design, with the best boutiques scattered around VI Király utca. For international brands, browse the swanky outlets on Váci utca and Andrássy út. To take a piece of Hungarian history home with you, explore the antique stores along V Falk Miksa utca in Pest.
Markets
Budapest’s vibrant flea markets rose to prominence during the Communist era, and they still hold a special place in the heart of citizens.
The best are the Ecseri Bolhapiac on XIX Nagykőrösi út, and the smaller Városliget Bolhapiac on Zichy Mihály út 14 in City Park. To browse the latest creations from Budapest designers, visit the WAMP Design Market, held every second Sunday at Erzsébet tér. For local foodstuffs, join the crowds in the covered Central Market Hall on Fővám tér in Pest.
Shopping Centres
Budapest has its share of international-style shopping malls, jam-packed with international stores and local brands. In the centre, try Corvin Plaza (Futó utca), Europeum Shopping Centre (Blaha Lujza tér) or the WestEnd Mall (Váci út).
Flight and accommodation
My Budapest
The true city center of Budapest is located between the small ring road and the Danube. I enjoy strolling along Vaci utca, Budapest’s oldest shopping street, with its big stores and attractive boutiques, and always end up treating myself to a visit to the Great Market Hall, a magnificent piece of Art Nouveau architecture.

Anita Preis, flight attendant
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
When meeting a Hungarian, handshaking is customary and both first name and surname should be used. At a meal, toasts are usually made and should be returned. Gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of good quality wine are acceptable for hosts as a token of thanks – particularly when invited for a meal.
Smoking, although popular in Hungary, is prohibited on public transport in towns and public buildings. English is quite widely spoken in tourist areas, but some knowledge of German can also prove useful.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Food in Hungary is as safe to eat as anywhere in Western Europe, but places where cooked food is allowed to cool before reheating are usually best avoided. Tap water is chlorinated and drinkable throughout the country, although bottled spring water, which is widely available and reasonably inexpensive, usually tastes better. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested, grassy or lakeside areas during the warmer summer months. Insect repellent containing 30-50% DEET can help prevent bites, and long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots and hats should be worn to protect exposed skin. Vaccination is advised for campers and hikers visiting densely-forested areas outside the capital. Rabies, although on the decrease, is also present. In the unlikely event of being bitten seek medical advice without delay. The sun can be surprisingly strong in summer and precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn. Mosquitoes are present by water in summer and can sometimes be a nuisance, although they carry no risk of disease.
The prevalence of HIV for adults in Hungary is estimated to be less than 0.1% of the adult population, a little lower than that in the UK. However, normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV should always be taken.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Veres, JosephHotel Marriott - Mi. 15.00-17.00 Uhr
Apaczaicsere Janos 16
Hungary
Hotel Intercontinental - Mo.+Fr. 15.00-16.00
Apaczaicsere Janos 12
1052 Budapest
Hungary
Tel. +36-06-30-9-665-127
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.