Hungary is a beautiful country with number of beautiful monuments and parks , Lakes. Most of the lakes in hungary are thermal or hot water lakes. It has biggest Ice Skating Rink in europe. Here you will find most of the attractions of hungary that you can visit along with tips then i will mention other countries with transfer details and prices . Whole blog will be in a series of posts elaborting country wise each and every minute details.
If you are landing in budapest by Air then you first withdraw local currency i.e hungarian forints. It is easy available at all the terminals. If you don't get a chance to spot one then there are 2 ATM machines near baggage pick up belts.
MOST IMPORTANT PART OR ANY BUDGET TRAVEL IS TRANSPORTATION.
In budapest you can enjoy excess to public transport at a very low price.
From 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., bus number 200E commutes between Terminal 2 and the Kőbánya-Kispest metro terminal (metro line M3), via the Ferihegy train station(trains to the Nyugati railway station in Budapest).
From the Kőbánya-Kispest metro terminal, passengers can take the M3 metro towards Újpest Központ to reach the city center. It is possible to change to metro lines M1 and M2 at the Deák Ferenc tér stop in the inner city.
From 11:00 p.m.to 1:00 a.m. bus 200E, from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. night bus number 900 operates between Budapest Airport Terminal 2 and the South Pest bus garage. It is possible to change to night buses 950 and 950A, operating to the inner city.
100E
As of 7 July, a direct bus line connecting the airport with the city center was introduced: the front-door 100E takes passengers to Deák tér. It leaves from Deák tér every thirty minutes from 04:00 to 23:30. The first bus leaves from the airport each morning at 05:00, and the last one at 0:30. Bus 100E stops at the BKK bus stop at the airport between the two terminals on the arrival level.
Passengers may get off the bus going to Deák tér at Kálvin tér and at Astoria(Both Are metro station. Bus 100E going to the airport only stops at Kálvin tér, but the first two in the morning will also stop at the Astoria M(Metro Station) bus stop. I recommend 100E if you are coming direct to city center with heavy bags because in 200E you have to change 2-3 modes of public transport.
For 200E your standard pass will work i.e Transport pass .
For 100E you need to buy a special ticket which is available at all ticket vending machines ( In the main menu of ticket vending machine , ticket name is mentioned as special ticket). In Bus from Airport to city center you can keep the bigger bags in between the bus as there is space provided inside in all buses from airport.
Attention! A special ticket must be purchased for bus 100E for HUF 900 – other tickets or season tickets are not valid for this service.
Tickets for public transportation priced 350 HUF are available at the airport from BKK at its customer service points, from the post office, the newsagents (Relay) and from ticket machines at the bus stop. It is also possible to purchase a ticket from the bus driver for 450 HUF.
The post office is located on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2A, where 24 and 72-hour, weekly and monthly travel passes for Budapest public transport are also available.
Newsagents only sell single tickets, 10-piece ticket booklets and short section tickets.
At the Tourist Information – Budapest Info Point counters located on the arrivals levels of Terminals 2A and 2B, 24, 48 and 72-hour Budapest Cards are also available, which, in addition to numerous discounts, offer unlimited use of public transportation during the period of validity.
. MINI-BUS .
Some are big fans of this option, and it is less costly than a taxi for a solo traveler. You buy a per-person ticket and it takes you to pretty much anywhere in the city center. Of course, it also takes everyone else in the bus to wherever they are going, so it potentially has a bunch of stops, and a longer trip than a taxi. And more roundabout. And when it is full, it is, well, full so you get to know your neighbors, perhaps getting to know their elbows particularly intimately. All of this would make lots of sense if it weren't as expensive as a taxi for 2 riders, and more expensive than a taxi for 3 or more. But it is the best deal for solo travelers, and a good deal for 2 sociable ones with extra time. There is a booth for the official shuttle, and it is hard to miss.
Taxi :The fastest and most direct way of getting from Budapest Airport to downtown is definitely by taxi, with services provided by taxi stands in front of both Terminal 2A and 2B that are staffed by English-speaking attendants. Only one company is currently authorized to provide unreserved taxi service with curbside pick-up at Budapest Airport: Főtaxi, which guarantees regulated rates with prepaid vouchers available at the taxi stands. To reach most central-Budapest hotels, Főtaxi charges approximately 7,000 forints (about 22 euros). Log onto www.fotaxi.hu for complete information and a tariff calculator.
SIM card : If you are planning to stay for 2-3 days or longer , I recommend a sim card with data so that you can easily find details of attractions and transport.
Telenor : Sim card of telenor operator is the best these days as approx in 5k forints they will provide you 3gb data and local calls along with unlimited social networking. The Data will be valid across europe for a period of 30days.
Telenor shops can be easily spotted anywhere and we do recommend vodafone also but vodafone is expensive over telenor and telenor has a wide coverage in hungary. If you deboard your 100E bus or metro at Astoria Metro station. telenor walk in shop is just on that Square. They speak and understand english as in hungary most of the population do not speak and understand english.
Now you know the first and important phase of day one .
Stay: Stayingis an important factor that can make or break your travel in budget in short you have to choose wisely about your stay. I recommend an apartment through AIRBNB app or you can book an apartment through various hotel booking sites also. Why apartment instead of hotel because if you don't find food of your taste you can cook one Another factor that will endorse my point is if you carry food to home from hotel instead of eating there only than it will be better for you as you can eat as much you need preserve the rest of the food instead of leaving in the plates in restaurant which will go waste.
Points to be considered while booking an apartment:
1.Make sure it has all the amenities that you need like washing machine, and microwave and other useful kitchen utensils.
2. It should not be remotely connected
3. Easy access to public transport ( Try to stay close to metro) 4 choose a nice view balcony apartment ( you can relax and enjoy the view with a coffee ) 5. If you will prefer to avoid city center than it will ne less expensive or a better apartment in same price.
Food: Now you have arrived at your apartment and must be starving for food but question is what to eat and where to eat.
Well for this part you need to be careful for those who are on leisure trip can order from hotel or walk into any expensive restaurant .
If, you are on your budget tour and main focus is to explore the culture , nature and beauty of city over food than you are at right place. Here you will get all the tips to save money on food .
You must carry Home food in you bags from home country if you are on a short trip. If you are an Indian then you can carry some prantha's other than aaloo prantha( they do not last longer) properly wrapped in silver foil. They can last for atleast a week if packed in airtight and proper packing. Other things to eat that are inexpensive in India and are very useful for you are :
1) cashews 2) almonds 3) peanuts 4) chocolates 5) Soft Drinks ( Yes they are cheaper in India in comparison to european countries) 6) Appy fizz 7) Maggie ( all time fav for many) 8). ( Airline will not object if they are in check in baggage subject to total weight permitted)
Spend atleast 3k- 4k on above stuff in india before boarding a flight .
In Hungary : You will Get noodles and even maggie also that you can eat after finishing your Indian maggie as taste will be slightly different. You can have boil and eat rice from supermarket, pasta is also not expensive and yeah juice is even cheaper than India . You will find a bottle of 1ltr juice in 270 Forints to 350forints ( 65 to 85Rs). Eggs , soup,Milk(milch in hungarian) , buttermilk, curd(jogurt in german yogurt in hungarian) and beer is also available in supermarkets.
Above mentioned are some of the items in suggestion which can help you to have taste in breakfast or brunch.
Heading towards Indian restaurant in Budapest : Punjab tandoori : I recommend this restaurant as they serve delicious food with reasonable price especially prantha's are good. It is close to Margret Island and you may take a stroll after Dinner to the Island.
If you want to spend more time in Hungary than below mentioned list contains places to visit across the country.
1. Budapest – The shining capital of Hungary 2. Szentendre – An artistic getaway in a quaint town 3. Eger – A town with a bloody history and blood-red wine 4. Esztergom – A peek into the history of Hungary 5. Debrecen – An expedition to the great grasslands of Hungary 6. Tihany – A historical village with picturesque views 7. Lake Balaton – A sojourn into nature with lakes and forests 8. Aggtelek – A walk through mysterious caves 9. Lillafured – A hike up to the mountains 10. Sopron – Wander in an ancient city with a colourful history 11. Tapolca – A picturesque resort town with caves 12. Tokaj – Stroll through dreamy vineyards 13. Pecs – For heritage by day and entertainment by night 14. Holloko – Relive history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 15. Visegrad – Of Renaissance monuments and skiing 16. Hortobagy – Must-visit for amazing sunsets 17. Siofok – Move over nightclubs, day clubs are here to stay
Paid Attractions of Budapest :-
Thermal Baths: 2,900-4,600 HUF ($11-$17 USD)
Hungarian National Gallery: 1,200 HUF ($4.50)
Museum of Fine Arts: 1,800 HUF ($7)
House of Terror Museum: 2,000 HUF ($7.50)
Pinball Museum: 2,500 HUF ($9.50) includes all you can play pinball
Walking Tours: Free (but you should tip the guides) — 5,000 HUF/$18.50 (for paid tours)
Things to Do In Budapest :
Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Castle Hill
Buda Castle (Hungarian: Budavári Palota, German: Burgpalast) is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. It was first completed in 1265, but the massive Baroque palace today occupying most of the site was built between 1749 and 1769. The complex in the past was referred to as either the Royal Palace (Hungarian: Királyi-palota) or the Royal Castle (Hungarian: Királyi Vár, German: Königliche Burg). The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.
A highlight of a walk around Budapest's lovely pedestrian-friendly cobbled streets is the area around the country's architecturally pleasing Parliament building (Országház), along with its neighbors, the Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The world's third largest parliament building, this Neo-Gothic building was inaugurated in 1886 to mark the country's 1,000th anniversary. (Hungary was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.)
This impressive structure boasts 691 rooms, as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available whenever the government is not sitting, and include many of the building's highlights, such as the main entrance hall, various lobbies, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
Budapest's St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) is a popular attraction for its impressive architecture, the beauty of its interior, and the panoramic views from its dome. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's holy king and the founder of the Hungarian state, and construction began in 1851, but after several construction setbacks—including the collapse of its unfinished dome—it was not dedicated until 1905.
The roof, towers, and external walls were badly damaged in World War II, and the church's precious mosaics fell from the walls. However, these were successfully restored to their original place and are the highlight of the richly decorated interior. The most impressive of these, the five-part Venetian mosaic is in the sanctuary and represents the allegories of the mass.
The cathedral's most precious holy relic, the mummified right hand of the church's patron saint, the first king of Hungary, is displayed under glass in the chapel to the left of the high altar.
One of the best things to do here, if time permits, is to take one of the two elevators that carry visitors up to the cupola for sweeping 360-degree views over the city and the Danube (alternatively, you can climb the 364 steps). Guided tours of the basilica are available on weekdays. Also, be sure to check the cathedral's website for details of one of its frequent organ and classical music concerts.
Overlooking the Danube, on the spot where the city's fishermen's guild built their defence walls in the Middle Ages, stands the impressive Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya). This exquisite collection of Neo-Romanesque towers, courtyards, colonnades, and walls was built between 1895 and 1902, and is one of the most popular points in the city for tourists, largely for its spectacular views over the city and the Danube.
While here, be sure to look for the bronze equestrian statue of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary, in the south courtyard. The reliefs on the sides of the base depict scenes from Stephen's life, and make for an incredible selfie backdrop. A variety of English language tour options are available.
The Danube (or "Duna" in Hungarian) flows through Budapest from north to south, and in some places within city boundaries is as much as 640 meters wide. One of the top free things to do in Budapest is strolling along the Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó), a pleasant century-old riverside walk that extends between the Elisabeth and Széchenyi Chain Bridges.
Although there are many places from which to enjoy views of the majestic river as you stroll its banks (either the Buda or Pest sides, they're both good), the Danube Promenade is definitely one of the best vantage points to take in views of the city's stunning architecture.
It's also on the banks of the Danube (the northeast side, close to the Hungarian Parliament buildings) that you'll find the chilling Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, a series of 60 pairs of steel sculpted shoes commemorating Jews shot here by the Nazis. It's a poignant and moving reminder of the Nazi atrocities suffered by Hungary in World War II.
Another great way to view the city is via a boat cruise along the Danube. Numerous tourist excursions depart regularly from the landing stages at Vigadó tér on the Pest bank and Bem József tér on the Buda bank, and are highly recommended. It's also fun watching these sturdy vessels from the historic Freedom Bridge as they whip down river only to have to struggle back against the current.
Matthias Church (Church of Our Lady)
Matthias Church (Church of Our Lady)
Matthias Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady (Nagyboldogasszony-templom), is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill. It was completed in 1269, and its magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added in the 1300s.
During the Turkish occupation of 1541-1699, the church was used as a mosque, and was later renovated in the Baroque style. It has been the scene of several historic events, including the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth (Sissy) as rulers of Hungary. It was for this event that Franz Liszt composed his coronation mass.
The free organ concerts held here on Sunday evenings are well worth attending. Also worth checking out, the Ecclesiastical Art Museum is located on the church's medieval crypt and features a collection of sacred relics, stone carvings, and replicas of the Hungarian crown jewels.
Another of Budapest's most striking features is the panoramic Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy), a 235-meter block of dolomite that falls steeply down to the Danube. It's here along the hill's geological fault line that several of the city's most famous medicinal springs emerge to supply the Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths, which have lured visitors from far and wide since the 13th century. The Rudas Baths are one of a handful of buildings remaining from the Turkish occupation, and are among the few original Turkish bathhouses in the world still in use that date back to the 1600s.
On the hill's northeast slope is the Gellért Monument, a tribute to Hungary's beloved famous saint, a Benedictine monk who died in 1046 and after whom the hill is named. Perched high above a man-made waterfall, it offers magnificent views over the city. The Citadel on the summit was built by the Austrians in 1851, and the Liberation Monument was erected in 1947 in memory of the Soviet soldiers who died fighting in WWII.
Finally, if you have energy left, take a stroll around Jubilee Park. Laid out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution, it's home to many charming walkways, beautiful flowerbeds, and sculptures. Just across Freedom Bridge from the Gellért Spa is the Great Market Hall, a beautiful sight with its roof of colorful Zsolnay tiles from Pécs, Hungary.
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) is not only Budapest's most important art gallery, it houses one of the largest collections of works by the Old Masters to be found in Europe. The extensive array of Italian, Spanish, and Dutch paintings are on display in a spectacular, classically influenced 19th century building with long rooms for the larger paintings, cabinets for smaller and more intimate items, together with architecturally interesting space such as the Renaissance Hall.
Established in 1870 after Hungary inherited a fine collection of paintings, drawings, and prints, the museum is divided into six excellent departments: Egyptian Art, Ancient Art, the Old Sculpture Gallery, the Old Painter Gallery, the Modern Collection, and the Graphics Collection.
The impressive Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) was largely the work of architect Albert Schickedanz, who was also responsible for the huge Museum of Fine Arts that flanks this large open space.
Highlights include the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel and unveiled in the late 19th century. Around the plinth can be seen a group of bronze horsemen representing the conquering Magyar Prince Árpád and six of his fellow warriors.
In front of the Millennium Monument stands a memorial to the Unknown Soldier. It's an especially nice place to visit at night when illuminated.
Budapest is well-known worldwide for its incredible thermal springs, many of which have been harnessed to provide citizens, as well as visiting tourists, the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in thermal baths.
Of the many such attractions Budapest, the best known is Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi gyógyfürdo). Established in 1913, it's supplied by two thermal springs; it's also the biggest such facility in Europe, capable of handling thousands of bathers at a time in its three outdoor pools (including an adventure pool that's great for families) and 15 indoor pools.
In addition to its pools, guests can enjoy its saunas and steam rooms, as well as spa services including massages. For a special treat, pay a visit to the baths after nightfall. Day tickets can be purchased on-line, or upon arrival.
As impressive inside as it is on the outside, the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) is a must-see when in Budapest. The building's dimensions alone are impressive, and since it opened in 1884, it has commanded top spot on the city's cultural events calendar.
As delightful as its many performances (more on that in a minute) is the sumptuous interior of the building. Festooned with wonderful artwork and sculptures from the country's most significant artists, the Opera House can seat 1,261 people in its horseshoe-shaped (and acoustically pleasing) auditorium.
The Hungarian State Opera House is home to the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian National Ballet, and you'd certainly find attending a performance a crowning moment in your Budapest travel itinerary. The orchestra's season typically runs from September to June, and tickets can be purchased online. Daily guided English-language tours are also available.
Said to be one of the world's oldest still-operating zoos, Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden (Fovárosi Állat- és Növénykert) is one of the top things for families to do when visiting the city. Established over 150 years ago, the park is home to over 1,070 different species of animals, and has the rare distinction of being located in the heart of its host city.
Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum | Wei-Te Wong / photo modified
Underneath Castle Hill, the rock is a maze of caves and passageways that have been used for various purposes since prehistoric times. In World War II, some were fortified as an air raid shelter and emergency hospital. Now known as the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (SziklakórházAtombunker Múzeum), this site was, at the time of the Cold War, further secured against nuclear contamination.
This former hospital and bunker is well worth exploring and features a variety of exhibitions on the kind of lifesaving efforts seen here during the Siege of Budapest in World War II. Another exhibit explores the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Admission is via guided tours only (English language tours available).
The University Church | Peter Brown / photo modified
Budapest's University Church (Kisboldogasszony-templom) is widely regarded as the most beautiful Baroque church in the city. Although somewhat hidden—it stands in the south of Pest away from the main shopping streets—its main front faces onto a narrow side street, which scarcely does it justice.
Built between 1725-42 (the two mighty towers were not completed until 1771), the principal façade incorporates a triangular tympanum with representations of St. Paul and St. Anthony, as well as the arms of the Pauline Order (a palm between two lions and a raven).
Address: Budapest, Papnövelde u. 8, 1053
Hungarian National Museum
Hungarian National Museum
Although founded in 1802, the superb Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) didn't move into its current home, a large classical building surrounding two courtyards, until 1847. In addition to its massive portico, a monument to the famous Hungarian poet János Arany impresses, as does its park-like gardens with their numerous busts of famous people.
With its pretty lake, the 302-acre heavily wooded City Park (Városliget) is a popular recreational site for both Budapest locals and visitors. Laid out in the 19th century, the park has had many additions over the years.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island
Margaret Island (Margitsziget), barely 2.4 kilometers long and 503 meters wide, is Budapest's main recreation and recuperative center for locals. Thermal spring-fed medicinal baths, carefully tended gardens and paths, as well as the ruins of many historic buildings also serve to attract many tourists, too.
Any queries regarding travelling will be entertained through comments.
