Budapest, capital of Hungary: photos and interesting facts. The city of Budapest: population and number of residents Which country does the city of Budapest belong to?

The capital of Hungary is recognized as one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. Its streets are intricately intertwined with historical buildings from the Roman Empire and modern neighborhoods. Budapest fully possesses that special European mood and chic for which other elegant old European cities are famous.

History of the city on the banks of the Danube

The Romans built bridges across the Danube in the 2nd century, but Buda, located on the right bank of the river, and Pest on the left were able to connect only in 1840, when the grandiose Chain Bridge was built. This was not done before, obviously because the current in that place was very stormy, the river often overflowed its banks, preventing the formation of dense soil. The first bridge was regarded as an engineering marvel of the time. Two Englishmen supervised the construction. Many of the workers were English, and Italians from Trieste and Slavs also worked with them. The Hungarian nobility provided financing.

In 1873, Buda, Obuda (old Buda) and Pest merged into a single city. New bridges have appeared. But they were all blown up during World War II, when the Germans were preparing the last defensive line on Fortress Hill. The recovery process lasted quite a long time. The chain bridge was re-opened in 1949, exactly a century after its construction. However, the single-span Elizabeth (Erzsebet) Bridge was restored only in 1964.

This bridge is named after a representative of the House of Habsburg, who was extremely popular in these parts: Empress Elisabeth, the wife of Franz Joseph, was called Little Sister all over the world.

One of the bridges was also named after Franz Joseph, which was later renamed Sabadshaghid (Liberty Bridge). Buda looks much older than Pest, but in fact it was founded after the Mongols destroyed the latter in 1241. The left bank of the river is flat, but the steep limestone hills of the right bank served as natural defensive barriers, and the Danube separated Buda from the road , along which eastern riders on short piebald horses could return at any time.

The current boulevards and ring roads were laid mainly at the beginning of the 20th century. They cope well with modern traffic loads, which cannot be said about the older areas of the capital. On one of the hills of Buda, the venerable Bishop Gellert in 1046 tried to preach Christianity to the local residents, for which he was severely punished: he was stuffed into a barrel studded with nails and thrown from the hill into the river. This mountain is now called after the priest. From its top you can see the entire city, the flat expanses beyond and the winding ribbon of the Danube.

On the mountain there is an ancient citadel and a monument to the Liberation of Hungary from the fascist occupiers. Bela IV began the construction of the new city of Buda in the 13th century. from the construction of a fortress on Fortress Mountain, which was supposed to protect the residential area located north of Mount Gellert. The city had to go through terrible times. In 1526 it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks (the decisive battle took place at Mount Mohács). Although Buda was not particularly damaged then, it was destroyed in 1686, when it was recaptured from the Ottomans. Having established themselves in the city, the Turks turned the churches into mosques and brought an oriental flavor to Buda.

Buildings and fortresses

Some houses and baths, so beloved by the Turks, still bear the stamp of the East to this day. On Uri Street on Fortress Hill there is the grave of Abdurrahman Ali, the last Turkish pasha to rule Buda. After the expulsion of the Turks, the destroyed city was rebuilt in the late Baroque style, the then dominant style in architecture. Vivid examples of this style in the city are:

• university church;
• Zichy Castle;
• silk mill in Óbuda;
• the two-tower Church of St. Anne on Batthyany Square.

The restoration of the monarchy in 1867 caused a second wave of construction of ceremonial buildings. The fortress was converted into a Royal Palace. The Hungarians, consumed by the ambitious desire to fashion their capital into a city that would outshine Vienna in brilliance and beauty, launched a grandiose construction project on the other bank where Pest stood. During these events, the city, destroyed during the suppression of the revolution of 1848, was almost completely restored. But even greater troubles awaited the Hungarians. The foreign intervention of 1919 and the Second World War left its mark on Budapest.

Fortress Mountain

The Germans, having destroyed everything that stood on the fortress mountain, which served as their last stronghold in 1944, to some extent did the city a favor: archaeologists had a great opportunity to rummage through the cobblestones. They brought to light the material facts of the activities of the great people of Hungarian history - the Arpads, representatives of the Angevin dynasty, Matthias Corvinus (Hunyadi) and others. These finds were skillfully used in the reconstruction of the palace, which now houses:

• Museum of Contemporary History of Hungary;
• Hungarian National Gallery;
• Museum of the History of Budapest;
• National Library.

A funicular takes you to Fortress Mountain, through whose sewerage systems the tunnel passes. Boarding takes place at Adam Clarke Square, located near the Chain Bridge. Several streets at the top of the hill, connected by narrow galleries, have a fair atmosphere, especially noticeable at Matthias Church. Cars are prohibited from entering there.

Matthias Church

The official name of the Matthias Church is the Church of Our Lady (at one time it was even an important Turkish mosque), but it is more often called by the name of the Hungarian king and national hero Matthias Hunyadi, who was married twice in this religious building and reconstructed it. In 1686, the church was almost completely destroyed, rebuilt in the 18th century, and acquired its current appearance only in the 19th century. The last two Hungarian kings, Franz Joseph I and Charles IV, were crowned here.

Through the dark windows a little light penetrates into the church, but as soon as the eyes get used to the dim lighting, the eye snatches from the twilight the elegant columns, walls and vaults of the grandiose interior. The frescoes depict scenes from the lives of Hungarian saints. King Bela III (reigned 1173-1196) and his wife Anna of Chatillon are buried in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity; their ashes were transported here from Székesfehérvár in 1898.

Fisherman's Bastion and museums

A few steps from the church is the Fisherman's Bastion with many towers and stairs. This rather bizarre building with winding galleries was built at the beginning of the 20th century. on the site of a fish market and a fishermen's village. Among the museums of the palace complex, nestled on Fortuna Street, not far from the Hilton Hotel, is the curious little Museum of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business. But don't let its name fool you; This is not a paean to gluttony or cafeteria operations. The museum consists of several halls, decorated in the style of Budapest hotel lobbies of the time when they were an integral attribute of the lifestyle of aristocrats.

If you want to breathe a little more air of nostalgia for the past, take a look at the Museum of Military History, which, in particular, contains a collection of military uniforms of 19th-century cavalrymen, which greatly contributed to the formation of the opinion of Hungarian officers as boastful extravaganzas. The exhibition mainly presents materials about the uprising of the Hungarians in 1848, who opposed the dominance of the Habsburgs. The arch near the Museum of Military History serves as one of the entrances to the more modern district of Buda, the main street of which is Fö Street. The street ends at József Böhm Square, named after the Polish general, hero of the Hungarian liberation struggle of 1848-1849, whose monument stands in the center of the square.

Baths of Budapest

On Fö Street there is the Kiraly Bath, which was previously a Turkish bath. About 120 hot springs flowing on the banks of the Danube supply 16 million gallons of medicinal water, which was used by the Romans. The baths in Budapest serve the same purpose as the coffee shops in Vienna (separate visiting days for men and women). The most popular are the Gellert and Szechenyi baths.

From Buda to Pest, located on the eastern bank of the river, you reach the Chain Bridge, a 600 m walk along the pedestrian path. On this side are Roosevelt Square with a statue of Count Stephen Széchenyi and the Academy of Sciences founded by him, a palace in the style of neo-Renaissance architecture. Tsorzo Street, running south, is intended for pedestrian walking. It will lead to Vigado Square, where the Concert Hall is located, in which almost all the great musicians of different times performed. The list is headed by Brahms and Liszt.

Shopping in Budapest

Váci Street, the most elegant shopping street in Budapest, runs parallel to Zorzo. Even in the 70-80s, luxury goods were traded here that could not be found in any of the countries of Eastern Europe. This is also true of the Budapest Market, located at the opposite end of Vaci in an amazing building with soaring metal columns, high covered galleries and ramps.

The shopping area of ​​Pest is a pedestrian area, and it is especially pleasant to stroll here. Voroshmarty Square resembles a beehive. Almost everyone considers it their duty to visit the famous Gerbeau candy store, which opened in 1857. Most airlines have offices in this area.

Food for the soul in Budapest

To the north of the square stands the neo-Romanesque Basilica of St. Stephen - a place of pilgrimage for Hungarian Catholics who want to look at the right hand of St. Istvan. The Budapest Opera House is located nearby. Tickets for the performances performed here are not available, but you won't regret just taking a tour of the theater between performances. Near the Intercontinental Hotel you will see the parish church of the Inner City, which was built before the Mongol invasion. Liszt regularly played the organ here, the composer lived just around the corner, and Richard Wagner often attended Sunday parties at his house.

Parliament of Hungary

The huge Hungarian Parliament building on Kossuth Square is completely copied from its British counterpart - both the compositional structure, and even the way it is reflected in the river, only in the Danube, and not in the Thames. The building was built from 1880 to 1902 according to the design of Imre Steindl on a special concrete foundation, taking into account the proximity of the river. Behind the 280-meter facade with statues of 88 Hungarian leaders and military leaders are 10 courtyards, 29 staircases and 27 gates. In front of the parliament building there is a monument to Lajos Kossuth, the leader of the struggle for independence of 1848-1849. Tours of the grand premises of the Hungarian Parliament are organized on selected mornings.

National Museum

Be sure to visit the National Museum of Budapest, if only to look at the apostolic crown of St. Stephen, the most powerful symbol of the country, created by Byzantine craftsmen in the 12th century. This is certainly a masterpiece, but not the same crown that Pope Sylvester II gave to Istvan. Stephen was the first Hungarian king, and a thousand years later he was canonized. The cross on the crown is bent, since at a critical moment in the Middle Ages it had to be hastily hidden. At the end of the Second World War, the Hungarian military handed over the crown and all the royal regalia to the Americans, and they returned the treasures only in 1978.

Synagogue and Museum of Fine Arts

Next to the museum is a synagogue, one of the largest in the world. You will recognize it immediately by its onion-shaped dome. The Hungarian Millennium Monument and Heroes' Square were created to commemorate the thousand-year anniversary of the Magyars' conquest of this land. The sculptural ensemble consists of statues of the leader of the Hungarians, Prince Arpad, and his seven companions. The ensemble was created in 1897 according to the design of Albert Schickedanz. The square is dominated by the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts and the House of Artists.

The first houses one of the most significant collections of paintings in Eastern Europe, and the second hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the Museum of Applied Arts. It stands separately from other museums in the southern part of the city; you need to go to it by taxi. The museum building, created by Eden Lechner in the 90s of the last century, is in itself an architectural masterpiece.

If you want to have coffee or lunch, go to the Hungary Cafe-Restaurant, located on the outer ring road. This Art Nouveau establishment is considered one of the most luxurious in Budapest.

Obuda (old Buda) is located a little away from the city center. You can get there by HEV train departing from Batthyany Square. Nowadays it is mainly an area of ​​apartment buildings, but there is also a historical center with the ruins of a Roman amphitheater with 15 thousand seats. The main cultural building of Óbuda is the castle, built by the Zichy family in the Baroque style in the 18th century.

A country and city with a rich history will not leave anyone indifferent, because they are a part of beautiful Europe.

The importance of Budapest for Hungary can hardly be overestimated. This city is home to two million people, that is, approximately one fifth of the country's population. It is the center of political power, finance, culture, and the most important transport hub. Starting your walk around the city from Castle Hill, you will understand why Budapest was called the “pearl of the Danube”. The majestic buildings and long curved bridges look especially beautiful when lit by fireworks. Castle Hill (Varhegy) is the most prominent point of the Buda area with its ancient mansions and a huge palace overlooking the Water Town. Buda and Pest are rich in attractions, including museums and galleries, restaurants and bars, and various entertainment venues.

There are a lot of nightclubs here, but many townspeople get up early and return home by 22.00, relaxing at lunchtime in pastry shops and bars. You can plunge into Budapest life in the thermal baths (gyogyfurdo). With a regular ticket you can spend three hours in the pools, saunas and steam rooms (gozfurdo), and for an additional fee you can also enjoy such pleasures as mud baths (iszapfurdo) and massages (masszazs). Each of the 23 districts (keruletek) of Budapest is designated on maps, street signs and addresses with Roman numerals: for example, the number V stands for Belváros in Pest, and I for the Castle district in Buda.

The city has three main stations, connected by metro lines to the central station Deak ter in Belvaros, the center of the Pest district. Most international trains arrive at Keleti station, including from Vienna, Bucharest, Zagreb and, as well as domestic trains from and. Trains from Bratislava come to Nyugati station, and only one train from (from Westbahnhof station), one from and internal trains from and from Lake Balaton arrive at Deeli station. From Ferihegy Airport (Liszt Ferenc Airport) a minibus will take you to your accommodation (travel orders can be accepted at the terminal building). Taxis are quite expensive, so it is better to pre-book.

The central bus station is located in Nepliget (blue metro line 3), and buses serving international and Danube routes arrive here. The Stadion bus station (red metro line) serves the routes of the East Danube zone, and the Arpadhid bus station (blue metro line) serves the Danube Bend area. Hovercraft from Vienna dock at the Belváros promenade. The best source of information is the friendly Tourinform office (daily 8.00-20.00), which is located at the Deak ter metro station at Suto 2, behind the large yellow Lutheran church building. Other Tourist Information offices are open at Liszt Ferenc ter (daily 9.00-19.00) and in the castle area at Szentharomsag ter (daily 9.00-21.00).

Similar organizations are Vista Tourist Center, on Paulay Ede 7 (Monday-Friday 9.00-20.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00-18.00) and Budapest Tourist at the metro station opposite Nyugati station (Monday-Friday 9.00-16.00). Current events are published in Budapest In Your Pocket, which can be found in hotel lounges and bookstores. In travel agencies, hotels and at main metro stations you can purchase a Budapest card (for two and three days) for unlimited travel on public transport, visiting museums and receiving various discounts. You can get maps for free at the travel agency, but it is better to purchase an atlas of Budapest at newsstands, bookstores or Tourinform offices.

There are three metro lines in the city (daily 4.30-23.15), intersecting at the Deak ter station. You are unlikely to get lost if you learn to recognize the following inscriptions: bejarat (entrance), kijarat (exit), vonal (line) and fele (towards...). The basic ticket for €0.60 (or €0.70 if you buy it on the bus) is valid for a trip on one metro line or for one trip on bus, trolleybus, tram and HEV commuter train within the city limits. In the metro you can also buy a ticket for 0.50 euro cents for a trip with three stops and a combined ticket for transferring to another metro line. Tickets are also sold at street kiosks, which must be punched at the entrance to a metro station or bus, trolleybus and tram.

At the bottom of the escalators there are often inspectors on duty, checking tickets and, if necessary, charging a fine. Buses (busz) with red numbers do not stop at all stops, and those marked with the red letter “E” go non-stop from the departure station to the final one. They all run approximately every ten minutes, as do trams (villamos) and trolleybuses (trolibusz). Night transport (indicated by a black letter "E") runs at intervals of thirty minutes to an hour. You can buy a card (price 5 and 10 euros for one and three days) or a booklet of ten or twenty tickets - do not tear them off, as they are only valid in booklet form. Taxis such as Fotaxi and Citytaxi operate in the city. You can catch a taxi on the streets, but it is cheaper to order a car by phone.

Accommodation in Budapest

Hotel accommodation will not be cheap (payment is usually accepted in euros). While in the city, please contact the Vista Visitor Center, Paulay Ede Street 7. You can reserve a place in the hostel at the Hungarian Association of Youth Hostels near Keleti Station. Private housing in the business center costs from 25 to 50 euros per day or more during peak season.

Groups of tourists can rent apartments or apartments for between 40 and 60 euros during peak season. The best areas are considered to be V, VI, VII in Pest and the castle area in Buda. Apartments can be reserved at IBUSZ, Ferenciek tere 10 (Monday-Friday 8.15-17.00) and at To-Ma Travel Agency, Oktober street 6 22.

• Hostels in Budapest

1). Hostel Aquarium– A clean and cheerful place where you can use the kitchen, laundry and free internet. Young, hospitable staff. Located 10 minutes walk from Keleti station. A place in a dormitory costs 10 euros. There is a room for two. Location: Alsoerdosor street 12;

2). Back Pack Guesthouse– A charming establishment with a shady garden located just 20 minutes walk from the center. Here information about the city is provided, and trips to the mountains and caves are organized. Tram 49 or bus 7 to the Tetenyi ut stop in Buda. A place in a dormitory costs 7-10 euros. There are rooms for two. Location: Takasz Menyhert street 33;

3). Best Hostel– Former apartments 5 minutes walk from Nyugati station. Accommodation is available in dormitories and rooms. Location: Podmaniczky street 27, 1st floor;

4). Mellow Mood Hostel– Located in the city center, a hospitable establishment with 270 beds (there are rooms for two, six and eight). A place in a dormitory costs 12 euros. Location: Becsi street 2;

5). Hostel Museum Guest House– Located behind the National Museum, next to the central bars and cafes. Three clean bedrooms with seven to eight beds on the floor. Free internet access. Location: Mikszath Kalman ter 4, 1st floor;

6). Red Bus Hostel– A clean, quiet establishment without any special amenities, but in the very center. You can swap books at Red Bus Books next door. Accommodation is available in dormitories and rooms. Location: Semmelweis street 14;

7). Yellow Submarine Hostel– A compact, cozy establishment with cheap dorm rooms and a bustling communal kitchen. 10 minutes walk from Nyugati. Accommodation is available in dormitories and rooms. Location: Terez korut 56.

• Hotels and guesthouses in Budapest

1). Hotel-villa Abel Panzio– Fantastic villa built in 1913 with Art Nouveau decor, located on a quiet street half an hour’s walk from Belvaros. There are only ten rooms here, so you need to book them in advance. Discount when paying in cash. Location: Abel Jeno street 9;

2). Hotel Maria and Istvan– Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, shower and toilet. Location: Ferenc korut 39;

3). Pension Medosz– A comfortable establishment, located in an ugly building, but in a convenient location (near Oktogon). Location: Jokai ter 9.

• Camping in Budapest

1). Camping Csilleberc– Spacious, well-equipped campsite with a number of bungalows. Not far from the last stop of bus 21 (from Moszkva ter). Open all year round. Location: Konkoly Thege M. ut 21;

2). Camping Romai– Huge space near the road to Romaifurdo (25 minutes by HEV). Includes the use of a nearby swimming pool. Open all year. Location: Szentendrei ut 189.

Sights of Budapest

The appearance of the city as a whole is determined by the Danube River: Pest is located on the eastern plain, and Buda descends along the western bank. The historical center of Buda is Castle Hill with the Royal Palace. Pest is home to the city's commercial center (Belvaros). The construction of the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest in 1849 led to rapid growth and unification of the city in 1873.

• Western part of the capital – Buda

Buda, with its palace buildings, ancient spiers and huge statues among the rocky hills, looks very romantic from the embankment. Castle Hill is easily accessible via the Chain Bridge, opened in 1849 - the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest. From the lively Clark Adam ter square on the western side, you can go up to Castle Hill by the 19th century funicular - Siklo (daily 7.30-22.00, ascent 2 euros, descent 1.80 euros). You can also take the metro to the Moszkva ter station, and from there take the Varbusz bus.

By midday, the Szentharomsag ter square in the center of the area is filled with a crowd of tourists, onlookers and souvenir sellers. The backdrop to all this bustle is the quaint asymmetrical Matthias Church (Monday-Saturday 9.00-17.00, Sunday 13.00-17.00). This magnificent temple in the medieval spirit was built in the 19th century on the remains of a 13th-century building that survived one and a half hundred years of Turkish rule (during which it was converted into a mosque) and the siege of 1686, which ended with the expulsion of the Ottomans.

Next to the church stands an equestrian statue of King Stephen, who forced his subjects to convert to Catholicism, thereby introducing the country to Western European culture. The Fisherman's Bastion, or Halaszbastya (daily mid-March - October 8.30-23.00), is a white rampart with galleries and seven turrets, overlooking the Parliament.

Medieval architecture characterizes Orszaghaz Street, in the northern part of which the pseudo-Gothic Tower of Mary Magdalene, which houses an art gallery, dominates the Kapisztran ter square. To the south of Szentharomsag ter, as you approach the Buda Palace, the street widens. The fortifications and living quarters built by Béla III after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century were replaced by even more luxurious palace buildings.

The last reconstruction was undertaken after the destruction of World War II. In the central part of the palace (wings B, C and D) is the National Gallery (Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-16.00/18.00), where works of Hungarian art are stored. Gothic stone carvings, medieval altars and colorful panels fill the ground floor, while 19th-century paintings are displayed upstairs. On the far side of the Lion's Court in Wing E is the Budapest History Museum (daily 10.00-16.00/18.00).

On the upper floor are exhibited finds dating back to the prehistoric period, and below, in the marble halls of the Renaissance, are other relics. The Water Town (Vizivaros) - the narrow streets between Castle Hill and the river north of the Chain Bridge - was once a poor quarter of fishermen and artisans. Today it is an area of ​​secluded mansions, reached by stepped alleys from the main street of Fo.

To the north are the Kiraly baths with four copper domes (men's days - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 9.00 to 20.00, women's days - Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7.00 to 18.00). To the south of the Water City rises Mount Gellerthegy, crowned by the Liberation Monument, a remnant of the Soviet era, and the Citadel, a small fortress built by the Habsburgs after the revolutionary events of 1848-1849. Now the fort, where several exhibits are kept, houses a hostel, as well as a new bar with a terrace and an expensive restaurant.

Along the southern slope of the mountain past the Jubilee Park the path leads to the Gellert Baths (next to the hotel of the same name). The most famous city baths were built in 1913. The majestic hall continues with the main swimming pool (Monday-Friday 6.00-19.00, Saturday and Sunday 6.00-17.00/19.00). Visiting just the thermal baths (which close earlier on weekends) is cheaper, but it's worth seeing the entire stunning complex.

To the north, near the Erzsebet Bridge, are the Rudas men's baths (Monday-Friday 6.00-19.00, Saturday and Sunday 6.00-13.00) - Turkish baths, the interior of which has changed little since 1556. The ironic and nostalgic communist sculpture park (Szobor-park, daily from 10.00 to sunset) is located on the same bank. The monumental statues of Marx, Engels and Lenin are worth seeing here. This is district XXII, where there is a direct bus from Deak ter (daily July-August 10.00, 11.00, 15.00, 16.00; March-June, September-October 11.00 and 15.00, November-February 11.00, 7-9 euros round trip).

• Eastern part of the capital – Pest

Pest is the busier and noisier part of the city. Its architecture and layout date mainly from the end of the 19th century, when extensive construction of boulevards, public buildings and residential buildings took place (the millennium was celebrated in 1896). In cosmopolitan Belvaros, foreign speech is often heard and there are shops where you can buy the latest fashions. The main square of Pest, Vorosmarty ter, is filled with street artists, illusionists, violinists, and there are many cafes here.

Particularly famous is the cafe-patisserie Gerbeaud, beloved by representatives of high society at the end of the 19th century. The most luxurious shopping street in Budapest, Vaci, leads from the square to the southern part of the city, parallel to the river. Past the Pesti Theater, where at the age of 12 he made his debut with a concert by F. Liszt, crowds of tourists rush to Ferenciek tere square. Here is Parizsi udvar ("Parisian gallery") - a house decorated with arabesques and stained glass windows, which houses a cafe-patisserie and a travel agency IBUSZ.

Vaci Street leads to the Main Market building, where garlands of paprika and garlic hang above the stalls. To the north of Vorosmarty ter square rises the dome of St. Stephen's Basilica, from which a beautiful view opens (dome: April-October, daily 10.00-16.00/18.00). On St. Stephen's Day, August 20, a solemn procession is held (the mummified hand of the saint can be seen in the cathedral chapel).

A little further north, the massive dome of the Parliament, a huge 19th-century building, can be seen over the Danube. In 1999, the ancient coronation regalia was moved from the National Museum to Parliament. The crown, scepter and orb were thought to have belonged to King Stephen himself, but it is now recognized that the regalia is a combination of the two crowns of Stephen's successors.

Nevertheless, it is a symbol of Hungarian statehood. Daily excursions to the Parliament are organized (10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 18.00, free for EU citizens, for other tourists - tickets are sold at Gate X at the middle of the eastern facade). To the east of the basilica there is Andrassy ut Avenue, 2.5 kilometers long, lined with majestic buildings with gilding and colonnades (house number 22 is the Opera building).

The shops and street cafes on Andrassy ut retain the style of the 1890s. At number 60 there is the Museum of Terror (Tuesday-Friday 10.00-18.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00-19.30), where exhibits related to Stalin, the Nazis, the Holocaust, and the 1956 uprising are presented. The focal point of the avenue is Heroes' Square (Hosok tere) with a monument in honor of the millennium of the Magyar state.

In the center of the square stands a 36-meter-high column, and around the base of the column are equestrian statues of Arpad and six other leaders of the Magyar tribes. Along the colonnade are statues of fourteen heroes of Hungarian history, from King Stephen to Lajos Kossuth.

Here on the square is the Museum of Fine Arts (Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00, free admission), where you can see Egyptian funeral relics, ancient Greek and Roman ceramics, paintings and drawings by European masters of the 13th-20th centuries, including works by Durer, El Greco , Velazquez and Bronzino. Behind the museum is the Budapest Zoo (daily 9.00-16.00/19.00), where it is worth visiting the Palm Conservatory and the Elephant Farm.

Opposite the zoo you will see the yellow neo-baroque walls of the Széchenyi baths (daily 6.00-19.00) - one of the largest thermal springs in the complex. As in the Gellert Baths, you will be refunded part of the money you paid for the ticket if you spend less than the specified time here. Let's return to the center of Belvaros.

At the corner of Wesselenyi and Dohany streets stands the spectacular building of the main synagogue (Monday-Thursday 10.00-15.00, Friday and Sunday 10.00-14.00; 4 euros for admission to the synagogue and the Jewish Museum), a monument of Byzantine-Moorish architecture. The synagogue's magnificent interior is decorated with golden geometric patterns and an organ that was once played by Liszt and Saint-Saëns.

In the National Jewish Museum located here, medieval exhibits coexist with an exhibition in memory of the Holocaust and an exhibition dedicated to modern Jewish culture. Behind the synagogue is the Jewish quarter of Pest. In recent years, the small Jewish community that survived the Holocaust has gained greater visibility.

On Dob Street at number 22 there is a kosher coffee shop Frohlich, at number 31 there is a wig making workshop, and at number 35 there is a kosher butcher shop. All of the above attractions can be visited during.

Food and drink in Budapest

In Budapest restaurants, Hungarian cuisine is presented along with international cuisine. By European standards, prices here are quite reasonable. Confectionery shops (cukraszdas) serve coffee and sweets, restaurants serve a full lunch or dinner, and you can have a snack in a bar or pub. This classification is somewhat arbitrary, since all restaurants serve alcoholic drinks, all bars serve food, and cafes serve both plus coffee and cake.

• Budapest Restaurants

1). Restaurant Abszint– Dishes of Provençal cuisine at reasonable prices. You can try Bulgarian absinthe. Location: Andrassy ut 34;

2). Restaurant AI-Amir– Offering excellent salads and hummus, this Syrian restaurant is a vegetarian paradise. No alcohol. Location: Kiraly street 17;

3). Restaurant Art Alhambra– The lush interior, delicious tapas, exhibition activities and Moroccan tea will help you relax. Location: Jokai ter 3;

4). Restaurant Kor– Popular place next to the basilica. Excellent cuisine, excellent wines, delicacies. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sundays. Location: Sas street 17;

5). Govinda Restaurant– This oasis of peace of mind near Roosevelt ter offers Indian, vegetarian dishes and salads. Location: Vigyazo Ferenc street 4;

6). Restaurant Gundel– An establishment proud of its traditions has high prices. However, on Sundays brunch costs 20 euros. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sunday evenings. Location: Allatkerti ut 2;

7). Restaurant Kadar etkezde– Here you can taste homemade Jewish cuisine in the old quarter. It is recommended to try beef boiled in fruit sauce. Closed on Sundays. Location: Klauzal ter 9;

8). Restaurant Markus Vendeglo– Hospitable inexpensive Hungarian restaurant near Moszkva ter. Location: Lovohaz street 17;

9). Menza Restaurant– This retro-style establishment offers excellent Hungarian cuisine at very reasonable prices. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter;

10). Restaurant Papageno– A small cozy establishment specializing in French and Italian cuisine. Closed on Sundays. Location: Semmelweis street 19.

• Pastry shops and coffee shops in Budapest

1). Confectionery Agi Retes– Best retes (strudel) in town. Not far from Moszkva ter. Location: Retek street 9;

2). Confectionery Angelika– The former monastery has been turned into a modern establishment with techno music and a noisy terrace, but older people from among the locals still come here. Location: Batthyany ter 7;

3). Cafe Central– The old coffee shop has been restored to its former glory. The extensive menu includes both cheap and very expensive dishes. Location: Karolyi Mihaly street 9;

4). Cafe Eckermann– Large cups of coffee next to the Goethe-Institut. Closed on Sundays. Location: Andrassy ut 24;

5). Patisserie Frohlich– The kosher pastry shop is located a five-minute walk from the synagogue on Dohany Street. They offer delicious flodni - apple pie with nuts and poppy seeds. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Location: Dob street 22;

6). Cafe-patisserie Gerbeaud– A magnificent establishment in the center of Pest. Coffee with a piece of cake will cost you about 4 euros. Equally good cakes are available at Kis Gerbeaud around the corner. Location: Vorosmarty ter 7;

7). Cafe Muvesz– This old coffee shop has far fewer tourists than Gerbaud, and is also cheaper. Location: Andrassy ut 29;

8). Confectionery Muzeum Cukraszda– A welcoming establishment next to the National Museum, where they offer fresh pastries from the very morning. Location: Muzeum korut 10;

9). Confectionery Ruszwurm– Excellent cakes are served in an aggregate-flow method. Location: Szentharomsag street 7.

• Fast food and snack bars in Budapest

1). Buddha establishment– Here you can have a snack, Thai noodles, and coffee with a baguette. Location: Terez korut 46;

2). Duran Sandwich– A coffee bar and a sandwich bar is a rather unusual combination for Budapest. Closed on Sundays. Location: Oktober street 6;

3). Falafel Faloda– The best place that offers falafel. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Location: Paulay Ede street 53;

4). Karma establishment– Beautifully decorated place with great tapas. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

5). Marie Kristensen Sandwich– A nice sandwich bar is located behind Kalvin ter. Closed on Sundays. Location: Raday street 7;

6). Szahara establishment– Clean, cozy place with a Middle Eastern menu. No smoking. Location: Jozsef korut 82.

• Bars and pubs in Budapest

1). Bar Bambi– A wonderful socialist-era bar offering breakfasts, snacks, cakes and alcoholic drinks. Location: Bem ter;

2). Bar Miro– A trendy bar in the castle area. There is often live music here. Location: Uri street 30;

3). Establishment Castro– Lively place, popular among students. Internet access is provided. Location: Raday street 35;

4). Bar Darshan Udvar– The largest bar in a growing complex of cafes, bars and shops, located in a courtyard with hippie decorations in an oriental style. Good cuisine, foreign music and leisurely service. Location: Krudy Gyula street 7;

5). Bar Eklektika– An artsy bar favored by gay people, with a 1960s-style decor. The menu includes pasta and salads. It hosts art exhibitions and a ladies-only evening on the second Saturday of every month. Location: Semmelweis street 21;

6). Gusto's Bar– A tiny bar near Margaret Bridge in Buda offers the best tiramisu in the city. Closed on Sundays. Location: Frankel Leo ut 12;

7). Bar Szimpla“The spirit of grunge reigns here. During the summer months, outdoor evenings are organized. Location: Kertesz street 48;

8). Bar Vian– One of the best bars on the square. Friendly atmosphere, fast service. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

9). Bar Zold Pardon– Large outdoor bar with live music, located in the university quarter, popular with students. Opening hours: May-October. Trams 4 and 6. Location: at the Petőfi Bridge in Buda.

Entertainment and nightlife in Budapest

Alternative and folk music is performed in the Petőfi center in Városliget, in the Almásy cultural center (at Almassy ter 6), in the former Trafo transformer substation in Pest, Liliom street 41 and Fono in Buda, Sztregova street 3. Usually there , events dedicated to modern dance are held. Tickets for classical and pop music concerts can be purchased at Ticket Express at Andrassy ut 18, for rock and jazz concerts at Publika, Karoly korut 9.

New clubs are constantly opening, and the number of floating dance floors is growing (see city posters and advertisements or the “Konnyu” section of the free Pesti Est magazine). There are many cheap student clubs, and at the thermal baths Cinetrip organizes steam room parties. Annual cultural events include the Budapest Spring Festival (two weeks in March or April) and the Autumn Music Weeks (late September to late October).

During the summer season, classical and popular music concerts take place, and the highlight of the season is the Sziget festival, where rock and pop stars perform. On St. Stephen's Day (August 20), a folk crafts fair is held in the area around the Royal Palace, and in the evening people watch fireworks from the city's embankments.

• Night bars and clubs in Budapest

1). Angyal Nightclub– The first club for gay people in Budapest. It looks like an airport lounge, but with an unusual crowd. On Saturday admission is for men only. Closed from Monday to Wednesday. Location: Szovetseg street 33;

2). Buddha Beach Night Bar– This bar, where wealthy young people gather, is one of the few places where you can dance in the open area almost until the morning. The cuisine here is good, so it makes sense to reserve a table. Opening hours: March-October. Location: Kozraktar street 9-11;

3). Night bar Capella– Gay people, jungle music and a lot of kitsch. Location: Belgrad rakpart 23;

4). Night bar Cha Cha Cha– Despite the rather strange location, the establishment attracts a lot of people. Closed on Sundays. Location: Kalvin ter (metro station);

5). Nightclub Suss Fel Nap– Lively youth club. Location: Honved street 40;

6). Night bar Trocadero– An establishment with excellent Latin music near Nyugati station. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Location: Szent Istvan korut 15;

7). Nightclub West Balkan– An excellent club with an optimistic atmosphere and two dance floors – open and closed. Opening hours: May-September. Location: Kisfaludy street 16.

• Budapest on the map of Hungary

In contact with

Characterized by its colorfulness and interesting history. The city attracts a significant number of tourists every year due to its unique architecture and healing mineral springs. Knowing where it is, you can always make an exciting trip to the capital of Hungary.

Where is the city of Budapest

The geographical landmarks of the city are the lowlands of the Carpathian Basin, surrounded by the South Slavic mountain ranges, as well as the Alps and the Carpathians. The formation of Budapest dates back to 1873, when the local government decided to merge cities such as Pest, Óbuda and Buda. At the same time, the Danube today serves as a natural border between the two parts of the city, forming hilly and flat landscapes.

In the area of ​​the Buda Mountains there is the highest point of the capital of Hungary called Jánoša (530 m). The presence of mineral springs in Budapest is explained by the fact that the city is located on a tectonic fault. The city territory includes an island part consisting of seven islands.

In the immediate vicinity of Budapest are the cities of Szentendre, Gödöllő, and others.

History of Budapest

The city's past is closely connected with the Celtic settlement of Ak-Ink, the first mention of which dates back to the 1st century BC. e. Subsequently, Ak-Ink was renamed Aquincum, and the Romans who came to these places gave the settlement the official status of the capital of the province of Pannonia.

In the middle of the 5th century, the territory of modern Budapest was inhabited by the Huns and Ostrogoths, who established their own orders and traditions. Three centuries later, representatives of the Hungarian tribes ruled in Aquincum, who renamed the city Buda.

After the Mongol invasion in 1241, Budapest was severely destroyed and took a long time to recover. Only in 1247, by decree of King Bela IV, a powerful defensive structure was erected, subsequently protecting the city from foreign invaders.

In the first half of the 16th century, Pest, Óbuda and Buda were occupied by Turkish troops, whose rule lasted until the 17th century, after which the city was ruled by the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. The period of prosperity and rapid development of Budapest occurred in the 18th century, and in the 19th century the fate of the city changed dramatically when Hungary became a Soviet republic.

During World War II, Budapest suffered serious damage due to the invasion of the city by German troops. Thanks to the colossal efforts of local authorities, the architectural appearance of the capital of Hungary was restored 20 years later.

How to get to Budapest

If you decide to visit Budapest, it is better to first decide on the type of transport. Among the most common methods are the following: airplane; train; bus.

Flying is considered the fastest option, as there are many direct flights between Ferihegy Airport and major cities. Travel time depends on the starting point of departure. Departing from, you will be in the capital of Hungary in 2.5 hours.

A comfortable train departs from the Russian capital to Budapest several times a week, arriving at the city’s main railway station within 38 hours. You can also easily reach Budapest by train from almost all European cities.

Traveling by bus is suitable for those who like long trips. Regular bus service has been established between Hungary and Russia.

What to see in Budapest

As a rule, tourists tend to visit the Hungarian capital in order to see the numerous attractions. Be sure to include in your program:

• The Parliament building, erected in the 19th century, is an example of the neo-Gothic architectural style.
• St. Stephen's Basilica, built in honor of the first king of Hungary. The temple is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest and has a luxurious interior.
• The Szechenyi Baths is a unique complex that includes outdoor and indoor pools with hot thermal water, saunas and relaxation areas.
• Andrássy Avenue is a place without which it is impossible to imagine the architectural appearance of Budapest. The Opera House, Mora Jokai Square, Oktogon, Franz Liszt, Drexler Palace, Palace of Art, numerous thematic museums - all this can be seen on Andrássy Avenue, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Vajdahunyand Castle is worthy of special attention, since its vast territory amazingly combines buildings of different architectural styles, a circus, chapels and a zoo.
• Matthias Cathedral, built in the 14th century, after which the building was reconstructed several times, but did not lose its splendor and originality. And next to the temple is the famous Fisherman's Bastion.
• Mount Gellért, at the top of which there is an observation deck offering an amazing view of Budapest. In the vicinity of the mountains, you can not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes, but also take baths with water from thermal springs, and also see the majestic monument dedicated to the Hungarian ruler Istvan.

A trip to the capital of Hungary will give you real pleasure. Budapest leaves an indelible mark on tourists, as it has a magical atmosphere, luxurious architectural ensembles and excellent health tourism resources.

Budapest is often called one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, because few countries can boast of a main city that features many examples of unique architecture, a beautiful river, breathtaking views, beautiful nature, interesting monuments, museums, theaters. Is this so and what attracts millions of tourists to this city on the Danube, let’s figure it out together.

Description of the city of Budapest

Let's start getting acquainted with Budapest or, as it is also called, the Pearl of the Danube, with a brief description of the metropolis and excursions into history.

Geographical position

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and its main political, cultural, industrial, and transport center. In addition, it is the largest city by population in the country and the eighth largest in the European Union by this indicator - 1.745 million inhabitants live here.

Located in Central Europe, in the lowlands of the Carpathian Basin, which is surrounded by the Carpathian, South Slavic mountain ranges, and the Alps. The highest point of the capital is Mount Janos, its height is 527 meters.

The presence of many thermal springs in Budapest is a result of the fact that the city is located on the site of a tectonic fault.

Budapest is divided into two halves by the Danube River. One half of the city is hilly, the other is flat. The Tisza River flows in the east of the city. In the west lies one of the largest lakes in Europe and the largest in Hungary - Balaton. In the vicinity of the city on the Danube there are seven islands.

The area of ​​the metropolis is 525.14 square meters. km.

Budapest Map

A little bit of history

Budapest became the main center of the country in 1918. And the city itself was founded in 1873 - it was then that three small Hungarian settlements (Pest, on the eastern side of the Danube, Buda and Óbuda, on the western side) were united into one.

The indigenous population of Hungary are Hungarians, they make up a little more than 91%. The official language in the country is Hungarian. Currency – forints, euros.

How to get to Budapest

Getting to the capital of Hungary is not difficult from almost anywhere in the world - the transport network is well developed here. Budapest has five international airports, three railway stations and two international bus stations.

Tourists often resort to transfers and use air travel, for example, to fly to Austria, Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and then transfer to a train or bus to get to Hungary. This is what Russians do, for example, since only Moscow airports offer direct flights. In addition, such transfers sometimes allow you to significantly save on your trip.

By plane. If you fly a direct flight from Moscow, the cheapest two-way ticket will cost an average of 14.6 thousand rubles (11 thousand one way). This is how much low-cost airlines Wizz Air charge. Aeroflot offers to get to Budapest and return back to Moscow for 24.6-30.8 thousand rubles (19.5 thousand one way). Travel time is 2.35-2.45 hours. Both companies have daily flights.

When choosing an airline, you should remember that the price of a low-cost ticket does not include any additional services. All of them are paid additionally, including luggage transportation.

With one transfer, the trip can last up to 6-20 hours, but it will be cheaper. 9.5 hours on the road with Turkish Airlines will cost 7.6 thousand rubles one way.

By train. A direct train from Moscow runs daily - this is “Moscow-Warsaw”, it includes a direct carriage that delivers to Budapest. Travel time – 30 hours. Cost: 175 euros per compartment.

By bus. The best way to get to Budapest by bus is to travel to Poland, the Baltic states or Slovakia. There you need to change to transport going to Budapest. There are no direct bus connections with the capital of Hungary.

By car. The distance from Moscow to Budapest is 2040 km. You can overcome them by several routes. The main ones run through the territory of Ukraine, and since today it is difficult for citizens of the Russian Federation to travel through it, we suggest going through Belarus. The route of the trip to Budapest will look like this: Belarus – Poland – Slovakia – Hungary. The journey without stops will take about a day.

From St. Petersburg it is better to choose the route through the Baltic states, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Male Russian citizens aged 18-55 years should refrain from traveling by personal transport through the territory of Ukraine.

Budapest weather and climate

The climate of Budapest is designated as temperate continental. This means that winters here are mild, damp and short, and summers are hot.

The weather in Budapest is stable; sudden temperature fluctuations are rare. However, in late autumn and winter it is usually not suitable for hiking. As a rule, due to high humidity, the weather at this time is popularly called nasty. Snow can remain for 30-40 days. The Danube freezes completely in winter.

Interesting! The central part of Budapest with historical and architectural objects is included in the list and taken under the protection of UNESCO.

If you want to experience deep and unforgettable emotions by touching world history, then your Budapest tourist route and sightseeing plan should definitely include monuments dedicated to man and human tragedies. Just look at the monument to shoes on the Embankment (Holocaust Memorial Center), which does not let you forget about the cruelty of the Nazis shooting the Jews of Budapest. Or the famous Plague Pillar (Castle Hill), reminiscent of the numerous victims of the plague.

What else to see in Budapest? In the center there are many beautiful and romantic streets with stunning architecture. As a rule, in the warm season, tour operators offer a boat ride along the Danube to admire and sail under the eight graceful bridges of Budapest. In addition, the water also offers a magnificent view of the city - interesting buildings, monuments, and sculptures are located along the banks.

For lovers of museum exhibits and fine arts, more than 200 museums and galleries open their doors every day, except Mondays. Among the popular museums in Budapest, it is worth remembering the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum, the Budapest History Museum, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of Terror, the Beer Museum, the National Wine Museum, and the LuMu Museum of Contemporary Art. Not far from the capital there are the Skansen open-air museum and the Marzipan Museum; in Budapest itself Memento Park is interesting.

Budapest will not disappoint theater lovers either. Theatergoers will be interested in the Hungarian State Opera House, the Budapest Operetta Theater, the Comedy Theater, and the National Theater.

Other ways to have fun in Budapest

In addition to Budapest for sightseeing, the capital of Hungary has a lot to offer to those who find ordinary sightseeing boring, extreme sports enthusiasts and clubbers.

Leisure

Bike tours. The main Hungarian city is convenient for lovers of traveling by bicycle, since almost throughout the center there are rental shops where you can rent both regular two-wheelers and tandem bicycles, bicycles with child seats. There are few bike paths in the city itself - they are equipped on the embankment and the streets nearby. Margaret Island boasts good infrastructure for cyclists.

Velomobile. In the warm season, Budapest residents and tourists flock to Margaret Island to take a break from the bustle of the city in the park, playing outdoor games: badminton, frisbee, volleyball, tennis, etc. You can also rent bicycles, electric cars, and velomobiles here.

Karting. You can ride karts on a 420-meter asphalt track.

Water activities. You can swim in the pond, ride a boat or catamaran, for example, in Városliget Park. In winter, an open-air skating rink is set up on the site of the lake. You can visit the water park and relax on the beach by going to Margaret Island.

Rope park. The most interesting one is located in the Challengeland Adventure Park. It is suitable for families and children.

. The SkyWard center offers you to feel what a person flying at a speed of 180-200 km per hour feels like. Cost: 62 euros per person, 98 for two. Children over six years old pay 46 euros.

Beer bike. You can drink beer on wheels without breaking the law by renting a beer bike. 14 people can spin the pedals at a degree for 2-5 hours at the same time. It is possible to explore the city on such a bike sober, drinking non-alcoholic drinks on the bike.

River walks. You can take a ride on a motor ship or an amphibious bus along the Danube. A boat trip will cost 12 euros (with coffee), 27 euros (with beer tasting), 36 euros (with lunch), 49 euros (with dinner and live music).

Caves. Few people know that in addition to thermal springs, Budapest also has many caves. You can see stalactites, for example, in the Szemlo-hegy and Palvolgyi caves.

Zoo and Tropicarium-Oceanarium. You can observe interesting and exotic animals and fish in zoos in Budapest itself and on Margaret Island, and an aquarium on the outskirts of Budapest, in the Campona shopping center.

Funicular. You can take the funicular up to Széchenyi Hill.

"Sighet". Every year in August one of the largest world music festivals called Sziget takes place.

Night life

For lovers of entertainment in the dark, Budapest at night opens the doors of a number of establishments. Some of the most popular are Angel Club, Alcatraz Restaurant & Club, Capella, and the A38 Ship entertainment center.

The already mentioned night water parties are very loved by Budapest residents and tourists. In particular, these are held in the Rudas, Lukacs and Sechka baths. Fans of noise, nudity and alcohol should definitely attend such events. Entrance and drinks to such an establishment will cost an average of 50 euros.

Another highlight of an evening out in Budapest are ruin bars or trash pubs. These are entertainment and drinking establishments that are located in abandoned buildings. Sometimes they also include a cultural component in the form of film screenings and exhibitions. The most famous ruin bars: Szimpla kert, Corvin Roofgarden, Meter, Instant, Fogashaz, Super 8. Most of them can be found in the Jewish quarter of Erzsebetváros.

And lovers of private parties with a substantial budget can afford to rent a Patty bus.

Car rental and public transport in Budapest

The public transport network in Budapest includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, a four-line metro, a rack railway, a funicular and a cable car. Ground public transport starts at 4.30 am and ends at 23.00. You can also use taxi services (call by phone) and water transport.

A one-time ticket for transport (not including railway, funicular and river transport) will cost approximately 350 forints (for the driver - 450), with one transfer - 530 forints. It must be composted. Once composted, it is limited to 80 minutes during the day and 120 minutes at night.

For those who plan to ride public transport throughout the day or day, a single ticket costs 1,650 forints. It also includes travel on the waterbuses on weekdays. You can purchase a three-day or seven-day pass. There are group tickets for different durations.

The Budapest Card allows you to travel for free on public transport. In addition to this service, it also includes two walking excursions, visits to baths and museums. The cost of this starts from 4.5 thousand forints.

The fine for traveling without a ticket is 50 euros. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines (where, in particular, the Russian language is provided) at almost every metro and transport station, at newsstands, and post offices.

Even when reviewing urban transport, you cannot do without interesting facts. Thus, Budapest trams are the longest in the world - one train is more than 50 meters long. And the Budapest metro is the oldest in Europe.

You can easily rent a car in Budapest, but it is advisable to do this only if you are going to travel outside the metropolis. In Budapest itself there are places where the passage of vehicles is limited, and on Margaret Island it is generally prohibited.

There are many services on the Internet that provide car rental services. This service can also be arranged at the hotel. The cost of renting a car will depend on the class of the car, the duration of the lease and the reputation of the company that rents it. It starts from 30 euros per day.

Cars for tourists are often equipped with a navigation system containing the main attractions. Traveling to neighboring countries is also allowed in such cars. To draw up a rental agreement, you must have a sample license, at least two years of driving experience and a certain amount on the card for a deposit. Typically, cars are not provided to young people who are under 21 years of age.

Where to stay and live: hotels in Budapest

The network of places to stay in the Hungarian capital is also very developed. It is represented by both expensive and luxurious hotels, and cheap options - in the form of hostels.

The top five hotels in Budapest include:

• Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace,
• Continental Hotel Budapest,
• Queen's Court Hotel & Residence,
• Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest,
• Danubius Hotel Gellert.

The best hostels are:

• Maverick City Lodge
• Swing Out Hostel,
• Carpe Noctem Hostel,
• Friends Hostel Budapest,
• Gaia Hostel.

What to buy and bring from Budapest: places for shopping

There are several things that Hungarians consider theirs and which tourists traditionally bring as souvenirs. There is even such a concept - “hungaricum”, which denotes objects and things characteristic only of the Hungarian people. Traditional “Hungaricum” souvenirs or symbols of Hungary that you can bring from Budapest include:

• Rubik's Cube. It is believed that this puzzle was invented by the Hungarian architecture teacher Erne Rubik. Cubes of different configurations, sizes and from different materials are sold in every souvenir shop. They are not cheap - from 20 dollars;
• wine "Tokay";
• herbal liqueur “Unicum”;
• palinka – Hungarian fruit vodka;
• porcelain. Original souvenirs made from Hungarian porcelain are very expensive. The price for a small figurine starts at $500;
• Halash lace and embroidered items;
• marzipan is a delicacy that is also sold at every turn. These include a variety of figures, marzipan sweets and even marzipan plasticine. Such a souvenir will be affordable even for a budget tourist. The price of marzipan products starts from three dollars;
• Kevcekduda is a traditional Hungarian musical instrument, which is a clay vessel covered with leather on top with a hole into which a tube is inserted. This souvenir will also be affordable for any tourist; its cost starts from four dollars.

Shopping in Budapest can be done on the Vaci pedestrian street, which from beginning to end is literally dotted with souvenir shops, cafes, and fast foods.

You can also buy souvenirs and food at the Central Market in Budapest. It's three stories high here. On the top floor you can try Hungarian delicacies in the foot court, on the second level there are souvenir shops, and on the lower level there is a food market.

There are a large number of shopping centers in the metropolis. The largest of them are West End and Arena Plaza. In the central part on Andrassy Avenue there are boutiques with many famous brands of clothing and shoes.

Most shops in Budapest are closed on Sunday.

Where and what delicious things to try: cafes and restaurants in Budapest

There are several dishes in Hungary that are traditional and known far beyond the country's borders. These are goulash, paprikash, perkelt, lecho, Debrecen sausages, Gyulai sausage, Hungarian salami, Dobos cake. It is important to know that Hungarian cuisine is replete with fatty and spicy meat dishes with paprika. And the portions in the cafe are very large.

One of the most expensive restaurants in the capital of Hungary is Gundel. Popular restaurants in Budapest are: Hungarikum Bisztro, Barack & Szilva Restaurant, Aszu Etterem, Comme Chez Soi, Onyx Restaurant.

There are many cafes and restaurants around the city offering local cuisine at a variety of prices. There are about three thousand of them in total. You can find places where it’s quite possible to eat a huge portion of goulash for 7 euros or drink coffee with delicacies for 8. A very beautiful and tasty option is goulash in bread.

You can visit very unusual cafes in Budapest. Among the outlandish establishments, let us remember the cat cafe, where you can dine surrounded by many cats. Also original is the Icebar, in which all the furniture and objects, including glasses, are made of ice. The temperature in the room does not exceed 15 degrees, and all visitors are given special warm clothing.

The famous Hungarian wine can be tasted in tasting rooms, for example in the Faust Cellar, which is in the very center.

The impression of ancient and diverse Europe will be incomplete without visiting one of the most beautiful European centers of Budapest. Experienced tourists claim that it is necessary to allocate at least five days for traveling to this city. This is exactly how much you will need to visit the most remarkable sites, taste local cuisine and swim in the springs. We would like to note that Budapest is one of the cheapest European capitals, where you can really and comfortably spend a weekend for 100 euros.

There are strange people around with faces full of delight, hung with video cameras, two or even three cameras, who every now and then click them and look at maps of the city. Tourists are a separate nation. There are so many of them here that the local residents are almost invisible behind the video and photo anthill. Virtual spectacle! This is what one of the European capitals looks like today.

Budapest. This is not surprising, because not only individual houses, but also entire unique architectural quarters of the city, the center with bridges over the Danube in 1989 were recognized as part of the UNESCO world heritage.

Dossier on Budapest

Everyone probably knows that Budapest is made up of two cities located on both sides of the Danube - ancient Buda and commercial Pest.

Therefore, it was a peculiar discovery to learn that in reality and relatively recently, only in 1873, three cities were united into one: Pest, Buda and Obuda.

It was on the territory of Obuda at the beginning of the 1st century. The ubiquitous Romans took part in the creation of the modern “pearl of the Danube”. There they founded the city of Aquincum (that is, “a lot of water”; there are over 120 hot springs in this territory). In 896, the Magyars came here, creating their own state, headed by King St. Stephen (his name is still very respected today). And from 1541, the Ottoman Empire reigned here for 150 years. It is to the Turks that the city owes many of the baths built on thermal springs. In 1686, the rule of the Ottomans was replaced by the rule of the Habsburgs, followed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867. Therefore, architectural masterpieces of different eras and styles are intricately intertwined in Budapest.

Shall we wander? Buda

...Morning. In the underground passage, we, as tourists, were simply masterfully played a wonderful mix of Hungarian melodies. Full immersion in the national!

Don't try to conquer Budapest right away. The main thing is your own priorities. The most outstanding beauties of Budapest can be divided into two main parts: the city center - both banks of the Danube and a little further away the part of Pest - Heroes' Square with the city park.
As with any Western city, it's worth starting with its heart - the royal palace.

It rises pathetically on the right steep bank of Buda. The entrance to the palace is decorated with the Turul bird, which protected the tribes that came to the lands of modern Hungary.

The Buda Fortress was founded back in 1241 after Turkish raids. Then, as often happened, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. And only at the end of the 19th century. the palace acquired its familiar forms.

This is a real city with numerous courtyards and courtyards, flower beds (the flower pattern is necessarily changed every month), monuments, fountains, the residence of the President of the Republic, in which, as befits a city, its own excavations are being carried out (the remains of a medieval castle have been discovered).

“Sit down,” the guide invites tourists. And there is no need to repeat it twice - those tired of the midday heat instantly clung to the fountain (even without water in it).

- And the little deer was left alone. And the poor girl Ilonka, who accidentally found herself in the forest there, took pity on him. The king was touched by this, and he invited Ilonka to the palace. To her grief, the girl did not recognize the king in the simply dressed man. And when she found herself in a magnificent palace, she realized that this was not her destiny. Shedding bitter tears, she walked away.

All the characters in the fountain are placed in a hierarchy: the king is at the top, the servants are below, and Ilonka, as befits the poor, is below the royal dogs.

The palace is beautiful not only externally. Its buildings include the Budapest History Museum, the National Gallery and the National Library. Széchenyi.
From the terrace of the royal palace there are beautiful panoramas of the left flat Pest bank, of numerous bridges (2 of which are railway, 7 are road). And, of course, to the Chain Bridge - the first bridge across the Danube, which in 1849 finally connected Buda and Pest.

It took 10 years to build on the initiative of Istvan Széchenyi, an outstanding reformer. The chains piercing the arched gates are secured on the shore underground in special rooms. Now it is one of the most popular symbols of Budapest.

To the side on the Buda shore is Mount Gellert (140 m above the Danube). At the top is the Citadel, the Freedom Monument and the monument to Bishop Gellert himself. According to legend, in 1046 he was thrown from the mountain by pagans for preaching Christianity.

However, the impressions will be doubled - walk about five minutes from the palace to the Holy Trinity Square. Suddenly a light white Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, or Matyasha, XIII century appears. Even through the forests (the cathedral is currently undergoing restoration), its beauty can be seen.

It was here that some of the Hungarian kings were crowned. Thanks to its excellent acoustics and organ, Franz Liszt and Zoltan Kodály gave concerts under its vaults. There's a real buzz around him! Several nuns from the tourist group, recklessly using their mobile phones, at least leave the cathedral “as a souvenir.”

The building is very appropriately surrounded by the towers of the Fisherman's Bastion, 1895. As light as a sand castle, they blend harmoniously with the cathedral.

And at the Fisherman’s Bastion I was struck by a small model of the square itself. Nothing special, but there are texts nearby in Braille. Layout for the blind! For those who, having felt the shapes and fonts, will thus “see” the beauty and “read” about it...

In the middle of the spacious square is the Holy Trinity Monument in memory of the victims of the plague epidemic in 1713.

Are the first signs of heat and fatigue making themselves felt? Nearby are spectacular horse-drawn carriages. Go for a walk!

Along narrow streets, past the Hilton Hotel, built on the remains of historical buildings, to the Vienna Gate Square - a luxurious palace in the neo-Romanesque style (now the State Archives).

And the romance of the streets of Fortress Mountain with houses from the 13th–16th centuries!

Mmmm... My heart melts sweetly...

Shall we take a walk? Pest

You can go down from the Fortress Hill of Old Buda by funicular. The second in the world, it was built in 1870 using the most advanced technologies of that time. If you have children with you, they will be delighted!

...through the already mentioned Chain Bridge we get to Pest.

This summer it rained heavily and the Danube overflowed its banks, flooding piers, nearby roads and cafes. Unfortunately, now it’s hard to call the “blue Danube” that way (like many other European rivers). They don't swim in it.

“I did not want to create a new style for the new Parliament,” said Steindl Imre, winner of the competition for the construction of the Parliament in 1880. Truly classic neo-Gothic lines are combined with Baroque elements, Byzantine and Venetian decoration. The building is decorated with 365 towers (the number of days in a year), and the total length of all stairs is 20 km. The Parliament’s unique ventilation system is 20 degrees in both summer and winter throughout the entire room. Despite the fact that meetings of the National Assembly are held here, tourists are not denied excursions. Such greatness cannot be kept behind seven locks!

On both sides of the Parliament there is a small monument in honor of the 1956 revolution, which was mercilessly crushed by Soviet tanks. Opposite is the ethnographic museum (once the Palace of Justice).

And then your eyes just widen! Here is the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, then the majestic St. Stephen's Basilica. And the white light Erzsebet Bridge! Until 1926, it ranked first in the world as the longest suspension bridge.