General Information on Budapest, Hungary

Hungary has a continental climate with cold, humid winters and warm to hot summers. Average temperature in the summer is 27 to 32 degrees centigrade and in the winter between 0 to minus 15 degrees centigrade.

Budapest the largest City is the Capital and also the cultural, economic and industrial centre of Hungary. Approximately 1.8 Million people, 18 percent of the population live here and the capital is located along the two embankments of the Danube. Seven public and two railway bridges span the Danube in its Budapest stretch.

Public Transport

There is an efficient Metro system in Budapest with three lines – blue, red and yellow. The Yellow Metro is the most interesting. It is based on the original underground route. This stretch – up Andrassy Street was the first underground train operating in Europe. Rather than tunneling underground, a strip was excavated along side the roadway, the tracks laid and the surface of the road replaced over it. It is well worth taking a trip on the yellow line, maybe back from Heroes Square after strolling up Andrassy Street. The stations, the station entrances, stairways, etc have been carefully preserved. The doors with beautiful wood and brass fittings are still in place. The carriages are also from another era. If you enjoy your trip you might want to visit the Underground Railway Museum where you can see two original carriages (at V.Deak Ter Metro Station) Budapest has an extensive bus and tram network so getting around the city is fast and comfortable. The HEV suburban train network serves the more outlying areas and will also take you to places such as Szentendre, Godolla etc.

Tickets are available from metro stations, hotels, tourist offices etc. You can purchase tickets in blocks of 10 or 20. Or you can purchase a 5 or a 7 day ticket.

Top Ten Budapest Attractions

Budapest has a wide range of important sightseeing options and around every corner there will be something likely to appeal to someone. 

1. Spend some time on Castle Hill, Buda Castle, Royal Palace and Obuda
2. Go to the Budapest Citadella and The Freedom Monument
3. Walk up Andrassy Street to Heroes Square
4. Grab a bit of Culture in Budapest – Opera, concert, Folk Music etc
5. Look a the wide Danube River and cross over the Chain Bridge
6. Take a trip outside Budapest – Danube Bend, Visegrad, Esztergom, Cruise on the Danube or Szentendre
7. Soothe your aches in a Thermal Bath, visit Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
8. Go on a trip to Statue’s Park
9. Visit Churches, the Great Jewish Synagogue, St Stephen’s Basilica, St Matthias Church
10. Admire the Houses of Parliament and make sure to take a tour of the interior

Museums

Budapest History Museum
1 Disz Ter 17, Wing E of the Royal Palace

Museum of Contemporary Art
1 Szent Gyorgy Ter, Wing A of the Royal Palace

Underground Railway Museum
V. Deak Ter Metro Station

The National Museum
VIII Muzeum Korut 14-16

Franz Liszt Museum
VI. Vorosmary U 35

Museum of Fine Arts Art Collection
XIV Hosok Tere

Jewish Museum
VII Dohany u.2

Statue Park
XXII Balatone U

Theatres

Budapest is a city full of culture with many theatres, opera houses and concert halls, with performances to suit all tastes.

The State Opera House
VI. Andrassy Ut 22

Erkel Theatre
III.Kostarsasag Ter 30

Merlin Theatre

Liszt Academy of Music
VI. Liszt Ferenc Ter 8

Pesti Vigado
V. Vigado Ter 2

Budapest Operetta Theatre
VI Nagymezo utca 17

St Matthias Church
Castle Hill

Folklore Centrum
XI. Fehervari ut 47-51

Tours

There is a huge range of tours available in Budapest, These range from standard organised tours open to everyone, to individually tailored guided trips. For more information get information leaflets from the local Tourist Office.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Budapest is lively, exciting and varied and the fun goes on through the night. From a quiet meal and drink to the dramatic all night venues, Budapest has loads to offer. Jazz, Soul, Dance, Hip Hop or Rave – every type of music is catered for and the dance venues range from hot to cosy. Below is a small selection.

Dolce Vita – Striptease bar and erotic entertainment
V. October 6 utca

Leroy’s Beach Club – Dance club and restaurant
Momai part 7 Budapest 1031

Morrisions Music Pub – English Pub with Music
Revay utca, 25 Budapest 1065

Nincs Pardon – Late night drinking and dance venue
Almassy ter, 11 Budapest 1077

Undergrass – Club in centre of Budapest
Liszt Ferenc ter, 10 Budapest 1047

Underground Cafe – Cafe and Club
Terez Korut, 30 Budapest 1067
Bank Dance Hall – Dancing through the night
Vaci utca 33 Budapest 1052

Calgary Antik Drinks Bar – Drinks and Cocktails in old world decor
Frankel Leo utca, 24 Budapest 1027

Piaf Club – Venue with dancing and drinking
Nagymezo utca, 25 Budapest 1064

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