(Travel-hungary) Budapest City Guide (2005)

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3www.budapestinfo.hu

Contents

Handy Information 5

City transport 11

Museums, Churches 14

Cultural Avenue 22

Sights, Sightseeing 26

Antiques road show 34

Music, Theatres, Events 36

Beyond Budapest 38

Medicinal baths, Caves 40

Leisure 42

Shopping 46

Restaurants, Entertainment 48

Maps 6, 24–25

38

40

Publisher: Tourism Office of Budapestthe official tourism marketing organization of Budapest

Publication manager: László Paszternák(c) All rights reserved

Edited by Turizmus Kft. · Editor: Brigitta Vajk · Design: András Nász

Translation: CHFI Bt.Cover: Future Card Stúdió · Maps: TOPOGRÁF

Photos: Laya Gelencsér, József Hajdú,

Hungarian National Tourist Office and Turizmus Kft.The publisher does not accept responsibility for damages arising from any

changes in information contained in this publication.Publication closed: November 2004

Printing: Szikra Printing House Co.

5

14

11

26

48 6, 24–25,

42

36

« Tram

« Suburban railway

ç Bus

è Castle bus

ë Trolleybus

1 Metro 1

2 Metro 2

3 Metro 3

≥ Phone number

¥ Fax

ó Opening hours

% Admission

é Budapest Card accepted

A1 Map coordinate

1 Site of museumon map

1 Site of bath,cave on map

[1] Photo

Legend

The following are selected photos submitted to the Budapest Panorama photo competition:(1) p.19, P. Tkalcec; (2)p. 20, (7) p. 31, U. Ishay;

(3) p. 26, R. Vasilev; (4),(5) p. 26, J. Bunston; (6)p. 26, D. Saunders; (8) p.33, J. Müller.


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Dear Readers

I would like to welcome you to Budapest, a city which not only greets its guests with a rich history and unique cultural heritage, but also where we,the residents, can witness day by day its resurgence. That tourism is one of the most important economic branches of Budapest is evident in the rise inthe number of tourists visiting the capital, and the growth of the quantity and quality of tourism services. Year on year several dozen new hotels spring up in Budapest, numerous old buildings are reconstructed, and new cultural and tourism establishments are born. The capital is made all the more attractive for being renowned as the location of one of the most beautiful World Heritage sites, and only Budapest can say of itself that it has Europe’s largest Parliament, largest functioning synagogue and the continent’s first underground railway. The visitor will find side by side the remains of fortresses and buildings from Roman times, still operating Turkish baths, Gothic and Baroque buildings, and the incredibly rich Art Nouveau architectural heritage. Not only is Budapest worthy holder of the title “Queen of the Danube”, but in fact there is not one other capital city in the world with close on 100 thermal springs and 12 medicinal baths

within its boundaries, where 19 million gallons of thermal water rise to the surface each day.Despite the spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old

charm and magic. It is a city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cafés, baths, the gastronomy and culture, combined with legendary hospitality blend into anunforgettable experience for visitors. Besides popular programmes and festivals staged each year the capital’s tourism selection is further enriched by new, high standard events each season. Tourists can stroll down the “Pest Broadway”, now taking on a new lease of life, and enjoy a programme in one of the atmospheric, unique repositories of music calling to all ages, since there is a choice ranging from live music in the pubs to

the repertoires of the Opera House and the recently rebuilt, magnificent Operetta Theatre.

So I warmly commend this publication to you, and trust you will find yourself using it frequently. After careful preparation we compiled it withgreat pleasure in the hope that it will allow you to discover what is best inBudapest.

László FeketeDirector

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

BTH Budapesti Turisztikai Szolgáltató Kht. (Tourism Office of Budapest)µ H–1364 Budapest Pf. 215 • ≥ (+36-1)266-0479 • ¥ (+36-1)266-7477 • E-mail: [email protected]

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PASSPORT, VISA

INFORMATION OFFICESTourinform Main office – Police-info Office V., Deák tér/Sütô utca 2 (H3) ≥ (36-1)438-8080 ó 8 am–8 pm

Buda CastleH–1016 Budapest, Szentháromság tér≥ (+36-1)488-0475, ¥ (+36-1)488-0474Excursions, sightseeing, World Heritage views, maps, guide services,general information, car rentalsó 15 June–15 Sept 9 am–8 pm, 16 Sept–14 June 10 am–7 pm,1 Nov–31 March Mon–Fri: 10 am–7 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–4 pm

Western (Nyugati) Railway Station≥ /¥ (+36-1)302-8580Left wing of the main station • Accommodation, maps, general informationó 15 June–15 Sept 9 am–7 pm, 16 Sept–14 June Mon–Fri: 9 am–6 pm,Sat–Sun: 9 am–3 pm

BudaörsH–2040 Budaörs – AGIP Complex – South ≥ /¥ (+36-1)302-8580 Accommodation, maps, general informationó 15 June–15 Sept Mon–Fri: 9 am–7 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–6 pm,16 Sept–14 June Mon–Fri: 9 am–5 pm, Sat: 9 am–3 pm, Sun: closed

Liszt Ferenc tér≥ (+36-1)322-4098, ¥ (+36-1)342-9390H–1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 11 Accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, special programmes, guideservices, maps, general information, car rentals, World Heritage views,newspapers, tickets for cultural and sports events, souvenirs.ó 15 June–15 Sept Mon–Fri: 9 am–7 pm, Sat–Sun: 9 am–6 pm,16 Sept–14 June Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm, Sat: 10 am–4 pm, Sun: closed

Budapest, Ferihegy – terminal 2A, 2B≥ (+36-1)438-8080, ¥ (+36-1)488-8661 ó 8 am–11 pm

Nonstop information:Tourinform call centre (24 hours):

(+36-1)438-8080

Tourinform hotline (24 hours):

(+36-30)30-30-600 from abroad,

(06-80)630-800 from Hungary

Internet: www.hungarytourism.hu

¥ (+36-1)488-8661E-mail: [email protected]

Turista információ • Tourist information

Entry with a personal ID cardCitizens of the following countries may enter the territory of Hungary with a personal identification card for a stay of maximum 90 days, provided the purpose of their visit is not to take up work or to conductbusiness-related activities: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.

Entry with passport but no visaCitizens of European countries (with the exception of Albania, Russia, Serbia-Montenegro, Turkey and the

Ukraine) do not require a visa to travel to Hungary. Citizens of the following countries outside Europesimilarly do not require a visa: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Malaysia,Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.For more detailed information please check the following site: www.kum.hu

HANDY information

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6

HUNGARY’S FOREIGN REPRESENTATIONS

BUDAPEST IN EUROPELow-cost airlinesflying to Budapest (asat November 2004)

ClimateTemperate zone, continentalclimate, four seasons.

Hottest months: July, August(temperatures can reach 28–35°C)

Coldest months: December,January (temperatures can fall aslow as –15°C)

Budapest has a relatively highnumber of hours of sunshine per annum. It exceeds 8 hours per daybetween April and September.

Time zoneBudapest is on Central Europeantime (CET).

GMT +1 hour

Summer time (March to the

BUDAPEST BASICS

www.budapestinfo.hu

Great BritainHungarian NationalTourist Office 46 Eaton PlaceLondon SW1X 8AL≥ (44-20)7823-1032 (generalpublic)≥ (44-20)7823-1055(profession)¥ (44-20)7235-9840E-mail:[email protected]

IrelandHungarian NationalTourist Office

Hungarian Embassy,

2 Fitzwilliam Place,Dublin 2≥ (353 1)6612-879¥ (353 1)6612-889E-mail: [email protected]

USAHungarian NationalTourist Office 150 East 58th Street,33rd floor,New York, N.Y. 10155-3398≥ (1-212)355-0240¥ (1-212)207-4103E-mail:[email protected]

www.gotohungary.com


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By air The Airport minibus service ispopular and relatively cheap: for

HUF 2100 it will drop passengersanywhere within the city limits. Areturn ticket (HUF 3600) is validfor six months.

Ferihegy 1 – Undergoingrenovation, opening: Summer 2005Ferihegy 2A – terminal for allMALÉV Hungarian Airlines flightsFerihegy 2B – arrival and departureterminal for foreign airlines,terminal for budget airlines

Airport information:Central number:(+36-1)296-9696Flight information:(+36-1)296-7000

Luggage search service:• Ferihegy 2A: (+36-1)296-8108,(+36-1)296-7217• Ferihegy 2B: (+36-1)295-3480,

(+36-1)296-7948Telephone reservations for MALÉV flights: (+36-1)235-3888 Airport minibus service:(+36-1)296-8555

By trainBudapest has direct rail links to25 capitals. There are more than50 international connections each

day. Trains depart every threehours between Budapest–Vienna,with a travel time of less thantwo and a half hours. INTERCITYlinks running between the capitaland the major towns aroundHungary are extremely popular and comfortable.

By railThere are three major international railway stations in Budapest:Eastern Railway Station (Keleti

pályaudvar) VIII., Baross tér,≥ (+36-1)413-4610 Western Railway Station (Nyugati

pályaudvar) VI., Nyugati tér,≥ (+36-1)349-8503Southern Railway Station (Déli

pályaudvar) I., Krisztina krt. 37/A,≥ (+36-1)375-6593

Information on international rail links: (+36-1)461-5500,www.elvira.hu All rail stations can be accessedby the metro (‘Keleti pu.’, ‘Délipu.’ stops on Metro line 2,‘Nyugati pu.’ stop on Metro line3), but MÁV Hungarian Railwaysalso operates a Railbus –information: (+36-1)353-2722.

By coachDomestic coach services arrive at

and depart from Népliget≥ (+36-1)219-8000, Stadionok≥ (+36-1)220-6227, ÁrpádBridge ≥ (+36-1)412-2597 andEtele Square in Buda

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

middle of October): GMT +2hours

HolidaysNon-working days: national holi-days (15 March, 20 August, 23 Oc-tober) and 1 May (May Day) plusChristian holidays: 1 January, AllSaint’s Day (1 November), Easter Mon., Whit Mon., Christmas andBoxing Day (25–26 December).

Budapest facts and figures Area:525 square kilometres (in a north-south direction approx. 25 km,east-west approx. 29 km)

Population:1 815 000Population density:3456 persons/square kilometre Administrative structure:23 districts

Buda: comprising one-thirdof the area of the city on thehilly, right bank of the Danube

Pest: comprising two-thirds of the area of the city on the flat,left bank of the Danube

Islands (from north to south):Óbuda Island, Margaret Island,Csepel Island

Bridges: nine bridges, of whichtwo are rail bridges

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≥ (+36-1)382-4910. Theinternational coach station is atNépliget. Volánbusz Rt. has scheduledpassenger coach services to andfrom the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, CzechRepublic, Denmark, France,Germany, Great Britain, Greece,

Holland, Italy, Norway, Poland,Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Yugoslavia.Information on domestic andinternational routes:(+36-1)382-0888

By boat

Hydrofoils run scheduled servicesfrom Vienna and Bratislava to theheart of Budapest between Apriland October.There are three largeinternational quays on theDanube between SzéchenyiChain Bridge and Liberty(Szabadság) Bridge.Information on Mahart Passnavesailings: (+36-1)318-6042

By passenger car Of the four motorways and four highways in Hungary, sevendepart from Budapest (motorwayNo. 8 is the exception).

Drivers are obliged to purchase amotorway sticker for themotorways M1, M3, M5 and M7(obtainable at border crossingpoints and major petrol stations).

The Hungarian Highway Code(KRESZ) is based on the Viennaand Geneva Convention, and assuch traffic signs and roadmarkings are similar to thosefound in other Europeancountries. However, it isimportant to highlight a few keytraffic regulations that touristsvisiting Hungary must observe atall times: use of seatbelts in thefront and rear seats iscompulsory; only mobile phonesfitted with loudspeaker andmicrophone may be used in cars,and it is recommended thatdrivers making or receiving a callpull over to the side of the road

in a safe area; drivers may notconsume any alcohol beforedriving, and drunk drivers can befined upwards of HUF 30,000(USD 130); the speed limit inbuilt-up areas is 50 kph, outsidebuilt-up areas 90 kph, on mainroads 110 kph and on motorways130 kph; use of the horn intowns is only permitted inmoments of danger (despitewhich, unfortunately, Hungariandrivers frequently use their hornswithout proper reason).Hungarian Automobile Club(Magyar Autóklub) 24 hour helpline: (+36-1)345-1755Roadside breakdown service: 188

CURRENCY Forint (Ft or HUF)Coins 100 50 20 10 5 2 1

Banknotes: 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10 000 20 000

Exchanging money

Exchanging money is onlypermitted in licensed,designated places. Do nottake the risk of changingmoney on the street. Youare likely to find yourself with counterfeit money,besides which suchtransactions are illegal.The Hungarian NationalBank gives official dailyforeign exchange andcurrency rates on 23currencies. Most bankshave 24-hour banknoteexchange ATMs. Besidesthis there are many creditcard and cash card ATMs inoperation day and night.Banks and travel agenciescan set (and modify) their own exchange rates, taking the bank of issue’s rate as the basis. Anybureau de change has to have the current exchange rates clearly

displayed. Please keep your exchange receipt in a safe place until you depart the country. Broadly speaking, the best exchange ratesare to be found close to the rail stations and in the city centre (PetôfiSándor Street). Banks generally give a middle rate, and the airportand hotel exchange rates are not so competitive.

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TelephoneHungary code: 36,Budapest: 1,dialling code for inland calls: 06.Budapesttelephone

numbers are 7 digits, countrysidenumbers (including the trunkcode) 8 digits.If you wish to phone abroad fromHungary, first dial 00, wait for thetone, and then dial the countrycode, town code and continuewith the telephone number.Public phones operate with 20,50 and 100 forint coins and

telephone cards. The latter canbe purchased in tobacconists,post offices, petrol stations andnewsagents. It is cheaper tophone at the weekend, on publicholidays and in the evening.Mobile telephone numbers are9-digit, after dialling 06;depending on the telephonecompany, the first two numbersare 20, 30 or 70.

Credit cardsThe most commonly used creditcards – AMEX, Diners Club,Cirrus, EnRoute, Euro/Mastercard,JCB, VISA – can be used to obtaincash from ATMs in banks and onthe streets as well as to pay billsin hotels, restaurants and shops.Emblems on the door of theestablishment detail which creditcards are accepted.

AccommodationThe capital has every category of accommodation from luxuryhotel to paying guest rooms.Free copies of Accommodation inBudapest can be picked up frominformation offices and hotelreceptions in town.Other useful information onaccommodation can be found onthe homepage of the TourismOffice of Budapest:www.budapestinfo.hu, and ininformation offices (for addressesand telephone numbers see page 5).

Postal services

Post offices are generally openfrom 8 am–6 pm Mon–Fri, 8am–noon on Sat. There are twopost offices close to the railstations in Pest with longer opening hours: VI., Teréz körút51. (open: Mon–Sat: 7 am–9 pm,Sun: 8 am–8 pm), VIII., Baross tér 11/C (open: Mon–Sat: 7 am–9pm).Postal money services: creditcards (VISA, VISA Electron,EuroCard/Mastercard, Maestro)can be used to make cash

withdrawals at all post offices inthe capital. Post offices alsoexchange Eurocheques, AmericanExpress traveller’s cheques andpostal orders.

GENERAL INFORMATION INTERNET

Internet cafés are highlyfashionable in Budapest. Thefollowing list details just some of the most popular locationsoffering Internet access:

AMI V., Váci utca 40≥ 267-1644ó 9 am–2 am

CEU NetPont V., Október 6. utca 14≥ 328-3506ó Mon–Fri: 8 am–11pm,Sat–Sun: 9 am–11 pm

Internet Café V., Kecskeméti utca 5≥ 328-0292ó 10 am–10 pm

Internet Studio VI.,Dessewffy utca 45≥ 20/481-8688ó 10 am–1 am

Matáv Belváros V., Petôfi Sándor utca 17–19

≥ 485-6612ó Mon–Fri: 9 am–8 pm, Sat: 10am–3 pm

Netcorner Business Center VII., Rákóczi út 58≥ 413-1538

Westel-Enternet V., Váci utca 1≥ 238-7570ó 10 am–9 pm

Business centres in the major hotels also offer Internet accessfacilities.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Ambulance: 104Police: 107Fire service: 105Universal enquiries: 197Inland enquiries: 198International enquiries: 199 Auto club help number: 188Speaking clock: 180

≥



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Security in BudapestThe general public security situation in the capital canbe said to be good on an international average, andstill it is better if tourists are prepared for certainsituations so that they do not end up feeling cheated.

In general the tourist’s wallet is in greatestdanger, and so it is advisable when using publictransport, at shopping centres, markets or any other

busy area where people are jostling around to payextra attention to wallets, purses and bags.Taxis are best pre-booked by phone; they are

cheaper and there is no chance that you will pick upthe one or two ‘private taxis’ who chargeoutrageous fares. (For phone numbers of reputablecompanies, see the Taxi section p. 11.)

Always ask for a menu showing all the pricesbefore choosing which restaurant to eat at. This way you can rule out any unpleasantness caused byovercharging.

Never get mixed up in changing money or

gambling on the street. Carry documents, moneyand credit cards in a closed, inner pocket, and don’tcarry a lot of cash around town. Never leavevaluables in your car.

Lost your passport? You should report the loss of your passport to thefollowing authority:

Budapest and Pest County Directorate of theOffice for Immigration and Citizenship

Address: H–1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 60≥ 463-9165, 463-9181Open: 24 hoursIf your passport is stolen, you must report the loss

to the local district police headquarters.Emergency services: ≥ 107 or 112.Tourinform telephone enquiries – Tourist Police:

438-8080

Left luggageIn Budapest left luggage counters and coin-operated lockers are to be found at the railstations. There are two non-stop left luggage

counters at both the Eastern (Keleti) and theSouthern (Déli) Railway Stations, while the Western(Nyugati) Railway Station has a left luggagecounter open from 5 am-midnight, and lockersavailable 24 hours a day.

Health matters, medical assistanceNon-stop medical assistance:Falck SOS Hungary ≥ 200-0100

Non-stop dental service:SOS Dental Service ≥ 267-9602

Pharmacies in the capital are well stocked, and

pharmacists may be able to suggest a medicationfor certain complaints. A notice on the door of pharmacies indicates theaddress of the closest 24-hour pharmacy.

Pharmacies operating around the clock:Teréz Patika: VI., Teréz körút 41, ≥ 311-4439,Déli Gyógyszertár:XII., Alkotás utca 1/B, ≥ 355-4691

STAYING STREET-WISE

ElectricityHungary’s electricity networkoperates at 230 Volts. Plugs arethe regulation continental type.

General opening timesShops: food shops are open

from 7 am–6 pm,clothes shops between10 am–6 pm Mon. to Sat.Most shopping centres are alsoopen on Sun.Tesco is open 24 hours a day,seven days a week.

Office hours: generallyfrom 8 am–4 pm Mon. to Fri.Post offices: Mon–Fri: 8 am–6 pm,Sat: 8 am–1 pm (for details, seePostal services section)Banks: Mon–Thur: 8 am–3 pm,Fri: 8 am–1 pm

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Budapest taxis have yellow number plates and a taxisign in yellow. (Any vehicle without these features isoperating illegally.) The total charge that has to bepaid by the passenger is made up of three separateparts: the basic charge which is irrespective of how far the journey is (maximum HUF 300 during the day,maximum HUF 420 at night), a per kilometre chargewhich depends on how many kilometres are covered

during the journey (maximum HUF 240 per kilometreduring the day, maximum HUF 336 at night), and thewaiting charge. The larger taxi companies work withrates far lower than the maximum charges listed above.It is well worth noting down their telephone numbers,

and then calling them because a taxi ordered by phoneis cheaper than one called on the street.

Budataxi: 233-3333, Budapest Taxi: 433-3333,Central Hotel Taxi: 322-3344, Citytaxi: 211-1111,Expo Taxi: 205-5555, Fôtaxi: 222-2222, Rádiótaxi:377-7777, Taxi 2000: 200-0000, Tele 5: 355-5555,6x6 taxi: 266-6666.

All cars must have a taximeter installed, and

these also print out a receipt. Taxi drivers arerequired to give an invoice on request.Tipping: in general 10% of the fare is acceptable,

but this naturally depends on how satisfied thepassenger is with the service.

Public transportBudapest has an efficient publictransport network made up of more than 180 bus, 14 trolleybus,29 tram, and three metro lines. Ingeneral the buses, trams andtrolleybuses operate between 4.30am and 11 pm. The three metrolines intersect at Deák Square in

the centre of town. Metros run at2-15 minute intervals from 4.30am to 11.10 pm.

The local suburban train (HÉV)can be used to travel out toCsepel Island in the south of thecity, and to nearby Szentendre,Gödöllô and Ráckeve.

Maps sited at the entrances tometro stations give acomprehensive overview of theentire public transport network in

Budapest. Conditions of travelare also included, in German andEnglish.

TicketsMay be purchased at metrostations, ticket machines,tobacconists and newsagents. It isperhaps best to buy your ticketsat a metro station because there you have a choice of several typesof ticket and various passes.

Single ticket (2004: 145 Ft): validfor bus, tram, trolleybus, metro,cogwheel railway for the entirelength of the journey, as well as thesuburban railway within theadministrative limits of Budapest.The ticket has to be purchasedbeforehand, and validated in theticket stampers found on the public

transport (on the metro, either before you enter the metro or onthe platforms) before the trip starts.

It is worth finding out aboutthe different ticket types available(transfer ticket, day ticket, 3-daytourist ticket, metro section ticket,metro section transfer ticket,metro transfer ticket etc.) as thesecan save you money. TheBudapest Transport Authority(BKV) has published a free

brochure in English and Germanentitled Information (availablefrom hotel receptions, Tourinformoffices), and which gives detailedinformation about the types of tickets and costs. Information canalso be found on the followingInternet site: www.bkv.hu

Information on publictransport: 06-80/406-611

Ticket controls: you may be

requested to show your ticket onall public transport or at exitpoints of the metro by ticket

TRANSPORT IN THE CAPITAL

CITYtransport

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TAXIS


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inspectors who wear armbands and have a badgewith photograph (they generally operate in pairs, butthere may be 4-5 inspectors on the metro). For thisreason, please keep your ticket until the very end of your journey or until you have left the metro station.

Fines: if you travel without a valid ticket or pass or if you contravene the conditions of travel, you haveto pay a fine. On-the-spot fine: HUF 2000; paymentby money transfer within 30 days: HUF 5500; finefor payment by money transfer after 30 days: HUF11 000. (2004 prices!)

ParkingThe capital is sectioned into several parking zones,and different parking fees are charged according tothe zone (between HUF 120 and 400 per hour).Parking must be paid for between the hours of 8 am-6 pm Mon. to Fri., and 8 am-noon on Sat. (Parking isfree on Sun.) On parking, a ticket must be purchasedfrom the nearest ticket machine for the entire periodthe car is to be left. This ticket should be displayed

behind the windscreen. Minimum parking time: 15minutes, beyond which the ticket machine gives aticket for the amount of time equivalent to the sumof money inserted. Maximum waiting time: 2-3hours. For longer periods, it is recommended that

you leave your car ina P+R car park. P+Rsare generally foundat metro stationsand bus termini(Pest side of ÁrpádBridge, NagyváradSquare, Örs vezér Square, Népligetetc.), from wheretravellers can theneasily access publictransport for theonward journey.

Cars parked illegally will be clamped by theMunicipal Public Roads Department. Any car fitted witha wheel clamp will also have an information sheet inseveral languages stuck to the windscreen to inform thedriver how to go about having the clamp removed.

Car parks and garagesMulti-storey car parks are generally open 24 hours aday; most larger hotels also have an undergroundgarage. Some of the larger car parks: Krisztina Garagebehind the Hotel Mercure Buda (I., Kosciuszko Tádéutca), V., Aranykéz utca 4–6, V., Szervita tér 8, VII.,Nyár utca 20, Corvin Multi-storey Car Park (VIII., Futó

utca 52), Páva Multi-storey Car Park (IX., Mester utca).

Rent-a-car A selection of the larger car rental companies: Americana, Avis, Budget, Hertz-Mercure, LRI AirportRent-a-car.

In general, all companies require that the personrenting a vehicle is at least 21 years old, has had atleast one year’s driving experience, has a valid

driving licence and passport. All the major rent-a-car companies have an officeat the airport, and brochures on rent-a-car optionsare available from hotel reception desks andTourinform offices.

BUDAPEST CARD —Launched in 1997, this city cardis the tourist’s “best friend” for 2- or 3-day (48 or 72 hours) citysightseeing tours. Childrenunder 14 travelling with thecard holder are also entitled tothe benefits the card offers. Thecard includes a colour prospectus (over 100 pages) infour languages with details of how to use the card and all theservices and benefits that areavailable. Cards may be purchased in around 250locations across the capital (airport, hotels, travelagencies, tourist information offices, main metrostations), and in travel agencies abroad.

The Budapest Card provides the followingservices:

• free travel on Budapest Transport Company(BKV Rt.) public transport• free admission to 60 museums and other

important sites (Zoo, caves in Buda, MatthiasChurch)

• discounted city sightseeing tours by bus and boat• discounted tickets for folklore and other

cultural programmes• discounts offered in spa baths, restaurants,

shops, airport minibus, car rental and numerousother places

Price: HUF 4700 (48 hours)

HUF 5900 (72 hours)

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MUSEUMS, Churches

Aquincum Museum and Ruins [2]1 E1III., Szentendrei út 139 ≥ 250-1650ó Tue–Sun: 9 am–5 pm, (Closed between 1 Nov.and 14 April) —

Relics of the civilian town of Aquincum dating back

2000 years. Roman remains, collection of frescoes,reconstructed organ from Antiquity, sculpture of Fortuna Nemesis, Hercules and Diana mosaics.« from Batthyány Square towards Szentendre% HUF 200–700

Budapest History Museum – B3Castle Museum2I., Szent György tér 2 ≥ 225-7815 ó 10 am–6 pm(10 am–4 pm between 1 November and 28February), closed Tue. —Collection of archaeological finds in Budapest.Budapest in the Middle Ages: development of

settlements from the Roman age to the 13thcentury. The medieval Buda royal palace: collectionof original objects, seals, glassware, weapons,tombstones. Gothic sculpture from the royal palace.Budapest in modern times: historical moments inthe life of a metropolis.è Castle bus % HUF 250–800

Museum of Military History3 A3I., Tóth Árpád sétány 40 ≥ 356-9522ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm (10 am–4 pm between1 October and 31 March) — A rich collection of weapons from the days beforethe Turkish wars to the 20th century. Collection of uniforms, flags, maps, ammunition and 28,000coins. Memories of pilots who emigrated after theSecond World War. The exhibition “Thirteen Days,about the 1956 Revolution”, is well worth viewing.è Castle bus % free

Hopp Ferenc East Asian Art Museum4 C2 VI., Andrássy út 103 ≥ 322-8476ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —

The collection based on 19th

century art collector Ferenc Hopp’s collection of 4000 items of East Asian, and primarily Japanese and Chinese, objectstoday has around 19,000 art objects. Among thepieces on display in the art collector’s former house

Most museums are closed on Monday.Admission charges show the lowest and highest rates. There may be several variations betweenthese two extremes, from student tickets to grouprates. Prices valid to the end of 2004; admissioncharges are likely to increase in 2005.

— Budapest Card holders can visit over 60

museums free of charge or at a discounted rate.

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are important Japanese medieval art items andChinese bronzes and porcelain-ware.1 Bajza utca ç 4 ë 70, 78 % 150–300 HUF

Museum of Applied Art [3]5 C4IX., Üllôi út 33–37 ≥ 456-5100ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —The beautiful Art Nouveau building(with Zsolnay ceramics on the roof)designed by Ödön Lechner and GyulaPártos is one of the most attractivesights in the capital. Major collections andart objects: Oriental rug collection, wallhangings, Esterházy treasury, 17th centuryaristocratic costumes, Art Nouveau glassware, Italianmajolica, Zsolnay ceramics, French furniture, Augsburg Baroque goldsmith’s work.3 Ferenc krt « 4, 6 % Permanent exhibition:free, temporary exhibition: HUF 300–600

Kassák Lajos Memorial Museum6 B1III., Fô tér 1 ≥ 368-7021 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —Exhibition in the former Zichy Mansion on the art of Lajos Kassák, leading artist of Hungarian avant-garde,poetry, painting and literary editor. The museum’snew permanent exhibition: 20th century Hungarianart, from the legacies of Hungarian authors.ç 6, 86 « 1 « Árpád híd % HUF 100–150

Kiscell Museum7 A1III., Kiscelli utca 108 ≥ 388-7817ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —

The museum building was constructed for theTrinitarian order in the 18th century, while it was later transformed into a Baroque mansion and even servedas a hospital. Today it is one of the museums of Budapest in perhaps the most picturesque of locations,surrounded by woods at the foot of the Óbuda Hills. Itsexhibitions embrace two major areas of collections fromthe Budapest History Museum: modern urban history,and the fine art collection of the Municipal Gallery.« 17 ç 60, 165 % HUF 200–600

Museum of Contemporary Arts – B3Ludwig Museum Budapest8I., Buda Castle Palace, wing A≥ 375-9175 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —The Hungarian contemporary art collection of

Cologne art collector couple Irene and Peter Ludwig. A visit provides an overview of the past 50 years of universal art, and contemporary Hungarian

art from the last 10 years.è Castle bus % HUF 300–600

Transport Museum9 D2XIV., Városligeti körút 11 ≥ 273-3840

ó Tue–Fri: 10 am–5 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–6 pm(closes one hour earlier from October to May) —

One of Europe’s oldest transport historycollections. Its model railway material is world

famous. Permanent exhibitions over 8,000 squaremetres include: 100 years and today, 100 years of Hungarian motoring, A century of Hungarian stateshipping, History of Motoring, History of steamlocomotion, History of urban transport.« 1 ë 70, 72, 74 % free

Hungarian National Gallery [7]10 B3

I., Dísz tér 17 ≥ 375-8584ó Tue–Sun.: 10 am–6 pm —The collection of 10,000 art objects sited in wingsB, C and D of Buda Castle Palace covers the periodfrom the foundation of the state to the present day.Permanent exhibitions: Medieval and Renaissancelapidarium, Gothic wood carvings and tableaux,Late Gothic winged altars, Renaissance and Baroqueart, Habsburg palatine crypt, 19th century painting(Gyula Benczúr, Mihály Munkácsy, Viktor Madarász,Pál Szinyei Merse) and sculpture (István Ferenczy,Miklós Izsó), 20th century painting (József Rippl-

Rónai, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, Béla Czóbel) andsculpture (Béni Ferenczy, Ferenc Medgyessy).è Castle bus % Permanent exhibition: free,temporary exhibition: HUF 300–600

Hungarian National Museum11 C3 VIII., Múzeum körút 14–16 ≥ 338-2122 ó Tue–Sun: 10am–6 pm (10 am–5 pm from November to May) —The museum (founded in 1802) was based on thenumismatic, book and document collections of Count Ferenc Széchényi, and the number of artobjects now exceeds one million. The huge nationalcollection has occupied its present site, a neo-Classical building designed by Mihály Pollack, since


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1846. Permanent exhibitions: History of Hungaryfrom the foundation of the state to 1990,Lapidarium-Roman stone finds.3 Kálvin tér « 47, 49 ç 15, 9 % Permanentexhibition: free, temporary exhibition: HUF 400–800

Hungarian Natural History Museum12 D4 VIII., Ludovika tér 6 ≥ 210-1085ó 10 am–6 pm, closed Tue. —This imposing neo-Classical buildingtogether with the courtyard has hostedthe museum’s mineral and rock collectionsince 1995. Permanent exhibitions: Manand nature in Hungary, Treasures fromthe mineral collection, Time track-rockpark in front of the museum.3 Klinikák % Permanent exhibition: free,temporary exhibition: HUF 600–1200

Palace of Arts [1]13 C2

XIV., Dózsa György út 37, (Heroes’ Square)≥ 363-2671 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —The largest exhibition gallery in the country, adefining neo-Classical structure in Heroes’ Square.It does not have its own collection, but its regular temporary exhibitions feature mainly thecontemporary arts, and the works of artisticgroups.1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 75, 79% HUF 300–600

Nagytétény Mansion Museum14 E2

XXII., Kastélypark utca 9–1≥ 207-5462 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm (10 am–4pm between 1 November and 14 March) —Not only Budapest’s, but indeed one of thecountry’s finest Baroque-age palaces. The mansion,built on 15th century Gothic foundations, took on itspresent form in 1766. Today the mansion formsa part of the Museum of Applied Art, and itsrooms have a magnificent collection of European furniture (around 300 pieces,single items and suites) dating from the 15th

to the 19th century.ç 3 % Permanent exhibition: free,temporary exhibition: HUF 200–400

Museum of Ethnography15 B2 V., Kossuth tér 12 ≥ 473-2400ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —One of Europe’s largest specialist museumswith around 139,000 Hungarian and 53,000international art objects. The former royal court, amagnificent building sited opposite Parliament,combines Renaissance, Baroque and neo-Classical

elements. Permanent exhibitions: Traditional cultureof the Hungarian people, From primitive societies tocivilization.« 2 2 Kossuth Lajos tér ë 70, 78 % Permanentexhibition: free, temporary exhibition: HUF 250–700

Óbuda Museum16 B1III., Fô tér 1 ≥ 250-1020 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–7.30 pmThe collection in the Zichy Mansion includes historicaldocuments and relics of the industrial history of Óbudaand surroundings, running from Roman times to the20th century. One can view Art Nouveau interiors and

toy and game collections in its permanentexhibitions, as well as wrought-iron decorative

work from old Óbuda houses.« Árpád híd « 1

% HUF 200–300

Museum of Fine Arts [6]17 C2XIV., Dózsa György út 41 (Heroes’Square) ≥ 469-7100

ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5.30 pm —The core of the museum material

derived from the superb collection of paintingsformed by the Esterházys and donated in the 1870s.The grandiose neo-Classical building in Heroes’

Square has housed the collection (now around100,000 art works) since 1906. The museum has abroad collection of foreign art from Antiquity to thepresent day. In addition to the Egyptian, Greek andRoman collections, the Italian collection, whichgives a comprehensive overview of Italian schools of painting from the 13th to the 18th century, is veryrich. The jewels of the Spanish collection are sevenEl Greco works, and among 19–20th centurymasterworks French painting is mostcomprehensively represented.1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 75, 79 % Permanent

exhibition: free, temporary exhibition: HUF 400–800

Statue Park [5]18 E2XXII., Balatoni út (road No. 70)-corner of Szabadkaiút ≥ 424-7500 ó daily: from 10 am–dusk —Multi-ton socialism: mega-statues removed frompublic parks and streets around the capital,

monumental representations of the period of socialism in Hungary (Lenin, Marx, Engels,

Soviet soldiers etc.).ç 14, 114, 50 % HUF 200–600

Vasarely Museum19 B1III., Szentlélek tér 6 ≥ 388-7551ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–7.30 pm —The museum is named after Hungarian-born painter Gyôzô Vásárhelyi whomoved to Paris in 1930 to work, and whoas Victor Vasarely gained world fame as

the founder of the op-art movement. His pictures usesharp colours, geometric forms and optical illusions.The exhibition material encompassing the entireoeuvre of the artist is selected from 400 works

bequeathed to the Museum of Fine Arts.« Árpád híd « 1 % free

Jewish Museum20 C3 VII., Dohány utca 2 ≥ 342-8949 ó Mon–Thur: 10

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am–5 pm (10 am–3 pm between 1 November and14 April), Fri, Sun: 10 am–2 pm —The museum, built in fitting style and attached tothe uniquely beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue,has an unparalleled collection of Judaica. Permanentexhibitions: Devotional objects for Jewishcelebrations, Everyday objects, History of theHungarian Holocaust.2 Astoria ë 74 « 47, 49 % HUF 400–1000 (Theprice of admission includes entry to the museumand synagogue)

MEO Contemporary Art Collection21 E1IV., József Attila utca 4–6 ≥ 272-0876 ó Tue–Thur,Sat–Sun: 11 am–6 pm, Fri: 11 am–10 pm —MEO Contemporary Art Collection plays a unique rolein presenting Hungarian contemporary fine art.Hungarian contemporary artists and outstandingfigures from the world of international fine artregularly stage exhibitions in the galleries (over 2600square metres of floorspace) of the MEO’s extravagant

complex. These displays provide the art-loving visitor with a memorable and lasting experience.3 Újpest–Városkapu % HUF 200–600

OTHER MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONHALLS, GALLERIES

Agricultural Museum C2XVI., Vajdahunyad Castle ≥ 363-1973 ó Tue–Fri: 10am–5 pm, Sat.: 10 am–6 pm, Sun.: 10 am–5 pm —1 Széchenyi fürdô ç 4 ë 70, 72, 79% HUF 200–500

Ambulance Service Museum B2 V., Markó utca 22 ≥ 350-3737/4188ó Mon–Sun.: 9 am–1 pm —3 Nyugati tér « 4, 6 % HUF 50–100

Arany Sas (Golden Eagle) Pharmacy Museum A3I., Tárnok utca 18 ≥ 375-9772 ó Tue–Sun: 10.30am–5.30 pm (10 am–3.30 pm between 1November and 28 February) —ç 16 è Castle bus % free

Béla Bartók Memorial House E1II., Csalán út 29 ≥ 394-4472ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —ç 5 (to the Pasaréti Square terminus) % HUF 150–400

Bible Museum C4IX., Ráday utca 28 ≥ 217-6321ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —3 Kálvin tér ç 15 % free

Budapest Exhibition Hall B3 V., Szabadsajtó utca 5 ≥ 318-8097ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —« 2 ç 5, 8, 7 3 Ferenciek tere % HUF 150–300

Citadel B4XI., Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány ≥ 466-5794ó 9 am–9 pmInterior courtyard: “Past and Present of Gellért Hill”,“St. Gellért Memorial Park”, “Waxworks 1944,bunker and exhibition”ç 27 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 % HUF 0–1200

Dorottya Gallery B3 V., Dorottya utca 8 ≥ 266-0877 ó 1 Sept–30 April:Mon–Thur: 1–7 pm, Fri–Sat: 11 am–7 pm —

1 Vörösmarty tér 2 3 Deák tér « 2 % free

Budapest Gallery Exhibition House B1III., Lajos utca 158 ≥ 388-6771ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —« Árpád híd « 1 % HUF 100–200

Ernst Museum B3 VI., Nagymezô utca 8≥ 413-1310ó Tue–Sun: 11 am–7 pm —« 4, 6 (Oktogon) 1 Operaë 70, 78 % HUF 250–500

Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum and C3Research Centre VI., Vörösmarty utca 35 ≥ 322-9804ó Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm, Sat: 9 am–5 pm —1 Vörösmarty utca ç 4 % HUF 180–370

Fire Service Museum F1X., Martinovics tér 12 ≥ 261-3586ó Tue–Sat: 9 am–4 pm Sun: 9 am–1 pm —ç

9, 32, 62«

3, 28%

freeFlag Museum C3 VIII., József körút 68 ≥ 334-0159ó Tue–Sun.: 11 am–6 pm — « 4, 6 % free

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Foundry Museum E1II., Bem József utca 20 ≥ 202-5327 ó 1 March–31October: Tue–Sun: 9 am–4 pm 1 November–28February: Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —2 Batthyány tér ç 11, 60, 86 « 4, 6, 19, 41 % free

Gallery of the Óbuda Society Circle B1III., Kiskorona utca 7 ≥ 250-0288 ó Tue–Sun.: 2–6 pm« Árpád híd % HUF 100

Gizi Bajor Museum of Actors and Actresses B1XII., Stromfeld Aurél utca 16 ≥ 356-4294ó Thur–Fri: 2–6 pm, Sat–Sun: 10 am–6 pmç 102 « 59 % Groups welcome: HUF 1000–2000

Holocaust Memorial Centre C4IX., Páva utca 39 ≥ 455-3320, 455-3333ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm« 4, 6, 30, 30A3 Ferenc körút

% free

House of Terror Museum C3 VI., Andrássy út 60 ≥ 374-2600 ó Tuesday–Friday:10 am–6 pm, Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–8 pm —1 Oktogon « 4, 6 ç 4 % HUF 600–1200

Hungarian Electrical Engineering Museum B3 VII., Kazinczy utca 21 ≥ 322-0472ó Tue–Sat: 11 am–5 pm —2 Blaha Lujza tér ë 74 % free

Hungarian National Television B3Museum of the Technical and Programming TV V., Október 6. utca 9 ≥ 269-2265 ó Tuesday: 10am–2 pm, Thursday: 2–6 pm,Saturday: 10 am–2 pm1 2 3 Deák tér ç 15, 16, 105 % free

KOGArt House [7] (Kovács Gábor Art Foundation) C2 VI., Andrássy út 112 ≥ 354-3820 ó 10 am–6 pm% HUF 400–800

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

Medieval Jewish Prayer House A3I., Táncsics Mihály utca 26 ≥ 225-7815ó 1 May–31 October: Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —ç 16 è Castle bus % HUF 150–400

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Miksa Róth Memorial House C3 VII., Nefelejcs utca 26 ≥ 341-6789ó Tue–Sun: 2–6 pmç 7, 78 2 Keleti pályaudvar % HUF 60–150

Museum of Crime C3 VIII., Mosonyi utca 7 ≥ 477-2183ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —2 Keleti pályaudvar ç 7, 7, 173, 78 « 24 ë 80% free

Museum of Hungarian Commerce and A3CateringI., Fortuna utca 4 ≥ 375-6249ó Wed–Fri: 10 am–5 pm, Sat, Sun: 10 am–6 pm —ç 16 è Castle bus % free

National Geological Museum D3XIV., Stefánia út 14 ≥ 267-1427 ó 8 Jan–21 Dec:Thur, Sat, Sun: 10 am–4 pm —

2 Népstadion ç 7 ë 75, 77% HUF 150–250

Pál Molnár-C. Studio A4MuseumXI., Ménesi út 65 ≥ 385-3637May be visited by prior arrangementç 27 « 61 % free

Petôfi Literary B3Museum

V., Károlyi Mihály utca 16≥ 317-3611ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm3 Ferenciek tere ç 15% HUF 110–280

Postal Museum B3 VI., Andrássy út 3≥ 269-6838ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —ç 4 1 Bajcsy Zsilinszky út 2 3 Deák tér% HUF 50–100

Ráth György Museum C2 VI., Városligeti fasor 12 ≥ 342-3916ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pm —1 Bajza utca ç 4 ë 70, 78, 79% HUF 200–400

Semmelweis Museum of Medical History A3I., Apród utca 1–3 ≥ 201-1577ó Tue–Sun: 10.30 am–5.30 pm —ç 5, 78, 86 « 18, 19 % free

Sport Museum C2XIV., Dózsa György út 1–3 ≥ 252-1696ó Mon–Thur, Sat–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —2 Stadionok « 1 ë 75, 77 % free

Stamp Museum C3 VII., Hársfa utca 47 ≥ 341-5526 ó Tue–Sun: 10am–6 pm —« 4, 6 ë 74 % HUF 50–100

Telephone Museum A3I., Úri utca 49 ≥ 201-8188ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —è Castle bus % HUF 50–100

Textile Museum B1III., Lajos utca 136–138 ≥ 367-5910ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pm —« Tímár utca ç 6, 86 % HUF 250–300

Tomb of Gül Baba E1II., Mecset utca 14 ó 1 May–30 Sept: Tue–Sun: 10am–6 pm 1–31 Oct: Tue–Sun: 10 am–4 pmç 91

Trafó Gallery House of Contemporary Arts C4IX., Liliom utca 41 ≥ 456-2040ó Mon–Sun: 4–7 pm« 4, 6 3 Ferenc körút % free

Underground Railway Museum B2 V., Deák Square-pedestrian underpass≥ 461-6500 ó Tue–Sun: 10 am–5 pm —1 2 3 Deák tér « 47, 49 ç 9, 16, 105% cost of a tram ticket (HUF 145)

Varga ImreCollection E1III., Laktanya utca 7≥ 250-0274ó Tue–Sun:10 am–6 pm —« Árpád híd% HUF 200-400

Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum and C2Archives

VI., Kodály körönd 1≥

352-7106ó Wed: 10 am–4 pm,Thur–Sat: 10 am–6 pm, Sun: 10 am–2 pm —1 Kodály körönd% HUF 100–200, free on Sunday

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CHURCHES,ECCLESIASTICAL COLLECTIONS

Inner City Franciscan Church B3 V., Ferenciek tereOpen to visitors every dayIn the 13th century a monastery and church stoodon the site of the present-day church, while itscurrent decorative Baroque form was given in the18th century. The frescoes speak of the talent of Károly Lotz and Vilmos Tardos Krenner. TheBaroque main altar and the statues decorating the

altar are particularly attractive.3 Ferenciek tere

Inner City Parish Church B3 V., Március 15. tér 2≥ 318-3108Open to visitors every day during church services3 Ferenciek tere « 2The oldest church in Pest, built in the 12th century inRomanesque style on the site of the grave of martyr Bishop Gellért. Nothing remains of the originalchurch; over the centuries it took on Gothicfeatures, and during the 17th century it was used bythe Turks as a mosque. Following a fire in 1723 itwas rebuilt in Baroque style, but the interior hasneo-Classical features too. Main sights: Gothicchapel, neo-Gothic carved pulpit, 15th centuryItalian frescoes and 20th century main altar.

Inner City Calvinist Church B4IX., Kálvin tér Open to visitors every day « 47, 49 3 Kálvin tér ç 9, 15 ë 83

Built in the 19th

century in neo-Gothic style, its four-column portico at the main entrance was built byJózsef Hild. The organ loft and pulpit were also builtto his designs. The church has renowned stainedglass windows designed by the master artist Miksa

Róth. The church treasury preserves 17–18th centuryliturgical objects.

Dohány Street Synagogue [4] B3 VII., Dohány utca 2 ≥ 342-8949ó Mon–Thur: 10 am–5 pm (10 am–3 pm between1 November and 14 April),Fri, Sun: 10 am–2 pm —2 Astoria ë 74 « 47, 49% HUF 400–1000 (The price of admissionincludes entry to the museum and synagogue)

The glorious building in Byzantine-Moorish style isEurope’s largest synagogue. It was built by Viennesearchitect Ludwig Förster in the middle of the 19 th

century. One of Budapest’s most imposing historical

monuments, it is faced in white and red brick, witha wealth of ceramic decorative elements and twoonion-dome towers. The museum has anunequalled collection of Jewish-related items fromthe Roman period to the 20th century.

Lutheran Church B3 V., Deák tér, ≥ 483-2150 ó daily 8 am–6 pmNational Lutheran Museum:Tue–Sun: 10 am–6 pmç 4, 9 « 47, 49 1 2 3 Deák tér In line with the Puritanism of Protestant churches

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the building, a striking feature in Deák Square, ischaracterized by the typical simplicity of early neo-Classicism. Although the church was built between1797–1808, its final facade with tympanumsupported by Doric columns was completed only in1856. Its superb acoustics make it a popular location for evening organ concerts. The adjacentNational Lutheran Museum has an interestingexhibition revealing the history of the HungarianReformation.

Matthias Church A3I., Szentháromság tér ≥ 355-3657ó daily 6 am-8 pm, ecclesiastical history exhibition,daily: 9.30 am–5.30 pm —è Castle bus% HUF 270–550Budapest’s most attractive and most famousCatholic church, which due to its unique sitinglargely defines the view of the Castle quarter as seenfrom the Pest side.The royal cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, wasbuilt in several stages between the 13th and 15thcenturies. Today’s neo-Gothic form was given bymajor reconstruction work directed by FrigyesSchulek in 1896. Frescoes and stained glasswindows in the church were made by some of theage’s finest artists (Károly Lotz, Mihály Zichy,

Bertalan Székely).The marvellous collection of the church includes thelapidarium, reliquary, coronation relics and thetreasury with goldsmith masterpieces and churchtextiles.

St. Stephen’s Basilica [8] B3 V., Szent István tér ≥ 317-2859ó daily 9 am–5 pm (in winter: 10 am–4 pm)1 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 2 3 Deák tér

The largest church in Budapest. Its 96-metre-highdome affords a view over virtually the entire city.Building started in 1851, and then in 1867 the workwas taken over by Miklós Ybl, the greatest architectof the day, and finally concluded in 1905 by József Kauser. The neo-Classical building holds the greatestreliquary of the Hungarian people: the mummifiedarm, the Holy Right, of King St. Stephen, after whom the basilica is named. Among the church’sfamous works of art are sculptures by Alajos Stróbl,and a painting by Gyula Benczúr: St. Stephendedicating the country to the Virgin Mary.

Serbian Church B4 V., Szerb utca 2–4 Open to visitors every day3 Kálvin tér Built by Serbian settlers in Baroque style in 1698. Itsinterior is patterned on the plan of Greek Catholicchurches: a wooden railing separates the women’schurch from the church for men built one steplower down. Pictures in the iconostasis (1850) showItalian Renaissance influences.

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Welcome to Europe’s most diverseCultural Avenue!

You are invited to a remarkablewalking tour in Budapest.

No fewer than 18 museums, a hostof theatres running different shows,the State Opera House, Basilica,Synagogue, Funfair and Zoo are locatedalong Budapest’s Cultural Avenue. Selectfrom whatever interests you most!

The Cultural Avenue runs right throughthe centre of Budapest between the World Heritage Buda Castle district andCity Park. Concentrated along this axis aremost of the capital’s prominent sights,

culturalinsti-tutions,cafés,theatres andconfectioneries,not to speak of theentertainment

quarter in City Park.People of all ages willfind something to enjoy onthe Cultural Avenue.

Discover another – unique –side to Budapest!


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CULTURAL avenue 17


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1 Museum of Military History2 Hungarian Museum of

Commerce and Catering3 Museum of Music History4 Buda Castle Labyrinth5 House of Hungarian Wines6 Telephone Museum7 Matthias Church

8 Ruszwurm Confectionery9 Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum10 House of Traditions11 Funicular Railway12 Hungarian National Gallery13 Budapest History Museum14 Semmelweis Museum of Medical

History15 Chain Bridge16 Gerbeaud Café17 Four Seasons Gresham Palace

Hotel18 Millennium UndergroundMuseum

19 Erzsébet Square Cultural Centre20 Synagogue21 Merlin Theatre22 St. Stephen’s Basilica23 Postal Museum24 Czech Cultural Institute25 Austrian Cultural Institute26 Hungarian State Opera House27 Mûvész Café

28 Goethe Institute29 Hungarian House of Photography30 Ernst Museum31 Budapest Operetta Theatre32 Moulin Rouge33 Jókai Square and Liszt Ferenc

Square34 Academy of Music35 House of Terror Museum36 Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum37 Lukács Confectionery

38 Puppet Theatre39 Kodály Memorial Room40 KOGArt House41 Hopp Ferenc Museum42 Museum of Fine Arts43 Palace of Arts (Mûcsarnok)44 Skating Rink and Boating Lake45 Gundel Restaurant46 Hungarian Agricultural Museum47 Municipal Zoological and

Botanical Gardens

48 Széchenyi Thermal Baths49 Grand Circus50 Funfair51 Museum of Transport

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Motorway

Main road

Secondary roadRailwayIndustrial railway

Suburban train (HÉV)

Metro station

Built-up area, road, importantbuilding

Park, footpath

Pedestrian zone, pedestrian street

Vacant area, business area, steps

Sports ground

Airport

Boat station

Coach station

Information Office

World Heritage site

Church

Synagogue

Museum

Ruins

Monument from the

Turkish periodMonument, statue

Theatre

Medicinal bath, swimming pool

Hotel

Market

Botanical garden

Parking

Multi-storey car parkUnderground garage

LEGEND


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SIGHTSEEING PROGRAMMESLeaflets published by travel agencies specializing incity sightseeing tours around Budapest are availablefrom hotel reception desks and information offices. Visitors have a choice of sightseeing by bus, boat or

on foot. In addition to the traditional 12-16-language bus sightseeing tours the following specialprogrammes can also be recommended: tripsaround Parliament, the Opera House andEthnographical Museum, a walk in the Buda Castle,historical Pest, Jewish memories in Budapest,Budapest by night, and the Red Star tour (featuresfrom communist times).

Boat sightseeing trips titled “Danube Bella” and“Danube Legend” are organized by Legenda Kft.(≥ 266-4190).

Further information on city sightseeingprogrammes is available on the web page of theTourism Office of Budapest (www.budapestinfo.hu).

ONLY ONE DAY?WHAT YOU MUSTN’T MISS...Budapest holds a front-ranking position among themost attractive cities of the world. It successfullycombines a centuries-old architectural and culturalheritage with the latest features of modern life;cherished historical memorials are steadily regainingtheir original forms (in line with available resources).

Anyone who has just one day to spend onsightseeing around the capital needs a well-plannedprogramme. It would be a pity to miss the BudaCastle, Danube embankment and AndrássyAvenue, all World Heritage sites. The Castle district

is packed with museums, for instance the CastleMuseum, Museum of Military History, LudwigMuseum displaying contemporary art, and theHungarian National Gallery. The view from theRoyal Palace across the Danube is breathtaking.

Despite being rebuilt in neo-Gothic style, MatthiasChurch has managed to preserve its interior layoutfirst shaped 700 years ago. Once the church whereroyalty was crowned, today its excellent acousticsmake it an ideal venue for organ concerts. Itscollection of ecclesiastical vestments is famous, andthere is also a replica of the Hungarian Holy Crownpreserved in the treasury. The pale masonry of Fishermen’s Bastion serves as a fine backdrop toMatthias Church. Close by is the Hilton Hotel,

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SIGHTS, sightseeing

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awarded the Hotel of the Year prize at the time itwas built. In summertime the Hilton café andterrace are popular places to relax.

The most attractive parts of the Danubeembankment can also be observed while on the move.Tram No. 2 travels the entire length of theembankment, and a return trip affords an excellentplatform from where we can pick out the mostimportant buildings: departing from Jászai Mari Squarewe soon arrive at Parliament, and then a little further down the view of Matthias Church, Fishermen’sBastion and the Royal Palace unfolds across the river.The tram rattles past one bridge after another,including Chain Bridge, the oldest in Budapest.Leaving Elizabeth Bridge behind, Gellért Hilldominates the Buda scene, and then the marvellousold Gellért Hotel and Spa Bath hove into view atthe foot of Liberty Bridge on the Buda side.

The Citadel (formerly a fortress, today amuseum), the most important lookout point in the

city, sits atop Gellért Hill and offers an unrivalledpanorama of World Heritage Budapest including theBuda Castle district and both sides of the Danubeembankment. At the end of our tram ride standsthe new National Theatre on the Pest side closeto Lágymányos Bridge. On the return trip (on theright-hand side) we have the dignified University

of Economics, behind which is the remarkableCentral Market Hall. Further back into town wepass a series of top class hotels and the Vigadó,whose concert hall and lobby are as dramatic as theexternal view. The Gresham Palace, which hasbeen transformed intoa luxury hotel (Four Seasons), and the neo-Renaissance building of the HungarianAcademy of Sciences, stand onRoosevelt Square.

Andrássy Avenue is a key element in the Budapestcity plan. An early underground railway (in fact thevery first on the continent) still runs the length of the Avenue; stations on the line have preservedtheir original designs created 130 years ago, andsmall exhibitions at each station detail the mostinteresting buildings of the age. Our tour concludes

at Heroes’ Square where it is worth devoting timeto the world-famous collection of Spanish mastersand other treasures in the Museum of Fine Arts,or the contemporary exhibitions staged in thePalace of Arts on the opposite side of the square.



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OUR WORLD HERITAGEIn 2002 the UNESCO World Heritage committeeenhanced the capital’s standing among the alreadyexisting eight World Heritage locations in Hungary(Hollókô, Budapest, Pannonhalma, Hortobágy, Pécs,Tokaj, Aggtelek, Lake Fertô). This means that nowAndrássy Avenue and its historical environs jointhe Castle district and Danube embankment asholders of the prestigious World Heritage award,although it is true to say that local residents andvisitors consider the award fully deserved, Budapestbeing – in their eyes – one of the most beautifulcapitals in the world.

The Castle quarter represents the core of theancient town and an area guarding some of themost important historical monuments in thecountry. And although in the 800 years since itsfoundation it has been hit by virtually every disaster imaginable – earthquake, fire, siege and world war –its beauty continues to shine through and its

medieval monuments are a delight. On entering thequarter visitors generally get the impression theyhave travelled back in time to a completelydifferent, calmer age, where the gateways of Baroque houses reveal Roman-age stones and finelycarved sedilia from the age of chivalry. Underneaththe feet lies a vast labyrinth of caves, whichserved as a military station for 20,000 Germansoldiers during the Second World War. One of thedefining buildings of Budapest, the over 700-year-old Matthias Church, stands in Szentháromság(Holy Trinity) Square. Its Gothic tower and the

backdrop of Fishermen’s Bastion make this oneof the most commonly photographed monuments.Over the course of centuries the church was thescene for many coronations, then it served as aTurkish mosque from 1541 before being re-

consecrated. Inside, the earthly remains of King BélaIII and his wife lie in a carved sarcophagus. The richcollection of ecclesiastical art attracts many visitorseach year. Fishermen’s Bastion was raised in neo-Romanesque style on the foundations of the

medieval castle walls; it affords a superb viewpointover the city. Right alongside, and happily alloyingthe old with the new, stands the luxury HiltonHotel built over 25 years ago. The hotel courtyardencompasses the cloister of a medieval monastery,inside which are the remains of an ancient church;theatrical performances are held here each summer.

The former Royal Palace and its attendantbuildings represent an organic, and yet at the sametime a separate part of the Castle quarter. Theseveral historical sections, which were severelydamaged during the Second World War, have over the intervening years found new functions. Mostwings of the palace have been turned intomuseums, and the National Széchényi Library isalso here. Sándor Palace, once the residence of the prime minister, is now the office and residenceof the president of the republic.

The Royal Palace and its fine buildings form asingle entity with the rows of Danube embankment

houses under Castle Hill, with Rudas Baths, builtin 1566 by Pasha Sokoli Mustafa and once a culticcentre due to its proximity to a nearby Dervishmonastery, as well as the cliffs of Gellért Hill and thebridges spanning the Danube. Among the latter,the oldest is Chain Bridge built in 1849, the mostgraceful is Elizabeth Bridge, one of the earliestsuspension bridges, and the newest bridge on thescene is Lágymányos, which diverts a considerableamount of traffic away from the inner city. Thecentury-old building of Parliament, built by ImreSteindl in neo-Gothic style, defines the view on the

opposite side of the Danube. Behind this one cansee the dome of Budapest’s largest ecclesiasticalbuilding, St. Stephen’s Basilica. Not far from thisstands the dignified edifice of the HungarianAcademy of Sciences on the Pest end of ChainBridge, and beside it the Art Nouveau GreshamPalace which has been completely renewed tofunction as a Four Seasons luxury hotel. Themarvellous panorama is rounded off by the line of hotels on the embankment and the grand oldVigadó.

Andrássy Avenue and environs make up aunified architectural form dating from the late 19thcentury, despite which there are still clearly definedsections to it. It was named after the former primeminister who had done much to make Budapest atrue metropolis. The cream of Eclectic architecture isto be seen along the Avenue, including theoutstanding Opera House and many beautifultenement blocks with intimate inner courtyards,statues and fountains. But it is not only thesebuildings which are worthy of attention; the Avenue’s environs boast a huge variety of

architectural styles and interesting sights. The near 2.5-km-long Avenue was inspired by the boulevardsof France, and it originally had a separate lanereserved for gentlemen out riding.


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One of the special features of Andrássy Avenue isbarely visible on the surface. The only give-away is theoccasional wrought iron balustrade leadingunderground... Continental Europe’s first sub-surfacerailway was built under the road, and the more than125-year-old underground is still carrying passengerstoday along a line only slightly longer than theoriginal. There is a stop atthe Opera House, thecreation of Miklós Ybl inItalian Renaissance style. Thebuilding’s exterior isimposing, the interior isbreathtaking, and its rich decoration and superbacoustics attract the greatest singers, dancersand conductors from all over the world. After Oktogon the museum visitor comes across a vastgrey edifice, the House of Terror Museum set up inthe former headquarters of the dreaded state police.

Inside is a permanent exhibition dedicated to themany victims of fascism and communism in Hungary. Villas along the Avenue are named after their one-

time owners or designers. This is where you’ll findthe East Asian Art Museum, established in theformer home of Ferenc Hopp who collected most of the works on display, and then bequeathed them tothe nation. The embassies have residences in equallyimposing villas. A fine Bauhaus building stands atthe corner of Munkácsy Mihály Street; this is therecently renovated Hotel Andrássy, designed by Alfréd Hajós, Hungarian swimming champion at the

1896 Athens Olympic Games. The neo-RenaissanceHungarian College of Fine Art also stands on Andrássy Avenue; a memorial museum establishedin the former flat of Zoltán Kodály, one of thegreatest Hungarian composers of the 20th century,can be accessed from Kodály Circus.

Andrássy Avenue terminates at the MillenniumMonument erected to mark the thousandthanniversary of the Magyar Conquest. ArchangelGabriel stands atop the huge column, at the foot of which are sculptures of the seven tribal chieftains.The semi-circular pantheon surrounding thisensemble has depictions of famous kings, generalsand great historical figures. In the foreground is thememorial to the Unknown Soldier. Most visitingheads of state and government pay their respects atthis monument. On one side of the square standsthe Museum of Fine Arts with a Spanishcollection unrivalled outside Spain, and opposite thePalace of Arts, home to temporary exhibitions.

City Park Lake behind Heroes’ Square temptsthe visitor to take out a boat in summer and skate inwinter. The entertainment and cultural centres in

City Park (Zoo, Funfair, Municipal Grand Circus,Széchenyi Spa, Vajdahunyad Castle built on a miniisland, the museums of agriculture and transport aswell as Petôfi Hall) are the capital’s favourite touristdestinations.

SIGHTSEEING OVER 3 DAYS,OR WHERE YOUSHOULD GO IN BUDAPEST We hope that Budapest will captivate you, and youhave the chance of staying in our capital for at leastthree days. But if you’ve already seen the Castledistrict, Danube embankment and Andrássy Avenue,don’t despair: there are plenty of other things to see

and do!Parliament stands head and

shoulders above its neighbours on thePest side of the river. Whether we aretalking of its external neo-Gothicappearance or its interior, there is but oneword to describe it: stunning. Today itguards the Hungarian Holy Crown, Orb

and Sceptre, while the 1004-year-oldmantle, another part of the coronation

regalia richly embroidered with gold thread, ispreserved in the Hungarian National Museum. Not

far from Parliament is St. Stephen’s Basilica, thelargest ecclesiastical building in Budapest andrepository for the relic the Holy Right Hand of St.Stephen, Hungary’s first king. The Basilica’s domeaffords a superb all-round view of the city. One of the finest historical monuments in the capital, theOpera House, stands on Andrássy Avenue. It is wellworth visiting not only for its brilliant performancesbut also for the magnificent grand stair and lavishinterior design. Buy tickets for an evening of entertainment there. You’ll be able to enjoy theclassics or contemporary music in the form of opera

or ballet performed nearly every day of the week. Itwill be a memory you’ll always treasure.However, should the history of transport, rare

vehicles and the like, be more to your taste, thenwe can recommend the Transport Museum. Thecollection, set up in a museum in City Park, displaysa whole variety of items from veteran cars to aspace module. The museum’s model collection –incredibly detailed scale models of locomotives,carriages and ships – is spoken of around the world.Life-size, working locomotives, the real thing, are ondisplay in the Hungarian Railway History Park(indeed, you can even try your hand at drivingone). The Park boasts around 100 fully functioninglocomotives from the early days of steam up tomore modern times. Each year the legendary OrientExpress also makes several stops here.

Aquincum is packed with memories of theRoman period. The town was the seat of theprovince, and its excavated ruins allow one toconjure up in the mind an image of the oncethriving centre complete with baths, amphitheatresand military encampment. An extensive furniture

exhibition in the Nagytétény Mansion Museumcovers periods which came long after the Romanshad left: superb Renaissance, Baroque, Biedermeier and neo-Classical furniture. Budafok, famed for itswine-making, lies not far from Nagytétény. Millions


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of litres of the very finest sparkling wines and selectreds and whites lie maturing in the cavernous cellar system hereabouts. A tour of the cellars combinedwith wine tasting takes at least half a day.

A trip out to the Statue Park will prove anunforgettable experience. Gigantic statues andmemorials erected during Communist times andcollected from all parts of the country (althoughlargely from around the squares and streets of thecapital) after the change of regime have beenbrought together to make a stunning collectionprobably unique in the world.

Budapest is a spa city. Travellers were writingabout its remarkable medicinal waters in the 1500s.One of the Turkish baths built around that time isthe Rudas, and it still employs some of the originalfittings today. Gellért Spa is the most elegant in

town, offering a bubble bath, open-air wave pool,thermal pools and medical services to very high

standards.Of course one’s tour, trip to a museum or spawouldn’t be complete without enjoying a fine mealin one of the many excellent restaurants of thecapital, or coffee and cakes in an equally outstandingconfectionery. Budapest is proud of the Százéves(100-year-old) Restaurant, which actually is wellpast the magical century. In fact the Alabárdos,Aranyszarvas (Golden Hind) and Kárpátia arealso getting on in age. Their furnishings and style aredelightful, and each serves traditional Hungariancuisine made to order, just as is the case in thefamed Matthias Cellar (Mátyás pince). Amongthe confectioneries, the once renowned Hauer hasreopened on Rákóczi Road, and Mozart on ErzsébetBoulevard serves the creme de la creme in cakes anddesserts. Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty Square and theZsolnay confectionery in the Béke Hotel areelegant and old world, with delicacies served on fineHungarian porcelain.

We hope that in the course of getting to knowBudapest you’ll discover for yourself: you just can’thelp falling in love with this city.

Castle quarter and Castle Hill A-B3I. district (Buda) – è Castle bus ç 16 Funicular Part of the World Heritage. Due to its excellentfeatures it was settled as early as the 13th century;

King Béla IV built a castle here after the Tartar invasion, and he chose this spot as the seat of royalrule. The Castle quarter on Castle Hill stands 180 mabove sea level. It is around 1.5 km long and inplaces it is 500 metres wide. It boasts threechurches, six museums, many historical buildings,monuments, streets and squares, a theatre, four hotels, numerous atmospheric restaurants, cafés,galleries and gift shops. Breathtaking panoramasopen from the Fishermen’s Bastion and thepromenade in front of the National Gallery.

Royal Palace B3I. district Castle quarter – è Castle bus, Funicular One of the symbols of the nation, the palace haswitnessed wars and occupation from the 13th to the20th century. The Turks occupied it, as did the


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Habsburgs, it was destroyed three times and thenrebuilt, each time in the architectural style of theage. Today’s neo-Classical style was taken on after the Second World War. The building hosts severaldistinguished institutions: the Hungarian NationalGallery, Budapest History Museum, NationalSzéchényi Library and the Ludwig Museum.

Fishermen’s Bastion A3I., Szentháromság tér – è Castle bus A relatively youthful structure next to MatthiasChurch. Building started in 1895 on the designs of Frigyes Schulek. It was sited on the place of themedieval fish market and the walls protected by theguild of fishermen, whence the name. The neo-Romanesque bastion has only ever had a decorativerole: it is a popular place to look out over Pest.

Liberty Statue B4XI., Gellérthegy – ç 27, 86 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118

The 14-m-high statue, the work of outstanding architect ZsigmondKisfaludy Strobl, was raised in 1947 inmemory of the country’s liberation. Andeven though the post-war period alsomarked the start of Soviet rule, the statueon Gellért Hill was not removed even after the change of regime since it had becomean indelible part of the cityscape. There aretwo other sculptures at the foot of thefemale figure holding aloft the palm of victory: one is an allegory of progress, the other the

fight against evil.

Hungarian State Geological Institute D2XIV., Stefánia út 14 – 2 Stadionok ç 7One of the capital’s finest Art Nouveau buildings. Itwas designed by Ödön Lechner and built in 1899.Its light blue ceramic roof and blue Zsolnay ceramicdecoration harmonize with the yellow-brownfaçade. Three figures can be observed on themiddle roof crest holding a globe. There is a rockand mineral exhibition in the Institute.

Heroes’ Square C2XIV, City Park – 1 Hôsök tere ç 4 ë 79The most spectacular square in the capital, sited atthe entrance to City Park. Anyone coming up Andrássy Boulevard sees from afar the 36-m-highcolumn in the centre of the Millennium memorial,on top of which is a statue of the Archangel Gabriel

holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and apostolicdouble cross. Quarter-circular colonnades extend toboth left and right of the column. Between thepillars of the colonnade are figures of the ‘greats’from Hungarian history, while the butt piers areembellished with emblematic sculptural ensembles(work, welfare, knowledge, honour and peace). TheTomb of the Unknown Soldier is positioned in frontof the monument. The magnificent buildings of thePalace of Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts to theright and left of the monument enhance the finearchitectural entity of Heroes’ Square.

Parliament B2 V., Kossuth Lajos tér ≥ 317-9800 – Visits by guided tour only. – 2 Kossuth tér ç 15 « 2 ë 70, 78The largest building in the country, the permanentsite of the national assembly, Parliament sits on theDanube embankment with its entrance looking outover Kossuth Square. The neo-Gothic building is the

work of architect Imre Steindl, and was constructedbetween 1884–1902. It has 691 rooms, is 268 mlong and its cupola rises 96 m into the air. Thestaircase is embellished with fine frescoes by KárolyLotz and sculptures by György Kiss. The paintingThe Conquest by Mihály Munkácsy, the greatestHungarian painter, hangs in the congress chamber.Since 2000 the general public has been able to viewthe Hungarian coronation regalia here: St. Stephen’sCrown, the sceptre, orb and Renaissance sword.

Hungarian Academy of Sciences B3

V., Roosevelt tér 9 – « 2 ç 16The oldest and most significant building onRoosevelt Square. Its perfect neo-Renaissance designcame from the studio of Berlin architect Stüler, andit was built between 1862–64. The grand gala halldecorated with pictures by Károly Lotz is also usedfor staging concerts. There are lecture and sessionrooms, and a valuable scientific library. Allegoricalsculptures in the imposing foyer and on the façadeare the work of Miklós Izsó and Emil Wolf.

Gresham Palace B3 V., Roosevelt tér 5–6 – « 2 ç 4, 16, 105This Art Nouveau building was commissioned bythe Gresham Assurance Company, London, andbuilt in 1907 on the basis of designs by the brothersJózsef and László Vágó and Zsigmond Quittner. Themost modern luxury apartments and offices of theday were established in the building. The Palacefeatures several statues, one of which (at the top of the facade) is a bust of Sir Thomas Gresham,founder of the London stock exchange. The Four Seasons, the capital’s most exclusive luxury hotel,

opened here in 2004.Central Market B4IX., Fôvám krt. 1–3 – ç 15 « 2, 47, 49The largest market in the capital, and the most



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attractive. It was built in 1890, designed by SamuPecz. Following its complete restoration in 1994 ithas become one of the most popular and visitedshopping sites among tourist circles. The imposingbuilding of the University of Economics stands closeby, at the Pest foot of Liberty Bridge.

Statue of St. Gellért B4XI., Gellérthegy – ç 7 « 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118

The statue of Bishop Gellért, who died a martyr inthe 11th century, stands opposite Elizabeth Bridgeon the south side of Gellért Hill. According tolegend this is the spot from where pagans pushedthe missionary bishop, sealed in a barrel, down intothe Danube. The striking statue is enhanced by thesemicircular colonnade behind and the naturalspring which rises to the surface at this point, andwhich turns into a waterfall below the statue.

Westend City Center B2XIII., Váci út – « 4, 6 3 Nyugati pu. ç 6, 26, 91

At the end of 1999 the Western Railway Station,unique in Europe, designed by Gustave Eiffel andranked as one of the most outstanding historicalmonuments of the capital, saw a new “neighbour”move in next door: the stunning modern complexcalled the Westend City Center. The complex(which has had a decisive impact on shaping thecityscape) has a 14-screen cinema, offices and60,000 square metre shopping centre (withwaterfall in the vestibule). The 200-room HiltonBudapest Westend, the latest Budapest hotel in theHilton chain, is integrated in the mega-complex ona site looking onto Váci Road.

MOM Park A3XII., Alkotás utca – ç 8, 139 « 61This large residential estate, shopping andentertainment centre (inaugurated September 2001) takes its name from the Hungarian Optical Works (Magyar Optikai Mûvek – MOM) factorywhich once occupied the site. However, today theonly memory of the works is the former MOMHouse of Culture built in socialist realism style on

the plans of Károly Dávid Jnr. and which can beseen standing on the corner of Csörsz Street. Thepark is the work of architects Antal Puhl and TamásNoll, and is built according to the best traditions of classical modern Hungarian architecture.

French Institute B4I., Fô utca 17ç 86 « 19, 41Of the contemporarybuildings in Budapest thiscentre of French culturebuilt to the plans of GeorgeMaurios in 1992 takes aleading position. Althoughdesigned to fit the form of other blocks along the Danube embankment, detailsof the building are radically modern. Oneinteresting feature is that the Institute is adjoined tothe inner courtyard of the neighbouring house witha glass wall, thus anyone sitting in the buffet iswitness to the everyday comings and goings of atypical Budapest apartment block.

Elizabeth Bridge B3ç 5, 7, 7, 8, 78, 86, 173, « 2, 18, 19, 41, 118

In the year of itsconstruction (1903)it was the world’slongest suspensionbridge, a record itheld until 1926. Thebridge was namedafter the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, Hungary’s beloved QueenElizabeth. German troops blew up the originalbridge in 1945. The new bridge was designed byPál Sávoly and built in 1964.

Liberty Bridge B4« 2, 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 118 ç 7, 7/A, 15, 86Originally called Franz Joseph Bridge, it wasconstructed in 1899, and following the destructionof all the Budapest bridges in 1945 this was the firstone to be rebuilt (1946) since it had suffered theleast damage. During rebuilding all its decorativemotifs were retained: the mythical Turul birds, royalcoat of arms etc.

Chain Bridge B3ç 4, 16, 86, 105 « 2, 19, 41The capital’s first bridge, a historical monument, hasattracted many touriststo Budapest:photographs or filmof it illuminated atnight, with theimposingBuda Castlerising in the background, make for a breathtakingsight. Count István Széchenyi commissioned William

Tierney Clark to design the bridge and engineer Adam Clark (no relation) to build it. Constructionlasted from 1839–1849. The bridge did not escapethe destruction of the Second World War, and itwas rebuilt in 1949, on its 100th anniversary.


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ANTIQUES STREETPACKED WITH TREASURESBudapest’s street of galleries first began to coalesce justoff Margaret Bridge around 10 years ago. A strolldown just two blocks of Falk Miksa Street reveals morethan 20 shops and galleries stuffed with bric-a-brac,curios and objets d’art. (As an interesting aside,politician and publicist Miksa Falk has gone down inhistory books as the person who taught Queen

Elizabeth, wife of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, tospeak Hungarian.) The items on display (and theprices) are so tempting that not many havemanaged to walk from one end of the street tothe other without at least seriously consideringmaking an “investment”. Lace-like delicateporcelain, silken carpets, carved or inlaidfurniture, all are handcrafted masterworks. Infact, the choice can sometimes be a bitoverwhelming. It is as though each piecehas its own story to tell and is just waitingto be discovered. One may be able toconjure up in the mind images of the artistswho created the old crochet-work curtainsand filigree-lace tablecloths, or even thesuperbly worked wardrobes and tables. Butwho was the little girl who played with the delightfullycostumed doll over a century ago? How many sat inthis turn-of-the-century, squat swivel barber’s chair upholstered in leather. Who was the beauty capturedso vividly by this deft-handed painter? Where couldthis charming landscape be that calls to us soevocatively? What convoluted route did this silver

candlestick take finally to end up in this shop? Thenagain, it’s always pleasurable to mull over where suchand such a piece would go in the house. A famousHungarian writer once glimpsed a sugar bowl in oneof the shops and bought it because it was the same as

the one her family had when she was young. Theassociation sparked memories of bygone days, whichfinally grew into a novel and then a popular stage play.

Among the 21 shops and galleries on Falk MiksaStreet, some specialize in certain areas and some sella kaleidoscope of antiques. Some are just 20 squaremetres of shop floor, others are three-storeyemporiums. Most prop their doors open to entice inthe curious, and many hold auctions of museum-

quality pictures, sculptures and other outstandingart objects. Among the bigger companies there area couple who specialize in the works of a chosenartist or stage temporary exhibitions of the finest

paintings by a particular school, therebyspreading the word and bringing to theattention of the general public the oeuvre of artists who have sunken into obscurity. For example, the Kieselbach Gallery gives acomprehensive overview of modern Hungarianpainting from 1919 to 1964.

The street is often busy (and all the more sobefore the major holidays) with shoppers looking for something really special for a loved one: perhaps an Art Nouveau brooch or a cast iron wall-mounted

sink (which, by the way, today has a new function asa plant-holder). This is truly the place for a “made-to-measure” gift! However, even slow days in Falk MiksaStreet are interesting. Collectors pop their heads aroundthe doors to check out the ever changing displays,perhaps in the hope of finding that object that willcomplete a missing gap in the collection, before their eye is taken by something else... Then there are others

who just enjoy trawling through the shops, learningabout the styles and periods, getting simple pleasurefrom handling old peasant faience kitchenware, ancientcolanders, the thick green glass of soda siphons,pharmacy jars, Murano chandeliers, Pakistani or Afghan


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hand-knotted wool or silk rugs, glorious Herendporcelain and old horological timepieces, all thecreations of skilled hands from bygone days.

TREASURE, TRASH AND TRINKETSAT ECSERI FLEA MARKET

The largest second-hand market in Budapest, the fleamarket on Nagykôrösi Road, may be located somedistance from the centre of town and yet most touristsfind the journey out there well worth the time. Knownby the locals simply as the “Ecseri”, the bustlingmarket is an experience not only for those with a fixedaim but also for those who just want to do some “stallshopping”. After all, it is great fun to browsethrough so many bits and pieces in the hopeof turning up the occasional gem:from trinkets to Art Nouveaufurniture, from black and whitegreetings card to a silver fob

watch, from an early camera topaintings of all schools andqualities, the Ecseri has it all. Andmore! Antiques, violins, gramophones,books, porcelain, old fashioned irons,rugs and carpets, old soda siphons, pens,dinner services, medals, militaria, lace...

This is a cavalcade of old and new, thesuperb and the showy, the glorious and the kitsch. Oldbronze pestles and mortars, bottles with marble sto

(Travel-hungary) Budapest City Guide (2005)

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