Situated in the heart of Budapest?s pedestrian shopping area and financial district, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, overlooking Elizabeth Park, is just a few steps from the Danube and is close to theaters, museums and the Opera House. The city?s most exclusive address opened in 1992 and offers elegantly appointed rooms with state of art amenities.The hotel amenities includes air-conditioning in public areas, elevators, business center, copy service, fax, fire alarm with light, exercise gym, high speed Internet access, guest Laundromat, and front desk assistance.The room amenities include hairdryer, iron, telephone, safe deposit box, and cable TV.
Contact Information: Erzsebet Ter 7-8, Budapest, Hungary 36-1-4293777
Regarded by many as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Budapest (the “Paris of the East” and the “Queen of the Danube”) is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, attracting approximately 20 million visitors per year.
Comprised of two very different cities, Buda on the west bank of the Danube River and Pest on the east bank, Budapest offers travelers a Viennese aura at roughly half the price. Still, it is unique in its own right. Hungarians are proud of what this ancient capital has to offer and its contributions to European culture, especially in the field of music—a language one doesn't need to speak to appreciate.
Today’s Budapest is by far the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city in Hungary. In 1987, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue. Most of Budapest’s famous sights are concentrated on Castle Hill on the Buda side, in downtown Pest and along the riverside walkways.
This is one of Budapest's many cellar bars, taking its theme from the Prohibition era in America. One of the most popular nightspots in town, the joint jumps on weekends, guaranteeing a hot and sweaty time. Young locals and ex-pats just can't get enough of it. If you are successful in booking a table, you will find that the menu is American-influenced with Magyar tinges, featuring knuckles of pork, Caesar salad, and light snacks. Wine and soft drinks are quite expensive, while beer is cheap.
Contact Information: Nyari Pal utca 11, 1056 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 267 3199
Pest lies, flat and proud, as far as the eye can see. The best vantage-point to gaze upon it is from hilly Buda, and the opposite is also true; Buda is best seen from Pest. To fully appreciate Pest, climb to the top of Gellert Hill, or stare down from one of the many fine panoramic points on Castle Hill. Buda and Pest were two separate cities until as recently as 1873. They have very different characters but it's not possible to say that there is a right or a wrong side of the river; they both have their charms and surprises. Fortunately it's easy to explore both sides.
Contact Information: The eastern side of the Danube, 1011 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098
This pleasant elevated walkway is much less crowded than Vaci utca and has magnificent views across the Danube to the Buda side. You will pass several of the city's finest hotels - all of which are equipped with spacious, sun-drenched terraces - as well as many private restaurants and cafés. You will also see the famous, ever-popular Budapest wooden chairs and benches - if you have a good look around you'll eventually find a free one. The No 2 tram runs between the korzo and the river and down below is a road where cars rush by out of sight. If you continue walking to the northern end of the korzo, you'll reach the Chain Bridge.
Contact Information: Marcius 15 ter-Roosevelt ter, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
This spectacular bridge has an equally spectacular history. It's a great place from which to take in a panorama of the city (which becomes even more impressive at night). This was the very first bridge to link the two cities of Buda and Pest. The project was started in 1839 by designer William Tierney Clark and engineer Adam Clark, and it was completed in 1849. The bridge celebrated its 150th birthday recently with a huge open-air festival.
Contact Information: Clark Adam ter - Roosevelt ter, 1013 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098
There have been palaces built here since the 13th century. However, they seem to have been frequently razed to the ground, most recently during the hand-to-hand fighting between the Germans and the Russians towards the end of the Second World War. The palace we see now was rebuilt in the 60's and 70's and houses several museums and art galleries. There is an interesting exhibition of finds from the medieval palace - don't miss the Matyas Fountain at the back. The best way to get to the palace is via the little cable car (siklo) from Clark Adam Square, which offers spectacular views on the way up. Alternatively the meandering path with many staircases is also very pleasant.
Contact Information: Palota Utca, 1014 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098 (Tourist Information)
Right next to the Danube River, Gellért Hill is the largest hill in Pest, topped with a beautiful park. Gellért Hill is home to the famed Citadella, Liberty Statue, Cave Church, and more. Located in Budapest's XIth District, Gellért Hill is named for the saint who was thrown to his death from the hill. Here you can find the best panoramic view of the city.
Contact Information: Gellért Hill, 1028 Budapest, Hungary
Perfectly situated atop Gellért Hill, Citadella was built in 1854 by the Habsurgs after the War of Independence. The fortress also played an important role in WWII as a military air raid base. Today, the three storied bunker has been recreated exactly as it was in 1944 and is open to visitors hosting displays of historical documents, articles, and a photo exhibition Siege of Budapest. There are also permanent open-air exhibitions, a hotel (Hotel Citadella), restaurant (Citadella Étterem), and an event space perfect for dinners, concerts and more.
The Cave Church on Gellért Hill has an interesting and troubled history. Built upon the return of a pilgrimage, the church was shut down by the Hungarian Secret Police in 1951. Blockaded by a concrete wall, the friars were sentenced to death or prison and the chapel remained closed throughout communist times. It wasn't until 1989 that the church was reopened. Today, the reestablished order is home to 10 friars, and this unique chapel is well worth a visit. The interior really has been carved out of a cave, complete with icons and candles in the nooks and crannies of stone, and the entrance affords panoramic views of the city and the Danube.
Contact Information: 1 Szent Gellért rakpart, 1013 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 385 1529
The funicular is definitely the easiest way to get up to the top of Castle Hill. Built in 1870, the two cars travel up and down every day from morning until night. The carriages are lovingly maintained, and although modern, have an antique look and design. The stations are also interesting; check out the massive wheel, which operates the system at the top of the terminal. Please note that the funicular is closed for maintenance on Monday of every even-numbered week.
Contact Information: Clark Adan Ter (Buda side near the Chain Bridge), Buda Royal Castle, 1013 Budapest, Hungary +36 (0)1 322 4098 (Budapest Tourist Information)
This area of the city is largely uncluttered by tourists. The Great Synagogue (the starting point to touring the quarter) does get quite busy but once you venture beyond it into the crumbling back streets you may well find yourself completely alone. The area has a feeling of complete authenticity and in many sections virtually nothing has changed since the closing days of the Second World War. Here and there you will see closed and abandoned synagogues, while several streets still have operational Jewish grocers and religious supply shops. The Jewish community seems to be drifting back to this section of the city. To learn more about the tragic history of the area, stop in at the museum in the Great Synagogue. Admission: Adults HUF1400; Students HUF750.
No one seems to know why this is so named - it has certainly never been called on to defend anything. The stories say that in the old days this was where the fishermen defended Castle Hill from. It stands behind Matyas Church, overlooking the river and was built around 1900 by the same person who was responsible for the reconstruction of the church. There is a small fee to pay to climb up it, but it is worth it for the views. It makes for some of the finest photo opportunities in all of Budapest. You can walk down the hill through the park from here, which is worth doing as it means you will arrive at the small flat area immediately above the entrance to the tunnel before continuing your descent.
Contact Information: Hunyadi Janos Ut, 1011 Budapest, Hungary +36 (0) 1 322 4098 (Tourist Information)
Despite its central location, Margaret Island is extremely peaceful. In summer, it is popular with the locals who come here to relax. Rent a bicycle, jog, swim in one of two pools, throw a Frisbee or just stroll around. This was originally a religious centre. The ruins of St Margaret's Dominican nunnery are on the east side near the ruins of a Franciscan church. The water tower is a listed building. A very fine lunch can be had in the Ramada Grand Hotel at the north-east end of the island.
Contact Information: Margitsziget, 1138 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098
This wonderful pedestrian-only street runs from Vorosmarty ter all the way to Vamhaz korut and the beautiful Market Hall. It is bisected near the Elizabeth Bridge (where there is an underpass)-this is the point where the pedestrian section used to end but a few years back a second section was made pedestrian as well. While the first section is lively and popular, the new area has more charm and authenticity. Together, they are both truly European: dozens of cafés, fancy shops and boutiques and some truly stunning architecture. Don't forget to look up as you stroll down Vaci utca - some of the façades are truly amazing.
Founded in 1894 by Janos Gundel, this establishment has been called the best restaurant in Europe and some say the best in the world. The dining hall recalls the opulence of Budapest at the beginning of the twentieth century; there's a champagne bar and a wine cellar. The terrace garden is a delightful place to sit in summer and listen to gypsy musicians. Lamb and pigeon come in delicate pastry cases and can be washed down with wine from Gundel's own vineyards.
Contact Information: Allatkerti Utca 2 , 1146 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 468 4040
The largest of these-originally opened in 1897 - is in Fovam ter, on the Pest side, just by Szabadsdag (Liberty) bridge. The three-storey market re-opened in 1994 after extensive restoration work including a delightful roof made from Zsolnay ceramic tiles. Used extensively by locals, there are hundreds of stalls selling fruit and vegetables, groceries, meat and fish, cheeses and pretty much everything else. It is worth a visit, but bear in mind that Saturday morning is the busiest time of the week. Another equally well restored, though smaller market is in Hold utca in the fifth district, near Szabadsag ter and opposite the charming National Savings Bank building. Visit whichever is nearest to where you are for an authentic Hungarian shopping experience.
Once you get past the rather built up and hectic (though still picturesque) section of Andrassy utca that leads to Oktogon, you will discover that the street suddenly changes. Huge and beautiful buildings with intricate and ornate façades are separated from the main road by grassy traffic islands reflecting good urban planning. This street was constructed as part of the nation's millennium celebrations in 1896, along with the M1 metro, which runs beneath it. It was started in 1872 and took twelve years to complete. Since then, it has been renamed several times: first after Prime Minister Andrassy, then it changed to (believe it or not) Sztalin (i.e. Stalin) utca and after Stalin was denounced it was changed again to 'Avenue of the People's Republic'. Finally, in 1990 it changed back to Andrassy utca; which many had continued calling it all along. Enjoy a stroll all the way up to Heroes' Square, f rom where you can catch the M1 back to Vorosmarty. You can access this famed section of Andrassy from any of the M1 metro stops from Oktogon to Hősök tere.
Contact Information: Andrassy utca, Oktogon to City Park, 1061 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098
If you've ever wondered where the beautiful unobstructed photos of the Parliament building are taken from; this is almost certainly the spot. Batthyany ter offers gorgeous views over the Danube as well as some sights of its own that are worth a visit e.g. the Church of St. Anne. The metro (M2) began stopping here in 1972 and as a result, the square is now a popular spot for commuters. There are some cafés and a few snack bars in the area as well as a large Market Hall.
After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards. The medieval street network remains unaltered and although most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the war damage was severe) many retain their original features. You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery; note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.
Contact Information: Castle Hill, 1014 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 266 0479 (Tourist Information)
To get to this delightful ride, take tram 56 from Moskva ter to the cylindrical Budapest Hotel. The railway, which was originally built in 1874, hauls itself up the amazingly steep hills using a cog system underneath the train, which engages with a rack on the tracks. The train is Swiss-made (which stands to reason really, as the Swiss certainly know a thing or two about getting up steep hills). First, it goes up Svab Hill and then up to the top of Szechenyi Hill. At the top, there is a pleasant picnic area, which is popular for dog-walking and kite-flying. The restaurant in the hotel at the top offers a superb view over the city.
Contact Information: Szilágyi Erzsébet Fasor, 1024 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 322 4098(Tourist Information)
This imposing square was built for the 1896 millennium celebrations. It is dominated by the Archangel Gabriel who is surrounded by seven statues representing the chiefs of the seven Magyar tribes who settled in this area (supposedly in AD 896). The large open space is dedicated to the Hungarian war memorial and attracts tourists, skateboarders and inline skaters by the dozens. Check out the recently restored art museums on either side of the square.
This building was constructed at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is now (it became smaller as a result of having been shared out after the First World War; when Hungary was on the losing side). Today, the government is housed in only a small portion of the building. The inspiration for this building is said to have been the Palace of Westminster in London. Like so much along the Pest bank of the Danube, the best view are actually from across the river (especially from Batthyany ter). Guided tours are available when parliament is not in session (go to Gate X to the right of the main entrance).
Contact Information: 1 Kossuth Lajos ter, 1055 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 441 4904 (Tickets)
The Danube - Europe's most celebrated river - runs majestically through the center of Budapest. The city has taken full advantage of this and it now offers some of the finest panoramas to be found anywhere on the continent. Starting far away in Germany (where the Breg and Brigach rivers meet), the Danube runs some 2859 kilometers before spilling into the Black Sea. On its journey, it passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. Incidentally, contrary to the name of the famous waltz, it is not blue!
