Budapest
Mishmash is a Hungarian word (mis-mas) that certainly applies to the capital of Budapest. Once being the separate towns of Buda and Pest, It had combined a little of this and little of that to create the culturally rich city of Budapest. The hilly, artistic Buda, located on the west has the Castle District, parks, cobblestones and the citadel. Pest, located on the east is business-like, flat, and known for its shopping, Opera House, Theater and Parliament. The Danube cuts between Buda and Pest.
Hungary is the country that produced Zsa Zsa Gabor, Joseph Pulitzer, and the Rubik’s cube. Its capital is all about contrasts. The Gellert, an Art Noveau spa-hotel, seems plucked out of a foreign art film. The graceful architecture, beautiful statues, and steamy Turkish baths are dreamy and sensual. The stodgy Communist-style bath attendants bring you back to earth.
Cruise down the Danube, stroll along the riverfront, browse antique bookshops and jewelry stores, or take the waters’ at a spa. Budapest feels like a huge museum, a quirky resort town, and a center of cosmopolitan culture. It’s a wonderful place to spend a week.
The ideal times to visit Hungary are in the spring (May through June) and end of summer and early fall (late August through September). The months of July and August can be extremely hot and humid.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Budapest Pictures
Things to do in Budapest
The Parliament, the walled Castle District (which contains some of Budapest’s most important monuments and museums), Heroes Square, the Opera House, and the Royal Palace are a few historic gems located in Budapest. Most of the older buildings of Budapest have some historic significance to them, as well. Architecture buffs will enjoy viewing these historic buildings which represent a century of artistic and architectural styles.
The city of Budapest has about 40 museums to stroll through and admire. The city’s best museums are at the Hungarian National Gallery(located in the castle district) and the Szepmüveszeti Múzeum, which contains work specifically by Hungarian artists. More obscure museums include the Museum of the Ambulance Service, the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum, Museum of Medical History, and the Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Catering.
Nightlife in Budapest
Cheap drinks and good after-hour transportation are the two good things about Budapest’s nightlife. The city is not the center for clubs, but offers an array of pubs, dives, and discos to keep you busy until the wee hours of the morning. Jazz clubs are popular in Budapest offering a laid back and fun atmosphere.
Dining in Budapest
Paprika is Hungary’s chief agricultural export, and it can be found in many native dishes. Ever heard of goulash? Food is often fried similar to the meat and potatoes variety. Pastries, or cukraszda, are generally cheap and delicious, often served with kave, or espresso. Cheap food in Budapest consists of a few old style self-service restaurants, pizza joints, western-style fast food outlets and butcher shops that sell cooked sausages.
Coffeehouse culture has a long history in Budapest. Many of the more famous and elegant cafe’s have managed to survive. Some of the city’s best are the New York Kavehaz, Gerbeaud, Lukacs, and Müvesz, but there are also many small, smoky coffeehouses with socialist decor where you can down small shots of thick, black espresso.
Shopping in Budapest
Buda’s Castle Hill is lined with gift shops that may have the perfect souvenir for the folks back home. Hungary tchotchkes include wine, salamis, and porcelain. Need a cheap new pair of running shoes, ladies nylon undies, or a Teflon frying pan? The Chinese Market is open every day, but weekends are the best time to shop with crowds of others looking for a bargain. Located on Kobanyai ut, near the intersection of Fiumei ut, the market is accessible by the number 28 tram in front of the McDonald’s at Blaha Lujza Square or the number 36 Tram from Keleti Train Station.
Budapest Travel Tips
- In Budapest, there are a lot of guided walking tours so don’t forget comfortable shoes.
- It is recommended that you purchase a Budapest card which allows you free transportation and free admission into museums along with discounts on restaurant meals and sightseeing tours.
- During the summer, the air is very hot and heavy with high pollution levels, so be aware and carry your inhaler at all times if needed.
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