Budapest Info

Overview

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the largest cities in Central Europe. It is a popular tourist destination not just because of its beautiful location and its outstanding urban landscape, but also because it provides a rich selection of artistic and cultural attractions. The city is also a great place to visit for those who wish to experience Hungarian cuisine, high-street shopping on Andrássy Avenue (a UNESCO heritage site), and a lively nightlife.

Currency

Although Hungary has joined the EU, the local currency is not the euro but the forint (HUF) – 1 euro is equivalent to approximately 255 HUF (but this rate may change by the time of the conference). You can change money at the Budapest Ferihegy Airport, as well as at hotels and banks. Furthermore, there are quite a few cashpoints around the city.

Visas

Delegates coming from the EU do not need a visa. In December 2007 Hungary will join the Schengen-region, and so delegates who come by car will not need to show a passport at the border.

Delegates coming from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or other (non-EU) European countries, do not usually need a visa to stay in Hungary for up to 3 months.

If you are not sure whether you need a visa please check the website of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.kulugyminiszterium.hu

If you need a letter of invitation, please contact Dániel Kádár.

Safety

Hungary is a relatively safe and peaceful place by European standards. Yet, it is advisable to take care of your belongings, especially if you walk in crowded places.

Getting to Budapest

Budapest is well-served by train, motorway, and air links. There are also several overnight coach links between Budapest and many of the largest cities of Europe. Delegates coming from the UK may consider using Wizzair or other economic air carriers. Colleagues who intend to drive are advised to reserve a parking place at their hotel in advance – this is usually free. Drivers should also check route planners before they setting off – although Hungary is a small country and the motorways are modern, driving in the maze of Budapest can be a challenging experience.

Delegates who fly with standard air lines will land at Budapest Ferihegy II

Delegates who use economy airlines will land at Budapest Ferihegy I

Ferihegy I is a lovely listed building, probably one of the oldest functioning airports in Europe! Both Ferihegy II and Ferihegy I are well-linked to the city centre. There are frequent buses between the airports and the nearest metro stations and a taxi-ride to the centre is quite cheap.

Delegates who will come by train will most probably arrive at Budapest West Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar), a beautiful building designed by August de Serres and Gustave Eiffel in 1887:

City transport

In Budapest there are three metro lines and many bus and tram lines. Getting around is quite easy and cheap.

Prices

Budapest is a relatively cheap city, compared to many other European capitals, which means that Western European visitors can afford a first-class visit without spending too much money. For example, here are some approximate prices:

Main dish at a restaurant: HUF 1.500-5.000 (5.9-19.6 euros)

One bottle of table wine 1.000-3.000 HUF (4-11.7 euros)

A taxi from Budapest (Ferihegy) Airport to the downtown HUF 6.000 (23.5 euros)

One bus/metro ticket: HUF 230 (0.9 euro)

Tourist destinations in Budapest

Budapest is a large city with many museums, churches, and a variety of cultural attractions; delegates may wish to consider spend 2-3 days to visit it. Just to mention a few of the famous spots in the city:

The Castle of Buda

Heroes’ Square

The Castle of Vajdahunyad

Hungarian National Opera

Mátyás Church

Hungarian National Museum

Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts

Hungarian Academy of Music

Nature lovers will find a few parks on the hills around the city; you may also wish to try Budapest’s renowned Turkish baths and spas, such as:

The Turkish Bath

and The Hotel Gellért Spa

Delegates will be supplied with tourist maps that will help them tourist sites of interest in and around Budapest. If you intend to spend a few days here in Hungary are advised to buy Lonely Planet Hungary.

Coming with children

Budapest offers also fun activities for children. Delegates coming with their family may want to visit, amongst others, the Budapest Holliday Park, the Budapest Zoo and the Budapest Aquarium.

Food and drink

Budapest is a paradise for food lovers – the city is full of restaurants that offer both Hungarian and international cuisine. Hungary has a unique cuisine, which distinguishes it from the culinary traditions of other European countries. Famous Hungarian dishes include, amongst others, the world-famous gulyás (gulash):

Hungary is also famous for its wines, especially the sweet Tokaji:

If you are interested in liquors, it is worth trying Hungary’s bitter-sweet Unicum:

Shopping

As every large city, Budapest boasts a few, large shopping malls. If you are more interested in something typically Central-European, you should pay a visit to the small shops dotted along the bustling shopping streets of Pest: