"Hungary - Budapest or Bucharest? Where is it? Is everybody a
gypsy there? Are there paved roads? Is it a dangerous place to go?"
These are probably the first questions which come to tourists' mind
about Hungary. If you skim thourgh any of the recommended literature
you will have the following passage almost everywhere:
"Hungary has much to offer: gulyas soup, gypsy music, horse shows,
handmade tableclothes and beautiful girls."
Thanks to this homepage you can get the best out of your stay in
Hungary by preparing your travel kit from the following useful
information.
Let's have a quick look at the the main regions of Hungary first:
Budapest is the world's only big city with over a hundred thermal
springs, cave church, wine labyrinth and many more things off the
beaten path.
Lake Balaton area (The biggest lake in Central Europe). The Northern
shore is rich in cultural sights such as Tihany peninsula. The
Southern one is suggested for those who just want to relax- esp.for
families with children as the water is not so deep.
The Great Plain (PUSTA region) is the cradle of the folk customs and
crafts. This is an ideal place for horse riding as it is flat, grassy/sandy
and the horizon is extremely wide. There are two national parks with
rare birds and animals. Sounds good doesn't it...
The North Eastern highland is famous for the Lippizaner stud farm,
the 2 UNESCO World Heritage sights and the Valley of the Beautiful
Women. (The latter is actually a wine region. Two bottles of the
strong red wine and no ugly women anymore)
Southern Transdanubia has a wild reserve , lovely hills, and the
famous Villany wine region.
Northern Transdanubia is famous for its thermal spas and the
biggest thermal lake in Europe called Heviz.
If you are a UNESCO World Heritage sight collector, don't miss the
amazing Castle District of Budapest; the Living Village Museum in
Holloko; the oldest Hungarian building - a Benedictine Abbey - in
Pannonhalma and a romantic concert in the mysterious Aggtelek Cave.
However, besides presenting the national beauties, the unique treasures of
the country and the recommended things to do, I'd definitely like to
warn you on the things NOT to do.
The list is going to be too long to memorize everything but try
your best in order to have a worry free trip.
Arriving by air, use the USE airport shuttle (1200 HUF approx 6 USD) and avoid the taxi
drivers.
If you are on a low budget use bus N. 93 (don't worry about the tickets
there is no control) and change for the BLUE metro line to the center.
(Tickets are necessary for the metro)
Arriving by train, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid pushy hostel agents
Public transport - Purchase either a Budapest card for 3 days 2900 HUF (12 USD) which
enables you to use every transport "freee" and also ensures free
entrance to any museum.
You can also buy "collective tickets" (20 pieces cost 1500 HUF /6.5 US
Always punch tickets in the metro. You can skip the control on the
night buses or if you are an early bird and travel before 7am.
Avoid illegal money changers (usually Arabs) who seem to offer
very favourable rates. You might be cheated if you are not familiar
with the fake local banknotes. The majority of exchange offices are
open 24 hours.
Fake police! Some people try to pose as tourist police and ask for your money or
credit card to check them. Do not show your bag or give your
belongings to ANYBODY.
The real police have a hologram in their ID and an identification number
on the badge.
Pick pockets. These mostly Roumanian criminals are always working on the crowded
public transport lines which connect the sights of Budapest.
Especially trams N.2 N.4 N.6, buses N. 7 N 26. and the metro.
Some of
them are using razors fo cutting the bag or money belt and pushing
each other in order to be able to touch your pocket or zip off your
bag.
Taxi/CABHYENA is the Hungarian name for the cheater taxi drivers.
You can
avoid the overcharge by calling companies in advance and ask the
lady about the approximate tariff.
Restaurants. Take a free copy of "OPEN" , "HORIZONT" or "WHERE" magazines.
(Available in any 4-5 star hotel) or buy the Budapest SUN or WEEK in
order to choose the proper restaurant to go.
But BE CAREFUL, as foods and drinks are overpriced sometimes. Never accept a five digit price for one dish.
Sometimes VERY attractive women who even speak your language may
recommend to you restaurants or bars.
DO NOT accept their suggestion if you are not a "walking cash
machine" as they see you.
Illegal street games. Never ever take your luck in the street, go to any of the nine
CASINOS instead.
Adding the schedule for MAY is possible only at the very end of April,
since this is the only time the NEW program is available.
Meantime, let me please inform you about the year round programs
you can participate in:
Cultural things to do
Join a tour to discover the city if you can afford 4400 /per
person for 3 hours. Or, discover it on your own, since everything is
concentrated within walking distance.
Budapest has 5 MUST-SEE sights:
Castle District (UNESCO World Heritage) - FREE!
Gellert Hill - FREE! If you decide to go up the CITADEL, use the hostel
entrance to skip the entrance fee.
Heroes' Square - FREE
Parliament - 900 HUF (3-5 USD) if you organize it on your own with an
English speaking guide. 12 USD if you join an agency tour.
Opera House - 900 HUF
Fun things to do
You can spoil your belly in the Wine House (located in the Castle
district next to the Matthias Church.
If you have been to Vienna this would remind you on St. Stephens Cathedral.)
Discover the labyrinth and taste 50 kinds of wine for 2000 HUF (8.5
USD).
Caving in Budapest. Takes only 15 minutes from the Center to reach PALVOLGYI cave.
With the help of the English speaking guide you can have an unforgettable
experience there, especially if you decide to discover it off the
path. Don't worry about the laundry, equipment is provided.
(More info available on request)
Riding horses are available almost everywhere around Budapest for
1000 HUF/hour (4.5 USD).
Movies. Films are usually subtitled so you can enjoy the original version.
Tickets are available from 300 (1.5 USD) 900 HUF (4 USD).
Let me please inform you about the lovely water movie we
have in Budapest called "VIZIMOZI".
On these shows, old movies are brought to life with jazz, classical and
other music. These shows will be held on a monthly basis.
The atmosphere is amazing as a dance party is going on at the same time
with the subtitled or silent movies. Special guests are invited, such
as beautiful belly dancing ladies.
The entrance fee is only 2600 HUF, but you can purchase your ticket
for 2000 HUF (around 9 USD) in advance. (VISTA TRAVEL CENTER)
The future schedule is something like this:
22th of May
12th of June
25th of Sept.
23th of Oct.
20th of Nov.
18th of Dec.
The venue is the centrally located Rudas Turkish Bath. Those who have been there say it was the biggest fun ever.
