WHY VISIT BUDAPEST
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a monumental and imperial city considered the Pearl of the Danube for its mysterious charm, which has made it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Although the history of its past has been written by all kinds of peoples, from the Celts to Romans and Ottomans, it reached its peak during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, whose imposing monuments have been declared a World Heritage Site. Many tourists want to know Budapest because it is a thermal destination with its abundant springs of medicinal waters. This cosmopolitan city has filled its avenues of shops, enjoys an interesting wine culture and boasts a legendary nightlife.
One of the things that will surprise you most if you decide to visit Budapest is that originally they were two cities, Buda and Pest, located on either side of the river, so they still enjoy their own personality today. When you travel to Budapest you can enjoy the real and monumental elegance of Buda and the most decadent and popular area that is Pest. In Buda, on a hill, the imposing palace of the same name that the neighborhood dominates the city. In addition, in the Castle District, you can visit some of the most important monuments of the city such as Matthias Church, covered with frescoes, or the Fishermen's Bastion, a viewpoint with spectacular views, especially at night.
In Pest we find the Jewish Quarter, where several synagogues are located, such as the Great Synagogue of Budapest. It is also ground zero of the legendary "ruin pubs", old abandoned buildings converted into trendy bars, rogue nightclubs and restaurants. Given its spectacular skyline, traveling to Budapest will make you fall in love with the Danube River. It is essential to take a cruise on it, where you can admire the historical bridges and the Parliament of Budapest, emblem of the city, on its banks, especially when it lights up at night.
Another curious fact that makes tourism in Budapest one of the best places to relax, are its 118 thermal springs. Budapest is known for its legendary spas, among the best known the Gellert Baths, the work of the extravagant art noveau, or the Rudas Baths, built by the Ottomans in the sixteenth century.
WHEN IS IT BETTER TO TRAVEL TO BUDAPEST?
Between May and October there is the largest offer of cheap flights to Budapest. The winters are very cold in the capital of Hungary, although it is the time when flying to the Liszt Ferenc airport is cheaper. The most suitable months to visit the city are from May to September. July and August are warm months and flights to Budapest are more expensive. In summer the Sziget Festival is celebrated, the Chain Bridge is pedestrianized on weekends and the Hungarian Grand Prix of Formula 1 is celebrated.
Price: 26 - 130 €
Temperture: -2.2 to 28.9c
Precipitation: 39 - 92mm
WHAT AIRCRAFT OPERATES FLIGHTS TO BUDAPEST?
There are more than 30 companies offering direct flights to Budapest. The Liszt Ferenc International Airport operates in its terminal 1 with low cost flights, while in terminal 2 it is operated by airlines that move in the Schengen area.
THE BEST WAY TO MOVE FOR BUDAPEST
The most advisable thing is to buy a 72-hour transport voucher (it costs about 16 euros), which is used for all day and night transportation. Apart from the metro, there is a tram. Lines 4 and 6 run through the center of the city (the Korut) and carry from one end to the other, from Pest to Buda.
They also stop at Isla Margarita. There is the option of taking bus 16 or 16A in Deak Ter, which stops at the Chain Bridge and climbs up to the castle.
DO YOU NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO BUDAPEST?
Neither Visa nor Passport is required for EU countries or included in the Schengen treaty. On the other hand, a visa is required for citizens of Russia, Ukraine or Cote d'Ivoire who, for example, choose to buy flights to Budapest.
DATA OF INTEREST ON BUDAPEST
Time, currency and the basics: see the local time and have an idea of how much money you will spend on basic goods in Budapest
Currency: Hungarian Forint
Refreshment: 0.33 liters (0.89)
Food: In restaurant (5,15)
Public transport: Ticket only (1,13)
THE BEST TRICKS AND TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP TO BUDAPEST
Buda and Pest
Budapest are actually two cities, Buda and Pest. The Chain Bridge joins them crossing the Danube River. In Buda, at the top of the Castle, it is advisable to visit the Fishermen's Bastion. In an afternoon you can do the full view. In Pest you have to visit the central market. It closes at 6 o'clock in the afternoon, so it is recommended to go soon. Right next to it is the Liberty Bridge. The Tram 2 that leaves the underground stop of the Market Square, runs along the Danube to the Margarita bridge. During the journey one can go down anywhere.
Citadel
Walking along the bridge of freedom to Buda, in front, the Gellert baths are located and up, on the hill, the Citadel (or Citadella). Built in 1854 by the Habsburgs as a guard building, the Citadel is the highest point of Budapest, with the best views over the city. You can go up walking (not without effort) or take the Tram 47 or 45 in the direction of Gellert to the Moricz Zsigmond square. You have to get off at this stop, walk a little and take a bus that leads to the fortress, which in 1960 was declared of tourist interest, although the Hungarians wanted to destroy it after the Second World War.
Pastelerias
Many tourists, when they buy their flights to Budapest, are already thinking of their patisseries, very characteristic of the city. The most traditional cakes are: Dobos la Torta, Eszterhazy or Francia Cremes. Also anyone who has turo (cottage cheese) or poppy seeds. On Andrassy Street there is an old renovated shopping center (the old Paris department store), which is now a bookshop called Alexandra. On the top floor it has a very nice pastry shop and at a good price.
The opera
The State Opera, called El Magyar Állami Operaház, is a Renaissance theater considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. It is quite economical, especially the rows above, which usually cost around 500 guilders, a little more than one and a half euros. In fact it is cheaper to see a show from that area than the official visit of the Opera.
THE BEST OF BUDAPEST YOU DEVES TO VISIT
-Parliament of Budapest
-Cord of the chains
-Hundertwasserhous
-The Szechenyi Baths
-Fishing of Fishermen
-Santaban Basilica
-Great Synagogue of Budapest
-Plaza de los Héroes
