| |
Guide to Budapest, Hungary
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Budapest
|
BudapestBudapest
Budapest has struggled with a history of battle and conflict, stemming both from home and abroad. Recently, however, it has emerged a renewed and rejuvenated metropolis in the heart of Hungary, and is now bustling with commerce and social events. Budapest is now a booming tourist destination as well, with a perfect concoction of the ancient and the modern.
The city is divided as Buda and Pest: Buda stands as mostly residential, its landscape a group of hills and terraces with spectacular views of the city; Pest is situated on a sandy plain, and is the citys haven of commerce, with crowded streets, heckling sellers, and bargaining consumers. Buda and Pest, separated by the lifeblood of the people, the Danube River, are what make up a wondrous city, one youll be sure to enjoy exploring.
When to go:
Budapest is known to be one of the few areas in the world with consistently idea weather for much of the year. This makes planning a trip or vacation a breeze, giving you freedom to choose most any time of year to visit the city. Both spring and autumn are wonderful, and the closer you plan your trip to the winter months, the fewer tourists you will encounter. If you want entertainment and great nightlight, go during the high-season (summer). If you wish to utilize your time for sightseeing, and with a focus on Budapests heritages and history, visit during the off season.
Getting there and around:
International flights arrive at Ferihegy International Airport. Most North American, Middle Eastern, and European cities service direct flights to Budapest. At arrival, you have a multitude of travel options. You can hail/call a taxi (these are a bit pricey though), use the Airport Minibus (a cheap alternative which offers a convenient door-to-door service), or use the conventional airport bus system, which travels to and from Kobanya-Kispest metro station (also saving you some change).
Travel around Budapest is easy and its public transportation systems are very reliable. The metro, HEV, trams, trolleybuses, and conventional buses are available, and all color-coded and easy to find.
Where to go:
Budapest is chock-full of attractions and sights worth seeing, and undoubtedly, your first stop should be the Castle District. Located on, yes, Castle Hill, many of Budapests most visited and renowned monuments and museums are here. You get amazing views of the city from various points as well. Make your way to the Old Town, where a magnificent and odd, yet interesting museum sits. Wonderfully decorated and beautifully colored houses and churches can be found in the Old Town area. The Fishermans Bastion offers breathtaking views, and a symbolic group of seven perfectly preserved turrets are here as well.
The Royal Palace is in the Castle District as well, has an interesting history. The structure was built, destroyed, rebuilt, altered, and probably went through that whole cycle a few times until it became what is standing in the site today. Its history dates back 7 centuries. On the grounds of the Royal Palace stand Ferdinand Gate and Mace Tower, both well-known in Hungary. Also, on-site are the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. The latter holds a magnificent collection of Hungarian art, and both the Gallery and Museum are housed in the Palace itself.
Another notable destination in Budapest is the City Park (Varosliget). Located in the Pest region of the city, the Park holds a monument revered by all Hungarians: the empty coffin representing an unknown insurgent from the Hungarian uprising of 1956. Also on location in the square, is the Millenary Monument, a pillar with colonnades around. City Park also holds the Museum of Fine Arts, housing an excellent array of foreign pieces.
|
|
|
