Budapest (Hungarian pronunciation approximates to “boo-dah-pesht”) is the capital city of Hungary. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life increasingly appreciated among European youth and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture it is nicknamed “Paris of the East”.
In 1987 Budapest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.
Modern Budapest is the result of a historic amalgamation of the separate cities of Buda and Pest (as well as the smaller and more distant Óbuda), and it is still typical to refer a restaurant on the “Buda side” or “living in Pest”. Administratively, the city is also divided into 23 numbered districts.
Budapest’s Chain Bridge and Castle Hill
Buda – Districts I-III, XI-XII, XXII. Covers the area west of the Danube including Castle Hill, the Buda Hills, and Óbuda to the north.
Pest – Districts IV-IX. Covers the area east of the Danube.
Budapest is the economic, historic, and cultural capital of Hungary, with approximately 2 million inhabitants and approximately 2.7 million visitors per year. Hungarians are proud of what their beautiful capital has to offer and of its contributions to European culture. They also take pride in their unique language which is very different from all other European languages.
Visitors will notice that (except for touristy attractions and restaurants), many items cost less in Hungary than in Western Europe. Hungarian salaries are lower also, to the extent that when compared to income, the relative cost of living is actually quite high. Unemployment is also high, and many people are employed in low-paying jobs, so a higher proportion of the population has difficulty making ends meet. Even university-educated middle class citizens with “good” jobs generally have less disposable income for luxuries and conveniences than their counterparts in Western Europe.
For Hungarians who can afford it, and for visitors who earn their money in wealthier countries, Budapest offers everything that other modern cities can offer in terms of accommodations, entertainment, shopping, and culture. Tourist attractions, restaurants, and accommodations generally charge prices on par or slightly below similar places in Western Europe (since visitors can afford to pay and prices seem reasonable by their standards).
Most travellers will arrive via Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport (IATA: BUD), (Budapest Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér). It is also possible to fly to airports in Debrecen, Sármellék, Győr-Pér and Pécs-Pogány. Liszt Ferenc airport, also commonly referred to by the old name Ferihegy, is Hungary’s largest airport and it is located about 16km (10 miles) southeast of the city centre. It is a small airport by international standards, easy to navigate, and well connected to the city by public transit.
Budapest is well connected to cities throughout Europe, mainly through low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair. The number of direct long-haul flights is increasing as tourism in Budapest becomes increasingly popular.
Most of Budapest’s highlights are within easy walking distance of each other and the city centre. All major areas have sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians. Drivers generally obey traffic signals, and similar to other major European cities, pedestrians should firmly indicate their intention to cross at a crosswalk. Many sidewalks and paths tend to be mixed-use for both pedestrians and cyclist.
Don’t miss a boat trip on River Danube. You can enjoy both riverbanks and the bridges at the very same time. It is especially spectacular at night. Tourist Boats leave from Vigadó tér. Round trip in about 1 hour. There are a few different lines, most are the same. Dinner cruises are available as well.
Budapest is generally very safe for tourists. The main concerns for visitors are pickpocketing/minor theft and scams/rip-offs. Violent crime is low and unlikely to affect tourists. Most areas of interest to tourists are safe for wandering about day or night. Take normal precautions when walking alone or in isolated places. Some areas outside the centre might be more risky for walking alone or at night. Ask a local or your hostel/hotel staff if planning an unusual route and you’re concerned.