I would like to welcome you to Budapest, a city which not only greets its guests with a rich history and unique cultural heritage, but also where the residents can witness day by day its resurgence. That tourism is one of the most important economic branches of Budapest is evident in the rise in the number of tourists visiting the capital, and the growth of the quantity and quality of tourism services. Year on year several dozen new hotels spring up in Budapest, numerous old buildings are reconstructed, and new cultural and tourism establishments are born. The capital is made all the more attractive for being renowned as the location of one of the most beautiful World Heritage sites, and only Budapest can say of itself that it has Europe’s largest Parliament, largest functioning synagogue and the continent’s first underground railway.

The visitor will find side by side the remains of fortresses and buildings from Roman times, still operating Turkish baths, Gothic and Baroque buildings, and the incredibly rich Art Nouveau architectural heritage. Not only is Budapest worthy holder of the title “Queen of the Danube”, but in fact there is not one other capital city in the world with close on 100 thermal springs and 12 medicinal baths within its boundaries, where 19 million gallons of thermal water rise to the surface each day.

Despite the spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old charm and magic. It is a city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cafés, baths, the gastronomy and culture, combined with legendary hospitality blend into an unforgettable experience for visitors. Besides popular programmes and festivals staged each year the capital’s tourism selection is further enriched by new, high standard events each season. Tourists can stroll down the “Pest Broadway”, now taking on a new lease of life, and enjoy a programme in one of the atmospheric, unique epositories of music calling to all ages, since there is a choice ranging from live music in the pubs to the repertoires of the Opera House and the recently rebuilt, magnificent Operetta Theatre.

Entry with personal ID card

Citizens of the following countries may enter the territory of Hungary with a personal identification card for a stay of maximum 90 days, provided the purpose of their visit is not to take up work or to conduct business-related activities: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.

Entry with passport, but no visa required

Citizens of European countries (with the exception of Albania, Russia, Serbia-Montenegro, Turkey and the Ukraine) do not require a visa to enter Hungary. Citizens of the following countries outside Europe similarly do not require a visa: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Salvador, Singapore, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.

For detailed information in English please go to www.mfa.gov.hu.

Climate

Temperate zone, continental climate, four seasons.

Hottest months: July, August (temperatures can reach 28–35°C)

Coldest months: December, January (temperatures can fall as low as –15°C)

Budapest has a relatively high number of hours of sunshine per annum. It exceeds 8 hours per day between April and September.

Time zone

Budapest is on Central European time (CET). GMT +1 hour

Summer time (March to the middle of October): GMT +2 hours

Holidays

Non-working days: national holidays (15 March, 20 August, 23 October) and 1 May (May Day)

Christian holidays: 1 January, All Saint’s Day (1 November), Easter Mon., Whit Mon., Christmas and Boxing Day (25–26 December).

Budapest facts and figures

• Area: 525 square kilometres (in a northsouth direction approx. 25 km, east-west approx. 29 km)
• Population: 1 815 000
• Population density: 3456 persons/square kilometre
• Administrative structure: 23 districts
• Buda: comprising one-third of the area of the city on the hilly, right bank of the Danube
• Pest: comprising two-thirds of the area of the city on the flat, left bank of the Danube
• Islands (from north to south): Óbuda Island, Margaret Island, Csepel Island
• Bridges: nine bridges, of which two are rail bridges

Accommodation

The capital has every category of accommodation from luxury hotel to paying guest rooms. Free copies of Accommodation in Budapest can be picked up from information offices and hotel receptions in town.

Other useful information on accommodation can be found on the homepage of the Tourism Office of Budapest: www.budapestinfo.hu, and in information offices.

Security in Budapest

The general public security situation in the capital can be said to be good on an international average, and still it is better if tourists are prepared for certain situations so that they do not end up feeling cheated.

In general the tourist’s wallet is in greatest danger, and so it is advisable when using public transport, at shopping centres, markets or any other busy area where people are jostling around to pay extra attention to wallets, purses and bags.

Taxis are best pre-booked by phone; they are cheaper and there is no chance that you will pick up the one or two ‘private taxis’ who charge outrageous fares.

Always ask for a menu showing all the prices before choosing which restaurant to eat at. This way you can rule out any unpleasantness caused by overcharging.

Never get mixed up in changing money or gambling on the street. Carry documents, money and credit cards in a closed, inner pocket, and don’t carry a lot of cash around town. Never leave valuables in your car.

Public transport

Budapest has an efficient public transport network made up of more than 180 bus, 14 trolleybus, 29 tram, and three metro lines. In general the buses, trams and trolleybuses operate between 4.30 am and 11 pm. The three metro lines intersect at Deák Square in the centre of town. Metros run at 2-15 minute intervals from 4.30 am to 11.10 pm.

The local suburban train (HÉV) can be used to travel out to Csepel Island in the south of the city, and to nearby Szentendre, Gödöllô and Ráckeve. Maps sited at the entrances to metro stations give a comprehensive overview of the entire public transport network in Budapest. Conditions of travel are also included, in German and English.

BKV public transport is available free of charge to retired citizens of other EU Member States too.