Transylvania Live – Weekend short breaks in Budapest Hungary

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Tourist attractions
Spas and baths
Shopping
Food and restaurants
Night life

WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO

Tourist attractions:

Embankments of the Danube - are part of the World Heritage site that consists of the area on the Buda side between the University of Technology buildings and the Chain Bridge, including the Gellert Spa Baths, the Citadel on Gellert Hill, and the buildings of the Buda Castle. On the Pest side the area includes the Parliament building, Roosevelt Square at the Pest end of the Chain Bridge, together with the Hungarian Academy of Science and the Gresham palace. The four bridges over the Danube in this area are also a part of the World Heritage Site.

Andrassy Avenue - is also part of the World Heritage site and it was built on the basis of uniform architectural concepts. Three and four-storey residential buildings in eclectic, neo-renaissance style were built along the section of the road starting from the present City Centre. The middle section is wider; the road is divided into three parts which are separated by two promenades, each lined with a double row of trees. The two lanes on the far right and left were originally paved by wooden blocks; members of the privileged classes used them for horse riding. Residential buildings with front gardens and detached villas surrounded by parks make up the third section of the road.

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Chain Bridge - the capital's first bridge, is a historical monument built between 1832 and 1849. It attracted many tourists to Budapest due to its magnificent and breathtaking sight. Count Istvan Szechenyi commissioned William Tierney Clark to design the bridge and engineer Adam Clark to build it. The bridge did not escape the destruction of the Second World War, and it was rebuilt in 1949, on its 100th anniversary.

House of Parliament - is the largest building in the country and the permanent site of the national assembly. The neo-Gothic building is the work of architect Imre Steindl, and was constructed between the years 1884-1902. The staircase is embellished with fine frescoes by Karoly Lotz and sculptures by Gyorgy Kiss. The painting “The Conquest” by Mihaly Munkacsy, the greatest Hungarian painter, is hanged in the congress chamber. Since 2000 the general public has been able to view the Hungarian coronation regalia here: St. Stephen's Crown, the sceptre, orb and Renaissance sword.
Location: V.th district, Kosuth Lajos Square.
Visits by guided tour only.

Royal Palace - was the residence of Hungarian kings. The fortification system and palace, built in the 13th century following the Mongol invasion, was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and being renewed from time to time symbolizes the country itself. Built on medieval foundations, the Renaissance structures were destroyed by the Turks. In the late 19th century the palace was reconstructed and enlarged, which was completed in the neo-Baroque style by Alajos Hauszmann. The Royal Palace was completely burned out in the Second World War, losing in the process its valuable furniture and art.
On restoration it was converted into a centre of culture becoming home to The Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art or Ludwig Museum and the principal library of Hungary, the Szechenyi Library.

Matthias Church - is the best known and most spectacular Catholic Church in Budapest. It dates from many different periods, the earliest parts having been built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It gained its neo-Gothic appearance during rebuilding under the direction of Frigyes Schulek in 1896, and its frescoes and stained glass windows are the work of Karoly Lotz, Mihaly Zichy and Bertalan Szekely. King Bela III and his wife, Anne of Chatillon are buried within, and three other kings were crowned here. There are plenty of interesting stone monuments and relics to see, plus a rich treasury of ecclesiastical vestments, coronation robes and thrones, and gold ware.
Location: Buda Castle district, Szentharomsag Square.

Fishermen’s Bastion - as part of the expansive plans for the reconstruction of Castle Hill in the late 19th century was that segment of the city-wall that stands behind Matthias Church. Between 1901 and 1905 the existing parts of the fortress were connected by neo-Romanesque corridors, terraces and towers following designs by Frigyes Schulek. The Fishermen’s Bastion has become one of the capital’s landmarks, offering a panoramic view of Pest.
Location: Buda Castle district.

Saint Stephan’s Basilica - is Budapest’s largest church, whose landmark dome can be seen from all over the city, was built in Classical style between 1851 and 1905. Inside is the Hungarians’ most revered relic - the mummified right hand of Hungary’s first monarch, King Saint Stephen. Among many famous works of art the statues of Alajos Strobl are well worth studying, as is the painting by Gyula Benczur depicting St. Stephen commending his country, by the offering up of his crown, to the patronage of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can have a unique 360° degree circular lookout and can admire Budapest from a height of 65 meters. A modern and secure elevator will take the visitors most of the way up, from where they climb to the circular lookout on a spiral staircase.
Location: V.th district, Szent Istvan Square.

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Military History Museum – This contains a remarkable collection of historical weaponry stretching back from before the Turkish wars to the twentieth century; also uniforms, flags, maps, shells, a coin collection containing no fewer than 28,000 items, and an exhibition devoted to the recollections of Hungarian airmen who emigrated after the Second World War.
Location: I.st district, Toth Arpad Avenue, no.40, tel.: 1/356-9522
10.00-16.00 1 October - 31 March
10.00-18.00 1 April - 30 September
Closed: Monday.

Ethnographical Museum - One of the largest museums dedicated to ethnography in the whole of Europe contains 139,000 items of Hungarian origin as well as a further 53,000 items of international interest. Housed in a building of interest in itself, formerly belonging to the Royal Court, the building displays elements of Renaissance, baroque and Classical architecture. Permanent exhibitions: The Traditional Culture of the Magyar People, and From Primitive Society to Civilization.
Location: V.th district, Kossuth Square, no. 12, tel.: 1/473-2400.
10:00-18:00 March to October
10:00-16:00 November to February
Closed: Monday.

Lutheran Church - Lending its character to the square around it, this imposing structure is notable for the extreme simplicity of its early Classic lines. Although the church was built mostly from 1797 to 1808, the main frontage with its characteristic Doric columns and tympanum was only added in 1856. It is a popular venue for organ recitals owing to its excellent acoustics. Next door the National Lutheran Museum houses an exhibition charting the history of Lutheranism in Hungary.
Location: V.th district, Deak Square.

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Inner City Franciscan Church - on this site there was a church and monastery as far back as the 13th century. The ornate baroque structure seen today dates mostly from the eighteenth century. Its frescoes are the work of Karoly Lotz and Vilmos Tardos Krenner, and its baroque high altar and associated statues are particularly noteworthy.
Locatin: V.th district, Ferenciek Square.

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Gellert Hill - a popular excursion destination for tourists and local people due to its attractive park and superb panoramas from the viewing terraces.

Hungarian National Museum - now responsible for the safe keeping of over a million objects, the National Museum traces its own history back to 1802. In 1846 it moved into the fine neo-Classical building designed by Mihaly Pollack where it has been ever since. Permanent exhibitions: Hungarian History from the Founding of the State until 1990, Lapidarium – Roman Stonework, and Coronation Jewels and Robes. In the garden, besides the statues of eminent representatives of Hungarian culture, are ancient relics, such as the column from the Forum Romanum. The museum is also one of the symbols of the War of Independence of 1848-1849.
Location: VIII.th district, Muzeum Boulevard, no. 14-16, tel.: 061/338-2122
10:00-18:00 Tuesday – Sunday
Tickets can be bought till 17:30
Closed: Monday.

Heroes’ Square or Millenary Monument - The spectacular ensemble of statues erected to commemorate the thousandth anniversary of the Magyar Conquest is situated at the end of Budapest’s most beautiful avenue (Andrassy Street). The monument was designed by Albert Schickedanz and Fulop Herczog. Many of the statues representing Hungarian Monarchs and Princes of Transylvania were made by Gyorgy Zala. At the centre of the Monument there is a column surrounded by seven figures - leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes.

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Dohany Street Synagogue – Designed in Byzantine and Moorish styles in the mid 19th century by the Viennese architect Ludwig Förster, this is the biggest synagogue in Europe. With its red and white brickwork, onion domes and rich ceramic ornamentation it is one of the most distinctive buildings in Budapest. The three flat-ceiling halls of the Synagogue are of equal height. The ceiling and women's gallery are supported by cast-iron columns, testifying for the structure's advanced technical level.

Jewish Museum - A rich collection of exhibits covering many aspects of Judaism is housed in the building adjacent to and designed in a complementary style to the architecturally outstanding Dohany utca Synagogue. Permanent exhibitions feature everyday objects and devotional articles used for the various festivals, and there is a separate section detailing the history of the Holocaust in Hungary.
Location: VII.th district, Dohany Street, no. 2, tel.: 061/342-8949
10:00-17:00 Monday – Thursday from April 1
10:00-14:00 Friday and Sunday
Closed: Saturday.

Museum of Fine Arts - Hungary’s premier gallery of non-Hungarian works of art from early times right up to the present day is on display in a stately neo-Classical gallery at Heroes’ Square. As well as Egyptian, Roman and Greek exhibits there is a particularly fine collection of Italian art, affording a comprehensive survey of the various schools of painting from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries. The Spanish collection includes Murillo, Goya and seven masterpieces by El Greco.
Location: XIV.th district, Hosok Square, tel.: 061/460-7000
10:00-17:30 Tuesday-Sunday
Closed: Monday.

Palace of Arts - This is the largest exhibition hall in Hungary, where there is a continual stream of temporary exhibitions, mostly of contemporary art.
Location: XIV.th district, Hosok Square
10:00 – 18:00 Daily
12:00 – 20:00 Thursday
Closed: Monday.

Museum of Applied Arts - Housed in one of the most magnificent art nouveau buildings, displays Italian majolica, Zsolnay ceramics, French furniture and pieces of Augsburg gold ware from the baroque period.
Location: IX.th district, Ulloi Street, no.33-37
10:00-18:00 from Tuesday till Sunday
Closed: Monday.

City Park - it was built in the 19th century, and soon the park became a popular resting-place. This park lived its most glorious days during the Millenial Exhibition in 1896 commemorating the Magyar Conquest. A small version of “Corvinestilor Castle” was built for the exhibition by Ignac Alpar to illustrate the most beautiful buildings in the history of Hungarian architecture. The park offers entertainment of all kinds Funfair, Zoo, Grand Circus, boating lake and in winter skating rink.

Margaret Island - This two-and-a-half kilometer long island, one of the popular resting-places in Budapest, got its name after Princess Margaret who lived here in a convent in the 13th century. The island was inhabited from the 12th century. Dominicans and Franciscans established monasteries here. From the late 18th century it became a summer resort for aristocrats and later for the upper middle-class. Medicinal thermal baths and fine restaurants attract thousands of tourists each year.

Statue Park - a unique experience awaits visitors to this open-air museum. On display are some of the gargantuan statues and political monuments removed from public display in the streets and squares of Budapest following the fall of Communism.
Location: XXII.nd district, Balatoni Street – corner of Szabadkai Street
Open: 10:00-20:00 daily.

Museum of Transport - One of the oldest transport collections in Europe, this boasts a model railway system that is famed the world over. Current exhibitions: A Hundred Years Ago and Today, A Century of Hungarian Motoring, Centenary of Hungarian State Shipping, History of Hungarian Public Highways, History of Hungarian Steam Engines, and Budapest Transport History.
Location: XIV.th district, Varosligeti Boulevard, no. 11
10.00-16.00 Tuesday-Friday 1 Jan.-30 Apr.
10.00-18.00 Saturday, Sunday.

Spas and Baths:

* Gellert Thermal Bath - XI.th district, Kelenhegyi Street, no. 4, tel.: 61/466-6166.
Opened: Monday - Friday 6:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday 6:00-17:00
* Kiraly Medicinal Baths - II.nd district, Fo Street, no. 84,
tel.: 61/202-3688. Opened for ladies Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:00-18:00, and for gentlemen Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 9:00-20.00
* Lukacs Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool - II.nd district Frankel Leo Street, no. 25-29, tel.: 61/326-1695. The bath department is open for ladies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while for gentlemen on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Monday – Friday 6:00-19:00
Saturday, Sunday 6:00-17:00
* Rudas Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool - I.st district, Dobrentei Square, no. 9, tel.: 61/356-1322. Opened: Monday – Friday 6:00-18:00, Saturday, Sunday 6:00-13:00, the thermal bath is closed on weekends
* Szecsenyi Spa Baths - are one of the largest bathing complexes in all Europe, XIV.th district, Zoo Street, no. 11, tel.: 61/363-3210. Opened: daily 6:00 -22:00
* Csillaghegy - III.rd district, Pusztakuti Street, no. 3, tel: 61/250-1533. Opened: Monday – Friday 07:00-19:00, Saturday – Sunday07:00-17:00
* Dagaly - XIII.th district, Nepfurdo Street, no. 36, tel.: 61/452-4500. Opened: Monday - Friday 6:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday 6:00- 17.00
* Dandar - IX.th district, Dandar Street, no. 5-7, tel.: 61/215-7084. Opened: Monday – Friday 7:00-19:00, Saturday7:00 – 12:00
* Ujpest Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool - IV.th district, Arpad Street, no. 114-120, tel.: 61/369-3194. Opened: Monday – Friday 6:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday 6:00-13:00

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Shopping

* Central Market Hall - the Market Hall built between 1895 and 1897, was for a long time the biggest Market Hall in the city. In olden times this most famous of market halls was connected to the River Danube by tunnels so that goods could be directly offloaded from barges and taken inside to the stalls for sale. Upstairs is a stunning range of folk art inspired goods.Location: V.th district, Vamhaz Buolevard, no. 1-3
* Westend City Center - VI.th district, Vaci Street no. 1-3 (shopping mall)
* Duna Plaza - XIII.th district, Vaci Street, no. 178 (shopping mall)
* Mammut - II.nd district, Szena Square (shopping mall)
* Europark - XIX.th district, Ulloi Street, no. 201 (shopping mall)
* Lurdy Haz - IX.th district, Konyves Kalman Square, no. 12-14 (shopping mall)
* Polus Centre - XV.th district, Szentmihalyi Street, no. 131 (shopping mall)

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Food and restaurants:

* The Gundel restaurant is a classic and elegant restaurant. The history of the restaurant goes back to 150 years. The cuisine is based on traditional Hungarian dishes, but it also offers European and international "artworks". We recommend you try the sweet "Gundel palacsinta" (Gundel pancake, Guinea fowl soup with homemade noodles, Goose liver marinated in Tokaji, Roast and Rabbit crown, Stuffed Cabbage with smoked Pork ribs and smoked Goose sausage.
Location: XIV.th district, Zoo Street
* Baraka - V.th district, Magyar Street, no. 12-14
* Szalai - V.th district, Balassi Balint Street, no. 7
* Goa Cafe - VI.th district, Ker Andrassy Street, no. 8
* Nancsi Neni - II.nd district, Ordogarok Street, no. 80
* Fortuna Sorozo - I.st district, Fortuna Street.

Night life

The combination of low cost first class common transportation and the small prices of the locals make the Hungarian metropolis an easily affordable and worthy nocturnal universe. For culture lovers, a visit of the State Opera can turn an evening in an unforgettable experience, while the pubs, restaurants and cabarets are at their most fastidious level.
* Bahnhof Music Club - VI.th district, Vaci Street, no. 1, one of the best clubs in town
* Catedral Cafe - V.th district, Vaci Street, no. 33, coffee, restaurant and live concert house
* Club Colosseum - XV.th district, Kesmark Street, no. 32, sport-dance club
* E-Klub - X.th district, Nepligeti Street, no. 2, Hungarian music
* Fat Mots Music Club - V.th district, Nyari Pal Street, no. 11, jazz, blues and soul night,
* Trocadero - V.th district, Szent Istvan Square, no. 15, Latin rhythms
* Las Vegas Casino - V.th district, Roosevelt Square, no. 2, American roulette, blackjack, poker.

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