Budapest, the Hungarian capital situated in the heart of Central Europe, is a city marked by old world charm and cosmopolitan living. A series of chain bridges link the two sides of the city, Buda and Pest, which straddle the beautiful Danube River. Known as “the Paris of Central Europe,” Budapest boasts historic palaces on Castle Hill, monuments reflecting its 1000-year-old culture, and an array of theraputic baths and pools.

With an average of 2000 hours of sun each year, temperatures in June range from a minimum of 14 ºC (57º F) to 26 ºC (79º F).

Hungarian culinary favorites include sausages and dishes flavored with paparika. In addition to traditional beer houses (sörözós) and bars serving wine straight from the barrel (borozós), Budapest is famous for its fiery plum liquor pálinka and sweet dessert wine Tokaji.

1.00 C EUR = 273.46 HUF
$1.00 USD = 216.24 HUF

Sightseeing in and Around Budapest

Exploring Underground Budapest-  
Budapest is famous for its remarkable caves, some of which are open to the public. There are two hundred known caves under the city, and four of the most extensive and spectacular ones are available for you to visit. Any one of the caves listed below make a very pleasant antidote to the heat of a summer’s day:

CASTLE CAVE (VÁRBARLANG)
With its perpetually dripping water, constant temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14°C) and humidity around 90 per cent, Castle Cave stretches for over six miles beneath the street and building of the ancient Castle District of Buda. The 43,000 square foot cave, which can hold up to 10,000 people served as shelter to thousands of people during the Second World War. Castle Cave is open from 9.30 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. daily.

CHAPEL IN THE ROCK (SZIKLAKÁPOLNA) 
Gellért Hill Cave – also known as Saint Ivan’s Cave – has its entrance in the hillside 75 feet above the level of the River Danube. The first modern entrance was constructed in 1925/26 with the aid of explosives and the interior of the cave was made into a chapel resembling that found at Lourdes. Later a Pauline monastery was built alongside and connected to the chapel with its own private entrance. After being confiscated by the Communists in 1952 and closed for government usage in the middle part of the century, Chapel in the Rock was finally reopened to the public and restored to a functioning chapel in 1992.

PÁLVÖLGY CAVE 
Extending to over 8½ miles, this is the second largest cave system in Hungary. Although the cave is probably best known for its dripstones, of arguably far more interest are the high-ceilinged fissure-like corridors, the significant differences between their levels, and the way the mineral waters have fashioned the rock into unusual spherical shapes. Visitors will witness weirdly shaped stalagmites and stalactites, as well as sparkling crystals of calcite and fantastic fossils of shells. Palvolgy Cave is open every day except Monday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. Guided visits only. Tours set off every hour at a quarter past the hour.

SZEMLHEGY CAVE 
Discovered three quarters of a century ago by a quarry owner, the mile long cave is often called Chamber of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for its unusual animal shapes and rock formations that are particularly popular with children. The cave is open every day except Tuesday. Guided visits only. Tours set off every hour on the hour.

Family Fun –
For anyone looking to make IACM a family affair, Budapest offers plenty of attractions for young and old alike:

Animal lovers can visit the Budapest Zoo and observe at close quarters ancient indigenous Hungarian animals as well as exotic wild game. The zoo’s special handling sessions are always hugely popular with smaller children. If you prefer marine life, you can observe sharks, ray fish and alligators, as well as hundreds of other types of brightly colored sea- and freshwater fish at the Tropicarium. 

For families looking to test their skills, strength and bravery, the Fun Fair is a perennial favorite and The Palace of Miracles which offers a truly unique experience, with a continually changing range of challenges for children with enquiring minds, and loads of exciting ways to learn new things about the world.

For the active family, try the Aquaréna Water Park at Mogyoród for a day of fun and splashing about in eight pools, 26 slides, a lazy river, an acrobatic pool and caves; or you can try riding the Bringóhintó family cycling cars and the sétacikli recumbent tricycles on Margaret Island.

OUTSIDE THE CITY
For those of you wanting to leave the city of Budapest, the cities of Szentendre, Esztergom , andSzázhalombatta offer a sampling of the finest beauty, history and culture Hungary has to offer, all within miles of Budapest.

If you’re looking to surround yourself with beauty, Gödöllő, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth of Austria is less than 20 miles north-east of Budapest. Now the venue for performances of chamber music and opera, the Palace and its grounds are ornately decorated and display portraits of the various rulers of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
Music lovers can visit Martonvásár, the originally baroque but later neo-Gothic mansion house of the famous composer Beethoven.

Finally, if you’re interested in the religious history of Budapest, the Hungarians’ most precious religious relic is the Holy Right Hand of King Saint Stephen, which is on permanent display in Saint Stephen’s Basilica.

For more information on things to do around Budapest, visit: http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/general_information.

Budapest Nightlife

Nightlife in Budapest is lively, exciting and varied and the fun goes on through the night. From a quiet meal and drink to the dramatic all night venues, Budapest has loads to offer. Want to party the night away or chill out over a few drinks? You’ll find what you’re looking for in Budapest. Chart, soul, jazz, dance, hiphop or rave – every type of music is catered to and the dance venues range from hot to cozy. Below is just a small selection of what is offered in Budapest:

Bank Dance Hall - Dancing through the night; several floors
Vaci utca, 33 Budapest 1052
T: +36 1 266 1250

Calgary Antik Drinks Bar - Drinks and Cocktails in old world décor.
Frankel Leo utca 24 Budapest 1027
T: +36 1 315 9087

Club Seven - Dance music through the night
Akacfa utca, 7 Budapest 1072
T: +36 1 478 9030

Leroy’s Beach Club - Dance club and restaurant
Romai part 7 Budapest 1031
T: +36 1 242 2336

Morrisons Music Pub -English Pub with Music
Revay utca, 25 Budapest 1065
T: +36 1 269 4060

Nincs Pardon - Late night drinking and dance venue
Almassy ter, 11 Budapest 1077
T: +36 1 351 4351

Piaf Club - Venue with dancing and drinking
Nagymezo utca, 25 Budapest 1064
T: +36 1 312 3823

Shiraz - Persian food and belly dancing
Pest IX, Raday Utca 15.

Undergrass - Club in centre of Budapest
Liszt Ferenc ter 10 Budapest 1047
T: +361 343 7611

Underground Café - Café and Club
Terez korut, 30 Budapest 1067
T: +36 1 311 1418