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5-day City Guide A preplanned step-by-step time line and city guide for Budapest. Follow it and get the best of the city. PromptGuides.com ©

5-day Budapest City Guide 2 5-day Budapest City Guide 3 Page 9 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 8 Grand and spacious square Imposing neo-Renaissance church Budapest's most upscale shopping street Stunning view over the and side of the city The best view of the Hungarian Parliament Historic square One of the most imposing parliament buildings in the world Hidden treasure of architecture PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Budapest > hotels in Budapest recommended Tested and Lunch time Take a walk to Váci Street - 10’ Take a walk to Take a walk to the House of Nouveau - Take a walk to the House of Hungarian 10’ - 5’ Take a walk to Szabadság Square - 15’ Take a walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica Take Metro Line 2 (Red) to Batthyány tér station Take Metro Line 2 (Red) from Batthyány tér station to Take Metro Line 2 (Direction: Örs Vezér tere) - 10’ Kossuth tér station Parliament Take a walk to Hungarian END OF DAY 1 Váci Street Danube Promenade St. Stephen's Basilica House of Hungarian Art Nouveau House of Hungarian Art Szabadság Square Hungarian Parliament Batthyány Square LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 16:50-17:35 15:30-16:40 12:45-13:55 12:00-12:30 11:10-11:55 10:00-11:00 09:30-10:00 09:00-09:20 Overview of Day 1 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 1 of Overview

5-day Budapest City Guide 4 5-day Budapest City Guide 5 historical events an The Museum of Ethnography housed in a impressive neo-classic building presents large collection of local costumes, toys, furnishings, wedding costumes and more Walk around the square and admire the enormous Parliament building and the impressive neo-classical Museum of Ethnography Leaving the square in southeast direction you get to the memorial of , prime minister and leader of the 1956 revolt against the . The statue is placed on a bridge The historic Main Street (Fő utca) also Main Street (Fő utca) The historic square crosses the Ferenc commemorates Another monument the lyrics of the Kölcsey who wrote Hungarian anthem of the Hungarian Enjoy the stunning view Parliament a snack try Nagyi If you feel like having Pancake shop) palacsintazoja (Grannie's The bullet holes and the Imre Nagy memorial are the reminders of these MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (Batthyány tér, Budapest) (Batthyány (Kossuth Lajos tér, Budapest) PromptGuides.com © 19th century after the unification of Buda and Pest gave way to large scale construction projects beyond the old city walls The monument in front of the Parliament and commemorates the 1848-49 Revolution Independence War againt Austria. Another monument pays tribute to Ferenc II Rákóczi, leader of the 1703-11 independence war against the Habsburgs The square was also the starting point of the 1956 revolution against the Soivets when a pieceful demonstration turned violent church The Hikisch House at No. 3 presents bas reliefs that depict the four seasons of the Kossuth Square is the symbolic center all It is surrounded by splendid buildings on sides including the Hungarian Parliament. of Other notable buildings are the Ministry Agricuture and Museuem of Ethnography The area was developed at the end of the Batthyány Square is a charming town Square is a charming Batthyány on opposite of Parlament square directly a great vista to the Buda side. It offers Parlement building after Count Lajos The square was named minister during the Batthyány, the prime war. A statue paying 1848-49 Independence here tribute to him was erected a number of notable The square features buildings between 1740 and St. Anna's Church built Roman Chatolic 1762 is a beautiful baroque Kossuth Square THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Batthyány Square Batthyány 09:30-10:00 09:00-09:20 Attraction Details Attraction 1500 HUF Admission: (1054 Budapest, Honvéd utca 3.) [email protected] English guided tours: daily at 10am, 12noon, 2pm Tours are also avaiable in the following languages: German, Spanish, Italian, French Admire the building from outside Take a tour in this art nouveau museum to see a unique collection of furniture, décor, paintings and other objects related to the Art Nouveau movement Have a coffee break in the ground floor café furnished in Art Nouveau style The ticket office will issue a ticket valid for a office will issue a ticket The ticket date and time guided tour of a given ticket you have to join Once you have your marked with a sign with the second line (it is a few minutes before the text "With tickets!") your ticket the time indicated on about 50 minutes The guided tour takes In order to avoid the long lines it is recommended to book your tickets in advance via email: forget The visit is free for EU citizens. Do not your passport or ID in order to prove your citizenship MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE (1357 Budapest, Kossuth tér 1-3) Kossuth tér (1357 Budapest, 3400 HUF PromptGuides.com Admission: © Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sundays: Closed • Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sundays: May 1 - Sept 30, Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm, May 1 - Sept 30, Sat: 8am - 4pm, 30, Sat: 8am - - 6pm, May 1 - Sept 30, Mon - Fri: 8am May 1 - Sept housed in was built in 1903 The rooms are furnished with contemporary furniture, decorative objects, paintings and instruments The musuem gives an insight into the atmosphere of bourgeois life of Budapest in the happy peace times before World War I Temporary exhibitions fequently present Art Nouveau masters, works of today's artists and other related collections guided tours that are available when Parliament is not in session the To get your ticket, look for the sign with text "For buying tickets!" and join the line. The guard will let you in and you can proceed to the ticket office The House of Hungarian Art Nouveau is a museum dedicated to Secession style The multi-storey building the museum is The building streched 268 meters along the The building streched 268 meters along a Danube; has over 12,5 miles of corridors; 96-meter high central dome; and houses 691 rooms the The Domed Hall is the spiritual center of building; the supporting pillars feature the statues of 16 Hungarian kings in the The Hungarian Crown Jewels are held Domed Hall. The Holy Crown is the oldest crown in Europe dating back to 1000 The only way to see all the building's attractions is to join one of the organized The grandiose Hungarian Parliament is one The grandiose Hungarian landmarks of Budapest's defining Neo-Gothic When built, this imposing Parliament in the building was the largest Neo-Gothic building of world and the finest Europe in London had The of Westminster artchitect, much influence on its for business in The building was opened Hungarian 1896 and represented early 20th century self-confidence of the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau House of Hungarian Art Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS TO DO THERE May 1 - Sept 30, Sun: 8am - 2pm, Oct 1 - Apr 30, Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm, 1 Oct - 30 Apr, Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm, Oct 1 - Apr 30, 30, Sun: 8am - 2pm, May 1 - Sept - 2pm • Sun: 8am YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Hungarian Parliament Hungarian Opening hours: 11:10-11:55 10:00-11:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 6 5-day Budapest City Guide 7 Attraction Details Attraction Another highlight is the interactive fountain. is the interactive Another highlight nozzles hidden vertical fountain When the water on they create an exciting are turned area the square shaped wall around and admire the Walk around the square the Us Embass, the remarkable buildings: Bank and the former Art-nouveau National Television building of the Hungarian of the Russian Do not miss the Memorial Army have a coffee in the Relax on a bench or the square café in the center of you should try the On a hot summer day "Interactive Fountain" MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE (Szabadság tér, Budapest) (Szabadság PromptGuides.com © stock exchange. From 1955 till 2010 it gave home to the Hungarian Television 's first prime minister, Lajos Batthyány, was executed in the Neugebäude on 6 Oct 1949. A memorial of commemorates his death at the corner Bathory utca and Hold utca is The memorial in the middle of the square the Memorial of the Russian Army paying thanks to the Soviet forces for liberating Hungary from the Nazis Szabadság square is a grand and spacious square is a grand Szabadság was laid out in central Budapest. It square in Neugebäude site of the former 1886 at the repute fortress-like (1789-1886), an evil building surround the Now grandious buildings Hungarian National square such as the building of the Bank and the former Hungarian State Television of the National The Art-Nouveau building as the Budapest Bank was built in 1905 Austro-Hungarian Bank Headquarters of the that dominates the The impressive building first housed the west side of the square Szabadság Square Szabadság YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 12:00-12:30 Admission: A new exclusive shopping street (called Fashion street) was recently opened. It streches from Vörösmarty square to Deák square at the entrance at the program schedule and at the entrance at the program schedule buy your tickets there Please note that the dome is only accessible form March to October weather permitting The department stores are dominated by brands such as Zara, Mango and H&M. Their selection is somewhat modest compared to those in Western Europe Tourists are the prime audience of the street; locals are less likely to come here Walk along the street and take in the atmosphere, the bustle and the stunning architecture of the street's buildings Do some shopping Make sure to admire the building from all to admire the building Make sure sides view the works of Enter the church and artists who decorated famous contemporary the interior frescoes, statues Do not miss the marvelous and mosaics left to the Main Altar Go to the small chapel of St Stephen to see the Holy Right view of Budapest For a splendid panoramic takes you up until take the elevator that you have to climb the halfway. From there The admission fee is stairs to the cupola. 500 HUF You are expected not to disturb the service and be dressed modestly in Several musical programs are organized look the church throughout the year. Take a MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE (1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 1.) Szent István (1051 Budapest, (Váci utca, Budapest) PromptGuides.com © Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturdays: 9am - 1pm, Sundays: 1pm - 5pm • Sundays: 1pm Saturdays: 9am - 1pm, Friday: 9am - 5pm, Monday - It is one of Pest's oldest streets. Originally it led towards Vác, a town some 40 km (25 mi) from Budapest Soon it became popular with traders gathering around Vác Gate and wealthy citizens of Pest who came here to shop and enjoy a coffee The street now is famous for its buzzing atmosphere with cafés, restaurants, shops, department stores, night clubs and many souvenir shops The street is cut in half by an acess road to Elisabeth Bridge; the southern part being much quiter than the northern part The Dome is 96 m (315 ft) high, the exact height of Parliament's dome the Start your visit with the square in front of church. It became a beautiful pedestrian area with cafés and benches to sit on Váci Street is a pedestrian street in the heart of Budapest spanning between Vörösmarty Square (city center) and the Great Market Hall (Fővám Square) Joseph was looking upwards during the whole consecration ceremony The Holy Right of St. Stephen, the is mummified right fist of Hungary's first king, of kept here in an ornate glass box in one the chapels The great Hungarian soccer hero Ferenc Puskas, goal machine of the Magical Magyars and Real Madrid, was laid to rest here in 2006 It The basilica houses Hungary's largest bell. 9 is situated in the right tower and weighs tons St.Stephen's Basilica is a neo-Renaissance St.Stephen's It is the second church in central Budapest. capable of holding largest church in Hungary 8500 people in 1851; after the fist Its constuction began died, Jozsef Hild and two of its architects Kauser who Miklos Ybl, it was Jozsef in 1905 finished the church and the church In 1868 the dome collapsed from scratch had to be rebuilt almost afraid of a repeated According to legend, Emperor Francis collapse of the dome THINGS TO DO THERE Váci Street THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Free YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS St. Stephen's Basilica St. Stephen's Opening hours: 12:45-13:55 15:30-16:40 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 8 5-day Budapest City Guide 9 Attraction Details Attraction Walk along the Danube from Elisabeth the Danube from Walk along Bridge Bridge to Chain Castle marvelous view of Buda Enjoy the and the bridges Concert Hall and Little Do not miss Vigadó Princess on your way numerous cafés along Relax in one of the the promenade the river bank beyond If you continue along can get to the the promenade you Parliament along the Danube Take tram line 2 to travel view of the on Pest side for a beautiful Danube, the Parliament, the Royal Castle and Palace and other great attractions If you fancy a boat trip on the mighty Danube the river cruises depart from Vigado square MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS PromptGuides.com © built in 1890s, was destroyed in WWII; a built in 1890s, was destroyed in WWII; new one was built on the old pillars in the 1960s Little Princess is a cute small bronze statue sitting on the promenade's railings at Vigado Square; one of Budapest's newest attractions Vigado Concert Hall (1865) is the city's second largest concert hall. Such masters performed here as Liszt, Mahler, Wagner, Von Karajan, Brahms or Debussy The Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó) spans Promenade (Dunakorzó) The Danube Bridge on the Bridge to Chain from Elizabeth banks of the Danube Pest side luxury hotels, It was once lined with overlooking the restaurants and cafés Danube and in the 19th century, After it was established popular; there the area became immensely the pre-war ambiance is an effort to recreate Bridge, Vigado Concert Highlights: Elizabeth Roosevelt Square, Hall, Little Princess, Chain Bridge after Emperor Elizabeth Bridge is named The original bridge, Franz Joseph's wife. Danube Promenade Danube YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 16:50-17:35 Page 15 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 14 Page 15 One of the most beautiful bridges of Europe Architectural masterpiece UNESCO World Heritage Site Iron lattice roof with same technology as the Eiffel Tower Famous Budapest landmark Fairytale like viewing terrace Breathtaking panorama Fascinating subterranean complex Tested and recommended hotels in Budapest > hotels in Budapest recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © to Opera station (Direction: Mexikói út) to Opera station (Direction: Mexikói Take a walk along Anrdássy Avenue tram nr 4 or 6 to Take a walk along Teréz körút or take Nyugati Railway station - 25’ Take a walk to the Cave Hospital and Bunker Take a walk to the Cave Hospital and or take a walk down Take the funicular (Budavári Sikló) to Chain Bridge - 30’ Lunch time tér station Take Metro Line 1 (Yellow) from Vörösmarty Take Bus nr. 16 from Deák Ferenc tér stop to Take Bus nr. 16 from stop Szentháromság tér Church Take a walk to Matthias Bastion Take a walk to Fisherman’s the Castle District Take a walk around END OF DAY 2 Opera House Andrássy Avenue Nyugati Railway station The Castle District Cave Hospital and Bunker Chain Bridge LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Bastion Fisherman's 17:10-17:30 16:15-16:45 13:30-13:50 16:00-16:15 12:00-13:00 10:00-10:30 10:30-12:00 09:30-10:00 Overview of Day 2 Day of Overview

5-day Budapest City Guide 10 5-day Budapest City Guide 11 Overview of Day 2 of Overview PromptGuides.com © Admire the bastion from the small square that divides it from the Mathias church Enjoy the picturesque views of Parliament is and the Danube from the lower deck that accessible free of charge If you fancy having a coffee while enjoying the incredible view we recommend visiting the small terrace café on the upper deck The lower deck and some parts of the upper one are accessible free of charge The entrance tickets that give access to the rest of the upper deck have to be purchased from the ticket office opposite the visitor entrance of Mathias church Admire the building from the outside. Notice Admire the building roof the unique color tiled discover its shady Enter the church and interiors Stained-Glass Do not miss the highlights: windows, Mary Portal, Windows, Altar, Rose Madonna, Loreto Chapel and Baroque Ecclesiastical Art Museum have to be purchased The entrance tickets from the ticket office opposite the visitor entrance of the church MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér) (1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2.) Szentháromság (1014 Budapest, PromptGuides.com © 750 HUF Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturdays: 9am - 12noon, Sundays: 1pm - Sundays: 1pm Saturdays: 9am - 12noon, Friday: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Admission: The Bastion got its name after the fishermen's guild that was responsible for defending this part of the city walls in the Middle Ages The bronze statue in front of the bastion shows St. Stephen I, Hungary's first king, on horse back. The base of the statue illustrates important episodes of the king's life Fisherman's Bastion (Halaszbastya) is a Fisherman's Bastion (Halaszbastya) is fairytale like viewing terrace on the Castle Hill It offers stunning views of Budapest especially of the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament The bastion was built between 1895 and 1902 in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style The seven towers represent the seven Hungarian leaders and their tribes that conqured the Carpathian Basin and settled down here in 896 main mosque a According to legend, in the siege of 1686 cannon ball hit one of the walls of the church and a hidden Madonna statue was revealed lost in front of the praying Turks. The Turks the city to the Habsburg forces on the same day the After the Turks left an attempt to restore church was made. It didn't regain its splendour until Budapest's architectural boom towards the end of the 19th century Matthias Church is located in the heart of Matthias Church is located dates back to 1051 the Castle District and king, St. Stephen I, when Hungary's first church here built a Romanesque was transformed into a In the 14th century it was King Matthias Gothic church; but it extened it in the 15th (1458-90) who greatly centruy, hence its name Buda (1541-1686), When the Turks ruled into the city's the temple was transferred THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Fisherman's Bastion Opening hours: 5pm • YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Matthias Church Matthias 10:00-10:30 09:30-10:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 12 5-day Budapest City Guide 13 3000 HUF Attraction Details Attraction Admission: The guided tours are rich with anectodes a and stories that make visiting the museum great experience The museum can only be visisted on guided tours, which depart on the hour Follow the guide who will lead you through the informative exhibition Please note that it is not allowed to take photos inside the museum The Royal Palace houses the Hungarian Palace houses the The Royal History and the Budapest National Gallery design is the The building's grand Museum. of local architects master work Sandor Palace; the Another major site is the Hungarian president official residence of World Heritage Site The district is a Unesco streets of the castle Wander the old cobbled Square surrounding the Trinity (Szentharomsag ter) and multi-faceted Head to the imposing sure to admire it from Royal Palace. Make all sides view of the mighty You will have an amazing Danube from the Eastern façade Be sure to wear comfy shoes The castle district is beautiful when illuminated at night MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (1012 Budapest, Lovas út 4/c) PromptGuides.com © Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm, Mondays: Closed • Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm, Mondays: these windowless rooms filled with smell of blood, sweat and urine The museum opened in 2008; it contains the original medical instruments and close to 70 wax figures Cave Hospital is an underground complex beneath Buda Castle in The place served as a military hospital WWII and as a nuclear shelter during the Cold War in Originally it used to be a wine cellar; later, the Turkish times, it became a hiding place for treasures and women from the harem sq The complex occupies 2000 sq m (6,560 ft); it was designed for 300 patients and 40 doctors and nurses worked here in shifts In the last days of the WWII Budapest siege, more than 600 patients were squeezed in both the casle and the town After the Turks left and the Habsburgs moved in reconstructions began; the area became a government district; the current Baroque appearance was finalized by mid 18th c. World War II devastated the area once again; reconstructions recreated the Habsburg appereance The Buda Castle District dates back to the Castle District dates The Buda IV built a castle when King Bela 13th century attacks of the devastating Mongol here after 1242 of Buda grew around the The medieval town development started castle; the town's real moved here in the when the Royal Court 15th century Matthias (1458-90), Under the rule of King Europe's most Buda became one of powerful cities the castle in 1541 and The Turks occupied the Habsburgs and ruled it until 1686 when the siege devastated their allies took it back; THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Cave Hospital and Bunker Opening hours: The Castle District The Castle YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 12:00-13:00 10:30-12:00 The auditorium holds 1261 seats of Admire the the neo-Renaissance exterior the building for If you like opera try to book your tickets an evening performance To see the rest of the building, you have to join a guided tour or attend an opera performance English guided tours take place daily at 3pm and 4 pm for 2800 HUF Admire the beautiful Adam Clark Square and beautiful Adam Clark Admire the castle at the passing under the the tunnel of the bridge Buda side stone lion statues Do not miss the two guarding both bridgeheads bridge and enjoy Walk along the marvelous the city the splendid view over the Roosevelt On the Pest side admire buildings such as square with its imposing of Science and the the Hungarian Academy bridge and the The beautifully illuminated a highlight of any visit surrounding scene is to Budapest MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22.) PromptGuides.com © In front of the building you find the sculptures of Ferenc Erkel, composer of the Hungarian national anthem, and Ferenc Liszt, the best known Hungarian composer The Hungarian State Opera House has the The Hungarian State Opera House has 3rd best quality of acoustics in Europe after La Scala (Milan) and Palais Garnier (Paris) It is considered to be the masterwork of Miklós Ybl, the leading 19th c. Hungarian architect. The Opera opened in 1884 The neo-Renaissance exterior hides an opulent neo-Classical interiour decorated with works of leading Hungarian artists of the time such as Gyula Benczúr and Bertalan Székely was unable to see his dream come true The Germans blew up the bridge in the in its (1945); it was rebuilt first original form by 1949, 100 years after its opening The bridge takes its name after the huge chains that hold it up Two lions guard the bridge on both bridgeheads. According to the legend the sculptor jumped in the river after a boy pointed out on the official opening ceremony that the lions had no tongues Chain Bridge was the first permament bridge was the first permament Chain Bridge and Pest connecting Buda over the Danube two cities in the unification of the and setting motion came up with the Count Istvan Szechenyi bridge after being idea of a permanent weeks because of the stranded in Pest for hard winter of 1820 by Szechenyi, begun Construction, financed during the Hungarian in 1836 and finished against Austria in War of Indepencence crossing the bridge 1849. The first ones were Hungarian soilders mentally in 1848 and Szechenyi collapsed Opera House THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Chain Bridge Chain YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 16:00-16:15 13:30-13:50 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 14 5-day Budapest City Guide 15 Attraction Details Attraction This earlier station was pulled down to make This earlier station was pulled down to a room for the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), major infrastructural project of its time Right next to the station, you find one of Budapest's main shopping malls, Westend City Center Admire the imposing building If you want to do some shopping visit the WestEnd City Center shopping mall right next door The anveue was renamed 3 times The anveue changes of the the rapid political highlighting Avenue it was renamed Stalin time: first it was in the1956 revolution (1950-56); Youth; after named Avenue of Hungarian Republic Avenue. 1956 it became People's restored in 1990 The original name was long, wide boulevard Take a walk on this theatres, and with fine cafés, restaurants, luxury boutiques in one of the cafés, Take a coffee or a meal Ferenc Square restaurants on Liszt MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (1067 Budapest, Teréz körút 55.) (Andrássy út, Budapest) (Andrássy PromptGuides.com © built by the Eiffel Company In its middle the building has an iron lattice the roof, the same technology used to build Eiffel Tower The station was opened on October 28, 1877 Previously the end station of the first Hungarian railway line stood here; the line and was opened in 1846 and conected Pest Vác moved in The avenue takes its name after a former prime minister, Gyula Andrássy, who was one of the main supporters of the project Budapest Western Railway Station 3 (Budapest Nyugati Pályaudvar) is one of main railway stations of Budapest The station is housed in an imposing and building designed by August de Serres Andrássy Avenue is an iconic boulevard in Avenue is an iconic Andrássy center and that connects the city Budapest (Városliget) the Neo-renaissance It is lined with spectacular features a number of fine mansions; it is also luxury boutiques cafés, restaurants and built in 1872 to divert Andrássy Avenue was Király street and the heavy traffic of parallel with the city park connect the city center the boulvard were part The that line built by the leading of the plan. They were contemporary artchitects by 1884; The palaces were completed and historical families aristorcrates, bankers Nyugati Railway station THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Andrássy Avenue Andrássy YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 16:15-16:45 17:10-17:30 PromptGuides.com © See all fun activites in Budapest. Click here > See all fun activites in Budapest. Click here

5-day Budapest City Guide 16 5-day Budapest City Guide 17 Page 19 Page 19 Page 20 Page 20 Page 20 Page 21 Remarkable cave church Stunning view over the city Truly remarkable square design Hungary's largest collection of international art An oasis of green Elegant square PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Budapest > hotels in Budapest recommended Tested and Lunch time tér station Take Metro Line 1 (Yellow) to Deák tér stop to Change to Tram nr 47 or 49 from Deák Gellért tér stop Take a walk to the Cave Church - 5’ Climb the Gellért Hill Take Metro Line 1 (Yellow) to Hősök tere station Take Metro Line 1 Fine Arts Museum Take a walk to the Park - 10’ Take a walk to City Cave Church Gellért Hill END OF DAY 3 Gellért Square City Park Heroes' Square Fine Arts Museum LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 15:50-17:20 15:20-15:50 15:00-15:15 11:10-12:00 09:30-11:00 09:00-09:30 Overview of Day 3 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 3 of Overview

5-day Budapest City Guide 18 5-day Budapest City Guide 19 1600 HUF Admission: Start your visit with the permanent exhibition Walk around and admire the impressive collection of art works with If you have the time continue your visit the temporary exhibition if there is any available The tickets to the temporary exhibition give access to the permanent one as well If you want to take photos inside the museum do not forget to by a photo ticket. It costs 300 HUF An audio guide is available for 1000 HUF The 4 statues on the top of the colonnades on the top of the The 4 statues Peace War (left, inner edge), represent: Welfare (left, edge), Work and (right, inner and Glory outer edge), and Knowledge (right, outer edge) impressive and huge Wander around the the wonderful square and admire composition of the statues in the evening when it Return to the square is beautifully illuminated MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41.) (Hősök tere, Budapest) (Hősök tere, PromptGuides.com © Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm, Mondays: Closed • Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm, Mondays: The museum features Raphael, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Goya and also a collection of ancient Egyptian and The musuem is particularly strong in with masterpieces of El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Ribera, Cano, Zurbarán and Goya The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) is housed in an imposing and neoclassical building built between 1900 1906 It is Hungary's largest collection of international art comprising more than 100,000 pieces The collection displays a wide range of artistic eras and genres The majority of the collection was amassed by the Habsburgs who once ruled the country 1896 to commemorate the 1000th 1896 to commemorate anniversary of Hungary's existance At the base of the central column, the mounted figures represent the 7 founding fathers of Hungary; at the top Archangel Gabriel holds St. Stephen's holy Crown Both colonnades feature 7 statues of e.g. important figures of Hungarian history, first king, St. Stephen, or , leader of the independence war of 1848-49 against Austria Heroes' Square (Hősök tere) is a grandiose (Hősök tere) Heroes' Square Avenue; the the end of Andrássy square at Wolrd Heritage site two forming a UNESCO since 2002 on each side are The two imposing buildings Arts (left) and Hall of Art the Museum of Fine (right) dominates the The Millennium Memorial a Corinthian column in square comprising of colonnades in the center and two semicircle the background the memorial started in The construction of Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Fine Arts Museum THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Heroes' Square Heroes' 09:30-11:00 09:00-09:30 Attraction Details Attraction Cave Church Enter the cave and enjoy the unusual church interior You can enjoy great views over the Danube, the Pest side, Szabadság Bridge and the Statue of Liberty on top of Gellért Hill is The entrance hall of Gellért Thermal Bath well worth a look. The entrance is on the Gellert Hill side of the hotel The cave is also called St. Ivan's Cave after a hermit who had lived here and healed the sick with the area's thermal water. The same water supplies now the Gellért Bath Follow the short path from opposite the entrance to the Gellért Baths to get to the is an architectural Vajdahunyad building styles the major museum presenting to for Romanesque used in Hungary is a replica of Part of the building Baroque. Vajdahunyad, an existing castle in was first built out of Vajdahunyad Castle Celebrations. It cardboard for the Millienium a permament, stone was so popular that building was erected explore this green park Take your time and architecture (baroque Admire the beautiful Castle and facade) of Vajdahunyad Széchenyi Bath It is a must see for families with kids: Amusement Park, Zoo, Grand Circus MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE Free Admission: (Gellért tér, Budapest) (1114 Budapest, Szent Gellért rakpart 1.) PromptGuides.com (Dózsa György út, Budapest) (Dózsa György © Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Saturday: 6pm - 7.30pm, They continue to use it for religious functions Pauline monks built this remarkable church inside Gellért Hill after a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. The church was consecrated in 1926 During World War II it functioned as a military hospital for the Nazi army In an attempt to curb the power of the Catholic Church the raided the church in 1951. The prior was murdered; the monks were imprisoned After the raid the church was sealed. After the fall of communism the monks regained the temple and reopened it in 1989 The square is dominated by Hotel Gellert, an The square is dominated by Hotel Gellert, elegant historic spa hotel The spa complex was built in 1918 in Art Nouveau style It has a marvelous indoor pool with Roman style marble columns and majolica tiles Admire the elegant historic building of Hotel Gellért and the fountain in front of it Amusement Park, Budapest Circus, rink Széchenyi Bath, Városliget Pond (an ice in winter) air The Városliget ice rink is the largest open ice rink in Europe (currently it is under reconstruction) Gellert Square is situated at the foot of Gellert Hill on the Danube bank on Buda side City park (Városliget) is a landscape public is a landscape City park (Városliget) was Budapest. Városliget park in Central the world first public parks in among the open to the whole public a meadow and popular The area used to be It was turned hunting area for noblemen. beginning of the 19th into a city park at the century venue of the 1896 It used to be the main Hungary's 1000th Millenium Celebrations, were built then anniversary. Many attractions or Vajdahunyad such as Heroes' Square Castle the Zoo, Other attractions include: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS TO DO THERE Cave Church Opening hours: Sundays: Closed for visitors • Gellért Square THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW City Park YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 15:00-15:15 11:10-12:00 15:20-15:50 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 20 5-day Budapest City Guide 21 Attraction Details Attraction Start climbing the hill from Gellert square the hill from Gellert Start climbing paths up the of the many walking Follow one hill of the city that Enjoy the stunning view along the way changes with each turn platforms and Stop at the many viewing relax on the benches take a look at the On the top of the hill walk around the citadel statue of liberty and hill on the other side Walk down from the Wear comfortable shoes MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS PromptGuides.com © Habsburgs built this fortress as a show of Habsburgs built this fortress as a show power after suppressing the 1848-49 independence war is The Statue of Liberty in front of the Citadel one of the few remaining Soviet monuments. It commemorates the liberation of Hungary from the Nazis Gellert Hill is a 140 m high dolomit hill above is a 140 m high dolomit Gellert Hill in Budapest on the Buda side the Danube views of of the most stunning It offers one Castle, the Hungarian the city with the Buda Island and the Danube Parliament, Margaret after bishop Gellert The hill takes its name around 1000 AD to help who came from Italy first king, to convert St. Stephen, Hungary's his people to Christianity him by rolling him Resisiting pagans killed A statue of him down the hill in a barrel. slope facing Elisabeth holding a cross on the his death Bridge commemorates the top of the hill. The The Citadel occupies Gellért Hill Gellért YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 15:50-17:20 Page 24 Page 24 Page 25 Page 25 Landscape park with various attractions Tasty Hungarian delicacies World's second largest synagogue Great historical exhibition Tested and recommended hotels in Budapest > hotels in Budapest recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © 30’ in all Lunch time Take a walk to tram stop tér stop (Direction: Take Tram nr 4 or 6 to Jászai Mari Moszkva tér) to Take a walk through Take Tram nr 47 or 49 to Fővám tér stop Take Tram nr 47 or 49 to Astoria stop (Direction: Deák Take Tram nr 47 or tér) - 15’ tér metro station Take a walk to Deák - (Yellow) to Vörösmarty utca station Take Metro Line 1 Margaret Island END OF DAY 4 LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Hall Great Market Great Synagogue 15:00-17:00 11:30-12:50 09:00-09:45 10:00-11:00 Overview of Day 4 Day of Overview

5-day Budapest City Guide 22 5-day Budapest City Guide 23 Overview of Day 4 of Overview PromptGuides.com © 2000 HUF Admission: During Communism the ruined building became a praying place for the remainding Jewish populaton. The synagogue was reconstructed between 1991 and 1998 Admire the impressive building form the outside Enter the synagogue and walk around enjoying the rich decoration The temple's acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts If you would like to learn more about the synagogue take the guided tour The seats on the groundfloor are for men, while the upper gallery has seats for women Men have to cover their heads with a kippa. It is available to borrow Originally vendors used an indoor channel vendors used an indoor Originally products; it is no system to bring in their longer used between The Hall was reconstructed Zsolnay tiles were 1991-94 when beautiful installed on the roof renovated building Take a look at the nicely from the outside shop for some tasty Stroll the market and specialities MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (1093 Budapest, Vámház körút 1-3) Vámház körút (1093 Budapest, (1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 2.) PromptGuides.com © March 1 - October 31, Sun - Thurs: 10am - 5.30pm, March 1 - October 31, March 1 - October 31, Sun - Thurs: 10am Mondays: 6am - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday: 6am - 6pm, Saturdays: 6am - 3pm, Sundays: Saturdays: 6am - Friday: 6am - 6pm, 6am - 5pm, Tuesday Mondays: stands on the site of the birth house of Tivadar Herzl, father of modern Zionism and mastermind of the independent Jewish State In World War II, it was the center part of the Jewish ghetto. It suffered severe damages in the period, especially in the siege of Budapest it can hold 3000 people It was built between 1854 and 1859 in of Moorish style but it also features a mix It Byzantine, Romantic and Gothic elements. has a suitably lavish interior Its style and form, especially the onion domes of the twin towers, much influenced synagogues' design internationally The complex also includes the Hungarian Jewish Museum, a graveyard, and a Holocaust Monument, a metallic weeping willow with the names of those died in the Holocaust The Jewish Museum, opened in 1931, before the original handover day (in 1886) before the original handover the roof burnt down and had to be rebuilt It was one of the most modern market halls of its time The Great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world (after New York); After the unification of Buda and Pest in After the unification to expand rapidly 1873, the city begun markets were The unorganized outdoor the increasing insufficent in supplying with fresh products number of inhabitants 5 covered The city council commissioned lighting and market halls with modern refrigeration Great Market Hall began Construction of the in 1897; few days in 1894 and finished Great Synagogue Opening hours: 28, Sun - Thurs: 10am - 3.30pm, November 1 - Fri: 10am - 3.30pm, November 1 - Februar Closed • Februar 28, Fri: 10am - 1.30pm, Saturdays: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: Closed YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Great Market Hall Great 10:00-11:00 09:00-09:45 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 24 5-day Budapest City Guide 25 1800 HUF Attraction Details Attraction Admission: zoo and a small Japanese Garden Explore the island's attractions including romantic walkways, medieval ruins, a small zoo, a musical fontain, a water tower, the lido and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere For those who prefer not to walk but still want to explore, 4-seater pedal and motorized carts are available for rental will If you fancy a snack or an ice cream you find many kiosks The musuem was opened in 2002 in a was opened in 2002 The musuem air hihgly politicized exhibition Walk around the informative a Russian tank, The highlights include the era including genuine exhibits of Cross uniforms and Hungarian Nazi Arrow gallows the trip to the cells and Other highlights are: the Music well, 13th tiny century ruins of St Margaret's abbey, the MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 60.) Andrássy út (1062 Budapest, PromptGuides.com © Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm, Mondays: Closed • Mondays: Closed - Sunday: 10am - 6pm, Tuesday its name after St. Margaret, the daughter of its name after St. Margaret, the daughter King Bela IV, who lived here in the 13th century to King Béla devoted his daughter to god thank him for ridding his country of the invading Mongoles Today the island is covered with a landscape park, and it is a popular recreational area with running tracks, swimming pools and other sports facilities The Music Fountain and the octagonal Water tower are protected UNESCO sites who were detained, interrogated, tortured or who were detained, interrogated, tortured killed here in the Margaret Island is a 2,5 km long island middle of the Danube in central Budapest were Originally it was 3 separate islands that the connected in the 19th century to control flow of the Danube In the middle ages the islands housed an imporant religious center. The island takes The House of Terror Museum is located at of Terror Museum The House both Avenue in a building 60 Andrássy used as a place of Communists and Fascists and killings interrogation, torture and tells the story of The musuem exhibits the Fascist and the terror and brutalities regimes committed in Communist dictatorial the 20th century that greets you; to the From a Russian tank their jailors; film pictures of victims and to the cells and footages; and the trip a striking experience gallows make the visit a memorial to the people The building is also Margaret Island THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS House of Terror House Opening hours: 11:30-12:50 15:00-17:00 PromptGuides.com ©

5-day Budapest City Guide 26 5-day Budapest City Guide 27 Page 29 Page 30 Picturesque small town Picturesque small A unique and relaxing thermal bath experience PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Budapest > hotels in Budapest recommended Tested and (Direction: Örs vezér tere) (Direction: Örs vezér Széchenyi fürdő Change to Metro Line 1 (Yellow) to station (Direction: Mexikói út) Take HEV from Batthyány tér station to Szentendre Take HEV from Batthyány station - 40’ Vigadó square at 9am Or take the boat from Lunch time station to Batthyány tér Take HEV from Szentendre station 2 (Red) to Deák tér station Change to Metro Line Széchenyi Bath END OF DAY 5 Szentendre LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 16:00-18:00 10:00-12:30 Overview of Day 5 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 5 of Overview

5-day Budapest City Guide 28 5-day Budapest City Guide 29 Hungarian Open Air (Skanzen). It is open Apr 1 - Oct Start your at Fő Tér (Main square) that is the at Fő Tér (Main square) Start your town heart of the climb the hill views of the town For the best to the church along the river front Stroll the fine boulevard town and Szentendre with nice views of the Island many cafés and Relax in one of the restaurants 30 daily (except Mon): Boat trip: May 1 - Aug boat station. The 9am from Vigado square journey takes 90 min Do not miss the Museum 30, Tue - Sun, 9am-5pm. Admission: 1400 HUF bay To get to the Skanzen take the bus from 7 of the bus station (near the suburban railway (HEV) station) to Tegez utca stop MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS PromptGuides.com © (2000 Szentendre) by boat take a short walk to the center terraces offer an excellent place to relax and terraces offer an excellent enjoy something tasty Many artists fall in love with the town's atmosphere and settled down here in the 20th c. The many museums and galleries well attest to this The Margit Kovacs Museum displays the works of one of Hungary's best ceramic artists The town also gives home to a Marzipan museum walk If you arrive by suburban railway (HÉV) along the Danube to the center. If you arrive Szentendre is a small romantic riverside is a small romantic Szentendre picturesque from Budapest with town 15 km houses and cobbled streets, pastel-coloured tall Orthodox churches in the 17th-18th Established by Serbs the center of the century, for long it was Hungarian Serb community to a 60 ha Open Air Szentendre gives home (Skanzen) that Ethnography Museum lived between the features how 18th century and WWI with street side Many cafés and restaurants THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Szentendre 10:00-12:30 Attraction Details Attraction Head to the changing rooms and after changing rooms and Head to the (using clothes in the lockers storing your area enter the bathing your "watch") medicinal baths or Explore all of the indoor pools head out the open air pool chess boards, Do not miss the famous gather around to play where Hungarian men of saunas inside the Enjoy different types various massages complex along with sexes The bath is for both or swimsuit they can If you forgot your towel in the spa be rented or bought the entrance fee On weekends and holidays is higher than on weekdays in It is an unforgettable experience to bathe the outside thermal pools in the cold winter MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS 2800 - 3750 HUF 2800 - 3750 Admission: (1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 11.) Állatkerti krt. (1146 Budapest, PromptGuides.com © Daily: 6am - 10pm • Daily: 6am their temperature are 74 °C (165 °F) and 77 their temperature are 74 °C (165 °F) and °C (171 °F) The bath is named after Count Istvan Szechenyi, the 'greatest Hungarian', mastermind and financer of the Chain Bridge of Admire the stunning Neo-baroque exterior the building Buy your ticket. You will be given what the appears to be a watch. At the turn styles is attendant will activate your "watch". This your electronic key for a secure locker to store your belongings Szechenyi Bath and Spa is located in a Bath and Spa is located Szechenyi an attraction building, stunning Neo-baroque on its own right 1913 as the first It opened its gates in a temporary bath in permanent bath in Pest; back to 1881 the same location dates medicinal bath; the This is Europe's largest (both indoor and complex has 15 pools a full range of thermal outdoor) and offers water treatments and massage services Sauna, steam room are also available here supply it with water; Two thermal springs THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Széchenyi Bath Széchenyi Opening hours: 16:00-18:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Budapest City Guide 30 5-day Budapest City Guide 31 PromptGuides.com © • • PONCE 2007 • Gellért • St. • • Andrew • Danube Julie Lyn Neilhooting the jabberwock • Heroes' Square: Adam Reeder Hungarian Snow wfbakker2 • Chain Bridge: PromptGuides.com • City Park: Photo by • Andrássy Avenue: maistora Elin B To Uncertainty And Beyond kicsikrumpli Chad Briggs • The Castle District: Photo by • The Castle District: Photo by • Kossuth Square: Photo by • Kossuth Square: • House of Terror: Photo by • Matthias Church: Photo by • Szentendre: Photo by • Váci Street: Photo by • House of Hungarian Art Nouveau: • House of Hungarian • Cave Church: Photo by PromptGuides.com © das21 Toni Kaarttinen swperman • Szabadság Square: Photo by • Szabadság Square: Photo by Old Fogey 1942 muppetspanker karcsibacsi25 • Opera House: Photo by dennis.tang allytibbitt Vlastula Adam Reeder szeke Klearchos Kapoutsis • Great Market Hall: Photo by • Great Market Hall: Photo by • Nyugati Railway station: Photo by • Nyugati Railway station: Photo • Fine Arts Museum: Photo by • Fine Arts Museum: Photo by Tanukik • Cave Hospital and Bunker: Photo by • Cave Hospital and Bunker: satanslaundromat thinkingjosh j0nny_t PromptGuides.com Széchenyi Bath: Photo by Hill: Photo by Great Synagogue: Photo by • Margaret Island: Photo by Photo by • Gellért Square: Photo by d'Entremont Photo by Photo by Stephen's Basilica: Photo by Promenade: Photo by Fisherman's Bastion: Photo by Hungarian Parliament: Photo by Hungarian Parliament: Photo by Attraction details Photo by Batthyány Square: Map http://www.bing.com/maps Cover photo #3: Photo by Cover photo #3: Cover page Cover by #1: Photo Cover photo by #2: Photo Cover photo Photo credits Photo

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