2010-06 Information on Budapest
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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HUNGARY AND BUDAPEST FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OF GBE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2010 THURSDAY , JULY 8TH – FRIDAY , JULY 9TH 2010 General Information on Hungary Capital : Budapest Language : Hungarian Country Code : +36 Area : 93,000 sq km Currency : Hungarian forint Electricity : 220V, 50Hz Population : 10.4 million Time : GMT +1 hour Some interesting webpages: Here you can find brochures, videos and interesting facts about tourism in Hungary: http://www.hungarytourism.hu/ A fun magazine about Hungarians and Hungary through a foreigner’s eyes: http://www.hunreal.com/ Transportation The Airport is located within the boundaries of Budapest, 16km eastward from the City, alongside Main Road 4. By train Passengers can easily reach Ferihegy Terminal 1 from the Western Railway Station in Budapest. On the weekdays 51 and at weekends 38 trains ease the traffic from the city centre to the airport in less than half an hour for 365 HUF. There are around 60 trains on weekdays and 45 at weekends from the airport to the city center. More » Budapest nyugati pályaudvar ( Budapest Western Railway Station) The square serves as a transportation hub with several bus lines, trams 4 and 6, and a station of the Budapest Metro (M3 line). A characteristic vehicle of the Grand Boulevard is the tram, No. 4 and 6, reaching Buda both in the north ( Moszkva tér ) and the south ( Móricz Zsigmond körtér ). 1/6 By taxi A new taxi operator has recently started operating from Ferihegy. Zóna taxi offers low prices and high quality levels of service. At the same time, pre-ordered taxis can be ordered as usual at the airport. Further details on Zóna taxi can be found here. More » By minibus Similar to most airports, Budapest Airport also operates a ‘shuttle service’ called ‘Airport Minibus’. Passengers are taken to a previously requested address by microbuses with eight to eleven seats. Multi-language speaking drivers are on board, who know Budapest and its traffic, including the simplest and fastest routes to their destinations. Guests who use the Minibus can get into direct contact with the Airport to obtain information about their flights during the journey. More » By metro and bus Budapest Airport is also relatively well accessible by public transportation means. Passengers are taken by a direct bus service from Terminals 1 and 2, called the Bus 200 to Köbánya-Kispest metro terminal. The new service from BKV adjusts much better to the passenger traffic at the airport: it is larger, so bigger luggage can be more easily transported; it operates more frequently; and it operates for longer hours providing a link between the city and the airport even after midnight and at early dawn. Bus 93 operates from Terminal 1 to K ıbánya-Kispest Metro Station. By the 'blue’ (3) Metro you can reach Deák Ferenc Square in the City in 20 minutes. The fare for public transportation is HUF 320 [400 HUF when buying on the bus from the driver for the one-way through-ticket. For more information about the public transportation of Budapest see www.bkv.hu. Public transport in Budapest Public transport in Budapest is excellent by international standards. (Within the entire populated area of Budapest one can always find a stop/station within 400 metres.) A wide variety of buses, trolley buses, trams and underground trains (metro map on the back cover) usually operate from 4.30am to 11p.m. At night the No.15 bus and 2 tram lines are in service. Bus No.78 runs at night roughly the same route as the M2 , while the No.182 that of the M3 . Detailed information is available at the information bureaux. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the terminals, metro stations or newsagents. Single tickets are the same for each mode of transport. If accompanied by an adult, children under 6 do not need a ticket. There are no conductors on the vehicles: you must validate your ticket at the start of the journey. (Fines for not holding a validated ticket are high.) Types of tickets : Single ticket, 24-hour travel card, 72-hour travel card, 7-day travel card. Season tickets with photo for 14 or 30 days are also available. Ticket and travelpass prices Remember that the Budapest Card entitles the holder to free travel for three days. On buses, trolley buses and on some trams you must push a button next to the door to indicate your intention to get off, while other vehicles alight at all stops. Budapest has three underground metro lines intersecting at Deák tér: • M1, yellow line from Vörösmarty tér to Mexikói út • M2, red line from Déli train station to Örs vezér tere • M3, blue line from Újpest-Központ to Kõbánya-Kispest. 2/6 A possible source of confusion on the M1 is that one stop is called Vörösmarty tér and another is Vörösmarty utca. The HÉV suburban railway, which runs north from Batthyány tér, is almost like a fourth metro line. There is also a very extensive network of tram, trolleybus and bus services run by the BKV transport company; you will seldom wait more than a few minutes for any of them. On certain bus lines the same numbered bus may have the letter “E” next to it’s number which means it is an express line which does not stop at all the stops of the regular bus. The venue The conference will take place at the Festetics Palais . The Festetics Palais is located in the heart of the city, behind the National Museum on the corner of Bródy Sándor utca and Pollack Mihály tér, in what was the centre of the former Palais and Magnate Quarter. The building is a two-minute walk from either Kálvin tér or Astoria (both are stops on the M2). Thus it is equally easy to reach by public transportation as it is by car. (Map) Metered parking is available in Bródy utca, in the underground car park beneath Pollack Mihály tér as well as in the parking garage next to Kálvin tér. Thing to do in Budapest Here you can read the top 10 things to do in Budapest recommended by TopBudapest.com: Bathe in Budapest Soak, have a lazy morning, and get some massages in one of the best Budapest Baths , like Szechenyi Baths ,Gellert Baths , or Rudas Baths . Having a healing bath is not only good for your joints, it is also a great way to get back your strength after stress, late night parties or jet lag. Try one of the therapies and drinking cures too. If you like chess, head for Szechenyi and challenge the local players. Royal Palace District in Budapest Take the historical Funicular Railway uphill, and walk around the Buda Castle - enjoy the view from the Fishermen's Bastion , visit the Matthias Church , have a cake and coffee in Cafe Ruszwurm , and indulge in about 50 regional wines in the House of Hungarian Wines Heroes Square Budapest Visit the Heroes' square featuring the historical equestrian statue complex called the Millennial Monument . The square is flanked by two high-quality fine art institutes, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Arts. Alternatively, take a walk in the City Park, spot the Anonymous statue and Vajdahunyad Castle, and check out the weekend flea market at PECSA. 3/6 Shopping in Budapest Buy gifts, fresh vegetables and fruits, Hungarian paprika , tablecloths, and try the Hungarian savory snack, 'Langos' in the Central Market Hall Walk by the River in Budapest Walk along the Danube promenade , marvel at the Parliament go over the Margaret bridge and take a fun bike to go around Margaret Island River Cruise on the Danube Get in a river boat and sip some nice wine, beer or juice while enjoying the night-lit world heritage view of the two sides of the Danube Music in Budapest Enjoy operas in the beautiful Opera House (snacks in the break are also a treat) and/ or listen to classical concerts at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. For a unique experience, listen to the Budapest Klezmer Band. If classical music is not for you, go to one of the great music festivals (e.g. Student Island/ Diaksziget in Hajogyar Island in Budapest or Balatone Festival in Zanka or Volt Festival in Sopron, etc.). For local concerts almost for free, visit Godor Club (Erzsebet ter) or go to Green Pardon (Zold Pardon), or check out some fresh music programs by talking to guys & gals in a pub/ cafe - everyone will be happy to help you. Jewish Budapest Visit the Grand Synagogue , the Jewish Museum, and the old Jewish district, try kosher cakes at Cafe Frohlich (if you are lucky you can listen to some klezmer music at the Synagogue too). Budapest Nightlife, Parties Take part in Budapest nightlife: lots of parties, pubs, bars and clubs. Budapest definitely caters for all tastes and inclinations, dancing and drinking habits - plus the city is quite safe even at night, people are very friendly, girls gorgeous, but use your common sense, after all it's a city of 2 million people. Enhance your nightlife experience by checking out one of the best Budapest festivals. 4/6 Cuisine in Budapest Try Hungarian cuisine and confectionery in one of the best Budapest restaurants , or one of the Top Budapest cafes - give priority to goose, duck, wild boar and desserts plus the matching Hungarian wines. Leave some room for the best Hungarian pastries for dessert. Suggested itineraries If you have only one day in Budapest, we suggest the following tour . • Start your day at Fishermen's Bastion in Castle Hill in Buda, taking in the view of Parliament among other buildings.