GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AND 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 : Electricity : 220V, 50Hz Population : 10.4 million Time : GMT +1 hour

Some interesting webpages:

Here you can find brochures, videos and interesting facts about : http://www.hungarytourism.hu/

A fun magazine about 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 (M3 line). A characteristic vehicle of the Grand Boulevard is the tram, No. 4 and 6, reaching both in the north ( Moszkva tér ) and the south ( Móricz Zsigmond körtér ).

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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- 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 . 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.

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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 . 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 District in Budapest

Take the historical Funicular Railway uphill, and walk around the - enjoy the view from the Fishermen's Bastion , visit the , 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 , spot the Anonymous statue and , and check out the weekend flea market at PECSA.

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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 promenade , marvel at the Parliament go over the and take a fun bike to go around

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 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 , 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.

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Cuisine in Budapest

Try 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. • Afterwards visit Matthias Church. Spend the rest of the morning exploring Castle Hill and the imposing grounds of the Royal Palace before making your way over to the Pest side. • Take bus #16 to Pest and go for lunch in Budapest's famous Great Market Hall. Have something typically Hungarian for your lunch like Hungarian sausage and goulash. • Mosey on down Vaci útca, Budapest's flagship shopping street. This tree-lined street is pleasant to stroll down, whether you are shopping or not. • Take the metro from Deák Square to Oktagon. Stroll up Andrássy Av, Budapest's answer to the Champs Elysees, before ending up in Heroes Square. • No visit to Budapest is complete without a visit to the baths. Szechenyi Baths are close to this square. Spend at least two hours there to fully appreciate them. • After freshening up in your hostel, go for something to eat in one of the cafés around Liszt Ferenc Square. Café Vian does good Hungarian food at decent prices. • This same square is always a good place for a few relaxed beers. If you need a change of scenery from Café Vian, check out Café Miro Grande next door. • Finish the night off partying away in Morrison's 2 Music Club, one of Budapest's most popular after dark haunts.

If you plan to spend more days in the Hungarian capital, the following itineraries are suggested :

Day 1: Take It from the Top There's a good reason why Castle Hill is the undisputed first stop on everyone's itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a genuine "wow factor," yet it is compact enough for jet- lagged—or late-arriving—visitors to cover on their first day. Begin by poking around the Royal Palace (time permitting, tour the Hungarian National Gallery in its center block). Next, stroll along the cobblestone streets between colorful baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance facades, stopping in for a look at Matthias Church; then head for Fishermen's Bastion. The view from its Disneyesque turrets isn't just achingly beautiful: it will help you get your bearings! If you need a caffeine fix to keep you going—or just want to get a fix on Budapest's coffee culture— drop into Ruszwurm, the city's oldest café.

Day 2: On the Boulevard Today, turn your back on hilly Buda and get acquainted with blessedly flat Pest. Start with a look inside massive Szent István Bazilika. Views from the cupola are worth the climb; though you may want to save your energy for the walk along Andrássy út, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, pick and choose between the attractions (the Operaház and Terror Háza are favorites), leaving time to ogle other architectural treasures. The boulevard comes to a climatic finish at Hosök tere, where the Millennial Monument is flanked by two more museums. After perusing Old Masters in the Fodor's-recommended Szépmuvészeti, take the

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Millennial Underground back to the opera house for an evening performance. Then wrap things up by toasting the good life with an alfresco nightcap (and some world-class people- watching) on nearby Liszt Ferenc tér.

Day 3: Playing in Pest Time for a little self-indulgence! Kick off your day the Budapest way by breakfasting at Café Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty tér; then spend the morning browsing around Váci utca. Even if shopping's not your bag, you'll find the street to be a fascinating study in contrasts as it runs south past Euro-style boutiques, through the university area, to the venerable Vásárcsarnok Market. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a tour. Commercial ones cater to almost every taste—and cover almost every mode of transportation, from boats and bikes to balloons. Major sites, like Parliament, also offer tours. Prefer to be independent? Www.budapestinfo.hu outlines self-guided walks relating to subjects like Bauhaus architecture and Jewish history.

Day 4: Parking Permitted Budapesters love their parks—and you will, too, because the best of the bunch offer both gorgeous greenery and plentiful bathing opportunities. If you happen to be staying at either the Grand Hotel Margitsziget or Thermal Hotel Margitsziget, Margaret Island is a serendipitous place to take the plunge. Otherwise, head for City Park, at the northeast end of Andrássy út. Developed as the centerpiece of Hungary's 1896 millennial celebrations, this urban oasis is the setting for the Széchenyi Baths. You could while away hours in its indoor and outdoor thermal pools. But before your toes get too wrinkled, consider City Park's other attractions. Beyond the baths, kids can kick back at the zoo, fun fair, and circus. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy a smattering of museums and concert venues, plus one of Budapest's best-loved restaurants ().

Day 5: Around the Bend By now you've probably crisscrossed the Danube on countless occasions. So it's high time you actually got out on the water. The ideal way to do it is by taking a leisurely two-hour boat trip upriver to . Although it's known primarily as an artists' colony, there's more to this picturesque little town than galleries and cutesy crafts shops. For instance, Hungary's Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (a site that re-creates village life from centuries past) is located on the outskirts. Those who wish to take everything in can gain precious sightseeing time by opting for the shorter land route when returning to Budapest. Once back, you can compensate for your abbreviated boat trip by booking a moonlight dinner cruise through the city itself.

Day 6: Head for the Hills Want to escape the urban scene without leaving the city limits? No problem. Gellért Hill is the laced with trails leading up—waaay up—to the towering Liberation Monument and the behind it. (Don't worry about aching muscles. You can lounge later in one of three vintage baths located on the hill). More outdoorsy adventures are available in the Buda Hills: and you don't have to be die-hard hiker to take advantage of them. János Hill, for example, can be accessed via a panoramic chairlift or a narrow-gauge train that's operated primarily by children. You'll find equally intriguing sites beneath these hills: namely some 200 caves, several of which are open to sightseers and spelunkers. Whatever you choose, reward yourself afterward with a down-home Hungarian dinner, complete with noodle pudding and live Gypsy music.

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