BUDAPEST INFORMATION WHY HUNGARY, BUDAPEST? Hungary has always been a hub and a meeting point in the very heart of Europe. You can find here the footprints of the Barbarians, the Roman and Ottoman Empires. You can trace the early Catholicism as well as visit the largest operating synagogue in Europe. Full-fledged market economy and a unique blend of cultural, architectural, culinary and everyday lifestyles mark the whole country, particularly the beautiful capital city of Budapest. Easy access from overseas. Short flights from all European capitals, more and more low-cost airlines operating flights to Hungary, see our current available flights in the proposal. Cultural wealth, integral part of European culture. The possibility of listening of contemporary and classical music, opera performed by internationally renowned stars, fiery local gypsy music, top class jazz, the ever popular operetta, folk music and dance in one of Budapest’s numerous concert halls, opera house, restaurants, bars and music clubs. There are a variety of museums, art galleries and exhibition halls to explore. Budapest • Pearl of the Danube. There are few more suitable places worldwide where the uplifting cultural experience could better be combined with the rejuvenating experience of a health spa treatment than Budapest. Scenic beauties. The protected Puszta-regions, the Great Plain, the romantic Danube Bend with historic sites, pretty baroque towns like Eger, Lake Balaton the largest fresh water lake of Central Europe, are pleasant places for leisure time programs. Well-developed infrastructure for conferences and incentives. Deluxe and five star hotels, well skilled and knowledgeable guides, legendary art of cuisine, widely varied, extraordinary venues. Friendly people, genuine hospitality, public safety. You simply feel comfortable. Gastronomy. Dine in luxurious but still affordable restaurants offering the best of world famous Hungarian cuisine and wines. Shopping. Ceramics, embroideries, hand painted Herend and Zsolnai porcelain, antiques, Halas - lace, delicacies like red paprika, salami, excellent brandies and world famous wines e.g. the Aszu of Tokaj, the Egri Bikavér, etc. Affordable. Based on the price-value conditions Hungary is still among the most reasonable destinations in Europe. 1 BUDAPEST INFORMATION BUDAPEST, THE DESTINATION Budapest is the capital of Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, and with its population over 2 million being the 9th largest city in the European Union. Thanks to its natural beauty, architectural artworks, relaxing atmosphere and entertainment opportunities Budapest is the perfect place to be. The sign of the international recognition of the city is the Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s competition in 2015 voted Budapest the Second Best City in the world. The well-developed infrastructure, dynamically developing economy and vibrant academic and cultural life of the city makes Budapest one of Europe’s favored locations for conferences. Since the 1990s the capital of Hungary has been chosen as the venue for several international events, congresses and conferences of great importance. Located in the heart of Europe 9th largest city in the European Union Population over 2million Short flights from all European capitals Friendly locals, genuine hospitality, public safety Food and wine Affordable luxury Condé Nast Traveler – Budapest 2nd Best City in the World: Readers' Choice Awards 2015! Budapest won an amazing 2nd place for the "Best Cities in the World: Readers' Choice Awards 2015!" of the Condé Nast Traveler magazine! „With some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, scenic Budapest has no bad angles. Explore the Hungarian capital’s spa culture with thermal baths built in the 16th and 17th century, and make sure to pay a visit to the ornate New York Kávéház for coffee and a pastry.Walk the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at night over the Danube River for magnificent views…” (Condé Nast Traveler – "Best Cities in the World: Readers' Choice Awards 2015!") 2 BUDAPEST INFORMATION The latest tourism news of Budapest prove well that the capital of Hungary is an important destination both for the foreign tourists and businessmen: European Best Destinations – Budapest 5th Best European Destination 2014! Budapest been elected the 5th Best European Destination in 2014 ahead of 19 big European cities. „Budapest is a city of full of surprises and wonder, with its lively centre, pretty parks, majestic river, tall church spires and lavish spas. One of the most exciting cities in the world. Budapest is full of secrets to uncover, hidden spots to explore and old favorites to revisit…” (European Best Destinations - Best European Destination 2014 – Budapest) European Best Destinations - Budapest one of the most romantic destinations in Europe! „With the Buda Castle in the background, the Hungarian capital’s first bridge, now a monument, is a fascinating spectacle that has attracted many tourists to Budapest…” (European Best Destinations - Most romantic destination in Europe) U City Guides – Budapest, the Queen of the Danube! „Two cities separated by the Danube River became one and formed one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Today, Budapest has also grown in the number of tourist visits, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and boutiques opening their doors…” (UCityGuides.com - Budapest the Queen of the Danube) CNN Insider Guide –„Where to go & what to do in Budapest” „Budapest usually comes as a sweet surprise to travelers, who don't quite know what expect before visiting this city. With the wide Danube winding through its center, one of Europe's most stunning skylines and plenty of fabulous architecture lining the Buda and Pest sides of the river, Budapest can justly claim to be one of Europe's prettiest cities…” (CNN Insider Guide - „Where to go & what to do in Budapest”) We Love Budapest – Top 10 Indoor things to do in Budapest „Whether you are taking a quick trip to the Hungarian capital or are staying here for years, step inside any of these striking urban settings to get unique insider perspectives on assorted Budapest attractions. From monumental sights to classic coffeehouses to underground caverns, a wide variety of sheltered destinations welcome visitors citywide to spend unforgettable days and nights amid buzzing metropolitan sites no matter what the weather brings…” (We Love Budapest – Top 10 Indoor things to do in Budapest) Click here for our website to read further information and see more pictures of Budapest! The Guardian’s recommendation: ”Enjoy happy holidays in Hungary…” 3 BUDAPEST INFORMATION New York Café in Budapest (read more) In Ucityguides’ other toplist which are ranking the coffee houses of the world, the New York Café in Budapest is the most beautiful Coffee House in the world. Corinthia Hotel Budapest (read more) Corinthia Hotel Budapest was named one of the Best Hotels in Europe in the 2012 Gogobot Travelers’ Favorite Awards. The best hotels are chosen based on the opinions of 2.5 million members worldwide. Corinthia Hotel Budapest has been selected out of thousands of hotels as one of the top 25 hotels in Europe. Visit the world’s third largest Parliament building, the Hungarian Parliament or take a walk in the area, which is becoming one of the new cultural centres of Budapest and see our National Theatre. Nightvision is a celebration of the brilliance and diversity of architecture found across Europe. The Hungarian Parliament and National Theatre have been selected as one of the most beautiful buildings. 4 BUDAPEST INFORMATION Gresham Palace (read more) Gresham Palace is among the top 15 most beautiful buildings around the world. Furthermore in January 2015 it has been the Best Hotel in Europe according to TripAdvisor. Great Market Hall (read more) 20 March, 2013 CNN Global News: „Europe has a huge choice of markets selling everything from bric-a-brac to food, from designer lookalikes to books and papers. Here are our favourites: 1. Great Market Hall, Budapest, Hungary…” Buddha Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace (read more) Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace has been awarded "Best International Hotel Interior" by the International Hotel Award. 5 BUDAPEST INFORMATION Gellért Thermal Bath (read more) On 8th January 2014 the Spanish El Economista has presented a new compilation on the five most beautiful swimming pools in the world, among which the swimming pools of Gellért Thermal Bath is mentioned on the first place. Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Rudas Turkish Bath (read more) In addition to the above-mentioned Gellért Bath both the Széchenyi Thermal and the Rudas-Turkish Baths have been on the first place recommended by SPIEGEL. A38 Ship (read more) According to Lonely Planet A38 Ship - moored on the Buda side just south of Petőfi Bridge - was the world’s best bar in 2012. 6 BUDAPEST INFORMATION ACCESS Transportation to Hungexpo Public transport: Bus 10 is passing on a round way from Őrs Vezér Tere metro station around HUNGEXPO and basically stops at each gate. The schedule of this bus can be ordered for higher frequency in some assigned periods. According to the requirements the bus can pass in 5-10 minutes frequency for one hour in the morning and in the afternoon, and during the rest of the day we can keep the 20 min. frequency. Basically the bus stops at each gate, but it is possible to order it only for stopping at certain gates. Several signage options are also available, varying from bus-stop and route signage at the final station to gate signage and window stickers at the main entrance. An exact offer with the costs of this service can be made according to the requirements in an extra agreement. This transportation solution is operated by the Centre for Budapest Transport. Furthermore the venue is also accessible from the city center in 12 minutes by tram no.37 from the end station Blaha Lujza square. About the metro lines please see the details on pages 33-34 below.