Budapest is the capital of which side. Countries of Europe - Hungary - the capital of Hungary, the city of Budapest. Mobile communications and Internet

Notable for its colorfulness and interesting history. The city attracts a significant number of tourists every year due to its unique architecture and healing mineral springs. Knowing where you are, you can always make an exciting trip to the capital of Hungary.

Where is the city of Budapest

The geographical landmarks of the city are the lowlands of the Carpathian basin, surrounded by the South Slavic mountain ranges, as well as the Alps and Carpathians. Budapest was founded in 1873, when the local government decided to merge cities such as Pest, Obuda and Buda. At the same time, the Danube today serves as a natural border between the two parts of the city, forming hilly and flat landscapes.

In the region of the Buda Mountains is the highest point of the capital of Hungary called Janos (530 m). The presence of mineral springs in Budapest is explained by the fact that the city is located on a tectonic fault. The territory of the city includes an insular part, consisting of seven islands.

In the immediate vicinity of Budapest, there are the cities of Szentendre, Gödöllö, and others.

History of Budapest

The past of the city is closely connected with the Celtic settlement of Ak-Ink, the first mention of which dates back to the 1st century BC. NS. Later Ak-Ink was renamed Aquincum, and the Romans who came to these places gave the settlement the official status of the capital of the province of Pannonia.

In the middle of the 5th century, the territory of modern Budapest was inhabited by the Huns and Ostrogoths, who established their own customs and traditions. Three centuries later, representatives of the Hungarian tribes ruled in Aquincum, who renamed the city Buda.

After the Mongol invasion in 1241, Budapest was badly destroyed and rebuilt for a long time. Only in 1247, by order of King Bel IV, a powerful defensive structure was erected, subsequently protecting the city from foreign invaders.

In the first half of the 16th century, Pest, Obuda and Buda were occupied by Turkish troops, whose rule lasted until the 17th century, after which the Austrian Habsburg dynasty ruled the city. The period of prosperity and rapid development of Budapest falls on the 18th century, and in the 19th century the city's fate changed dramatically when Hungary became a Soviet republic.

During World War II, Budapest suffered serious damage due to the invasion of the city by German troops. Thanks to the colossal efforts of the local authorities, the architectural appearance of the capital of Hungary was restored 20 years later.

How to get to Budapest

If you decide to visit Budapest, it is better to first decide on the type of transport. Among the most common methods are the following: airplane; train; bus.

The plane is considered the fastest option, as there are many direct flights between Ferihegy Airport and major cities. Travel time depends on the starting point of departure. Departing from, you will be in the capital of Hungary in 2.5 hours.

A comfortable train leaves the Russian capital to Budapest several times a week, which arrives at the main railway station in 38 hours. Also, you can easily get to Budapest by train from almost all European cities.

Traveling by bus is suitable for those who like long journeys. Regular bus service is established between Hungary and Russia,.

What to see in Budapest

As a rule, tourists tend to visit the Hungarian capital in order to see the many attractions. Be sure to include in your program:

• The parliament building, erected in the 19th century, is an example of the neo-Gothic architectural style.
• Basilica of St. Stephen, built in honor of the first king of Hungary. The temple is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest and has a luxurious interior.
• The Szechenyi Baths is a unique complex that includes indoor and outdoor pools with hot thermal water, saunas and relaxation areas.
• Andrássy Avenue is a place without which the architectural appearance of Budapest cannot be imagined. The Opera House, Mora Jokai Square, Oktogon, Liszt Ferenc Square, Drexler Palace, Art Palace, numerous thematic museums - all this can be seen on Andrássy Avenue, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Vaidahunyand Castle, worthy of special attention, as its vast territory surprisingly combines buildings of different architectural trends, a circus, chapels and a zoo.
• Matthias Cathedral, built in the XIV century, after which the building was reconstructed several times, but has not lost its magnificence and originality. And next to the temple is the famous Fisherman's Bastion.
• Mount Gellert, at the top of which there is an observation deck offering an amazing view of Budapest. In the vicinity of the mountains, you can not only enjoy picturesque landscapes, but also take baths with water from thermal springs, as well as see the majestic monument dedicated to the Hungarian ruler Istvan.

A trip to the capital of Hungary will give you real pleasure. Budapest leaves an indelible mark on tourists with a magical atmosphere, luxurious architectural ensembles and excellent resources in the field of health tourism.

Cheerful and proud Hungarians, every time after numerous wars and invasions, lovingly restored Budapest, at the same time a European city, but exclusively Hungarian. The picturesque countryside, beautiful nature and magnificent architecture give the capital its charm. But its main treasure is thermal springs.

Budapest (Budapest) - the pearl of the Danube, the industrial center of Hungary. It is a city with a vibrant character, unique architecture and rich cultural traditions. The romantic atmosphere of Budapest streets is often equated with the Parisian one. During the high season, there are many tourists here - both during the warmer months and during the Christmas holidays. Periods of tourist lull are considered the best times for shoppers. All year round, people go to Budapest for treatment and recovery: the city is famous for its thermal springs - there are more than 120 of them.

Budapest has become a single city relatively recently - since 1873. It was then that the three settlements were finally united: Buda, Obuda, Pest. And the history of the Hungarian capital began with the settlement of the ancient Celts Ak-Ink, which arose near the Danube in the 1st century AD. The Celts were replaced by the Romans, Ostrogoths, and Huns. Hungarian tribes appeared on these lands at the end of the 9th century. The city survived the Turkish seizure, was liberated by the Austrians, and became the possession of the Habsburgs. After the conclusion of the Austro-Hungarian Agreement and the unification of the three cities, Budapest began to develop rapidly. He endured the German occupation and the Soviet assault in 1945, until 1989 he lived under the pro-Soviet regime.

Many valuable architectural objects were damaged here during the war years. The restoration lasted until 1960. Residents of Budapest cherish the heritage of the past and preserve their monuments.

sights

Buda Castle

Parliament

Ludwig Museum

Varoshliget Park

Cafe Gerbeau

Mount Gellert

Bath Rudas

Terror Museum

Museum of Ethnography

Parliament

Hungarian Parliament building, photo CROMEO

The most prominent of the secular buildings, which has become the architectural symbol of Budapest, is the Hungarian Parliament (Országház). A huge neo-Gothic complex rises above the Danube bank between two bridges - Chain and Margaret. The building was built in 1884-1906. in the neo-Gothic style influenced by the Parisian boz-ara.

Guided tours of the Hungarian Parliament building are organized for tourists. Also available in Russian. You will see the sacred coronation regalia of the Hungarian monarchs - the crown of the founder of the state, St. Stephen, a scepter with an orb and a silvered saber. You can sit in the chair of the parliamentarian.

Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary.

Buda Castle

Royal Palace, photo by Arian Zwegers

The Buda Castle (Budai Vár) is often referred to as “a city within a city”. This is the historical district of Old Buda, hidden behind powerful fortified walls, where there are the Royal Palace, the Church of St. Matthias, the labyrinth of Budavar caves, the Fisherman's Bastion, the square and the column of the Holy Trinity, the Plague Column, the bell tower of the Church of Mary Magdalene, the chapel of St. Michael, the Sandor Palace, the monument Istvanu I, House of Hungarian Wines and the ruins of medieval castle buildings.

The fortress was founded in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Hungarian kings. It was damaged during wars and in fires, and it was restored more than once. The majestic Buda Castle is a UNESCO site. Today, Buda Castle houses the Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria), the Historical Museum of Budapest (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) and the State Library. Széchenyi.

You can climb to the fortress on foot or on the Sciklo funicular (Budavári Sikló), or you can take a bus from the square im. Sell ​​Kalman.

The address of the Hungarian National Gallery is 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2., Hungary.

The address of the Historical Museum of Budapest is Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00; Mon - day off.

Matthias Church, photo ben_leash

In Old Buda, on the Holy Trinity Square, there is the Cathedral of St. Matthias (Mátyás-templom). The Gothic temple, atypical for Hungarian medieval religious architecture, was part of the Buda Castle, built in 1250–70. The Turks turned the Catholic Church into a mosque in the 16th century, but in the 19th century, the architect Fridesh Shulek returned the Gothic look to the temple. A bright ornament of multicolored tiles on the roof and domes was created by master ceramists from the city of Pécs. The last Hungarian monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty were crowned in Matthias Church.

Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary.

Fisherman's Bastion. photo by Manuela Vierke

Near the cathedral there is an architectural complex of seven towers - the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya). This stylized building with towers, staircases, arcades and terraces was built for the millennium of Hungary, in 1899-1905, on the site of an old fish market. It has never served a defensive purpose.

Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 5, 1014 Hungary.

Monument to Istvan the Great

At the bastion there is an equestrian monument to the king - the heavenly patron of Hungary, István the Great (Szent István szobra). The monument by A. Strobl reflects all the significant achievements of the king who gave the Hungarians Christianity.

Sandor Palace, photo Neal1960

The two-storey building of the palace was built in 1806 for Count Sandor. Since 2003, Sándor-palota is the official residence of the President of the Republic. The facade is decorated with simple bas-reliefs. But the interior is known for crystal chandeliers, rich tapestries and paintings by Karoi Lotz. You can only get to the palace once a year, in September, during the exhibition dedicated to the Days of Cultural Heritage of Hungary.

Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 1-2, 1014 Hungary.

Tower of the Church of Mary Magdalene, photo MEGA4000 MISI

The tower is the only thing left of the church of Mary Magdalene (Mária Magdolna-templom), built in 1274 in the Gothic style. During World War II, the church was completely destroyed, only the foundation remained. In 1997 the tower was restored. Now there is an observation deck. There are 24 bells on the tower, the ringing of which is heard daily.

Address: Budapest, District I., Hungary.

Szechenyi Chain Bridge, photo by Nando Pizzini

Tourists climb to the Buda Fortress by funicular; its lower station is next to the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd). This monument of engineering art is the oldest bridge in the city, which connects the two historical parts of the city - Buda and Pest. It was built in 1849, it was blown up by the retreating fascists and rebuilt a century after its construction - in 1949.

The Andrassy út Avenue on the eastern Danube bank, in the former Pest, is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This avenue is the most pompous street in Budapest. It starts from Erzhebet Square and stretches 2.5 km - to Heroes Square.

Hungarian State Opera House

The beautiful building of the Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) is located on Andrassi Avenue. In terms of acoustics, it ranks third in the European ranking of opera theaters after Milan's La Scala and the Paris Opera House.

Erzsebet Square, photo bencze82

Erzsébet tér square got its sonorous name in honor of Queen Elizabeth - the legendary Sissi. There is a huge Ferris wheel and the Danube fountain (1880), created by Miklos Ibl, as well as the entire architectural ensemble of Andrasszy Avenue.

Nearby stands the grandiose 96-meter dome of St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika). The temple in the neoclassical style was erected on the square of the same name in 1851-1905, M. Ibl was finishing its construction. From the observation deck Szent István you can see the whole of Budapest.

Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary.
Site: bazilika.biz.

Great Synagogue, photo Anne and David

The Budapest Great Synagogue (Nagy Zsinagóga) is the largest functioning synagogue in Europe and the second in the world. It was built in 1859 in the Moorish style and can accommodate about 3 thousand worshipers. In the courtyard of the synagogue, on the site of the house where the founder of Zionism T. Herzl was born, there is the Jewish Museum.

Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary.

The ensemble of Heroes' Square (Hősök tere) was created from the beginning of the 19th century, to celebrate the millennium of Hungary. At the end of the century, a memorial project was developed for this vast space. The first to appear here was the Millennium Monument - the central Corinthian column. Then two semicircular colonnades were installed, which became a monument to the heroes of Hungary. Sculptural groups of War and Peace were erected on both sides of the composition.

The square overlooks the facade of the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), decorated with a classic portico. The basis of his collection was the personal collection of the Esterhazy family. Nowadays, thousands of exhibits belonging to different eras and genres are exhibited here.

Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146 Hungary.
Website: szepmuveszeti.hu.

Mucharnok

Exhibition Hall Műcsarnok, photo Scott

Opposite the Museum of Fine Arts is the Műcsarnok Exhibition Hall. Neo-Renaissance building with bright mosaics on the pediment and six columns, built in 1895. This is an art gallery in the capital. It hosts exhibitions of Hungarian and foreign contemporary art.

Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 37, 1146 Hungary.
Website: mucsarnok.hu.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00; Mon - day off.

Behind Mucharnok is the unique Wheel of Time. The world's largest hourglass that measures the annual cycle.

House of Terror, photo by Américo Aperta

The Museum of Terror (Terror Háza) is located in a building built in 1880, which in the post-war period housed the Hungarian State Security Administration and a prison. The photographs and film depict the murder and torture of citizens by the special services. In these very rooms, opponents of the Hungarian totalitarian regime were interrogated, beaten, held in shackles and finished off.

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary.
Website: terrorhaza.hu.

The Museum of Ethnography (Néprajzi Múzeum) is one of the largest such museums in Europe, it has more than 200 thousand exhibits and occupies the former House of Justice. In his collection there are objects of art and everyday life, a collection of clothes and photographs, jewelry from different eras.

Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 12, 1055 Hungary.
Website: neprajz.hu.

Varoshliget

Behind Heroes' Square, Budapest's main park Városliget begins. There are the famous Széchenyi fürdő baths, a circus and a zoo, and the popular Gundel restaurant. On the territory of the park is the Vajdahunyad vára castle - an eclectic stone building created in 1907 by the architect I. Alpar. The ensemble is stylized as a knight's fortress and is considered one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Budapest.

Confectionery Gerbeau. photo kukulu21

An elegant white palace rises in Vörösmarty Square. This is the iconic Café Gerbeaud, whose history began in the 19th century. It serves unique desserts that have no equal in all of Hungary.

Address: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8, 1051 Hungary.

Ludwig Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art, photo wunderskatz

On the Danube embankment stands the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kortárs Művészeti Múzeum), a branch of the Ludwig Múzeum Museum in Cologne.

Address: Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095 Hungary.
Website: ludwigmuseum.hu.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00; Mon - day off.

The most beautiful bridge in Budapest is the Freedom Bridge (Szabadság híd), an impressive 334-meter cantilever structure of openwork metal structures. It was built in 1894–96, blown up by the Germans during their retreat, and rebuilt in 1946.

Margaret Island. photo by Sandra Kiraly

There is a real nature reserve in the center of the capital - Margit Island on the Danube (Margit-sziget) or Margarita Island, with an arboretum and rock garden, thermal springs and a large summer water park, a unique healing microclimate There is a musical well, the ruins of an ancient monastery, a water tower.

Mount Gellert

Mount Gellert (Gellért-hegy) is visited by all guests of the capital. At its top, there is a 19th century citadel (Citadella); at the foot is the famous Rudas Bath (Rudas Gyógyfürdő), address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary. Gellert's main attraction is the Philosophical Garden sculptural complex. The mountain is named after St. Gerard of Hungary, who baptized the Hungarians and was thrown from this mountain in a barrel studded with nails and drowned in the Danube in 1046.

The Széchenyi Bath (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő) is the largest in Europe, it has 11 therapeutic pools and 3 saunas, where you can take mud baths. In the open air in hot pools, where water comes from a depth of 1240 meters from the source of St. Stephen, next to buildings in the form of palaces, surrounded by snow-white statues and flower bowls, people who are chronically tired and exhausted by civilization are improving their health, prettier and rejuvenated.

Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary.
Website: szechenyifurdo.hu.

Gellert Bath, photo by Chiara Salvadori

The Gellert Bath (Gellért Gyógyfürdő) was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and is similar in style to the strict ancient Roman baths. Unique marble columns, Art Nouveau interiors, stained glass windows, sculptures and mosaics have been preserved here. The bathhouse has 10 indoor and 3 outdoor pools with a water temperature of 26–38 ° C (men and women bathe in the thermal pools separately), saunas and a jacuzzi.

Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary /
Website: gellertbath.com.

Vaci street, photo by Yolanda TOlivera

Street Váci (Váci utca) is a street in the historic area of ​​Belvaros, which is full of shops, restaurants and cafes. It is very popular with tourists. Many facades of buildings on the street are decorated with cast-iron ornaments and mosaics.

Tropicarium-oceanarium, photo scharm60

Tropicarium - Oceanarium is the largest aquarium in Central Europe, with an area of ​​3 thousand square meters. m. It was opened in 2000. The life of the tropics and the ocean is presented in 8 halls. Here, little monkeys run freely, turtles move slowly, tropical birds fly, Mississippi alligators swim, thousands of colorful fish live in giant aquariums.

Address: Budapest, Nagytétényi út 37-43, 1222 Hungary
Website: tropicarium.hu.

Holidays and events

Hungarians love holidays. The brightest celebrations in Budapest take place at Christmas. During the Advent period, the city is renewed, blossoming with lights. The main fair takes place on Vörösmarty Square - this is where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of Hungary.

New Year, or St. Sylvester's Day, is celebrated noisily - it is believed that great fun is a guarantee of success and happiness for the whole year. In Budapest there is a custom: at New Year's midnight to turn the hourglass Wheel of Time.

The Budapest Spring Festival takes place in March-April; with him spring comes to the city. The program of long holidays includes concerts, theatrical performances, operas and musicals, operettas, dance competitions.

The Danube Carnival is a June holiday, one of the most colorful summer events. The Sziget festival Budapest with a musical and cultural program starts in mid-June and lasts almost until September. Festival performances and concerts can be seen on the islands of Varosmajor and Margitsziget.

The end of summer and autumn are the time for sporting events. The Formula 1 stage, the Nemzeti Vágta horse race, the Vienna to Budapest international super marathon gather a lot of fans in Budapest.

In September, the most significant winemaking event is held - the international Budapest International Wine Festival. The main stages of this holiday take place in the Buda Castle.

Kitchen

Over 3,000 Budapest restaurants offer both traditional Hungarian dishes and international cuisine. Visit Szazeves Etterem or Matyas Pince, Cafe Gerbeaud or Nobu, co-owned by actor Robert De Niro.

Hungarian cuisine is distinguished by the fact that hot paprika is added to many dishes. Try Hungarian soups: goulash (gulyas), halasle (halászlé) - fish soup; main dishes: perkolt (pörkölt), paprikás csirke, lecsó. Desserts: somlói galuska, Dobos torta - biscuit with chocolate cream and icing, cottage cheese dessert - túrógombóc.

What to see in the vicinity

The historic town of Szentendre is located 20 km from Budapest. Here you can see magnificent temples: the Annunciation Church and the Cathedral.

In the town of Martonvasar, 30 km away from the capital, there is the neo-Gothic Brunswick Castle with a beautiful English park and the Beethoven Museum.

There is a unique animal shelter in the town of Vereshegyhaz, located 25 km from the center of Budapest - Bear Park.

In an hour and a half you can reach the "Hungarian Sea" - Lake Balaton. Fans of fishing, sailing, windsurfing strive to these fabulous places.

On the western coast of Lake Balaton, there is the town of Keszthely with preserved old streets and a baroque palace. The healing salt lake Heviz stretches 4 km from this town.

The town of Eger, located 140 km from Budapest, is famous for its ancient fortress, ancient temples, wine cellars and the Turkish Baths thermal complex.

Station Nyugati (Nyugati pályaudvar) - "West Station". photo Attila-N

By train

There are 3 railway stations in Budapest: South (Deli), West (Nyugati) and East (Keleti). Trains come here daily from major cities in Hungary and Europe.

By plane

Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Budapest are operated by UTair, Wizz Air and Aeroflot. From Ekaterinburg, Kazan, Perm, Samara, Ufa, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, flights of Czech Airlines, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines are possible with a connection in Prague, Frankfurt am Main and Vienna.

By bus

The main carrier companies are Eurolines and Ecolines. All international buses arrive at the Nepliget station.

On the ship

Passenger river traffic is handled by Mahart Passnave, which operates on the Danube and Tisza. In addition to local ones, it carries out transportation on the international route Budapest - Vienna.

Personal transfer

If you are traveling with 3 or more people, then it is quite profitable to order a transfer for about € 220.

How to get from the airport to Budapest

By train

There is a direct rail link between Terminal 1 of the airport and Nyugati pályaudvar West Railway Station. Travel time is about 30 minutes, the frequency is 2-3 flights per hour;

By bus

By bus 200E from Terminal 2 to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, the final station of the M3 line, and then by subway you can get to the place you need. Buses leave every 8-10 minutes;

By taxi

You can use a taxi service. ...

Around there are strange people with faces full of delight, hung with video cameras, two or even three cameras, which now and then click them and look at the maps of the city. A separate nation is tourists. There are so many of them that the locals are almost invisible behind the video camera anthill. A virtual sight! This is how one of the European capitals looks today.

Budapest. This is not surprising, because not only individual houses, but also entire unique architectural quarters of the city, the center with bridges over the Danube in 1989 were recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dossier on Budapest

The fact that Budapest is formed by two cities located on both sides of the Danube - the old Buda and the commercial Pest, is probably known to everyone.

Therefore, it was a kind of discovery to find out that in reality and relatively recently, only in 1873, three were united into one city: Pest, Buda and Obuda.

It was on the territory of Obuda at the beginning of the 1st Art. the ubiquitous Romans took part in the creation of the modern “pearl of the Danube”. There they founded the city of Aquincum (that is, "a lot of water", there are over 120 hot springs on this territory). In 896, the Magyars came here, creating their own state, which was headed by King Saint Stephen (his name is highly respected even today). And from 1541 the Ottoman Empire reigned here for 150 years. It is to the Turks that the city owes many baths built on thermal springs. In 1686, the rule of the Ottomans changed the rule of the Habsburgs, then from 1867 - the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, in Budapest, architectural masterpieces of different eras and styles are intricately intertwined.

Shall we wander? Buda

...Morning. In the underpass, we, as tourists, were simply masterfully played a wonderful mix of Hungarian melodies. Full immersion in the national!

Don't try to conquer Budapest right away. The main thing is your own priorities. The most outstanding Budapest beauties can be roughly divided into two main parts: the city center - both banks of the Danube and a little further part of Pest - Heroes' Square with a city park.
As in any western city, it is worth starting with its heart - the royal palace.

It rises pompously on the steep right bank of Buda. The entrance to the palace is decorated with the Turul bird, which defended the tribes that came to the lands of modern Hungary.

The Buda fortress was founded in 1241 after the Turkish raids. Then, as often happened, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. And only at the end of the nineteenth century. the palace took on the forms we were accustomed to.

This is a real city with numerous courtyards and courtyards, flower beds (the floral pattern is necessarily changed every month), monuments, fountains, the residence of the President of the Republic, in which, as befits a city, excavations are being conducted (the remains of a medieval castle have been discovered).

- Sit down, - the tour guide invites. And so there is no need to repeat it twice - those tired of the midday heat instantly covered the fountain (even without water in it).

- And the little deer was left alone. And poor girl Ilonka, who happened to be in the forest there, took pity on him. The king was moved by this, and he invited Ilonka to the palace. In her grief, the girl in a simply dressed man did not recognize the king. And when she found herself in a magnificent palace, she realized that this was not her fate. Filled with bitter tears, she walked away.

All the characters in the fountain are arranged in a hierarchy: the king is at the top, the servants are below, and Ilonka is, as befits the poor, below the royal dogs.

The palace is beautiful not only externally. In its buildings - the Museum of the History of Budapest, the National Gallery and the National Library. Széchenyi.
From the terrace of the royal palace, beautiful panoramas open to the left flat Pest bank, to numerous bridges (2 of which are railway, 7 are automobile). And, of course, to the Chain Bridge - the first bridge across the Danube, in 1849 finally connecting Buda and Pest.

It was built for 10 years on the initiative of Istvan Szechenyi, an outstanding reformer. Chains piercing the gates-arches are fixed on the shore underground in special rooms. Now it is one of the most popular symbols of Budapest.

To the side, on the Buda coast, is Mount Gellert (140 m above the Danube). At the top is the Citadel, the Freedom Monument and a monument to Bishop Gellert himself. According to legend, in 1046 he was thrown from the mountain by pagans for preaching Christianity.

However, the impressions will double - walk about five minutes from the palace to the Holy Trinity Square. Suddenly there appears a light white Cathedral of the Virgin, or Matyasha, XIII century. Even through the forests (the cathedral is now under restoration), its beauty is captured.

It was here that some of the Hungarian kings were crowned. Due to its excellent acoustics and organ, Ferenc Liszt and Zoltan Kodai gave concerts under its arches. There is real excitement around him! Several nuns from the tourist group, dashingly wielding mobile phones, at least leave the cathedral "in memory" in this way.

The building is very appropriately surrounded by the towers of the Fisherman's Bastion, 1895. As light as a sand castle, they harmoniously merge with the cathedral.

And also on the Fisherman's Bastion I was struck by a small model of the square itself. Nothing special, but there are Braille texts nearby. Layout for the blind! For those who, having felt the shapes and fonts, thus “see” the beauty and “read” about it ...

In the middle of the spacious square is the Holy Trinity Monument in memory of the victims of the plague epidemic in 1713.

Are the first signs of heat and fatigue making themselves felt? Nearby are spectacular horse-drawn carriages. Let's go for a walk!

Narrow streets, past the Hilton Hotel, built on the remains of historic buildings, to Vienna Gate Square, a luxurious neo-Romanesque palace (now the State Archives).

And the romance of the streets of the Fortress Mountain with houses of the XIII – XVI centuries!

Mmm ... Heart melts sweetly ...

Let's take a walk? Pest

From the Fortress Mountain of Old Buda, you can go down the funicular. The second in the world, it was built in 1870 using the most advanced technologies of that time. If you have children with you, they will be delighted!

... through the already mentioned Chain Bridge we get to Pest.

This summer there were heavy rains, and the Danube overflowed its banks, flooding the piers, the nearest roads and cafes. Unfortunately, nowadays it is difficult to call the Blue Danube (like many other European rivers). They do not bathe in it.

“I didn’t want to create a new style for the new Parliament,” said Steindl Imre, winner of the competition for the construction of Parliament in 1880. Truly classic neo-Gothic lines are combined with baroque elements, Byzantine and Venetian decoration. The building is decorated with 365 towers (the number of days a year), and the total length of all stairs is 20 km. The unique ventilation system of the Parliament - 20 degrees both in summer and in winter throughout the entire building. Despite the fact that meetings of the National Assembly are held here, tourists are not denied excursions. Such greatness cannot be kept behind seven locks!

On both sides of the Parliament there is a small monument in honor of the 1956 revolution, ruthlessly crushed by Soviet tanks. Opposite is the Ethnographic Museum (once the Palace of Justice).

And then just eyes run up! Here is the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, then the majestic Basilica of St. Stephen. And the white light bridge Erzhebet! Until 1926, it ranked first in the world as the longest suspension bridge.

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is one of the main places among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its appearance harmoniously combines Gothic, Venetian, Byzantine and modern building elements.

Budapest is located in the central region of Hungary, on the two banks of the majestic Danube. Until 1873, the city included three separate settlements: Buda, Pest and Obuda. After the unification of the settlements into one large city, it was decided to give it a name, combining parts of the names of these points. It is interesting that in the word "Budapest" both parts are of Slavic origin: "buda" is translated as a building, a house, and "pest" is a stove, a hearth.

The city is inhabited mainly by Hungarians (over 90%), about 1% of the inhabitants are Germans, almost 0.8% of the population are Roma, and the rest of the inhabitants belong to other nationalities. The confessional composition of Budapest is quite variegated. The majority of people (about 63%) identify themselves as belonging to various branches of Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy). Almost 20% of the city's population consider themselves atheists. The rest of the inhabitants are adherents of other beliefs.

Modern Budapest is a major cultural, scientific and industrial center of Hungary. The main educational institutions of the country are located here. It also houses over 170 exhibition halls, museums and theaters.

The main sectors of the economy of Budapest are mechanical engineering and metalworking. In addition, the city has well-developed textile, clothing, light, food and chemical industries. It is in Budapest that the main office of such a large pharmaceutical company as Gedeon Richter is located.

The world-wide fame of the capital of Hungary was brought by the famous mineral springs, of which there are more than 80 in the city. It is interesting that Budapest is the only capital in the world that has received the official status of a resort. In this city, both young people and the elderly will find entertainment to their liking. Budapest is perfect for families and children.

Climate and weather

The weather conditions in Budapest are due to the moderate continental climate. This area is characterized by short and very mild winters with average daily temperatures of -5 ° C. Sometimes at this time the thermometer drops to -15 ° C.

Summer in Budapest is long and hot enough. The warmest month is called July, when during the day the thermometer rises to +30 ° С, and night air temperatures rarely drop below +18 ° С.

Atmospheric precipitation in Budapest is rare, mainly in spring and autumn. Their annual number does not exceed 600 mm.

Most tourists prefer to visit Budapest between April and October. The optimal air temperature and lack of precipitation allow you to focus on rest and sightseeing of the unique sights of the Hungarian capital.

Nature

Beautiful Budapest enchants foreign tourists not only with its magnificent sights, numerous mineral springs, but also incredibly beautiful nature. The capital of Hungary is located in the lowland, which is surrounded on all sides by the Alps, Carpathians and South Slavic mountain ranges. Budapest is located in the place of a tectonic fault, which leads to the presence of many famous thermal springs. There are about 80 mineral springs in the Hungarian capital.

The majestic Danube crosses Budapest from north to south, and at the same time divides the city into two parts: Pest and hilly Will... Interestingly, there are seven beautiful islands on the river within the city.

sights

Of course, the main attraction not only of Budapest, but of the whole country, is the Parliament building, erected at the end of the 19th century. The neo-Gothic style of construction has become a kind of symbol of the Hungarian capital.

Not far from this most recognizable building in Budapest is the largest temple of the Hungarian capital - St. Stephen's Basilica, also erected at the end of the 19th century.

In the Buda Hills, you should pay attention to the famous mountain Gellert, the cathedral Matyusha, Buddhist Fortress and Fisherman's Bastion. The most interesting for tourists is the church Matyusha, which is named after the first king of Hungary, crowned here in 1458.

One of the most remarkable buildings in western Budapest is the Royal Palace, built in the 13th century. Today, it houses the Museum of History and the National Art Gallery.

The bridge is considered the symbol of Budapest. Count Széchenyi. Locals also call it Lion or Chain. This bridge is an exact replica of the London bridge Hammersmith.

While in the capital of Hungary, you must visit one of the most stunning avenues in the entire world - Andrássy... This street was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredibly beautiful unified architectural ensemble. The main building of the avenue Andrássy is undoubtedly considered the Opera House, which is one of the best in all of Europe. There is a city park nearby "Varoshleget". Here, during his reign, the Hungarian king Matt loved to hunt hares and foxes. Today the park is the most favorite recreation place for local residents and guests of the capital.

There are a large number of museums and galleries on the territory of Budapest. The most visited by tourists are the Hungarian National Museum and the Aquincum Museum. The latter contains interesting exhibits (sculptures, sarcophagi, coins, jewelry and other items) related to the culture of the ancient Roman city, which was once located on the territory of modern Budapest.

Nutrition

In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, along with the national one, almost all the cuisines of the world are presented. The most famous restaurants in the city - "Gundel" and "Zhebro". The first is one of the ten best restaurants in the world. Opened almost 120 years ago, this establishment today faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the 19th century. Here you can taste world famous Hungarian dishes: goulash, paprikash, perkelt, cabbage rolls, halasle, pancakes a la Gundel, served with nut filling with chocolate sauce and rum. Interestingly, Hungarian goulash is a soup, and the usual dish called "goulash" in Hungary is called "perkelt".

The most high-profile event in the life of the Hungarian capital is rightfully considered the Formula 1 Grand Prix stage taking place in August. This event gathers a huge number of people.

Budapest's bustling and fun nightlife is reminiscent of the fun in other European capitals like Amsterdam. The city has a huge number of nightclubs, bars and discos. Almost all clubs are open until the morning and gather a huge number of people.

Purchases

Many tourists, coming to Budapest, tend to buy dozens of cute souvenirs for their loved ones. The most popular shopping centers and souvenir shops among foreign tourists are WestEnd City Center, Duna Plaza, Auchan, Mammut, Tesco. In the large city market, you can buy a variety of goodies ranging from spices to Hungarian wines. Here you can buy the famous Tokay wine and Unicum balsam.

Most often, foreigners buy Hungarian porcelain, crystal, ceramics, national clothes, marzipan figurines, textiles with unique handmade embroidery, as well as wines and spices.

On the central streets of the Hungarian capital, you can find a huge number of jewelry and antiques shops. The most popular are items made of silver and gold.

Almost all shops in Budapest are open from 10:00 to 18:00. And on Saturday, the working day is reduced to 13:00. On Sunday only the doors of especially large shopping centers and supermarkets are open. Calculations are made in Hungarian forints. Many shops also carry out non-cash payments.

Transport

The transport system of Budapest is well developed. Public transport is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro. In the Hungarian capital, there are as many as three subway lines, about 200 bus routes, 14 trolleybus and 34 tram lines. Tickets for all of these types of transport cost around 0.55 €. Interestingly, the tram routes of Budapest are recognized as the busiest in the world. And the Budapest metro is considered the oldest on the entire continent.

There is a large international airport named after F. Liszt near Budapest. The Hungarian capital is connected by air with major cities of the country and neighboring countries.

By rail, Budapest is connected with major cities not only in Hungary, but throughout Europe. There are three railway stations in the city. The cost of tickets for suburban trains does not exceed 5-10 €, and for interregional trains - 20 €.

There is also a children's railway in Budapest. Its first terminal station is connected to one of the tram lines, and to the second is a cogwheel railway. The latter is another attraction of Budapest. It differs from conventional railways by the presence of a rack between the traditional rails, which allows additional communication with the rolling stock. In Budapest, this road leads to the summits of the Buda Hills.

In addition to the cogwheel railway, there are several other special modes of transport in the Hungarian capital, namely the cable car and the funicular. The cable car can be used to climb and descend from Mount Janos. Tickets for it cost about 3 €.

The funicular of the Buda Castle is especially popular with foreigners. During a trip along it, tourists can observe the amazing natural landscapes of Budapest. The cost of tickets for this vehicle is approximately € 3 for adults and € 1.5 for children.

The Danube is considered one of the main waterways of Western Europe. Therefore, river transport is well developed in the capital of Hungary. In Budapest, you can take an unforgettable trip on river trams and pleasure boats.

Among other things, you can use taxi services in Budapest. On average, taxi drivers charge 1.2 € for landing and almost 1 € for each kilometer of the way. By the way, you can also rent a car. To do this, you must have an international driver's license, passport, driving experience for at least one year. The driver must be over 21 years old. It should be noted that the quality of roads in Budapest deserves the highest praise. Excellent asphalt pavement is present on almost all city streets, even far from the center. Traffic in the Hungarian capital is right-hand. Drivers in Budapest adhere to a rather aggressive driving style, so a foreigner needs to be extremely careful.

Connection

The communication and telecommunication system in Budapest has been intensively developed, especially after Hungary's accession to the European Union. Throughout the capital, there are multiple payphones that operate on coins or T-Com calling cards sold at any major retail outlet. For an international call, you will have to pay about 0.8 € per minute.

If your trip to Budapest promises to be long, then it makes sense to purchase a SIM card from local mobile operators. Here several operators provide communication of GSM 900/1800 standards at once: T-Mobile, Vodafone and Telenor... One minute of conversation on a cell phone will cost only 0.15 €. By the way, all of these operators support the roaming of the world's largest mobile companies. The same operators offer residents and guests of the Hungarian capital to use mobile Internet services. Depending on the volume of the selected traffic, the cost of this type of communication is approximately 10 € per month.

On the territory of Budapest there is a huge number of internet cafes with Wi-Fi. It should be noted that this kind of Internet can be found in large shopping and entertainment centers, as well as in restaurants and hotels. Sometimes Internet access can be paid (about 2 € per hour). The usual connection costs much less - about 0.7 € per hour of work.

Security

Budapest is considered one of the safest capitals in the European Union. The overall crime rate is quite low here. However, as in any other large city, you should not lose your vigilance in crowded places where there is a huge likelihood of pickpocketing. It is better not to take especially large sums of money, valuables with you on excursions, but to leave them in the safes of the hotel or hotel.

The sanitary conditions in Budapest are quite favorable. There are no dangerous tropical infectious diseases here. However, the quality of tap water, despite the implementation of treatment measures, is extremely unsatisfactory. Experts recommend using bottled water or boiling it before drinking. When buying fresh fruits or vegetables in stores or markets, be sure to rinse them.

Business climate

All Hungary, and Budapest in particular, is a great place to do business. State authorities contribute to the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the city. To attract foreign investment to the capital of Hungary, the reporting and accounting system was significantly simplified, a low tax burden was introduced, and a number of laws were adopted that regulate the relationship of foreign enterprises. Such changes in the country's legislation could not go unnoticed. Numerous investors flocked to Budapest with a huge number of business proposals. The Hungarian capital is recognized as the best city in Europe for the registration of offshore companies.

Tourism is considered the most popular branch of the city's economy. Most foreign businessmen opt for this particular field of activity. The excellent location of the city, mild climate, urban areas rich in thermal springs, favorable legislation - all this attracts hundreds of investors from all over the world to Budapest.

Real estate

The real estate market in Budapest is one of the most stable in the whole of Central Europe. The desire to purchase living space here is due to several factors. Firstly, the capital of Hungary is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In addition, urban infrastructure and transport are well developed here. Secondly, real estate prices in Budapest are much lower than in the capitals of neighboring countries. The cost of apartments in the Hungarian capital ranges from 1300 € to 2300 € per square meter. Elite housing will cost a little more (about € 2500-4000). The most expensive area of ​​the Hungarian capital is Pest, as the commercial and financial center of the city. Here apartments with an area of ​​no more than 40 m 2 will cost about 70,000 €.

A large number of foreigners who come to Budapest for a long time prefer to rent a separate living space. As a rule, apartments in the city center, located next to the metro line, are especially popular. Today, prices for rental housing (one-room apartment) fluctuate around 200-350 € per month in the city center, and no more than 200 € in a residential area of ​​Budapest.

For the safest vacation in Budapest, you must adhere to some rules of conduct in the capital of Hungary. Any foreigner who comes to Budapest should respect the local population and its traditions. When communicating with residents of the Hungarian capital, it is not customary to talk about personal topics (about family, work, health, salary, etc.). Nor can we discuss the way of life of the Hungarians and their Slavic neighbors.

Foreign visitors to Budapest need to be attentive to their belongings in crowded places and in transport. There is no need to brag about large sums of money, expensive jewelry and valuable items on the street. You should not walk along the night streets of Budapest in districts remote from the center, especially alone. It is worth exchanging foreign currency only at state exchange offices.

When purchasing souvenirs for your relatives, it should be borne in mind that, in accordance with Hungarian legislation, export without paying an additional duty is allowed for 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages, 5 liters of beer and 500 grams of tobacco. It is allowed to export various spices and seasonings without any restrictions. For the unhindered export abroad of things and objects of historical and cultural value, jewelry and antiques, it is necessary to issue an appropriate permit in the store.

The fact that the city of Budapest turned out as a result of the unification of two cities - Buda and Pest is known, if not to everyone, then to many (someone says that there was a unification of three cities, remembering Obuda, but in fact by that time Obuda had long was part of Buda). Generally, history is not rare - cities begin to grow and a larger one absorbs all the rest. In this case, however, it turned out more interesting - the two cities united, we can say on equal terms, and their names formed a new toponym. The only thing, I thought that it happened a long time ago, but it turned out, by historical standards, relatively recently: Budapest appeared in 1873.

In fact, despite the equality of status in the name, the cities are far from equivalent.
Pest is the eastern, flat part of Budapest, occupying about 2/3 of the city's territory, separated from the other part of the city by the Danube. It is here that most of the attractions are concentrated (Heroes' Square, Andrassy Avenue, the parliament building), the business center, all the stations, the metro are located. It is no coincidence that often instead of the word "Budapest" they simply say "Pest" - this is almost equivalent:

Buda is the western part of the Hungarian capital Budapest on the right bank of the Danube, unlike the flat Pest, it is hilly and part of the territory is covered with forests. Buda was the old capital of Hungary until the entry of the city into the Ottoman Empire; the city became the Hungarian capital again only in 1784. Here are the Royal Palace, the Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert Hill with the citadel, the catacombs of the Buda Hill. There are fewer attractions, but there are:

In the north, there is another historical district - Obuda (literally means "Old Buda" - at the time of unification - the northern suburb of Buda). The first settlements on the territory of Obuda appeared in the Stone Age. Romans in the 1st century BC BC, appreciating the local hot springs, built here Aquincum - the capital of the province of Pannonia. In the II century, the city was destroyed by barbarians, and then several times besieged and was eventually conquered by the Huns, from whom in the V century it received the name "Buda" - in honor of the brother of King Attila, who laid down his head in a duel with the latter. Subsequently, for some time, the city lost its significance and was destroyed. Hungarian tribes came here from behind the Carpathians around 900 and their leader Arpad founded a new city on this place. In 1241-1242, Buda was destroyed by the hordes of Batu. After their departure, in 1247, King Bela IV built a powerful fortress south of the fresh ruins. The settlement grew up around the Buda stronghold, and later became known as "Buda" - and the name Obuda was colloquially stuck behind the gradually rebuilt old city hearth:

Margaret Island. In general, between Buda and Pest on the Danube, there are several large islands turned into parks, on one of these - Hayodyari (refers to Obuda, therefore it is often called the Obuda island - located north of Margita) the Sziget music festival is held:

The main reason that contributed to the unification of the cities is the construction of bridges across the Danube in the second half of the 19th century (no joke - one of the largest rivers in Europe). After the construction of bridges, the idea of ​​unification arose:

Well, the story about the unification of Buda and Pest would be incomplete without the sculpture "King Buda and Queen Pest" - this sculptural composition is located on Mount Gellert right above the reservoir. It symbolizes two cities: Budu and Pest, separated by the Danube River. The monument itself is not very large and is invisible from afar. To find it, you need to go down the Szirtes utca street from the Citadel to the turn to the park. The monument is located in this park. It stands on the lid of the water tank:

The monument, by the way, is often called “Buda meets Pest” or even “The Birth of Budapest”.

Behind the "back" of each of the two sculptures are cities. A curious effect is created when looking at the monument from the side of King Buda. It seems as if all the buildings behind the Pest are reclining - it is immediately clear that in reality they are located lower. Although in fact both parts of the sculptural composition are on the same level:

In general, of course, if we talk about the administrative division, then here is like in Prague: there are twenty-two districts, each of which has its own number. Some relate to Buda, some to Pest (Obuda, for example, is the third district) - not so romantic, but functional and understandable. Well, from the point of view of beautiful landscapes (natural hills provide the best views, and the central position in the city makes them the most accessible in terms of public transport), the most interesting is the first district (naturally in Buda) and Mount Gellert in it:

View of Budu (first district) from the Pest side: