About Budapest
| Territory: | 525 km2, two-thirds on the eastern, flat bank of the Danube in Pest, one-third on the western, hilly bank of the Danube in Buda. |
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| Highest point: | János Hill (527 m) |
| Population: | 1 702 000 persons, that is 17% of the total population. |
| Administration: | divided into 23 districts (the Roman numerals in addresses refer to the district). |
Presentation of Budapest
Unique location
One of the world's most pleasantly sited cities, Budapest is divided into two distinct parts by the River Danube, into hilly Buda and flat Pest. Its panorama along the banks of the river is one of UNESCO's world heritage sites.
Buda, lying on the right bank, is famous for its past, while Pest on the other side has a more modern character, culture, life and energy pulsate in every corner of its streets. Buda and Pest are connected with spectacular bridges, there are nine bridges, two of which carry railway lines. At night, the lights on the monuments and bridges gleam in the dark like jewels.
Budapest, the capital city with its unique situation, incomparable architectural and cultural values is undoubtedly the most fascinating part of any tours to Hungary.
Speciality
Because of its central location in the heart of the country, Budapest has got such a Hungarian speciality, that the country's main roads all starts from here and their distances are counted from the stone of 0 kilometer in the Adam Clark square.
The city has three islands - Óbuda Island, Margaret Island and Csepel Island. Margaret Island is a lovely little island, which is ideal for doing different kind of sports. It is often called the "lung of the city" and it is certainly true. Margaret island, which lies on the Danube between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge, is one of Budapest's most attractive parks and a popular recreation spot, full of life and activity in the summer, and calm and peaceful in the winter.
The territory of parks runs to 4% of the city's total area.
Budapest is also called the City of Spas, because it is richly endowed with natural springs of thermal waters, which supply the city's many thermal baths. There is no more rejuvenating way to relax than in one of the city's many soothing spas. Budapest possesses 80 mineral and thermal springs, 10 splendid thermal baths, themselves part of the built heritage, and more than 400 bitter water springs. Among its most precious treasures are its sixteenth century Turkish baths, as well as the Széchenyi, the Gellért.
The city was born
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history and a vibrant cultural heritage. Its area had been inhabited from the early times and it has got a special character due to the different architectural styles; the signs of the Turkish rule or the Habsburg ages as well. Neoclassical buildings from the 19th century and antique-filled flea markets can be found in the downtown, with winding, narrow, cobblestone streets in the neighborhoods reminding us of the medieval times. The different cultural impacts meet here the distinctive Hungarian flavor, ancient history and recent past come together in the balance to make up the city.
Budapest was created out of the unification of the separate historic towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda. Budapest's history is revaled in each area of the city. In Buda we find evidence of its political and imperial past, with the Royal Palace and National Gallery, the embodiment of the history of the Hungarian people. Near Óbuda, on the other hand, Roman ruins can be found and those of the first Hungarian dynasty, the Árpáds. Then in Pest we can discover the city contemporary face, its more modern and up-to-date side. The city was unified on 1st January 1873.
Nowadays Budapest is a large Middle European City. The romanticism which still pervades it, the endless search for its own identity, its proud sense of isolation and, at the same time, its commitment to the ideal of becoming an integral part of western culture make it a city which can undoubtedly teach us a great deal.
Speciality
The metropolis is home to a population of almost two million people.
The higher education institutions in Budapest are visited by nearly 100 thousand students.
Around 1000 listed sites are there from the most significant European artistic periods, including some outstanding Classicist and Hungarian Secession buildings. Indeed, the latter can only be seen here in Hungary.
Several hundred museums and galleries can be found in the city, which in addition to artefacts of Hungarian history, art, and natural science, also exhibit numerous works of universal European and world culture.
40 theatres, 7 concert halls, and 2 opera houses is provided for those who love the performing arts. The choice multiplies in the summer thanks to the numerous open-air concerts and performances.
Budapest gives home to more than a thousand restaurants, cafés, and venues, where the delicacies of Hungarian and international cuisine are accompanied by the finest Hungarian wines.
World Heritage Sites
- the Danube view with the Castle district
- the splendid groups of buildings in Pest, as well as Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út) with its luxurious palaces and the Heroes' square (Hősök tere) with its ceremonious atmosphere.
Don't miss in Budapest
Visit to the House of Parliament / the symbol of the city
Approximately 35-40 minute visit in the neogothic building of Parliament with guiding. The splendid session-rooms and the wonderful stairhall are worth visiting. During the plenary sessions the visits are cancelled.
Opera House
Visit in the most beautiful theatre building of Hungary, in the neo-renaissance style Palace, designed by Ybl Miklós. Auditorium, stairhall, function rooms and the stage as well. Duration: appr. 40 minutes.
Museums
The visitors can chose from various museums, that suit their taste; some significant ones: National Museum: relics of the Hungarian history Museum of Fine Arts: rich collection of international paintings and sculptures National Gallery: collection of Hungarian paintings and sculptures Museum of Applied Arts: exhibition of the Hungarian applied art's development Museum of Ethnography: collection of Hungarian ethnography
Buda Castle
The Castle of Buda is the pride of Budapest, symbol of history and condition of Hungarian identity. It is part of World Heritage. The castle District offers the most romantic walks in Budapest: Holy Trinity Square, Matthias Church, Fishermen's Bastion.
Margaret Island
Most valuable and interesting park of Budapest with the Margaret monastery, Japanese garden, ZOO and lots of sports and leisure time facilities.
City Park
Mayor sights: Heroes' square, Vajdahunyad castle, Boating lake, ZOO, Luna/Theme park, Museum of Agriculture.
The Downtown of Pest
The main sights: Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, Pesti Vigadó, Academy of Sciences, Inner City Parish Church (oldest building on Pest side), Opera House, Danube Promenade (corso). This is a busy district (mainly the fifth district) with dense traffic, hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities (theatres, cinemas).
Boat excursions on the Danube
The boats start according to schedule from Vigadó Square. It is also possible to rent boats for any kind of programmes, excursions within or outside the city.
Thermal baths of Budapest
A trip to Budapest can not be complete without visiting one of the famous 11 thermal baths (Gellért, Széchenyi, Rudas or any other of them).