Budapest
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Overview
Explore Castle Hill, Buda's fortress and royal centre of Hungary since the tenth century with its theatre, palace, museums and churches. You'll get great views of Pest's landmark Neogothic Parliament from here as well as from the turreted Fisherman's Bastion's Romanesque viewing terrace. Delight in Budapest's hidden courtyard entrances which open into surprisingly large sprawling bars or upmarket Hungarian restaurants. For pure relaxation, take a cruise down the River Danube.
Background
The former towns of Buda and Pest are divided by the River Danube and today form Budapest. Buda and its castle complex sits high upon a limestone plateau dotted with caves. Obuda (Old Roman Buda) is on the Buda side, north of Castle Hill. As the royal section of the city, its citizens have always looked down on the commercial district of Pest. Budapest has 23 districts numbered clockwise in widening circles. The central, lower numbers hold Budapest's main attractions, which you can easily explore on foot. Otherwise, hop on tram 2 for an unofficial sightseeing tour of Budapest.
First-time visit
Walk along the Danube and tour the Neogothic Parliament building. Marvel at the Neorenaissance dome of St Stephen's Basilica. Follow Budapest's grandest boulevard, Andrassy utca, to Heroes Square with its monumental statues of Hungarian historical figures. Cross the Danube to explore lofty Buda's Castle complex and Kiscelli Museum with its 19th- and 20th-century Hungarian masters. You can soothe aching muscles in a spa before spending the evening at the Hungarian State Opera. For dinner, choose from Buda's sophisticated fusion dining or opt for one of Pest's traditional Hungarian restaurants.
Return visit
Explore Obuda, the remains of the Roman town of Aquincum. You'll find ruins of a military amphitheatre, the so-called Herkules Villa where his tasks are depicted in mosaic, and an early Christian chapel. Wander freely through the pedestrian gardens of Margit Island then take a boat trip along the Danube Bend to Visegrad and Esztergom. If you're interested in Budapest's 20th-century history, visit the Terror House Museum in the former headquarters of the secret police, and the Sculpture Park, packed with communist sculptures.
airports
Budapest Ferihegy International Airport
Essentials
Hungary's busiest airport, Budapest Ferihegy flies about 8.5 million passengers a year from three terminals and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. Central Budapest is 16 kilometres, or a 25-minute drive, to the north-west.
Airport Facts
- Airport code
- BUD
- Airport website
- Budapest Ferihegy International Airport website
- Airport tel
- +36 1 296 5959
- No. of terminals
- Three commercial, one private.
- Distance from city centre
- 16km (10 miles) south-east of Budapest.
- Transport between terminals
- A free minibus shuttle service runs between the terminals. There is a covered walkway between Terminals 2A and 2B.
- Airport parking
- The pay-and-display short-stay car park outside Terminal 2 has a time limit of 60 minutes. A pricey short-term car park is available in front of Terminal 1, with a cheaper option outside Terminals 2A and 2B. There are discounts for stays of longer than six days and a free minibus shuttle service to the terminals. A secure car park to the east of Terminal 2 is also served by minibus.
- Time Zone
- GMT +1 (+2 in summer).
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