Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, world-class classical music scene, a pulsating nightlife increasingly appreciated among European youth, and last but not least, an exceptional offer of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to the exceedingly scenic setting, and its architecture it is nicknamed "Paris of the East".

The modern-day Budapest results from the amalgamation of two historic cities lying right opposite each other over the Danube river. Buda is the western (left) bank side, with the high hill atop which the Buda castle sits. Pest is the relatively flat eastern (right) bank side, with the Parliament, numerous other stately buildings, and busy streets retaining all their 19th century architectural heritage.

In 1987 Budapest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.

Although Budapest is administratively divided into 23 numbered districts (always written in Roman numerals) it is colloquially often divided into parts, roughly corresponding to the two major cities of Buda and Pest, which it comprises.

Listings of particular points of interests - museums, historic monuments, restaurants, bars, hotels, shopping opportunities and such - can be found in the following articles:

Of course, quarters often offer their own atmosphere due to their history and inhabitants. Roughly speaking, areas near to, especially inside of Nagykörút (Great Boulevard or Ringroad, served by Tram 4 and Tram 6) are considered central, even if some of these are in less than perfect condition and not typically frequented by tourists. In Pest, Kiskörút (Small Boulevard) is traditionally considered as the border of the centre proper, including some highly touristic areas.

Informally, quarters are known under their own historical name which are often referred to by the locals. The names are often linked to members of the House of Hapsburg or - in fringe areas - the names of villages or towns which later became part of Budapest. Particularly interesting quarters are Belváros (Inner City) and Lipótváros (Leopold Town), together form the Belváros district (a bit confusing but usually the biggest or oldest quarter gave its name to the entire district), the heart of Pest, including a number of major sights but also beautiful squares and cafés. With the Parliament, a number of ministries and banking houses, Lipótváros is also a major political and business centre of the country. The name refers to the Hapsburg Emperor Leopold I whose coronation to the King of Hungary in 1790 gave rise to the name of the then-new quarter.

Újlipótváros (New Leopold Town) The inner part of the XIII. district (so called Angyalföld), just outside of the Great Boulevard north of Leopold Town with the marvellous Margaret Bridge at its corner, was built between the 1910s and 1930s. It is considered as one of the finest residential areas in Budapest with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere and a number of restaurants, cafés and small shops. It also comprises the Vígszínház (Comedy Theatre) and a few tiny off-mainstream cinemas. The quarter is traditionally home to a population with Jewish background as the activity of people such as Raoul Wallenberg, Giorgio Perlasca, and Carl Lutz was linked to this area (see history).

Terézváros (Theresa Town) VI. district. Among others, it contains Nyugati pu. (Western Railway Station), an architectural sight, and areas neighbouring districts V. and XIII. The then-developing quarter was named after a visit of Habsburg Empress and Queen Maria Theresa in 1777.

Erzsébetváros (Elisabeth Town) VII. District. While parts of it are not yet renovated, it contains the famous Synagogue in the Dohány street. The quarter was split off from Terézváros and asked for permission to be named after the wife of Franz-Josef I, popularly called Sisi, in 1882.

The first settlement on the territory of Budapest is accounted to Celtic tribes. During the first century CE, the Roman fortification on the territory of present-day Óbuda (now part of Budapest) gradually developed into the town of Aquincum which became the capital city of the province of Lower Pannonia in 106CE. The Romans founded a fortress known as Contra Aquincum on the other side of the river which is assumed to have developed into the later town of Pest. This was part of the Limes, marking the eastern border of the empire, and was gradually given up by Rome during the early fourth century, becoming part of the Hun empire for a few decades. The Huns were a confederation of various nomadic nations and tribes inhabiting the Eurasian steppe, and not Magyars, but Attila, the King of the Huns, is considered a national hero and Attila is a common given name in Hungary.

Once the horse-riding Magyar (Hungarian) tribes arrived in the Carpathian Basin in 896CE, Óbuda served as the seat of the Magyar high-chieftain (or prince) Árpád. After a century marked by frequent raids on Christian western Europe, the erstwhile Hungarian prince Géza realised that converting to Christianity was the key to survival in Europe. The Christian Kingdom of Hungary was founded by the crowning of his son, Szt. István (Saint Stephen) on 1 January 1001 (or possibly Christmas Day of 1000). As visitors will quickly realise, Saint Stephen became an omnipresent national symbol, as did the artefact known as Saint Stephen's Crown (the Holy Crown of Hungary) which was regarded as a legal entity that was by law equivalent to the country itself during medieval times. It is still unclear whether the millennium-old crown used in this function for many centuries and shown in the Parliament today, was used by Saint Stephen.

In the following centuries, Buda emerged as the most important royal seat. In 1241/42 the Mongol Empire conquered the territory along with large parts of Europe - this short but devastating conquest of the country is still remembered as Tatárjárás - the name reflecting the erroneous confusion of Mongols and Tatars at the time. Medieval Hungary reached its zenith under King Matthias (Matthias Corvinus), the vividly remembered Renaissance ruler whose patronage of arts and sciences made Hungary, a notable power at the time, the first European country to adopt the Renaissance from Italy. However, after residing in Buda for decades, he moved his seat to Vienna in 1485 for the last five years of his life after defeating the Hapsburg Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III.

In 1541, Buda and Pest fell to the Ottoman Empire and were taken back 1686, when the Hapsburg Empire centred in Austria conquered the country on its way to becoming a major European power. Marks of these two cultures are still part of everyday life in Budapest.

After the anti-Hapsburg revolution in 1848–49 (defeated through the decisive help of the Russian Czar) the 1867 Compromise (Kiegyezés) with a weakened Vienna made Buda the capital of a near-autonomous Hungary, a large, multi-ethnic kingdom comprising half of the newly created Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. In this peculiar double-state the monarch was Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, two autonomous realms.

The following half century marked by peaceful development counts among the most successful times in the history of the country and its capital. With the 1873 unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, the city of Budapest was created. It saw a leap in terms of industrialisation, urbanisation, population, and the development of a capitalistic society. It even aimed at rivalling with Vienna, the Millennium in 1896, marking a thousand years of Hungary, offered the perfect excuse for large-scale projects such as the Parliament, Vajdahunyad Castle, or the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút) the first electric underground railway in the world (now Metro yellow line). Budapest was transformed to a world city during these decades, enriched by Austrian, Jewish, Slovakian, Serbian, Croatian, Roma and other cultural influence. This age is remembered as the 'Monarchia' (or as 'K. u. K.', abbreviation for Imperial-Royal in Austria and other parts of the Empire) and associated with the rule of Franz Joseph I. (I. Ferenc József) who died in 1916 after 68 years on the throne.

In this period, the city was the home of two world-famous Hungarian inventors -- the father of the electric locomotive, Kálmán Kandó, and inventor of the match, János Irinyi -- and of two renowned composers, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály. There is no other European city which had given so many Hollywood filmmakers in the early 20th century, such as Budapest.

Neither the Habsburg empire nor Hungary survived World War I in their previous form - leaving Budapest as the capital of a now independent Hungary which lost two thirds of its territory, most of its non-Magyar population, and a few million Hungarian speakers, to neighbouring countries. The city's population reached one million around 1930. During the interwar years under the rule of regent Miklós Horthy, a former Admiral of the Austro-Hungarian fleet, Hungary became an ally of Germany. Near the end of World War II, Nazi Germany occupied Hungary after it attempted to negotiate separate peace with the Allies, and eventually installed a bloody dictatorship putting the hitherto fairly unimportant Nazi Nyilaskeresztes (Arrowcross) party in charge. While practically all of the 400,000 Jews in the countryside were murdered by German Nazis and their Hungarian nyilas sympathizers, roughly 60% of Budapest's Jewish community was saved during the Holocaust. People who are remembered for helping the local Jewish community include Raoul Wallenberg, the famous Swedish diplomat, who organised the distribution of Swedish passports by his embassy to as many Jews as possible, and the Italian Giorgio Perlasca, who – pretending to be a Spanish diplomat – rescued many thousands of Jews, but there were many other foreigners and Hungarians who participated in this effort. Air raids and a terrible three-month siege towards the end of World War II resulted in the death of over 38,000 civilians and the destruction of much of the once so lively city.

After the war, Budapest slowly recovered and became a showcase for the more pragmatic policies of Hungary's hard-line Communist government under the dictatorial rule of Mátyás Rákosi. The city was, however, also the main site of the 1956 uprising which was successful in installing a reform-oriented (albeit communist) government of Imre Nagy. This was swept away before long, after the Soviet leader Khrushchev decided to send in the tanks feeling that Hungary was slipping away from under Moscow's control. The Soviets installed János Kádár as the leader of the communist state who, after over thirty years of controversial rule, was voted out of leadership 1988 by the central committee due to health issues, and died in 1989.

Since the peaceful 1989 'system change' (Rendszerváltás) which was achieved as a compromise between reformist party forces and the opposition (notably including a younger self of the current prime minister, Viktor Orbán), Budapest transformed in appearance and atmosphere, a process further accelerated by the country's long-awaited joining with the European Union in 2004.

Winter (November until early March) can be cold and there is little sunshine. Snowfall is fairly frequent in most years, and nighttime temperatures of −15°C (5°F) are not uncommon between mid-December and mid-February.

The spring months (March and April) see variable conditions, with a rapid increase in the average temperature. The weather in late March and April is often very agreeable during the day and fresh at night.

Budapest's long summer - lasting from May until mid-September - is warm or very warm. Budapest has as much summer sunshine as many Mediterranean resorts. Sudden heavy showers also occur, particularly in May and June.

The autumn (mid-September until late October) is perhaps the best season for tourists as it has little rain and long sunny days with moderate temperatures. At the end of October the weather often turns abruptly colder.

For those with a reasonable budget, Budapest offers a rather high quality of life. In terms of culture, cuisine and general 'vibe', Budapest is comparable to other major European cities (see dedicated sections), while prices are lower.

It's just as well that prices are lower because local pay is significantly lower than in western Europe (for example, a skilled worker earns a minimum of 161,250 Hungarian forint (Ft) per month in 2017 before tax, while unskilled labourers earn a minimum wage of Ft127,650 per month.

A more serious issue is unemployment, especially in the face of the economic problems. This is also connected to the rise in the number of homeless people seen in metro stations doorways in Buda and in Pest. While this does trouble locals who often grew up without seeing explicit homelessness (before 1989), this issue usually does not present a safety risk to travellers.

• Tourism Office of Budapest, 1115 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 105-113 (: 'Móricz Zsigmond körtér' further Tram 19, 49 to 'Karolina út', +36 1 438-8080. You can get some very good free items, including a map of Budapest, a map of Hungary with all the youth hostels and prices and a very complete brochure about the northern part of Hungary (available in many languages).
• Tourinform Call Center, Sütő utca 2 (Deák Ferenc tér) (: Deák Ferenc tér, +36 1 438-8080. M-F 08:00-20:00. Can help with local information, accommodation, and free brochures, maps, postcards, and souvenirs.
• Tourist Information Centre, Buda Castle (Szentháromság tér), I. district, Tárnok u. 15 (From : Deák Ferenc tér or : Szél Kálmán tér take Bus 16 to Dísz tér. Daily 09:00-18:00. This information point stocks a comprehensive range of free leaflets, maps and listings magazines and free guidebooks which offer lots of ideas about sights and sounds, gastronomy, shopping, by night and lifestyle. You can also book shows, concerts and sightseeing tickets.
• Tourist Information Centre – City Park, XIV. district, Olof Palme sétány 5 (Ice Rink - : 'Hősők tere'. M-Th 10:00–18:00, F Sa 10:00–20:00 (09:00–18:00/20:00 spring and summer time). The office is an attraction in itself, as it is in a very nice location, with a beautiful view from the window. In summer you can see a little lake with people boating, and in winter, the lake is frozen and used for ice skating. You can book shows, concerts and sightseeing tickets and get information about city parks, free maps and free guide books.

Tourism Office of Budapest, 1115 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 105-113 (: 'Móricz Zsigmond körtér' further Tram 19, 49 to 'Karolina út', +36 1 438-8080. You can get some very good free items, including a map of Budapest, a map of Hungary with all the youth hostels and prices and a very complete brochure about the northern part of Hungary (available in many languages).

Tourinform Call Center, Sütő utca 2 (Deák Ferenc tér) (: Deák Ferenc tér, +36 1 438-8080. M-F 08:00-20:00. Can help with local information, accommodation, and free brochures, maps, postcards, and souvenirs.

Tourist Information Centre, Buda Castle (Szentháromság tér), I. district, Tárnok u. 15 (From : Deák Ferenc tér or : Szél Kálmán tér take Bus 16 to Dísz tér. Daily 09:00-18:00. This information point stocks a comprehensive range of free leaflets, maps and listings magazines and free guidebooks which offer lots of ideas about sights and sounds, gastronomy, shopping, by night and lifestyle. You can also book shows, concerts and sightseeing tickets.

Tourist Information Centre – City Park, XIV. district, Olof Palme sétány 5 (Ice Rink - : 'Hősők tere'. M-Th 10:00–18:00, F Sa 10:00–20:00 (09:00–18:00/20:00 spring and summer time). The office is an attraction in itself, as it is in a very nice location, with a beautiful view from the window. In summer you can see a little lake with people boating, and in winter, the lake is frozen and used for ice skating. You can book shows, concerts and sightseeing tickets and get information about city parks, free maps and free guide books.

The Danube. This is what's unique about Budapest, the urban river landscape. This feature can be admired in several ways: from panoramic points, such as Fishermen's bastion or Gellért hill's Citadella in Újbuda and Tétény, promenading along the river banks, or from the river's perspective, from a boat. For romantic views of the city, go at night. There is a number of bridges (see Orientation above) that arch over the river and define Budapest. Most famous is the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd), owing its name to the suspension structure: the bridge is made of chains whose links are huge dog-bone shaped metal bars linked by pins at their ends. And there is also the magnificent Elisabeth bridge (Erzsébet híd) and the Liberty bridge (Szabadság híd). To get away from all the hustle of the city visit Margaret Island (Margitsziget), reachable from the Margaret bridge. Its large parks (see Buda) are a very pleasant place to relax and wander, perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Most of Budapest's famous sights are concentrated on Castle Hill on the Buda side, in downtown so called Belváros and along the riverside walkways.

On Belbuda the main highlight is the Royal Palace (Királyi palota), which is the most popular attraction on the hill. It is home to the National Gallery and the Historical Museum of Budapest, with exhibits about medieval Budapest and history of the Royal Palace. To the north you can find the funicular on a big square southestern corner, while in the eastern part there are some medieval excavations and castle ruins from 14-17th century. Towards the north, by the Dísz tér corner, is the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum (Arany Sas Patikamúzeum), with a collection of pharmaceutical objects from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Near there is the Café Ruszwurm, or 'the Heaven for coffein and sweets addicts'. A hundred meters east is a local pride, the Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom), which is a Neo-Gothic church crowning Budapest's cityscape, and the 'Fisherman's bastion', (Halászbástya), a lookout terrace with impressive views across the Danube to Pest. In the next building is the Marzipan Museum, which is a children's favourite. On the castle northwest corner is the Military Museum if you interested for uniforms, weapons, maps and other Hungary-related military objects from 11th century until nowadays. If not, you must to go there because the view from there is worth a short detour. Almost all of west Buda hill is visible from here.

Central (Belváros) of Pest is the administrative and business centre of Budapest and the whole of Hungary. Visiting first the Parliament Building (Országház) is good choice. A Neo-Gothic jewel, it is beautifully situated overlooking the Danube. It is very much worth going inside. Opposite the Parliament, the Museum of Ethnography is located, and just couple hundred metres is St Stephen's Basilica, the main church of Budapest and an important example of Neo-Classical architecture. Take 2 stops by M3 to Astoria station and visit the Jewish quarter (part of Unesco World Heritage), the main Hungarian Jewish holy place the Dohány Street Synagogue and Jewish Museum (Dohány utcai Zsinagóga), the largest and certainly among the most beautiful ones in Europe. Take the underpass toward National Museum, on the way admire the Eötvös Loránd University on Múzeum körút. It is worth dropping by for a short visit. Visitors can rest in the lush Trefort Garden or have a refreshment in the popular Bölcsész Terasz, an open-air cultural garden that has musical performances as well as food. If you take metro to Kálvin tér, you can visit another important museum which is the Applied Arts museum. Outside the centre towards the south take tram 2 to visit the famous Zwack Unicum, a type of alcoholic spirit, company museum, and the new culture hub near to Lágymányosi bridge include the Ludwig Museum of Modern Art. Eastwards from the city centre (Belváros) the 'Andrássy út' boulevard in Central Pest stretches to the City Park ('Városliget'). It is listed on UNESCO World Heritage List and has some important sights along it. First is the State Opera House, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The main staircase was an important element of the building in the 19th century for ladies to show off their new gowns. Second is Oktogon (eight angled) square House of Terror, the former secret police headquarters that now is a museum which objectively documents the terror of the Nazi and Communist eras. Next are some eastern culture museums in the Hopp Museum of East Asian Art a great collection from China, Japan, India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Nearby is another similar collection, namely Ráth György Museum. Also here Southeast Asian Goldmuseum which has the leading collection in Europe of southeast Asian gold artifacts from the 1st millennium BC. Along the boulevard after Oktogon square, you will find many embassies in nice, over 100 year old villas. At the road's end is the Heroes' Square - with the Millennium Monument. Opposite is the Museum of Fine Arts with an incredible range of European artwork from Greek and Roman times to the present. Especially valuable is its collection of Spanish Baroque painting. Behind it there is the zoo and the Gundel restaurant, one of the best of the capital. Woodpark area starts here, with the City Park ('Városliget') at the far end, probably the most pleasant of Pest's districts and featuring several interesting if low-key attractions which are often overlooked. A castle on a little island on a lake, - Vajdahunyad Vára, - built for the 1898 World Fair. In the winter, the lake is turned into the city's biggest ice rink. Nowadays it houses an agricultural museum. Also in the park is the Transport Museum.

On Buda side north from castle you will find the Gül Baba Türbéje, a shrine where Gül Baba (literally Rose Father, from whom the Rózsadomb (Rose Hill) was named) lies. Take H5 to Szentlélek square, which is the heart of Óbuda (Old Buda) district. Near to the square is Victor Vasarely Museum showing many works of the famous Hungarian-born post-modern painter Vásárhelyi Győző (1908-1997), and the Kassák Museum at the Zichy Castle showing works of the modern Hungarian artists as well as modern Hungarian art. Also near the square is the Kiscelli Museum, the Budapest Picture Gallery. More one stop on H5 is the city biggest archeological site: the Aquincum, a city in the Roman times, where there are some ruins of thermal baths, built on stone and decorated with mosaics and paintings.

Far to west (Újbuda and Tétény) is the Memento Park, an open air museum in Budapest, dedicated to monumental statues from Hungary's Communist period (1949–1989).

Southward from the Castle is the Budai Vigadó (Hungarian Heritage House). Between 1898 and 1900 winners of an architectural competition faced a demanding project: build a theater and library to suit the needs of the residents of Buda on the site of a former arsenal. Aladár Árkay and Mór Kallina worked to change the pre-existing building into a cultural center. The Vigado’s outside is constructed in a relatively simple, eclectic style, but the interior boasts an impressive Art-Nouveau hall with a marble staircase and pillars and a spacious, ornate theater. Today, it is also known as the Hungarian Heritage House and is the home theater of the Hungarian Folk Ensemble.

Music related museums are also in the city: the Kodály Museum, the Liszt Museum, former home of Ferenc Liszt, the most famous Hungarian composer, where a collection of his personal objects and instruments can be visited. Bartók's House and the Music Museum, includes a collection of musical instruments and the Bartok archive.

• The simplest, and perhaps best of all: get a map, circle the things you want to see, divide up your time and stroll around in the city. Spend time in charming cafés or restaurants, preferably not right at the main tourist sites, look at the market stands, walk on a bridge in the evening. The lively atmosphere of this jewel of a city both by day and by night cannot be experienced via guided tours, locked into a tourist bus/boat. Locals are usually happy to help, also to tell you what they think is best to see, what is better to stay away from or for a little chat just to keep up their English or German. Don't hesitate to ask questions.
  • Hungaria Koncert, +36 1 317-1377. Operates cruises with lunch or dinner daily at 14:00, 19:00 and 20:00. This service is 90 minutes with hot buffet lunch or dinner. During the cruise, the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Royal Castle, Palace of Arts, etc. can be seen.
• Rent a bike. Rents are around Ft1,800 for half a day. Szentendre is a 2 hours ride from the centre and you get to see nice places, much of the way is at the Danube. If you prefer more organised ways, a guided bike tour gets you some exercise and introduces you to the local geography. For example, staff at Buda Bike [underground garage at the plaza in front of St Stephan's Basilica] are very friendly. They also rent bikes. Bike map on the Net
• Walk in the City park (Városliget) with your children. Walk around the lake and feed the ducks. See the statue of Anonymus at the Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairy-tale-like building. Széchenyi Spa, right next to the lake, is also enjoyable for children (see also the Baths section).
• In the winter, the same lake is transformed into the large ice-skating rink with an astonishing view during winter. It is a popular place for children and teenagers.
• The nearby Circus (Fövárosi Nagycirkusz - Great Circus of the Capital) offers performances with international artists.
• Next to it, the Budapest Zoo - one of the oldest in the world - offers more than 800 animals to be seen in a historic atmosphere.
• Experience an opera at Budapest's beautiful State Opera House or a performance of folklore or classical music at any of Budapest's many concert halls (details under Performing arts).
• Budapest River Cruise is an option to discover the city with Danube boat which takes 75 minutes and you can visit the most popular places with it.

Budapest offers a multitude of fairs and festivals. A few of them are:

March

• Budapest Spring Festival. A dazzling variety of cultural events mainly revolving around classical music and performing arts - including folklore.

July

• Formula One, Mogyorod village (Take from M2 Örs vezér tere a 'H8' suburban rail. Car racing. If you visit the Hungarian Grand Prix, make sure that you bring water and preferably a packed lunch as the food at the track is not great, usually burnt barbecue meat, and very expensive. It is also advisable that you bring a phone and headphones so that you can follow online commentary as during the race there is there is very little race commentary and when there is it has to be in Hungarian, German and English to accommodate all the fans and as a result the commentator is usually telling you something that happened a few minutes ago.

August

• Firework above Danube River. 21:00 on 20 Aug.. National Holiday. Sound & light show with fireworks. Around half hour open air show. Free except if you wish to see from the air.
• Jewish Summer Festival. Another array of cultural and music events, with a Jewish touch.
• Sziget. Festival on Óbudai Sziget (Óbuda Island) Attracts rock fans, world music hippies and the usual festival crowd every August. It has become one of the best-known festivals in Europe, offering a multitude of cultural, culinary and musical events. Day tickets cost €45 and festival passes, including camping cost €170 if purchased before 15 April and €200 after. Festival passes without camping cost €30 less. Sleeping in a tent under the open sky instead of a hotel room gives the complete festival feeling. Safes are available for valuables.

Budapest Spring Festival. A dazzling variety of cultural events mainly revolving around classical music and performing arts - including folklore.

Formula One, Mogyorod village (Take from M2 Örs vezér tere a 'H8' suburban rail. Car racing. If you visit the Hungarian Grand Prix, make sure that you bring water and preferably a packed lunch as the food at the track is not great, usually burnt barbecue meat, and very expensive. It is also advisable that you bring a phone and headphones so that you can follow online commentary as during the race there is there is very little race commentary and when there is it has to be in Hungarian, German and English to accommodate all the fans and as a result the commentator is usually telling you something that happened a few minutes ago.

Firework above Danube River. 21:00 on 20 Aug.. National Holiday. Sound & light show with fireworks. Around half hour open air show. Free except if you wish to see from the air.

Jewish Summer Festival. Another array of cultural and music events, with a Jewish touch.

Sziget. Festival on Óbudai Sziget (Óbuda Island) Attracts rock fans, world music hippies and the usual festival crowd every August. It has become one of the best-known festivals in Europe, offering a multitude of cultural, culinary and musical events. Day tickets cost €45 and festival passes, including camping cost €170 if purchased before 15 April and €200 after. Festival passes without camping cost €30 less. Sleeping in a tent under the open sky instead of a hotel room gives the complete festival feeling. Safes are available for valuables.

Apart from a renowned music scene, Hungary has a surprisingly rich theatre and art scene and, not surprisingly, Budapest is the epicentre of it. The season begins in mid-September and ends in June. Productions range from classic dramas and traditional operas to post-modern dance performances. The following venues can be particularly interesting for non-Hungarians. Tickets are bookable about one month beforehand at Interticket, the Hungarian theatres' official booking engine with a booking fee of 10% + Ft50.

In spite of increasing funding difficulties, high quality cinema has remained alive in Budapest. For contemporary non-mainstream European and Hungarian titles turn to Budapest’s excellent art house film chain, Art mozi, most of their branches are provided with a café or pub and offer pleasant atmosphere to spend your evening. A few selected cinemas of this chain: Uránia National Cinema | Uránia Nemzeti Filmszínház where you can see the mainstream European artistic films with new Hungarian ones, the latter sporadically subtitled in English; Cinema Puskin (Puskin Mozi) an elegant, decorated multiplex offering quality, but generally easy-to-watch Hungarian and foreign films; Cinema Művész (Művész Mozi) is probably the most popular “Art Mozi” theatre in Budapest; Film Museum Örökmozgó (Örökmozgó Filmmúzeum) is your best choice if you’re in mood to see a film from the times when Leonardo DiCaprio was a child, mostly film in original language and are subtitled in Hungarian. Mainstream cinemas mainly show subtitled or dubbed Hollywood films and Hungarian romantic films. After the shopping centre revolution in the late 1990s, more than two thirds of the city’s cinema screens are operated by international chains and franchises. Two examples are: Corvin, one of the oldest, although completely modernised cinema in the city. The most centrally located cinema is the Palace Westend in Pest.

Budapest has many thermal springs and its fame is still rising as a major European Spa location. The baths are among last vestige of Turkish culture in Budapest; some baths indeed date back to Turkish times. However, Hungarians have modified and moulded this tradition into something of their own during the last four centuries.

Thermal baths contain several thermal pools. They are usually complemented with multiple steam baths, massage services and other therapies including drinking cures. Unlike in some Scandinavian or German baths, Budapest baths mostly require you to wear your bathing suit. Among foreigners, Russians seem to be most frequent visitors to Budapest's baths, followed by Italians and Americans.

A tradition of night bath parties has evolved, often revolving around various branches of electronic music, see e.g..

Traditional public baths used to have a slightly outdated but nowadays improving service and admission system and allow an authentic bathing experience with locals around you. At the cash desk, you sometimes have to select treatments in advance, often they are offered in distinct places of the building. Bathing time is not restricted, and, depending on the system, if you're finished earlier, part of your fee is repaid. Towels and sometimes bathrobe can be rented either at the entrance or inside. Changing clothes can be done either in a common area with lockers (gender segregated) or in cabins (kabinok) which may come in different size and is highly useful for families. While newer systems may be introduced, according to the proper ancient ritual you're handed a token with a number, which is also written on a blackboard inside the cabin door as a security code: you must remember cabin number. To access your cabin again, show your cabin and a token to attendant, and s/he'll open the door and check the number inside. In swimming pools, swimming caps are sometimes obligatory, and are often available for sale or rent.

Modern baths, such as Danubius Grand Thermal Hotel, are usually called spas, although their central component are thermal pool and multitude of steam baths/saunas, which is not always typical for spas in of parts of the world.

• If you live a sporty life you should not have a break during your holiday. Wide variety of health clubs, yoga & pilates clubs, riding schools, swimming pools and squash and tennis courts give sporting opportunity. On Margaret Island you will find joggers, and swimming opportunity in the Hajós Olympic Pool. Practicing the mentioned sports is cheap in Budapest.

• Caving in Budapest ranges from well-lit and renovated Szemlőhegyi cave, where you can go to parts of the cave in a wheelchair, to some of the more extreme tours in the Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system, where you have to squeeze through several metres long passages with no room to spare. The Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system is recommended for the adventurous (and non-claustrophobic) who wants "proper caving" instead of the more "tourist friendly" alternatives. The tours lasts between 2½–3 hours and much of the time is spent crawling or climbing, so some degree of fitness is needed. The guided tour includes a helmet, headlamp and overall so bring good shoes. Guides are professional. English guided tours are usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays late in the afternoon, but can be pre-booked by groups at other days as well. Bookings need to be for at least 4 people.

Please do not litter, write your name on the cave wall or damage the cave in any other way. Part of the experience is the feeling of being in unspoiled nature.

Caving in Budapest ranges from well-lit and renovated Szemlőhegyi cave, where you can go to parts of the cave in a wheelchair, to some of the more extreme tours in the Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system, where you have to squeeze through several metres long passages with no room to spare. The Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system is recommended for the adventurous (and non-claustrophobic) who wants "proper caving" instead of the more "tourist friendly" alternatives. The tours lasts between 2½–3 hours and much of the time is spent crawling or climbing, so some degree of fitness is needed. The guided tour includes a helmet, headlamp and overall so bring good shoes. Guides are professional. English guided tours are usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays late in the afternoon, but can be pre-booked by groups at other days as well. Bookings need to be for at least 4 people.

The simplest, and perhaps best of all: get a map, circle the things you want to see, divide up your time and stroll around in the city. Spend time in charming cafés or restaurants, preferably not right at the main tourist sites, look at the market stands, walk on a bridge in the evening. The lively atmosphere of this jewel of a city both by day and by night cannot be experienced via guided tours, locked into a tourist bus/boat. Locals are usually happy to help, also to tell you what they think is best to see, what is better to stay away from or for a little chat just to keep up their English or German. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

• Hungaria Koncert, +36 1 317-1377. Operates cruises with lunch or dinner daily at 14:00, 19:00 and 20:00. This service is 90 minutes with hot buffet lunch or dinner. During the cruise, the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Royal Castle, Palace of Arts, etc. can be seen.

Walk in the City park (Városliget) with your children. Walk around the lake and feed the ducks. See the statue of Anonymus at the Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairy-tale-like building. Széchenyi Spa, right next to the lake, is also enjoyable for children (see also the Baths section).

In the winter, the same lake is transformed into the large ice-skating rink with an astonishing view during winter. It is a popular place for children and teenagers.

Next to it, the Budapest Zoo - one of the oldest in the world - offers more than 800 animals to be seen in a historic atmosphere.

Experience an opera at Budapest's beautiful State Opera House or a performance of folklore or classical music at any of Budapest's many concert halls (details under Performing arts).

Budapest River Cruise is an option to discover the city with Danube boat which takes 75 minutes and you can visit the most popular places with it.

When receiving change from a taxi journey, make sure that the money is actually Hungarian. Some taxi drivers have been known to give unsuspecting passengers obsolete Romanian banknotes (lei).

Many reliable exchange bureaux can be found in the city centre near Deák Ferenc tér metro station. For example, there are two shops next two the tourist information. These shops as well as other shops in the area offer a better rate than other banks at tourist spots such as international bus stations and the castle hill. The rate might be even better than getting cash from ATMs. There is also no extra charge. If you're looking for money exchange in the Keleti station, be sure to check exchange rates at all the three money exchange shops along the platforms; they offer differential prices. See Hungary#Money for information on currency and exchange rates.

Most of the visitors from far away end up shopping in Pest in the middle of the city: Váci utca and nearby. It is historically the most expensive part of the city. You'll find Hungarian linens and lace, pottery, and other items, in souvenir shops.

You definitely want to visit the Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) at Fővám tér, the renovated market hall with essential atmosphere (it's at the south end of Vaci). Prices for the same items vary a lot between sellers and aren't set in stone so be sure to compare and bargain.

Also, chain stores can be found along the Váci utca (C&A, H&M, Clinique, Estee Lauder, New Yorker, etc.)

The shopping malls locally known as "Plazas" are usually good for buying clothes, but prices may vary wildly even in shops next to each other. For electronics, the cheap supermarkets like Electro World and Media Markt are good targets, but the quality is on par with the prices. Due to the low cost of labour, a tradition in repairing mobile phones and other appliances exists, and buying second hand electronics is normal. This service is usually offered in smaller private shops.

Absinthe is available for purchase at common liquor stores, a must-have purchase for the European traveller. Many brands available in the Market Hall and liquor stores are of poor quality (or not even "real" Absinthe).

Hungarian food deserves to be (and often is) mentioned among the country's main sites. As in other cultures, the Hungarian approach to food combines pride in their own traditions with a readiness to accept outside influences. The result is a vibrant restaurant scene where an Asian-Hungarian fusion restaurant may well be of genuine interest. Luckily, prices are significantly below western Europe's with around €4 for a budget lunch, and around €8-14 for a nice evening meal in a mid-range restaurant, depending on place and appetite. Above €20 per person is definitely considered expensive, but there are enough lavish places above this price range for those looking for something special.

Local specialities often revolve around meat (pork, beef, veal, or poultry), often involve liberal use of paprika, however not necessary of the hot kind. Due to a historical translation error, "goulash soup" is indeed a soup, not the "goulash" that visitors may be familiar with from home which is known as "pörkölt". Major specialities include:

• gulyás(leves) usually translated as 'goulash soup' - a filling meat soup (usually beef) with potatoes and paprika, among other ingredients. Served as main dish or as a (heavy) starter. The name refers to the Hungarian version of a cowboy taking care of a 'gulya' (cattleherd).
• paprikás veal or chicken cooked in delicious creamy paprika sauce (not spicy)
• pörkölt a stew with of sautéed onions and - paprika. Similar to what is served as 'goulash' abroad.
• halászlé - fishermen's soup served differently depending on region
• töltött káposzta - stuffed cabbage, the cooked cabbage leafs are filled with meat and in a paprika sauce, served with sour cream (similar to crème fraîche or crème acidulée)
• Balaton pike-perch (fogas)
• gyümölcsleves - fruit soup - cold, creamy and sweet, consumed as a starter.

From the desserts, you may not want to miss

• Somlói galuska, a poem on biscuit dough, cream and chocolate sauce, invented by Károly Gollerits at Gundel
• Gundel palacsinta - Gundel pancake (crepe) - with a filling prepared with rum, raisin, walnuts, and lemon zest, served with a chocolate sauce, and the careful reader may guess its birthplace.
• Kürtőskalács, (chimney cake) a delicious sweet dough pastry which is cooked on a chimney shaped spit and coated in butter and sugar to form a crispy crust. After the cakes are cooked they can be rolled in a variety of toppings such as cinnamon sugar or chocolate.
• There is also a great variety of wonderful pastries/cakes (Torta), some of which you will recognize if you are familiar with Viennese pastries. You may want to try Dobos torta (Dobos cake, named after József Dobos), and Rigó Jancsi a light chocolate-cream cake.

In addition to traditional Hungarian fare, which is recommended, there are numerous other cuisines available in Budapest. The adventurous gourmand can enjoy a different cuisine each meal for a week. Restaurant prices in Budapest are very reasonable by American and Western European standards with a general rule being that you would pay twice as much for a similar meal in New York, London or Paris.

Coffee houses (kávéház) were a traditional Budapest institution, somewhat resembling Viennese lifestyle. Visit to one should be on every traveller's agenda. These are places are great to spend some time at a cup of coffee and a delicious cake, but some of them (especially in the higher price range) offer meals as well. With dozens of places in the city, the best-known, landmark coffeehouses (and among priciest) are: Gerbeaud (Vörösmarty tér 7-9), Művész Kávéház (Andrássy út 29), New York Kávéház (Erzsébet krt. 9-11). Other Kávéházs worth visiting include the cafe at the Hotel Astoria, Cafe Central, the Cafe Mozart, Wall Street and the oldest in Budapest, the Ruszwurm in Buda castle.

Hungarian cuisine and restaurant experiences are happily remembered by visitors, even if the Hungarian diet may seem rather meat-based to many western visitors. The city has large variety of great places to eat at prices quite reasonable for western-Europeans. Like in some other cities, a number of restaurants see tourists as scapegoats. It is a good idea to avoid restaurants in the heart of the most touristic areas like Váci utca, especially if all customers seem foreigners, as you'll likely be served mediocre food with a high bill padded with number of bizarre charges. In some restaurants anything you don't explicitly ask for, but appears on your table, is likely to be charged for. Don't take restaurant tips from suspicious individuals on the streets, ask at your hotel or local friends.

A wide variety of decent food for not reasonable prices can be found at the lively Ráday utca, venue of a number of cultural events, near Kálvin tér. But simply strolling the more central areas, e.g. near the Great Ringroad (Nagykörút), or the Pozsonyi út, will be enough to bump into nice places to test local cooking skill (though not necessarily with a menu available in English). Top-notch quality food (1st category restaurants) charge a wide range of prices (from starters around Ft1,000, main courses Ft3,000-10,000, and menus from Ft5,000). Perhaps the most reputed among top restaurants is the Gundel near Városliget. Check the prices before you decide to go, but it offers a good value Sunday brunch for around Ft5,000.

Walking along the Danube on the Pest side, you see a lot of restaurant and bar boats. Most of them serve traditional Hungarian and international dishes, some of them are function more as bars. Thanks to the beautiful panorama across the Danube and the castle, these places provide an unforgettable experience.

Of special note: Hungarian law does not require restaurants to forward either the (included) service charge or the added tip to the wait staff. Dubious restaurants, especially those favored by tourists, will simply pocket the extra Forint into their private coffers. While it is customary to tip 10% of the bill, it is important to ask your waiter if the service charge is included in the bill and if the staff receives either the service charge or any additional tip. Obviously, it is better to frequent restaurants which treat their staff well, but you may not know in which kind of establishment you are dining until you receive the bill and inquire.

Only cross-district chains are listed here; see district articles for individual restaurants.

• Wasabi, Podmaniczky ut 21 (:close to Nyugati station. M-F 11:00-17:00. Excellent Japanese and Korean food. Lunch Ft3,790. The Buda unit: Szépvölgyi ut 15 (train station Szépvölgyi ut) 11:00-23:00.
• Trófea Grill. The best among all-you-can-eat (buffet) and all the alcohol you can drink. Best to book a table in advance. Has 4 locations. 1 on Buda downtown by Margaret Bridge (Margit körút 2)
• Leroy Cafe, Pest (5 locations), Buda (3 locations). (See district article Pest for details) Mid- to high-priced restaurant chain that offers Hungarian classics with other Italian and European cuisine. Very fashionable interiors and popular with the well-paid white collar crowd. Reservations are recommended during traditional peak times. When eating here, always make sure that you won't be slapped on an extra 100% service charge. Read the menu before entering the restaurant carefully and insist on talking to someone who speaks English.

Wasabi, Podmaniczky ut 21 (:close to Nyugati station. M-F 11:00-17:00. Excellent Japanese and Korean food. Lunch Ft3,790. The Buda unit: Szépvölgyi ut 15 (train station Szépvölgyi ut) 11:00-23:00.

Trófea Grill. The best among all-you-can-eat (buffet) and all the alcohol you can drink. Best to book a table in advance. Has 4 locations. 1 on Buda downtown by Margaret Bridge (Margit körút 2)

Leroy Cafe, Pest (5 locations), Buda (3 locations). (See district article Pest for details) Mid- to high-priced restaurant chain that offers Hungarian classics with other Italian and European cuisine. Very fashionable interiors and popular with the well-paid white collar crowd. Reservations are recommended during traditional peak times. When eating here, always make sure that you won't be slapped on an extra 100% service charge. Read the menu before entering the restaurant carefully and insist on talking to someone who speaks English.

• Govinda. M–F 11:30–20:00, Sa 12:00–21:00. Great vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Budapest. You can choose from different menus every day or just order separate dishes; moderately priced. The Govinda chain has three restaurants in Budapest. The main restaurant is at Vigyázó Ferenc utca 4, Govinda Vega Corner is at Papnövelde utca 1, and the Govinda-Buda is at Árpád fejedelem utca 33. See maps, Vigyázó Ferenc utca 4
• Edeni Vegan, Iskola utca 31 (1 block from Batthány tér metro station, +36 6203 0775 75. Daily 08:00-20:00. Cafeteria-style restaurant, large portions, relatively cheap. Food may vary depending on day, time, and dishes chosen. Tofu goulash recommended. Staff are very helpful at explaining the dishes so ask what they are if you don't know. Cash only. There is an ATM at the bank across the street.

Govinda. M–F 11:30–20:00, Sa 12:00–21:00. Great vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Budapest. You can choose from different menus every day or just order separate dishes; moderately priced. The Govinda chain has three restaurants in Budapest. The main restaurant is at Vigyázó Ferenc utca 4, Govinda Vega Corner is at Papnövelde utca 1, and the Govinda-Buda is at Árpád fejedelem utca 33. See maps, Vigyázó Ferenc utca 4

Edeni Vegan, Iskola utca 31 (1 block from Batthány tér metro station, +36 6203 0775 75. Daily 08:00-20:00. Cafeteria-style restaurant, large portions, relatively cheap. Food may vary depending on day, time, and dishes chosen. Tofu goulash recommended. Staff are very helpful at explaining the dishes so ask what they are if you don't know. Cash only. There is an ATM at the bank across the street.

If you want to take home some Hungarian paprika, Pick szalámi, or Tokaji wine, grocery shops are naturally cheaper than specialised souvenir kiosks.

In the central areas, you will find smaller grocery shops such as the Hungarian chains GRoby shops, CBA shops, and the usual European suspects Spar and Tesco Express shops.

Further from the centre, you can find foreign-owned hypermarkets like Auchan & Tesco with the usual range of goods.

The best way to get to know a culture is through its food! Join a Hungarian host in cooking a Hungarian menu in an authentic Hungarian home.

Easy Cooking Budapest offers the perfect program: shopping at a local market, then cooking together in a small group at an apartment, while tasting some wine and Pálinka. www.easycookingbudapest.com

• Hanna's Kosher Kitchen, VII. Dob utca 35, +361 342-1072. Features classic Hungarian food, but Kosher.
• Kinor David, VII. Dohany utca (next to the big Dohány Temple, +36 1 413-7304 or +36 1 413-7305.
• Salamon glatt kosher restaurant, 1072 Budapest, VII. Nagydiófa u. 27 (next to King's Hotel, +36 1 413-1487, +36 1 413-1488, +36 30 743 6938 (Cell), +36 20 966 6160 (Cell).
• Rothschild Supermarkets (located throughout the city centre) offer Kosher goods too.

Hanna's Kosher Kitchen, VII. Dob utca 35, +361 342-1072. Features classic Hungarian food, but Kosher.

Kinor David, VII. Dohany utca (next to the big Dohány Temple, +36 1 413-7304 or +36 1 413-7305.

Salamon glatt kosher restaurant, 1072 Budapest, VII. Nagydiófa u. 27 (next to King's Hotel, +36 1 413-1487, +36 1 413-1488, +36 30 743 6938 (Cell), +36 20 966 6160 (Cell).

Halal food is not traditional for Budapest but a number of places are available. Check this Muslim site for meat shops (húsboltok) and restaurants (Éttermek).

A version of döner kebab (as known e.g. in Germany) is sold under the Greek name "gyros" (often by Turks!). Translated from Turkish döner, gyros means "rotate" or "spintop" in Greek - a reference to the meat being rotated on a stake.

One good moderately priced Turkish halal place is Szeráj on Szt. István körút opposite to the theatre building of "Vígszínház", between Nyugati tér Margaret Bridge.

gulyás(leves) usually translated as 'goulash soup' - a filling meat soup (usually beef) with potatoes and paprika, among other ingredients. Served as main dish or as a (heavy) starter. The name refers to the Hungarian version of a cowboy taking care of a 'gulya' (cattleherd).

paprikás veal or chicken cooked in delicious creamy paprika sauce (not spicy)

pörkölt a stew with of sautéed onions and - paprika. Similar to what is served as 'goulash' abroad.

halászlé - fishermen's soup served differently depending on region

töltött káposzta - stuffed cabbage, the cooked cabbage leafs are filled with meat and in a paprika sauce, served with sour cream (similar to crème fraîche or crème acidulée)

Balaton pike-perch (fogas)

gyümölcsleves - fruit soup - cold, creamy and sweet, consumed as a starter.

Somlói galuska, a poem on biscuit dough, cream and chocolate sauce, invented by Károly Gollerits at Gundel

Gundel palacsinta - Gundel pancake (crepe) - with a filling prepared with rum, raisin, walnuts, and lemon zest, served with a chocolate sauce, and the careful reader may guess its birthplace.

Kürtőskalács, (chimney cake) a delicious sweet dough pastry which is cooked on a chimney shaped spit and coated in butter and sugar to form a crispy crust. After the cakes are cooked they can be rolled in a variety of toppings such as cinnamon sugar or chocolate.

There is also a great variety of wonderful pastries/cakes (Torta), some of which you will recognize if you are familiar with Viennese pastries. You may want to try Dobos torta (Dobos cake, named after József Dobos), and Rigó Jancsi a light chocolate-cream cake.

Budapest offers plenty of places to drink, from cool and ultra-hip to rowdy and down-market. If you are in the mood for a particularly Hungarian experience, visit a so-called borozó (wine pub). These offer cheap yet tasty Hungarian wine on tap at outright hilariously low prices if you manage to find one outside the tourist circuit.

Hungary is famous for its wines produced at Balaton area and Eger. Among red wines the best are Kékfrankos, Egri Bikavér "Bulls Blood” and white wines the Szürkebarát and Chardonnay are popular. One of the most favorite is the Tokaji, a sweet white wine.

You should try not to miss out on the Hungarian spirit, palinka, made from fruits such as plum, apricot, cherry or williams pears.

Unique Hungarian soft drinks to try are Traubi Szoda (a white grape soda) and Márka (a sour cherry soda).

• Central Emergency: dial 112
• Ambulance: 104
• Fire: 105
• Police: 107

Budapest is potentially one of the safest cities in the world for its size. There are no slums or districts you should avoid, particularly not in the touristy areas or nearby. As a traveller, you should take only normal precautions: don't show off your money and don't wear flashy jewellery. Magyars tend to be friendly with foreigners; racism or xenophobia against tourists is practically unknown.

As in most other big cities, pickpocketing is the most common crime against tourists. The rate of picked pockets is relatively low by Western European and U.S. standards, and you're unlikely to have any problem if you follow some basic rules you wouldn't forget in Paris, Brussels or Vienna. The most important rules are that you never wear a backpack or purse on your back in public transportation or other places with a lot of people, and make sure that you have your wallet in one of your front pockets.

Younger Hungarian policemen mostly speak some basic English. Tourists have no reason to be afraid of them unless they break the law.

During the peak tourist season, police patrolling major tourist areas are accompanied by bilingual or multi-lingual students who assist with problems or complaints. Police have also opened a 24/7 TourInform office in one of Budapest's busiest areas. It is located at Sütő Street 2, District V, and they are able to receive complaints and render assistance in English and German.

Mostly there's no reason to have concerns about Budapest by night. In practice, the whole city, including all the touristy areas, Pest within the inner ring road (the line of Szent István körút–Teréz körút–Erzsébet körút–József körút–Ferenc körút, popularly known as Nagykörút), and Buda are safe even before dawn. Most locals avoid walking alone by night in outer zones of districts 8th and 9th in Pest, as these are shady, though not particularly dangerous areas. Areas in 8th district behind Népszinház utca - József körút can be a bit risky, although the district is CCTV monitored by the police. If you don't have special thing to do there, try not to have a walk at night at Lujza, Dankó, Magdolna Streets and their surroundings: also, it's not a very attractive area. Népszinház utca itself is not a very nice place after dark but usually not risky.

Some big panel areas on the outskirts of the city (parts of Újpest and Kőbánya, residential areas unknown by tourists) also not the best places to have a walk without knowing where to go. The area around Keleti pályaudvar is also not very friendly, but usually nothing happens. Avoid homeless people asking for money or selling something in the big underpasses. The subway at Nyugati tér collects different types of people; it is generally not risky because of heavy traffic day and night, but try not to look very "lost" there.

Beautiful during the day, bigger public parks like Városliget, are better avoided at night. Don't take a healthy walk at Népliget after dark. The famous 'chill-out' place at Római part (3rd district) can be deserted especially after 01:00 and in the winter season, although it's usually safe. Don't go to the dark paths alone around Citadella at night.

Night buses and the tram no.6 passing through the city centre can be very crowded at peak socialising times on Friday and Saturday nights. You may come across aggressive drunk youngsters on the vehicles or at the stops. Keep a low profile or avoid the public transportation system on weekend nights. Major night lines are now guarded by security staff.

Like in several cities of the world, in Budapest the major scams for the inexperienced visitor are taxis and restaurants. Much of the following would apply to a number of highly touristed cities in Europe.

In the past the airport taxis used to be a traveller's nightmare. Now, things ave gotten better: Főtaxi - contracted partner of the airport - is so far reported to be reliable and works according to advertised prices; for details read the Airport transfer section. Főtaxi has a stand outside the terminal building, enjoying the exclusive right to wait there, though other companies can come to pick up passengers if called by phone. Sometimes scam taxi drivers will still solicit services inside the terminal to take you for a ride with a very hungry meter. Fixed price information on the internet.

Alternatives to Főtaxi include calling another trusted cab firm (saving €5-10), or to use the Airport Minibus service. Airport Minibus has a booth inside the terminal and they will allocate you to a minibus with several others who are going to the same area of the city. Depending on how lucky you are, yours may be the first destination or the last. However, it is only cheaper than a taxi if you are travelling alone. If you travel the from the city to the airport, pre-order your taxi on the chosen company's phone number or call for the Airport Shuttle. The Airport Shuttle is reasonably priced, reliable and an efficient way to get to the airport.

The situation around railway and bus stations is still not regulated. The worst is probably Keleti Pályaudvar: never trust drivers hanging around the arrival side; rather, order a taxi by phone (some cars display their company's number). If that's not possible, take only taxis with a logo of the bigger companies, and with a proper sign on the roof and taxi licence plate. As a general rule, make sure the taximeter is on (and not set to the special "extortionate rate for unwary tourists") or agree the price with the driver beforehand. Many cases have been reported in which taxi drivers have extorted hundreds of euros from unwary visitors. Smaller crimes include being given change in worthless, obsolete Romanian or other currency, which is not instantly recognizable by tourists as non-Hungarian currency. Other drivers take a longer route, which means a higher price, if you don't have an agreed price. If you have an agreed price, you can be sure to arrive to your destination in the shortest route possible. A typical taxi drive within the central zones should be in the range of Ft1,200-3,000 as of early 2014.

Similar abuses have also happened in restaurants and bars, almost all of them in the vicinity of Váci utca in the touristy heart of Pest. You should avoid the eateries and bars of the zone. However, these are not typical, the majority of restaurants and pubs in Budapest are reliable. In Hungary it's compulsory to put the menu card outside the entrance; if it's not the case, don't enter.

Don't take any tip on the streets, especially if the person is apparently a gift from heaven and is being very, very nice to you.

Don't befriend the girls hanging around Váci utca, and never accept any invitation for a drink from them: you can be sure that they will lead you to fake Champagne, but you will be left only with the bill, and it's unlikely that a small conversation with them will be worth the hundreds of euros. You'll find the same sort of girls in erotic and topless bars; avoid them unless you're ready to pay your monthly salary for a glass of wine. The standard trick is to produce a menu with small print at the bottom stating that the first drink costs Ft15,000 and consumption is compulsory. This modified menu might be produced only when the bill is presented. Most of the erotic bars in Budapest are tourist traps.

A common scam is for attractive women to walk up to men and ask for directions to a particular bar. If you respond "I don't know", they will ask you if you have a map and say "let's go together" they commonly tell you a story such as "I just got in from Bratislava and am just looking for a good place to get a drink...".

The most popular scam involves a blond girl and a shorter girl with dark hair. They always act together and ask for a cigarette or the time. Next, they invite single men for a drink, in a bar at Váci utca only accessible by an elevator from the street. Once there, each drink costs around €50, but you only find that out at the end when you receive the €500 bill. So never go to the elevator bar (Városközpont) at Váci utca.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid any establishment offering "adult" entertainment. A common scam in these places is for an attractive woman to join you at your table and ask for a drink. The problem is that her drink will cost €250 or something similar. You will not be allowed to leave until you pay. If you threaten to call the police you will probably be informed that the bouncer is an off duty police officer.

TopBudapestOrg maintains a list of blacklisted clubs and bars.

Money conversion: like in other places, even if a restaurant or bar accepts euros, it's better to have forints since their conversion rate is usually way worse than the rate at exchange offices. It is better to avoid exchange offices inside airports and railway stations, those in the centre of the city offer a much better exchange rate.

If you see people gambling on the streets, usually in popular tourists' destinations like Buda Castle, stay away. The modus operandi usually involves a guy playing the classic game of "hiding the ball". This involves covering the ball (or small trinket) with either a bottle cap or a match box and swirling it around with two other bottle caps asking people to guess the position of the ball. The game is set in a way that you can easily see the ball's position. This is done to lure the unsuspecting person into placing a wager. There are usually two main players and, between them, they will lose and win money back and forth to give the appearance that it is a fair game: do not be tricked. They are from the same gang. Once you get greedy and get lured in, you will surely lose your money. The person in control of the bottle caps will remove the ball from their position through sleight of hand and you will never see your money back. Besides the two or three other players involved, there are usually at least two lookouts: one on each side of 'stage'.

On the other hand, Hungarian people are usually friendly, welcoming and interested towards foreigners, and nothing should happen to you unless you put yourself in harm's way. If you don't bother them they won't bother you, and nothing should get in your way of having a great holiday.

Central Emergency: dial 112

• Emergencies, 112 (free call).
• Ambulance, 104 (free call).
• For pharmacies, see each of our district articles. Each of Budapest's 23 districts has a pharmacy that is open in the evenings, on a varying rotation.
• Emergency treatment centres (Hungarian: Orvosi Ügyelet) are open 24/7. Read more in our various district articles.
• Emergency Dental, VIII. Szentkirályi u. 40 (, : Kálvin tér further bus 9 to stop 'Szentkirályi utca', +36 1 3176600. M-F 20:00-08:00, Sa Su 24 hr.
• I. and XII. district Joint Emergency Medical Service for adults, XII. Beethoven utca. 8 (Tram 59, 59A, 59B from : 'Széll Kálmán tér', +36 1 2126636. 24/7. Outpatient and home patient care. Emergency services free (for European) with European Health Insurance Card, Card replacement form or E-112 Card.
• Emergency medical service for kids, XII. Diós árok 1-3. main entrance (St. John Hospital, Bldg. 24. (Doktor Kluge Endre út) - : Széll Kálmán tér further tram 56, 56A, 59, 59B, 61 to stop 'Szent János Kórház', +36 1 2125979, +36 1 458 4500. M-F 20:00-08:00, Sa Su 24 hr. Emergency services free (for European) with European Health Insurance Card, Card replacement form or E-112 Card. +phone (special for foreigners) +36 20 9990025

Emergencies, 112 (free call).

Ambulance, 104 (free call).

Emergency Dental, VIII. Szentkirályi u. 40 (, : Kálvin tér further bus 9 to stop 'Szentkirályi utca', +36 1 3176600. M-F 20:00-08:00, Sa Su 24 hr.

I. and XII. district Joint Emergency Medical Service for adults, XII. Beethoven utca. 8 (Tram 59, 59A, 59B from : 'Széll Kálmán tér', +36 1 2126636. 24/7. Outpatient and home patient care. Emergency services free (for European) with European Health Insurance Card, Card replacement form or E-112 Card.

Emergency medical service for kids, XII. Diós árok 1-3. main entrance (St. John Hospital, Bldg. 24. (Doktor Kluge Endre út) - : Széll Kálmán tér further tram 56, 56A, 59, 59B, 61 to stop 'Szent János Kórház', +36 1 2125979, +36 1 458 4500. M-F 20:00-08:00, Sa Su 24 hr. Emergency services free (for European) with European Health Insurance Card, Card replacement form or E-112 Card. +phone (special for foreigners) +36 20 9990025

Mobile phones work in the metro, even in tunnels between stations.

Some phone booths take coins (including € coins), but others only take pre-paid cards. The posted number for credit card calls will lead to unexpectedly high charges (USD1 for a one minute call to the US) and is to be avoided. You cannot trust T-mobile to charge reasonable prices on their pay phones. You can make international calls from callshops and internet cafés at more reasonable prices.

Budapest is one of the most Wi-Fi enabled cities in Europe. You can find hundreds of free Wi-Fi hotspots all over the city - in cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and hotels, or even parks or busy streets.

In VII district (Erzsébetváros), which is surrounded by Károly körút, Király utca and Rákóczi út, free Wi-Fi is provided by the government all over the district - in the cafes, shops, in the streets.

However, there are still some hotels and restaurants using offering paid Wi-Fi usage, including the following:

• HotSpotSystem.com. Has both free and paid (Pro) types of service—chosen by operating (restaurant, hotel, etc.) For paid access, internet time can be purchased by credit card right from your browser at the point of connection. Prices are set by the operating business but can be like this (example taken from Hotel Astra) 1 hr = Ft600, 2 hr = Ft960, 24 hr = Ft1,950. Time can not be purchased in other slots, and should be used at once (you can't pause it, nor use it in several intervals during several days). For Pro access, speed is: 384/128 kbit/s incoming/outgoing traffic, and unlimited traffic within time paid for. And the time left is only shown in pop up that opens at the start of connection - if you close it, you can't check how much is left.

HotSpotSystem.com. Has both free and paid (Pro) types of service—chosen by operating (restaurant, hotel, etc.) For paid access, internet time can be purchased by credit card right from your browser at the point of connection. Prices are set by the operating business but can be like this (example taken from Hotel Astra) 1 hr = Ft600, 2 hr = Ft960, 24 hr = Ft1,950. Time can not be purchased in other slots, and should be used at once (you can't pause it, nor use it in several intervals during several days). For Pro access, speed is: 384/128 kbit/s incoming/outgoing traffic, and unlimited traffic within time paid for. And the time left is only shown in pop up that opens at the start of connection - if you close it, you can't check how much is left.

There are many internet cafes throughout the city. Prices average Ft200/hour.

The Consular Service site maintains a complete searchable database of Honorary Consuls in Hungary.

• Austria Austria, Benczúr u. 16. (:: Hősök tere, +36 1 479-7010.
• Azerbaijan Azerbaijan, Eötvös utca 14 (: Deák Ferenc tér, +36 1 374-6070, +36 1 374-6071. M-F 09:00–18:00. Single entry €60, processing time 10 days.
• Belgium Belgium, Toldy Ferenc utca 13, +36 1 457 9960. M-F 09:00-16:00.
• Canada Canada, Ganz u. 12-14 (: Széll Kálmán tér, +36 1 392-3360. M-Th 08:00-16:30, F 08:00-13:30.
• Czech Republic Czech Republic, VI., Szegfű utca 4 (: Oktogon, +36 1 462 5014. M-F 09:00-11:00.
• China China, Városligeti fasor 20-22 (:, +36 1 413-2401, +36 1 413-2419.
• Croatia Croatia, Munkácsy Mihály u. 15 (:, +36 1 354 1315. M-F 09:00-17:00.
• Denmark Denmark, Határőr út 37 (:: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 39 to Határőr út, +36 1 487 9000. M-F 09:00-13:00.
• Egypt Egypt, 1125 Istenhegyi út. 7/B (: Széll Kálmán tér & bus 21, 21A to Kék Golyó utca, +36 1 225-2150. M-F 09:00-15:00.
• Finland Finland, 1118 Kelenhegyi út 16/A (Szent Gellért tér; Tram 19, 41, 47, 47B, 48, 49, 56, 56A to Szent Gellért tér, +36 1 279 2500. M-F 09:00-12:00.
• France France, Lendvay utca 27 (: Hősök tere, +36 1 374 11 00, +36 20 91 06 413 (For emergency). M-F 09:00-12:30.
• Georgia Georgia, H-1125 Virányos út 6/b, +36 1 202 3390, +36 1 202 3388.
• Germany Germany, Úri utca 64-66 (: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 16, 16A, 116 to Kapisztrán tér, +36 1 488 3500. M–Tu, F 09:00–12:00; Th 13:30–15:30.
• Greece Greece, Szegfű utca 3 (: Kodály körönd, +36 1 413 2621. M-F 09:00-16:00.
• the Netherlands Netherlands, Füge utca 5-7 (: Batthyány tér & bus 11 to Bimbó út, +36 1 3366 300. M-F 08:30-12:30 & 13:00-16:30 for phone. Visits by appointment only.
• India India, Búzavirág utca 14,, +36 1 325-7742. M-F 09:00-17:30. Visa Application M-Th 10:00-12:00, Collection of Visa 16:00-17:00 Visa €55.
• Israel Israel, Fullánk utca 8 (Bus 11, 111 to Móricz Zsigmond Gimnázium; bus 149 to Tüske utca, +36 1 392 6200. M-F 09:00-12:00​.
• Italy Italy, Stefánia út 95 (: Keleti pályaudvar & bus 5, 7, 110, 112 to Stefánia út / Thököly út stop; Trolley 72, 75 to Stefánia út / Thököly út stop, +36 1 460-6200. M-F 09:30–12:30.
• Japan Japan, Zalai u. 7 (: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 156 to Dániel út stop, +36 1-398-3100. M-F 08:30-12:30 & 14:00-17:45.
• South Korea Republic of Korea, Andrássy út 109 (:: Bajza utca, +36 1 462-3080. 08:30-17:00.
• Macedonia Macedonia, Andrássy út 130, floor 1-2 (: Hősök tere, +36 1 336 0510.
• Norway Norway, Ostrom u. 13 (: Széll Kálmán tér, +36 1 325 33 00. M-F 09:00-15:30, lunch: 12:30-13:00.
• Philippines Philippines, Gábor Áron utca 58 (M2:, +36 1 391 4300. M-F 08:00-17:00.
• Poland Poland, Városligeti fasor 16 (: Bajza utca, +36 1 413-8200. M Th F 09:00-13:00, W 12:00-17:00.
• Romania Romania, Thököly út 72 (: Keleti pályaudvar, +36 1-384-8394, +36 1 220-1666 (Consular phone). 07:30-14:30.
• Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Bérc utca, 16, +36 1 436-9500. M-F 09:00-15:00.
• SpainSpain, Eötvös utca 11/B (: Oktogon, +36 1 202 40 06, +36 1 202 40 15. M-F 09:00 - 16:30.
• Switzerland Switzerland, Stefánia út. 107 (:Puskás Ferenc Stadion, +36 1 460 70 40. By appointment only.
• Sweden Sweden, Kapás utca 6-12 (: Batthyány tér & bus 39 to Fazekas utca stop, +36 1 460 6020. M-F 10:00-12:00.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, Harmincad utca 6 (: Vörösmarty tér; : Deák tér; bus 105, +36 1 266 2888. M-Th 08:00-16:30,​ F 08:00-13:00​.
• United States United States, Szabadság tér 12 (: Kossuth Lajos tér, +36 1 475-4400. In a monument building; read more: Lipotvaros. After hours emergencies +36 1 475-4703/4924

Austria Austria, Benczúr u. 16. (:: Hősök tere, +36 1 479-7010.

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan, Eötvös utca 14 (: Deák Ferenc tér, +36 1 374-6070, +36 1 374-6071. M-F 09:00–18:00. Single entry €60, processing time 10 days.

Belgium Belgium, Toldy Ferenc utca 13, +36 1 457 9960. M-F 09:00-16:00.

Canada Canada, Ganz u. 12-14 (: Széll Kálmán tér, +36 1 392-3360. M-Th 08:00-16:30, F 08:00-13:30.

Czech Republic Czech Republic, VI., Szegfű utca 4 (: Oktogon, +36 1 462 5014. M-F 09:00-11:00.

China China, Városligeti fasor 20-22 (:, +36 1 413-2401, +36 1 413-2419.

Croatia Croatia, Munkácsy Mihály u. 15 (:, +36 1 354 1315. M-F 09:00-17:00.

Denmark Denmark, Határőr út 37 (:: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 39 to Határőr út, +36 1 487 9000. M-F 09:00-13:00.

Egypt Egypt, 1125 Istenhegyi út. 7/B (: Széll Kálmán tér & bus 21, 21A to Kék Golyó utca, +36 1 225-2150. M-F 09:00-15:00.

Finland Finland, 1118 Kelenhegyi út 16/A (Szent Gellért tér; Tram 19, 41, 47, 47B, 48, 49, 56, 56A to Szent Gellért tér, +36 1 279 2500. M-F 09:00-12:00.

France France, Lendvay utca 27 (: Hősök tere, +36 1 374 11 00, +36 20 91 06 413 (For emergency). M-F 09:00-12:30.

Georgia Georgia, H-1125 Virányos út 6/b, +36 1 202 3390, +36 1 202 3388.

Germany Germany, Úri utca 64-66 (: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 16, 16A, 116 to Kapisztrán tér, +36 1 488 3500. M–Tu, F 09:00–12:00; Th 13:30–15:30.

Greece Greece, Szegfű utca 3 (: Kodály körönd, +36 1 413 2621. M-F 09:00-16:00.

the Netherlands Netherlands, Füge utca 5-7 (: Batthyány tér & bus 11 to Bimbó út, +36 1 3366 300. M-F 08:30-12:30 & 13:00-16:30 for phone. Visits by appointment only.

India India, Búzavirág utca 14,, +36 1 325-7742. M-F 09:00-17:30. Visa Application M-Th 10:00-12:00, Collection of Visa 16:00-17:00 Visa €55.

Israel Israel, Fullánk utca 8 (Bus 11, 111 to Móricz Zsigmond Gimnázium; bus 149 to Tüske utca, +36 1 392 6200. M-F 09:00-12:00​.

Italy Italy, Stefánia út 95 (: Keleti pályaudvar & bus 5, 7, 110, 112 to Stefánia út / Thököly út stop; Trolley 72, 75 to Stefánia út / Thököly út stop, +36 1 460-6200. M-F 09:30–12:30.

Japan Japan, Zalai u. 7 (: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 156 to Dániel út stop, +36 1-398-3100. M-F 08:30-12:30 & 14:00-17:45.

South Korea Republic of Korea, Andrássy út 109 (:: Bajza utca, +36 1 462-3080. 08:30-17:00.

Macedonia Macedonia, Andrássy út 130, floor 1-2 (: Hősök tere, +36 1 336 0510.

Norway Norway, Ostrom u. 13 (: Széll Kálmán tér, +36 1 325 33 00. M-F 09:00-15:30, lunch: 12:30-13:00.

Philippines Philippines, Gábor Áron utca 58 (M2:, +36 1 391 4300. M-F 08:00-17:00.

Poland Poland, Városligeti fasor 16 (: Bajza utca, +36 1 413-8200. M Th F 09:00-13:00, W 12:00-17:00.

Romania Romania, Thököly út 72 (: Keleti pályaudvar, +36 1-384-8394, +36 1 220-1666 (Consular phone). 07:30-14:30.

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Bérc utca, 16, +36 1 436-9500. M-F 09:00-15:00.

SpainSpain, Eötvös utca 11/B (: Oktogon, +36 1 202 40 06, +36 1 202 40 15. M-F 09:00 - 16:30.

Switzerland Switzerland, Stefánia út. 107 (:Puskás Ferenc Stadion, +36 1 460 70 40. By appointment only.

Sweden Sweden, Kapás utca 6-12 (: Batthyány tér & bus 39 to Fazekas utca stop, +36 1 460 6020. M-F 10:00-12:00.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, Harmincad utca 6 (: Vörösmarty tér; : Deák tér; bus 105, +36 1 266 2888. M-Th 08:00-16:30,​ F 08:00-13:00​.

United States United States, Szabadság tér 12 (: Kossuth Lajos tér, +36 1 475-4400. In a monument building; read more: [[Budapest/Belváros#Lipotvaros|Lipotvaros]]. After hours emergencies +36 1 475-4703/4924

• Apaj. Take a tour in the Upper Kiskunsag Plain which is part of the Kiskunsag National Park, the closest Puszta.
• Arboretum of Alcsút, Fejér County, Alcsútdoboz (West 40 km - take M1 highway turn south after Bicske or By bus line 1253 to Felcsút from Népliget bus station and walk ~2 km (daily 3-5 times), +36 22 353219. W-Su 10:00-18:00. This Nature reserve is part of the Danube-Ipoly National Park. Sights: Habsburg castle remains, Castle Chapel, Palm House ruins, House of Research, Dollhouse, Bear's House, Gloriette, Grotta, The Lion Fountain, Crowned Bridge, giant plane tree, giant thuja. Ft700, guided tours 2-hr-long Ft7000 per group.
• Budakeszi (take city bus #22 from M2:Széll Kálmán square) Located in a green area. The north gate of the Hegyvidék is a good excursion place. There is a significant German minority with own church and museum. Also famous about the and Wildlife Park.
• Érd, Pest county (the first train stop from Budapest/Újbuda and Tétény. - a suburb of Budapest, the biggest village in all Europe
• Esztergom. Site of the biggest basilica (church) in Central Europe include the world's largest altarpiece which painted for a single canvas, the richest collection of Hungarian ecclesiastical treasures, the only Renaissance memory, of Hungary, the red marble Bakócz chapel. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
• Fót, Pest county (17 km north of the edge of Budapest. Visit the Reformed church, a beautiful example of the Hungarian Romantic architecture painted boarded ceilings, sculptures of its made Carrara 's marble. The other main sight is the Károlyi Palace (1850)
• Gödöllő, Pest county (by MÁV suburban rail – Keleti pályaudvar or HÉV ("local/suburban trains" supported by BKV) from M2: 'Örs vezér tere' to Gödöllő (to Csömör is wrong direction, be aware of the splitting of HÉV lines H8 and H9).30 km east. A town full of parks, and home to Grassalkovich-kastély (Grassalkovich Palace), formerly a Royal Palace also here is an Arboretum. This palace was the occasional residence of Sisi, Habsburg Empress Elizabeth. Visit the European rarity, a working, 200-year-old Baroque Theatre in the Palace. The great royal park became special with its old trees which could see Sisi in the 19th century. Take a walk in the Gödöllő Landscape Protection Area with lot of historical and cultural memories such Sarmatian, Scythian and Avar places: remains of cemeteries, earthworks, trenches in the neighborhood of Valkó, Szada, Pécel setttlements and here is a part of the famous the Devil's Dykes (Hungarian: Ördög/Csörsz árok or the Limes Sarmatiae). Also there is one of the biggest pilgrimage place, the Shrine Temple in Máriabesnyő village.
• Mogyoród. The only Formula 1 racetrack in Central Europe. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to enjoy the event. Kart driving all year round at the nearby Hungarokart Centre.
• Pomáz, Pest county (Danube Bend east side. Teleki-Wattay Palace and the Stone Hill
• Pusztavacs, Pest county (54 km south-east of Budapest. Equestrianism.
• Ráckeve, Pest county (take suburban rail from 'Vágóhíd' terminal. Famous for being the only standing Gothic Serbian cathedral in Hungary and Savoya Castle.
• Szentendre, Pest county (Danube Bend west side. From M2: Batthyany Square, take a suburban train 'HÉV' (supported by BKV) to Szentendre - 19 km north. A picturesque town, the Mediterranean atmosphere of its thanks to Greeks Dalmatians and Serbs who are settled since the 14th century. At city limit can find the biggest open-air ethnomuseum of Hungary. The most visited small town of Hungary. Also known for exquisite marzipan products.
• Vác, Pest county (on the Danube bend east side - reached from Budapest by MÁV suburban rail – Nyugati pályaudvar, 32 km north. Visit a beautiful square, all houses of its are national level protected monuments. Also must-see is Memento Mori, this exhibition is a unique in all Europe in the Dominican church crypt you can see naturally mummified corpses in coffins. Otherwise, the Arc de Triomphe, built for visit of Empress Maria Theresa, is here this is only one of ths kind in all Hungary and only place in the country where you can walk on a Baroque bridge which decorated sculptures
• Vácrátót, Pest county. There is the richest botanical garden of Hungary and the Manor of the Vigyázó Castle
• Veresegyház, Pest county. Sight of its the bear sanctuary, Roman Catholic Church: built in 1777, Roman Catholic cemetery: in 1806 and 1849, Reformed Church: was built in 1786.
• Visegrád, Pest county (Danube Bend west side. Famous for its former royal palace partially rebuilt in Renaissance style, medieval residential tower, and impressive citadel. remains of a 13th-century fortification system can be see here, including hexagonal, five-storey residential tower, which like nowhere to be found along the Danube River. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Suburban bus service by Volánbusz - Take a biking or walking tour to Visegrád Mountains (sights of its: Illuminated ditch (Holdvilág-árok), Rám Cleft (Rám-szakadék) titled as one of top nature sights of Hungary the last one started from Dömös village
• Zsámbék. This village famous for its 13th-century church ruins. The building is ruined by a 18th-century earthquake, but the tower and wall sections remains provide a unique backdrop for summer outdoor concerts and to theatrical performances. Another interesting feature of the village is the country's only museum of light.

For more on Pest County's places, see: Central Hungary.

Apaj. Take a tour in the Upper Kiskunsag Plain which is part of the Kiskunsag National Park, the closest Puszta.

Arboretum of Alcsút, Fejér County, Alcsútdoboz (West 40 km - take M1 highway turn south after Bicske or By bus line 1253 to Felcsút from Népliget bus station and walk ~2 km (daily 3-5 times), +36 22 353219. W-Su 10:00-18:00. This Nature reserve is part of the Danube-Ipoly National Park. Sights: Habsburg castle remains, Castle Chapel, Palm House ruins, House of Research, Dollhouse, Bear's House, Gloriette, Grotta, The Lion Fountain, Crowned Bridge, giant plane tree, giant thuja. Ft700, guided tours 2-hr-long Ft7000 per group.

Érd, Pest county (the first train stop from Budapest/Újbuda and Tétény. - a suburb of Budapest, the biggest village in all Europe

Esztergom. Site of the biggest basilica (church) in Central Europe include the world's largest altarpiece which painted for a single canvas, the richest collection of Hungarian ecclesiastical treasures, the only Renaissance memory, of Hungary, the red marble Bakócz chapel. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Fót, Pest county (17 km north of the edge of Budapest. Visit the Reformed church, a beautiful example of the Hungarian Romantic architecture painted boarded ceilings, sculptures of its made Carrara 's marble. The other main sight is the Károlyi Palace (1850)

Gödöllő, Pest county (by MÁV suburban rail – Keleti pályaudvar or HÉV ("local/suburban trains" supported by BKV) from M2: 'Örs vezér tere' to Gödöllő (to Csömör is wrong direction, be aware of the splitting of HÉV lines H8 and H9).30 km east. A town full of parks, and home to Grassalkovich-kastély (Grassalkovich Palace), formerly a Royal Palace also here is an Arboretum. This palace was the occasional residence of Sisi, Habsburg Empress Elizabeth. Visit the European rarity, a working, 200-year-old Baroque Theatre in the Palace. The great royal park became special with its old trees which could see Sisi in the 19th century. Take a walk in the Gödöllő Landscape Protection Area with lot of historical and cultural memories such Sarmatian, Scythian and Avar places: remains of cemeteries, earthworks, trenches in the neighborhood of Valkó, Szada, Pécel setttlements and here is a part of the famous the Devil's Dykes (Hungarian: Ördög/Csörsz árok or the Limes Sarmatiae). Also there is one of the biggest pilgrimage place, the Shrine Temple in Máriabesnyő village.

Mogyoród. The only Formula 1 racetrack in Central Europe. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to enjoy the event. Kart driving all year round at the nearby Hungarokart Centre.

Pomáz, Pest county (Danube Bend east side. Teleki-Wattay Palace and the Stone Hill

Pusztavacs, Pest county (54 km south-east of Budapest. Equestrianism.

Ráckeve, Pest county (take suburban rail from 'Vágóhíd' terminal. Famous for being the only standing Gothic Serbian cathedral in Hungary and Savoya Castle.

Szentendre, Pest county (Danube Bend west side. From M2: Batthyany Square, take a suburban train 'HÉV' (supported by BKV) to Szentendre - 19 km north. A picturesque town, the Mediterranean atmosphere of its thanks to Greeks Dalmatians and Serbs who are settled since the 14th century. At city limit can find the biggest open-air ethnomuseum of Hungary. The most visited small town of Hungary. Also known for exquisite marzipan products.

Vác, Pest county (on the Danube bend east side - reached from Budapest by MÁV suburban rail – Nyugati pályaudvar, 32 km north. Visit a beautiful square, all houses of its are national level protected monuments. Also must-see is Memento Mori, this exhibition is a unique in all Europe in the Dominican church crypt you can see naturally mummified corpses in coffins. Otherwise, the Arc de Triomphe, built for visit of Empress Maria Theresa, is here this is only one of ths kind in all Hungary and only place in the country where you can walk on a Baroque bridge which decorated sculptures

Vácrátót, Pest county. There is the richest botanical garden of Hungary and the Manor of the Vigyázó Castle

Veresegyház, Pest county. Sight of its the bear sanctuary, Roman Catholic Church: built in 1777, Roman Catholic cemetery: in 1806 and 1849, Reformed Church: was built in 1786.

Visegrád, Pest county (Danube Bend west side. Famous for its former royal palace partially rebuilt in Renaissance style, medieval residential tower, and impressive citadel. remains of a 13th-century fortification system can be see here, including hexagonal, five-storey residential tower, which like nowhere to be found along the Danube River. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Suburban bus service by Volánbusz - Take a biking or walking tour to Visegrád Mountains (sights of its: Illuminated ditch (Holdvilág-árok), Rám Cleft (Rám-szakadék) titled as one of top nature sights of Hungary the last one started from Dömös village

Zsámbék. This village famous for its 13th-century church ruins. The building is ruined by a 18th-century earthquake, but the tower and wall sections remains provide a unique backdrop for summer outdoor concerts and to theatrical performances. Another interesting feature of the village is the country's only museum of light.

• Eger. A small and charming town, a possible one-day tour

Eger. A small and charming town, a possible one-day tour