Budapest Guide

The best advice for anyone arriving in Budapest for the first time is to expect a surprise. When people hear 'Budapest,' they often think of decrepit post-communist high-rises and empty storefronts. In reality, this description couldn't be farther from the truth.

Budapest is a thriving city with over two million people. With the fact that Budapest and Vienna were twin capitals of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, it is much easier to imagine the positively beautiful architecture that embodies the city.

The numerous sights can occupy travelers for weeks. The most prominent structure on the skyline is the castle, which can occupy a visitor's entire day. A trip through the district of Watertown brings the visitor back in time to gas-lit streets and crooked houses. People soothe and relax themselves in the numerous bathhouses and natural spas. The National Opera house performs sold-out programs, which can be counted among the world's best.

Budapest has a vibrancy that never stops. Caf? owners do everything in their power to overcome the language barrier, including parading each bottle of wine past your table. People casually wander along the sidewalks while jazz seeps from back alleys. Bars maintain a friendly atmosphere and nightclubs close well after sunrise.

Western fashion and brand names are attacking the main boulevards, but Budapest still remains a terrific bargain and undiscovered secret. Duck down the smaller streets and discover the numerous caf?s serving exotic dishes for a few dollars. Yes, Budapest remains a fantastic deal for the foreigner.

Country:
Republic of Hungary

Capital:
Budapest

Time:
Hungary uses Central European Time (CET). Hence, clocks are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Currency:
The official currency is the Hungarian Forint. After the shock of economic reform and hyperinflation a decade ago, the forint is a hard, freely convertible, and stable currency. The U.S. Dollar was valued at 289 Forints in August of 2000, but with annual inflation ranging between 10 and 14%, it may be better to find better rates. The worst places to change money are in the train stations and airports. Private exchanges within the city offer slightly better rates, but the best are found at banks and regional tourist offices. Unfortunately, most bank branch offices close on weekends, and lines sometimes form outside the doors. ATMs are very common and offer a happy medium between value and convenience. It is not difficult to find compatibility with Cirrus, Mastercard, and Visa. American Express is available, but not as common. Avoid Discover cards. Be sure to have a PIN for your cards in order to make withdraws or get cash advances.

Weather:
Hungary has a temperate climate. Winters in Budapest can be cloudy and extremely cold with frequent snow. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and sunny. July and August are the hottest months, so be sure to pack appropriately. Allergy sufferers should bring their medication, as these hot months are marked by high pollen counts.

Customs:
Customs are pretty informal now. Everyone needs a passport to enter the country. American and EU passport holders can stay in Hungary for 90 days without a visa. While the obvious bans on illegal narcotics and firearms are in place, Hungary also forbids the importation of paprika.

Electricity:
Hungary uses 220 volts AC and the continental-style plug. If your appliance has a 120/240-volt switch, all you will need is a plug adapter. Otherwise a current converter is required. Pay attention to sockets in bathrooms and on trains marked "Shavers Only!" While these put out 110 volts, they will burn out with a more powerful appliance.

Tipping:
Tipping, like in the rest of Central and Eastern Europe, is not a common practice. Feel free to leave 10-15% in a restaurant. People generally don't tip in bars and cafes when ordering drinks. Unless a price is agreed to beforehand, round up taxi fees.

Getting Around:

Driving:
Driving in Hungary is the same as in Europe and the United States. However, drivers require an international driver's license, Green Card insurance, and third-party insurance. Parking can be a problem in Budapest.

Public Transportation:
Look above the streets and you will see that most are lined with cables. Budapest has a terrific system of trolley buses and trams. Budapest also has a clean, fast, and efficient subway system. Buy tickets at tourist agencies or any subway station. To avoid lines, buy tickets from street stands and newsagents. It is also possible to buy tickets from a machine. The basic ticket is good for one trip; if you transfer, you will need to punch a new ticket. Undercover controllers may ask to see your ticket, and WILL fine you for having an invalid one. These can be bought in packets of 10 and twenty. Tickets with transfers are also available. Day and tourist packages offer a good deal for the visitor, as they allow unlimited use of the public transportation system and can be packaged with free admission to many museums. If you are planning a long stay, these passes are highly recommended. Ticket vendors rarely speak anything besides Magyar, so a little provisional sign language may help. However, detailed information about tickets and transportation is usually available next to these booths in English, French, and German. Hint: Many ticket-punching machines on buses and trams are manual. Be sure to insert your ticket in the top slot and PULL the mechanism towards you.

Taxi:
Taxis can be rip offs. In general, avoid getting a taxi at the airport. A better option is the airport minibus, which takes you to where you are staying for 1000Ft. However, taxis can be fast and cheap in the city. They can be hailed from the street, but it is cheaper to call ahead of time. F?taxi (1/222-2222), Teletaxi (1/555-5555), and English-speaking Citytaxi (1/211-1111) charge good rates at 50Ft plus 100-120Ft. per Kilometer. Drivers are willing to negotiate a rate late at night.

Public Holidays:
January 1st,
March 15th Easter Monday
May 1st Whitsun Monday
August 20th St. Stephan's Day, celebrating his coronation in 1000AD
October 23rd
December 25th and 26th

Budapest Spring Festival
Second week to end of March
Pulling together the best in classical music, opera, and folk performances, this festival is the biggest of its kind in Hungary. For further information contact: 1081 Budapest, R?k?czi ?t 65. VI. 66, Tel: (36-1) 210-2795, 133-2337

March 15 (Public Holiday)
On this day, 1848, S?ndor P?t?fi recited the Nemzeti Dal (national song) in front of Budapest's National Museum. This event is generally regarded as the spark leading to the revolution against Habsburg Austria. Flags fly throughout the country.

Easter
This holiday begins innocently enough, with eggs and traditional costumes. Things get wild, however, when the pagan fertility custom of locsolkodas is practiced, when men spray women with perfume in return for a shot of apricot brandy. By the afternoon, Easter becomes Hungary's biggest drunk fest of the year.

May Day
1 May
May Day used to mark the International Labor Day so celebrated by the Communist Party. While celebrations of this by-gone era were rather stoic, the current non-political events center around the city park of N?pliget and Margit Island.

Buda Castle Fun Day: International Children's Day
Last weekend of May
For further information contact: the Budapest Magyar Kult?ra Alap?tv?ny, (The Hungarian Culture Foundation), 1014 Budapest, Szenth?roms?g t?r 6, Tel: (36-1) 355-0122.

WOMUFE (World Music Festival)
July
This ever-changing program of cultural music brings together creative and innovative artists from all over the world. The list of attendants is usually released in April

Pepsi Sziget (Island) Festival
Mid August
This fesitival was first held in 1993, with over 40,000 people attending the week of music and entertainment. Pepsi and MTV have teamed up to present the hottest groups, such as David Bowie, the Asian Dub Foundation, Goldie, Chumbawumba and the Prodigy. In 1999, 170,000 people attended the event. For further information contact: ?budai-sziget Sziget Kultur?lis Menedzseriroda Kft, ('Island' Cultural Management Office Co.), 1117 Budapest, Orlay u. 5-7, Tel: (36-1) 372-0650.

Budafest Summer Opera and Ballet Festival
August
Budapest traditionally holds its concert season between September and June, but August is the best time to see some world-class opera and ballet during Budafest. Both Hungarian and foreign acts converge in the Opera Houseto perform for locals and tourists holding insanely low-priced tickets. For further information contact: V.I.P. ARTS Management, 1065 Budapest, Haj?s u. 13-15, Tel: (36-1) 302-4290

St.Stephen's Day
20 August
Magyars celebrate their patron saint (Szent Istv?n), who was coronated on this day in 1000AD, thereby establishing the Magyar State. The city hosts numerous events, including folk dancing on Castle Hill, and a fireworks display on Gell?rt Hill.