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Budapest HungaryINTRODUCTION Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is steeped in history, acquiring layers of cultural identity spanning many centuries, empires, conflicts, and regimes. Budapest is a great place to explore the history of Eastern Europe and the Hapsburg Empire. The town is divided into two major sections, and each has its own highlights. Budapest was originally two cities separated by the Danube River, Buda on the West bank and Pest on the East. Although legally unified in 1873, each still retains some of its individuality. Buda is a hilly and mostly residential area, which houses world heritage palaces, churches, and castles. In contrast, Pest is a flat, modern metropolis. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over, the center of the city is dominated by early 19th century architecture, although gems of its earlier character remain. The wide boulevards and magnificent bridges, which straddle the Danube, add to the air of a wealthy, cosmopolitan city. An up-and-coming tourist destination, especially since the increase in European Rail holidays, the town is incredibly reasonable for budget travelers and holds many wonderful activities and sights. The city has a great historical background and full tours are offered at nearly every hotel, such as river cruises or a tour of the immense and impressive Parliament Building. There are wonderful neighborhoods right downtown, and the cleanliness of the streets and parks will surprise most seasoned tourists. Renowned the world over for its bathhouses, Budapest is blessed with thousands of natural hot springs, which has given it the title "City of Spas". These health-giving thermal springs form the basis of Hungary's hydrotherapy culture. The traditional Gellért Baths, with its stunning art deco architecture, and the Széchenyi Spa, with its Neo-Baroque courtyard pools, are highly recommended for all visitors. Elegant hotel spa retreats and more family-oriented thermal water parks with water slides lie on the outskirts of the city. For the more active visitor, Budapest offers sightseeing tours along the Danube by boat, bus, and helicopter, as well as themed tours of the city, churches, folklore and bike trails. A short trip to the edges of the city offers world-class golfing, horse riding and water sports on Lake Balaton. The climate and volcanic soil come together to produce some of the best wines in Europe, most notably those of the Tokaj region. Wine tasting and vineyard tours are a popular option for any oenophile. HISTORY The natural thermal springs on this part of the river Danube have long attracted human life and indeed conflict, Budapest has swapped hands an almost absurd number of times in its long history, as humans fought for control over this unique acquisition. The earliest settlements of which there is evidence are in Obuda, one of the trio of cities that were combined to form what we know today as Budapest, and date back to the Stone Age. In the 1st century A.D. the Celts built the first town on the west bank, which was then taken over by the Romans, and named Aquincum. The Romans were also eager to take advantage of the springs and created huge baths and houses with under floor heating, the ruins of which can still be seen to some extent today. In the late 9th century the Magyars migrated to the area which served as an important settlement for major tribal leaders and later kings, when the Kingdom of Hungary was established in 1000 by King Saint Stephen. Devastating battles were fought against the Mongols and Tatars in the 13th Century, but the west bank, being flat, was difficult to defend. Thus, King Béla IV of Hungary ordered the removal of his court to the Hill of Buda, on the eastern bank and in 1361 it became the capital. King Matthias Corvinus, perhaps Hungary’s most famous historical figure, was hugely important in raising Buda’s profile as an important cultural centre during the 15th century. He created a huge library of important scriptures on a range of disciplines that was second in size only to the Vatican City records. 1526 was the year the Ottomans first attacked Buda, by 1541 it was under their control, where it would remain for 140 years. Like the Romans, the Ottomans constructed a number of impressive hammams. During this time, uninhabited western part of Hungary had become part of the Hapsburg Empire, but political chaos and the election of two Hungarian kings simultaneously, Ferdinand Hapsburg and János Szapolyai, resulted in the division of Hungary into 3 separate kingdoms. Gradually the land was taken from the Turks and in 1686, a second attempt to take Buda was finally successful, by 1718, the entire Kingdom of Hungary was removed from Ottoman rule. Hungary had been ruled by many invaders, from the Huns to the Ostrogoths to the Lombards, and after the Ottomans were driven out, Hungary suffered from continual internal division until 1867, when it joined the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1873, the three separate towns of Buda, Pest and Obuda were finally united together to form Budapest which had been encouraged by the final connection of the east and west banks with the construction of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in 1849. Such was Budapest’s success during this Golden Age, it became home to the second city underground transport system in the world, after London. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed after its defeat at the end of WWI in 1918 at a time when the Hungarian government and economy had dipped and became unstable. In WWII Budapest was badly damaged and all its bridges, including the iconic chain bridge, were destroyed. After World War II in 1949, Hungary became a communist satellite state of the Soviet Union, where there were occasional revolts, but for the most part Hungary kept a low profile. Hungary was under communist rule until October 23, 1989. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Climate: Mostly warm throughout the year. Currency: Hungarian Forint Language: Hungarian Power: 230V 50 Hz The most cost effective way of traveling is, as always, traveling like a local on the public transport. Getting a book of 10 tickets or more is also a good way of reducing costs if you plan to make multiple journeys. Make sure on the transport systems however that you have punched your ticket. When entering the underground system, there are usually two or three small orange automatic machines which you simply need to stick your ticket into and retain for inspection, which is quite infrequent. The buses have manual punchers by the doors as you get on which aren’t always obvious, and unlike the underground, the bus inspectors are very hot on checking you have validated your ticket for the journey. They also seem to target tourists from whom they then demand large fines, even though it is easy to get confused with the unfamiliar system and not realize what to do. ATTRACTIONS RESTAURANTS Csalogány 26 - This casual and cosy restaurant has a 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' façade, as such, it has a strong local clientele who have located the restaurant through word-of-mouth. Even if you're not a city dweller however, the restaurant owners named the establishment after its address as a clue to its location... It offers high quality food and great service, but try not to decide upon a favourite dish too quickly; the menu changes regularly in accordance with the food that is in season. It is a popular place, so reservations are highly recommended. Baraka Restaurant and Lounge - This cosy, gourmet restaurant has an exciting menu that incorporates dishes inspired by international cuisines. From the staples of beef and lamb, you can also find vegetarian and fish dishes – not bad for a land-locked, meat-loving country. Belcanto - Situated close to Andrássy út, this elegant restaurant nestles up against the opulent State Opera House. There is an eclectic menu here, laden with dishes inspired by international cuisine. The interior is sleek and the atmosphere energetic, but the main attraction is the singing waiters. Centrál Kavéház - Something of an institution in Budapest, Centrál Kavéház was once a prime spot where journalists, writers, poets, painters and musicians would gather – the coffee-houses of the city were the place for creative minds to meet, relax, debate and gain inspiration. Its popularity was abruptly curtailed in 1949 following the war, but in the 1990s, the building was renovated to its former glory. Today, the cafe is all marble-topped tables, leather armchairs, and expanses of windows. It is a great place to visit for a coffee and slice of dobos (chocolate and caramel) or even a full sit-down dinner in the evening. Malomtó - Central Buda is a network of narrow streets knitted together. This often means you'll stumble across a restaurant hidden away from the main boulevards – Malomtó is one such place. Branching off from the main strip of Margit korut, this restaurant is tucked away behind the Lukács baths. Having tracked down the venue, you'll be treated to a menu with heavy influences from the Mediterranean and Asia. Robinson - Városliget or the 'City Park' contains a large lake, and perched on one of its small islands is Robinson Restaurant. This setting enhances its romantic atmosphere, creating a perfect venue for a date with a loved one. The menu is eclectic, ranging from traditional Hungarian food to exotic Asian dishes, and children are also well catered to. LODGINGS Mandragora Hostel - This friendly hostel could not be more conveniently located – behind the national museum, close to the famous Gellert thermal baths and near an underground station. Suitably geared up for the young traveler, the Mandragora offers guests free broadband access, as well as hammocks and hot chocolate. There is also a room that can be used for yoga, and the staff are on hand to organize activities and day trips, such as cave and wine tours. Hotel Gellert - The Gellert is one of the oldest hotels in town with a wonderful tiled Turkish steam bath and spa, on the banks of the River Danube in the Buda district. With its art nouveau interior and high-domed ceilings, you can take in the atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Once you've had enough of perspiring, there is a stylish central European coffee shop serving pastries, cakes and ice cream. If you are feeling really adventurous, you might join the local men outside for a spot of chess on a floating board in the steam bath – even in the depths of winter. The Cotton House - This throwback to the 1920s and '30s is a charming and quaintly kitsch establishment, but also reasonably-priced. Choose your room according to your favourite film star; from Charlie Chaplin to Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rogers to Johnny Cash, each room is kitted out with the music and memorabilia relevant to each star. Art'otel - Four Baroque town-houses have been craftily knocked together to create this quirky find on the Buda side of the Danube. Lavender and cerise dominate the colour scheme, and the artwork throughout is that of American painter Donald Sultan. If you don't like these colours, this might not be for you, as they dominate everything about the interior, from the fountains to the bedside lamps. As befits a hotel dedicated to art, there is an art shop as well as a garden terrace for sketching. Hotel Pest - This lovingly restored hotel, with its 18th-century stone walls, is one of the oldest buildings in the historical district of Budapest and simply oozes "times past" charm. The rooms are light and airy, the prices extremely reasonable and the breakfasts, a feast-like buffet. Green Bridge Hostel - Close to all the important sites, including the Gellert Spa, Danube and local markets, the Green Bridge Hostel is an unpretentious and convenient place to lay your head. In addition to comfortable beds, the friendly Australian-Hungarian couple who run it also offer bottomless coffee throughout the day and a free wireless internet connection. 
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