TRAVELING IN EUROPE / BUDAPEST: Danube’s diamond!

Budapest, the city of the seven bridges. Divided in two by the river Danube, to Buda and to Pest, with its magnificent buildings and green parks, the river, the stores, the special kitchen, the cruises, the romance, the castles ... the love in the air! The capital of Hungary, in the centre of Europe with its many unique attractions and places of entertainment is a paradise for visitors and residents!

THE ATTRACTIONS, in perfect harmony with the nature of the city, are of great interest both touristic and cultural. Starting with the Pest side, the Parliament is one of the largest in the world, built since 1902, attracts the attention thanks to the impressive look and wonderful interior, stands proud on the right bank of the Danube. Just Next to it, the famous Chain Bridge, built since 1848, the first of seven bridges, with two towers to support the chains from which it got its name, brilliantly illuminated at night seems to lead at the entrance of St. Stephen's Basilica, more enlightened than any other building at night seen from across the city, with its huge dome of 96 meters from the top of which someone can admire the entire city from above. A little further east, since 1884, the State Opera, worthily competes each other opera house thanks to its interior that is a study in opulence and grandeur. Even further east the famous Heroes Square and the Millennium Monument, where have been received all the Communist party events, accompanied on the left and right of the fine arts museum and the palace of art. Behind the Square, the Castle Vajdahunyad which is used today as a museum of Natural History and Rural Life, beside the lake, ideal for romantic boat trips at very affordable prices. As for the Buda side, where someone can visit the Royal Palace, beautifully lit at night, hosting the National Gallery and offers an amazing panoramic view of the city. To the north of the palace, the famous Matyas Church and the Fishermen Bastion, whose turrets offer the best scenic view of Pest, built on new-romantic style as a tribute to the guild of fishermen. On the south side of Buddha, the Fort, built to intimidate the residents of the city after the failed uprising of 1849, and never used for its original goal as the Hungarians claimed their independence in a more peaceful way, next to the Monument of Liberty, in honour of the liberation of Budapest by the Soviet forces.

THE SEVEN BRIDGES, integral part of the city that someone has to visit, starting with Árpád, in the north side of the island of Margaret and the bridge Margaret in the south part of the island, the Chain Bridge, Elizabeth bridge, which when built was the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Liberty Bridge, beneath the Fort, Petőfi bridge and finally Lágymányosi bridge, built for an exhibition.

THE PARKS of the city are basically three. The biggest and most important is the Island of Margarita, which has access from Margaret Bridge on foot or by tram, where someone can enjoy a day of relaxation, exercise, or even to combine as a tip. The Budapestians are proud of this paradise near the city centre. Even more, the park Varosliget, which hosts the Castle Vajdahunyad, the lake and the Zoo, is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Finally there is one more park, named Kerepesi Temetaa.

THE MARKET also known as Vaci street (Vaci Utca) is simply the soul and the heart of Budapest. Divided into two parts, the north for shopping and the south for food and beverage, is full of visitors day and night, and is the commercial and social centre of city. If someone wants to experience the real Budapest has for sure to go across Vaci Utca.

DANUBE, the river that divides the city into two and thanks to the cruises offers a spectacular night view of the city that no one should miss it. A tour along the Danube gives guests the sweetest memories of the city. If you don’t want to limit yourself to a classical sightseeing, enjoy the food or wine under the live gypsy violin melodies in one of the cruising restaurants of the river. Even if you have days before you and do not want to limit yourself on the border of Budapest and Hungary, book a cruise to Vienna, Bratislava or Belgrade.

THE FOOD, so special, like everything else in this city, is very heavy and spicy, as the Hungarian cuisine is famous for it. Visitors should not miss a dish of Goulash soup, their traditional food and genuine traditional Hungarian sausage. Besides, if not try the cuisine of a country, you have not seen anything.

ENTERTAINMENT in Budapest means a lot. In principle there are many bars and clubs for young people looking for fun, to dance and drink in the familiar sounds of international music. Alternative entertainment ways in Budapest are: an evening at the Opera, where usually prices start at 1 €, food and wine in a restaurant in true Hungarian gypsy violin melodies, drink in a floating bar or restaurant, exit to a little decadent pubs in the narrow alleys of the centre and even a visit to the amousement park, Vidam in Varosliget park, for those who like the feeling of adrenaline thanks to roller coasters and other extreme games.

SPA AND BATHS are numerous in Budapest, Gellert is the most famous. This is because the Hotel Gellert is the most famous hotel and spa baths not only in Hungary but maybe throughout Europe. It is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy the warm waters of Budapest. Due to the reputation the prices are pinched but the city offer cheaper baths for anyone can not afford Gellert’s prices and even the package Spa, Jacuzzi, bath, Solarium and Massage is offered at very low prices. 

HUNGARIANS as people are neither hostile nor the warmest hosts. Many, mostly young, speak English and are very willing to help. Of course there are many rudes that when they hear a foreign language turning their backs, such as employees of the branch of Mc Donald's (József Körút 8 Street).

TIPS AND USEFUL

1. To and from the airport: From the airport catch the bus 200E (buy ticket from the driver - 400 forints) which will take you to the metro station Kabanya-Kispest and from there (after buying a transportation card from the kiosk) catch the metro, line 3 to Ajpest Kozpont, and get off at the centre.
2. Transportation: Depending on the days you’ll stay in town prefer some of the cards that offer unlimited routes with all transport modes. Find them at metro stations and kiosks. For a short stay of 3-4 days the ideal card is BUDAPEST 72 ORAS which cost 3,850 forints (»13.40€). You can even rent a bike and go around the city.
3. Discounts: The student and Low income cards are accepted almost everywhere. Ask!
4. Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint. Currently, 282 forints are 1 €. To change currency there are 2 options. You will put money in your bank account and you’ll withdraw from Budapest from any ATM to forints or change currency (for e.g. 20 €) at the airport just to have some money to buy a transportation ticket and a card, and then change currency in an exchange store in the centre of the city for a better price. DO NOT make a big amount currency at the airport, no interest at all.
5. Suvenirs: After searching for the cheapest souvenir shop, I fount TEKLA FOLKLOR SHOP located in the street Vaci Utca 56-58. Link: http://www.teklashop.gportal.hu/
6. Cruises: Whether you combine 2 sightseeing with bus and a cruise coming out very economically, with Giraffe Hop On - Hop Off for 4.500 forints, or if you want only cruise, the most profitable company is Mahart Passnave located across from the square Vigada. Links: http://www.citytour.hu/en/index.html , http://www.mahartpassnave.hu/
7. Parliament: Pre-book your visit by telephone (+36 1) 441 4904, 441 4415, 441 4138, 441 4412 or mail to idegenforgalom@parlament.hu Link: http://parlament.hu/angol/eng/tajekoztato.htm
8. Opera: Apart from performances you can join a guided tour of the building every day at 3 and 4 pm at a cost of about 9 €. Link: http://opera.hu/en
9. Royal Palace: The easiest access is opposite the Chain Bridge with lift (900 forints).
10. Accomodation: Good deals can be found both in Booking and Venere. Links: http://www.booking.com/ , http://www.venere.com/
11. Flight: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Easy jet, frequently flying directly to Budapest. Link: www.ryanair.com
12. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.triptobudapest.hu/ 

...by Odysseas Karamitros!