Luxury Budapest 2012

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2012 SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS NIGHTLIFE

Contents TOUR I. A historic sight in Buda The Buda Castle District

50

TOUR II. Favorite site for outing Gellért Hill and its surroundings

62

TOUR III. Caffé on the Terrace Kecskeméti utca, Rádai utca, Kálvin tér

72

TOUR IV. The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

80

TOUR V. The new face of riverbank A cultural walk

90

TOUR VI. An Eden int he heart of the City Margitsziget

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TOUR VII. Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

98

TOUR VIII. Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

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TOUR IX. If buildings could tell a story Non-stop meeting point

130

TOUR X. Path of Tram No 6 Lord of the ring

138

TOUR XI. Jumping in time Óbuda

140

TOUR XII. In the core of the City Lipótváros

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TOUR XIII. Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the Great Market Hall

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TOUR XIV. The heart of Buda Buda and the Rózsadomb

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Budapest 2012

I have the pleasure to welcome you in 2012 to Budapest, a city with thousand wonders, one of the most scenic capitals in the world. An abundance of natural beauties and rich cultural heritage make your journey unforgettable.

Over two thousand years of history, the city is home of spectacular views, interesting museums, magnificent churches, historic and elegant spas.

But Budapest is not only about the past. It is very much a city of the present. Colourful, vibrating, with one-of-a-kind experiences to offer by its cultural festivals, ruin pubs, atmospheric coffeehouses and restaurants, excellent concerts and theatrical performances.

And Budapest is also a city of the future. It is a friendly and loveable place with parks and playgrounds where you would want to spend your childhood.

Enjoy this book and listen to your intuition! The thousands miracles of Budapest await you.

István Tarlós Mayor of Budapest

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2012 SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS NIGHTLIFE

Contents HISTORY Facts about Hungary Higlights of Hungarian history Famous Hungarians Hungaricum Classics Hungaricum Evergreens

10 14 18 38 40

SIGHTSEEING Festivals Classical buildings Modern buildings Churces Romantic places Baths Must see

22 24 26 30 32 34 36

GASTRONOMY Food Hungary: Vine Country Pálinka

42 44 46

SHOPPING Luxury in the City Shopping guide – Andrássy utca Shopping guide – Váci utca

110 112 170

ARTS Contemporary art Art

156 158

DINING The New Gourmet Metropolis – Top Restaurants Restaurant Guide - list Sunday Brunch Resturant Guide

178 180 182 184

NIGHTLIFE Bustling nightlife

202

OUTSIDE OF BUDAPEST Sights in and outside of Budapest

212

SPORT Golf Baseball Cricket Polo

216 218 219 220

INFO Budapest map Essential Numbers

222 223

e Pat d nte

Miklós Varga Hungarian goldsmithartist has been creating unique pieces of jewelry of silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured is his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces made in the special “cobweb technique” are inter nationally patented.

The hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewelry exhibitions several times and has become supplier of a number of royal families around the world. the Varga JewelryHouse is located in downtown Budapest at 6 Haris köz, opening from Váci street.

Varga Design Jewelry-House 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6.

Telephone: +36-1 318-4089 www.vargadesign.hu

About Budapest GREG DOREY, British Ambassador “I fi rst arrived here in April 1989, having driven out from the UK. The Danube flowing through central Budapest, past the Castle Hill (Vár), is one of the great sights of the world - to see that for the fi rst time is such an exciting experience.

We knew straight away that we were in a magical place.”

ANDY VAJNA, Producer “When I fi rst saw Budapest it was dark and grey - it was just like that. I had the feeling that the inhabitants had long departed for a better place and that I was here by chance. The buildings were lifeless, the streets without light. But that was many, many years ago.”

CSAPÓ GÁBOR,

Honorary citizen of Budapest, Olympic champion, appeared 272 times on the national water polo team, coach, lawyer “I was born and bred in Budapest. My fi rst images of the city are Hűvösvölgy and Váci Street, because we lived in Hűvösvölgy, and the other end of the #56 bus line was at Vörösmarty Square, in front of the Gerbeaud coffee house.

So I got to know the 2nd district and the Downtown area.”

executive dual time Self-winding. Patented time zone quick setting.

Black ceramic bezel and 18 ct rose gold case.

Water-resistant to 100 m. Rubber band.

W W W . U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Facts about Hungary LOCATION Hungary is located more e orr less les le ess in es i n the the he centre cen ce cen entr tre tre re off Europe, in the Carpathian hia ia a n Basin.

Basin asi a as ssii n. n. It It iss bordered bor b bo order o de d e re er ed d

by Austria from the W West, est e es sstt, Slovakia Slo lov lov o a ak aki kiia from k fro rrom om o m the the th North, the Ukraine from frrom om the the he North-East, North No rtth --Ea E Ea East, asst, sttt,, RomaRomaRo mama a nia from the East and nd n d Serbia, Serrbi Se bia bi a,, Croatia a Crro Cro oatia atia and at ati an nd d SloveSlo S lo love ve-v nia from the South. th h.

TOURISM

ROAD TRAVEL

Hungary has a wealth of values that makes it a popular tourist destination world-wide. Its main tourist attractions are Budapest, Lake Balaton and its surroundings and the Danube Bend. The thermal water resources which are of internationally outstanding importance are one of the country’s most special features. After Iceland, Hungary has the second largest surface thermal water resources in the world. There are medicinal hot water springs in all regions of the country which feed numerous spas. Budapest is the only capital in the world to boast spas.

The largest part of Hungary’s passenger and freight transportation is done on public roads. Hungary has 1100 km of motorways. Toll charges must be paid in the form of motorway vignettes.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS Budapest-Liszt Ferenc International Airport Debrecen International Airport Győr-Pér Airport Pécs-Pogány Airport Sármellék International Airport

RAIL TRAVEL In Hungary, rail transport is the second most important transportation sector after road transport.

The Infrastructure Business Unit of the Hungarian State Railways Private Limited Company (MÁV Zrt.) manages a significant part of Hungary’s railway infrastructure, except for the suburban railways and most narrow gauge railways, which are operated by Budapest Transport Limited (BKV Zrt.).

The biggest railway stations are located in Budapest: the Western Railway Station, the Eastern Railway Station and the Southern Railway Station.

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Capital Form of government Official language Foundation of the Hungarian State Accession to the EU Territory Population according to the 2009 census Currency Major religious denominations Time zone Summer (DST) Internet TLD International Vehicle Registration Code International calling code

Budapest republic Hungarian 31 st December 1000 or 1 st January 1001 1 st May 2004 93 036 km² 10 020 000 Hungarian forint (HUF) Roman Catholic, Reformed, Protestant and Jewish CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) .hu H +36

PHONE NUMBERS Ambulance .................................................................................................... 104 Police ............................................................................................................... 107 Fire service .................................................................................................... 105 General enquiries ........................................................................................ 197 Domestic directory enquiries .................................................................. 198 International directory enquiries ........................................................... 199 Tourist Police (0-24) .............................................................. +36 (1) 438-8080 24-hour pharmacy near Oktogon (Teréz krt 41.) ................+36 (1) 311-4439

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

CLIMATE

1 st January 15th March

Hungary is between three climatic regions; its weather is affected by Eastern humid continental, Western oceanic and Southern-Southeastern Mediterranean influences.

Average temperature in the winter: -10 to -4 °C In the summer: +25 to +35 °C

Easter Monday 1 st May Whitsun Monday 20th August 23rd October 1 st November 25th-26th December

New Year’s Day Memorial Day of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence against the Habsburg Monarchy Pentacost Monday Day of the Foundation of the Hungarian State and St. Stephen’s day Hungary commemorates the unsuccessful revolution against the Soviet communist regime in 1956 All Saints’ Day Christmas

Public transport services operate on a different schedule than on weekdays so timetables must be checked before your departure. Cafés, restaurants, smaller shops, and spas are open in places visited by tourists.

MAJOR RIVERS Danube: Hungarian stretch 417 km.

Tisza: Hungarian stretch 584.9 km.

MAJOR LAKES Lake Balaton, Lake Tisza, Lake Fertő – a lake divided between Austria and Hungary, Hungarian part: 75 km²- and Lake Velence.

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HISTORY

Highlights of Hungarian history

ATTILA, THE HUN Attila was the last and most powerful Emperor of the European Huns. In Western culture and tradition Attila is still known as “the whip of God” whose name has become entwined with barbarism and cruelty. This monarch, born in 406 A.D., ruled one of the largest empires of his age from 434 to his death. His empire stretched from Central Europe to the Black Sea and from the Danube to the Baltic Sea. He was a dreaded enemy of the Eastern as well as the Western Roman Empire.

MATTHIAS, THE JUST Matthias Hunyadi (Kolozsvár, 23rd February 1443 – Vienna, 6th April 1490) was king of Hungary. He was known as Matthias Corvinus, Matthias the Just, and officially Matthias I, though colloquially, he was simply referred to as King Matthias (Mátyás király in Hungarian). In Latin and German, his name was Matthias Corvinus, and his name is signed as Matthias Rex. He was the ruler of Hungary between 1458 and 1490, (counter-) king of the Czechs from 1469 and prince of Austria from 1486. He was traditionally considered one of the greatest Hungarian kings, and his character has been commemorated in many folk tales and legends. During his rule, his courts in Buda and in Visegrád became centres of European Renaissance. His world-famous library containing the “Corvinas” boasted around 2000-2500 books.

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THE MAGYAR CONQUEST There are only a few written records available to remember the various steps of the conquest of the Carpathian Basin, making it rather difficult to reconstruct what really happened. This is why there are two completely different theories about the Magyar Conquest. The most generally accepted view is that the Hungarian (“Magyar”) tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin in one single step. Research by László Gyula, however, provides evidence for the theory of “dual conquest”, according to which a Finno-Ugric group of people populated the area around 670 and later in the 9th century joined by another people mostly of Turkish origin led by Árpád. The two groups of people then mixed to form the Hungarian people as the historian explained.

ELIZABETH,

HUNGARIAN QUEEN – SISSI

SAINT STEPHEN I, FOUNDER OF THE HUNGARIAN STATE King (St.) Stephen I, (originally called Vajk; approx. 975, Esztergom – 15 th August 1038, Székesfehérvár or Esztergom-Szentkirály) was the fi rst Christian king of Hungary.

He subdued the Hungarian tribes of the Carpathian Basin partly by force and partly with peaceful methods, and suppressed the emerging riots. During his rule, he unified the Hungarian tribes and created a Christian Hungarian state expanding over the whole of the Carpathian Basin. His laws were the fi rst in the thousand-year history of Hungarian legislation. He organised the Hungarian Christian Church and early academic life in Hungary is also attributable to him. On 20th August each year, Hungarians celebrate the canonization of Saint Stephen I.

Elizabeth Amalie Eugenie, popularly called Sissi (Munich, 24 th December 1837 – Genf, 10th September 1898) was empress of Austria, queen of Hungary, and wife of Franz Joseph. She was one of the most beautiful women of the period.

Thanks to her personality and her attachment to Hungarian people she made great efforts – applying diplomatic tools as well as her feminine charms - to grant favours to Hungarians at the court in Vienna. She is still one of the most popular historical fi gures in Hungary. Generally she is seen as a tragic character struggling for freedom. She is remembered in street names, names of institutions and works of art: novels, fi lms and plays.

Pesterzsébet – one of the districts of Budapest – was also named after her, with this choice of name also being approved by the royal family. The lookout tower standing on János Hill, the highest point of Budapest also bears Sisi’s name.

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HISTORY

Did you know that they are from hungary?

Famous Hungarians

FERENC PUSKÁS footballer, coach, captain of the Golden Team Budapest, 1 April 1927 – Budapest, 17 November 2006 Ferenc Puskás is considered the greatest Hungarian football player of all time. Numerous great figures of the sport, for example Cruyff, Beckenckenbauer, and Di Stéfano, held him in high esteem. Between 1945 and 1956 56 he played in 85 national team matches and scored 84 goals. He was a member mber and captain of the 1952 Olympic gold medal and 1954 World Champimpionship silver medal Hungarian team. In 1956, he defected to Spain,, and played successfully in the world-famous Real Madrid team overr the course of an entire decade. He also played several times on the Spanish anish national team. On October 23, 1963 he also received a place in the Rest est of the World team against England. He occupies a place among the greatest eatest strikers not also only in Hungary, but on an international level.

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ERNÔ RUBIK architect, toy designer, inventor, inventor of the Rubik’s Cube Budapest, 13 July 1944 Several logic games are associated with his name, above all, the Magic Cube, which abroad became known as the Rubik’s Cube. Since its appearance in 1975, it has achieved unrivalled international popularity. The Magic Cube itself was actually designed as a tool suitable for the illustration of spatial movement. Later it also turned out to be highly amusing as a toy.

Other well known toys of his include Magic Domino, Sudoku Cube, and Rubik’s Clock, as well as the Rubik sphere released in 2009 under the name Rubik’s 360.

ALBERT SZENT-GYÖRGYI Nobel prize winning physician and biochemist Budapest, September 16, 1893 – October 22, 1986 A Nobel and Kossuth prize winner Hungarian physician and biochemist known for isolating vitamin C in the 1930s. He discovered that the vitamin found in the adrenal cortex can be reproduced from the seasoning paprika of Szeged and used to cure scorbute. He conducted successful research to uncover the protein chemical background of the mechanical muscle motion. He devoted the last two decades of his life to cancer research. He was also a distinguished writer and his book entitled “Mad Monkey” (“Őrült majom” in Hungarian) is considered as one of the most significant antiwar pieces of work.

IMRE KERTÉSZ IM

FERENC LISZT

N Nobel prize winning writer, literary translator Budapest, 9 November 1929 Bu

composer, pianist Doborja, 22 October 1811 – Bayreuth, 31 July 1886

Of Jewish origin, Imre Kertész was deported to AusO chwitz in 1944, and from there to Buchenwald where ch he was liberated in 1945. In 1975, his fi rst novel Sorstalanság was published and is based on his experiences lan at Auschwitz and Buchenwald. From the 1980’s, more and more of his books have been translated into foreign an languages. He has become a popular and increasingly lan well known and recognised writer, especially in Gerw man speaking countries. Finally in 2002, his works m published in German brought him the greatest recognipu tion a writer can receive, the Nobel prize. tio

Born in 1811, Ferenc Liszt was an extraordinarily talented pianist, who, by the age of nine performed publicly in Sopron and Bratislava. Soon after, with the support of generous patrons, he was able to continue his studies as a student of Czerny and Salieri.

In 1822, he debuted in the Austrian capital where, among others, Beethoven noticed him. This is where his first work appeared in print, and his career ascended continuously until his death in 1886.

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SIGHTSEEING

NATIONAL GALLOP

Festivals

A FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS The May Festival of Museums, which brings the community of Hungarian museums together, was fi rst organised by the National Museum in 1996, with the intention of building a tradition. It is a festival held on a mid-May weekend at which Hungarian museums wish to use the opportunity of the limelight, a festival where they are all present to draw the public attention to the much-needed measures required to preserve national art treasures and cultural heritage. Of course, the May Festival combines both the values of past eras and modern spirit and creativity. The organisers of the festival would like to show that visiting museums and learning about cultural heritage is a form of entertainment fi rst and foremost. This wide-ranging festival, which is unique in Europe, now has a dedicated and regular audience.

In the National Museum’s garden, there are stage shows basically non-stop throughout the festival, and dozens of craftsmen offer their products. The organisers also present the ‘Museum of the Year’ and ‘The Most Visitor-Friendly Museum of the Year’ awards at the festival.

Have you ever heard of an event when the most beautiful and largest squares of a city are covered with sand to organise horse races and shows? In Budapest, even this could happen: the first such event was organised in 2008, and now there is one each summer. There is a race between villages and towns, and there is also a race in which Hungarian celebrities clash. Sometimes quite literally, but fortunately not during every celebrity race. This three-day event is combined with a fair and various programmes for children every year.

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A “EUROPE-SIZED” CULTURAL FESTIVAL The Budapest Spring Festival, the biggest and most important cultural event of the year, is well-known in every country worldwide. It will be held this year in the last two weeks of March in 50 to 60 locations in Budapest. The Festival will have around 200 programmes for domestic and foreign guests. In addition to classical and popular music performances, the Festival will also offer theatre shows, fi lms, open-air programmes and other events typical at such festivals. This fantastic series of events, which was limited to Budapest when the fi rst was held decades ago, has now become a nationwide festival and many Hungarian towns hold a Spring Festival of their own.

The Budapest Spring Festival was given the European Culture Award in 2005. In 2012, the Festival had 40 locations in Budapest and offered various intriguing programmes.

The organisers have promised that everyone will fi nd a programme to their taste as this large-scale festival will offer a perfect mixture of classic and modern art events.

THE “ISLAND” This year will be the nineteenth year of the Sziget (Island) Festival, which is now one of the most important “all-styles” popular music festivals in Europe. It has been named after its location, the Óbuda Island of the Danube.

Originally it was a gathering for students called the “Student Island”, but it has grown way beyond this size. In the fi rst year it had 43,000 visitors while last year it had almost 400,000, a third of which were foreigners. It is scheduled for mid-August every year and it is in principle one week long. Due to the immense success, a Day 0 was added a few years ago and now it even has a Day -1. Both Hungarian stars and well-known international bands and performers love visiting the Island and playing there. There are additional side-projects to enhance the cultural profi le of the festival. The Island has a cinema, several theatres and art events, and there is also a so-called “Civil Sziget” where NGOs can show the public what they do and the visitors can even get involved in their activities. The festival offers 1000 programmes and 60 locations to students and young adults from Europe and beyond.

21ST BIRTHDAY OF THE BUDA CASTLE WINE FESTIVAL Organised for the 21th time, the annual Buda Castle Wine Festival is one of the most prestigious wine events in Central Europe where numerous professional and entertaining programmes are built around wine, this cultic product. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors meet the latest products and the producers of our wine industry and, equally important, learn about the basics of civilised wine consumption. The Buda Castle Wine Festival regularly has a foreign guest of honour and this is also the event where the winners of the big wine competitions organised at the time of the festival are announced.

The well-known objective of the event is to present the best wines from Hungary and from various other parts of the world to the visitors. Consumers can personally meet winemakers to have a comparative basis for wine purchases and learn about new efforts and trends of the profession.

In addition to wine, the Buda Castle Wine Festival always offers a wide selection of music and delicious dishes. Last year 200 viticulturists from 15 countries attended the event and close to 60 quality and entertaining cultural events guaranteed the right atmosphere. Guests could attend lectures of the “Wine University” or learn the basics of wine criticism. In addition, a charity wine auction, a harvest procession and a photo exhibition awaited those who attended the festival.

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Classical buildings

MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS From an architectural point of view, the last decade of the 19th century was a great, if not the greatest periods of the development of Budapest. 1896 was a year when several magnifi cent buildings, even avenues were built, including the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest.

Established in 1872, this was Europe’s third applied arts museum after its sister institutions in London and Vienna. Ödön Lechner, the architect of this prominent Art Nouveau building, drew inspiration from Eastern, Western and Hungarian folk art. The ornamental ceramic tiles covering the exterior and interior of the building were manufactured by the worldfamous Zsolnay plant. The Art Nouveau collection, contemporary Hungarian works, and the works of art from the treasury of the richest noble family, the Esterházys, are the highlights of the museum’s exhibitions.

NEW YORK IN BUDAPEST The New York Palace is one of the most characteristic and impressive buildings of Budapest’s Grand Boulevard. Even though around 3 million Hungarians immigrated to the USA at the time it was built, it was not named in honour of the great American city, but after the insurance company that commissioned it. The four-storey-high, eclectic palace was opened in 1894 along with its ground floor café, which became part of Hungarian cultural history owing to the literary and art tables and editorial offices that sprung up there in the early 1900s. As rumour has it, on the opening day, the keys of this truly pre-war Pest cafe were thrown into the river by a group of Bohemians to keep the café open day and night. The building was purchased by the Italian Boscolo group in 2001.

It was turned into a luxury hotel, which, along with the café restored to its former glory, opened in 2006.

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VIGADÓ CONCERT HALL Although Pest and Buda were two seperate units in terms of administration until 1872, technically they formed just one city. But even before the unification, Vigadó Concert Hall was considered the number one classical music facility and entertainment centre of our capital. Its predecessor was destroyed by the Austrian army’s cannon fi re during the revolution of 1848-49, because the building housed the fi rst independent House of Representatives. The new Vigadó, inaugurated in 1865, was built in the architectural style of Romanticism fused with unique Oriental motifs and caused quite a sensation at the time. It narrowly escaped destruction during World War I, and the restored Vigadó was fi nally reopened in 1980. It has a nearly 1000seat concert hall and a 220-seat theatre hall, and regularly hosts exhibitions and receptions.

THE OPERA HOUSE In addition to Vigadó and the National Museum, the Opera House, the temple of Hungarian opera, dating back exactly 333 years, is the most prominent 19thcentury monument building in Budapest. The neo-Renaissance building that blends Renaissance and Baroque motifs in perfect harmony was built in the style of French opera instead of the widespread popular German style. The bulk of its frescos were painted by the great masters of history Károly Lotz, Bertalan Székely and Mór Than. Although each storey in the horseshoe-shaped, three-storey-high auditorium has a different design, the overall effect is perfect. The 1200-seat auditorium is also used for organising gala nights and presentations, the stage, banquet halls and salons for dinners and standing receptions.

SZAMOS GOURMET PALACE The famous Hungarian family-owned company, “Szamos Marcipán” opened its new pride the Szamos Gourmet Palace at Vörösmarty Square, in the heart of Budapest.

It offers breakfast every day from 8.30. In our offer, the choice is ample from croissants to omelettes, and prices are favourable.

Our real “Gourmet” dessert on a plate: the traditional Hungarian cream-fi lled pastry with strawberry and caramel sauce.

Our lunch, which alternates every day, contains a soup and two main courses.

For dinner or supper choose from our salads, baguettes or taste the Chef's offer, a cup of goulash soup.

The Chocolate Manufacturing operation there can be visited every day, and also hosts the Szamos Chocolate School, of which you can fi nd details on our website www.csokoladeiskola.hu.

Address: 1. Váci Street, Budapest V. - Váci Commercial Building (entrance from the Deák Ferenc Street) Telephone: +36 (30) 570-5973 Opening hours: every day 8:30h–21:00h

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SIGHTSEEING

Modern buildings

A 21ST CENTURY BANK HEADQUARTERS The headquarters of ING investment bank was built in 2004, right next to Városliget and opposite the famous time wheel and the former Felvonulási tér. It is certainly not your everyday office building. The headquarters that became a tourist attraction overnight was designed by Dutch architect Erick Van Egeraat, earning him a Budapest Award. Because of its stone, steel and glass exterior, surrounded by chrome-plated strips, and its outward tilting, concave and fragmanted facade, it matches the surrounding villas both in design and proportion. As the architect put it, it recalls the richness and complexity of historic facades in Budapest in the context of deconstructionism. It is also a great sight at night, when the lights hidden in the walls lend a luminous halo to the building.

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CET BY THE DANUBE Prominent buildings in a European metropolis also need to have a spiritual quality. At the same time, a quarter located right by the Danube and close to the city centre is normally designed in cooperation by economists, historic preservation, tourism and marketing specialists. CET was conceived as a reflection of the CentralEuropean mindset and creativity. The building was created by linking two historic monument warehouse buildings together along a complex consisting of old mills, public slaughterhouses and Nagycsarnok on the Danube bank in Pest. The 20-metre-wide area is covered by a 160-metre-long steel and glass structure. In the building, there is a 1000-square metre event hall, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. CET has two meanings, it is an acronym of Central European Time, and a synonym in Hungarian for whale.

PALACE OF ARTS Millennium City Centre is part of the Danube bank project that also features on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is where one of Europe’s new cultural centres, the Palace of Arts is located. The spiritual predecessor of this mixed-function complex is the Vigadó Concert Hall in Pest, built some 130 years earlier, because they both feature the most varied artistic genres imaginable in one place. This architecturally extraordinary complex houses three facilities: the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Ludwig Museum and Fesztivál Theatre. Its unique design and 21 st technology makes it an ideal venue for even the grandest and high-standard performance, as demonstrated by the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence, also known as the Academy Award of architecture, which it won in 2006.

THE TEMPLE OF THALIA With its entrance looming over an artificial pond, the National Theatre brings to mind a ship rocking gently on the waves. The interior of the theatre and its surroundings are also full of symbolic motifs. The National Theatre is not just a building, but a complex dedicated to theatre in every detail, with the surrounding statue park and buildings all a homage to great figures of Hungarian theatre and fi lm. It extends beyond the boundaries of the traditional concept of theatrical architecture, where all other genres of art are represented.

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SIGHTSEEING

MARGARET BRIDGE 1876 was an important year in the history of the city: it was the day when Margaret Bridge was opened. Some parts of this Bridge were quite similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is no coincidence as it was constructed on the basis of the plans of Ernest Goüin, a French architect.

It was blown up by retreating German troops during the Second World War. A pontoon bridge was set up in its place after the war, which was fondly called “Manci” by the citizens of Budapest. The bridge was rebuilt by 1948 and its renovation was completed a few months ago. During its recent renovation, the columns and chandeliers installed were very similar in style to those used in 1876.

SKY COURT The Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport has set a remarkable goal: it would like to become the leading airport of the Central and Eastern European region in terms of service quality and number of passengers. Investments of EUR 261 million in value will be made until the end of 2011; the most significant project is SkyCourt, which will join buildings A and B of Terminal 2. The airport’s new terminal will be located in this new, 24,000-square-metre building, a worthy competitor of Europe’s most famous and modern terminals.

Industrial projects

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THE CSEPEL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT The citizens of Csepel organised a street ball to celebrate it when the local wastewater treatment plant, the largest such plant in Central and Eastern Europe, was fi nally been opened. Seven hundred workers and twenty large cranes worked on the plant, which covers an area with gigantic walls and is the size of 15 football pitches. The plant is capable of treating nearly half of the city’s wastewater (the other half is treated by other plants), which helps a lot in keeping this beautiful city clean.

LIBERTY BRIDGE, BUDAPEST AWARD-WINNING FLOODLIGHT It was closed from traffic for 21 months, but it was worth the wait as the renovation also meant a unique floodlight that deserves worldwide fame. Only a few citizens of Budapest know that recently this bridge, which may be the most beautiful one of the city, won a prestigious international award. The Auroralia Award is given each year to the city with the most beautiful and economical public lighting. And the 800 LED floodlight of the bridge is both spectacular and saves energy (and EUR 100,000 per year for the city). The exquisite beauty of the bridge during the night is just as amazing as that of the Chain Bridge’s.

It would be hard to decide which is more breath-taking at night.

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SIGHTSEEING

Churches DOHÁNY STREET SYNAGOGUE The building for modern-time Jews of Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe (and the second largest one worldwide). This Romantic style building mixed with Byzantine and Moorish elements has 1492 seats for men and 1472 for women. At the time of its construction, its powerful oriental features, the colourful air bricks and the interior cast iron structure were considered new.

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the only one in the world with a cemetary in its courtyard - due to the consequences of WWII. Next to the cemetery, a Holocaust Memorial Park was established where anyone can have the names of their deceased relatives inscribed on the monument, the metal leaves of the weeping willow.

The synagogue also plays an active part in Budapest’s cultural life: it is a venue for classical concerts and other festivals.

MATTHIAS CHURCH Up in the castle, the Buda Castle Church of Our Lady is mostly known both in Hungary and abroad as Matthias Church. Its history is closely related to the history of the former residence of Hungarian kings, the Buda castle. According to reports, its foundations were laid by the founder of the state, King Saint Stephen, but the first material evidence dates back only to 1247. Throughout history, it was continuously built and extended, and partly rebuilt after the Turkish occupation and the siege of 1944. This was where the last Hungarian kings were crowned, but today its role is simpler: it is the place of serious religious life, and also concerts and weddings.

During the day, it is open for tourists. From among the rich collection of the church, many objects can be viewed in exhibitions, including the museum of stonework remains, religious relics, coronation relics and goldsmith masterpieces of the treasury.

SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA In 1845, Hungary’s most famous architect of the time József Hild, was commissioned to design a huge domed church to match the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome or Les Invalides in Paris. Six years later, the foundation stone was laid and the construction of the neo-classical building that Hild had envisaged began. The 96 metre tall dome of Budapest’s largest church can be seen from almost every spot of the city. The neo-classical building guards one of the most important relics of Hungarians: the mummified fist of King Saint Stephen, the so-called Holy Right Hand. The church, which was built in 59 years after starting in 1846, stands on an area of 86 × 55 metres: its inner dimensions have an impressive effect on visitors - its total capacity is 8,500 people. Its statues and paintings are masterpieces of the most eminent Hungarian artists of the time.

LU

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SIGHTSEEING

Romantic places ON TOP OF BUDAPEST At 527 metres, János Hill is the highest point in Budapest and a favourite walking spot even back in the 19th century. The most famous person to visit this spot was Queen Elizabeth, wife of Emperor Franz-Josef, in 1882. The Queen was so popular among Hungarians that they named the look-out tower, inaguarated in 1910, after her. In sunny weather, a walk from Normafa to here offers a splendid view, or you can also enjoy the panorama from one of the many terraces of the still smart-looking tower. From the 23.5 m high tower, renovated 5 years ago, you can even see the mountains that are some 77 kilometres away. Whether it’s an engagement ring or just a kiss, a bottle of Champagne in the tower top café can turn it into an unforgettable memory for any woman.

FÜVÉSZKERT If it wasn’t for Ferenc Molnár’s famous novel, The Boys of Pál Street, which was even turned into a movie in the US, not even locals would know about Füvészkert, this gem hidden deep in the heart of the city. Like a small oasis, the Botanical Garden of Eötvös Lóránd University, located in the inner city, offers a romantic treat for couples. The garden, designed as an English park, has been registered as a national nature reserve since 1960. Hiding among the palm houses and rock gardens, under the centuries-old maidenhair trees and evergreen ornamental trees you can enjoy the sweet scent of flowers and the explosion of colours. In addition, the squirrel reservation in Orczy Garden is just a couple of minutes’ walk from here.

THE KISSING HALL Even though millions of people visit Margitsziget, and enjoy the panorama from up high, not many people can boast of having seen the city and the bustle down below on the island from the water tower in Margitsziget, from this truly unique perspective.

Margitsziget is a favourite meeting spot and hideout for lovers. From early spring to late fall, people can enjoy the intoxicating atmosphere and walk the hidden paths and clearings formed by the surrounding flora. The water tower is just a couple of steps from here. The top level is called the Kissing Hall after stolen kisses exchanged here by lovers. According to some modern-age superstition, whoever kisses his or her sweetheart standing within the blue circle on the floor will have a lasting relationship. Of course there is no guarantee, but one thing is certain: the place does have a romantic appeal for couples.

Diamond Center – 22 Dózsa György str, Szentendre, 2000 Boutiques – 27 Andrássy str – Intercontinental Hotel – Marriott Hotel www.caprice.co.hu

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SIGHTSEEING

Baths EVEN THE ROMANS CAME HERE TO GET WELL Budapest has an abundance of thermal springs along the geological fault-lines of the river Danube and even the Romans used to build thermal spas within the limits of the modern city. Out of the several spectacular thermal baths of Budapest, perhaps the most beautiful is Rudas built around aTurkish spa founded in the 15th centry. The centre of the 450-year-old building is an octagonal bathing pool with a dome of 10 m in diameter above supported by 8 columns. This is the famous “apron spa”, which the ladies can visit on co-ed days and in swimsuits only. The water of the hot springs feeding the spa is a recommended cure for a number of painful illnesses including joint diseases, inflammation, protruded disc, neuralgia and calcipenic osteopathy. Rudas Spa now has a daytime hospital with a complete physiotherapeutic department.

POOLS IN THE COLONNADE In 1934, Budapest earned the title “spa city”. Three years later, Gellért Thermal Baths became the headquarters of the International Balneological Society on the assumption “there can be no other city better suited for this”. The Art Nouveau Gellért Bath (and the hotel) opened in 1918. Between the two world wars, an indoor and an outdoor whirlpool were added. Its water is recommended for arthritis, spinal and disc problems, as well as for asthma or vascular diseases. Gellért, considered the most beautiful bath in Budapest and a favourite with foreign visitors, stayed open even during World War II even though the female section was nearly completely destroyed by a shell. The lido part is coeducational, the spa, however, has separate sections for men and women which, traditionally, can only be visited wearing aprons.

6,000 M 3 MEDICINAL WATER PER HOUR If it had not been for Vilmos Zsigmondy, a young Hungarian mining engineer specialising in artesian aquifers, we would not have Széchenyi Bath, one of Europe’s biggest spa complexes, built in 1913. Its water is supplied by Szent István well No. 2, which opened in 1938. A lido section was added to it in 1927. In the late 20th century, the pools were equipped with fi ltration and circulation equipment, and several modern spa services were introduced. The interior is decorated with various artworks including paintings and statues in the traditions of the area it was built in. Its water is recommended for arthritis as well as treatment after orthopaedic surgeries or accidents. The composition of the water is so similar to that of the Nile, that the hippopotamus pool in the nearby zoo is also supplied from here.

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SIGHTSEEING EEING

Must See MEMENTO PARK The socialist era ended two decades ago and although the political parties will, for a long time not stop making references to the past, the man in the street - at least those who lived before 1989 - are beginning to forget. People do not visit the Statue Park located at the edge of Budapest for the pure pleasure of consternation, as is the case with the museum of Terror, but rather with a “Wow, d’ya remember this one?” attitude. Since under these mostly communist statues collected from all around the city and put here, most people used to play hide and seek in public parks in their childhood, or walked hand in hand with their love in their teen years rather than looking upon them with fear. This “museum” is now a memento, but in 30 years’ time there won’t be a soul to tell the reason for gathering them here.

THE HUNGARIAN SOHO If there exists such a thing as the Hungarian Soho, then it must be Ráday Street. In this street (and now also in its surroundings), only limitedly accessible by car, visitors can find a chain of cafés, bars, beer houses, uses, shops, and art galleries among the terraces. But this fancy environment does not only offer an array of gastronomic delights (Hungary’s one and only restaurant awarded with a Michelin star can be found here), but also several festivals and artistic events for those who are interested in culture and who want to spend end their free time in a nice environment. As always, various shops and service providers have settled near the bars and restaurants: from fancy-leather goods makers to furniture shops, and from hairdressing sing salons to gyms. And what is best: no matter if you come here in the morning or the evening, it is always swarming with people.

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A MOVING LOOKOUT

THE ZOO

Clark Ádám Square is a nice place on its own, with the lions of the Chain Bridge designed by Clark, the statue by Miklós Borsos standing in the middle of the square representing Hungary’s Zero kilometre stone (a reference point from which all road distances to Budapest are measured), and with the nice carriages of the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular climbing up the hill, but the sight when looking down from the climbing funicular is simply gorgeous. When built in 1870 it was not meant as a view, but just a practical means of transport; nevertheless, this is now the shortest way to the Buda castle. There were several plans to replace the funicular damaged during WWII, the craziest being the nightmare when in 1962 people wanted to build an escalator in its place. Finally, it was renovated in 1986. The steam engine was of course replaced by an electric one, and now a 95 m long railway with an inclination of 48 percent leads up to the palace of the Buda castle.

Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the whole world - it has been operating since 1866. In this old environment, there are more than 700 species of animals from the tropics, the temperate zone and the frigid zone, but visitors can also fi nd more than two thousand botanical species in its neat parks and the Palm house.

When it was founded, the stock of animals was obtained from several sources - most of them were received as a present: offered by country people and nobles, but even the emperors of that time, Franz Joseph and her spouse, Queen Elizabeth sent some rare animals from the Schönbrunn collection. During WWII, stray US bombs destroyed a part of the zoo, and the animals that survived were eaten by the starving population during the siege of Budapest. It was rebuilt in 1950 and has been developing ever since.

A DIFFERENT WORLD Not many European cities can take pride in such a large flee market as the one in Budapest. Although the second hand market nicknamed “Ecseri” by the locals is far away from the city centre, those who love the atmosphere of flee-markets will not be disappointed. When you enter through the gate, you arrive in a different world: a realm of antiques and treasures for a bargain price. As far as the eye can see, there is a commotion of “almost new” objects, and often kitchy or useless things. Are there any real treasures to be found here? For collectors, definitely! If you are lucky you can make a lucrative deal, but the lords of the market are hardened traders who generally know what their goods are worth. And should you find nothing interesting to buy, amongst the old books, worn-down toys and charcoal irons, you can have a warm lángos or a piece of strudel accompanied with a glass of hot wine.

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UNIQUE WINE “The wine of kings, the king of wines” – goes the saying. There is probably no place on earth where Tokaji aszú is unknown. This one-of-a-kind dessert wine is produced from the dry and normal grapes grown only under the climate of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region. The wine is made using centuries-old technology with late harvesting of the grapes being the key step. Legend has it that this practice originates in the 17th century when the harvest was often postponed to November due to frequent wars. The dried (“aszú”) grapes are hand-picked and their quantity determines how many butt (“puttony”) the wine has. The real greatness of Tokaji aszú is that with (or despite of) its high sugar content it has high (and good quality) acidic and extract content so it can display the greatness and uniqueness of the terroir, yet it retains its fruity and fresh taste for years.

Hungaricum Classics THE PERFECT T BITTERS The Zwack bitters were firstt produced in 1790 from a secret recipe of one of the family’s ancestors cestors who worked as a physician too Emperor Joseph of Habsburg. The he story goes that the drink was named Unicum because upon tasting ing it, the Emperor exclaimed: “Dist ein Unicum”. Today Unicum um is Hungary’s most popular distilled istilled alcoholic beverage and is virtually rtually available in any restaurant. In the 19th century, in recognition of the stomach healing power of the drink, the Red Cross permitted the family to use the international logo on the bottles. That is from where the modern trademark, the golden cross on red background evolved.

Unicum conquered Europe and is now expanding overseas: in 2010 a number of Internet ad campaigns have appeared on U.S. websites.

ETERNAL BEAUTY A synonym for timeless beauty, Herendi porcelain has been produced in one of the world’s largest porcelain manufacturers for almost two centuries. es. Real fi ne porcelain types like Herendi embody the harmony of the four elements: ements: earth, water, air and fi re. Depending on the type of paint and the goldenn layers applied, these handmade products are baked in the furnace three or fourr times, yet it is the talent of the design artists, jiggers and painters that allowed Herendi to collect 24 grand prizes and gold medals at world exhibitions between en 1851 and 1937. The technology of painting has barely changed since the manufacture facture was founded: the compositions made up of flower motifs, leaves and fruit ruit are applied after priming, hatching and shading to emphasise the interplay of light and shadow. The tableware sets originating from the various periods of the 20th century are now typically sold for EUR 3000-5000.

T THE LACE OF H HALAS L Lace, as we know it today, began to conqquer the world during the Italian Rennaissance but only a few centuries later, in the fi rst quarter of the 20th century, Hungarian lace was already competing H aagainst those of Venice and Brussels.

The works of art from Halas have won T nnumerous awards worldwide. Prestigious aand famous people were presented with Halas lace upon their visits to Hungary H including King Umberto, Charles IV of in Habsburg, Alice Roosevelt, Queen JuliH aanne of the Netherlands, Pope John Paul II and Princess Hitachi of Japan. Halas lace has become an integral part of Hunla ggarian applied art. Even today the workshop spends close to 5000 man-hours to sh create each unique cloth approx. 50–60 50 60 cm in diameter.

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HISTORY

Hungaricum Evergreens

SPOOKY HISTORY CLASS Only a few of the residents of Budapest know about the network of tunnels and cellars approx. 10 km in length under the castle hill. For a while, it was even believed to be an urban legend that there had been a hospital under the Castle of Buda. The Hospital in the Rock was used as a bomb-shelter and a complex medical institution and even saw some military action. In 1956 the place was used as a hospital for the freedom fi ghters. Later it became a prison hospital and was listed as one of the atomic-bomb shelters during the Cold War. Most probably due to the underground environment, the exhibition at the Hospital in the Rock portraying some of the grim periods of the 20th century with contemporary objects and wax fi gures creates an unusually sad and spooky atmosphere.

VISITING THE COUNTRY IN THE CELLAR Wine and cellar: these two are inseparable in Hungarian gastronomy and viniculture because the optimum solution for aging wine in Hungary is to use cellars carved underground, often in rocks. To Hungarians, “authentic” wine drinking often means consuming the alcohol while in the cellar. Not far from the centre of Budapest, near Heroes’ Square, there is Borkápolna, a 500 m 2 wine tasting cellar remodelled from an old chapel. Here you can fi nd close to 1100 different kinds of wine from all wine growing regions of the country. For tourists, probably the most interesting section of the offering is a selection of 45 wine-growers of the Tokaj region.

A BIT OF NOSTALGIA Some 30 years ago Hungary was mocked as “the happiest barracks” of the Eastern Bloc, perhaps because we had more liberties than other socialist countries. We had already heard of Levi’s jeans and Adidas shoes but only a select few had access to them. Our wise leaders decided to cut through the Gordian knot and Hungary began to produce jeans, sports shoes and similar products copying their Western counterparts. Generations had worn Tisza shoes, which could not have been too bad in terms of quality as the brand reappeared after the regime change. The latest customers of this brand now include the younger generation and not only those who feel nostalgic when they see the decade-old logo of the letter “T”.

IN OUR ANCESTORS’ STYLE Budapest has a number of places to offer the tranquility of parks and large green areas.

However, the best spot for the classic parkland experience is Margaret Island because of its beauty and its special services. One of these services is the one-of-a-kind, romantic and funny “bringóhintó”. Even though it looks like it’s from the beginning of the 20th century, it has been operating only for 25 years. The name comes from the combination of the Hungarian words for bicycle and carriage, which also explains its intended use: families and smaller groups of people ride this vehicle because cars are excluded from the island. So you are all set to relax and have a good time. Even though some electric powered units are also available, this “bringóhintó” is rented without a driver so it also gives you the chance to get some light physical exercise.

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GASTRONOMY

Food A POWERFUL TASTE Lecsó [le-tsho] A great Hungarian classic. It means so much more to us than the ratatouille, which is also made from stewed vegetables, to the French. Its basic version is the simplest dish in the whole world, made by adding fresh pod pepper and tomatoes to onions fried in grease, and a few other things. There are a thousand ways to do it, but in the end, each version has the unmistakeable lecsó taste. Hungarians traditionally cook it with eggs or rice, often with smoked bacon, sausages or anything else to taste. In gastronomy, it is usually used as an ingredient or served as a side dish.

THE LIGHTEST MIXED DRINK Fröccs [froe-tsh] Spritzer is a culinary innovation and a product of the merger of Austrian and Hungarian cultures from the time of the dual monarchy. It would not be a great stretch to call it a Hungaricum, since soda water was invented around 1826 by a Hungarian man, Ányos Jedlik. As a cuvet made from wine and soda water, it is to Hungarians what the light frizzante are to sophisticated sparkling wine cultures. On hot summer days it is not only a refreshing and light drink, but a perfect accompaniment to meals. This combination of wine with higher acid content and carbonated water effectively improves digestion after high-fat meals. The great spritzer – a harmonious blend of 2dl wine and 1dl soda water – is considered the spritzer par excellence but due to the diversity of tastes (and perhaps the creativity of bartenders) they can be mixed in a dozen or so proportions.

GINGERBREAD Mézeskalács [mezes-kalatsch] There are no fairs without this highly ornamented, aromatic cookie.

In the old days, little boys would get Hussar and the girls baby shape gingerbread bookies while lovers would buy each other heart-shaped ones. Nowadays there is a broad selection with various shapes, ornamented with pearls, sugar and marzipan. For special occasions like Christmas and weddings, home-made little houses are made. You cannot, however, supersede the works of art of real artisans ornamented with pearl type.

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EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE Palacsinta [pa-la-tsin-ta] If there is a dish that everyone likes, it is pancakes. Pancakes are made from a sweet or salty batter of flour, eggs and milk, which is then fried on both sides in a pan. A Hungarian housewife shares the fi rst 5-10 pancakes between her impatiently waiting family, spreads the rest with different fi llings, rolls them up or sometimes – more typically seen in restaurants – folds them into four, or turns them into a layered cake. What makes our pancake different from other similar dishes is that it is made particularly thin, with very little fat.

We usually have it for desert, but it also has a salty version fi lled mostly with minced meat and served with a sour cream topping.

FISH SOUP Halászlé [halas-le] One of the most widely known typical Hungarian meals is fi sh soup seasoned with paprika.

The real secret to making this dish is that you add the carp, the fi ne-chopped onion and the unique Hungarian red paprika at the same time.

A number of variations exist: the classic fi sh soup of Szeged is rubbed through a sieve while the Danube version has some pasta added.

WHOSE RUDI IS IT ANYWAY?

FRIED DOUGH Lángos [lan-goesh] This fried dough made of leavened bread is sold on markets and beaches. But you can easily make this very fi lling, heavy meal and you can get really creative with it. The most popular are the classic cheese, sour cream and garlic versions but there are varieties with meat, ewe’s cheese, cabbage, vegetables and even jam. “Kenyérlángos”, the potato version with sour cream and bacon dices spread on top are also among the all-time favourites of people attending fairs.

Túró Rudi [thu-ro ru-dy] This sweet cottage cheese dessert, invented in 1968, could have become the greatest triumph of socialist product development, if the developers (and approvers) had known more about market economy. Unfortunately, nobody thought about patenting it. As a result, instead of becoming a number-one product in the cold milk slice segment, the concept was stolen and after the privatisation, imitation Rudis begin to pop up all over Europe. The original version is a chocolate or cocoa mass coated, cylinder-shaped, sweet-sour dessert. Today it is produced in various forms and fl avours. What now? There is no need to be concerned about the future of Túró Rudi, particularly since it turned out to have a fan page even in Japan.

INDULGENCE FOR HEALTH Mangalicakolbász [Man-ga-litsa khol-bas] At the beginning of the 19th century, a new lard-type pig became widely bred in Hungary – the small, fragile mangalitsa, which has curly hair like woodchips. After disappearing for 40 years, they made a comeback about a decade ago. With the worldwide fame of the universally known Pick and Hertz salami, Csaba and Gyula sausages were made from mangalitsa. Its high grease content is fi nely and evenly distributed in the meat, making it ideal for juicy and delicious roasts, steaks, salamis, sausages and cured ham. Furthermore, the flesh of mangalitsa that was reared in the open is easier to digest, has less cholesterol and contains vital unsaturated fatty acids. No wonder that mangalitsa features on the menu of the best restaurants.

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GASTRONOMY

Hungary: Vine-Country In Vino Veritas In general, Hungary’s climate is dry continental while Southern Hungary is characterised by Mediterranean features. On account of this diversity, the various wine regions deviate substantially from one another, even in the case of geographical proximity. In Hungary today there are 22 registered wine regions. Among these, three can be found in the Great Plain, fi fteen in Transdanubia, and four in Northern Hungary. In terms of territory size, these regions vary tremendously. The two smallest, Mór and Somló are under 1,000 hectares whereas the largest, Kunság sprawls over 25.600 hectares.

The size of most of the regions ranges on average from 1,000-5,000 hectares.

BUDAI ZÖLD (BUDA GREEN) True Hungarian variety. It gets its name from the old Buda hills. True, these territories have since been occupied by the city. Presently associated with the Badacsony wine region.

A not overly aromatic, greenish white wine. Dry, fi rm, and a bit acidic. A simple wine high in alcohol content with strong acids. Unique and especially popular in the Mór wine region.

FURMINT CSABAGYÖNGYE Briskly fruity, discretely muscatel, soft wine with real grape flavours.

Moderate alcohol content.

CSERSZEGI FŰSZERES A Hungarian wine variety created through the cross-breeding of Irsai Olivér and Red Traminer. Found in the wine regions of Csongrád, Hajos-Baja, Kunság, Etyek-Buda, Balatonfelvidék, and Balatonmelléke. Uniquely spicy bouquet, rich in alcohol and acid.

EZERFŰ – FÜRTIKE A Hungarian wine variety born of the cross-breeding of Hárslevelű and Red Traminer. Straw yellow in colour, bearing traces of flower in its aroma. Rich in alcohol, a pleasant summer wine.

In Hungary found primarily in the wine regions of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Somló, Mecsekalja, and Balatonfüred-Csopak. Its aroma early on is reminiscent of ripe apple, and later of honey and walnut after maturation in wooden barrels. Rich in extract, fiery in character, sourly acidic. A wine that keeps well. In better vintages a wine of outstanding quality, aszú.

HÁRSLEVELŰ We can come across it in the wine regions of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Mátraalja, Eger, and Villány-Siklós. A variety of Hungarian origin. Greenish-yellow in colour, a full-bodied wine. Mildly spicy in fl avour, its acids are elegant, its aftertaste a bit caustic. In the course of several years of maturation, it can be of outstanding quality.

JUHFARK EZERJÓ – BUDAI FEHÉR (BUDA WHITE) A variety of Hungarian origin. Found in the wine regions of Mór, Kunság, and Ászár-Neszmély.

A specialty of the Somló, Balatonfüred-Csopak, and Etyek-Buda wine regions. A manly wine. Straw yellow, with a unique, special aroma. Decisive in fl avour, special, and acidic. Fine capability for maturation.

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Hungarian Wine Regions KÉKNYELŰ Ancient variety of Hungarian origin, specialty of the Badacsony wine region. A pale green, light coloured wine. Subtle, decisive aroma and fl avour.

KIRÁLYLEÁNYKA Hungaricum. Found in the wine regions of Etyek-Buda, Balatonboglár, Pannonhalma-Sokoróaljai, and Tolna. Aroma and fl avour reminiscent of mildly muscatel wines. Full-bodied, capable of mature, quality wine.

KADARKA Its best known production site is Szekszárd, but it can also be found in the wine regions of Hajós-Baja, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Kunság, as well as Congrád. A red wine not rich in tannin, this is why its colour is paler, but its acids are robust.

EGRI BIKAVÉR Wine produced from the fi nest grape varieties in the Eger wine region, now subjected to serious quality control and prepared according to strict rules, has become a real Hungaricum. The dry bikavér, under the influence of several years of maturation in a barrel, has become a refi ned, elegant, and grandiose drink where exciting spicy fl avours, a world of fl avours characteristic of acids and blended wine varieties are mixed.

 Sopron  Pannonhalmai-Sokoróalja  Aszár-Neszmély  Zala  Balatonmellék  Balatonfüred-Csopak  Badacsony

 Dél-balaton  Tolnai  Szekszárd  Mecsekalja  Villány  Kunsági  Hajós-Baja

 Csongrádi  Mátraalja  Eger  Bükkalja  Tokaj-Hegyalja

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GASTRONOMY

Pálinka

Pálinka production in Hungary has been steadily growing for the past three years. Pálinka has become fashionable – in the good sense – as more and more people began to take an epicurean attitude to pálinka. We came to appreciate it so much so that pálinka now enjoys a higher status in the restaurant industry than whiskey.

Although many disapprove, since September 2010, it is legal to make pálinka at home in a quantity of 100 litres (for 46 degrees proof spirit).

There are few things and no drinks more typical Hungarian than pálinka. In 2002, the European Union also recognised Hungary’s exclusive right to call purely fruit-based distilled beverages pálinka. In other words, pálinka is now officially what the grappa is to the Italian or cognac or calvados to the French.

Comically (or tragicomically), we cannot demonstrate the superiority of our pálinkas, since we, as Hungarians, are the only ones who are allowed to make it. Nevertheless, at international spirit competitions, which do exist, Hungarian pálinkas are doing very well. No wonder that the fi nest pálinkas – and let’s not forget that modern gourmet pálinka making is less than two decades old – are priced over 100 Euros per litre.

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BUT WHAT IS PÁLINKA? According to the requirements of the Hungarian Food Codex, only a product made from fermented substances through distillation, using fruit or grape pomace as its base, can be called pálinka. It must be 100% fruit, in other words, no artificial fl avours or potable alcohol may be used for its production. In addition, it must be at least 37.5 degrees proof spirit.

To avoid confusion, it should be noted that all pálinkas are spirits, but not all spirits are pálinka.

If you would like to taste a truly special pálinka, you should try products falling under protected designation of origin. They are made from the unique quality fruits of a given region, retain their scent and taste, and are produced using a Hungarian two-way distillation technique, also known as “kisüsti” distillation:  Szatmári Plum Pálinka  Kecskeméti Apricot pálinka  Békési Plum pálinka (from red plums harvested in the valley of the Körös rivers)  Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka  Gönczi Apricot Pálinka  Újfehértói Sour Cherry Pálinka (‘Újfehértói fürtös’ and ‘Debreceni bőtermő’ types)  Göcseji Pear pálinka (from late fruiting pears)  Pannonhalmi pomace pálinka (Irsai Olivér, zenit, rajnai rizling, cserszegi fűszeres)

A BIT OF THE PÁLINKA STORY The spread of pálinkas in Hungary is closely linked to the royal family in the 14th century. A similar drink called aqua vitae, or aqua vitae reginae Hungarie (the water of life of the Hungarian queen) was used to treat the arthritis of Queen Elizabeth, wife of King Charles Robert. Based on records from that era, the word ‘pálinka’ was fi rst used in writing around 1630. At that time, beer breweries and pálinka distilleries were working together. Distillation was a feudal privilege; therefore distillation by peasants was restricted. Pálinka distillation was subject to many regulations. It was prohibited to use corn for distilling pálinka or fi rewood for the process, or to distil pálinka at the time of church service. The small plants, spirit, pálinka and liquor factories that sprang up beginning in 1799 led to the central regulation of pálinka distillation. In 1836, the feudal privilege of distilling pálinka was enacted. Next, a tax on pálinka was introduced, and beginning in 1850, making spirits became a state monopoly. In 1982, there were as many as 815 distilleries in the country.

Farmers doing hard physical work did not necessarily drink pálinka to induce intoxication. 80 or 100 years ago, knocking back a shot of pálinka was a good way to get going in the morning. A bigger dose was in order for celebrations or consolation.

In the period following World War II, making pálinka at home was a common activity. During those days, pálinka was often made from poor quality raw material, under uncontrolled circumstances and in an attempt to circumvent authorities. Today, we have state-of-the art pálinka distilleries in our fruit growing regions, producing premium quality pálinka.

The recently established Knights of the Hungarian Pálinka Order are responsible for organising the annual Pálinka Festival in Budapest.

We have come to learn to appreciate the fi nest brands of our national drink.

Specialists are now trained at pálinka academies sponsored by producers. Even though pálinka is not particularly ideal for cocktails, today there are several pálinka cocktail mixer contests. After all, if some of the fi nest cognacs can be used to make cocktails, why exclude pálinka? On top of that, several restaurants now offer pálinka dinners or tasting nights featuring quality pálinka.

HOW TO TASTE PÁLINKA?  Pálinka is not to be drunk chilled. It gradually releases its fruity fl avour when it’s around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Serve it too cold, and the aromas get trapped. Too warm, and the scents disappear and the drink loses its bite.  A genuine pálinka glass is shaped like a tulip, letting the scents mill around in the bowl part. Of course, you need to have your glass only half full for that. Swirl around the pálinka in the glass with careful, circular movements.  Take it in tiny sips; that is when the pure fruity fl avour is released. After each swallow, take a deep breath to feel the fruity fl avour all the way down your gullet.  You can tell just from a whiff if it is genuine pálinka, or just an artificially fl avoured spirit. If you smell a fruity scent, that is a sure sign that it is real pálinka. Or, if you want to make absolutely sure, you can do a “dry test”: smell the empty glass.

If you can still feel the fruity scent, you can be sure it’s pálinka, because artificial aroma escapes with alcohol right away.  Good pálinka is homogenous and clear, though not always. The fruit bed in “ágyas” (pálinka matured on a fruit bed) and matured pálinkas can change the colour of the liquid. Matured pálinka can also have a pale yellow or even a dark yellow colour.

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

TOUR I.

A Historic Sight in Buda Many attractions and a wonderful panoramic view at one place When strolling around one of the most beautiful parts of Budapest, forget historical sites for a minute, and just follow your nose. You can’t go wrong!

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

TOUR I.

A Historic Sight in Buda

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION ELECTION

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You can approach Buda Castle from various different directions. The most spectacular way is from the Danube side. You pass through an ornamented gate to the palace, which once served as a royal residence, with the statue of a turul bird of ancient Hungarian myth over the gate, holding a sword of valour in its talons.

You can then descend to the square in front of the main building via an ornate fl ight of steps. The palace buildings are used as a cultural centre today; they house the Hungarian National Gallery, which contains national art treasures. In front of the gallery you can see the bronze equestrian statue of the hero of the battle against the Turks in the 17th century.

The royal palace buildings also house the Budapest Historical Museum, with an exhibition of the history of the city. The National Széchenyi Library, which contains a collection of all Hungarian publications, including the famous Corvina Codex of King Matthias, was also relocated here from its original site in the National Museum.

Sándor Palace is the office of the President of the Republic of Hungary where foreign heads of state arriving in Hungary, are received. Behind all these historic scenes and settings, however, an active local lifestyle is enjoyed. Not only by year-round visitors attracted to the cultural centre, but also because the Buda Castle area is full of ancient meandering streets with historic residential buildings still inhabited today, as well as several public and scientific institutions. The place is therefore ideal to stroll around in, have a coffee or shop; you’ll bump into the must-see sights anyway! You can count on enjoying special events at weekends between spring and autumn. The ’Street of Handi crafts’ festival is held below the castle-palace area on Hungary’s national holiday, 20th August. This is an event at which tents are put up by handicraft artists, from all corners of the country, to display and offer their products for sale.

Naturally, you may also eat and drink there to your heart’s content! There is also a separate festival dedicated to the deservedly famous wines of Hungary. The festival is organised on the same site, and displays classical and new wines from all the Hungarian wine districts. Although not an easy task, it is well worth tasting all the wines.

You cannot avoid the marvellous panoramic view which opens up before you from the Buda Castle area. You can also enjoy the view of the Danube and the Pest side of the river opposite, if you take a blue city bus to Dísz tér.

Alternatively, you may want to take the funicular railway, near the Tunnel, up to the Buda Castle area. For a few minutes, while the car ascends, you will have a breathtaking view of Budapest. Sportier people walk up the gently rising meandering road and look back at the city behind and below them. The most popular lookout point in the castle district is the Fishermen’s Bastion, built in the Neo-Roman style, where people continually take pictures of each other, with

Parliament in the background. Matthias Church, where King Matthias’ wedding was held and which witnessed the coronation of Kings Charles Robert, Francis Joseph and Charles IV, acquired its Neo-Gothic form in 1896. Its history is shown in a museum in the church. Due to its excellent acoustics, concerts often take place there. The Hilton Hotel next to it, is an excellent example of how a modern building can be successfully fitted into an ancient district, creatively encompassing the remains of the old city wall.

You can continue your walk from Szentháromság tér (Holy Trinity Square) towards the medieval trading centre of the castle district, or towards the Baroque Palace, built on the medieval foundations of the City Hall of Buda, opposite which you can fi nd small shops and the Ruszwurm Café, with its Empire-style furniture and its famously delicious cakes.

There is an interesting tradition concerning the equestrian statue of General András Hadik which stands close by; the noblest parts of this soldier hero’s horse shine brightly, since students resident in the former University of Technology dormitory, housed in the castle, fi rmly believed that by giving the manhood of the horse a massage they would pass their exams. The tradition lives on to this day, even though the engineering students make their pilgrimage from a distance, since the dormitory has been moved from the castle buildings.

No matter which street you take in this idyllic spot, you will fi nd fascinating details, such as medieval stone seats set in niches in the courtyards of historic buildings built in Baroque and Copf styles. In Úri utca, in a wing of the manytimes reconstructed building of what was originally the Clarisse cloister, and where later the sub-exchange of the fi rst machine-driven automatic telephone exchange was housed, the Telephonia Museum is to be found, with exhibits on the history of the telephone. Here you can also fi nd Tivadar Puskás’s fi rst, manually operated telephone exchange.

The locals like sitting on benches in Tóth Árpád sétány. At the end of this walk, a row of cannons appears. The Museum of Military History is located here, featuring an impressive collection of firearms, originating from before the Turkish wars up to the 20th century. The museum also contains uniform, flag, map and coin collections. A separate exhibition portrays the events of the 1956 revolution.

Invisible from ground level, there is an enormous tunnel system that stretches to Buda Castle. For more adventurous visitors, walks are organised through this underground maze, one section of which contains a wax museum.

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

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Palinka and Sausage Festival in the Buda Castle

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

Baldaszti’s Kitchen WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN BUDAPEST? ”I like the Castle district the best. My school years, my high school years took place in the Toldy Gimnazium (in the Castle), and I got very attached to it. Obviously, the parties on Hess András Square also contributed to my attachment to the area.”

Gábor Csapó

A cozy bistro at the Buda side of the Chain bridge with contemporary Hungarian bistro cuisine at friendly prices every day of the week. Classic dishes and unique creations for breakfast, proper bistro meals during the day and dinner with the best wines of the country by the glass.

1013 Budapest, Lánchíd u 7/9.

Phone: +36 (30) 422-5981 www.baldasztis.com

Halászbástya Étterem

Enjoy the breathtaking view of Budapest from the magical Fishermen’s Bastion.

The magnificent rooms, the enchanting panoramic view and the high level of service is arguably the perfect choice for grand moments in life.

Halászbástya Restaurant represents a harmonic unity of tradition and stateof-the-art technology.

Fine dining above the city.

1014 Budapest, Buda Castle, Halászbástya – Északi Híradástorony Phone +36 (1) 201-6935 www.halaszbastya.eu info@halaszbastya.eu

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

Statue of the founder of the state

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

Wine Festival in the Buda Castle

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Fishermen's Bastion

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GELLÉRT HILL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

TOUR II.

Favourite site for outings A breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes

At the Buda end of Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge), in an area replete with curative hot-water springs, baths were fi rst built during the Árpád Dynasty, as well as at the time of the Turkish occupation.

Today, the area houses the Rudas and a bit farther away in Fő utca, the Király fürdő is located.

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GELLÉRT HILL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

TOUR II.

Favourite site for outings A breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes

The renowned Gellért Hotel and Baths were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, and its Art Nouveau effervescent bath has been the setting of numerous feature fi lms. Among the celebrities who have stayed at the hotel are Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, who honeymooned there, Richard Nixon, former President of the United States and Sviatoslav Richter, the world-famous pianist.

The hill, a nature-conservation area, rises in the centre of Buda and was named after Bishop Gellért (Gerald), who lived at the court of the fi rst Christian king of Hungary, St. Stephen I, and was tutor to the king’s son.

St. Gellért fell victim to pagan rebels in 1046, and, according to legend, he was rolled down the hill in a spiked barrel. His statue, holding a cross over the city, is located among the cliffs opposite Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). Opposite the Gellért Hotel, there is a chapel in a hollowed-out cavern in the hillside, built by monks of the Pauline Order. The chapel was restored after a decade’s closure and is now open again.

Other, later legends also surround the hill. In the 17th century, folklore had it that it was the chief meeting place of a witches’ coven, probably because the rites of heathen cults were really held in the area.

Gellért-hegy is a favourite site for outings among residents and tourists alike. You can reach the flat ridge behind the Citadel, the fortress easily visible from the city,

via a road that starts from the nowadays densely-built-up east-southeast side of the hill, where the 120 square metre commemorative park has been laid out, with a playground and page statues. Thus you can reach the hilltop by this route or by passing the open-air swimming-pool at the side of the Gellért Hotel, and then trudging through an area of villas. In this way you can see a famous artists’ house which stands on the corner of Kelenhegyi utca and Mányoki utca. The house is a splendid example of Art Nouveau, successfully combining style with function.

The studio flats inside were home to several generations of renowned painters, graphic artists and sculptors, József Rippl-Rónay (1861–1927) and Béla Czóbel (1883–1976) among others, and artists still live and work in the building today.

If you go in the direction of Sánc utca, you can see Budapest’s largest underground water reservoir (twice a week, for two hours, the public is admitted to the facility inside the hill). You can also pass Philosophers’ Park on the way, the spiritual tranquillity of which was created by Nándor Wagner (1922–1997).

The group of statues, representing the world religions, include Abraham, Ekhnaton, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Lao-tse and are placed on five points of an arc, whereas the fi gures of St. Francis of Assisi, Bodhidharma and Gandhi are positioned on the sides of an equilateral triangle, adjacent to the circle. According to Budapest folklore, the statue was originally intended to commemorate

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the son of Miklós Horthy, one-time governor of Hungary (1868–1957), who died in a plane crash. The female fi gure was to have held a propeller, not a palm branch. However, this is refuted by the facts. Kisfaludy Stróbl (1884-1975) really did produce a memorial to Horthy junior, which was altogether another work, and stands today over Stróbl’s grave. Successful under every political regime, Stróbl was asked to execute the statue of liberty by Marshal Voroshilov, Stalin’s right-hand man. The legend probably reflects society’s rejection of any official Soviet monument. This feeling was further strengthened in June 1992 when Tamás Szentjóby, an avant-garde artist, on the fi rst anniversary of the fi nal withdrawal of the Soviet army, covered the statue with a white sheet, so that the Statue of the Spirit of Liberty, rising over the city, would represent the ghost of communism floating away and disappearing for good.

The Citadel was built on the top of the hill, where an ancient Turkish fort once stood, on the orders of General Haynau, who, after suppressing the 1848 revolution, wanted to intimidate the city with cannons. The 220 metre long, 60 metre wide, 4 metre high construction, with its 60 cannons, did not, however, meet the requirements of warfare of the time. After reconciliation with the Habsburgs in 1867, the Hungarians demanded the Citadel be demolished, but the garrison troops remained in place until 1897, when the main gate was symbolically broken. Today,

in an atmosphere of history, it functions as a tourist centre with a hotel, restaurant and café. A waxwork museum is housed in an open three-floor World War II bunker and wartime events are featured in a photo exhibition. The so-called Monarchy court hosts handicraft fairs and various cultural programmes.

The emblematic statue of liberty, visible from most parts of the city, is a 14 metre high woman holding a palm branch above her head. The composition, erected as a memorial of the liberation of the country, was completed in 1947. The huge figure of a Soviet soldier holding a flag, however, which stood on the lower level of the monument, was removed after the change of regime and taken to the Tétény Statue Park, which features a collection of political statues from the Communist era.

From a height of 140 metres, a breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes. In clear weather, almost the whole city is visible from this spot. The Danube lies at your feet, with its busy bridges, and with numerous and seemingly tiny church spires and roofs in the distance. One can spot landmarks which help identify the locations of earlier walks. Put aside the guide books, and let the experience speak for itself. It’s not surprising, however, that sometimes one can’t even fi nd a niche, among all the tourists clicking their cameras, from where to take in this unique and breathtaking panorama.

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GELLÉRT HILL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Gellért bath

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WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LIKE ESPECIALLY ABOUT BUDAPEST? ”Definitely its geography. I always treasure the view of the Buda hills rising above the Danube. This is a unique aspect of this city.”

Andy Vajna

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GELLÉRT HILL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The atrium of the Gellért Bath

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Above the city

Picnic on GellĂŠrt-Hegy

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GELLÉRT HILL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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KECSKEMÉTI UTCA, KÁLVIN TÉR, RÁDAY UTCA

LUXURY BUDAPEST

TOUR III.

Coffee on the terrace

Kecskeméti utca, Kálvin tér, Ráday utca Let’s start our walk at one of the oldest and at the same time busiest points of the city, Ferenciek square: we are at a traffic junction, the stops of the buses arriving in Pest from Elizabeth Bridge, the ones going towards Buda and the number 3 metro line are all here.

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KECSKEMÉTI UTCA, KÁLVIN TÉR, RÁDAY UTCA

TOUR III.

Coffee on the terrace Kecskeméti utca, Kálvin tér, Ráday utca LUXURY BUDAPEST’s EST s TOP SELECTION CTIO T N

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The fi rst thing that attracts our eyes on the corner of Petőfi Sándor street is Párisi Court, the five-storey palace covered in ceramic tiles, originally built as a building of the Downtown Bank. The ceramic tiles of the eclectic secession style building combining Gothic, Byzantine and arabesque elements were made by the Zsolnay factory. Small shops operate in its glass covered passage.

The only royal rental palace of Budapest was opposite: renovations are under way in the interior spaces of the monumental historical block built for Franz Joseph and neglected for decades. In the hall we can see the sometimes original etched door glass or the recently restored coloured glass insets made by the outstanding artist of the era, Miksa Róth. On the ground floor of the 4-storey house bank offi ces and smaller shops can be found.

In front of the baroque church of the Franciscans, built at the beginning of the 18th century, the classical statue of the Well of the Nereidas is one of the most popular meeting points in the city centre. Mostly students gather here, as not only the university library but several university faculties are also in the neighborhood. This becomes instantly apparent judging by the traffic in the many cafés of Kecskeméti street. As spring arrives, the sidewalk becomes full of tables and chairs, and rich social life is present both during the day and at night, and as we approach Kálvin square and then Ráday street it gets even more intense. Centrál Café is on the corner of Irányi street which was one of the most famous representatives of café culture of the early 20th century. It is well known that newspapers were not only read in the cafés but written and edited too, and this has not changed.

The room on the Károlyi Mihály street side bears the name of the notable Nyugat

(West) journal whose journalists regularly gathered here. Today their shadow images decorate the walls. Centrál is still frequented by many, and newspapers are still being edited here. The building on the corner is the recently renovated Ybl Palace, its cast iron structure elegant stairs and inner court with a restaurant are worth a look.

Walking along Károlyi Mihály Street we can fi nd the classical one-storey city palace of former Hungarian prime minister Count Mihály Károlyi’s family with the family coat of arms on its façade. Currently it houses the collections, exhibitions and research rooms of the Petőfi Literary Museum, with a public restaurant and café in the garden and a bookshop on the street front. Behind it is the Károlyi garden: the precious green area in the downtown tries to somewhat compensate for the neighborhood’s need for nature with a playground and dog walking area.

In Egyetem square next to the grand building of the University of Law is the two towered baroque university church built in the 18th century by the Paulans.

Take a look at the soft curves and richly structured façade, the hand-carved oak gate wings and one of the most beautiful works of the Hungarian baroque: the pulpit and the carved cabinet of the vestry.

Leaving behind the eclectic, romantic buildings, small shops, cafés of Kecskeméti street and passing the ruins of the city wall from the middle ages, we get to a busy area again, Kálvin square featuring the reformed church which gave its name to the square. Museum road runs into the crowded square, and the Hungarian National Museum designed by Mihály Pollack is here. It is an outstanding work of Hungarian classicism with students traditionally hanging out on its stairs and in the garden.

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The Museum garden is a key spot in Ferenc Molnár’s world famous novel The Paul Street Boys. Several movie adaptations have been made from the story about the adolescent heroes of the Józsefváros yard. Besides the Hungarian version there has been an American- Hungarian co-production and then recently an Italian adaptation which – due to the supposed taste of today’s viewers – considerably differs from the story it was based upon.

from the GDR and Carilbon Wurlitzer. We can fi nd many shops to please our eyes: a form-oriented shop offering multifunctional design, a classic one selling wrought iron furniture, bold amateur shops and of course contemporary art galleries. Cultural events are frequent here in which the restaurants and cafés are also involved – housing exhibitions, events, book shows. Its atmosphere may remind you of the Mitte district in Berlin or the Marais district in Paris.

The neighbourhood of Museum Road considered as the street of secondhand bookshops has a youthful character. The shops and cafés at the beginning of Baross street lead to the Szabó Ervin Library housed in the neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace and cater for the needs of the 21st century. Walking on, we get to Mikszáth square, a popular place with the Budapest youth. In the neighbouring streets we may find numerous venues of alternative culture: cafés, galleries, record shops.

A few minutes’ walk from here and we are at Kultiplex, one of the most frequented alternative clubs. Walking on and crossing the ring road we arrive at yet another cultural zone. Another one of the cultural institutions of Ferencváros can be found here: Trafó, the house of contemporary arts housed in the former building of a transformer house built in the industrial secession style. Within the building we can enjoy mainly contemporary dance, theatre and music and it’s also an international meeting point where the visitors often occupy the lovely street corner, when the weather is nice. Tűzraktér, a cultural centre, has recently been awarded by Pro Urbe Budapest, is an independent cultural centre, the building of which used to be a factory producing medical equipment. Creative youth brought about the venue to house theatre plays, concerts and other artistic experiments.

Leaving Kálvin Square for Ráday Street, we can see it is a street of arts and gastronomy, a real resting place. There are nice little shops here, offering works of fashion designers and jewellers. In the limited car traffic we can discover the many tea houses, cafés and galleries and fi nd the one that best suits our mood. The cobble-stoned walking street entices us with its shop windows, colourful chairs, giant parasols and neon lights in the summer, and offers culinary adventures in the winter. We can fi nd Spanish restaurants, Italian trattorias, Parisian cafés real Southern-Slavic bistros, Persian cuisine with water pipes, an English tea house, a Danish sandwich place and classic Hungarian confectioneries. However, those searching for that retro vibe may fi nd the legacy of the happy 70s with the “decadent” sputnik chandelier, factory clock

Not far from here in Páva street we can fi nd the Holocaust Memorial Centre which remembers the 600 thousand Hungarian victims of the holocaust with permanent and seasonal exhibitions and programs. Its exciting group of buildings includes an almost 100-year-old synagogue which is part of the exhibition space.

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KECSKEMÉTI UTCA, KÁLVIN TÉR, RÁDAY UTCA

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BUDAPEST? „The beautiful buildings and boulevards for a start - it’s hard to find a street in the centre of the city that isn’t of historical and cultural interest in some way. And it’s so important to keep looking up: above the row of shops you can find spectacular facades and rooftops that could have come from fairytales. I like the liveliness, too. There is always something new and different happening and the cultural choice is extremely wide.”

Greg Dorey

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KECSKEMÉTI UTCA, KÁLVIN TÉR, RÁDAY UTCA

HEART OF BUDAPEST PROGRAMME The distressing tram terminal from the era of socialist realism is fi nally gone. The Small Boulevard (Kiskörút), which reminds us of parkland and is similar to the banks of Brussels or Rome, and the City Hall Park are not the only areas that have been renovated. 15 March Square and Piarista köz will soon change, too, with new pedestrian streets, parks and terraces to make the hearth of Budapest more attractive and the air of the city cleaner. The area is made interesting by its trees of uniquely shaped leafage. It should be mentioned, however, that not all local people like this new “cubic” leafage.

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Buddha-Bar Budapest

Discover the unforgettable experience that the Buddha-Bar Restaurant’s signature atmosphere at the Klotild Palace promises you. After captivating Paris, Dubai, Mexico City, Prague and many more metropolises the Buddha-Bar feeling arrives to Budapest.

We will take your senses for an incredible timeless journey where the Subtle Pacific Rim cuisine – an existing mix of flavours and cultures with Chinese fusion influenced with a touch of Thai, a hint of Japanese and a subtle dash of French – is in perfect harmony with the unique setting and the ambiance created by the Buddha-Bar music. The restaurant is dominated by a massive statue of Buddha. 115 lounge seats with a large bar area and 136 restaurant seats with direct access from the Váci street ensures the highest value of comfort. Three additional units contribute to the entire Buddha-Bar hotel experience (Siddharta Café, Lobby Bar, Klotild Bar & Lounge).

Address of restaurant 1052 Budapest, Váci u. 34.

Telephone number + 36 (1) 266-1291 E.mail address reservation@buddhabarhotel.hu Website address www.buddhabarhotel.hu Opening hours every day from 6 pm to 2 am Operated and managed by Mellow Mood Hotels

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ALONG THE DANUBE BY BOAT AND TRAM

TOUR IV.

The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

Most of the spectacular sights of Budapest are to be seen from the banks of the Danube, or from the Danube itself. Let’s take off on a sightseeing tour – by tram! The ever-popular yellow trams have routes along both banks. Tram number 2 runs along the Pest side with its windows offering splendid views of the Buda side. Alternatively, if we board tram number 19 on the Buda side, we can enjoy the view of Pest.

One can board a boat on the Pest side at the Belgrád Rakpart (quay) below Vigadó tér (square) and Hotel Intercontinental. It’s important to check schedules, however, since they vary from season to season.

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ALONG THE DANUBE BY BOAT AND TRAM

TOUR IV.

The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTIO SELECTION

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Let’s start our tour in Pest by getting on tram 2 at the Jászai Mari tér terminal. We are at the Pest bridge end of Margit híd (Margaret bridge), at one end of Nagykörút (The Great ring road). Looking over at the Buda side we can see Rózsadomb (Hill of Roses), one of the city’s most exclusive residential areas, with the church towers of the impressive Buda Castle acropolis also visible above, to the left. The tram now turns away from the river for a moment to pass the eastern façade of the Parliament building. Then, returning to the riverside, we can see the lovely buildings in Batthyány tér with the Matthias Church high above, across the river. The tram then inches its way under Széchenyi Lánchíd (the Chain Bridge), the city’s oldest stone bridge. On Count István Széchenyi’s initiative, and based on Tierney William Clark’s plans, it was built by Adam Clark. The difficulties of construction were not alleviated by the 1848 War of Independence, then while under way – it was even hit by a cannon ball but still managed to open for traffic in 1849. A year later, the lion statues guarding each end of the bridge were installed and immediately provoked heated public debate: it appeared that the lions did not have tongues, and that the builder had therefore committed suicide.

It later turned out they did have tongues but only visible from above, and that the builder lived on. One can still see people closely examining the lions to satisfy themselves for the truth of the matter.

The tram continues its journey along the Danube bank passing a row of hotels.

It’s perhaps worth getting off here to sit for a while on the so-called Buchwald chairs on the promenade, reproduced as examples of the period. There are also numerous eateries in the area, although in fi ne weather it’s hard to fi nd a table on the restaurant and café terraces. Across the river, Buda Castle and the National Gallery are at their most beautiful from here, as we watch the funicular railway climbing the steep hillside to reach them.

Also here, by the promenade railings, is the famous statue of the Little Princess,

by László Marton. Most visitors stand here to get their photos taken. Occasionally, the photographer also captures a shot of tram 2 in the background, the very tram we have just ridden.

In Vigadó tér, stands the Vigadó building (often translated as ‘Place of Merriment’), designed in the romantic style by Frigyes Feszl to replace the ‘Redout’, that used to stand here. In 1865, the year of its opening, the Hungarian com-

poser, Liszt Ferenc (Franz Liszt) appeared here on the opening night of his oratorio, The Legend of Saint Elizabeth. The Vigadó is still a popular venue for concerts and other cultural events, and is home to a gallery, as well. The row of exclusive hotels ends at Március 15. tér. Here stands the Statue of Sándor Petőfi , the poet of the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848, with the Greek Orthodox Church behind him.

The Belvárosi Plébániatemplom (inner city Parish Church), the oldest building in Pest, built with stone from nearby Contra-Aquincum, stands opposite the Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge) pier. The original Romanesque church built on this spot was succeeded by a Gothic church that was partially destroyed in the period of Turkish rule. Nineteen of the old pews as well as the Gothic chancel may still be seen. It gained its present Baroque style in the fi rst half of the 18th century. Erzsébet híd, originally built in 1903, was, for twenty years, the longest spanning chain bridge in the world. It was paved with wooden blocks and those crossing had to pay a toll of 2 ‘krajcár’, the small change of the period. It was blown up, together with all the other bridges in Budapest, by retreating German forces during World War II. While the other bridges were rebuilt immediately after the war, the modern suspension bridge, designed to be the successor of Erzsébet híd, was not opened until the sixties. Trams ran along the bridge until 1973.

On the Buda side you can now see the towers of Gellérthegy (Gellért Hill), but watch out because we need to get off at the next stop, Szabadság-híd (Liberty Bridge)! This bridge was originally named after the Habsburg emperor Franz Joseph, who attended the inauguration ceremony, and is said to have inserted a silver rivet bearing his initials with his own hands.

Before crossing the bridge, it really is worth popping into the Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall) to do a spot of souvenir shopping, and perhaps sample the lunch counters in the gallery, the best deal in town! Walking across the bridge one arrives at the Gellért Medicinal Baths and Spa Hotel, in front of which you can take tram 19 going northbound, back along the river, to Batthyány tér. The tram passes the cliffs of Gellért Hill and the Rudas Medicinal Bath, with its architecture reminiscent of Turkish times. You can see the statue of Empress Sissi in the small park under the Elizabeth bridge. The large green area, only partially visible from the tram, used to be a district of

LUXURY BUDAPEST

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN BUDAPEST AND WHY? ”The banks of the Danube. Any view from either side. Sadly, although I often feel like doing so, I haven’t really had the time to take walks along the promenades, yet.”

Andy Vajna

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ALONG THE DANUBE BY BOAT AND TRAM

vineyards, with little streets winding their way among small village houses and bars. Now a recreation area, romantic Tabán park is a popular venue for open-air concerts. The only square left from the old Tabán neighbourhood was named after a late Baroque building, the Szarvas- ház (Deer House), originally built in the 18th century and then rebuilt in the 19 th century, after a fi re. The parish church of Saint Catherine used to stand here as well.

Now let’s glance over to the other side of the Danube, where we can see the entire row of hotels and Vigadó tér. If we turn back quickly, we can see the beautiful but dilapidated Varkert (Castle Garden) Bazaar, neo-renaissance in style and designed by Miklós Ybl. Arriving at Széchenyi Lánchíd (the Chain Bridge), we look left at the Tunnel, carved into the hill, which connects the Viziváros area with Krisztinaváros. There is a wide-spread belief that the tunnel was built so that the Chain Bridge could be slid into it in inclement weather! If we now look over to the Pest side at the end of the bridge, we can see Széchenyi tér with its impressive Academy of Sciences and the famous Jugend Stil (art nouveau) Gresham building.

The tram now passes the popular bicycle path, that runs along the Danube embankment. If we can take our eyes off the river for a moment, to the left we can see the remarkable brick-built Calvinist church in a square which once served as a market in the Middle Ages. The church was designed by Samu Pecz who designed the Market Hall in Fővám square. Tram 19 terminates at Batthány tér, where we can enjoy the architecture we saw at the start

of our tram trips, at close quarters. From here, there is also a superb view of the Parliament buildings, designed in a unique Byzantine Gothic style.

Kossuth híd (Kossuth Bridge) was built in 1945 to substitute the bridges destroyed in the war, and to be a symbol of the reconstruction of Budapest. The bridge, demolished in 1960, connected Batthyány Square, a busy junction since Roman times, to the Parliament building on the opposite bank of the Danube.

Today one can only see a memorial plaque, located where the bridge met the Buda river bank. However, a temporary pontoon bridge was built at this location in 2003, to be a venue for cultural events celebrating Hungary’s access to the European Union.

If you want to view Budapest by boat, they leave from the quay at Vigadó tér and it’s well worth booking a daytime as well as an evening trip. During the day, the boat ride takes passengers between the two parts of the city, Pest and Buda amid numerous sights. Multi-lingual audio commentaries are available. Passing the great Parliament buildings, one can enjoy the panorama of Margitsziget (Margit Island) and the beauty of the Castle District, the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion and the Citadella. On the southbound part of the trip, you can see the National Theatre and the Palace of Arts appearing on the east bank. On the way back, one sees the universities, the Market Hall and some of Budapest’s luxury hotels. At night, the same route offers a totally different experience, with a splendid show of light presenting the city in all its unique beauty.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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A CULTURAL WALK

TOUR V.

The new face of the riverbank A cultural walk

The area between Petőfi híd (bridge) and II. Rákóczi Ferenc híd (bridge), in the southern part of Budapest is a rapidly developing zone. On the Buda side, the campus of the University of Technology and the University of Sciences has been created, and nearby lies the Info Park, where the head offices of several global information technology and telecommunications companies are located.

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A CULTURAL WALK

TOUR V.

The new face of the riverbank A cultural walk

LUXURY BUDAPEST

On the Pest side, the first units of a new cultural centre have been established, and in the surrounding area residential buildings and a new congress centre are being constructed.

Here, at the foot of II. Rákóczi Ferenc Bridge, stands the new National Theatre, built just a few years ago and one of the most debated buildings of the past few years. Its critics view the Neo-Eclectic block, surrounded by a huge park, as post-modern trash resembling an ornamental ship. The path leading to the main entrance is lined with statues of actors and actresses, outstanding in the history of the National Theatre, with some depicted in their most famous roles. On the Danube side of the theatre, there is a stone pyramid, or ziggurat, an amalgam of the spirits of several ancient cultures. As one ascends the spiralling inner path, seven small rooms appear, suitable for exhibitions and theatrical events. Reaching the top, one finds oneself opposite the university campus, and one can view the other side of the river from an interesting, new angle.

Behind this is the recently completed National Palace of Arts, which houses three cultural institutions. One, the Ludwig Museum, moved here from Buda Castle, has a significant collection of contemporary art. Its functional, spacious, well-lit exhibition rooms overlook the Danube; on the third floor, you can see the permanent exhibition, whereas temporary exhibitions and events are organized on the first floor. From spring to autumn, the museum’s café opens out onto a terrace overlooking the Danube. At vernissages, the crowd swarms not only out onto the terrace but also onto the stairs leading to it. On an ordinary weekday, the visitor, after viewing the museum’s exhibits, can relax, looking out over the river again to see the Buda Hills, from a different angle.

The Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, a huge world-class venue, with excellent acoustics for Hungary’s very active concert scene, has opened in the building, and, with its rehearsal and service rooms, has become the home of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by world-famous pianist and conductor, Zoltán Kocsis. Of course, guest orchestras and choirs perform here on a regular basis. The eastern part of the building houses the National Dance Theatre, where international dance performances, chamber operas, concerts, as well as jazz events are held.

One hundred years ago, there were several factories in the vicinity. Today, in these old industrial buildings, clubs and galleries have set up shop. These unique locations are also suitable for building openplan, atmospheric private apartments, known as ’lofts’, very popular in Budapest over the past decade.

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MARGITSZIGET

Almost no one goes to Margitsziget (Margaret Island) alone. Some go with their families, some with their lovers, and some take the dog for a walk. If you see people all alone, they are probably jogging or running to the swimming pool, baths or tennis courts with their swim suits or tennis racquets in their bags. The island, with a length of 2.5 kilometres, is the preferred jogging, sporting and leisure area. It has been a spa since 1929, owing to its mineral springs. High quality wellness services are available at its elegant hotels.

TOUR VI.

An Eden in the heart of the City Margitsziget

LUXURY BUDAPEST

IN WHICH SEASON DO YOU FIND BUDAPEST THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND WHY? ”Spring, when the cherry and apple blossom is out. Or summer, when the strong sunlight brings out the architectural delights. No, perhaps autumn, as the trees turn lovely colours.

On reflection, winter when Budapest is covered in a coat of clean, fresh snow and the Christmas markets are in full flow.”

Greg Dorey

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MARGITSZIGET

TOUR VI.

An Eden in the heart of the City Margitsziget

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s BU TOP SELECTION

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The island was originally called the Island of Rabbits, because of the brown hares which inhabited the place in the 11th century, but its present name derives from the canonized daughter of Béla IV, who lived in a convent there until her death.

by the year 1873. A unique ’side-bridge’, connected the island to Margit híd (Bridge) in 1900, itself constructed in 1876. From this location, a covered promenade leads to a restaurant at the lower end of the island.

Monks lived on the island until the 12th century and then it became the scene of constant battles after the Turks invaded Hungary. A military arsenal and hospital were established here after the Turkish invaders had been ousted. The island was always of strategic importance, since a pontoon bridge could easily be constructed between the two banks of the bridgeless river Danube.

The history of Margitsziget horticulture has been extraordinary. The very fi rst signs of Hungarian horticulture, the Dominicans’ monastery garden, equipped with water pipes, can be traced back to the middle of the 13th century. Many types of rose from all over the known world were planted in the rose garden at that time. The island’s main walking and jogging path, with a length of 6 kilometres, was constructed in the 1920’s.

In the 18th century, József Nádor (‘Palatine’) gained possession of the island and had a manor house, garden and a dance hall built with aristocratic guests arriving by boat. At that time, a horse-drawn railway operated on the island, replaced by buses in 1928. Today, visitors can take the bus here from Nyugati Pályaudvar (Western Railway Station), or either walk from Árpád híd (Bridge), or take the regular boat service. In 1867, mineral waters as hot as 43 degrees Centigrade suddenly gushed out of an artesian well and so development plans for an island spa were proposed, and then assigned to Miklós Ybl, a reputed architect of the age. Mineral baths, several villas, the Kisszálló (Tiny Hotel), the neo-Renaissance building of the still-operating Nagy szálló (Grand Hotel) as well as a waterfall, created among carefully placed rocks, were all fi nished

The remnants of the Franciscan church, built by Minorite monks, should also be mentioned. The oldest church on Margitsziget, however, is a Premons tratensian chapel, in which chapel walls dating back to the 11th century have been discovered.

Wandering along the island’s paths, lined with peaceful groves, we fi nd an array of statues depicting prominent characters from the world of Hungarian arts, as well as an intimate rock garden and musical fountain. Its water-driven mechanism causes a melody to sound at each hour, and a golden statue of Neptune on the cupola revolves around the structure once a day. The fountain was destroyed in the last war and was restored in the 1980’s.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

The zoo facing the Pest side of the Danube offers a whole host of domestic, wild and exotic animals behind see-through fences. Children ride ponies here during the summer. Margitsziget is, at the same time, an oasis for dogs and their owners in Budapest. The water tower, built in 1911, was the first ferro-concrete structure in Hungary, and today is an industrial memorial used for exhibitions.

In 1938, the Outdoor Stage was erected here, the highest, warmest and most protected spot on the island, where musicals are performed in the summer season. The competition swimming pool, recently expanded for the European Swimming Championships, was built in 1930. The facility was designed by Alfréd Hajós, architect, after whom the building complex was later named.

The islands’s Palatinus beach offers seasonal entertainment. The pools and baths were built in 1921 and feature a 70,000 square metre lawn. Crowds of children and adults, on extremely hot days, enjoy the coolness of the swimming baths, especially the wave pools, supplied from the thermal springs of Margitsziget.

The grand lawn is not only used for peaceful family picnics or impromptu badminton contests, but frequently hosts pop music concerts that attract the general public. The Nagyszálló (Grand Hotel), designed by Miklós Ybl, can be found nearby, its shady terrace dominated by a leisurely atmosphere in which simply every one has to have at least one ice-cream.

At the same time, Hajós was the Olympic swimming champion in the Athens Games of 1896, and the very fi rst Hungarian Olympic athlete. This sportsman, who also took an active part in Hungarian soccer, worked as an architect in the Ignác Alpár and Ödön Lechner studios and then continued his career on his own.

The neighbouring Thermal Hotel, built much later, provides a wide range of medicinal services. Apart from those demanding comfortable and high quality holidays, with a wide range of wellness services, in elegant surroundings, the hotel is also visited by those suffering from locomotor disorders who need the beneficial effects of mineral waters and the medical treatments related to them.

The designs of numerous sports centres all over the country are linked to his name. His most famous work is the Bauhaus building located on the corner of Andrássy út (boulevard) and Munkácsy Mihály utca (street) in central Pest.

The great thing about Margitsziget is that it is a beautiful and quiet place located right in the heart of the city. Anyone needing a noisy atmosphere instead, can plunge into the pool of sparkling metropolitan city life within minutes!

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TOUR VII.

Boulevard of history and fashion

Andrássy út and its surroundings Andrássy út (boulevard) has been called the ”champs Elysée of Hungary”. A Budapest highlight, it features splendid palaces and a compelling variety of shops, coffee houses and eateries, so much so that property developers keep a weather eye open for special deals here.

Guess, Louis Vuitton, Nespresso and Ermenegildo Zegna all have shops here. What’s more, Gucci and Burberry are also said to have set their sights on Andrássy út, soon to become the shopping street for luxury goods in Budapest and meeting point for prestigious companies.

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LUXURY LUXU BUDAPEST’s BUDAP SELE TOP SELECTION

TOUR VII.

Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

The layout of this imposing 2.5 kilometre avenue, which stretches from Deák tér (square) to the City Park, is a good example of conscious late 19th century city planning.

Beneath it, the first electric underground railway in Europe was built in 1896. The cream colour and brown tiles decorating each station were manufactured by the Zsolnay Manufacturing Company. A few of the underground’s original carriages are on display at the Underground Museum, located in the Deák tér underpass. The permanent photo exhibitions in each station depict the history of former famous buildings located in the vicinity. Pieces of the largest collection of Tokaji Aszú in Hungary are on display (and on sale) in a frame shop in Anker köz.

The primarily neo-Renaissance buildings of Andrássy út reflect the essential architectural eclecticism and historicism that is Budapest. They hide numerous exciting details. Number 3, housing the Postal Museum, for example, features frescos by Károly Lotz, and is well worth a visit.

Taking a short walk up from Deák tér, on the left we find the Opera House, designed by the leading architect of his age, Miklós Ybl. The building surely competes with its archeotypes in Paris and Vienna. Its interior frescos, sculptures and grandiose interiors provide a venue for the music that plays such an outstanding role in Budapest life. Countless world-famous artists have performed here - from Anja Silja to Nesterenko. Richter gave a concert here and the composer Gustave Mahler was its artistic director for many years. ‘Bluebeard’s Castle’, ‘The Wooden Prince’ and ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’, world famous masterpieces by Béla Bartók (1881–1945), premièred here, and have been performed regularly ever since.

Béla Bartók’s masterpieces were not always so well received. The “Miraculous Mandarin” created a scandal after its first performance in Cologne, and Konrad Adenauer, the mayor at that time, banned the ballet.

The Opera House’s dramatic interiors play host to the annual Opera Ball, at which Gina Lollobrigida, Catherine Deneuve, and Ornella Muti have been among the traditionally-invited official guests. Classical musical instrument workshops and intimate coffee bars are situated in neighbouring Hajós utca, recently converted into a pedestrian precinct. Steven Spielberg shot the feature fi lm ‘Munich’ in the summer of 2005, in the immediate vicinity of the Opera House.’ The Drechsler Palace, opposite, used to be a coffee-house, and it will soon be turned into a luxury hotel. Its side street leads to the Új Színház (‘New Theatre’), a building originally designed in 1909 as a nightclub, featuring Béla Lajta’s art déco designs and only later becoming a theatre.

Jewelry Jewe 

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TO WHICH UNMISSABLE PLACES WOULD YOU TAKE GUESTS? ”The banks of the Danube, the area around the Opera House, and Andrássy út all the way to Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square). I also love Margit Sziget (Margaret’s Island) and I always take my guests to Szentendre for lunch.”

Andy Vajna

Moving up Andrássy út, coffee-houses abound: the Három Holló (‘The Three Crows’) was opened at a former hang-out of Endre Ady’s, a poet who had significant impact on Hungarian literary life, at the beginning of the 20th century; Művész (‘The Actor’), with its mirrored hall and the favourite meeting point of contemporary actors from neighbouring theatres, is located on the other side of the street.

Approaching Nagymező utca, in other words the ‘Broadway of Pest’, we can see how this street of theatres evolved from the former nightclub quarter. The still lively Moulin Rouge has endured from the music hall revue époque, typical of the beginning of the last century, and opposite there is a three-storied nightclub called Arizona, which prospered between the two World Wars. A 1988 Italo-Hungarian fi lm, ‘Miss Arizona’ by Pál Sándor, starring Hanna Schygulla and Marcello Mastroianni, depicted the history of the club. Currently the building houses the Photographic Museum, with exhibits on show in the studio of Manó Mai, a former photographer. It is worth taking a little time to visit this museum. It is not only its particular atmosphere that fascinates, but also the world-famous Hungarian photographers’ works exhibited here (Kertész, Capa, Brassai etc.). The museum bookshop sells many exquisite collections of photographs. Facing the Arizona is the Operetta Theatre, successor to the famous Somossy Music Hall which brought such success to the Austro-Hungarian Imperial musical genre. The cast travelled the whole world to perform the iconic ‘Csárdás Queen’. Apart from the classic masterpieces of Ferenc Lehár and Imre Kálmán, more modern musicals still attract the audiences of today ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Rudolph’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ ‘Mozart’ and even the klezmer musical ‘Menyasszonytánc’ (‘Dance with the Bride’).

The Thália Theatre is also located in this street, whilst at the other end the Radnóti and Tivoli Theatres are to be found. The Ernst Museum can also be found there, its black marble seats in a secessionist-style interior designed by Ödön Lechner. Continuing our walk up Andrássy út, at the next corner on the left we find the statue of Mór Jókai, the great novelist of the 19th century and also the square named after him. On the right we can see Liszt Ferenc tér and the composer’s statue. On the corner, one of the best bookshops of the city used to house the Japán Café, frequented by famous writers and artists.

This is the city’s most fashionable and lively entertainment district and the favourite meeting point of Budapest youth and visitors, where restaurants and clubs are full all year round. The hustle and bustle of the street may well remind one of Paris, with its hard-to-find free tables placed along the square in the summer. There is a generous variety of restaurants and cafés from traditional Hungarian, Italian and French to international fusion with a famous patisserie where you can select a scrumptious dessert. At Christmas time, small wooden kiosks join the array of restaurants to sell tra-

ditional handmade goods and gifts during the daytime. The most famous building in the square is the Conservatory of Music, with its seated statue of Ferenc Liszt by Lajos Stróbl on the façade. The splendid auditorium inside this secession style building should not be missed.

We now arrive at Oktogon where the Nagykörút (Great ring road) crosses our path.

Oktogon is a popular and busy meeting point featuring a number of clubs and restaurants. The octagonal square pulsates at all times of the day. From here, Király and Paulay Streets, running parallel to Andrássy út, offer a magical atmosphere of the early 20th century with different styles of busy cafés and restaurants. The first Israelian Cultural Institute of the world opened in 2010 in Paulay Ede street. The Institute highlights each segment of the colourful mosaic-culture and welcomes visitors with concerts, exhibitions and fi lms.

Next we find the Old Music Conservatory, built in neo-Renaissance style, on the corner of Vörösmarty utca, followed by the Puppet Theatre and Academy of Fine Arts. The Lukács Confectionery Store, a relative of Gerbeaud and Művész, is located in the bank building opposite.

From Kodály Körönd (circle), named after the composer and music educator who used to live here, the street becomes more and more a boulevard. Elegant mansion house embassies, museums (the East-Asian Museum) and restaurants. For example, in Kogart, on the ground floor of the journalists’ club, we can view contemporary works of art whilst dining in a splendid restaurant.

Reaching Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square), we find the Hungarian Millenium Memorial, built in 1896. The chiefs of the seven Hungarian tribes ride beneath the figure of archangel Gabriel who stands on a Corinthian column. The bronze equestrian figures of these great Hungarian kings are placed between crescent-shaped rows of columns, behind the sculpture. The square is bordered by the Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts) on the left, which exhibits important ancient artifacts as well as more modern European paintings and holds large-scale temporary exhibitions, and by the Műcsarnok (Art Gallery) on the right, which features contemporary art.

Not far from these classical buildings stands one of the most significant and disputed new buildings of the past few years, the ING Bank headquarters, built to 21st century requirements and designed by Dutchman and star architect, Erick van Egeraat, with a team of Hungarian architects.

If we keep on walking, we arrive at Városliget (Central City Park).

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Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre

Artistic director: KERO® A sitting statue of Emmerich Kálmán, Hungary’s most famous operetta composer faces the more than 100 year old building designed by the famous Viennese architect-duo Fellner and Helmer. Between 1999 and 2001 the most modern European stage technology was incorporated and the beautiful original decoration was redeemed in the 901-seats auditorium. With 500 annual shows and 400 thousand spectators, this theatre is the most popular one in Hungary today. “There are several music venues in each city, where you can listen to good music, but operetta has only one address: Nagymező street 17, Budapest” - wrote the journal Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about Hungarian operetta’s passionate and fiery temper, its virtuoso dances and enchanting visuals which are well-known and acknowledged throughout the world. Gypsy Princess, Countess Maritza, Gypsy Love, and musicals like Miss Saigon, Rebecca, Romeo and Juliet, The Beauty and the Beast and the klezmer operetta Wedding Dance by Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Sylvester Levay, Claude-Michel Schönberg and several others are on stage here.

Shows are subtitled - operettas in German, musicals in English. The theatre was granted a SuperBrand status last year.

Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre 1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 17.

Ticket sales: +36 (1) 312-4866 ticket@operett.hu www.operett.hu or ask your Concierge.

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T.G.I. Friday's

Open: every day 11-24 Oktogon Address: Budapest, Oktogon square 3.

Phone: +36 (1) 321-8739 WestEnd Address: Budapest, Váci street 1-3., WestEnd City Center Phone: +36 (1) 238-7004 Mammut II. Address: Budapest, Lövőház street. 2-6.

Phone: +36 (1) 799-1650 Fashion Street Address: Budapest, Deák Ferenc square 3.

Phone: +36 (1) 799-1840

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Baldaszti’s Grand

A lively, cosmopolitan bar with the fi nest cocktails and an international kitchen from morning till evening every day of the week on Andrássy avenue. The bar is open from Thursday till Saturday until 2 am with an extraordinary cocktail menu and the best wines and champagnes.

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 8.

Phone: + 36 (1) 302-3691 www.baldasztis.com

Callas Cafe & Restaurant

French chocolate cake (glutenfree)

On Budapest’s fi nest street, next to the Opera House, there can be found the art déco-style coffee house which was reborn on the basis of the plans of David Collins, the legendary interior designer.

The delicacies of its own patisserie and the choice dishes of its menu tempt guests in for breakfast and lunch.

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Phone: +36 (1) 354-0954 www.callascafe.hu callascafe@gmail.com

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Emporio Armani Budapest Located on Andrássy Avenue, the store sets the fi rst presence of Giorgio Armani in Hungary.

The flooring is made of black glossy granite while the high ceiling alternates stainless steel panels and marmorino with recessed lights. One large screen projecting the current collections dominates the entrance of the store. The accessories area, which is located at the right side of the entrance, features full height transparent glass walls; the displays are surrounded by alternation of black glass and a silver fabric. Five big exterior windows, arcade-shaped, perfectly fit the original architecture of the historical Façade.

The Emporio Armani store covers 330 square meters on one floor. Much more than a fashion boutique, the new store design embodies Giorgio Armani’s vision of the modern, casual lifestyle that Emporio Armani represents.

The store offers the complete Emporio Armani lifestyle collection for men and women including formal and casual wear, EA7 sportswear, leather accessories, watches, eyewear, and jewellery collections.

Emporio Armani Budapest 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9.

Phone: +36 (1) 550-0300 www.emporioarmani.com

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Opera House

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Capsula

Capsula Multibrand Store, the new gem of Andrássy út The store located at no. 9 Andrássy út features a huge selection from the collections of various high-fashion labels, including the following ones: Dolce & Gabbana man's and woman's ready to wear and accessories Giorgio Armani man's ready to wear and accessories Yves Saint Laurent man's ready to wear and accessories Givenchy man's and woman's ready to wear and accessories Blumarine woman's ready to wear and accessories Cesare Paciotti man's and woman's line Although Capsula’s offering tends to favour women slightly more, men are also well supplied with four premium brands to choose from. The recently opened store is targeting those who take great care in choosing their clothing, and Capsula’s shopping area was tailored to their requirements. Andrássy út provides an ideal setting for fi nding the right items, as does the shop with its bold design and exciting interior.

Capsula 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9.

Phone: +36 (1) 550-0600 www.capsula.hu

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SHOPPING GUIDE

Luxury and the city Andrássy shopping guide

Király utca

z NAGA JEWERLY

Oktogon

Liszt Lisz ztt Ferenc Ferenc Tér

WOLFORD z

AHAVA z

ADIDAS z

+HJHGŝ X XWFD WFD D

VERTU z

Pa Paulay aulay Ede e utca utca

Oktogon

Te Ter eréz éz kör kö út

z STAN AHUJA

z ALBERTO GUERDIANI

Király utca

Zilli 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36 (1) 267-4448 www.zilli.fr M-Fr: 9:00-19:00 Sa: 9:00-18:00

Andrássy d út SALAMANDER z

D&G z

1DJ\PH]]Ń X Ń XWWFD F

GOLD z

z BURBERRY

z LANGIOTTI VERTU z

z FRANCK MÜLLER

z GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE

Magyar Állami Operaház

GUCCI z

z HERENDI

MAX MARA z

IL BACIO DE STILE z

z NIKE

z GAS JEANS ZILLI z

BOGGI MILANO z

MARCO BICEGO z

REPLAY z

COCCINELLE z

z LEVI’S

z OMEGA CAPSULA z

SINÉQUANONE z

ARMANI z Káld ldy dy Gyula utca

z GUESS

z TAG HEUER FUREVER z

Paulay Ede de utcca

An ke rk öz Deák De eák Ferenc tér

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA z

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Wolford 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41. +36 (1) 342-1576 www.wolford.com M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00

Omega 1065 Budapest, Andrássy út 18. +36 (1) 312-6449 www.omegaboutique.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-13:00

Herend 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16. +36 (1) 374-0006 www.herend.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00

D&G 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. +36 (1) 235-0504 www.dolcegabbana.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00 S: 11:00-18:00

Vertu 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 31. +36 (1) 413-1096 www.vertu.com M-Fr: 9:00-18:00

Nespresso 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 (1) 322-0722 www.nespresso.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00

Guess 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 4. +36 (1) 354-0565 www.guess.com M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-16:00

Coccinelle 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. www.coccinelle.com

Tag Heuer 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 2. +36 (1) 269-4199 www. tagheuer.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-13:00

Naracamicie 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 (20) 298-1412 www.naracamicie.hu M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-17:00

Gucci 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. +36 (1) 322-0971 www.gucci.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

Capsula 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9. +36 (1) 550-0600 www.capsula.hu

Stan Ahuja 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 38. +36 (1) 354-0195 www.stanahuja.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-17:00

Naga Jewellery 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 44. +36 (70) 459-5469 www.nagasilver.com

Gold 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. +36 (30) 324-8004 M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00 S: 11:00-18:00

Caprice 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 (1) 321-2057 www.caprice.co.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Sinéquanone 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 7. +36 (30) 227-1612 www. sinequanone.hu

Max Mara 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 21. +36 (1) 413-0717 www.mmbudapest.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Gas Jeans 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14. +36 (30) 382-1782 www.gasjeans.hu M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-19:00

Burberry 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36 (1) 302-0628 www.burberry.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

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Marco Bicego 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36 (1) 328-0117 www.marcobicego.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00

Furever 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. +36 (1) 266-0747 www.furever.hu M-S: 10:00-21:00

Boggi Milano 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. www.boggi.it M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Salamander 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. +36 (1) 434-5551 www.salamander.hu M-Wed and Fr: 10:00-18:00 Th: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00

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Frey Wille 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 43. +36 (1) 413-0175 www.frey-wille.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-16:00

Armani 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9. +36 (1) 550-0300 www.fashioncompany.hu M-Sa: 10:30-19:30

Replay 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 11. www.replay.it

Louis Vuitton 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36 (1) 373-0487 www.louisvuitton.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

CAPRICE z

Alberto Guardiani 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 34. +36 (1) 354-0054 www.albertoguardiani.it M-Fr: 10:30-19:30 Sa: 10:30-18:00

Langiotti 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 26. +36 (1) 332-2197 www.langiotti.com

z LOUIS VUITTON

Franck Muller 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. +36 (1) 301-4940 www.franckmuller.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

NESPRESSO z

Ahawa 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 39. +36 (1) 413-0630 www.ahawa.hu

Pelote 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. +36 (1) 411-1615 www.pelote.hu M-Sa: 10:00-19:00

Il Bacio de Stile (opening this fall) 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 19. www.ilbaciodistile.hu

NARACAMICIE z

Ermenegildo Zegna 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 5. +36 (1) 266-1794 www.zegna.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00

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Adidas 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. +36 (1) 239-1361 www.adidas.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa-S: 10:00-15:00

Every world-class city has a street of which it is particularly – and deservedly – proud, a street that exudes glamour, and that draws in passers-by with its stylish shops.

In Budapest, the mustsee street is Andrássy Avenue for its aristocratic elegance and top of the line luxuries. And be sure not to miss out on Luxury and the City…

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SHOPPING GUIDE

D&G The D&G mono brand boutique was opened in December 2009 and it was the fi rst one - after the Milan store - to represent the newest D&G Design Concept. The 400m 2 shop area is designed to create a new atmosphere which could represent the ultimate style and soul of D&G: a contemporary, sophisticated and elegant ambience which could showcase the collections quality while offering the customers an unforgettable buying experience. All the D&G Women’s and Men’s Collections - Apparel, Accessories, Beachwear, Underwear and Eyewear- as well as D&G Time, D&G Jewels and D&G Fragrances are present in the store.

GOLD The GOLD luxury shoes store represents such world-famous brands as Jimmy Choo, Sergio Rossi, Casadei and Pura López. The shop area is designed to be in perfect harmony with the luxury quality of the brands. The alternation of matt and sheen surfaces in ivory, beige and gold creates a refi ned and elegant atmosphere.

The GOLD boutique offers a very feminine and sophisticated selection of shoes and bags from the collections of the designer brands.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33.

Telephone number +36 (1) 324-8004 Opening hours Monday-Friday y y 10:00–19:00,, Saturday: y 11:00–19:00,, Sunday: y 11:00–18:00

FFRANCK MULLER S Since 1986, launching his fi rst wristwatch with a tourbillon, w FFranck Muller has been known as oone of the most creative watchmakers of the industry, furtherm more entitled as the ”Master of m Complications”. The fi rst Central C European Franck Muller Boutique E was opened at Budapest, where w the lovers of luxury timepieces th ccould fi nd a wide selection of the SSwiss manufacturers creations.

Address 1061 Budapest, A Andrássy út 20.

A Telephone number T +36 (1) 301-4940 + Opening hours O Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00, M SSaturday: 10:00-18:00

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33.

Telephone number +36 (1) 305-0504 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-19:00 Sunday: 11:00-18:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

GAS JEANS The company was started in the early 1970s in Chiuppano near Vicenza in the heart of northeast Italy as a result of the passion and creativity of Claudio Grotto.

Since 1984 Grotto Spa has designed, manufactured and distributed a total look of high-quality denim apparel, shoes and accessories for men and women and children under the GAS label. GAS is a premium jeanswear brand with an international feel fuelled by the idea of fashionable - yet functional and practical - clothes for intelligent, discerning and cosmopolitan people who look to clothing to express their own personality for every occasion.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14.

Telephone number +36 (1) 382-1782 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-19:00

LEVI’S The Premium store which is located in Andrassy Avenue, in the world-heritage site area of Budapest, offers such specialities, like the Made & Crafted® and Levi’s Vintage Clothing® lines, part of Levi’s® XX Premium collection. These are exclusively available in the Andrassy Premium Store in the CentralEastern-European region. Beside this, seasonal and limited collections of internationally honoured designers like Damien Hirst, Jean Paul Gaultier, House of Holland can also be found.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13.

Telephone number +36 (1) 411-0446 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 10:00-19:00

Caprice

Caprice presents the diverse world of diamonds and precious stone jewellry of extraordinary quality. Our designers from all around the world create the amazing CAPRICE collections which represent a wide selection of style and fashion, like the colourful Lotus cocktail rings the elegant Pearl and the masterpieces of Sahara collection.

CAPRICE Boutique – an excellent opportunity of shopping with the assistance of our multilingual salespersons and jewellry experts.

Free Diamond Tour Visit Europe’s largest Diamond and Jewellry Centre!

CAPRICE International in Szentendre the city of arts, welcomes you to the world of quality, unique designs of gold watches and jewellry set with diamonds and precious stones.

Registrate at your hotel’s Concierge!

Caprice Boutique Andrássy 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 (1) 321 2057 +36 (30) 371 4892 www.caprice.co.hu Opening hours Monday - Friday 10:00 - 19:00, Saturday 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday closed

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SHOPPING GUIDE

ADIDAS The one and only Adidas Originals Store in Hungary – the best place to get the latest streetwear and fashion products of the well-known 3-stripes brand. The venue on Andrássy Avenue was not accidentally chosen - as this store offers not only the well-known 3-stripes tees and Superstars, but also the modern, fashion line of Adidas Originals.

SCHOEFFEL

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37.

Telephone number +36 (1) 239-1361 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-15:00

Every day is like a new gift waiting to be unwrapped: with curiosity, with delight, with a sense of fascination. With the wonderful feeling of not being alone but of having something that touches the heart. With its beauty, its elegance, its carefree laughter. Amazing cultured pearl necklaces, Couture and Classical jewellery collections.

Pure luxury. Since 1921.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 43.

Telephone number +36 (1) 202-2255 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-18:00

GUCCI Located in the prestigious Andrássy Avenue, the most beautiful avenue of Budapest, the Gucci Budapest store. which opened in September 2008, includes a series of monumental arches and a historical fountain from 1882, creating a unique blend of luxury and historical spirit. Entering the shop, one is immediately struck by the luxurious vision of the Gucci universe - a light, warm and intimate aesthetic that fuses classic elements with a modern spirit. The store houses men’s and women’s collections of ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jewellery, small leather goods and gift items.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23.

Telephone number +36 (1) 322-0971 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00 Saturday 10:00-19:00

Monocrome collection

LUXURY BUDAPEST

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Ermenegildo Zegna is the world leader in luxury men's clothing. The company was founded in 1910 in Trivero, in the Italian Biella Alps, by the young entrepreneur Ermenegildo, whose vision was to ethically create the world’s fi nest textiles through innovation, sourcing the noblest fi bers directly from their markets of origin.

Managed today by the fourth generation of the Zegna family, the company is led by CEO Ermenegildo Zegna, grandson of the Founder. Since the end of the 90s the company has accomplished a comprehensive strategy of verticalization, creating a Global Luxury Brand which now ranges from fabric to clothing to accessories and focused on retailing, pioneering early entry in emerging luxury markets.

The Budapest Store is open since 6 years and presents the following brands: Ermenegildo Zegna, ZZegna, Zegna Sport and the made to measure service.

Openeing hours: Mo-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday: Closed Telephone: +36 (1) 266-1794 www.ezfashion.hu or www.zegna.com

ALBERTO GUARDIANI More than 60 years experience in shoes with a glance to the future. Perfect balance between tradition and innovation. In the plant, which is situated in the heart of Marche’s shoes production area, both technology and hand-crafted experience coexist to offer highly valuable products. Dynamism, commitment, design stylistic choices: these are known all over the world. “Niche markets in the world” has been the strategy of the Alberto Guardiani brand.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 34.

Telephone number +36 (1) 354-0054 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00

Christy Turlington wears Ipanema Collection

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SHOPPING GUIDE

1

Top Women’s Fashion 2

3

5 4

1. Harry Winston watch www.barakadiamond.hu 2. Emporio Armani handbag www.armani.com 3. Varga Design Web leaf www.vargadesign.hu 4. la prairie Platimum www.laprairie.com 5. Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Natural Spray www.valentino.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST

1

Top Men’s Fashion 2

3

4

5

1. Alberto Guardiani shoes www.albertoguardiani.com 2. Ermenegildo Zegna bag – Trofeo collection www.ezfashion.hu or www.zegna.com 3. Herrera CH Men http://www.carolinaherrera.com 4. Baraka watch www.barakadiamond.hu 5. Louis Vuitton sunglasses www.louisvuitton.com

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VÁROSLIGET

TOUR VIII.

Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

Visitors to Budapest often visit Hősök tere (Heroes Square), which lies on the edge of the largest city park. This leafy green area was originally called Városerdő (City Forest). However, József Palatine (1776–1847) had the trees, originally planted here as a gesture to society, cut down to provide fi re-wood for the poor, thus changing the landscape from a forest into a mere copse.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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VÁROSLIGET

TOUR VIII.

Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

Its current appearance was created during the Hungarian millennium celebrations in 1896. Városliget was a favourite entertainment centre at the time. A direct road from the city centre was constructed (later called Andrássy út) and the park was expanded to house new facilities. Since then it has become a popular leisure area and offers playgrounds, tennis courts, walking and cycling routes and also plays host to some important cultural institutions.

The artificial lake offers boating in summer and becomes an ice-rink in winter. The skating pavilion was designed by Ödön Lechner in eclectic style, whilst the bridge over the lake, finished for the millennium celebrations, was designed by Flóris Korb and Alajos Giergl. The Vajdahunyad vár (castle) complex was designed by Ignác Alpár and was constructed at the same time. The sculpture of the nameless chronicler of King Béla III, ‘Anonymous’, stands at the entrance. Strollers often take a short rest here for a cup of coffee, or a glass of good wine.

An invitation to tender was published on the occasion of the Hungarian millennium celebration for the creation of a building complex that would depict the thousand year-long history of Hungarian architecture in three dimensions – an early theme park, in fact. The historical building complex, comprising of 21 mainly wooden sections, depicted all the various Hungarian styles of architecture up to that time. The most popular was the model of Vajdahunyad Castle in Transylvania, named after the original fortress. To represent the Roman style, the Church of Ják was built, a precise replica of the 13th century Benedictine abbey at Ják, near

the western border of the country. This spectacular complex, built to meet tender specifications, was so successful, that it was later made permanent in stone. Today, it houses the Museum of Agriculture.

In 1913, the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths, built in the neo-Baroque style, were opened to the public, water being supplied from one of the hottest natural springs in Europe. The beautifully restored building is, in itself, a spectacular sight.

In 1866, the fi rst zoo in Hungary was opened in Városliget, to which the emperor, Ferenc József (Franz Josef) presented rare fauna from his own collection at Schönbrunn. A decade later, it was reconstructed to the designs of leading architects, including Károly Kós. The aviary, the deer park, the Palm House, the Aquarium, the large and small rock-faces, the grotto cinema and the music pavilion were added at the same time. In 1912, when reopened, it was one of the most modern zoos in Europe. The beautifully restored Palm House, the glass dome which was destroyed in World War II, contains tropical flora and fauna such as tiny monkeys, rare reptiles and exotic birds in a carefully controlled rain-forest climate and is a very popular attraction. An intimate coffee bar was built into the building’s crescentshaped hall. A minaret-style tower was reconstructed a few years ago next to the wonderful arabesque elephant house, from which we can enjoy the spectacular panorama of Városliget. The amusement park, situated nearby, has been in operation since 1909. The famous Ősbudavár (Ancient Buda Castle), later demolished, was considered its predecessor and featured individual attrac-

LUXURY RY BUDAPEST’s ST’s TOP SELECTION TION

Woman an accessory ryy 

www.louisvuitton.com

tions, tented booths, and strolling actors. The attractions of the former Angolpark (English Park) were also clustered in the same location. Today, its specialities are the protected carousel and wooden roller coaster. The year-round Metropolitan Circus, presenting ever-changing programmes, stands next door.

The nearby Hungarian Museum of Transport’s unique collection of model railways and ships, vintage and classic cars and motorbikes, and horse-drawn vehicles, was founded upon transport exhibits from the 1896 Hungarian millennium Exhibition building which was destroyed in World War II. Of course, the parks and the promenades of this huge green area make it an attractive spot for family outings, walking the dog or feeding the ducks. It’s really worth going to any of the restaurants around the lake, particularly to prestigious Gundel’s, restored to its former glory, which has enhanced the reputation of Hungarian cuisine for one and a half centuries.

The former Industrial Hall, centre-piece of the Millennium Exhibition, with its promenade, garden and fountain, hosted important events after the Millennium celebrations, from Motor-car to Confectionery shows, and even a military aircraft exhibit, until it was burnt down in the Second World War and had to be razed. It was reconstructed soon after, and housed the Budapest International Fair, organized annually until moved from the park. Thereafter, the largest youth leisure centre in Budapest, the Petőfi Hall, was built in 1985, to host concerts, family and children’s events, exhibitions and conferences. The locals, however, prefer to visit the outdoor flea market here on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as the myriad of goods on sale, and the lively atmosphere, make it a pleasantly intriguing experience.

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VÁROSLIGET

Műcsarnok (Kunsthalle)

©2011 Harry Winston, Inc. harrywinston.com

LUXURY WATCH AND JEWELLERY 1052 Budapest, Párizsi u. 3. Tel.: +36 1 318 2156 www.barakadiamond.hu

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VÁROSLIGET

IF YOU HAVE VISITORS FROM ABROAD WHICH SIGHTS DO YOU SHOW THEM? “I take them up into the Buda Hills by the Cogwheel Railway and then the Children’s Railway for a walk up to the Erzsébet Kilátó (lookout tower), then back down by chairlift for a good lunch. If they can come in August and are fans of rock music, I take or send them to the wonderful Sziget Festival. (Again, I advise them to read our consular advice first - ukinhungary.fco.gov.uk/en/ help-for-british-nationals - don’t leave your passport in a tent, for instance. But what a great atmosphere!)”

Greg Dorey

Boating

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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AD

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Looking for a little retail therapy?

Arena Plaza, Budapest

Budapest is a great city with lots to see and do. But from time to time we all need a little retail therapy. And where better than the largest and most exciting shopping centre in Hungary? Arena Plaza is home to almost 200 fashion stores, shoe stores, accessory shops, great restaurants and coffee shops and the biggest cinema complex and only iMAX in the country, just a ďŹ ve minute stroll from the Eastern Railway Station.

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AD

Looking for a little retail therapy?

Arena Plaza, Budapest As well as lots of fabulous fashion stores like New Yorker, Stradivarius, H&M, Zara, Pull&Bear, Gant, Hilfi ger Denim and dozens of other fabulous names, you’ll also fi nd some very unique fashion brands. Delve into Peek & Cloppenburg and you’ll fi nd lots of delights including Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Marc Cain, Armani Jeans, DKNY Jeans, Guess, DRYKORN, JOOP, Gerry Weber, Daniel Hechter, G-Star, Tommy Hilfi ger, Napapijri and McNeal.

With wide spacious malls, a relaxing environment and lots of free parking, shopping has never been so easy, or so much fun.

A few steps to an exciting new world While you’ll fi nd a lot of exciting and interesting stores on the ground floor, the short escalator ride to the fi rst floor brings an even more exciting experience. The fi rst floor is home to our new Saturn store, our cinema complex, restaurants and stunning stores like Libri, Hervis, Humanic, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Springfield, Benetton, Levi’s and Adidas, as well as an exciting new children’s play area and performance space.

Check out our new stores

Free parking all day every day!

Over the last few months we’ve added some exciting new stores like Pandora, Baci Lingerie, Red Hot, Women’Secret and a brand new Libri book store as well as a fabulous new branch of Saturn on the fi rst floor.

We have one of the most modern car parks in Budapest for those of you exploring the city by car. And since it’s free all day, every day, you can enjoy the convenience of your car and stay as long as you like, without having to keep an eye on the clock.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9. +36 (1) 880-7010 www.arenaplaza.hu Opening Hours Shops Monday-Saturday 10:00-21:00 Sunday 10:00-19:00 Restaurants, Café Monday-Saturday 10:00-22:00 Sunday 10:00-20:00 Cinema City Every day 10:00-24:00

Top 10 Arena Plaza Luxury brands GANT, Guess, Hilfi ger Denim, Lacoste, Marc O’Polo, Marlboro Classics, Peek & Cloppenburg, Salamander, Samsonite, Swarovski

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NON STOP MEETING PLACE

Every big city has places that are always crowded and lively. Nyugati tér (square) is one of the city’s major meeting places. It is always crowded, in winter and in summer during the day and at night, particularly under the clock above the terraced area, that takes you from the underpass to street level. Aging gallants clutching flowers, teenagers ready to party, grandparents with grandchildren, in other words all kinds of people, mingle here. From this point, one may head up Nagykörút (Great Ringroad), Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út (Avenue) or Váci út (do not confuse it with Váci utca, a narrow shopping street parallel to, and not far from the Pest bank of the Danube). The terminals of buses going to Óbuda, Rózsadomb, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) are also located here, and more distant destinations may be reached by trains departing from the railway station opposite.

TOUR IX.

If buildings could tell a story Non stop meeting place

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NON STOP MEETING PLACE

TOUR IX.

If buildings could tell a story Non stop meeting place

The famous French engineers of the Eiffel company constructed Nyugati (Western Railway Station), in the Lipótváros district, which is a spectacular building still, with its grandiose and very elegant cast-iron and glass hall. This was the terminal of the very fi rst railway line in Hungary, built between Pest and Vác in 1846, at the same time as the gigantic Nagykörút construction programme. At that time, the famous Hotel that stood nearby was demolished. One hundred years later, the name was inherited by a huge mall, the Westend City Centre, in Váci út. This building was designed to be the new downtown of Budapest. Visitors are greeted by a waterfall 20 metres high as they enter the ‘roofed city’. With trees, flowers and sculptures, the 7.4 acre roof garden assures the visitor a welcome place to rest.

Half of the mall’s 400 stores are fashion shops, where nearly every famous brand is sold. The multiplex cinema comprises of 14 viewing theatres equipped with stateof-the-art technology. Shoppers can choose from more than 30 restaurants and coffee-bars, from simple take-aways to very fashionable eateries. The designers intentionally named the various ’streets’ and ’squares’ of this Temple of Consumption after famous figures from Hungarian history and culture.

At the far end of the building, protruding out into Váci út, you will find a curious and colourful building, one of the most exciting in the city – in other words, the reborn Lehel tér Market. The stall holders and shoppers, who disliked the old ship-shaped building, prefer the new functional one. It’s no use denying that the 21st century successor to the former, rather crude market area on the boundary of Újlipótváros, nowadays boasts grandiose office buildings, and an ever-changing network of shops and has ceased to be a working-class district, but, with a positive shift in wealth, is now a middle-class one.

The buildings recall post-modern deconstruction blended with classic Soviet-Russian avant-garde features, done in the colours of the city’s tricolor flag – red, yellow and blue.

However, both merchants and customers gradually moved into the dynamically-styled multi-storey building and slowly everything found its place, from pickles to fresh fruit.

A post office and a Land Register branch office are to be found in the gallery, near the various stores, and, more importantly, excellent coffee is served here!

The border of Lipótváros leads immediately to the Újlipótváros district, site of former flourmills, timber yards and small industrial factories. Large apartment blocks were built in the area in the 1910’s such as the 3 Palatinus apartment blocks, on the banks of the Danube. However, it was not until the end of the 1920’s that the planned construction of this city district was carried out. It was designed to meet the needs of the middle classes, with good road connections to the adjacent downtown area. Szent István Park (St. Stephen’s Park), built to bring nature back to the area after it was eradicated by dense building development, was placed right next to existing eclectic houses. Reflecting folk secessionist elements, it became the district’s central square, designed in the spirit of classical modernism, inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

The best materials available were used in construction thus providing harmonious surroundings to the park. The 1 to 3 room apartments in the individually designed buildings, with covered stairways and diffused lighting are comfortable, and already enjoyed central heating by the 1930’s. These economically planned, people-oriented and sometimes furnished apartments suggested a modern life-style very different to the generous but pointless empty spaces of the early period of the last century, mostly built for prestige purposes. In many cases, terraces, roof gardens and penthouses with direct views on to the River Danube and facing Margitsziget were erected on building tops. The new city district, pleasing from both the aesthetic and the practical points of view justly became fashionable again. Apartment houses in the Újlipótváros district have enjoyed exclusivity ever since. The stores in the neighbourhood mainly serve the locals, but galleries and fashion boutiques have opened in neighbouring streets. More and more top quality restaurants and coffee bars house hangers-out as well as serving passers-by. If one becomes exhausted strolling around Szent István Park, a trolley bus will take one along friendly Pozsonyi utca, at the end of which one finds the Pest-end of Margit híd.

In December 1949, the first electric trolley bus, number 70, was introduced in Budapest to pay tribute to Stalin on his 70th birthday. That is why all trolley bus numbers start with the number 7!

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NON STOP MEETING PLACE

BonVin Wine Store

Do not miss to visit BonVin Wine Store if you want to buy some typical Hungarian wines (that you can taste as well), find some specialties (sparkling wine, fruit wine, palinka – just to mention a few), or even to sit back, open a bottle of the store’s weekly offer, order a cheese and prosciutto plate and listen to some insider stories that the host shares with you. If you are lucky enough you can join to their monthly wine tastings – check out the programmes on the website!

1064 Budapest, Izabella street 81 +36 (30) 256-4608 info@bonvin.hu www.bonvin.hu www.facebook.com/bonvinborkereskedes

LUXURY BUDAPEST

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES BUDAPEST SPECIAL FOR YOU? IS IT MORE SPECIAL THAN OTHER BIG CITIES OF THE WORLD? “Well, mainly the fact that I was born here! Hungarian is my mother tongue.

I feel at home here. Lot’s of new memories have been added to the old ones, in recent years. All these things mean it’s good to be back.”

Andy Vajna

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LORD OF THE RING

TOUR X.

Path of Tram â„– 6 Lord of the Rings

Several luxury hotels, fancy restaurants, museums and shopping malls can be found by the route of tram 4-6, so if you choose this kind of sightseeing, it makes great sense to interrupt your journey and take a look around the tram stops.

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TOUR X.

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Path of Tram № 6 Lord of the Rings

Tram № 6 is part of Budapest’s history. Even songs have been composed about it.

The caterpillar-like vehicle with a length of 54 metres (that’s 70 yards!) is quite extraordinary, not only because of its looks, but because of its scheduled route. It travels around the entire multi-segment Nagykörút (Grand Ringroad), and takes you from one point of the River Danube to another one.

Long ago, a city moat stretched along the route of today’s Nagykörút. In the 19th century, the designers of Budapest (well on its way to becoming a large city) dreamed about excavating a canal along this route. They believed that steps being taken to channel and control the river after the great flood of 1838, provided an excellent opportunity to increase boat traffic, support trade, improve Pest’s climate (it was dusty and windy then) and beautify the city at the same time. A gigantic plan comprising 12 canal bridges and 48 ports was already at an advanced phase, and enthusiastic contractors had already prepared their calculations, when loud dissenting voices poured cold water on such ambitious dreams, out of touch with practical realities. Eventually, the project was thrown out, but not because of its unachievable aims but for financial reasons. As a consequence, we can’t board a boat on water here, but a boat on rails, the tram.

Nagykörút construction started in 1872 to connect the centre to the then suburban areas. It followed the pattern of the famous Ringstrasse in Vienna that symbolically evoked the atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, at the turn of the last century. A main sewer was dug underneath it, and handed over to the municipality in 1896.

In contrast with Andrássy út, with its elegant upper-middle class ambience, built in the same period, middle-class citizens tended to live in the blocks along the ringroad.

At first, undecorated houses, and ordinary and less prestigious shops met the needs of the locals. Each segment of the ringroad was named after Habsburg nobility.

Why not take a tram from the Pest-end of Petőfi híd, and see the slightly differing scenes of everyday life, along each segment?

Where the Ferenc körút (Ringroad) starts, you will see the trades – modest craftsmen and merchants. (Ráday utca, famous for its restaurants and galleries is close-by, incidentally.) In Ferencváros (Francis city district), large-scale construction is in progress behind the ringroad to create new and up-to-date housing.

In the next segment, József körút, which crosses Üllői út, we see the fabulous Zsolnay majolica-covered dome of the secessionist-style Museum of Applied Arts building, designed by Ödön Lechner. The former Maria Theresa block (later Kilián) was a military headquarters and lies opposite. It had a role in the 1956 revolution as significant as that of the Corvin köz, located on the other side of the cross roads, which was the most important headquarters of the armed forces. Today, the Corvin Cinema is situated in the crescent-shaped building complex that was used as a refuge during the street-fighting. One of the latest shopping centres of Budapest opened here. As the tram moves on, we pass the Rákóczi tér market hall and then arrive at the large crossroads of Blaha Lujza tér from where you can see the massive Keleti (Eastern

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Railway Station) to the right. The National Theatre stood here once, being demolished in the 1960’s. A clock, used by the Budapesters as a favourite meeting place, once stood here, as well.

Across the junction, the recently-restored and quite incredibly ornate New York Palace, now a luxury hotel owned by Italians, comes into view. On its ground floor, it houses the New York Café, one of the most famous and beautiful in Budapest, (if not the world!), where famous composers and artists enjoyed a vivid life of culture and superb coffee for decades.

At this point, we head for Erzsébet körút, where shop signs and windows may be seen in every building. These are not the sophisticated portals of the shops in Andrássy út, but better quality shops are nevertheless to be found alongside restaurants, coffee bars, confectionery shops and one of the most popular theatres in the city, where the great musicals of the world are regularly performed.

At Király utca where the Teréz körút starts, you can disembark from the tram and stroll along Király utca, the main road of the old Jewish quarter, once a milieu of tiny old grocery stores, that has become the fashionable centre of home interior and design shops. The local council is making efforts to modernize the area but retain its old feel and historic atmosphere. Thus the zigzagging backstreets and the buildings in Dob utca and Wesselényi utca still preserve the ancient atmosphere of the old Jewish quarter. There is an orthodox synagogue in Kazinczy utca, while the neo-synagogue in Sebestyén Rumbach utca is being reconstructed. The largest and perhaps most spectacular neo-synagogue in Europe is to be found in Dohány utca, the precursor of European synagogue design. It houses a Jewish Museum full of valuable ornamental religious vessels. This district of the city was used as a ghetto, where the vast majority of the city’s Jewish community was cooped up during the Holocaust.

Prior to the construction of the Madách Building, one of the most famous in this formerly Jewish district, the Orczy House stood, just around the corner of Király utca leading into Károly körút. The Orczy House was a full-scale town with its own quadrangles and coffee houses. Several accounts of its pulsating and vivid life still exist today.

If we re-embark the tram, we can head for Teréz körút and reach a crossroads at Andrássy út called Oktogon. Passing by the busy main entrance of Nyugati (Western Railway Station), a fabulously elegant iron and glass product of the French Eiffel studios, we move towards the last segment of the Grand Ringroad, Szent István körút.

The Vígszínház (Comedy Theatre), built by the famous theatre design team of the imperial age, Fellner and Helmer, stands here. The backstreets lead to the particular atmosphere of Újlipótváros. We may now head in one of two directions at this final tram stop – one way to the world of Miksa Falk utca with its galleries and art trade, the other to the residential area of Újlipótváros. The tram itself, however, keeps going to the middle of Margit híd (Margaret Bridge) and stops there. You may want to stay on, and take a walk on Margitsziget (Margaret Island).

LUXURY BUDAPEST

New York Café

The history of the New York palace and Café commissioned by the New York Insurance Company, New York Palace was built according to the plans of Alajos Hauszmann. Sandor Steuer a member of a famous coffeefamily opened the gem of the building the ’most beautiful café in the world’ on 23rd October, 1894.

The New York Café from the first decade of the 20th century, became renowned as a real literary café one at the centre of the intellectual life of Budapest.

The First World War put an end to the fi rst golden age of the Café, and the Harsanyi brothers transferred management to Vilmos Tarjan. After the threat of the Second World War the Café, temporarily closed its doors but it was reopened under the name of ’Hungaria’ in 1954.

From spring 2006 the New York Café, welcomes its guests in all its former splendour recalling the milieu of the beginning of the 20th century with an addititonal modern design touch.

New York Café 1065 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9–11. newyorkcafe@newyork.boscolo.com www.newyorkcafe.hu

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ÓBUDA

TOUR XI.

Jumping in time Óbuda

You can explore one of the most interesting and colourful parts of the city by starting from the Buda-end of Margit híd (Margaret Bridge). Let’s start our walk at Frankel Leó utca, at the bottom of Rózsadomb (Hill of the Roses), and make our way up the steep but romantic Mecset utca – the unique atmosphere is worth the effort. You can find the octagonally domed turbe (Turkish for tomb) of Gül Baba (Father of Roses) who arrived in Hungary with the Turkish Conquerors. Although we are still not very high up, the view is wonderful!

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LUXURY XURY BUDAPEST’s APEST’s TOP SELECTION LECTION

TOUR XI.

Men accessory ccessorr y

Jumping in time Óbuda

Returning to the main road, you can see Lukács fürdő (Baths) which uses the natural hot springs which surface in this part of the city. A yard full of planetrees leads to the old pool, mellowed with time, not only a paradise for those seeking recuperation, but also once frequented by Budapest’s intellectuals. The nearby building, Császár fürdő (Emperor’s Baths), does not reveal its Turkish origins today. Swimmers and water polo players (Hungary’s national Olympic-winning sport) regularly train in the neighbouring Komjáthy Swimming Baths. Óbuda, renowned for its cosy pubs, was once an independent town and its history goes back even further than that of historic Buda. In several public areas you may ponder over monuments and relics of this Pannonian outpost of the Roman Empire. In Zsigmond tér, you can walk among stones from the Roman Period, and among the ruins of nearby Aquincum, you can see the remains of an entire ancient Roman city, and visit the fi ne collection of artefacts in its museum. There are also other Roman remains such as a hippodrome and an amphitheatre that also bear witness to the incredibly developed civilization of the 1 st and 2nd centuries. Don’t miss the Hercules villa, open to visitors, or the bath museum in the Flórián tér underpass. Óbuda was a royal seat much earlier than Buda. Later, it was considered the realm of queens, since the wives of Hungarian monarchs liked to live in the area. This was no accident, since the surroundings are abound in peaceful natural beauty, an ideal spot today to escape the asphalt jungle. At Újlak templom (church), a shopping district has formed around the reconstructed market place. You can buy food, enjoy the windows of numerous small shops, and take your ease in the cafés and restaurants, close by. You can fi nd ’Old’ Sipos restaurant, famous for fi sh, especially its fi sh soup, which has an excellent reputation. It is called ’Old’ because another restaurant later opened here in Óbuda, with the same name, in Fő tér (Main Square). Incidentally, it is worth mentioning that having passed by the market place you might enjoy a rural trip: a path leads up to Fenyőgyöngye through the forest, and from here, there is another path to Hármashatár-hegy. From here, we go back to Óbuda and its 18th-19th-century village atmosphere, with beautifully restored one-storey houses. This was once a wine-growing area, hence its well-known local pub culture, and each house used to sell wine from its own vineyard. Many small houses have been demolished to make room for newer buildings, but some still exist, evoking this ancient yet multicultural world. In the fi rst half of the 18th century, the Zichy family, the local landowners, invited Catholic wine-growers from south Germany to an area mainly inhabited by Hungarian Calvinists, and one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. After the settlement’s market town past, industrial plants invaded the area.

The Gold berger textile factory, now an industrial monument, was already in operation by the 18th century, spinning silk, and the Óbuda Shipyard was established in 1840. The majority of the inhabitants were lower-middle class.

When you get to the recently renovated Fő tér, you will fi nd Kassák Museum in the former Baroque palace of the Zichy family. It’s worth taking a look inside as Lajos Kassák was a leading member of the Hungarian avant-garde, and internationally acknowledged in the 20th century, both as a poet and artist.

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In the wing of the palace, you can also visit the museum of Hungarian-born Victor Vasarelly, the father of op-art. In the street which meanders behind the Városháza (City Hall), you can visit the permanent exhibition of Imre Varga, a famous sculptor. The statue of a man with an umbrella at the end of the street is his work. Another of the buildings in the square houses Zsigmond Kun’s ethnographic collection. Fő tér also plays host to many events.

Don’t miss the nearby Kiscelli Museum, formed from the cloister of the Trinitarians, a Catholic monastic order founded in 1198 by St John of Matha, who settled here in the fi rst half of the 18th century. The cloister and church, a popular place of pilgrimage, were later taken over by the state, functioning as an old soldiers’ home, a military hospital and a tool warehouse. In 1911, Miksa Schmidt, a Viennese furniture manufacturer with extensive connections to Budapest and owner of factories here, bought the building and later left it to the capital in his will, with the stipulation that a museum be established in it.

The Baroque building complex on Kiscell hegy still houses the Metropolitan Gallery, Budapest’s collection of art. At fi rst relating to the history of the city, later, with a growing collection and more space, owing to the purchase of the neighbouring palace – it grew to become a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th century Hungarian art. In the exhibition area that spectacularly uses the former church’s interior, superb exhibitions are also occasionally held.

An unusual occurrence happened recently: an exhibition of Hermann Nitsch’s work of art, an artist considered to be the naughty boy of contemporary Austrian art, was held. The show featured provocative works, not uncommon for him, and in this, a formerly sacred space. It generated a hot debate in the media, and as a result of this public clash between the objecting ’philistines’ and autonomous art-lovers (as well as the exhibition’s organizers) many more visitors attended the exhibition than previously expected.

For a fun time, Görzenál, Europe’s biggest roller-skating and recreational park is to be found in the green-belt along the Danube, opposite Margitsziget. You can not only roller-skate, but you can also try various other sports from wallclimbing to street ball and BMX. There is a vantage point on top of the 12 metre high wall, climbable from all four sides, from which a ramp leads down to the other end of the park. On the 4m × 2.5m trampoline, you can practice the acrobatic skills of snowboarding and mogul skiing. If you arrive with no roller-skates, do not worry, you can hire them in any size on the spot. If you have not tried roller-skating before, it is high time you started, as courses are offered for beginners.

It would not be fair to leave out Hajógyári Sziget (Shipbuilding Island), whose enormous green sward hosts the Sziget Festival, organised every August for the past 10 years. The festival, evoking the traditions of Woodstock, with its international star performers and numerous cultural programmes, has become one of the most remarkable and largest events of its kind in Europe.

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ร BUDA

Kiscelli museum

Lukรกcs bath

Colours of Ă“buda

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LIPÓTVÁROS

TOUR XII.

In the core of the City Lipótváros

Budapest’s government, official and banking centre is located in the heart of the city and its name commemorates the reign of Emperor Lipót II. Despite the presence of many public institutions, it also acts as a residential area, and the sight of elegantly dressed young people rushing to business dinners is not uncommon.

IF YOU COULD ADOPT A BUILDING IN BUDAPEST, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY? “There are a lot of buildings on Andrássy Avenue that I would like to adopt. But of course what I’d really adopt would be a whole street: Dárda street from the Castle district. That’s very dear to me.”

Gábor Csapó

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LIPÓTVÁROS

www.st-dupont.com

TOUR XII.

In the core of the City

Lipótváros

Occasionally, all at once, university students appear from time to time among the predominantly classical and romantic style buildings. Within the framework of the “Heart of Budapest” programme, the newest and perhaps the most beautiful pedestrian street of the Hungarian capital between Kálvin tér and Szabadság tér has been recently completed.

A majestic building on the corner of Nádor utca, designed by József Hild, has been refurbished with great ingenuity, becoming the seat of the Central European University (CEU), established by György Soros, the Hungarian entrepreneur who lives in the USA. It is worth popping into the lobby just to see how the well-thought through renovation of a protected historical building was successfully achieved. The new modern spaces clearly connect seamlessly with the original conception of the designer. The ideal starting point for this little tour is Deák tér (square), where a 20th century edifice, the former long-distance bus terminus (since relocated to an outer part of the city) houses the Design Terminal in the immediate vicinity of Gödör. A youth entertainment centre that put on cultural events, now removed to the new Hungarian National Theatre site, was originally designed to be built here. The underground car park and the foundations of the intended theatre remain. The freedup space, popularly known as ‘the national pit’, with its cultural centre and pleasant park is popular among the residents of Budapest. On summer evenings, the relaxing terrace conveys a friendly, Mediterranean atmosphere. In the adjacent park in Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square), apart from the alley and the playground, the Danubius Well, designed by Miklós Ybl, is to be found.

The ornamental well, featuring Danubius at the top, and female figurines representing the rivers Tisza, Dráva and Száva below the water taps, has enjoyed an uncertain career.

Originally it was meant to be erected in Ferenciek tér. However, after its completion, it was erected in Kálvin tér, from where it was slowly squeezed out by traffic and then badly damaged during World War II. One of its figurines, which remained intact, can be seen in the courtyard of 9 Kálvin tér. Finally, the re-carved copy of the well was erected in 1959 in its current spot in Erzsébet tér, then named Engels tér.

Proceeding down Hercegprímás utca, one reaches the Basilica, Budapest’s largest and Hungary’s second biggest church, whose archetype was St Peter’s in Rome. Miklós Ybl, continuing the work of the designer József Hild, gave a Neo-Renaissance feel to the building. The Sacred Right Hand, a relic of St Stephen, king of Hungary between 1000 and 1038, is kept here and is the centre-piece of a celebratory procession that takes place on Hungary’s national day, 20th August. The visitor is rewarded with spectacular views of the city from the dome. Under the attractive cathedral square, a new large-capacity underground car park seeks to alleviate parking problems.

On both sides of the square, and in the surrounding streets, numerous restaurants with excellent cuisines and elegant and cosy cafés await passers-by. It’s also worth going round the small galleries in the area to get a clear impression of contemporary Hungarian applied arts and design. You can even buy individual pieces made by goldsmiths, potters and glass makers. If you are curious to see the work of young Hungarian fashion designers, you can also find their salons close by.

LUXURY LUX LU L U URY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

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In the vicinity of the monumental structures of Szabadság tér (the late Exchange Palace was home to the Hungarian national television until 2010), there is a small green area at the entrance to an underground car park in the centre of the square where you can find a café with a pleasant ambience and a terrace in summertime.

Behind the square, in Hold utca, take a look at the Post Office Savings Bank, one of the most famous buildings in the Art Nouveau style, by Ödön Lechner. The window-ledges and majolica roof ornaments of this beautiful example of Hungarian Art Nouveau were made by Zsolnay. Legend has it that when his students asked Lechner why he took such meticulous care in decorating a roof that could not be seen from the street, the master replied, ‘Well, the birds can see it.’

The monumental Neo-Gothic Parliament building in Kossuth tér, designed by Imre Steindl, was based on a model of proposed new parliament buildings for London.

Interestingly, it was built with a Byzantine dome in contrast to the model, and furthermore it features broad ornamented stairs, again not characteristic of the Gothic style. The enormous fresco on the ceiling of the staircase is the work of Károly Lotz.

In the famous Munkácsy room, you can see a painting by the great Hungarian artist the room was named after; its subject is the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin. The sacred Hungarian crown jewels are also kept here. The Hungarian Parliament meets in this stately building, and there is a library in one of the wings. In the 96 metre high building, constructed between 1885 and 1902, there are 10 courtyards, 29 staircases, and one can enter through 27 gates. Europe’s first central heating system was installed here. The Parliament building offers guided tours for visitor groups. Opposite Parliament, stands the Ministry of Agriculture, and next to that, on the site of a former manor house, the exhibitions of the Museum of Ethnography can be viewed.

Spend a little time in nearby Falk Miksa utca, but if you do, don’t be surprised if the whole day is over before you know it because you will certainly want to stop at every shop window! Here, there is a concentration of Budapest art and antique trade. Galleries and antique shops alternate and while some offer enormous ranges of art, others specialise in one particular style of furniture.

The fun spreads into Balassi Bálint utca, which runs parallel, and even continues into Szent István körút (St Stephen’s ring road). It is not by chance that leading auctioneers also operate from this area.

As we leave Kossuth tér for Szent István körút, we can see how the 19th century noble multi-storey buildings shape the current eclectic character of Falk Miksa utca. In the shadow of intricate iron gates and renaissance capitals we stumble upon antique and modern treasures. As in many European cities, the innumerable auction houses, galleries and exhibition rooms all mount widely varied exhibitions. The range of objects is intimidating, be it furniture, paintings or sculptures.

Two auction houses in Falk Miksa utca are market leaders - the Kieselbach Gallery and the Mű-Terem Gallery. Tamás Kieselbach opened his gallery in 1994 while the MűTerem Gallery was established in 1997 moving to its current location in February 2001.

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LIPÓTVÁROS

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LIPÓTVÁROS

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP TOP SELECTION

Fragrance  www.lancome.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Winebar Jazz Club

Wineshop, Winebar and Jazz Club in the cellar - all in one - where you can feel at home surrounded by an astonishing choice of wines from Hungary and from all over the world. Our kitchen offers dishes that change with the seasons and reflect the nature of wine varieties and terroirs. Every night Hungarian and international stars of jazz complement the atmosphere with live concerts and jam sessions until very late.

Open every day until late – Live Jazz Music every night + Jam sessions 1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 4.

Phone: +36 (1) 266-2929 www.winebar.hu

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ARTS

Contemporary Art

KALMAN MAKLARY FINE ARTS The Kálmán Makláry Fine Arts gallery is dedicated to the artists of the Post-War School of Paris, especially the Abstract and Surrealist movements with artists like Judit Reigl, Simon Hantai, François Fiedler and Alfred Reth. The gallery works with museums and art collectors and develops with them long-term relationships of trust.

Exhibitor: TEFAF - Maastricht, Biennale des Antiquaires, Art Paris, BRAFA, Salon du Collectionneur, Art Cologne Member: S.N.A. (Syndicat National des Antiquaires) Address 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa u. 10.  Telephone +36 (1) 374-0774  Website address www.kalmanmaklaryfi nearts.com

INDA GALLERY The Inda Gallery is a contemporary for-profit art gallery founded five years ago. Its scope of activities is defined by the young and middle-aged artists who depict the modern tendencies of representational art in their work.

Primarily, the artists are selected based on quality, and also their conceptual, thematic and technical connection with contemporary art tendencies.

Artists represented: AKA, Czene Márta, Csontó Lajos, Fáskerti Zsófia, Ferenczy Zsolt, Jovián György, Keller Diána, Koronczi Endre, Martin Henrik, Kamen Stoyanov, Kopasz Tamás, Sándor Krisztián, Somody Péter, Szabó Ábel, Szabó Ádám, Szemző Zsófia, Agnes von Uray (Szépfalvi Ágnes) Address 1061 Budapest, Király utca 34. II. 4.  Telephone number +36 (70) 316-4472 +36 (20) 513-4093  E-mail address info@indagaleria. hu  Website address www.indagaleria.hu  Opening hours Tuesday– Friday: 14:00–18:00

ERDÉSZ GALLERY

KISTEREM GALLERY

The gallery was founded in 1992 by László Erdész and E. Ilosvai Magdolna as a family company in the heart of Szentendre. In this gallery built three-storey building, art from 1920’s avantgarde artist (László Moholy-Nagy, Lajos Kassák) across the European School (Lajos Vajda, Endre Bálint) and many Photographers (André Kertész) up to nowdays contemporary artists (István Regős, László Taubert, Tamás Dobos) are traded. On the ground floor the finest selection of Hungarian masters of jewellery design are on offer. The Gallery regularly exhibits at art fairs like Art Cologne, Art Paris, Art Basel, Budapset Art fair and Art Market.

Kisterem gallery had started operating when the market within Hungary became more open to collecting all kinds of art forms, not only traditional ones, with the possibility of showing and selling various types of media works eg.: installation, videos, and not only by Hungarian, but also by international artists.

Alongside the gallery program with very recent artworks by young artists Kisterem shows occasionally surviving pieces of the Hungarian avant-garde underground art-scene of the 70s and the 80s that were hardly accessible at the time for a broader public.

Address 2000 Szentendre, Bercsényi u. 4.  Telephone number +36 (26) 317-925  E-mail address art@galleryerdesz.hu  Website address www.galleryerdesz.hu  Opening hours Tuesday–Sunday 10:00-18:00, or by appointment

Address 1053 Budapest, Képíró utca 5.  Telephone number +36 (1) 267-0522  E-mail address kisterem@kisterem.hu  Website address www.kisterem.hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 14:0018:00, or by appointment

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erdész galéria & design

T | +36 26 317 925 W | www.galleryerdesz.hu

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ARTS

Art It stands to reason that a visitor to Budapest is curious about local specialities, and whose interest is piqued by world-famous Hungarian paprika and wines, may also find Hungarian art worth sampling. Having gained some insight into the various periods of Hungarian art upon viewing the treasures of the Hungarian National Gallery, it would surely be worthwhile getting an introduction to the world of contemporary Hungarian art.

Why not visit the Várfok Gallery when descending from the Buda Castle District to Bécsikapu tér? It was one of the first privately established and successfully run galleries, and offers the works of contemporary Hungarian artists – András Koncz, Imre Bukta, László Fehér, Gábor Gerhes, Balázs Kicsiny, István Nádler, Gábor Roskó and János Szirtes among others.

Whilst exploring Andrássy út, and having spent time relaxing in one of the cafés in Liszt Ferenc tér, why not visit Deák Erika’s Gallery in Jókai tér, the square opposite, in which you will also fi nd an up-to-date contemporary exhibition.

Alternatively, Vintage Gallery in Magyar utca, within easy reach of Kálvin tér, not only features significant Hungarian modern artists (Endre Bálint, Dezső Korniss, Lili Ország, József Jakovits) as well as important contemporary artists (Imre Bak, Balázs Beöthy, Péter Donáth, Ágnes Eperjesi, Gábor Gerhes), but also displays the works of leading Hungarian photographers.

Some museums have been dedicated to a few renowned twentieth-century Hungarian artists in their own lifetimes. For example, in the annex of Zichy Palace in Buda you can enjoy works by Victor Vasarelly, the father of op-art, presented by the artist himself. Indeed, one street away, you can also view the works of Imre Varga, a contemporary sculptor, still active today. One of the most important contemporary collections in Budapest is housed in the Ludwig Museum, in the National Palace of Arts, where, apart from the current temporary exhibition, there is a considerable Hungarian art collection on permanent display. In the art trade district, clustered around Falk Miksa utca, contemporary art has found its ideal niche. For instance, Pintér Sonja’s Contemporary Gallery was established with contributions from artists such as Albert Kováts, Károly Schmal or Péter Türk. Due to its incredibly picturesque environment, and the traditions of its art colony, Szentendre is well worth a visit, and is within easy reach of Budapest, by HÉV suburban train from Batthyány tér or by boat. You can find genuine classics of twentieth century Hungarian art here. A memorial museum has been dedicated to the artist couple Margit Anna and Imre Ámos. Then there is the Jenô Barcsay Collection, the Béla Czóbel Museum, the Lajos Vajda Memorial Museum and the Margit Kovács Museum which features a famous ceramics artist. Szentendre is also home to the Erdész Gallery, which predominantly specialises in the work of classical modern artists such as Hugó Scheiber, Armand Schönberger and Lajos Tihanyi, but also actively deals with contemporary art (László Fehér, Menyhért Tóth, András Wahorn, and István Zámbó). One can also find pieces of applied art (jewellery, and glass) here. An outing to Gödöllő can also offer an out of the ordinary experience. It is not only worth visiting the Baroque Grassalkovich Palace, but also the museum that exhibits the works of the one-time Gödöllő art colony, considered to be a significant centre of Hungarian applied art. This group of artists was the only organised Hungarian community focusing on Art Nouveau at the beginning of the twentieth century.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERIES acb Kortárs Művészeti Galéria 1068 Budapest, Király utca 76. +36 (1) 413-7608, +36 (1) 413-7609 www.acbgaleria.hu Erdész Gallery 2000 Szentendre, Bercsényi út 4. +36 (26) 317-925 www.galleryerdesz.hu Deák Erika Galéria 1061 Budapest, Mozsár utca 1. +36 (1) 201-3740, +36 (70) 360-2253 www.deakgaleria.hu DOVIN 1052 Budapest, Galamb utca 6. +36 (1) 318-3659, +36 (30) 566-2754 www.dovin.hu Faur Zsófi Galéria 1114 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 25. +36 (1) 209-3635, +36 (20) 934-4727 www.raday-galeria.hu Inda Galéria 1061 Budapest, Király utca 34. II. 4. +36 (70) 316-4472, +36 (20) 513-4093 www.indagaleria.hu Kalman Maklary Fine Arts 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa u. 10. +36 (1) 374-0774 www.kalmanmaklaryfi nearts.com kArton 1054 Budapest, Alkotmány u.18. +36 (1) 472-0000 www.karton.hu Kisterem Galéria 1053 Budapest, Képíró utca 5. +36 (1) 267-0522 www.kisterem.hu Knoll Galéria 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 10. +36 (1) 267-3842 www.knollgaleria.hu MissionArt Galéria Budapest 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa u. 30. +36 (1) 302-8587 www.missionart.hu Molnár Ani Galéria 1088 Budapest, Bródy Sándor u. 22. +36 (1) 327-0095 www.molnaranigaleria.hu Galeria Neon 1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 47. +36 (20) 922-6437 www.galerianeon.hu Várfok Galéria 1012 Budapest, Várfok u. 11. +36 (1) 213-5155, +36 (1) 489-3920, +36 (30) 562-2772 www.varfok-galeria.hu VILTIN Galéria 1054 Budapest, Széchenyi u. 3. +36 (1) 787-5866 www.viltin.hu VINTAGE GALÉRIA 1053 Budapest Magyar utca 26. +36 (1) 337-0584, +36 (20) 913-6291 www.vintage.hu

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ETIENNE BEOTHY

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SAM HAVADTOY

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REIGL JUDIT

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JOSEPH CSAKY

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TIBOR CSERNUS

KAMILL MAJOR

ALFRED RETH

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FRANCOIS FIEDLER

GUSTAVE MIKLOS

ROZSDA ENDRE

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SIMON HANTAÏ

L A S Z L O M O H O L Y-N A G Y

ETIENNE SANDORFI

I KATALIN

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HUR KYUNG-AE

ANTON PRINNER

SYLVESTER

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GEZA SZOBEL

Kálmán Makláry Fine Arts M o d e r n & C o n t e m p o r a r y G a l l e r y + Fine Art Publishing

THE KÁLMÁN MAKLÁRY FINE ARTS GALLERY IS DEDICATED TO THE ARTISTS OF THE POST-WAR SCHOOL OF PARIS. ESPECIALLY THE ABSTRACT AND SURREALIST MOVEMENTS WITH ARTISTS LIKE JUDIT REIGL, SIMON HANTAÏ, FRANÇOIS FIEDLER, ALFRED RETH, ENDRE ROZSDA AND VICTOR VASARELY. THROUGH IT’S EXHIBITIONS OUTSIDE THE BUDAPEST BASED GALLERY AND IT’S PUBLICATIONS OF BOOKS AND CATALOGS, IT HAS WORKED TOWARDS REVIVING UNQUESTIONABLY IMPORTANT ARTISTS, SOME OF WHOM THE LAST DECADES HAD UNFORTUNATELY FORGOTTEN. THE GALLERY WORKS WITH MUSEUMS AND ART COLLECTORS AND DEVELOPS WITH THEM LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS OF TRUST. TODAY, SOME OF THE GALLERY’S ARTISTS HAVE ALREADY RIGHTFULLY FOUND THEIR PLACE IN THE MAJOR MODERN ART MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD. IT ALSO HANDLES AND REPRESENTS WORKS BY MOHOLY-NAGY, PAUL KALLOS, GEZA SZOBEL, ETIENNE SANDORFI, TIBOR CSERNUS, KAMILL MAJOR, SAM HAVADTOY AND ALSO THE ARTISTS OF THE HUNGARIAN AVANTGARDE.

Syndicat National des Antiquaires

M E M B E R : S.N.A. (SYNDICAT NATIONAL DES ANTIQUAIRES) E X H I B I T O R : TEFAF – MAASTRICHT, BIENNALE DES ANTIQUAIRES, ART PARIS, BRAFA, SALON DU COLLECTIONNEUR, ART COLOGNE

KÁLMÁN MAKLÁRY FINE ARTS kalmanmaklaryfinearts@gmail.com

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H U – 1 0 5 5 B U D A P E S T , FA L K M I K S A U T C A 1 0 .

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VÁCI UTCA AND THE GREAT MARKET HALL

TOUR XIII.

Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the Great Market hall

Let us start our walk from a point that offers a superb panorama of the River Danube and Buda Castle, Roosevelt tér, a former dock at the foot of the bridge, where boats arriving in Pest were unloaded in the 19th century. The neo-Renaissance palace of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the centre of Hungarian scientific life since the middle of the 19th century, also stands here, too. The secessionist-style Gresham Palace, a new luxury hotel today, was built in 1907 by a London-based insurance company of the same name. The corner block, which used to be a bank, is not much older, and is today called Tonet Palace.

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VÁCI UTCA AND THE GREAT MARKET HALL www.vargadesign.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s T’s ION TOP SELECTION

Jewelleryy

TOUR XIII.



Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the Great Market hall Let us now attempt to turn our backs on the attractive Danube Promenade and start at Vörösmarty tér. There we find ourselves trapped in a mire of serious temptation, for the famous Gerbaud confectioner’s is to be found here. Even people spending only one day in Budapest go in for a cup of coffee and a piece of delicious cake. If the weather is fine, let us first gaze at the prestigious interior of the confectioner’s, select the most delicious piece of cake from the generous assortment under the counter, and take a seat on the terrace, from where – just as from a theatre seat – we may watch life pass by in this, one of the busiest squares in the city. Not only visitors but masses of Budapesters rush or stroll around here, since this is the place from which the Hungarian Millennium underground goes to Városliget (Central City Park).

The sculpture of Mihály Vörösmarty (1800–1855), the famous 19th Hungarian poet, made of Carrara marble, stands in the central green part of the square.

City visitors take a well-earned rest on the monument’s steps in summer, whilst Budapest pigeons frequently pay tribute to the poet’s marble head. Various festivals and events take place in this square; a celebration of contemporary Hungarian literature, Book Week, is traditionally held here at the beginning of June, where the ever-increasing number of local publishing houses set up their tents and booths. In addition, cultural events are frequently held on the temporary stage installed in front of the lion-decorated well, and serpentine queues lead up to authors of the latest best sellers, who just keep on dedicating their books.

An international wine and champagne festival is held here, and the square turns into a Christmas fair in Advent: aromatic gingerbread and gifts and handicraft products are sold around a huge decorated Christmas tree. Where the fi rst portraitist offers to draw your likeness, Váci utca starts – a pedestrian zone all the way to Fővám tér, with Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall) at the very end.

(Please do not confuse Váci utca with Váci út which lies some way away.)

Promenading goes back a long way, and was a fad that started at the beginning of the 18th century. Elegant ladies in their richly decorated bonnets tripped along in front of spectacular shop-windows carrying bonbon boxes, and rapt gentlemen, canes in hand, browsed through the novelties of the luxury stores. The custom of walking along the promenades of that time has today slightly changed due to the evolution of other social behaviour. Those who take their time today are usually visitors, the locals tend to make a beeline for their destinations. The fi rst section of Váci utca, stretching to Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge), is a shopping street, where world fashion brands mingle with small boutiques, coffee bars and restaurants, one after the another. If we turn into Kristóf tér, we can take a seat in any restaurant, or coffee house around the little Fish-Monger Girl’s well.

Szent Szervita tér is also worth a visit. Beyond the 18th century church with its statue of the Virgin Mary stands the House of Invalids (today the Metropolitan City Hall). Among the buildings around the square, the former Szénási House at number 2, with its glass and marble- covered façade, should be mentioned.

Here, a multi-storey fashion and clothing store was opened in 1908, a strong rival to the textile shops in the neighborhood. The former Török bank headquarters at number 3, was built in 1905. The mosaic picture covering its façade was produced by Miksa Róth, the most famous glass painter of his age, and depicts

the ’Apotheosis of Hungária’. Rózsavölgyi House at number 5 was designed by Béla Lajta, and triumphantly mixes modern functionality with national style; coloured and geometric majolica stripes run along the white enamel of the brickpanelled façade above the huge windows of the lower storey.

The book and music shop on the ground floor has been active since 1911. Before we go back to the crowds in Váci utca, through the Régiposta utca (Old Post Office Street), let us take a look at the shop on the corner of Szent Szervita tér.

The ‘Brammer’, named after the former owner, is one of the city’s most popular luxury textile shops, and the protected antique interior has been fully preserved.

Among these classical historic buildings, we should pause for a minute in front of Thonet House at number 11. Decorated with beautiful majolica motifs, it is a masterpiece of early secessionstyle, and designed by Ödön Lechner. Do take a look at the Philanthia flower shop, active here for more then 100 years, and see its original secessionist interior.

Today, a modern office block stands on the spot of the former Kedves espresso bar. At the beginning of the 1950’s, city-dwellers used to sit on the terrace and listen to the virtuoso performances of György Cziffra (1921–1994), a worldfamous Hungarian pianist who later moved to France.

We could take a cup of coffee in the coffee bar of the hotel that fortunately fits in with the scene, despite its postmodern building front, before we continue on towards Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). In the underpass, we walk past the blow-up photos of György Klösz that depict Budapest at the end of the 19th century, and then continue on our way to the southern part of Váci utca.

Those who are interested in the masterpieces of Hungarian craftsmen and fashion designers will certainly slow down a bit at this point. While walking past the antique shops, fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants, don’t forget to take a look at the New City Hall, the other masterpiece of Imre Steindl, designer of the Parliament Building. The interiors have been restored with the utmost care. The decorated stairway and session hall are spectacular. Turning in the direction of Szerb utca, at the end of this street, we may view the Serbian church, standing in an idyllic and romantic garden, just around the corner of Veres Pálné utca. The church retains the memories of the Serbian community which settled here long ago, and has been active ever since.

Finally, we arrive at Fővám tér, where Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall), located in the heart of downtown Pest is the great attraction (apart, of course, from the panorama of the River Danube beyond the Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge)).

The iron-structured Hall was designed by Samu Petz, and reflects the work of the Eiffel studios, Paris, who designed the fabulous Nyugati (Western Railway Station). The architecture of the Great Market Hall is not the be all and end all of the building. A huge selection of typical Hungarian food and drink is sold here among the paprika and strings of garlic. Famous foreign guests shop here, as well as all the locals. After buying small gifts to take home, why not visit the stand-up lunch counters in the gallery – the best cheap lunch in town!

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Fruccola

Both shops of Fruccola are homey and dynamic places with a creative interior design, fresh and selective raw materials, products from Hungarian suppliers and meat straight from countryside farms. There is plenty to choose from for breakfast: from croissants to honey-yoghurt-fruit cereals to salmon omelette and even sugar, lactose and gluten free products. Fruccola is also a juice, salad and baguette bar and even hot meals are served. We recommend it to everyone who prefers meals and drinks made from fresh ingredients.

1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 32. and H-1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér. 3.

Breakfast: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays (at Kristóf Square) www.fruccola.hu

Malatinszky Wine Store

The owner, Csaba Malatinszky opened the first wine shop in Budapest in 1992. He was Hungary's leading sommelier before turning to winemaking and his focus is, balanced, complex reds, notably Cab Franc which suits the Villány terroir so well. They offer his brands on a rich palet, carefully selected Tokaj wines, palinkas ( fruit brandies) Champagne and sparkling wines as well.

1051 Budapest, József Attila u. 12.

Phone: +36 (1) 317-5919 Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00 Sunday closed www.malatinszky.hu wine@malatinszky.hu

ORGANIC WINE ESTATE

Párizsi Udvar

VILLÁNY

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VÁCI UTCA AND THE GREAT MARKET HALL

Planet Sushi

Open: every day 11-24 Oktogon Budapest, Oktogon square 3.

Phone.: +36 (1) 413-7830 Mammut II. Budapest, Lövőház street. 2-6.

Phone.: +36 (1) 799-1660 Fashion Street Budapest, Deák Ferenc square 3.

Phone.: +36 (1) 799-1842

The Great Market Hall

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Fashion street

Varga Design

Goldsmith Miklós Varga has been creating unique pieces of jewellery in silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls, for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured in his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces, made in the special ’cobweb technique’, are internationally patented. The Hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewellery exhibitions many times and has become supplier to a number of royal families around the world. The Varga Jewellery-House is located in downtown Budapest at 6. Haris köz, opening onto Váci street.

Varga Design Jewellery 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6.

Phone: +36 (1) 318-4089 www.vargadesign.hu Made in Hungary

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LUXURY BUDAPEST

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SHOPPING GUIDE

ESTÉE LAUDER The Estée Lauder brand is the signature brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.

Founded in 1946, this technologically advanced, innovative company has gained a worldwide reputation for elegance, luxury and superior quality. Our products come with a promise to uphold the fi nest standards of excellence. Through extensive research and stringent product evaluation, we are pleased to bring you skincare, makeup, fragrance products and facial skincare treatment that are both gentle and highly effective.

Address 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 12.

Telephone number +36 (1) 266-7829

CHRISAND

VARGA DESIGN Miklós Varga Hungarian goldsmith-artist has been creating unique pieces of jewellery of silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured is his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces made in the special “cobweb technique” are inter nationally patented. The Hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewelry exhibitions several times and has become supplier of a number of royal families around the world. The Varga Jewelry-House is located in downtown Budapest at 6 Haris köz, opening from Váci street.

Address Add 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6.

Telephone number +36 (1) 318-4089

CHRISAND Fur Salon in Fashion Street in heart of Budapest has been fur fans' favourite place for 7 years. Both Ladies and Gentlemen can fi nd modern or classical fur coats in all sizes and accessories - fashion designers composed a collection satisfying all customers' demands.

“CHRISAND - DREAMS COME TRUE”

Adress 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet square 7–8.

Behind Hotel Kempinski on „Fashion street” Telephone number +36 (1) 429-3473 Mobil +36 (70) 318-4324 Open every day 10–19

LUXURY BUDAPEST

SWAROVSKI The Swarovski Company was founded in the late 19th Century when Daniel Swarovski invented an automatic cutting machine for crystal, and in 1895 he established a crystal cutting factory in Austria. The birthplace of the factory was Wattens, which was chosen because local hydroelectricity made the energyintensive process involved more costeffective. A friendly staff is waiting for you in a pleasant atmosphere.

Address 1052 Budapest, Váci u. 11/a Ground Floor Telephone number +36 (1) 411-0983 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00 Saturday 10:00-18:00 Sunday 11:00-17:00

SALAMANDER Salamander offers shoes and accessories of high quality from the latest trends. Popular fashion labels like Hugo Boss, Peter Kaiser, Lloyd and others guarantee you can fi nd the right choice. A friendly staff is waiting for you in a pleasant atmosphere.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37.

Telephone number +36 (1) 434-5551 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, Thursday 10:00-19:00 Saturday 10:00-14:00

BARAKA Diamond Luxury Watch and Jewellery In the exclusive shop of the BARAKA Diamond Luxury Watch and Jewellery, the most divine pieces of the world’s most famous watch and jewellery brands can be found. The store is the only retailer in Hungary of such luxury brands as BVLGARI, Boucheron, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin furthermore such luxury watch brands as Harry Winston, Breguet, Corum, Roger Dubuis, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot, Girard Perregaux, Audemars Piguet and Parmigiani. Besides the thoughtful service and gorgeous surroundings, to satisfy customers to the fullest, the shop possesses an exclusive watch service distinguished by the watchmaker educated in the factories of these world-famous brands.

Address 1052 Budapest, Párizsi utca 3. www.barakadiamond.hu Telephone number + 36 (1) 318-2156 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00–18:00

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SHOPPING GUIDE

LACOSTE E TIMES SQUARE ARE BRIGHTENS UP BLACK WINTER TER WARDROBES ES ‘Times Square is the simple desire to work with bright winter inter colours’, Christophe Lemaire says. ‘The The colours are quite primary but reworked. rked. Shades of fuchsia, saffron yellow, w, bright purple and bright green onn a black background.

There are colour our blocks and multicolour stripes on black’.

Address 1052 Budapest, Deák F. utca 21.

Telephone +36 (1) 266-9792 92

CLINIQUE

NOMINATION COMPOSABLE BRACELET: The invention and the innovation that started it all, Nomination’s modular or ‘composable’ stainless steel bracelet is comprised of a series of links that can be fi lled with different decorative designs to communicate everything from initials and astrological signs to special interests, passions, memories and emotions. With over 4000 link designs available, Nomination has created an icon-based language - and a powerful communicative relationship with its wearers. Over the years, the composable bracelet has evolved into a global style statement sported by an international array of celebrities, rock stars, rap stars, sports personalities and trendsetters, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey.

Anik Jewellery Address Telephone Opening hours

1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 16. +36 (1) 267-2305 Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 19:00

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector For the fi rst time, a prestige cosmetics brand offers prescription strength effectiveness for evening skin tone in a skin care product. Introducing Clinique’s NEW Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. This new treatment serum effectively helps fade the appearance of dark spots, age spots and discolourations due to aging, years of accumulated sun damage, environmental assaults, and past acne scarring, to reveal a more uniformly radiant complexion. Clinical tests have proven the performance of Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector to be comparable to a leading prescription ingredient at 4, 8 and 12 weeks for evening skin tone. There is a verified 53% improvement in skin tone after using Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector for 12 weeks.

Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free. NonAcnegenic. Dermatologist Tested. Ophthalmologist Tested.

Clinique Store Address 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 8.

Telephone +36 (1) 266-7828

BUDAPEST Andrássy út 5. 1061 • Tel +36 1 2661794 WWW.ZEGNA.COM

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BUDA AND THE RÓZSADOMB

TOUR XIV.

The heart of Buda Buda and the Rózsadomb

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Tram number 6 terminates at Széll Kálmán tér, the biggest and most crowded traffic junction in Buda. Here, there is a superb new entertainment and shopping complex with a cultural centre laid out on the site of the former Ganz Electricity Works. This exhibition and event centre and its surrounding park, accessible through four entrances, were created by retaining the old building complex and then remodelling it. In the park, young landscape gardeners have created a place in which to relax, and to encourage creativity. There are broad green areas, trees, a pond, an open-air stage and a fairy-tale playground for the little ones. Theatrical performances are held in these new spaces and the Teátrum is one of the main viewing and event venues for the traditional Hungarian Film Festival, which takes place at the beginning of every year.

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BUDA AND THE RÓZSADOMB

LUXURY BUDAPEST’ss TOP SELECTION ON N

Cosmetics cs

TOUR XIV.



The heart of Buda

www.laprairie.hu

Buda and the Rózsadomb

A few steps away, you can spot the twin buildings of Mammut Plaza, where, apart from dozens of restaurants and cafés, you can fi nd bank branches, fashion shops, bookshops and two multiplex cinemas. The twin shopping mall buildings were designed to form one unit with the modernised two-storey Fény utca market, one of the most popular in Buda.

Walking as far as Margit körút (ring road), especially on the odd numbers side, you can catch sight of residential buildings built in the Bauhaus style. They are among the most successful pieces of 20th century architecture. One such is the Átrium cinema, a protected building awaiting refurbishment, which, when finished in the mid-1930s, represented the most modern architecture of the time, with cutting-edge projection equipment and technology.

Mechwart liget (alley) makes a nice change from the busy street. Continuing further, a Franciscan church and monastery interrupt the almost continuous row of buildings, and at the corner of Rómer Flóris utca you can again study an interesting piece of architecture. The house at number 15-17 was originally built as the offices of the Weiss Manfréd Works Pension Fund. Its rounded, streamlined shapes and elliptical staircase make it one of the most modern works of art of the period.

Residential Bauhaus buildings, in the classically modern style of the era between the two world wars, are concentrated in a few areas such as Szent István Park in Újlipótváros, the streets behind Kossuth utca in Lipótváros, Nyáry Pál utca in the inner city, some of the buildings in Fejér György utca, some of the villas along Pasaréti út – and, of course there are, a few scattered throughout the city.

Now, instead of taking Török utca and Frankel Leó utca – part of our Óbuda tour – we go along the southern side of Frankel Leó utca towards Margit híd (Margaret Bridge), and continue our walk along Fô utca (Main street). Here, we can see Király Fürdő, one of the most beautiful examples of historic buildings from Turkish times. The light passing through the coloured windows adds to the special atmosphere of the steam baths, which still operate today. The most beautiful part of the building, completed with parts in Baroque and Classical styles, is the domed hall which features an octagonal pool. Batthyány tér is a few minutes’ walk along Fő utca. In the old days, it was the site of national fairs, a hugely busy port and the terminus of post chaises, but today it is just another traffi c junction. Buses start from here to Óbuda and the exclusive Rózsadomb area. The fi rst Métro station on the Buda side is here, and you can catch the suburban train (HÉV) from another part of the station, which takes you via Óbuda, Római Fürdô (Roman Baths), and Pomáz to Szentendre, one of the most beautiful and romantic small towns in the Danube Bend area, famous for its lively art life.

Batthyány tér is distinguished by the stunning view of the Danube and Parliament buildings across the river on one hand, and by the old buildings on the other. Hikisch House, built in the Copf style, stands below today’s street level and “putti”, representing the four seasons, can be seen on its façade. The Fehér Kereszt Inn was built in the Rococo style. Allegedly, in the old days, Casanova himself stayed here which is why the current nightclub is named after him. However, it is true to say that Emperor Joseph II was a guest of the house, several times. The square also features St Anna’s church, the 1805 masterpiece of Hungarian Baroque architecture.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

LUXURY BUDAPEST

The New Gourmet Metropolis Top Restaurants

We have been witnessing the renewal of Hungarian gastronomy for the past years. Nowadays, this process typically involves rediscovery of roots, commitment to quality ingredients and an increased emphasis on regional characteristics. We now have a flourishing professional scene on which actors pay attention to seasons, ingredients, modern technology, what fits the cuisine concerned and guests. That is how Onyx became the second restaurant in Hungary to be awarded a Michelin star in 2011.

Costes Restaurant

1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4.  www.costes.hu

Onyx Restaurant

1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8.  www.onyxrestaurant.hu

Bock Bistro

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.  www.bockbisztro.hu

Alabárdos Étterem

1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2.  www.alabardos.hu

Nobu Budapest

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.  www.noburestaurants.com

Arany Kaviár Étterem

1015 Budapest, Ostrom u. 15.  www.aranykaviar.hu

Cyrano Restaurant

1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7-8.  www.cyranorestaurant.info

Ristorante Fausto’s

1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2.  www.fausto.hu

Gundel Étterem

1092 Budapest, Állatkerti út 2.  www.gundel.hu

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A38 Hajó Budapest, at the foot of Petőfi bridge, Buda side Alabárdos Étterem 1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2.

Arany Kaviár Restaurant 1015 Budapest, Ostrom u. 15.

Aranyszarvas Bistro 1013 Budapest, Szarvas tér 1.

Araz Restaurant 1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42-44.

Arcade Bistro 1126 Budapest, Kiss J. alt. u. 38.

Baldaszti's Kitchen 1013 Budapest, Lánchíd utca 7-9.

Baraka Restaurant & Lounge 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 111.

Biarritz Restaurant & Café 1055 Budapest, Kossuth tér 18.

Bock Bistro 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

Boom and Brass Bar & Restaurant 1054 Budapest, Vigadó u. 4-6.

Boscolo – New York Café 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11.

Café 57 Restaurant 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57.

Café Kör 1051 Budapest, Sas u. 17.

Café Pierrot 1014 Budapest, Fortuna u. 14.

Callas Bar & Café 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Chez Daniel Restaurant 1063 Budapest, Szív u. 32.

Costes Restaurant 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4.

Cyrano Restaurant & Café 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7-8.

Déryné Bistro 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3.

Dunapark Restaurant & Café 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi u. 38.

Fausto’s Restaurant 1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2.

Gerlóczy Café & Restaurant 1052 Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 1.

Gundel 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti út 2.

International

+36 (1) 464-3946

Hungarian

+36 (1) 356-0851

Russian

+36 (1) 201-6737

Every day 11am-12pm closed on Sunday Monday-Friday 7pm-11pm Saturday 12pm-3 pm, 7 pm-11pm Every day 12am-12pm

International

+36 (1) 375-6451

Every day 12am-11pm

International

+36 (1) 815-1100

Every day 7am-11pm,

International

+36 (1) 225-1969

International

+36 (30) 422-5981

International

+36 (1) 483-1355

Monday-Saturday 12am-11pm, Sunday 12am-4pm Monday 11:30am-11pm Tuesday-Friday 8am-11pm Saturday 9am-11pm Sunday 9am-5pm Every day 12am-11pm

International Hungarian International International International International Hungarian International French International International International International

Italian International Hungarian

restaurant@a38.hu1113 www.a38.hu alabardos@t-online.hu www.alabardos.hu reservation@aranykaviar.hu www.aranykaviar.hu bisztro@aranyszarvas.hu www.aranyszarvas.hu araz@araz.hu www.araz.hu arcadebistro@arcadebistro.hu www.arcadebistro.hu bistro@baldasztis.com www.baldasztis.com

info@barakarestaurant.hu www.barakarestaurant.hu +36 (1) 311-4413 Monday-Friday 9am -8pm etterem@biarritz.hu Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm www.biarritz.hu +36 (1) 321-0340 Monday-Saturday 12am-12pm, bockbistro@t-online.hu closed on Sunday www.bockbisztro.hu +36 (1) 877-7788 Every day 11am-1am info@boombrass.hu www.boombrass.com +36 (1) 886-6111 Every day 9am-12pm info@newyorkpalace.hu www.newyorkpalace.hu +36 (1) 325-6078 Every day 8am-12pm cafe57@t-online.hu www.cafe57.hu +36 (1) 311-0053 Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm cafekor@hotmail.com www.cafekor.com +36 (1) 375-6971 Every day 11am-12pm info@pierrot.hu www.pierrot.hu +36 (1) 354-0954 Every day 10am-12pm info@callasetterem.hu www.callascafe.hu +36 (1) 302-4039 Every day 11am–3pm and 7pm–11pm restaurant@chezdaniel.hu www.chezdaniel.hu +36 (1) 219-0697 Wednesday-Sunday 12am-3:30pm, info@costes.hu 6:30 pm-12pm, Monday-Tuesday Closed www.costes.hu +36 (1) 266-4747 Every day 8am-12pm cyrano@citynet.hu www.cyranorestaurant.info +36 (1) 225-1407 Monday-Sunday 7:30am-1am; foglalas@cafederyne.hu www.cafederyne.hu +36 (1) 786-1009 Monday-Friday 8am-12pm info@dunapark-kavehaz.hu Saturday 10am-12pm, www.dunapark-kavehaz.hu Sunday 10am-10pm +36 (1) 877-6210 Monday-Friday 12am-3pm, 7pm–11pm, info@fausto.hu +36 (30) 589-1813 Saturday 6pm-11pm, closed on Sunday www.fausto.hu +36 (1) 501-4000 Every day 7am-11pm info@gerloczy.hu www.gerloczy,hu +36 (1) 468-4040 or Monday-Sunday 12am-4pm, 6:30pm-12pm info@gundel.hu +36 (30) 603-2480 Sunday brunch 11:30am-3pm www.gundel.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Kéhli Restaurant 1036 Budapest, Mókus u. 22.

Kiskakukk 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 12.

Kogart Café & Restaurant 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 112.

Klassz 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41.

Kyoto 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 7-8.

Le Bourbon 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10.

Hungarian Hungarian

+36 (1) 250-4241 or +36 (1) 368-0613 +36 (1) 450-0829

Every day 12am-12pm

International

+36 (1) 354-3820

Every day 11am-10:30pm

International

No reservation via phone +36 (1) 801-9862

Monday-Saturday 11.30am-11pm Sunday 11.30am-6.00pm Every day 12am-12pm

Asian French

Mák Bistro Hungarian 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 4.

Mini Bistro & Bar International 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3.

Náncsi Néni’s Restaurant Hungarian 1029 Budapest, Ördögárok út 80.

Nobu Budapest Asian 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Onyx Restaurant International 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8. (entrance: Harmincad utca) Pampas Argentinian Steakhouse Argentinian 1056 Budapest, Vámház krt. 6.

Paris-Budapest Café, Sofitel International 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 2.

Pata Negra Spanish 1091 Budapest, Kálvin tér 8.

Pastrami Restaurant & Café International 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 93-99.

Peppers! Mediterranean Grill Mediterranean 1052 Budapest, Apáczai-Csere János u. 4.

Porcellino Grasso Italian 1024 Budapest, Ady Endre u. 19.

Restaurant Philippe Le Belge Belgian 1136 Budapest, Balzac u. 35.

Rickshaw Asian 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

Ristorante Giardino International 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Rosenstein Hungarian 1087 Budapest, Mosonyi utca 3.

Spoon Café & Lounge International 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér 3. (on the riverside) Symbol – Italian Fusion Restaurant Italian 1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56.

Trattoria Pomo D’Oro Italian 1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 9.

Every day 12am-12pm

postmaster@kehli.t-online.hu www.kehli.hu info@kiskakukk.hu www.kiskakukk.hu etterem@kogart.hu www.kogart.hu

www.klassz.eu kyotoetterem@kyotoetterem.hu www.kyotoetterem.hu + 36 (1) 429-5770 Every day 6.30am-11.30pm lebourbon.budapest@lemeridien.com www.lemeridienbudapest.com/ lebourbon +36 (30) 723-9383 Tuesday-Saturday 12am-12pm info@makbistro.hu www.makbistro.hu +36 (1) 225-3794 Monday-Sunday 12am-3am foglalas@cafederyne.hu www.theminibar.hu +36 (1) 397-2742 Monday-Sunday12am-11pm, asztalfoglalas@nancsineni.hu www.nancsineni.hu +36 (1) 429-4242 Restaurant: Every day 12am-23:45pm reservation@noburestaurant.hu Lounge Bar: Every day 12am-02am www.noburestaurants.com +36 (1) 429-9023 Tuesday-Saturday 12am-3pm onyx@onyxrestaurant.hu and 6pm-11pm www.onyxrestaurant.hu +36 (1) 411-1750 Every day 12am-0.30am info@steak.hu www.steak.hu +36 (1) 235-5600/797 Every day Bar 8am-12pm info@parisbudapestcafe.hu Restaurant 12am-11pm www.parisbudapestcafe.hu +36 (1) 215-5616 Monday–Sunday: 11am–12pm, patanegra@patanegra.hu www.patanegra.hu +36 (1) 430-1731 Every day 8am–11pm pastrami@pastrami.hu www.pastrami.hu +36 (1) 737-7377 Every day 6:30am-11pm info@peppers.hu www.peppers.hu +36 (1) 886-7880 Every day 12am-12pm porcellino@porcellino.hu www.porcellino.hu +36 (1) 350-0411 Tuesday-Sunday 12am-3pm info@philippe.hu and 6pm-10pm, closed on Monday www.philippe.hu +36 (1) 479-4855 Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-11pm cuisine@corinthia.hu www.corinthia.hu +36 (1) 429-3990 Every day 6pm-11:30pm hotelcorvinus@kempinski.com www.kempinski-budapest.com +36 (1) 333-3492 Monday-Saturday 12am-11pm, rosenstein@t-email.hu closed on Sundays www.rosenstein.hu +36 (1) 411-0933 Every day 12am-12pm spoon@spooncafe.hu www.spooncafe.hu +36 (1) 333-5656 Monday-Friday 7.30am-12pm info@symbolbudapest.hu Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-12pm www.symbolbudapest.hu +36 (1) 302-6473 Every day 12am-12pm pomodoro@tvnet.hu www.pomodorobudapest.com

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Sunday Brunch Bistro Jardin Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8. +36 (1) 429-3777 www.kempinski.com/budapest Roland Holzer 120 Every Sunday 12:00–16:00 Champagne, house wine Yes Hungarian and international

Icon Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1–3. +36 (1) 889-6757 www.iconrestaurant.hu István Juhász 250 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Champagne, beer, wine Yes Hungarian and international, vegetarian and wellness food

Intercontinental Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 12–14. +36 (1) 327-6392 www.budapest.intercontinental.com István Schilling 250 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Champagne Yes Very rich self-service buffet

LUXURY BUDAPEST

La Brasserie Royale and Atrium Restaurants Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43–49. +36 (1) 479-4850 www.corinthia.com Joel Khalil 170 + 56 Every Sunday from 12:00–16:00 Champane, house wine, beer.

Special kids corner with handicraft activities, games, child supervision, with diverse programs.

French, Hungary

Le Bourbon Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9–10. +36 (1) 429-5770 www.lemeridienbudapest.hu/etteremlebourbon Laurent Vandenameele 60+60 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00, with live jazz music Sparkling wine, red & white wine Yes French, International

Peppers! Mediterranean Grill Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János utca 4. + 36 (1) 737-7377 www.peppers.hu 200 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Beer and house wine, sparkling wine Kids’ corner with supervision Mediterranean

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Andante wine bar We have carefully selected our wines to represent Hungary’s best. They are served in varietyspecific glasses. Wine being our priority, we present cold dishes that best suit our range.

Daily specials are on offer, where exquisite wines are paired with meticulously prepared food compositions. Our sommelier and the whole staff are at your service to help you with your choice. Our goal is not only to cater to consumer needs but to represent a clear taste in wine and food. Please note that Andante is a non-smoking institution for a fuller enjoyment of wine.

Address of Restaurant 1061 Budapest, Bem rakpart 2.

Telephone number + 36 (1) 457-0807, +36 (1) 475-0808 E-mail address mail@andante-borpatika.hu Website address www.andante-borpatika.hu Opening hours every day from 4 pm until midnight

Baldaszti’s Grand A lively, cosmopolitan bar with the fi nest cocktails and an international kitchen every day of the week on Andrássy Avenue. Baldaszti’s Grand awaits guests from morning till evening: classic dishes and unique creations for breakfast, proper bistro meals during the day and the best wines, champagnes and cocktails accompanying the dinner. The bar is open from Thursday till Saturday until 2 am with an extraordinary cocktail and bar menu.

Address of Restaurant 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 8.

Telephone number + 36 (1) 302-3691 Telephone number for reservations + 36 (1) 302-3691 E-mail address grand@baldasztis.com Website address www.baldasztis.com Opening hours Sunday–Wednesday: 8:30–23:00, Thursday–Saturday: 8:30–02:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Baldaszti’s

boom & brass

Kitchen

bar & restaurant

A cozy bistro on the Buda side of the Chain bridge with contemporary Hungarian bistro cuisine at friendly prices every day of the week. Baldaszti’s kitchen is a perfect venue for a full breakfast, a light lunch, a romantic dinner or a friendly get together with the best wines of the country by the glass. Explore also the nearby gourmet store with an assortment of the world’s leading gourmet products and a wide range of Hungarian specialties.

Boom & Brass Restaurant is located in the Downtown of Budapest, on the Vörösmarty square with portrait artist, and many events. The square is connected to the Danube korzó with the Váci utca,which is a spectacular place for social walks. Enjoy the pulsing atmosphere and have a nice cocktail in our comfortable sofas, before you taste creative dishes from the Chef is the one and only Juhász Sándor. Among of the main courses everyone fi nd what is fit for them: from fi sh to poultry ending up with steak’s or fresh homemade pastes. During the week our Dj plays nice jazz and funky music.

PORK LOIN IN PANKO CRUMBS, “RIZIBIZI”

Address of Restaurant 1013 Budapest, Lánchíd u. 7/9.

Telephone number +36 (30) 422-5981 Telephone number for reservations +36 (30) 422-5981 E-mail address kitchen@baldasztis.com Website address www.baldasztis.com Opening hours Monday 11:30–23:00, Tuesday–Saturday 8:30–23:00, Sunday 8:30–17:00

Address of Restaurant 1051 Budapest, Vigadó u. 4–6.

Telephone number +36 (1) 877-7788 E-mail addres info@boombrass.hu Website address www.boombrass.com Opening hours daily: 11:00–01:00

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Callas

Chess

Café & Restaurant

Restaurant & Bar In the heart of the downtown, situated in the building of Queen’s Court Hotel*****, Chess restaurant offers a unique selection of Hungarian – Italian – French culinary specialities. In this fast-paced world, our guests can fi nd tranquility here, and browse as they please among classical and popular dishes prepared according to selected recipes and the fi nest wines.

The appealing swing tunes wafting from the background are guaranteed to make any visit to the restaurant an experience to be remembered.

Traditional fl avours with a modern spin, composed of only the freshest selected raw materials.

PUMPKIN RAVIOLI WITH MASCARPONE MOUSSE AND AMARENA CHERRIES

On Budapest’s fi nest street, right next to the State Opera, Callas Café & Restaurant represents an attractive venue for cocktails before going to the theatre, or for supper after an opera performance, where guests are entertained with live salon music. The Blue Danube Concert and Salon Music Orchestra conjure up a pleasant atmosphere with classical pieces, operetta and Broadway musicals. The art déco-style classic coffee house, which opened in its present form in 2006, was reborn on the basis of the plans of David Collins, the world-famous interior designer.

BREAST OF DUCK WITH SWEET-POTATO PURÉE, BOLETE MUSHROOMS

Address of restaurant 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Telephone number +36 (1) 354-0954 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 354-0954 Website address www.callascafe.hu Email address callascafe@gmail.com Opening hours Monday-Sunday 10:00–24:00 Number of seating places 110+30

Address of restaurant 1074 Budapest, Dob u. 63.

Telephone number +36 (1) 882-3080 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 882-3080 E-mail address info@chessrestaurant.hu Website address www.chessrestaurant.hu Opening hours Every day 12:00–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Corso Restaurant & Terrace

If you are searching for the perfect place to truly enjoy authentic Hungarian cuisine in an unobtrusively elegant environment look no further. Take a culinary journey through the delicious Hungarian masterpieces twisted by the latest gourmand trends.

While enjoying your meal, you can rest your eyes on the Royal Castle and the Chain Bridge.

Corso Terrace, situated right on the Danube Embankment, features the same culinary delights as our Corso Restaurant, carefully harmonized with an impressive wine and cocktail selection. This seasonal eatery with a live barbecue station represents a perfect place to socialize with friends, embark on a romantic evening or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Address of restaurant 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere J. u. 12–14.

Telephone number +36 (1) 327-6333 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 327-6392 E-mail address budapest@ihg.com Website address www.budapest.intercontinental.com Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 220

Cucina Olasz Étterem An Italian kitchen (La Cucina) which is located in the Downtown, is the best place for the guest who loves home-made pastas and pizzas. Raimondo Mendolia and Beke Zsolt executive chefs’s professional band provides the feeling of the ‘Dolce Vita’. In front of the Piazza Navona picture, next to the Italian style tablecloths and environment we can imagine ourselves in Italy. The restaurant is comfortable for 100, and includes a small vinoteca for 30 people. Mediterranean interior, friendly-helpful staff, Italian mentality, friendly prices! We are looking forward to greeting you here, Arrivederci!

Address of restaurant 1052 Budapest, Váci u. 20.

Telephone number +36 (1) 266-4144 E-mail address cucina@lacucina.hu Website address www.lacucina.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:30-24:00 Number of seating places 110+25

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Gresham Restaurant Located on the banks of the Danube with enchanting views of the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, the Gresham Restaurant and its summer terrace offer Mediterranean and Hungarian cuisine with a strong respect for local traditions.

Italian Executive Chef Simone Cerea is an advocate for fine, simple food. Just as he focuses on his signature Italian cuisine, he uses the knowledge and experience of his Hungarian sous chefs to produce the authentic Hungarian specialties. The menu reflects fresh seasonal items but the classic favorites always remain. In addition to the extensive wine list the restaurant and bar offer twenty three wines by the glass. This allows the guest the opportunity to discover new and different wines rather than selecting a bottle of the wine they know.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6.

Telephone number +36 (1) 268-6000 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 268-5110 Website address www.fourseasons.com/budapest Opening hours Monday to Saturday (Breakfast): 6:30-11:00, Sunday (Breakfast): 7:00-11:00, Monday to Sunday (Lunch): 12:00-17:00, Sunday to Thursday (Dinner): 17:00-22:00, Friday to Saturday (Dinner): 17:00-22:30 Number of seating places 60+20

Fuji Traditional Japanese Restaurant For 20 years it has been Hungary’s top and only traditional Japanese restaurant run by a Japanese chef. Here you can fi nd authentic Japanese specialties made only from the choicest ingredients, with their fl avour not only preserved but enhanced by our techniques. We fi nd it important to show that in addition to the internationally known sushi and sashimi, hot dishes are equally part of traditional Japanese cuisine. We look forward to your visit to our restaurant which features traditional tatami rooms (4 rooms with a capacity of 2-30 people), teppanyaki corner, sushi and sashimi bar, and comfortable tables that are ideal for Western-style dining. We also offer home delivery and a catering service.

Address of restaurant 1025 Budapest, Csatárka u. 54.

Telephone number +36 (1) 325-7111, +36 (30) 393-3000 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 325-7111 E-mail address restaurant@fujirestaurant.hu; info@fuji.hu Website address www.fujirestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–23:00 Number of seating places 75

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Giardiano

Halászbástya

Restaurant

Étterem

Corvinus Cuisine is a tribute to Matthias and Beatrice, serving traditionally prepared Hungarian dishes, new Hungarian cuisine with a twist and a light Mediterranean Grill Menu, accompanied by a vast variety of the best local and Mediterranean wines.

According to this, our culinary team proudly prepares gourmet seasonal specialities in addition to the menu. These are best enjoyed with wines from our extensive Champagne and Bordeaux selection.

A jewel of the Buda Castle District, Fishermen’s Bastion (Halászbástya) no longer serves as a means of protection – if not for the breathtaking view of Budapest.

The freshly remodelled Halászbástya Restaurant is a classically elegant venue for dining out. The magnificent rooms, the enchanting panoramic view and the high level of service is the perfect choice for grand moments in life. Past revived: the impressively furnished historic atmosphere makes each minute special.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8.

Telephone number +36 (1) 429-3990 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 429-3990 E-mail address concierge.corvinus@kempinski.com Website address www.kempinski.com/budapest Opening hours Monday–Sunday 6:00–23:30 Number of seating places 150

Address of restaurant 1014 Budapest, Buda Castle, Halászbástya – Északi Híradástorony Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 201-6935 E-mail address info@halaszbastya.eu Website address www.halaszbastya.eu Opening hours Monday– Sunday 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 100+80+80

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Hemingway Kéhli Restaurant

Restaurant

Dive into a sea of exquisite tastes and savour the delicacies of International cuisine, the latest creations of our chef, pick your choice from our weekly Hungarian menu while sitting on the deck by the lake or enjoy a little sunshine during the winter months in our orangery. Try some of the fi nest Hungarian wines selected by our sommeliers, cool down with a glass of beer or enjoy the large selection of cocktails on offer, indulge your taste buds in an exotic ice-cream cup, enjoy the fl avour of our coffee specialities, inhale the scent of tealeaves and flowers or have a fi ne cigar by the fi replace while relaxing to the sounds of smooth jazz… Our restaurant is proud for being considered as one of Budapest’s most popular event and wedding venues so we advise booking a table well in advance. Sunday lunchtime is a family-friendly event at Hemingway, a special Sunday brunch with various promotions and programs for entertaining children that include clowns and an enormous infl atable castle. One of the capital’s most romantic and only lakeside terrace awaits its guests with a taste for great Hungarian and International cuisine whether returning or new!

In the spring of 1899 the hard-working Kéhli family opened their small restaurant and managed it so well that Mama Kéhli became a living legend.

This old house surrounded by some similar buildings is like a little piece of the history of Old Buda thanks to novelist Gyula Krúdy.

We cordially welcome those who desire live music in addition to the usual delights of Hungarian middle-class cuisine.

Address of restaurant 1113 Budapest, Kosztolányi tér 2., Feneketlen tó Telephone number +36 (1) 381-0524 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 381-0522 Website address www.hemingway-etterem.hu Email address hemingway.club@t-online.hu Opening hours Monday-Friday 12:00-24:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00 Number of seating places 200

Address of restaurant 1036 Budapest, Mókus u. 22.

Telephone number +36 (1) 368-0613 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 250-4241 E-mail address postmaster@kehli.t-online.hu Website address www.kehli.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 200

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Le Bourbon Le Bourbon restaurant is undoubtedly one of the signatures of Le Meridien hotel, a Michelin recommended restaurant with French executive chef.

Come in for a Sunday Brunch and try the amazing selection of the buffet, then chose a Royal Chocolate cake at the end, a unique gastronomical experience. Chef Laurent’s other recommendation for you is to discover our weekly bistro lunch between Monday and Friday.

A highlight of Friday evenings is our themed event the Hungarian Night, where the local delicacies, gypsy music and Hungarian folklore dance show offer an unforgettable evening especially for foreign guests.

Please visit www.lebourbonrestaurant.com to fi nd the menus.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10.

Telephone number +36 (1) 429-5770 E-mail address robert.boros@lemeridien.com Website address www.lebourbonrestaurant.com Opening hours Monday–Sunday 6:30–22:30, except for Saturday lunchtime Number of seating places 60 + 60

L’Enoteca Winebar In Tuscany most good Trattoria’s have its own enoteca (wine cellar and wine bar), which provides the wine for the restaurant. Trattoria Toscana’s wine bar is called L’enoteca, where we have more than 300 different kinds of wine, many of which are available to taste by the glass. In L’enoteca our wine list has approximately 300 types of wines, primarily Italian, but many of the best Hungarian wines as well.

We are continuously tasting wines ourselves to always have the best selection on our wine list. But we also have wine tastings every month, which is fun for our wine club members to try many types of different Italian and Hungarian wines.

Address of restaurant 1056 Budapest, Belgrád rkp 13–15.

Telephone number +36 (1) 486-1665 E-mail address lenoteca@t-online.hu Website address www.lenoteca.hu Opening hours every day 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 45

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Minyon Bar We offer guests a fi rst-class environment in the heart of Budapest. On weekdays, enjoy the gastronomic delights and light DJ sets. From Thursday on, there is an all-night buzz and party until the morning. Cosmopolitan design, long bar, soft leather sofas. Ideal for meetings, lunches, dinners, and frenetic parties at weekends. The chef, Balázs Nádor, and his team indulge guests not only with an international a la carte menu that is changed on a bimonthly basis, but also serve a daily menu at lunchtime.

Péter Los, the bar chef, and our skilled bartenders will make you your favourite cocktail, be it something classic or a unique recipe.

Serious entertainment experts

Address of restaurant 1061 Budapest, Király utca 8.

Telephone number +36 (1) 878-2016 E-mail address minyon@minyonbar.hu, adam.zsolt@minyonbar.hu Website address www.minyonbar.hu Opening hours Monday–Wednesday 12:00-24:00, Thursday– Saturday 12:00-04:00 Sunday closed Number of seating places 85 people seated, 400 people standing

Origo Restaurant Origo Bistro - living history at Pasarét, new age community epicentre.

Pure, modern and hospitable. A cuisine that is the talk of town, since our childhood favourites are prepared the way they are made at home, while the menu has in store everything that is au courant, unique and compelling. In the morning, for instance, French toast or a Champagne breakfast for two, red wine duck stew for lunch, and something new for dinner each week.

Reliable quality, assorted selection of wine and smiling staff. Origo is awaiting you at Pasarét with the smell of lavender in the garden, friends and unforgettable experiences. Food, Drinks, People

Address of restaurant 1026 Budapest, Pasaréti út 100.

Telephone number +36 (1) 376-6039; +36 (1) 376-6040 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 327-6392 E-mail address info@origobisztro.hu Website address www.origobisztro.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 07:30–24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Paris Budapest Paul’s Restaurant

Bistro

Paris Budapest Restaurant offers international, Hungarian and French cuisine prepared in a show kitchen installed amidst the guests, thus moving them closer to both the cooking process and the kitchen staff.

The exceptional wine list has been conceived to allow guests to express their passion for the wines of both France and Hungary. The works of art associated with the restaurant are photographs linking the two cities, Paris and Budapest, in a purposely jumbled fashion. The photographs by the Parisian photographer, Gilles Trillard, well-known for his work for all the big interior decoration magazines, mingle with those of Zoltán Szabó, famous in Hungary for his exhibitions and photographic work.

I think it is the best name: Bistro, to cite the old retro ages and traditions.

I work in the family business with my wife. We have been working in the hospitality sector for many decades and we would like to share our knowledge and skills with you. We guarantee real Hungarian hospitality for tourists and the good feeling and atmopshere with good prices for Hungarian guests. Here you can have lunch or dinner, drink your favourite fi ne wines, or a coffee as our regular Guest. Our kitchen is equipped with modern equipment and furniture because we make the best meals for you (traditional Hungarian) as bean gulash, meat in breadcrumbs or a somlóer nudeln. It is a pleasure for the stomach. Visit us and we will make it a nice day for You!

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi tér 2.

Telephone number +36 (1) 235-5600/797 Telephone number for reservation +36 (1) 235-5600/797 E-mail address reservation@parisbudapest.hu Website address www.parisbudapest.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–23:00

Address of restaurant 1056 Budapest, Váci u. 49.

Telephone number +36 (1) 769-0897 E-mail address paulsbistro@paulsbistro.com Website address www.paulsbistro.com Opening hours 11. 01.-02. 28.(29.) 12:00-23:00; 03.01-10.30 11:00-24:00

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Peppers!

Robinson

Mediterranean Grill

Restaurant - Café The Robinson Restaurant is a unique attraction in Europe in the heart of the capital, with its own island in the City Park-lake nearby Heroes’ Square, the Museum of Applied Arts, Art Gallery, Amusement Park, Zoo, and the Metropolitan Circus.

The Mediterranean milieu, family like atmosphere with live latin-guitar music in the evening awaits all guests. In the summer there is a beautiful view from the open air terrace to the lake, in the wintertime the fi replace ensures the special surroundings for the culinary delicacy. During the winter, the capacity of the Restaurant is 65 people while there are 120 seats more in the summer when the terrace is open. It is an ideal place for both business lunches and candle light dinners. Events are organized on demand.

The Marriott’s Peppers! Mediterranean Grill welcomes those who long for a stylish restaurant experience amidst a vibrant atmosphere. Peppers! offers its guests a beautiful view of the Danube, unique even by Budapest standards, an open grill kitchen, and spectacular dishes. We always purchase fresh, fi rst-grade raw materials from the farmers of Hungarian and Mediterranean regions. The excellent quality of our food is combined with favourable prices. Watch as our outstanding chefs prepare unique culinary creations from the fi nest ingredients, and after dinner, enjoy a relaxing drink in the AQVA Lounge Bar. Address of restaurant 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 4.

Telephone number +36 (1) 737-7377 E-mail address info@peppers.hu Website address www.peppers.hu, www.facebook.com/peppers.aqva Opening hours Monday-Saturday 6:30-11:00/12:00-23:00 Sunday: 6:30–11:00/12:00–15:00/ 16:00–23:00 Number of seating places 130+120

Address of restaurant 1146 Budapest, Városligeti-tó, sziget Telephone number +36 (1) 422-0222 Telephone number for reservations +36 (30) 663-6871 E-mail address robinson@t-online.hu Website address www.robinsonrestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, 18:00–23:00 Number of seating places 65+120

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Salon Restaurant Andras Wolf is the Chef of the Salon Fine Dining Restaurant and creator of the “Essential Hungarian Gastronomy”. He renews the Hungarian cuisine by maintaining taste and the raw materials of the food, by transforming the serving way and texture, creating new and interesting dishes.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9–11.

Telephone number +36 (1) 886-6170 E-mail address newyorkcafe@newyork.boscolo.com Website address www.newyorkcafe.hu Opening hours 18:00–01:00 Number of seating places 40

Spazio Caffè ManueL In the Italian ManueL Caffe's fi rst franchise unit in Hungary, coffee culture meets quality bistro cuisine. Elegant, modern and cozy interior, combined with gentle, attentive service. Offers a variety of breakfasts, salads, homemade desserts, diverse bistro cuisine, daily business menu. Always fresh, quality ingredients. Hungarian and Italian dishes are served for dinner with Hungarian artisan wines and Italian Proseccos.

Aperol Spritz as well - based on traditional recipe. Spectacular and delicious coffee specialities from ManueL Caffe, 18 types of hot chocolates, 47 types of teas and ManueL corner deli are all part of this unique experience. For special occasions, seminars, business meetings and birthdays, a meeting room is available upon reservation (up to 24 guests). Open terrace between March and December.

Address of restaurant 1055 Budapest, Szent István krt. 17.

Telephone number +36 (30) 677-7705 E-mail address spaziocaffe.budapest@gmail.com Website address www.facebook.com/SpazioCaffeManuel www.spaziocaffe.eu Opening hours Monday–Thursday 8:00–22:00, Friday 8:00–23:00, Saturday 10:00–23:00 Number of seating places 34+24+20 (terrace)

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Trattoria Pomo D’Oro The amazing standards our restaurant represents can best be proved by the fact that we were the fi rst to receive the plaque of patronage from the Italian Chef Association. Be our guest, and join an exciting and adventurous trip through all the different tastes of Italian cuisine! We look forward to seeing you in our restaurant.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Arany János utca 9.

Telephone number +36 (1) 302-6473 E-mail address info@pomodorobudapest.com Website address www.pomodorobudapest.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 150+26+12

Trattoria Toscana It is said, mostly by the Italians themselves, that there is no ’Italian’ cuisine, only Tuscan, Sicilian, or Neopolitan cuisines. The Italian cuisine is very broad and diverse which is why, over 10 years ago, we decided to develop our own profi le by opening up Budapest’s fi rst Trattoria. In Trattoria Toscana we want to introduce you to our carefully selected and expansive food and wine selections for you to enjoy over many visits to our fi ne establishment.

Address of restaurant 1056 Budapest, Belgrád rkp. 13–15.

Telephone number +36 (1) 327-0045 E-mail address reservation@toscana.hu Website address www.toscana.hu Opening hours every day 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places 90

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Alabárdos

Arany Kaviár

Étterem

Étterem

The most famous restaurant of the Buda Castle area, which belongs among the leading restaurants in Hungary according to local and foreign experts of gastronomy. Working exclusively with ingredients from Hungary and preparing dishes based on high-class recipes of the last century, the restaurant has re-written the meaning of the modern Hungarian cuisine.

Arany Kaviár Restaurant is very special thanks to its rustic and elegant interior and the unique courses made from quality ingredients. The backbone of our menu is made up of dishes from the classic Czarist culinary following traditional Russian and French cuisines. The regularly renewed 5-course Tasting and 8-course Gourmet menu are offered for gastronomy-lovers have became more popular recently. In addition to the food selection, we place special emphasis on compiling a prominent drink and wine supply.

Due to the professional experience gained so far, we newly created our own brand named Arany Kaviár Gourmet Selection. We supervise each phase, from breeding to processing the roe and then smoking the fish. Our main goal is to create real gourmet delicacies, true to the restaurant’s traditions.

Address of restaurant 1015 Budapest, Ostrom utca 19.

Telephone number +36 (1) 201-6737, +36 (30) 685-6000 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 201-6737, +36 (30) 685-6000 E-mail address reservation@aranykaviar.hu Website address www.aranykaviar.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday: 12:00–15:00, 18:00–24:00 Number of seating places 45 + 28

Bock Bisztró The Bock Bisztró has become a legendary restaurant, a place which could never exist without a leader.

What makes Lajos Bíró stand out among his counterparts is his return to authentic Hungarian cuisine and his culinary virtuosity. With a solid background in cooking, he serves up international specialties in his restaurant on the ground floor of the Royal Hotel. In his hands, Hungarian cuisine is not a petrified remnant of the past, but is instead subtly adapted to the tastes of today.

Address of restaurant 1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2.

Telephone number +36 (1) 356-0851 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 356-0851 E-mail address alabardos@t-online.hu Website address www.alabardos.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday: 19:00–23:00, Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 Number of seating places 45+25

Address of restaurant 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43-49.

Telephone number +36 (1) 321-0340 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 321-0340 E-mail address bockbistro@t-online.hu Website address www.bockbisztro.hu Opening hours Monday–Saturday: 12:00–24:00, Sunday and feast: Closed Number of seating places 45

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Cafe 57 Restaurant Address of restaurant 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57.

Telephone number +36 (1) 325-6078 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 325-6078 E-mail address cafe57@t-online.hu Website address www.cafe57.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday: 08:00–24:00

Costes Étterem

The restaurant represents elegant minimalism. Our kitchen is not specialized in any nation or trend. We offer everything from Hungarian to Asian dishes, with lots of novelties in our chef’s recommendations and the choice of wines. From June 2010 we have also served breakfast from the city’s richest breakfast menu. Our restaurant does not specialize in any nation-inspired cuisine or trends. Our meals are made of excellent quality ingredients. In addition to warm, home-made bread and delicious meals, we offer an excellent, ever increasing choice of wine and drinks that go perfectly with our meals. We arrange wine-dinners monthly – all of which are a special culinary experience. Moreover, we always have something special on our menu for our gourmand costumers.

Comme Chez Soi Restaurant

The Chef of Costes Restaurant, Miguel Rocha Vieira, is inspired ever more by several international and Hungarian recognitions. Using only the best ingredients available, he and his team make sure that the guests can enjoy only the fi nest food compositions.

The atmosphere is elegant, yet free and easy. A fi ne dining restaurant with stylish design, great service and an extensive wine list.

A romantic candlelight dinner in a truly Mediterranean small restaurant. Our show kitchen caters fresh fruits of the loom every day and also offers Italian specialities. Our pastas are cooked fresh in extra virgin olive oil and fl avoured with Mediterranean spices.

From pizza to Argentine sirloin.

Address of restaurant 1052 Budapest, Aranykéz u. 2.

Telephone number +36 (1) 318-3943 Telephone number for reservations +36 (70) 250-9705 E-mail address singer.r@freemail.hu Website address www.commechezsoi.hu Number of seating places 30

Address of restaurant 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4.

Telephone number +36 (1) 219-0696 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 219-0696 E-mail address info@costes.hu Website address www.costes.hu Opening hours Wednesday–Sunday: 12:00–15:30, 18:30–24:00 Number of seating places 45

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Déryné

Mini Bistro & Bar

Bisztró

Buda’s oldest confectionery-café has been a legendary meeting place since 1914. We endeavour to preserve this special role in our bistro which was renovated in 2008, where we welcome our customers in summertime with a large terrace, and all year round with a classic bistro menu and homemade pastries. Those who long for a café-style breakfast need look no further, as our guests are welcome from half past seven. Our bistro is a restaurant, bakery, café, and every evening a bar with a bustling atmosphere in one, where thanks to the use of the highest quality ingredients and attentive service we always strive to stay a step ahead of our guests’ wishes.

Address of restaurant 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3.

Telephone number +36 (1) 225-1407 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 225-1407 E-mail address foglalas@cafederyne.hu Website address www.facebook.com/derynebisztro Opening hours Monday-Thursday 7:30–0:00, Friday 7:30–1:00, Saturday 9:00–1:00, Sunday 9:00–23:30 Number of seating places 100

We always welcome our guests in Buda’s smallest bistro with an excellent atmosphere, selected fi ne wines, bottled soda, portions for tasting, ambient live music every night, and a DJ. We remain true to our philosophy that a bistro is nothing more than a second home where guests are welcome at any time, whether at noon or at night, in the evening or in the afternoon. Our dishes and cocktails are prepared exclusively from selected quality ingredients. We welcome our customers with attentive and informal service in a friendly setting, regardless of whether the event in question is a business lunch, an afternoon chat with friends, or a fi ne dinner.

Address of restaurant 1013 Budapest, Roham u. 5.

Telephone number +36 (1) 225-3794 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 225-3794 E-mail address foglalas@cafederyne.hu Website address www.facebook.com/minibar Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–03:00 Number of seating places 60

Nobu Budapest Enjoy and explore Nobu Matsuhisa’s New Style Japanese cuisine in the fi rst CentralEuropean member of Nobu’s worldwide dining empire, where traditional Japanese techniques are redefi ned by South American flavours. Nobu Budapest welcomes guests with 80 seats including a private room and the sushi bar, while the Nobu Lounge Bar accommodates guests with a separate menu card and a wide Nobu Signature Cocktail selection.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8.

Telephone number +36 (1) 429-4242 Telephone number for reservations +36 (1) 429-4242 E-mail address reservation@noburestaurant.hu Website address www.noburestaurants.com Opening hours: Restaurant: Monday–Sunday 12:00–15:30, 18:00–23:45, Lounge Bar: Monday–Sunday 12:00–01:00 Number of seating places 80+50

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ristorante

Onyx Restaurant

Fausto’s

A rendezvous with tradition and evolution in the heart of Budapest. Since its opening in 2007, the Onyx Restaurant has been committed to quality and progress. At our Hungarian owned restaurant where we work with a house-trained team, the emphasis is on quality domestic ingredients and the appropriate Hungarian wine selection. The chef couple Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll offer a gastronomic journey which showcases international flavours and the renewed Hungarian cuisine. Proof that we are on the right track is the acknowledgement of the GaultMillau restaurant guide and being awarded a Michelin Star in 2011.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8.

Telephone number +36 (30) 508-0622 Telephone number for reservations +36 (30) 508-0622 E-mail address onyx@onyxrestaurant.hu Website address www.onyxrestaurant.hu Opening hours Tuesday–Friday 12:00–14:30, 18:30–23:00, Saturday 18:30–23:00 Number of seating places 55

Rickshaw Restaurant The Corinthia Hotel Budapest Rickshaw restaurant offers world class quality and fantastic gastronomic experiences reminiscent of the Far East in downtown Budapest. Our head chef Yang Zhi Jun dazzles the restaurant’s customers with traditional Chinese fl avours prepared exclusively with quality ingredients meeting the highest expectations.

The environment evocative of the enchanting atmosphere of the Far East endows lovers of Asian cuisine with an unrivalled, five-star culinary journey not to be missed.

Address of restaurant 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43–49.

Telephone number +36 (1) 479-4855, +36 (1) 479-4800 E-mail address cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com Website address www.corinthia.com Opening hours Tuesday–Saturday 18:00–23:00 Number of seating places 58

Restaurant Fausto’s welcomes guests with special Mediterranean and international dishes and a wide selection of Italian wines. The preparation and serving of a set of dishes is the result of group work. Our secret is love and respect for our work. We would like to convey good taste, harmony and sensation through our dishes.

Our kitchen works only with the highest quality and carefully selected fresh ingredients to make Italian meals.

Content and care are the two principles you can fi nd in every single dish we prepare and serve.

Address of restaurant 1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2.

Telephone number +36 (30) 589-1813 Telephone number for reservations +36 (30) 589-1813 E-mail address faustos@fausto.hu Website address www.fausto.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00, Saturday 18:00–23:00, Sunday Closed Number of seating places 50

LUXURY BUDAPEST

PRIVATE HOSPITAL

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NIGHTLIFE

Bustling nightlife

‘Budapest nightlife’ and the ‘Pest cabaret’ are legendary forms of entertainment and for a hundred years they have been the showcase of the daily life and mood of a nation that likes to have fun and of people that can smile whenever they want and are big-hearted (sometimes to an unhealthy degree).

During the fi rst half of the 20th century, a large part of the masterpieces of Hungarian literature were created in the cafés of Budapest and during the ‘20s and ‘30s Budapest clubs and variety shows were thought to be as superb as the ones in Paris.

20 years after the fall of communism the once sparkling Budapest nightlife is starting to “recover”. The citizens of Budapest love to go out during the weekend, sometimes even during the week. It is easy to fi nd a good place among the wide selection of cool jazz clubs, open-air music clubs and elegant cafés. The city has no dedicated entertainment quarter, but there are two areas with a high density of entertainment units: the one at Liszt Ferenc tér is elegant while the places in Ráday utca are perhaps a bit more casual. There are places for you even if you want to have fun till dawn as

in general there are no restrictions on the opening hours of places playing music. This means that the majority of clubs, bars and discos are open until late, sometimes even until the morning.

Nightlife in Budapest is colourful, friendly and caters for all tastes. For instance, the elderly can enjoy a night out in operetta and musical theatres and around these places. Those enjoying “alternative” culture can spend time in the so called “ruin pubs”. Ruin pubs are a special invention of Budapest; these are established in the yards of old and soon-to-be-demolished blocks of fl ats and are usually run for a year or two before the building is actually torn down. There is an increasing number of gay-friendly entertainment units, typically bars and discos. Some of them have regular “open days” when non-gay couples are welcome.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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NIGHTLIFE

Hallo Bar

Marilyn Club

The Marilyn Table Dancing Club is located close to the city centre of Budapest, near Ráday utca (street) and Váci utca (street). This 300 m 2 table dancing bar with an intimate athmosphere, is a 2-floor place of entertainment and open from 9 pm to 4 am. Relax and enjoy some 35 really beautiful table dancers of Budapest on 3 dance stages, who continously entertain the visitors.

VIII. district Baross utca 4.

Phone: +36 (1) 338-4243 Marilyn Table Dance Bar marilybar.com

Sweet Massage & Escort Agency

Excellent service and quality!

Free Entry  Don’t listen to unscrupulous taxi drivers.

We pay them no commission.  Call us, we’ll send you a taxi free!

All night programs – Live sex show – lesbian show – girls with candles – and so on…

Table dance – Served ice-cold drinks at acceptable prices (beer 2000 HUF, coke 1000 HUF)

Address: Budapest VII., Király u. 65.

Telephone: +36 (1) 322-4621 Opening hours: every day 21:00-05:00 www.hallobarbudapest.com

Special relaxation massage for body and mind.

Opening hours: 6 p.m. - 6 a.m. +36 (20) 478-7823 www.sweetsecret.hu H-1067 Budapest, Teréz krt. 47

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Columbus

Restaurant Boat on the Danube

Every metropolis has a few restaurants where breathtaking experience is not only caused by the creativity of the chef but also by the spectacular view of the city right from your table. One such restaurant is Columbus Boat anchored in the very heart of Budapest, between Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge, the section of the Danube bank offering the most beautiful panorama of the city.

During the winter, the large glass windows of the Santa Maria Hall, and during the rest of the year the panorama terraces offer a close look at the largest European river with the centuries old Buda Castle on the other side of the water.

The port side of the boat has a pub type restaurant with delicious Hungarian and international dishes made by the ambitious cook, R贸bert Tobai, author of a number of cookbooks and star of various television shows on gastronomy.

The unique environment offers much more than just culinary pleasures: on Friday nights there are vibrant salsa parties and for the rest of the week Columbus Club welcomes renowned Hungarian and foreign jazz musicians.

The event hall with its glass walls is a perfect location for various events, weddings, balls as well as company and family get-togethers.

Address:

Budapest, Vigad贸 t茅r, pier no. 4 www.columbuspub.hu Telephone: +36 (1) 266-9013 Opening hours: every day 12:00-24:00

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SIGHTSEEING

What do the stones of Budapest reveal?

A competent tourguide can tell many exciting, entertaining and informative stories about the city. And there is a lot to tell – Budapest has a history dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. The defensive post our capital held on the edge of Europe also left its marks on our capital. After defending its Western neighbours from the hordes of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, it was forced to capitulate and suffer long-term Ottoman occupation. From the 19 th century on, many of Budapest’s attractions show Austrian and French influences. However, the majority of buildings that

make Budapest one of Europe’s most beautiful cities were built in the last third of 19 th and the first part of the 20 th centuries during the great upheaval and in the wake of the cataclysm of the First World War. In the past 25 years, architecture has been about the triumph of modern architecture and the restoration of traditional values.

Saxa loquuntur – “Stones talk”, and their messages are waiting to be deciphered. You do not even need a tour guide, just hop on a bus and discover all the mysteries of Budapest.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Sightseeing in a different way Budapest has an endless supply of places worth visiting with new aspects to explore each and every day due to the city’s colourful events and newly opened places. To make it even more enjoyable, you can take your sightseeing tour in a special vehicle.

THE CITY FROM A DREAM CAR

LUXURY ON 4 WHEELS

Dream cars guarantee a nostalgic atmosphere. Visiting the sights of the city in convertible, exclusive trim level dream cars with the feeling of the early 20th century and space for 7 or 8 persons offers a memorable experience for children and adults alike. In addition to the routes specially planned for and adjusted to family, party, business or other special events and needs, these excursions also feature a driver.

The limousine fleet of dream cars like Lincoln, Mercedes, Hummer H2, Rolls Royce, Pink Lincoln Navigator and Pink Cadillac convertible provides a selection wide enough to allow everyone to pick the car that suits his or her mood, style or occasion. In addition to offering a comfortable way of visiting the sights of the Hungarian capital, these cars can make a wedding, a wedding proposal, a bachelor party, a birthday, a wedding anniversary or even a date really special. Each air-conditioned limousine features not only an on-board television, a minibar and subdued lighting but also a polite driver who opens the door for you, serves the champagne and receives driving directions from passengers over the on-board phone system. In addition, you can request an entertaining, live programme.

HOP ON HOP OFF The sightseeing cruise on the Danube offers a unique perspective of the sights of the city including the Parliament building, Margaret Island, the Buda Castle District, Matthias Church, the Citadel and Gellért Hill. This new Hop On Hop Off service allows passengers to hop off at any stop to explore any of the sights along the route on foot.The audio tour guide introduces the city in English and German but private tours are available in other languages as well.

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DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF BUDAPEST AND THE DANUBE BEND ON BOARD MAHART’S BOATS The wide selection of sailing options provided by MAHART PassNave Ltd. offer the perfect opportunity for Hungarian and foreign tourists ready to recharge themselves on the River Danube. With a number of programmes in the capital and the rides to discover the beauties of the Danube Bend, MAHART guarantees perfect relaxation for passengers trying to get some rest.

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If you only have a few hours to spend riding a boat on the Danube, our Evening cruise with music and dance is an excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking lights of Budapest by night. Live music and buffet catering creates an atmosphere to serve as the foundation for an unforgettable evening. Tasty Hungarian meals, fine wines and pleasant music awakens the desire in guests to enjoy the beauties and atmosphere of our capital a little longer and, if an opportunity presents itself, return to this place which they will never be able to forget.

During its pleasant and comfortable one-hour ride, our Duna Corso sightseeing cruise guides you from Margaret Bridge to Rákóczi Bridge and in 11 languages introduces you to the sights of the city along the river bank.

The unique feature of the ride is that it covers this distance 10-13 times a day, so it is really a perfect opportunity for those who would like to see the lights of Budapest by night.

Those ready to embark on longer voyages, MAHART PassNave has a range of boats to show you the exceptionally beautiful regions of Hungary. Pleasure trips by river boats and hydrofoils can take you to the beautiful Danube Bend, to the popular tourist destinations: Szentendre, Vác, Visegrád and Esztergom.

The hydrofoil rides between Budapest and Vienna are quite popular among passengers and offer a unique experience for all who wish to discover these cities in an unusual manner. The Sólyom class hydrofoils that resemble aircraft on water were refurbished in the spring of 2010 and provide 21st century comfort for passengers in a climate controlled, non-smoking environment with a modern audio system, an exclusive bar in the back section and a five-person VIP cabin equipped with a minibar. The route can be monitored via LCD monitors and GPS navigation systems, and passengers

Vigadó Square Ship Station Address 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér Telephone number +36 (1) 318-1223 +36 (1) 484-4013 Email address sales@mahartpassnave.hu Website address www.mahart.info

receive visual and audio information about the sights along the river in Hungarian, English and German.

Boat rental, so-called charter boats represent an important part of passenger traffic of MAHART PassNave Ltd. All vessels of the fleet (event boats, pleasure trip boats and hydrofoils) may be rented to accommodate the needs of passengers to the maximum and the employees of our company offer all possible help to ensure that our guests indeed return home with pleasant and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

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SEE BUDAPEST THE MOST EXCITING WAY

Budapest is one of the few cities in the world where you can enjoy the unique experience of sightseeing aboard an exceptional amphibious coach.

RiverRide is a special sightseeing coach, outfitted with two anchors, a horn, 160 metres of rope, life vests under each of the 45 seats; it is propelled by a jet engine and its driver is a licensed skipper...or, conversely, it is a boat that rolls along on six wheels, can slow down using disk brakes, features backup and break lights and its captain has a bus driver’s license.

First, enjoy the sights of Budapest from the comfortable seats of RiverRide, as we drive through busy streets; then experience the unforgettable moment when with a big splash our coach plunges into the Danube and sails downriver with you while

we pass the breathtaking World Heritage sites of this magnificent city. Following the water adventure, RiverRide climbs ashore, and you’ll find yourself once again in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Seeing Budapest from our RiverRide is a unique experience because you can enjoy the best of both worlds: visit important sights up-close and also see the big picture from the Danube without ever having to leave your seat. Our guide will explain what you see in both English and German.

The quality assurance audit is carried out by TÜV Rheinland and Lloyds Register and safety is supervised by National Transport Authority of Hungary.

RiverRide operates every day throughout the year; four times a day during the high season, and three times daily between November and March.

Office H-1054 Budapest, 5th district, Akadémia Str. 1.

Departure 5th district, Széchenyi Square 7/8 (ex. Roosevelt Sq.) For booking please contact: Telephone: +36 (1) 332-2555  Fax: +36 (1) 302-2768 E-mail: info@riverride.com For group booking (more than 15 people) please contact: Telephone: +36 (1) 354-3939  Fax: +36 (1) 302-2768 E-mail: info@riverride.com

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PRIVATE BOAT RIDE ON THE DANUBE

By Motor Boat or Yacht See Budapest from the Danube with your family and friends. Take a different view of our capital and the surrounding region on one of our boat rides.

Programmes  Szentendre round trip  Visegrádi boat ride  Esztergom tour  Active programmes for the lovers of water sports (water ski, tube...)  One of a kind business and personal events You can rent one of our boats that best suits the specific event and your needs.

Our fleet  Bowrider till 19 feet (5 person)  Cruiser till 28 feet (7 person)  Cruiser till 35 feet (9 person)  Luxury yacht 52 feet (11 person) Our water taxi boats can be viewed at the harbour by appointment.

Wiking Yacht Club www.vizitaxi.hu www.wiking.hu +36 (20) 466-7929 info@vizitaxi.hu

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OUTSIDE OF BUDAPEST

Sights in and outside of Budapest

Although a tourist can easily spend weeks enjoying the sights and programs the capital city alone offers, it is absolutely worth to visit some of the smaller towns around Budapest.

“Etyekwood” and the Royal Palace Gödöllő are only half an hour away from the city.

Gödöllő Not only the largest Baroque palace in Hungary, but the second largest collection of agricultural machinery and the fi rst “World Peace Gong” of Europe are also located in the town. It is quite relaxing to take a walk in the phenomenal parks and gardens of the town or to visit the statues of saints or the “World Tree”. The events organised by the town focus on key events of town history. For instance, the “Baroque Weekend” commemorates Maria Theresa's royal visit to the town. There are various thematic walks and paths set in accordance with the interests of tourists.

Since 2011 the Royal Waiting Hall at the Gödöllő railway station has been opened showing its original look.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Szentendre Those deciding to visit Szentendre will love its cobbled streets, museums, exhibition halls, pleasant restaurants, special events and the breathtaking Danube bank walk.

This small town has a Mediterranean atmosphere and is located on the Danube Bend; its village museum has the longest museum railway in Europe (more than 2 km in length). The Serbian Church Museum, which stores the relics of the Orthodox Church artwork in Hungary, and the Christmas Museum are both worth a visit.

Etyek This small community now has worldwide fame ever since a producer, Andrew G. Vajna and a businessman, Sándor Demján decided to build the Korda Studios here. Both Angelina Jolie and her husband, Brad Pitt shot films here in “Etyekwood”. The majority of the film The Pillars of the Earth (adapted from Ken Follett’s book of the same name) was also made here. It is recommended to take a walk in Etyek as there are some age-old houses with porches very similar to those our ancestors used. It is also a great idea to relax in the wineries after the long walk in the village and try a glass of their savoury wine. Theme wine and gastro tours are also worth trying. The hillsides full of vineyards, surrounded by some 30 wine cellars and old adobe houses give an unforgettable experience. The village which deserved the name ‘vineyard of Budapest’ is only a 15-minute drive from the capital city.

Rókusfalvy Cellar and Wine Terrace can seat up to 150 people who can enjoy the breathtaking panorama while tasting quality wines. It is an ideal venue for wine tasting and any other event.

A private chauffeur service is also offered for preferential fares for a safe and relaxing journey home.

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Royal Palace The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is situated only 30 minutes away from downtown Budapest and the Budapest Airport as well.

- Exhibitions - Concerts, theatre performances - A romantic park - Full service program organization - Events in a unique historical location (either a 2 persons gala lunch or a conference up to 500 persons) Phone +36 (28) 420-588 Fax +36 (28) 422-077 E-mail address informacio@kiralyikastely.hu Website address www.kiralyikastely.hu

GÖDÖLLÔ

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Rókusfalvy Fogadó

Address of restaurant 2091 Etyek, Alcsúti út 4.

Telephone number +36 (22) 597-097 E-mail address info@rokusfalvyfogado.hu Website address www.rokusfalvyfogado.hu Opening hours Tuesday–Saturday 12:00–22:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00, Monday closed Number of seating places 80+80

During the whole year gourmets are welcome in Rókusfaly Fogadó which offers quality wines of Rókusfalvy Cellar and specialties prepared by one of the best chéfs in Hungary. Rókusfalvy Fogadó is famous for its friendly atmosphere and anyone can fi nd their favourite dishes on the menu offering regional and seasonal specialties.

After the enjoyable dinner, our guests can have a rest in our 6 double rooms. There is a separated cigar room with a fi replace for smokers.

Rókusfalvy Fogadó is proud of being on the list of Hungary’s 50 top restaurants which proves our reputable position in domestic tourism.

ETYEK

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BAR CENTRO wine & time & coffee

Address of restaurant 2000 Szentendre, Péter Pál utca 2/B Telephone number +36 (70) 383-0383 E-mail address info@barcentro.hu Website address www.barcentro.hu Opening hours 08:00–23:00 Number of seating places 35

SZENTENDRE

A new direction in gastronomy and wine tasting!

Fabulous and authentic Szentendre house Wide range of Hungarian and International sparkling and still wines World-class Palinkas and Champagnes Memorable and exciting food Dining experience Relaxed atmosphere Friendly staff

Barcelona Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Address of restaurant 2000 Szentendre, Szerb utca 2.

Telephone number +36 (26) 950-791 E-mail address contact@barcelonabar.hu Website address www.barcelonabar.hu Opening hours every day 12:00–23:00 Number of seating places 40 + 45

SZENTENDRE

Barcelona Restaurant & Tapas Bar is a nice and cozy restaurant with a lovely courtyard for warmer days. A perfect combination of modern and traditional style, in the historic downtown of Szentendre - a small baroque city, only 10 minutes from Budapest.

Barcelona Restaurant awaits guests every day from 12.00 to 11.00 pm with friendly prices and a catalan cuisine with some contemporary touches from chef Mark Turton.

To reserve a table for our monthly gourmet menu, please contact us or check our website for details.

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SPORT

Playing Golf

Golf The premiere of golf in Hungary was organised by NOB-member (International Olympic Committee) Count Géza Andrássy, at the racecourse, in 1902. The fi rst golf course was built in Tátralomnic (1908–1909), and the fi rst tournament took place there, in 1909. The course’s builder was Dezső Lauber, a construction engineer and a well-known Hungarian all-round sportsman. Lauber was the secretary of MOB (Hungarian Olympic Committee) between 1906 and 1915, and he was the Hungarian golf champion many times. The Budapest Golf Club was founded in 1910, and was later renamed the Hungarian Golf Club.

Unfortunately, golf too became the subject of political discrimination in Hungary, being considered an undesirable sport between 1952 and 1970.

Agricultural engineer Dr Ferenc Gáti tried to accomplish the almost impossible after returning from a project abroad in 1974 – he started to organize the rebirth of Hungarian golf. In 1979, he founded the Blue Danube Golf Club, and started to build a course at Kisoroszi. Between 1982 and 1989 golf was a division of the Field Hockey Association!

Conditions were right for founding the Hungarian Golf Association by 1989. Since then, the fi rst indoor Golfi ssimo Indoor Golf centre of Budapest opened after a number of other golf clubs with outdoor golf courses.

The Junior National Team was formed in 2003. Team members have justified their training at international competitions, and 15 year-old Benjámin Palanszki participated in the Austrian BC-CA Open, a stage of the European Tour, as an amateur.

The Senior Golfers’ Association, formed in 1995, plays an important role in Hungarian golf. Apart from collecting Hungarian golfers together,

and organizing tournaments and championships, it participates in surrounding countries’ tournaments and organizes and participates in the German-Hungarian inter-country Team Championship as well as in the Monarchy Cup. The Association is a member of the European Senior Union, and is a regular participant in the European Senior Championship, and in the Masters’ Championship for the over-seventies. The courses – recognizing the importance of teaching – employ highly-trained professionals from abroad. They teach talented young golfers, and help introduce golf to more people. The Professional Hungarian Golf Association – founded in 2003, and integrated into the Country Association – produces the teachers and the professional golfers of the future.

It was vitally important to the development of Hungarian golf that a stage of the Ladies’ European Tour series be organized, at the Old Lake Golf Club course in Tata, in July 2004. The OTP Bank Ladies’ Central European Open is the leading professional ladies’ competition in Central and Eastern Europe.

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18-HOLE GOLF COURSES BIRDLAND GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 9740 Bükfürdő, Golf u. 4.

Telephone: +36 (94) 815-787 E-mail: golf@greenfieldhotel.net Website: www.birdland-resort.com BOYA EAGLES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 4287 Vámospércs, Boya Dőlő 17.

Telephone: +36 (30) 408-7271 E-mail: info@boya-eagles-golf.hu Website: www.boya-eagles-golf.hu EUROPEAN LAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 7532 Hencse, Kossuth L. u. 1–3.

Telephone: +36 (82) 481-245 Fax: +36 (82) 481-248 E-mail: info@europeanlakes.com Website: www.europeanlakes.com OLD LAKE GOLF CLUB 2890 Tata, Remeteségpuszta Pf. 127.

Telephone: +36 (34) 587-620 Fax: +36 (34) 587-621 E-mail: club@oldlakegolf.com Website: www.oldlakegolf.com

PANNONIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 8087 Alcsútdoboz-Máriavölgy Telephone: +36 (22) 594-200 Fax: +36 (22) 594-205 E-mail: info@golfclub.hu Website: www.pannonia-golf.hu PÓLUS PALACE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 2132 Göd, Kádár u. 49.

Telephone: +36 (27) 332-864 Fax: +36 (27) 332-864 E-mail: golf@poluspalace.hu Website: www.poluspalace.hu ROYAL BALATON GOLF & YACHT CLUB 8242 Balatonudvari Telephone: +36 (87) 549-200 Fax: +36 (87) 449-024 E-mail: royal@balatongolf.hu Website: www.balatongolf.hu HUNGARIAN GOLF FEDERATION 2024 Kisoroszi, Golfút 1.

Telephone: +36 (26) 592-020 Fax: +36 (26) 592-019 E-mail: recepcio@magyargolfclub.hu Website: www.magyargolfclub.hu

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SPORT

Baseball in Hungary The United State’s favourite sport is played daily in over 120 countries by nearly 100 million official players. It is also immensely popular with children around the world, who play it in empty spaces between blocks or simple soccer fields with cheap gear.

The Hungarian Baseball and Softball Federation was founded twenty years ago.

Today, the adult championship is played in three leagues with more than 20 teams.

From 2012, the kid’s championship will be arranged in close cooperation with Little League Baseball in three age groups. As part of a large-scale project, the Federation is planning to expand its network of contacts to both expats residing in Hungary, and Hungarian communities in the USA in 2012. Their mission is to get as many children involved in the sport as possible and to provide them with opportunities to participate in high school and college study programs and training camps.

More information: www.baseball.hu Chairman of the Federation: dr. Attila Vámos +36 (20) 943-4678 attila.vamos@baseball.hu attila.v

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Cricket in Hungary This popular British ball game is characterised by complex rules and the fundamental role of fair play. The fi rst cricket club in Hungary was founded in 2003 in Miskolc, followed by the establishment of the Hungarian Cricket Association in 2007. In 2010, Hungary’s fi rst cricket course was completed in Sződliget, where the Hungarian national team won the EuroT20 championship. Construction of the second course is in progress in Iszkaszentgyörgy, and it will hopefully bring similar victories for Hungary. hungary4cricket.com

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SPORT

Polo in Hungary

Although polo was fi rst invented over two thousand years ago by nomad warriors, it is only recently that it has become really popular all over the world. In Hungary, polo was introduced by Count Géza Andrássy in the 1880s. Memorable wins include the victory of the Hungarian national team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics where they beat the German team, considered to be Europe’s best, 16-6.

Furthermore, the team of the most successful officer’s club, Honvéd Polo Club won the European championship in 1938. At the time, outstanding players included Count István Bethlen and Miklós Horthy Jr. Today, there are several polo clubs in Hungary. The popularity of the sport is partly due to the events associated with the games. www.magyarpoloclub.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

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BUDAPEST MAP

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Essential Numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance Break-down service (Automobile club) Central emergency number Fire service Police TRAVELLING Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport Terminal 1 Terminal 2A Terminal 2B SkyCourt Flight information Information Lost and found Airportshuttle(minibus service) Seat reservations Railway stations Déli pályaudvar Keleti pályaudvar Nyugati pályaudvar International information Car rental Autorent Avis Budget Ciao Eurent Europcar Fox Auto Hertz Titan World Wide Taxi A-taxi Budapest Taxi City Taxi Főtaxi Rádió Taxi Taxi 2000 Taxi4 Taxi Plus Zóna Taxi Volán Taxi 6x6 Taxi Sightseeing Cityrama EUrama Program Centrum Limousines Frank Auto Limuzin Limousine Service Hungary Limo-King Magyarország StarLimo Hungary

104 188 112 105 107

+36 (1) 296-5965 +36 (1) 296-8108 +36 (1) 295-3480 +36 (1) 296-6421 +36 (1) 296-7000 +36 (1) 296-9696 +36 (1) 296-5966 +36 (1) 296-8555 +36 (1) 296-5959 +36 (1) 375-6593 +36 (1) 413-4610 +36 (1) 349-8503 +36 (40) 494-949 +36 (20) 555-1155 +36 (1) 318-4240 +36 (1) 214-0420 +36 (30) 943-6531 +36 (1) 204-4080 +36 (1) 421-8333 +36 (1) 382-9000 +36 (1) 296-0999 +36 (20) 992-2137 +36 (1) 302-0431 +36 (20) 934-4267 +36 (1) 433-3333 +36 (1) 211-1111 +36 (1) 222-2222 +36 (1) 777-7777 +36 (1) 200-0000 +36 (1) 444-4444 +36 (1) 333-3336 +36 (1) 365-5555 +36 (1) 433-3322 +36 (1) 666-6666 +36 (1) 302-4382 +36 (1) 327-6690 +36 (1) 317-7767 +36 (20) 319-3138 +36 (20) 319-3138 +36 (1) 220-6120 +36 (1) 788-0138 +36 (20) 433-8042

MEDICAL SERVICES Medical attendance (24 hours) Falck SOS Hungary Dentist (24 hours) SOS Dental Service Chemists on night duty Déli Gyógyszertár, XII., Alkotás u. 1/B. Teréz Patika, VI., Teréz krt. 41.

+36 (1) 355-4691 +36 (1) 311-4439

CULTURE Theatre ticket offices Ticket Express Customer service Ticket Portal

+36 (30) 303-0999 +36 (1) 302-2942

+36 (1) 200-0100 +36 (1) 267-9602

FINANCIAL SERVICES Lost/stolen credit cards Amex Visa BANKS AXA Budapest Bank CIB Bank Citibank Credigen Deutsche Bank Erste Bank FHB ING Bank KDB Bank K&H Bank MKB Bank OTP Bank Raiffeisen ban UniCredit Bank Volksbank Change bureaux Exclusive Change Western Union EMBASSIES Australia 1126 Budapest, Királyhágó tér 8–9.

Austria 1068 Budapest, Benczúr u. 16.

Arab Republic of Egypt 1016 Budapest, Bérc u. 16.

Belgium 1027 Budapest, Kapás u. 11–15.

Bulgaria 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 115.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1026 Budapest, Pasaréti u. 48.

China 1068 Budapest, Benczúr u. 15.

Canada 1121 Budapest, Zugligeti út 51–53.

Croatia 1065 Budapest, Munkácsy Mihály utca 15.

Cyprus 1051 Budapest, Dorottya u. 3.

Czech Republic 1064 Budapest, Rózsa u. 61.

Denmark 1122 Budapest, Határőr út 37.

Estonia 1062 Budapest, Lendvay u. 12.

Finland 1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 16/A France 1062 Budapest, Lendvay u. 27.

Federal Republic of Germany 1014 Budapest, Úri utca 64 66.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1051 Budapest, Harmincad u. 6.

Greece 1063 Budapest, Szegfű u. 3.

India 1025 Budapest, Búzavirág u. 14.

Ireland 1944 Budapest, Szabadság tér 7.

Italy 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 95.

Japan 1125 Budapest, Zalai út 7. +36 1 398 3100 Korea 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 109.

Lithuania 1054 Budapest, Kálmán Imre u. 1.

Malta 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 100.

Poland 1068 Budapest, Városligeti fasor 16.

Portugal 1126 Budapest, Alkotás u. 53.

Romania 1146 Budapest, Thököly út 72.

Russian Federation 1062 Budapest, Bajza u. 35.

Serbia and Montenegro 1068 Budapest, Dózsa György út 92/b.

Slovakia 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 22–24.

Slovenia 1025 Budapest, Cseppkő u. 68.

South Africa 1026 Budapest, Gárdonyi G. utca 17.

Spain 1027 Budapest,Kapás u. 11–15.

Sweden 1027 Budapest, Kapás utca 6–12.

Switzerland 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 107.

The Netherlands 1022 Budapest, Füge utca 5–7.

Kingdom of Norway 1051 Budapest, Ostrom u. 13.

Tunisia 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 24/A. Turkish 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 123.

Ukraine 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 77.

United States 1054 Budapest, Szabadság tér 12.

+36 (1) 235-4349 +36 (40) 333-666 +36 (40) 303-030 +36 (40) 477-777 +36 (40) 242-242 +36 (40) 248-424 +36 (1) 453-5111 +36 (1) 301-3700 +36 (40) 222-222 +36 (40) 344-344 +36 (40) 464-464 +36 (40) 532-532 +36 (1) 328-9000 +36 (1) 373-3333 +36 (40) 366-666 +36 (40) 484-848 +36 (40) 504-050 +36 (40) 414-243 +36 (1) 267-0578 +36 (80) 463-676 +36 (1) 457-9777 +36 (1) 479-7010 +36 (1) 381-0475 +36 (1) 457-9960 +36 (1) 322-0824 +36 (1) 212-0106 +36 (1) 413-2400 +36 (1) 392-3360 +36 (1) 354-1315 +36 (1) 266-1330 +36 (1) 351-0539 +36 (1) 487-9000 +36 (1) 354-2570 +36 (1) 279-2500 +36 (1) 374-1100 +36 (1) 488-3500 +36 (1) 266-2888 +36 (1) 413-2600 +36 (1) 325-7742 +36 (1) 301-4960 +36 (1) 460-6200 +36 (1) 351-1179 +36 (1) 475-1100 +36 (1) 354-3613 +36 (1) 413-8200 +36 (1) 201-7617 +36 (1) 384-0271 +36 (1) 332-4748 +36 (1) 322-9838 +36 (1) 460-9011 +36 (1) 438-5600 +36 (1) 392-0999 +36 (1) 202-4006 +36 (1) 460-6020 +36 (1) 460-7040 +36 (1) 336-6300 +36 (1) 212-9400 +36 (1) 336-1616 +36 (1) 344-5025 +36 (1) 422-4120 +36 (1) 475-4400

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LUXURY BUDAPEST 2012/1 SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS NIGHTLIFE

BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL’S BUDAPEST SPECIAL EDITION 2012/1

Fifth edition, 2012/1 © Editor Heléna Sándor Photos Fanni Botka, Attila Dubniczki, Balázs Herceg, Árpád Pintér, Zsolt Szigetváry, Vexton Kft. Advertising Dóra Horváth, Tamás Laczikó Circulation circulation@bbj.hu Publisher Tamás Botka Publishing director Vanda Taletovics-Vedres COO Balázs Román 1075 Budapest, Madách Imre út 13–14.  Tel: +36 (1) 398-0344  Fax: +36 (1) 398-0345 ISSN 2060-940X Circulation 15,000 Printing Absolut Print Kft.

If you like this book, you can order your own copy online at www.luxurybudapest.hu.

The book weighs 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg), so it could make your luggage heavy, but if you order it, it will arrive to your home as soon as you do.

Published by Absolut Media Zrt. 1075 Budapest, Madách Imre út 13–14. Hungary  Phone + 36 (1) 398-0344  www.amedia.hu Ask for your tailor-made corporate issue: www.luxurybudapest.hu

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