Luxury Budapest 2012 teaser

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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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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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ALONG THE DANUBE BY BOAT AND TRAM

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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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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

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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

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Top Women’s Fashion 2

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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

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Top Men’s Fashion 2

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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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LIPÓTVÁROS

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP TOP SELECTION

Fragrance  www.lancome.com

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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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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

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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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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

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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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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.

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