The Traveller's Destinations in Budapest

THE TRAVELLER'S

BUDA PEST

DESTINATIONS ISSUE

04 | JUNE 2023

A COMPREHENSIVE 2-DAY ITINERARY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TOURISM OFFICE OF BUDAPEST

BRITISH AIRWAYS COMPANION VOUCHER \\ GASTRONOMY + MANY MORE

EDITOR'S NOTES

ELEVATE YOURSELF Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, is a destination that captivates travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. From exploring the historic Castle District and iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building and Chain Bridge, to indulging in the city's famous thermal baths and savoring delicious Hungarian cuisine, Budapest offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler.

With a well-connected public transportation system and a reputation for safety, navigating the city and immersing oneself in its charm is made easy. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a captivating European city, Budapest promises an unforgettable travel adventure.

Ez az! Enjoy an enriching travel in BUDAPEST! RODRIGO MANAGING EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS 02

Editor's Notes

08

Where to stay

04

Intro

10

Itinerary

05

Best time to go

14

Coffee Break

06

The basics

19

Gastronomy

07

Getting around

79

Feature

BUDAPEST (BOO-DAHPESHT) IS EASTERN EUROPE'S GRANDEST GEM.

BEST TIME TO GO

best ? o g o t e tim

As Hungary's capital, and a favourite destination for weekenders and festival-goers, Budapest is famed for offering something to suit all tastes. A hotchpotch of classical and grungy, ancient and modern, historical and contemporary—you will, beyond any doubt, fall head over heels for this city.

Best time to visit: Spring (Late March-May) or Autumn (Late September-October) for pleasant weather and lower prices. Avoid August as it is the most crowded and the most expensive.

December for Christmas Markets.

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THE BASICS

Currency: Hungarian Forint (Ft) Language: Hungarian Budapest Franz Liszt Airport (BUD) is the main international hub of Budapest. BUS 200E is the Airport shuttle that will take you to Kobanya-Kispest metro station in 30min.

Fare: One way 350Ft While BUS 100E connects the airport directly to Deák Ferenc tér central metro station in 35min. Fare: One way 900Ft

pullers are walkable. And the city’s public transit system is also very efficient and convenient, albeit a tad run-down.

Fare: Buy the BUDAPEST CARD 48 hours for €33.

Check their website for more details here Card Perks: Unlimited use of all Public Transport, Free 2h guided tours for Buda and Pest, Free entrance to 7 main attractions, Discounted rates and entrance fees (over 60partners) Helpful Phrases Thank you : Köszönöm (ko-so-nom) Hello : Szia (si-ya) Yes : Igen (ee-gen) No : Nem Excuse me : Elnézést (el-neh-zesht) Cheers! : Egészségére (eh-ge-shey-ged-reh)

GETTING AROUND

Getting around: Most of Budapest’s crowd-

HOTEL H-1054 Kálmán Imre

BUDAPEST Hotel Parlament is located in a prime location in the centre of Budapest and

utca 19. hotel@parlamenthotel.hu

WHERE TO STAY

PARLAMENT

has been welcoming guests since 2006.

It is not far from several popular destinations including walking distance from The Houses of Parliament, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the banks of the River Danube. It is quite an interesting and quirky hotel with artdeco style, comfortable rooms and modern feel. The first thing you notice as you make your way is the interesting and quirky features of the art decor style fittings, with bright colours and gentle surprising curves, and mezzanine floor overlooking the restaurant/bar area. You can see all this before going into the elevator.

The double bed was very comfortable and gave us a wonderfully pleasant good night’s sleep. Around the room there were wall to ceiling windows with white drapes and blackout curtains adding that sense of extra space. There was a comfortable sofa and a small table with chairs which was a convenient for watching TV or to have a small snack of fruit from the fresh fruit bowl provided with the room.

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The hotel has a 24 hour concierge with staff who speak multiple languages. Our experience was that the staff were friendly, polite and really helpful if you had any questions about visiting any sites or locations.

Near to the reception desk is the business area – which we found quite handy as we needed to print some tickets and passes for our trips. There is also a conference room available for hire for business purposes.

For relaxation purposes – there is the wellness centre. Here we found the hotel jacuzzi area with Swedish Sauna. A plus about this was that there was free unlimited access available between 6am and 10pm.

#2DAYSIN BUDAPEST ITINERARY

A comprehensive travel itinerary

BUDA CASTLE

Do’s & Dont’s

Hungarian Palace

Do: Visit at least 1 Bathhouse; Go to the Ruin

Complex Let’s start with some staple Budapest.

Don’t: Exchange money at

Sitting on the southern part of the

the ‘orange’ offices;

Castle Hill—the nucleus of the city’s

Withdraw from Euronet

history—is Buda Castle. Built in the

ATMs

1200s, the castle has undergone many changes and had been rebuilt

So here are the amazing things you can do and see for

History Museum, as well as the National Széchenyi Library, and seasonal festivals.

Pubs; Eat Lángos; Drink homemade Pálinka

National Gallery, Budapest

multiple times, with the dome as its last add-on in the 1960s.

2 days in Budapest.

Nowadays, the palace serves as

Go around the complex and be overwhelmed by 8 centuries of history confined in its walls.

By Buda Castle Bus or a sporty hike up the river banks, are the 2 ways to reach Castle Hill.

Budapest’s cultural heart, where you can visit the Hungarian

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JUNE 2023

FISHERMAN’S BASTION For a Faux Medieval Castle

Entrance Fee: Lower parts are FREE. Upper towers 1000Ft and FREE admission from 8pm-9am.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is part of the famous Buda Castle, and prominent for its 7 turrets and

Opening hours: Open Daily.

spires. Don’t be fooled by its medieval look, as this part was only built in the late 19th century. And

Extra: St. Michael Chapel is a hidden chapel under

the main reason why tourists flock this Bastion is

the Bastion where you can watch a 3D show

because of its regal views as well as the plentiful

about Hungary’s history.

photo ops one could take.

Tip: Use your Budapest Card for a 10% discount.

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SHOES ON THE DANUBE For a Moving Memorial

After fancying the features of the Chain Bridge, saunter northwards just before the Parliament Building, and you’ll notice about 60 pairs of iron shoes. These shoes—trails of different styles and sizes—were sculpted in memory of WWII victims shot into the Danube. The tribute is one of many across Europe, constantly reminding us that war only brings death and suffering.

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THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 13 / ISSUE 04

SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE The First Permanent Link of Buda and Pest

Head down after taking hundreds of photos at the castle grounds, then cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach the bank of the Danube on the Pest side.

Named after Count István Széchenyi who proposed its construction after getting stuck on Pest despite his urgent wish to go to Vienna. In addition to its main purpose, the Chain Bridge has its fair share of history—its destruction in 1945 being the most notable one.

EXPLORE THE WORLD 2 DAYS AT A TIME

Regardless of its masculine structure (stone and suspension), the bridge is of elegant and sophisticated design. When you cross it, delight in all its small details, the Danube flowing underneath you, and the gorgeous panoramic view of Buda and Pest.

Tip: Take the Funicular for remarkable vistas on your way down to Chain Bridge.

www.thetravellersdestinations.com

JUNE 2023

COFFEE BREAK

CAFE PARISI LOTZ HALL For a Fanciful Coffee Break Recover from the melancholic memorial and the vastness of the Hungarian Parliament by sitting in Budapest's most sumptuous café. Situated in an old Casino turned Art Nouveau Department Store, Café Párisi has such a pristine setting you’ll feel like royalty enjoying high tea.

CAFE PARISI LOTZ HALL For a Fanciful Coffee Break Where else would you go for this plush experience? Their menu, served on special porcelains, offers everything you need for a cozy yet opulent coffee break. Take all the time you need here, ogle at the chandeliers, mirrors, and paintings while munching on your chosen cake.

Business hours: 9am-9pm. Open Daily.

Price: 1900-2500Ft

THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 16 / ISSUE 04

HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT FOR NEO-GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Walk a bit more towards the North and you’ll notice an imposing, symmetrical structure to your right. This is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. When the 3 cities united to form the present Budapest, the Hungarian Diet wanted a new building to express the sovereignty of the city as well as the nation.

The Parliament Building’s main façade look out onto Danube, creating a stately image.

Not only is it magnificent on the outside but also its interiors boast of equally grand designs and decor. You could spend hours appreciating every single furnishing, but don’t dawdle too long as you still have plenty to see and do!

JUNE 2023

SZÉCHENYI THERMAL BATH With

15

thermal

baths

rich

in

calcium,

magnesium, and other minerals, coupled with

The Largest Medicinal Bath in

temperatures reaching 40°C, this particular place

Europe

has been an all-time favorite of visitors. It is indeed

Move on to your next stop for further pampering.

Thanks to more than a hundred thermal springs in Budapest, its early occupants (the Romans and the Turkish) dimmed it wise to make proper use of these bath waters. Széchenyi is one such bath, the biggest and the most complicated among all its counterparts.

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a water wonderland, good for your health and joints.

Do: Bring your own swimwear; Play Chess on the water Business hours: 6am-10pm. Open Daily.

Price: Check here JUNE 2023

IPARMŰVÉSZETI MÚZEUM The World’s 3rd Oldest Applied Arts Museum

It’s safe to say that Budapest is an architecture-haven. You’ve had a sampling of several styles on your first day ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical. As for your 2nd day, you’ll be visiting the most extravagant Hungarian Art Nouveau building.

Built in the 1890s, with designs influenced by both western and eastern culture, the architect was able to create an impressive structure like no other.

Tip: Pay close attention to the porcelain roof tiles as they were manufactured by the same company providing tableware to Café Párisi.

By METRO: 1) Take M3; 2) Alight at CORVIN-NEGYED station; 3) Follow ÜLLŐI ÚT street westward.

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happy me, happy food!

For Hungarian Folk Food and Culture

Budapest Október 6. utca 16 1051 +36 1 796 3285

GASTRONOMY

urban betyar

Urban Betyar For Hungarian Folk Food and Culture

Food and tradition come together at Urban Betyár, a restaurant, museum and event venue in the heart of the city centre. In their endeavor to present Hungarian food in the most mouthwatering way, the place’ focal point is the dishes’ presentation. It is ambitious since Hungarian food is closely associated with the rustic, countryside.

But you’ll see, once inside the space is definitely inviting and feels modern, adorned with unique fixtures. You can definitely expect to be treated with famous Hungarian dishes with a refined twist.

By METRO: From the Applied Science Museum, Take M3; Alight at ARANY JÁNOS UTCA station; Follow ARANY JÁNOS street westward; Turn LEFT on OKTÓBER 6 street.

THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 11 / ISSUE 01

HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY HUNGARIAN ART IN ALL GENRES Lodged in Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery showcases local artwork from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. While the collection mainly features paintings, there are also a number of sculptures on display.

The Gallery could be another excuse for you to go back to Castle Hill, and a chance to retake some photos for your Instagram ;)

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SZIMPLA KERT For the Grungiest Bar Ever

Szimpla’s aesthetic is out of this world. The owners literally saved a ruined factory building from demolition and kept it as is. So when you

Located in the Jewish Quarter, with an obscure

use the loo, you’ll wonder if you’re in the right

entrance especially hard to locate in the dark,

place since everything is in a state of decrepitude.

Szimpla Kert is the king of ruin pubs. Its popularity

You could spend years reading the graffiti

led to numerous new ruin pubs popping up in

covering every centimeter of its walls. You could

Budapest. Originally started to offer cheap drinks

spend eons wondering what could the original

in a somewhat relaxed vibe, Szimpla has grown as

object a piece of ‘decoration’, or furniture have

a top tourist destination, drawing in a young

been—a bathtub being the easiest one to guess.

crowd.

Business hours: 12pm-4am. Open Daily

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FEATURE STORY

AMERICAN EXPRESS BRITISH AIRWAYS TRAVEL COMPANION VOUCHER: UNLOCKING BOUNDLESS TRAVEL POSSIBILITIES

MEET THE Rodrigo Monzon Managing Editor

Eunice Pabines Writer, Photographer

Clover Ngo Photographer

Adam Meakin Writer

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