Holidays in Budapest - what a tourist needs to know. Budget travel to Budapest: useful tips. Church of St. Anne

If you are planning independent travel in Budapest, waiting for you unforgettable trip! This city will pleasantly surprise and delight you with its cultural riches, architectural grandeur, excellent cuisine, unique atmosphere, and thermal springs... And so that your impressions of independent trip were pleasant, we collected useful information, which is worth knowing for tourists traveling to Budapest on their own. What should you consider when planning your trip? What should you pay attention to? How to optimally organize a trip to Budapest on your own? Look for answers in our article...

Budapest on your own: visa

A Schengen visa is required to visit Hungary. For short-term tourist and business trips, a category C visa is issued - as a rule, it is issued for a period of at least three months. The official Hungary visa service provider is currently Pony Express.

If renting an apartment in Budapest seems too exotic or inconvenient to you, then look for traditional hotels. Some of the hotels in Budapest are also spa centers and are equipped with baths. This is an ideal option for those who travel to Budapest not only for cultural and excursion holidays, but also for health procedures. The most famous of these hotels is, of course, the legendary Gellert. In addition, the spa hotel on Margaret Island is popular.

Well, for young, unpretentious and not burdened by wealth travelers who are ready to share a room with other neighbors, there are many hostels and guest houses .

Which area to stay in Budapest?

“A tourist’s dream” is the so-called “Inner City”, or the city of Leopold. Many of Budapest's attractions are concentrated there, and almost all places are easily accessible on foot.

The Erzsebetváros district is also convenient for tourists - it is also within walking distance from the most interesting places(St. Stephen's Basilica, Great Synagogue, Hungarian Opera, Heroes' Square, etc.), but accommodation is a little cheaper. Here is the famous Jewish Quarter of Budapest.

The three areas we have listed are on the Pest side, on the right, flat bank of the Danube. If you want to get into the spirit of ancient Buda, consider options on the legendary Castle Hill, or Buda Hill (Budavar district). This is a colorful area with rich history, located on the left bank of the Danube. From a practical point of view, it is less convenient than areas on the Pest side (on the right bank), because all the main train stations are located there, as well as a more developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay (shops, supermarkets, parking, a choice of cafes, transport - Pest “wins” in all these areas). However, Buda will captivate romantically minded independent travelers with its cozy atmosphere, ancient streets with medieval and Renaissance buildings and magnificent views of the flat Pest.

Currency and money exchange

Despite the fact that the country is a member of the EU, the “native” currency, the forint, is also in use here, along with the euro. You can exchange money at numerous exchange offices around the city. We do not recommend contacting an exchange office at the airport - the exchange rate there is far from the most favorable. However, you can find a way out! In the airport building, in the arrivals hall, there is a Spar supermarket - buy some small things like water there, pay in euros, and get change in forints at an acceptable rate.

Another tip - keep in mind that most exchange offices are closed on Sunday, and those that are open offer currency at a very unfavorable rate.

Transport in Budapest

How to get from the airport to Budapest

shuttleMiniBUD

These are minibuses for 8-10 people, somewhat reminiscent of minibuses. But they take each passenger to their destination (hotel, home). And although they try to unite passengers so as not to zigzag around the city, due to the need to deliver everyone to different addresses, the trip may be delayed. Especially if you have to travel the furthest. An undoubted advantage is the comparative (almost two times) cheapness compared to a standard taxi - a shuttle ride costs from 7 euros. You can book your trip in advance on the website (the service is only available in English or Hungarian).

Transfer Kiwi Taxi

Kiwi Taxi transfer is convenient for those who do not want to deal with the intricacies of public transport, but at the same time do not want to overpay taxi drivers working at the airport. In addition, booking services are available in Russian, which is especially important for tourists who do not speak English or Hungarian.

On the website you can select a taxi of the required class (from economy to premium), and even look for a suitable model. The cost of the trip is from € 32, depending on the size and class of the car. This option will be especially beneficial for those traveling with a small group - in this case, the cost of the trip is divided among all fellow travelers. .

Bus

From the airport to Budapest you can take buses 200E and 100E. They run from 4 am to night (200E - until 23.00, 100E - last flight to the airport at 00.30).

The 200E is valid for a travel pass; without it, the price of the trip is 350 forints. The driver's ticket will cost more - 450 forints.

The pass is not valid for 100E; the fare here is 900 forints. The driver sells the ticket. The best way to get there is to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, from where you can head in your own direction.

Walks around the city at night night transport with an owl emblem. At this time, in addition to a taxi, you can go to the airport by bus route 900. To get to the center, you will have to change trains near the Határ út metro station - take buses 914, 914A, 950 or 950A.

Car rent

If you plan to actively move around Hungary or plan to travel by car also in neighboring countries, You can rent a car. This can be done at the airport or in Budapest itself - whichever is more convenient for you. When booking a car in Hungary, it is convenient to choose from the offers of several car rental companies at once in order to be able to compare. To do this, you can use special car rental services, for example.

Electric train

Not the most convenient way to get from the airport to Budapest on your own. Suburban train departs from Ferihegy station, which still needs to be reached from Terminal 2 by bus. The train follows Western station Nyugati. About 100 trains pass per day. The fare is 370 forints, the same passes as for the bus are valid.

Public transport in Budapest

Public transport The capital of Hungary is very diverse and runs like clockwork. Timetable buses And trolleybuses hangs at every stop and is strictly observed. It is worth knowing that a stop in Hungarian sounds like meg’all’o (megallo) and is often indicated simply by the letter “M”, evoking an association with the metro. However, it is difficult to get confused here - each type of transport in Budapest has its own icon and is indicated by its own color: bus - blue, trolleybus - red, tram - yellow. Metro and water buses are marked with black and white logos.

This is interesting

Trolleybuses have numbers starting from 70. This is explained quite interestingly - in 1949, when the first Budapest tram was launched, Stalin’s 70th birthday was celebrated. In honor of this event, the first tram route was named, from which all subsequent routes began.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and must be validated upon boarding. You can also buy from the driver, but then it will be more expensive. A regular ticket is valid for 60 minutes, with a transfer – 90 minutes, and on the yellow metro line – 30 minutes. Be careful - there are vigilant inspectors on all lines, and the fines here are hefty.

Metro Budapest has only 4 lines, with most of the stations located on the low bank of the Danube - in Pest.

This is interesting

The Budapest metro is one of the oldest in the world and the oldest on the European continent (if you don’t count the dwarf Tunel in Istanbul)! In addition, this is the world's first electric-powered subway. So the Budapest “subway” is not just transport, but also an ancient landmark!

Buda Siklo Funicular

Climbing Mount Buda to the Buda Castle. It is small in height - only 95 meters, but it is the oldest operating funicular in the world. In addition, the views from it are wonderful.

Electric trains HEV

Suburban transport, which allows you to easily reach a distance of 20-50 km from the city. Within the city limits, a regular ticket is valid; when traveling outside the city, an additional ticket is purchased at the ticket office or from the conductor; its cost depends on the distance. With the HEV you can quickly reach such popular tourist towns as Szentendre, or the artists' village, Godolo, where the palace of Empress Sissi is located, and Rackeve with its beautiful Orthodox church.

Cog tram

It has number 60 and an additional rail in the middle, but not smooth, but jagged, which allows it to “climb” mountains. So it can be called a “climber” tram! It climbs up Buda Mountain, runs from 5 am to 11 pm with an interval of 20 minutes. on his final stop At the top of Széchenyi-hegy you can take another unusual transport - the children's railway - and continue your way up.

Toy railway

Narrow gauge railway, built in 1948-1950. Schoolchildren work on it, mastering railway specialties. It is considered the longest of its kind in the world railways where children work. When you get off at János-hegy station, you are within walking distance of top station cable car, with which you can go down.

Cable car (Libegő)

Climb Mount János for breathtaking views of Budapest.

Water bus

The choice of walks along the Danube in Budapest is very large. We recommend using by water buses related to public transport, or boat service, operating on four routes - D11, D12, D13 and D14. On weekdays you can ride them using your pass (if you have one) for free.

Travel cards

To save on transport, you can purchase travel tickets, for example, for one day - Budapest 24-hour travel card or for three days Budapest 72-hourtravelcard. You choose the start time for these tickets yourself. There are other options that can be checked at the box office. Do not forget that such a pass (including for a day) also gives you the right to travel on a cogwheel tram, as well as on water bus during weekdays.

Healthy

If you plan to actively use public transport during your independent trip to Budapest, you will need mobile app, where you can clarify routes and plan trips. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Tourist transport

Like any European capital, Budapest has several views excursion routes Hop On Hop Off. Buses run along the main attractions; with one ticket you can get on and off at any stop on the route and, after visiting the places, continue the trip on the next bus. The average ticket price is 18-25 euros (depending on the route, the ticket is taken for a day, two or three). Tickets are valid from the start of the first trip. There are many options, including: Giraffe Hop On Hop Off City Tour, City Sightseeing Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tours. Big Bus Tours, Hop On Hop Off Budapest.

How to eat and what to try in Budapest

Budapest delights tourists with delicious Hungarian cuisine, a large selection of dishes and rather large portions. Food is a separate page in a trip to Hungary, which is famous for its national cuisine. So, what is a must-try in Budapest?

You should definitely try the traditional hungarian goulash, which is more of a first course than a second course - real Hungarian goulash (more precisely, “guillas”) resembles a very thick soup.

Hungarian goulash

Another favorite soup among Hungarians is bean soup. Jókai soup, named after the 19th century novelist Mora Yokai, who was very fond of this dish. Also deserves attention pörkölt– a thick dish of stewed meat with paprika. If you prefer chicken, try it paprikash (Paprikás csirke). Also in Budapest you can taste the most popular Hungarian sausage - Salami Pick, or just buy it with you as a souvenir.

Don't forget to try Hungarian sweets too kürtőskalács– delicious pastries sprinkled with sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. For sweets we also recommend airy cake Rigo Jancsi, and of course Dobosh cake ( Dobostorta) – a true Hungarian classic. Another item on the culinary menu - marzipan, of which Hungary probably has more than anywhere else in the world. Not only is it eaten here, but entire museums are dedicated to it, such as the one in Szentendre, a picturesque town, a haven for painters, sculptors and other artists in the suburbs.

Among the alcoholic drinks in Budapest, you should try the world-famous Tokay wine. The prices are very affordable - decent wine costs from 5-10 euros. Another drink, which is also considered national, is a balm infused with herbs. Unique.

River walk with dinner: combine business with pleasure!

One of the most colorful and romantic ways to get acquainted with national Hungarian cuisine in Budapest is a walk along the Danube with dinner, accompanied by live music. This option is suitable for discerning and romantic travelers. You can book a walk with dinner.

Thrifty tourists can eat on their own, buying national Hungarian products in supermarkets or even markets. It should be noted that most grocery stores are open from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, on Saturday until lunch, and on Sunday most of them are closed. Hungry guests of the city can enjoy numerous cafes in Budapest, including many old ones. And here there is where to roam!

Interesting and unusual places in Budapest:

Cafe "Zhivago" (Café Zsivágó) famous for its hot chocolate. And here you will find a recreated atmosphere of an apartment from the times of Austria-Hungary with deep soft armchairs, round tables under carpet tablecloths, and Viennese chairs. Address: Paulay Ede u. 55.

Cafe New York (New York káveház). Considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. Located on the ground floor of a five-star hotel, it is quite expensive, but tourists tend to visit it at least to admire its interiors.

Famous cafe NY in Budapest

Ruin bars. They are located in Erzsebetváros, the Jewish quarter of Budapest. After World War II, this ancient area looked very deplorable. And in subsequent years it became increasingly dilapidated. This continued until, in the early 2000s, enterprising Budapest residents came up with the idea of ​​setting up bars right in abandoned buildings, making them unsightly and bad condition the main feature of the establishments. Bars appeared literally “among the ruins” and quickly gained such popularity that the area turned from run-down into one of the most fashionable. Today life here is literally in full swing, both at night and during the day - and local residents, and tourists bar-surf through the “ruin bars” of Budapest, moving from one to another.

The “pioneer” of ruin bars, Szimpla Kert, hosts a farmer’s market on Sundays – one of the most popular in Budapest.

Ruin bar in Budapest

Pastry shops in Budapest

The capital of Hungary is sometimes deservedly called the “city of sweet tooths”. To be here and not sit in one of the dozens of small cozy pastry shops is unforgivable.

One of the oldest, Ruszwurm Cukrászda on Buda Hill, near Matthias Church. They say that Empress Sisi herself, a famous sweet tooth, beauty and people's favorite, visited it. Address: Szentháromság u. 7.

Szamos Gourmet Ház- a confectionery house known throughout the country. There you will find a cafe, a chocolate boutique and even a chocolatier school, where you can learn how to make chocolate yourself. And at the entrance, all guests are greeted by a marzipan girl (it actually took 70 kg of marzipan), copied from the painting “The Chocolate Girl” by the artist Jean-Etienne Lyotard (18th century). Address: Vaci u. 1.

Another popular confectionery belongs to the same brand - Szamos Marcipan Cukraszda(address: Párizsi u. 3).

Sugar shop "Sugar!"

Sugar is literally everywhere here and in its many different forms. The shop is a real natural antidepressant; the imagination of its confectioners, who create their sugar masterpieces, is truly limitless. Sweet figurines from here can also be an excellent souvenir from Hungary. Address: Paulay Ede u. 48.

If you're looking for a wide selection of local Hungarian products, check out two popular markets in Budapest:

Central Market. The oldest, largest and most colorful market in the Hungarian capital. This is not only a paradise for gourmets, but also for souvenir lovers. You can eat in the cafe located on the second floor, or you can just have a snack literally on the go, buying sliced ​​sausage and fresh bread right next to it.

Feny utcai piac– the market on Fen Street, less touristy, and therefore not so expensive. And the choice here is no worse than at Central.

Sights of Budapest on your own

What to see

There are many interesting places in Budapest - for every taste! Admire the fantastic panoramic views and look into history at Mount Gellert. Take a walk around Castle Hill , breathing in the spirit of centuries-old history. Admire the majestic Royal Palace, look into the Gothic Matthias Temple, arrange a photo shoot in Fisherman's Bastion… All this awaits you on the Buda side, on the left bank of the Danube.

And on the opposite side, where Pest lies on the plain, there are grandiose Parliament, majestic basilica of st. Istvan, building Hungarian Opera, Freedom Square, Városliget Park, elegant Andrássy Avenue.… Here, in the Jewish quarter, is the largest in Europe Central Synagogue.

Looking for something different and less touristy? Take a stroll through the green, cozy Margaret Island. Or check out Memento park, where sculptural monuments of Hungary’s Soviet past are collected. Or admire the building Franz Liszt Academy- an art deco masterpiece.

Explore the city with a free offline guide foriPhone

You can find information about the main attractions of Budapest and plan your trip in the Travelry mobile application. Free with an offline map and GPS navigation will help you on your journey. And if you want an even deeper and more exciting exploration of the city, download ours and walk around the city with a personal guide who tells interesting stories about the city and at the same time fits in your pocket!

Currently mobile guide in Budapest is only available for iPhone, but an Android version is already in development.

Save with the Budapest Card

If you plan to actively visit the museums of Budapest, use public transport, organize a rich cultural program, then use tourist map The Budapest Card will help you save money. It gives you the right to use public transport for free, get two free walking tours, free visit to the Lukács Baths, many museums and galleries in Budapest. In addition, there are discounts on visiting many other popular places, including theaters, baths, cafes and restaurants. The card can be purchased for one day (€ 19), two (€ 29) or three (€ 37). Find more detailed information and you can purchase a card online on the official website or through the Ticketbar service.

What to do in Budapest on your own

Relax in the baths of Budapest

Visiting at least one is an indispensable task for any tourist, because the city literally stands on thermal springs. Among the most popular baths in Budapest are Széchenyi, Gellert, And Lukács. And at the foot of Mount Gellert there is an ancient colorful Turkish bath. Rudas, known since the 16th century (it has men's and women's days). You can also go to the bathhouse Veli Bey opposite the Lukacs Baths - it is rarely visited by tourists, and therefore looks more cozy and intimate.

Trip to Budapest

In the Middle Ages, travelers said: “Europe has three pearls that are definitely worth seeing: Venice - a city on the water, Florence - a city on the plain, and Budapest - a city in the mountains.” This statement is unlikely to be disputed even now. The charm of the Hungarian capital captivates from the very first days. Majestic palaces, beautiful cathedrals, romantic bridges and cozy old streets occupy a special place in the heart of everyone who has ever visited Budapest.

Having gotten to know this city better, you understand that the stunning architecture is only a worthy frame for the beauties that nature has awarded the capital. Budapest is famous for its healing springs, picturesque hills and the famous Danube River. People come here from all over the world to plunge into thermal baths, absorb the atmosphere of these places and enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine.

How to organize an independent trip to Budapest?

Planning a trip to Budapest is very easy if you use. Mark on it the places you would like to see, and then. After you log in using the same account as on the website, your travel plans are synchronized between the web version and your smartphone. For more information on how to conveniently prepare for a trip in this way,

Geographical position: Hungary is a country in Central Europe. It borders on the north with Slovakia, on the west with Austria, on the southwest on Slovenia and Croatia, on the south on Serbia, on the southeast and east on Romania and on the northeast on Ukraine. Administratively, the country is divided into 19 regions and the capital, which has a special status.

Climate:.The climate is moderate continental. Temperatures in winter are from 5 to –5 °C, in summer 25-35 °C.

Time: It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Capital: Budapest.

Language: Hungarian.

Population: The country's population is 10.1 million people. In terms of national composition, the vast majority of the population (over 90%) are Hungarians. The largest minorities: Roma (estimated at more than 500 thousand people), Germans, Slovaks, Croats, Romanians, Serbs.

Religion: Catholicism.

Flight time: flight is 2 hours 40 minutes to Budapest

Entry and exit rules: When exporting goods from Hungary, EU legislation applies. You can export the following from the country without duty: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter. alcohol or 2 l. wine per person over 18 years of age. The following items can be imported duty free: items for personal use, clothing and other items that meet the purpose and duration of the trip. Persons over 16 years of age are allowed to import 250 cigarettes, 50 cigarettes. cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 1 liter of strong liquor and 2 liters of wine. In addition to the above you can carry: 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks, 1 liter of wine, 5 liters of beer 500 pcs. cigarettes or 100 pcs. cigars, or 500 g of tobacco 1 kg each of coffee, tea, cocoa, spices (except ground red pepper) other products with a total value of a maximum of 270 thousand forints, including for individual cost categories: 10 products at a price of 5 thousand forints/ pcs., 5 products at a price of 20 thousand HUF/piece, 2 products at a price of 50 thousand HUF/piece, one product each costing more than 50 thousand HUF. Customs duty charged: For the transportation of products whose value exceeds the specified limits and which are considered a commercial quantity. The import of 350 thousand forints per person is allowed without restrictions on the denomination of banknotes. Convertible currency can be imported in unlimited quantities, but you can export currency without the appropriate certificate for no more than 100 thousand forints.

Money: Hungarian forint. To get an idea of ​​the cost of goods, you need to divide the amount in forints by 6, this will be the approximate equivalent of the cost in rubles. Exchange rate: 1 US dollar equals approximately 265 forints. Currency unit– forint (FUR) 1EURO ~ 310 FUR Most shops and hotels accept credit cards, traveler's checks; wide network of ATMs. Money should be exchanged in banks or exchange offices. Banks are open from 8-00 to 15-00 from Monday to Thursday, from 8-00 to 13-00 on Fridays. Currency exchange can only be done at official exchange offices, and a certificate of currency exchange must be kept until leaving the country. The Hungarian National Bank is open from Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 14:00, commercial banks - from Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 15:00, on Fridays from 08:00 to 13:00, on Saturdays all banks are closed. You can exchange currency in hotels 24 hours a day.

Transport: Public transport. This type of transport is well developed in Hungary. In addition to intercity trains, Hungary has a network of commuter trains. Every city in the country has trolleybus and bus routes. There are trams in Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc and Szeged. There are metro and commuter trains. In Hungary they are called NEU. Automobile transport. Speed ​​limits for cars are 60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on freeways.

Car rent: A car can be rented by a person over 21 years of age, officially residing in the country (for example, in a hotel), having an international driver’s license and, in the absence of a credit card, willing to leave 300 EURO as a deposit. Speed ​​limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on freeways. Flashing green is equivalent to yellow. In Budapest, traffic in the center is prohibited, and parking fines are high. At airports, at railway stations, and also in hotels there are companies offering car rental.

In Budapest:"AGO"/AVIS LLP, tel.: 261-36-95; "Americana Rent a car" LLP, tel.: 270-25-42, "Anselport Rent a car" TOO, tel.: 227-21-91, "Budapest Dollar" TOO, tel.: 317-21-34, TOO " Budget Hungary", tel.: 214-04-20,

Connection: International code Hungary - 36, Budapest code - 1, long-distance calls within the country - after 06. International calls from Hungary - 00, after the background long-distance dial tone, continuously dial the country and city codes, then the subscriber's phone number. If you need to call Moscow, dial 00 + 7 (Russia code) + 495 (Moscow code) + subscriber's phone number. There are two types of payphones: coin and card. The former accept 20- and 50-forint coins; for the latter, universal telephone cards can be purchased at the post office, newsstands and tobacco and souvenir kiosks "traffic". A phone call from any hotel will cost more.

Hotels: Everywhere - 220 volts. 50 Hz.

Kitchen: A distinctive feature of Hungarian cuisine is the diverse range of products used to prepare dishes. Among them, first of all meat products: pork, beef, veal, poultry (turkeys, geese, chickens); all kinds of vegetables: sweet, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, cabbage (kohlrabi, white cabbage, cauliflower); dairy products, fruits. Fish dishes are also very popular in Hungary. Dishes from Tissaia sterlet, Danube catfish, pike, carp, Balaton pike perch, the meat of which has a delicate and delicate taste, occupy an honorable place in Hungarian cuisine. It is impossible not to mention another product that is used to prepare many dishes - flour. Hungarian wheat has a high gluten content. This allowed Hungarian culinary specialists to create a wide range of flour products. Among them is pride national cuisine- “retesh” roll, made from very thinly rolled dough.

The shops: In Budapest grocery stores and shopping centers from Monday to Friday they are usually open from 07:00 to 19:00, on Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00. On Sundays, only some large supermarkets are open until 14:00.

Tips: In Hungarian restaurants, menu prices usually do not include service, so, as a rule, they tip 10% of the final amount. The same applies to hairdressers, beauty salons, taxis and other types of services.

Attractions/excursions: Hungary is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of the number of healing springs. The thermal waters of Hungary are very diverse. Each source is unique, has its own unique composition, temperature from +25 - +85C and, as a result, special specialization on a certain group of diseases. Mineral waters are used for therapeutic baths and bathing, as well as for drinking and inhalation. Budapest is rightfully considered the balneological capital: in the city itself there are more than thirty thermal baths, 10 of which are recognized as medicinal. Budapest is the only capital in the world that has the official status of a “resort city”. Today the city has 123 thermal baths and 400 mineral springs, most of which are hot. No less popular is the balneo resort of Lake Heviz. The lake is unique both in its size and in the chemical composition of its water. In Europe - the only one, but on the planet - the second. The area of ​​the lake is 4.7 hectares.

Features of staying in the country, personal safety, safety of health and property of tourists:
Recommendations: for drinking. All Hungarians drink water calmly from the tap. At the time of buying mineral water In the store, please note that water with a pink cap is not carbonated, with a green cap it is slightly carbonated, and with a blue cap it is carbonated.

We recommend storing jewelry, money and documents in the safe located in your room or in the safe at the reception. It is recommended to hand over your room key to the hotel reception. If you lose your key, please notify the hotel immediately.

Check out time at the hotel is 12.00. If you have not checked out your room before 12.00, the cost of the room is paid in full for the next day. Payment must be made on the day of departure from the hotel Additional services- minibar, telephone calls, ordering food and drinks in the room, etc.

First aid kit - before the trip, prepare and take with you a first aid kit, which will help you with minor ailments, save your time searching for medicines and eliminate the problems of communicating in a foreign language. In addition, many medications can different countries have different names.

Attention! Tourists are obliged to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, respect traditions, cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with laws may result in prosecution. It is necessary to exercise caution while traveling, follow personal safety rules, and monitor the safety of your property and documents. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and make a photocopy of your passport and visa. Read the insurance conditions specified in the insurance policy! It is recommended to pay for additional insurance taking into account the specifics of the trip.

Useful tips
If you are afraid of losing your passport, it is enough to have photocopies of the visa and photo pages with you, and keep the original in a safe place (for example, in a hotel safe). If you are arrested and taken to a police station, the first thing you should do is contact the consular service of the embassy. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the officer will charge you a fine and issue you a ticket. The same applies to speed violations. It is not customary to argue with a policeman; it will not lead to anything good. If you get lost, it is better to walk to the nearest intersection to determine which streets intersect there, and then look on the map. If you have been robbed, contact the nearest police station or simply the nearest police officer, and then the consulate. To prevent this from happening, you should not carry large sums of money with you and it is better to make photocopies of documents and carry them instead of originals, keep an eye on your wallet, video camera, camera, etc. If you have lost your passport, immediately contact the nearest police station, then call the consulate. If you have lost your credit card, notify the bank security service by phone, they will block your card so that no one can use it, and then the bank will send you a new one to the address you provide. Usually a new card arrives no earlier than a week later.

Trip to Budapest

In the Middle Ages, travelers said: “Europe has three pearls that are definitely worth seeing: Venice - a city on the water, Florence - a city on the plain, and Budapest - a city in the mountains.” This statement is unlikely to be disputed even now. The charm of the Hungarian capital captivates from the very first days. Majestic palaces, beautiful cathedrals, romantic bridges and cozy old streets occupy a special place in the heart of everyone who has ever visited Budapest.

Having gotten to know this city better, you understand that the stunning architecture is only a worthy frame for the beauties that nature has awarded the capital. Budapest is famous for its healing springs, picturesque hills and the famous Danube River. People come here from all over the world to plunge into thermal baths, absorb the atmosphere of these places and enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine.

How to organize an independent trip to Budapest?

Planning a trip to Budapest is easy with the interactive attractions map. Mark the places you would like to see on it, and then download the free Ever.Travel mobile app. After you log in using the same account as on the website, your travel plans are synchronized between the web version and your smartphone. For more information on how to conveniently prepare for a trip in this way,

A country where the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire coexists with ruin bars, European determination is complemented by Balkan openness, and cozy, peaceful Buda combines with bustling and wealthy Pest to form beautiful city on the Danube - Budapest. Majestic and democratic – that’s exactly what Hungary is. Why is it necessary to take a swimsuit to this country without a sea and why is goulash not the dish you think about? Look for answers in the material prepared Traveling. by together with specialists from the tour operator Mouzenidis Travel.

Seasoned travelers who have once visited Hungary are in heated debate on two issues. First: which city is more beautiful - Prague or Budapest. And most often Budapest wins. Second: which part of Budapest is better - Pest or still Buda. Two old towns, separated by the Danube, united quite recently - just under 150 years ago. But these lands saw the ancient Romans - it was the Romans who laid the foundation stones for the very first baths, having discovered thermal springs in these places. As history has shown, the Romans had an excellent instinct - today in Hungary more than one and a half thousand thermal springs are known, tourists from all over the world fly to the local healing waters of Lake Heviz, the resorts of Hajduszoboszló, Miskolc-Tapolca, Zalakaros, Tapolca, Sárvár took a place on the tourist Olympus as one of the best health resorts in Europe.

But one and a half thousand springs may seem like a joke in comparison with almost four thousand castles, very different, not similar to one another: neo-Gothic Brunswick, located at the foot of the Köszeg Alps, century-old Vajdahunyad... Plan on your trip to visit at least five Hungarian fortresses - and together with with them you will see that lovely provincial Hungary, which you can miss behind the stunning views of the Parliament from a boat on the Danube River, behind the museums and old streets of Budapest.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

There is a myth that it is difficult to find Hungarians mutual language. But its appearance can be explained not by the closed nature of people, but by the language barrier - the Hungarian language is considered one of the most difficult to learn, and not all residents of this country speak English. Although recently the situation has changed for the better - every fifth person speaks English. And if your new acquaintance speaks a foreign language well, then be sure that already in the second meeting he will invite you to visit, he will be open and sociable. Hungarians value everything related to family, they are loyal and reliable. If they start telling you about their family and showing you photos, this means that they trust you and allow you into their close circle.

Hungarians are not easy-going people, but they will still support you in your ideas, be happy to keep you company and take you to their favorite bathhouse or ruin bar.

Things to remember: Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages in Hungary are prohibited on the street, in in public places, including restaurants - for this you will face an impressive fine.

HOW TO GET TO HUNGARY

There is a direct flight from Belavia Airlines between Minsk and Budapest. The flight operates three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays. Travel time is 1 hour 45 minutes.

VISA TO HUNGARY

To visit Hungary, Belarusians need to apply for a Schengen visa. There will be no difficulties in obtaining it - the Hungarian Embassy is located in Minsk at st. Platonova, 1B, also deals with visa processing Visa Center Hungary at st. Zheleznodorozhnaya, 33.

7 things you must do in Budapest:

1. Ride tram number 2 along the Danube embankment, which is under UNESCO protection, and get off at the stop near the largest building in Hungary - the Parliament, built in a neo-Gothic style modeled on the Palace of Westminster),

2. Take a walk along Andrássy Avenue, appreciating its Art Nouveau architecture, and then dive into any courtyard and see a different Budapest,

3. Play chess with pensioners in the outdoor pool of the Széchenyi Bath. And then visit the baths “Rudas”, “Kiraj”, “Lukacs” and choose your favorite one,

4. Visit Szimpla - one of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest, which turns into a farmers market every Saturday morning,

5. Take a look at Memento Park, where after the departure of Soviet power all city monuments reminiscent of this historical period were moved,

6. Take a blanket, sandwiches and climb Gellert Hill, where you can see best view to Budapest,

7. Visit the Budapest Zoo - one of the oldest zoos in Europe.

SHOPPING AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE IN HUNGARY

Hungary is absolutely not a country where you should go to shopping centers. If you are in Hungary, go to the market! The best thing is to go to the Central Market of Budapest, which contains “three in one”: historical value as an architectural landmark, a market with all kinds of shops and shops on the first floor and a cafe on the second. Be sure to go up to the second floor for lunch - here you will be treated to dishes prepared from fresh products, just brought by farmers. Yes, the same ones who sell their products on the ground floor.

What should you buy in Hungary?

• rosemary oil,
• foie gras (Hungary has the right, along with France, to produce this delicacy using special technology),
• paprika,
• Tokay,
• fruit vodka "palinka"
• marzipan figures,
• herbal balm “Unicum”,
• Halash lace,
• Rubik's cube (a symbolic souvenir, because the Rubik's cube was invented in Hungary!).

If the markets do not satisfy your thirst for shopping, then you can go to the shopping centers of Budapest - West And City Center (more than 500 boutiques!), Mamut (more than 700 boutiques!) or Arkad (more than 700 boutiques!).

The national currency of Hungary is the Hungarian forint (HUF). Currency should be changed at special exchange offices. There is a small fee for the transaction.

HUNGARIAN CUISINE

Hungarian cuisine is spicy, hearty, with rich flavors and aromas. The favorite spice of Hungarian housewives is paprika - a sweetish red pepper seasoning with a noticeable bitterness. Housewives generously add it to lecho, paprikash, halasele soup (vaguely reminiscent of fish soup) and, of course, to goulash.

Hungarian goulash is the talk of the town among tourists, especially from post-Soviet countries. After all, many of us are accustomed to the fact that goulash is meat with gravy. But Hungarian goulash - remember! - This is soup and only soup. And you shouldn’t ask the waiter whether he served you the dish. Another dish that is prepared amazingly in Hungary is trout. It is grown here, in the mountain lakes of Hungary.

Gundel is considered one of the most famous restaurants in Budapest, but rest assured that you will be treated to excellent authentic cuisine in almost any Hungarian czarda.

The best fast food snack while walking through castles and museums will be lángos - flatbread with various fillings, most often with cheese. Try it different types V different places and choose your favorite. But they say that the owner of Retro Bufe near St. Stephen's Basilica prepares lángos conscientiously.

No dinner in Hungary is complete without wine from the Eger or Tokaj valleys. It was Tokaji wine that Louis XIV, a famous connoisseur of this noble drink, called “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” But don’t deny yourself the pleasure of tasting “Badacsony Riesling” or “Surkebarat”, “Keknyelu” or “Ottonell Muskotai”, and take home a bottle of “Medina” or “Cabarnet-Franc”. It is best to taste and buy wines directly at the vineyards - wine tours in Hungary are especially popular.

For dessert, treat yourself to chestnut paste with cream, and if you want something more classic, take a slice of Dabosch cake, a retesh roll or just strudel - the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, amazingly embodied in a slice of apple pie.

GUIDE TO CITIES AND RESORTS OF HUNGARY

Budapest

The only European resort capital, a city of baths and ruin bars, Budapest makes tourists fall in love with it at first sight. In this, the majestic Parliament building and St. Stephen's Basilica come to his aid, where you should definitely climb observation deck, bicentennial Chain Bridge, Royal Palace and Fisherman's Bastion. A control shot right in the heart - a night boat ride on the Danube, when the capital is reflected in the waters with all the lights, appearing before your amazed gaze in its very grandeur.

A special place in Budapest, in the very heart of it, is Margaret Island. Here you will find not only luxurious hotel complexes with thermal waters, but also an almost protected park where you can walk peacefully, enjoying the silence, solitude and beauty of nature. If you like long city walks, then you should choose one of the economical hotels in the center of Budapest.

• City Hotel Atlas 3*, breakfasts – from 420 EUR,
• Kings Hotel 3*, breakfasts – from 425 EUR,
• City Hotel Ring 3*, breakfasts – from 425 EUR,
• City Hotel Matyas 3*, breakfasts – from 455 EUR*.

BUDAPEST HOTELS

When choosing a hotel in Budapest, decide on your plans - do you want fun evenings among crowds of tourists or quiet walks near mountains and forests, in the fresh air? In the first case, you should choose accommodation in Pest, in the second - in Buda. In addition, hotels in Budapest can be divided into two categories: thermal and without thermal complex.

Promotion from the Mouzenidis Travel company!

Sightseeing tour of Budapest as a gift when booking accommodation in the following hotels (program “Eureka! Epochs and Treasures of Budapest”):

• Hungaria Hotel City Center 4*, breakfasts – from 470 EUR,
• Benczur 3*, breakfasts – from 488 EUR,
• Ibis Heroes Square 3*, breakfasts – from 492 EUR,
• Danubius HSR Helia 4* (with health and wellness complex), breakfasts – from 540 EUR,
• Mercure Budapest City Center 4*, breakfasts – from 565 EUR,
• Dabubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget 4* (the best health and wellness center in Europe with its own thermal spring), breakfasts – from 565 EUR*.

If you wish, you can order additional excursions and create excursion program along your unique route - the specialists of the Mouzenidis Travel company will help you with this.

Heviz

Heviz is a lake with healing water, around which a resort area, a small European town with clean streets and a measured pace of life. The water in Heviz warms up to +38 degrees in summer, and up to +22 in winter. There is no greater pleasure than on a frosty day from warm water watching steam swirling above its surface and snowflakes that do not have time to reach the lake, melting in the air.

Thanks to underground springs, the water in the lake is completely renewed within two days and there are practically no ailments that it cannot cure.

• Palace Hotel Heviz 4*, breakfasts – from 665 EUR,
• Hunguest Hotel Panorama 3*, breakfasts + dinners – from 740 EUR,
• Danubius Health Spa Resort Heviz 4*

*tour cost per person when staying in double room, 6 nights/7 days, flight included

Balaton

Lake Balaton is the largest in Central Europe freshwater lake, the banks of which are “overgrown” with small cozy resorts: Tapolca, Santod, Keszthely, Siofok, Fonyod... In some of them there are sanatoriums with mineral springs. Thanks to this, a holiday at Lake Balaton can be combined with health improvement. This is why Europeans love this resort lake so much - large families come here on vacation.

In summer, Balaton perfectly replaces the sea, which does not exist in Hungary: South coast equipped with sun loungers, those who wish can play beach volleyball, swim, or sunbathe.

Hajduszoboszlo

One of the most popular resort centers Hungary - Hajdúszoboszló won such love thanks to the warm healing water that rises from a depth of 1100 meters. You can safely go here with your children - the resort has the largest water park in Hungary.

In addition, the city hosts music and gastronomic festivals, there are a lot of attractions, and very close to national park"Khortobad steppe".

• Hunguest Hotel Hoforras 3*, breakfasts + dinners – from 507 EUR,
• Silver Hotel 4*+, breakfasts + dinners – from 615 EUR,
• Hunguest Hotel Apollo 4*, breakfasts + dinners – from 695 EUR,
• Aqua–Sol Hotel 4*, breakfasts + dinners – from 825 EUR*.

*tour price per person when staying in a double room, 6 nights/7 days, flights included.

ENTERTAINMENT IN HUNGARY

When warm waters You will have tried the baths, chosen your favorite wine, visited the castles, there will still be a lot of things left in Hungary that can interest you. The country loudly declared itself a few years ago international festival Sziget – today musical youth from all over the world flock to it. Hungary is growing every year interesting events– be it a gastronomic holiday or an art festival. But after a few days in the capital, you will definitely want something else, so your itinerary should include a visit to the Danube Bend in advance - a place where the river abruptly changes its direction; along the banks there are such picturesque towns as Esztergom, Szentendre or Vysehrad. And without visiting the vineyards of the Tokaj Valley, consider that you have not been to Hungary at all and have not tasted its best gifts.