The second route heads the Buda side and the Castle District over Chain Bridge. The UNESCO Committee awarded the title of World Heritage Site to the

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1 BUDAPEST GUIDE Welcome to Budapest I greet you as the head of an educational establishment which is old and new at the same time. The mission of Budapest Business School (BBS) is to domestically and internationally become both an attractive and leading institution of higher education in economic and social sciences and related areas in Hungarian and foreign languages, in undergraduate programmes, short-cycle professional courses, post-graduate degree and diploma programmes, lifelong learning and adult education. This information booklet was composed to welcome you to BBS. Éva Sándor-Kriszt Ph.D. Rector Hungary is a medium-sized country in the heart of Europe. Its total area is km² with a population of about 10 million. Hungary has been the member of NATO since 12 March 1999 and member of the European Union since 1 May Budapest - the capital of Hungary - often called the pearl of the Danube - is located in the central part of the country and divided by the river Danube into two parts with Buda on the right bank and Pest on the left. Pest is twice as big in territory and population as Buda. The number of inhabitants is nearly 1.8 million and about 18% of the population live in the capital city. The two parts used to be 2 separated units and in 1873 they were united together with Óbuda, the northern part of the right bank town. Pest is a flat area and a young city while Buda is hilly and has been the capital of Hungary since the 13 th century. Pest is considered to be the commercial, cultural and administrative centre of the city while Buda is mostly a residential area. The city consists of 23 districts and owns a busy airport called Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Terminal 1 is for low-cost flights (serves both Schengen and non- Schengen traffic), passengers arriving from or departing to Schengen countries will be served at Terminal 2A, whereas non-schengen traffic will be handled by Terminal 2B. There are other transport hubs such as the International Shipstation and 3 main railway stations (Western-Nyugati, Eastern-Keleti, Southern-Déli pályaudvar). Bus transportation within Hungary is provided by several bus stations (e.g. Népliget International Bus Station and some other coach terminals). Ten bridges connect Buda and Pest. Three major islands in the Danube are within Budapest: Csepel-, Margaret and the Hajógyári Islands. Budapest Airport is easily accessible by public transportation. Airport bus No. 200E carries passengers directly to Terminal 1 and 2 from the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station or vica versa. It runs frequently until midnight and again in the early hours from around 5am. A new passenger hall, named SkyCourt, in between terminals 2A and 2B welcomes travellers. 1

2 From the airport the bus No. 200E drives to the terminus of the metro line 3 "Kőbánya- Kispest". You can change to metro line 3 here, and reach the city centre (Deák Ferenc square) in about 20 minutes. Metro lines M1, M2 and M3 cross each other in this important traffic hub. Budapest Card can be used to take public transport free of charge in the capital! Budapest Transportation Company (BKV) tickets can be purchased at the airport post office (8am - 3pm), at newsagent's and from ticket vending machines at Terminals 1 and 2. The Budapest Card can be bought at tourist information offices (Budapestinfo Pont). Central information service at the airport: ; Flight information: Passengers can easily reach the city by the airport shuttle service (Mini bus). It runs 24 hours a day, microbuses for eight or ten people carry passengers between the airport and the city. More information: Car rentals: Car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) have offices in the arrival hall of the airport. Introduction of Budapest Business School Budapest Business School was established on 1 January 2000 when, as a result of a wide-ranging restructuring of the Hungarian Higher Education (HE) system, three large business colleges the College of Commerce, Catering and Tourism (CCCT), the College of International Management and Business (CIMB) and the College of Finance and Accountancy (CFA) merged to form one of the largest business schools in Hungary. The fusion of three independent HE institutions, each of which is proud of long-standing history and traditions of its own: for instance the earliest predecessor of the CCCT and the CFA was the Academy of Commerce of Pest - formed in In February 2011 the fourth college was founded, the Zalaegerszeg College of Business Administration. BBS is the largest business college in Hungary, about students are currently enrolled in different training programmes. BBS has had an impressive building in Markó street in central Budapest since December The imposing building houses some offices of the Rectorate and the College of Commerce, Catering and Tourism. Since 1999 the building has been protected as a part of our National Heritage. The building is easily accessible by all means of public transportation. The most prominent room in the building is the old Assembly Hall, known as the Lotz Hall which serves as the venue of the College for its celebrations and special events. The paintings decorating the walls are from Károly Lotz and Mór Than. On the ground floor of the building the multifunctional community space operates as scene of remarkable conferences, lectures and meetings. This hall was formed from an inner yard and the construction work finished in The project was supported by the European Union. In the first half of 2011 this building also functioned as one of the notable locations of events of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 2

3 Some points of interest that cannot be missed during your stay in Budapest To get to the Houses of Parliament walk out of the building of BBS turn left and go along János Bihari street, then turn right onto Alkotmány street. The neo-gothic building of Parliament is one of the most famous landmarks of Budapest. At the end of the 19 th century an international design competition for a permanent Parliament building for Hungary was held. The 3 rd prize winner building, now the Ministry of Rural Development, faces the Parliament, while the 2 nd prize winner building is situated next to the ministry and houses the Museum of Ethnography. The 1 st prize winner building is the building of Parliament. Construction from the winning plan was started in 1885 and the building was completed 20 years later. The Holy Crown is exhibited in the Dome Hall. The square where the building of Parliament can be found is called Kossuth Square. Tourists can visit it individually or in a group, but in the latter case they have to book the tickets in advance. (Guided tours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm, Sat 8:00am-4:00pm, Sun 8:00am- 2:00pm, ticket purchase and meeting point in front of Gate 10, the visit is free of charge for EU citizens upon proof of nationality). The Parliament reserves the right to cancel the tours without prior notice on special occasions, e.g. because of Parliamentary sessions, business or formal state events. People with disabilities can also visit the Parliament, but they have to register in advance. The length of the tour is ca minutes; guided tours are offered in Hungarian, English, German, French, Hebrew, Russian, Italian and Spanish. Tickets could be required only on the day of visit and are not available in advance. See for more detailed information on the tours. Liberty square is located in the 5 th district of Budapest. In this well-known district there are many downtown shops, department stores and Váci Street, the biggest walking and shopping area in Budapest, is also in the district. On the other hand the 5th district is the centre of political, financial and cultural life, many of the buildings here are bank centres, offices, ministries. One of the monumental eclectic buildings houses the National Bank of Hungary (visitor s center: Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm, Thu 9:00am-6:00pm). The monument in the centre of the square, the white obelisk, is the Soviet Army Memorial. Until 1990, there used to be several monuments like this in the capital commemorating the Russian Red Army. When the political system changed, the City Council removed all of them with the exception of this one. The monumental building on the right hand side symbolizes the power of money and prosperity. The construction of the Stock Exchange Palace was finished in The stock exchange was dissolved in 1948 and the building became state property then in 1955 it became the headquarters of the Hungarian Television. Saint Stephen s Cathedral (within walking distance of Liberty square) is the largest Roman Catholic church in the city and the third biggest one in the country. The monumental neo- Renaissance building was designed by two well-known masters of Hungarian architecture, József Hild and Miklós Ybl in the second half of the 19 th century. The 96 m high Dome is as high as the dome of the Parliament. The church is dedicated to Saint 3

4 Stephen, the first king of the Hungarian state. You can see the most precious treasure of Hungary, the mummified right fist of King Stephen. From 1 April to 31 October visitors can access the dome terrace by elevator where they can enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest. Church opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm, in winter 10:00am-4:00pm, closed to visitors due to weddings on Sat from noon and due to mass on Sun until 1:00pm; English guided tours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-11:00am and 2:00pm-3:30pm). From Deák square you can continue your journey to Andrássy Street, to Heroes Square by M1 metro or you may decide to go to the Castle District by bus 16 across Chain Bridge. Both routes are easily attainable by public transportation. The first route leads along Andrássy Avenue (accessible by M1 metro from Deák square) which was recognised as a World Heritage Site and is an iconic boulevard in Budapest. It connects the inner city with the City Park and Heroes Square with the Millenary Monument (can be reached by M1 metro to Heroes Square). This beautiful, two-and-a-half kilometre long avenue was constructed in the end of the 19 th century. The park, the Amusement Park, Budapest Zoo, Széchenyi Bath and the Circus are used for quiet enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. Since the capital had always been opposed to surface transport on this road, under the avenue the first underground railway in Continental Europe was constructed. Andrássy Avenue consists of three main parts: from Erzsébet square to Oktogon an urban-like part, from Oktogon to Kodály Circle is widened with an allée, with residential areas and universities, and from Kodály Circle to the City Park encompassed by gardens. On the sides of the Italian neo-renaissance style State Opera House (accessible by M1 metro to Opera) the statue of the most famous Hungarian composer and pianist Ferenc Liszt and the statue of the creator of the Hungarian national opera and the first director of the Opera House, Ferenc Erkel can be seen. The Opera House opened its gates to the public in Visitors may choose Hungarian, English, German or Spanish language tours offered in the building. If you would like to make a reservation for the tours advanced booking is required. (Guided tours: Mon-Sun 3:00pm and 4:00pm, Information: ). The Liszt Academy of Music is the flagship of Hungarian musical education and the most prestigious concert venue of Budapest. Its current building, the third in its history, is one of the most important Art Nouveau landmarks in the city. The main building on Ferenc Liszt square is closed for major reconstruction. During the reconstruction period Liszt Academy of Music is operating in five different premises. Expected reopening: October Situated at the entrance to the City Park Budapest's Heroes' Square stands in honour and memory of the great leaders in Hungary's history (accessible by M1 metro to Heroes Square). The centrepiece of the square is the Millennium Monument, built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest. Inside the niches of the two semi-circles that make up the monument you'll find statues of famous men of Hungarian history. 4

5 The second route heads the Buda side and the Castle District over Chain Bridge. The UNESCO Committee awarded the title of World Heritage Site to the right and left embankments of the Danube between bridges Margaret and Liberty, the Castle and Gellért Hill and to the Andrássy Street and the Heroes Square. The Danube is a very important river that flows through 8 countries and 4 capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. This is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga. The Danube is mentioned in the title of a famous waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss in The first permanent crossing point of the river is the Chain or Széchenyi Bridge. It was named after István Széchenyi - the outstanding personality of Hungarian history - who in the first half of the 19 th century contributed to the development of the city. The bridge is nicely illuminated at night providing a magnificent view for the people going for a stroll. The other crossing point on the right hand side is named Margaret Bridge (can be reached by bus 16 to Széchenyi (Roosevelt) square and then by tram 2 to Jászai Mari square). It connects Pest, Buda and the Margaret Island (approachable on foot). The Margaret Island park is beloved by the people of Budapest. It is 2.5 km long from one end to the other, and is great for taking walks. Entry by cars is forbidden except for a single bus line. Rising 48 meters above the Danube, the Castle Hill dominates the city. The Castle Hill can be divided into two parts: the Castle itself and the so-called Castle District. UNESCO listed Buda Castle District as a World Heritage site in It is worth having a pleasant walk in the charming streets of the Castle District and this is a popular option for experiencing Hungarian architecture. Buda Castle is the historical castle and former palace complex of the Hungarian kings. The Royal Palace (can be found in a walking distance from Matthias Church) was built in the 13 th century in Romanesque style, later on it was rebuilt and enlarged in Gothic style. In the 15 th century, during the reign of King Matthias, Buda became one of Europe s most influential Renaissance cities. The Turks invaded the Castle in the 16 th century, and ruled it until the end of the 17th century when the Austrian Habsburgs took back the hill and restored the buildings. The battles in ruined the place again. Reconstructions after the war in the Castle District took place and the Palace was repaired in neo-baroque style. The entire complex became a cultural centre with two museums and the National Széchényi Library. The decorative promenade terrace with towers is the Fisherman s Bastion (accessible by bus 16 from Deák square to Holy Trinity square). Matthias Church (open on Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sat 9:00am-12:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-5:00pm) is also called the Church of our Lady - referring to the Virgin Mary as the patron saint of Hungary. The coronation of Emperor Franz Josef, King of Hungary took place here in The last king of Hungary, Charles IV, was crowned in this church in

6 An overview of Budapest s bathing culture Budapest is one of the richest cities in the world in terms of thermal and spa waters. In total there are 123 medicinal springs within the boundaries of the capital. The bathing traditions are as old as the city itself. Of the illustrious baths that are opened all year round, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (accessible by M1 metro to Széchenyi thermal bath stop, is opened on Mon-Sun 6:00am-10:00pm) situated in the City Park, is one of Europe s largest and perhaps the most beautiful bath complexes. Many baths use the water of the springs on the Buda side of the Danube, the best-known of which is the Gellért Thermal Bath which was built in Art Nouveau style (accessible from Deák square by trams 47, 49 through Liberty bridge to St. Gellért square, is opened on Mon-Sun 6:00am-7:00pm). Things to do around Budapest Szentendre, the town of artists Szentendre is a little town at the gate of the Danube Bend in wonderful natural surroundings. Visitors are above all impressed by the art and culture of the settlement. The Mediterranean-style town has been the favourite dwelling place of writers, painters and sculptors for over a hundred years and houses different museums and galleries which are the home of the works of these artists. If you would like to have an insight into the Hungarian countryside life, it s worth taking a trip to the Szentendre Open Air Museum (situated in the suburbs of the town, accessible by suburban railway (HÉV) which runs from Budapest to Szentendre (40 min). From the HÉV station, take the local bus number 7 to Skanzen stop or a direct bus runs from station Budapest Madách square (at the pharmacy) to Skanzen on weekends at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 on schedule, Szentendre presents the folk architecture, cultural objects and traditions of Hungary's most characteristic regions. The town is accessible from Budapest by suburban railway from Batthyány Square (from 4 am to midnight). Price of the ticket: 305 HUF or by boat in the summer season between May and September every day except Monday. Gödöllő Gödöllő is situated in Pest county, 30 kilometres north-east from Budapest, in the valley of the Gödöllő Hills. The forests of the Gödöllő Hills have been hunting areas for noblemen and kings for centuries. The Grassalkovich Royal Palace was Elisabeth s (Sissi) - Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, wife of Franz Josef - favourite summer residence and is one of the most beautiful creations of the Hungarian Baroque architecture. Most of the events of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union were organised in the newly refurbished palace. From Budapest to Gödöllő you can take the Gödöllő suburban railway from Örs vezér square (between 4:00am and midnight). Price of the journey between Árpádföld and Gödöllő: 365 HUF. 6

7 Useful information and practical suggestions Being well-informed in Budapest The incredible beauty of Budapest and its numerous and diverse attractions and sights guarantee a great time and unforgettable memories. Compared to many other European cities, the Hungarian capital does not belong to the category of the most dangerous locations in terms of public safety. Taxi services If you are not familiar with the city, one of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. Do not simply hail a cab on the street, because the taxi driver may charge you with an extra fee. It is suggested to only give a call to a reliable taxi company (some of them are listed below). When you are ordering a taxi or seeking a restaurant or theatre it is recommended to make inquiries by phone (it is cheaper) or ask for the assistance and help of the hotel reception. In Budapest these vehicles are equipped with yellow licensed number plates and usually have a yellow Taxi sign on the roof. The list of fares should be visibly displayed on the back door of the cabs, on the right hand side. It should also be shown on the dashboard. The main taxi companies: Főtaxi: , City Taxi: , Tele 4 Taxi: , Tele 5 Taxi: , 6x6 Taxi: Public transportation Budapest takes pride in its well-developed public transportation network. Public transportation in Budapest is run by the Budapest Transportation Company (BKV). A single ticket costs 320 HUF and is valid for one uninterrupted trip without change on bus, tram, trolleybus and metro services on the whole length of the lines and on HÉV suburban railway within the administrative boundaries of Budapest. During the time of validity you can change lines within the metro and underground network (metro lines 1, 2 and 3). It does not entitle you for interruption of the trip or a return trip. On the metro lines the ticket has to be validated before starting your trip and on other vehicles immediately after boarding or after the vehicle has started. However, single tickets do not entitle you to change from the metro to surface vehicles or between surface lines! You can use them for 60 minutes after stamping. The ticket has to be presented and handed over for ticket inspector's request. It is not returnable. Anytime you take a new vehicle, you should validate another ticket. The price of a 10 Piece Discount Coupon Book is HUF. It contains 10 single tickets and can only be purchased in blocks. The tickets can be torn out from the block and used separately for travelling. The price of a short section metro ticket is 260 HUF and valid on the metro (M1, M2, M3) for one short trip up to 3 stops for 30 minutes after validation. Within time of validity you can change lines within the metro network (lines 1, 2 and 3) but it is valid only for 3 stops altogether (i.e. 3, 2+1 or 1+2 stops). Transfer tickets cost 490 HUF. Valid for one trip with one change on public transportation vehicles on the whole length of the lines but on HÉV suburban railway lines only within the administrative boundaries of Budapest. The ticket has to be validated twice when you start your trip at 7

8 one end and when you change at the other end, with the exception of changes between metro lines. Other options could be the Budapest 24-hour travel card for HUF or the Budapest 72-hour travel card for HUF. These are valid from the time of issuance or can be purchased in advance with a starting time (month, day, hour, minute) requested by the customer. The full price passes can be used only in a pass certificate with a photo, ID card is not sufficient. If you want to buy a full price pass first you have to bring a photo and any of the company s cashiers can issue the pass certificate. Passengers travelling without a valid ticket or pass are liable to a fine. The amount of the surcharge is on the spot HUF. Another possibility is the Budapest Card which is an excellent discount card for travelling in the city. It entitles you for unlimited number of journeys in all means of public transportation within its validity time and without ticket validation. It is available at main underground ticket offices, tourist information bureaus, hotels and at the airport. The card is available in three versions - for 24 hours it costs HUF, for 48 hours it costs HUF and for 72 hours HUF. It also provides you discounts at museums, restaurants, baths, sightseeing tours etc. For more information in English about timetables, ticket types, validation, prices, surcharge and the structure of the public transport system in Budapest please visit the company s website: Customer Service: 06 1 BKV INFO ( ) or search for information boards placed at ticket offices. Language and dialect Locals in Budapest speak Hungarian, one of the EU s official languages. While some restaurants will offer menus in English, not everyone speaks foreign languages. Here are some simple Hungarian phrases to start you off: Good morning. Jó reggelt kívánok. Good afternoon. Jó napot kívánok. Good evening. Jó estét kívánok. Good night. Jó éjszakát kívánok. Goodbye. Viszontlátásra. How are you? Hogy van? Nice to meet you. Örülök, hogy találkoztunk. What is your name? - Hogy hívják? Mi az Ön neve? My name is... - Az én nevem Do you speak English? - Beszél angolul? I do not speak Hungarian. - Nem beszélek magyarul. I do not understand. Nem értem. I am sorry. Sajnálom. I beg your pardon. Elnézést kérek. How do I get to...? - Hogyan jutok el...? How much does it cost? - Mennyibe kerül? Please. Kérem. Thank you. Köszönöm. Yes. Igen. No. Nem. Police Rendőrség Airport - Repülőtér Railway station - Pályaudvar Subway - Metró Hospital Kórház Post office - Posta V.A.T. ÁFA money exchange - pénzváltás credit card hitelkártya 8

9 ticket jegy stamp bélyeg medicine gyógyszer Banking and money exchange street, square, boulevard, bridge - utca, út, tér, körút, híd thermal bath, spa fürdő Always exchange money at a licensed currency exchange office! It is both risky and illegal to attempt exchange money on the street. Exchanges at the airport will charge commission to exchange your money. You can find ATMs all around the city. The majority of banks have 24-hour ATM s some of which can also exchange foreign currency. It is advisable to exchange your currency at exchange bureaus (they have more favourable rates than banks). It is important to know that all official currency exchange offices (such as travel agencies) determine the exchange rate on their own accord. Exchange rates must be visibly displayed at the place of exchange. Most banks in the city centre have machines which accept major credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard. Banks are usually opened from Monday to Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm, Friday 8:00am-3:00pm, but are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Most international credit cards are accepted in Budapest for shopping and currency withdrawals. It is suggested to keep records of currency exchange transactions until leaving the country. Credit cards All the most popular credit, debit and charge cards such as AMEX, Euro/Mastercard, VISA can be used in most of the banks and in ATM s to withdraw forints, and in most hotels, restaurants and in some shops for purchases. Signs are displayed at the entrance showing which cards are acceptable. It is useful if you have forint with you in shops and supermarkets to pay at the cashier. Coins: 5; 10; 20; 50; 100; 200. Bank notes: 500; 1000; 2 000; 5 000; ; In Hungary, the official currency is Hungarian Forint - HUF. In bigger shops one has the opportunity to pay by EUR but not by USD for purchases. Money exchange: Exclusive Change Ltd. its offices can be found in different points of the city, Goldchange Erzsébet krt. 8. (near Blaha square), Phone: Opened: Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Important Telephone Numbers Emergency call: 112 Ambulance service phone: 104 Police phone: 107 Fire emergency phone: 105 Directory inquiries (Budapest and Hungary) phone: 198 Directory inquiries (international) - both telephone and fax numbers, call services: 199 International dialling code of Hungary is: +36, Budapest: 1 International call from Hungary: 00 + country code + telephone number 9

10 Domestic long-distance call or cell phone: digit dialling code of the settlement or cell phone code + telephone number Pharmacies: Teréz Pharmacy is opened 0-24 every day (1067 Budapest, Teréz körút 41. near Oktogon stop of tram 4, 6; Phone: ), Országház Pharmacy (1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa utca 16, Phone: ), Szent István Pharmacy (1055 Budapest, Szent István körút 7, Phone: ). Post offices Post offices are opened Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. The two Head Post Offices next to Budapest s main railway stations are opened longer hours as follows: VI. Teréz krt. 51. (next to the Western (Nyugati) Railway Station): Mon-Sat 7am-9pm; VIII. Baross tér 11. (next to the Eastern (Keleti) Railway Station): Mon-Sat: 7am- 9pm, Sun: 8am-8pm. Public holidays The main public holidays, festivals and annual events in Budapest are: 1 January - New Year's Day; 15 March - National holiday marking the anniversary of the uprising and revolution against the Habsburgs in 1848; Easter Sunday and Monday: Easter is a movable holiday and is not fixed in the calendar; 1 May - Labour Day Celebrations; Whit Sunday and Whit Monday: movable holiday; 20 August St. Stephen's Day; 23 October - Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Uprising and the proclamation in 1989 of Hungary's democratic constitution; 1 November All Saints Day; 25 and 26 December - Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Recommended programmes in Budapest There are plenty of things to do in Budapest. This is a city rich in history and traditions that is sure to delight travellers who come to visit. There is a wide range of alternative tours such as Gastro Food and Wine tour, Retro tour, Art Nouveau in Budapest tour, World Heritage tour. The visitor could also find an outstanding selection of sightseeing tours by bus or by boat. Sightseeing tours Organised by Program Centrum Travel Agency Ltd: City Tour with live guide in English and in German (duration: 3-hour-long sightseeing tour by bus and one hour for the visit of the Parliament building, basic price: 40 EUR, price with BP card 30 EUR, departure from Erzsébet square every day at 11:00am except Mon and Sun, this program ends in front of the Parliament); Hop on hop off opened bus, (audio guide in 22 languages (in the bus), departure from Erzsébet square, lasts approx. 2 hours, prices: 24 EUR, with Budapest 10

11 card 22 EUR, stops in front of the Museum of Ethnography, ticket is valid for 24 hours and includes a free boat tour. Phone: , Organised by Cityrama Travel Agency: 3-hour sightseeing tour by bus (including a walk in the Castle and on Heroes Square), languages available: English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, departure each day at 10:00am and 2:30pm, price: 26 EUR. The price includes free pick-up service 30 minutes before the tour starts. Phone: , Another great activity that allows you to explore the city by boat includes the many lunch and dinner cruises on the Danube River. Boat trips: Duna Corso 1-hour sightseeing cruise with guiding; cruises with music and dance on board; night-time cruise with live music, dinner choice and dance on board (1056 Budapest, Vigadó square Dock 5, Phone: , ). Danube Bella daytime sightseeing cruise and Danube Legend evening sightseeing cruise (Legenda Ltd. Vigadó square Dock 7, Phone: , ). After exploring the attractions of Budapest, you might want to enjoy the traditional Hungarian cuisine. There is a great variety of settings, including casual sidewalk cafés or formal dining establishments. You cannot talk about Hungary without mentioning its masterful meals. Goulash, fish soup, chicken paprika, Hortobágy pancake, the sweet Somlói sponge cake and Dobos cake not to mention countless other well-known dishes - are all there waiting for the guests to taste during their stay in the Hungarian capital. Wine lovers can take pleasure in tasting a great assortment of Hungarian wines in any of the restaurants or wine tasting events and gastronomic festivals that take place in Budapest all around the year. The legendary Gerbeaud Café is in the heart of the city, can boast as ranking among the richest and most renowned traditional cafés in Hungary. Cafés: Gerbeaud Café and Confectioners (V. Vörösmarty tér 7, Phone: , New York Café (VII. Erzsébet körút 9-11, Phone: , In the evening, Budapest comes alive with a thriving nightlife. If you are looking for evening pastime activities, you can choose from fine arts, opera and theatre performances or enjoy the atmosphere of contemporary music halls and concerts. No matter what your age or interest, there is something for everyone to do in Budapest. Theatres and concert halls Comedy Theatre (accessible by tram 4 or 6 from Oktogon to Jászai Mari square, XIII. Szent István körút 14, Phone: , Madách Theatre (accessible by tram 4, 6 to Wesselényi street stop; VII. Erzsébet körút 29-33, Phone: , Thália Theatre (VI. Nagymező utca 22-24, Phone: ), Budapest Operetta Theatre (VI. Nagymező utca 19, Phone:

12 4866, Hungarian State Opera House (by M1 metro line, Opera stop; VI. Andrássy út 22, Phone: , Merlin International Theatre (approachable by bus 15 from Honvéd street to Szervita square stop then by a short walk along Városház street, V. Gerlóczy utca 4, Phone: , This theatre plays performances in foreign languages. Merlin presented the first English-speaking theatre performances in Hungary. Shopping, souvenirs The most popular souvenirs to bring home can be bought in the Great Market Hall (accessible by M3 metro to Kálvin square and then by trams 47 or 49 to Fővám square stop; IX. Vámház körút 1-3, Phone: ; Mon 6:00am-5:00pm, Tue-Fri 6:00am- 6:00pm, Sat 6:00am-2:00pm). In Váci Street the most famous shopping street of the capital - there are various designer boutiques and traditional Hungarian souvenir shops. Shopping centres e. g.: Westend City Center (located at the Nyugati square stop of the M3 metro line, VI. Váci út 1-3, Phone: ), Mammut Shopping Centre (located next to Széll Kálmán (Moszkva) square station of M2 metro line; II. Lövőház utca 2-6, Phone: ). Hungaricums: Herendi Brand Store (located near Deák square metro station, V. József nádor tér 11, Phone: , Hollóházi Brand Store (accessible via the M2 metro, VII. Rákóczi út 32, Phone: , Pick Brand Store (accessible via the M3 metro to Deák square stop, V. Városház utca 14, Phone: ), Zsolnay Brand Store (accessible by trams 2,4, and 6 to Jászai Mari square stop, XIII. Pozsonyi út 11, Phone: ), Folk Art Handicrafts (near Deák square, V. Régiposta utca 12, Phone: , original hand-made folk articles from all regions of Hungary), Folkart Centrum (accessible on foot from Vörösmarty square, V. Váci utca 58, Phone: , Map of the city centre of Budapest 12

13 13 Budapest Business School