Attractions in Budapest

Orientation

Budapest is a sprawling city of over 2m people. The focal point of the city is the Danube River, which bisects the city into two distinct parts: Buda and Pest. Residential Buda is on a small scale with the castle the focal point, built on the hills and high river terraces of the western side. Pest is the commercial lively part of town on a large, plain across to the east. The areas beyond the Nagykörút ('Big Ring Road') in Pest and west of Moskva tér in Buda are mostly residential or industrial and (with the exception of the Buda Hills and City Park) and of little interest to visitors. The airport at Ferihegy is 16km to the east of the city centre.

Sightseeing

The Castle District on Castle Hill is the main destination for visitors and contains many of Budapest's most important old stuff, not to mention great views of Pest across the Danube. City Park, or Városliget, in Pest's northeastern reaches, makes a welcome break from the inner-city area and incorporates many of Budapest's monuments and city zoo. Budapest rests on a network of warm thermal and cool mineral springs. As a result, communal bathhouses, pools and spas are common: try the Király baths along the Danube on the Buda bank. Finally, The Royal Palace houses the impressive Hungarian National Gallery, the Széchenyi National Library & the Budapest History Museum.

Nightlife

Budapest's nightlife has thrown aside the inhibitions of the communist era, and now offers great bars, clubs casinos and adult shows. They tend to come and go quickly - so always check with your Rep as the ones in your guidebook may no longer be open. The tourist board issues a monthly programme in English, and the local Budapest Sun has listings of the weekly events.