A suitable starting point is historic Buda with exceptional vantage points at Castle (Várhegy) and Gerhard's Hill (Gellérthegy). The latter rises between the Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) and the Freedom Bridge (Szabadság híd), and on top of it is the Citadel, a century and a half old stone fortress.
Next to it, in memory of the Soviet liberation of the city in 1945, a monument of freedom was erected. Since the heroine with a palm leaf in her hands became one of the unmistakable symbols of the city, she did not suffer the fate of other socialist statues, which were moved from public places to the outskirts of Budapest in the early 1990s, where today they can be seen for 600 forints under the common name of Szoborpark . Between the Castle Hill and the City Park (Városliget) stretches the so-called Cultural Avenue, along which many cultural institutions, cafes and shops line up, as well as the entertainment part of the park with an ice rink and a swimming pool (Széchenyi gyógyfürd??). The selection of attractions is made much easier by the handy Cultural Avenue brochure, which is available at tourist information centers. It's also a good idea to get Pestiest, a free weekly publication that informs visitors about movie schedules, important events and other interesting things, at the cinema, club or larger cafe. It is better to get a more extensive, classic guide to Budapest at home, as the quality of the translation of foreign language guides there is slightly questionable.
INTERESTING
In addition to the largest parliament on the continent, which is impossible to ignore when visiting Budapest, the city is also home to the largest active synagogue in Europe. An extensive collection of works by op-art pioneer Victor Vasarely is on display at his museum in Obuda, the oldest part of the city. Op-art, or optical art, creates various optical illusions with the deliberate use of (mainly geometric) shapes and colors on the picture surface. Probably in fear of possible photography, which is strictly prohibited, you will be watched by the watchful eye of the institution's guards the entire time you are viewing the exhibition. You will enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the Lumú - Ludwig Museum, where the works of Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Keith Haring and other giants of world art are exhibited. Lumú is part of the Palace of Arts, which impresses with its architecture alone, and among the events it organizes, classical and jazz concerts should be emphasized. Temporary exhibitions in museums and galleries are generally chargeable, while visiting the permanent collections is free.
CULINARY PAMPERING
Typical Hungarian dishes are quite consistent with clichéd notions and are more or less limited to paprika, pepper and onion in terms of spices. Otherwise, Hungarians eat huge amounts of meat, and they like to weigh everything down with copious amounts of sour cream. One of the specialties of their menu, the fruit soup, is only recommended if you also start your lunch with dessert. Fortunately, the Budapest catering offer is not limited only to local specialties. Wabi Sabi near the Western Railway Station (Nyugati) in addition to great food, also attracts with a mystical atmosphere, low tables and comfortable cushions instead of chairs (in addition to classic tables, of course). Halfway between the Elizabeth Bridge and the Freedom Bridge is a vegetarian paradise – Éden, an old bourgeois apartment converted into a first-class vegan restaurant. The largest salad bar offers Falafel, but if you find yourself on the Pest side of the Chain Bridge, you are only a few steps away from Govinda, where it is recommended to wrap up for lasagna.
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Former industrial buildings and inner courtyards of old houses are places where alternative cultural music events often find their place. Trafo - House of Contemporary Art was once a transformer station, which was revived by a French anarchist art group in the early 1990s after 40 years of isolation. Today it houses a gallery exhibiting the works of contemporary artists, as well as a venue for concerts and contemporary dance performances, as well as a daytime and nighttime bar. Szimpla kert on Kazinczy utca and West Balkan, which is tucked away on the road behind the luxurious Corvin cinema, are known for their imaginative interiors. Music and food are clearly inseparable concepts in Budapest, as most clubs are also restaurants.
MEMORIES
A doll in a national costume, a Rubik's cube, Tokaj wine, herbal unicum, chestnut puree, túró rudi (sweet curd covered with chocolate) and other typical souvenirs can be found everywhere. The shopper's mecca is Váci utca, an ever-busy part of the city center that stretches from Vörösmarty Square, whose main attraction is the Gerbeaud patisserie, to the central covered market (Vásárcsarnok). There are quite a few modern shopping centers, and in addition to shops, they also have cinemas, restaurants, fountains and benches where you can sit after walking for miles and enjoy a panoramic view of the consumer's paradise.
PLUS …
Stereotypes about temperamental Hungarians are not true. In general, the inhabitants of Budapest are a bit reserved, and in interpersonal relations they are extremely likable. One of the everyday greetings is chokolom, which means a kiss on the hand. In this way, a man greets a woman or a younger person greets an older one. Local people's devotion to literature and dogs can be seen especially in public passenger transport. You will always notice a person nearby who is holding either a book or a four-legged companion.
