Luxury Budapest 2011 by Business Publishing Services Kft.

S h o p p i n g

D i n i n g

S i g h t s e e i n g

A r t s

LUXURY

N i g h t l i f e

BUDAPEST 2011

F ine Selection The Budapest Business Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budapest special edition 2011

4990 Ft

d te

Miklós Varga Hungarian goldsmith-artist has been creating unique pieces of jewellery of silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured in his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces made in the special “cobweb technique” are internationally patented. The Hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewellery exhibitions several times and has become the supplier of a number of royal families around the world. the Varga JewelleryHouse is located in downtown Budapest at 6 Haris köz, opening from Váci street.

Varga Design Jewellery-House 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6. Telephone: +36-1 318-4089 www.vargadesign.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2011

Shopping Dining Sightseeing Arts Nightlife

Contents TOUR I. A historic sight in Buda The Buda Castle District

040

TOUR II. Favorite site for outing Gellért Hill and its surroundings

050

TOUR III. Caffe on the terrace Kecskeméti utca, Rádai utca, Kálvin tér

060

TOUR IV. The City of bridges Along the Danube by tram

066

TOUR V. The new face of riverbank A cultural walk

074

TOUR VI. Green spot in the heart of the City Margitsziget

078

TOUR VII. Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

082

TOUR VIII. Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

110

TOUR IX. Date under the clock A non-stop meeting point

122

TOUR X. Jumping in time Óbuda

128

TOUR XI. In the core of the City Lipótváros

136

TOUR XII. Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the Great Market Hall

146

TOUR XIII. The heart of Buda Buda and the Rózsadomb

162

TOUR XIV. Path of Tram No 6 Lord of the ring

168

Budapest 2011

Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Today, it is a European metropolis, tomorrow, the most competitive hub in the region, the day after tomorrow – given its unique natural, architectural and cultural qualities – the heart of Europe. Budapest is an ideal tourist destination, offering two thousand years of history, a rich and vibrant cultural life, a wealth of museal artworks, wonders of classic and modern architecture and many culinary delicacies. I am proud to recommend Budapest’s numerous cultural events, thermal springs or, if you are travelling for business, professional conference locations. In addition, 2011 is also the year of health tourism in Hungary. I hope you will have a chance to enjoy the services and wellness programs of baths and spa centres. We, the people of Budapest, love our city and I trust that from now on, you will love it too. Enjoy your stay here in Budapest! István Tarlós Mayor of Budapest

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2011

Shopping Dining Sightseeing Arts Nightlife

Contents History Facts about Hungary Higlights of Hungarian history Did you know that they are from Hungary? Famous Hungarians Hungaricum Evergreens Hungaricum Classics

014 016 018 032 033

Gastronomy Food Hungary: Vine Country In Vino Veritas Pálinka

034 036 038

Shopping Luxury in the City Shopping guide – Andrássy utca Shopping guide – Váci utca

096 098 158

Arts Contemporary art Art

142 144

Dining The New Gourmet Metropolis – Top 10 Restaurants Restaurant Guide - list Sunday Brunch Resturant Guide Nightlife Bustling nightlife

0172 0174 0176 0178 216

Sightseeing Festivals Classical buildings Modern buildings Churces Romantic places Baths Must see What do the stones of Budapest reveal?

020 022 024 026 027 028 030 220

Info Budapest map Prime numbers

230 231

BUDAPEST 1051

DOROTT YA U 3

+361 266 96 62

W W W.ESCADA.COM

About Budapest Greg Dorey, British Ambassador

Tamás Ungár, P resident of the Les Clefs d’Or Hungary Budapest is not only one of the great cities of Europe, but a city the residents also consider their favourite. They constantly try to prove their point to the growing number of foreign visitors arriving in Hungary. So how do we enchant people visiting our country? It could be Budapest’s fabulous panorama, a great location where the place’s ever-buzzing big city lifestyle is always ready to surprise. But besides all that, as President of the Les Clefs d’ Or Hungary, I tend to think and firmly believe that the high quality of our services and hotels, catering to all needs as they do, speaks for itself. The Les Clefs d’Or Association was first established in France with the goal of encouraging its members and hotel concierges around the globe to excel in their profession. In Hungary, the association was established in 1983 and aimed at setting up professional training, helping new entrants professionally as well as maintaining and building new relationships with international sister organisations. Due to ongoing communications with other associations, meeting European norms to the maximum and the quality of the association’s members themselves, I believe the service in large hotels here is just as impeccable as that enjoyed in London or Madrid. Look for our colleagues wearing the Golden Key on their lapels. Is there another city like this in Europe where you are offered a wide range of international dishes, drinks, quality wines and where each city district introduces the visitor to a different age, atmosphere and cultural and religious setting? Where else can the traveller lie down to sleep in historic buildings, the former dwelling places of kings and noblemen? Experience great Hungarian hospitality for yourself and have a memorable stay in Hungary.

“I first arrived here in April 1989, having driven out from the UK. The Danube flowing through central Budapest, past the Castle Hill (Vár), is one of the great sights of the world - to see that for the first time is such an exciting experience. We knew straight away that we were in a magical place.”

Andy Vajna, P roducer “When I first saw Budapest it was dark and grey - it was just like that. I had the feeling that the inhabitants had long departed for a better place and that I was here by chance. The buildings were lifeless, the streets without light. But that was many, many years ago.”

Csapó Gábor,

Honorary citizen of Budapest, Olympic champion, appeared 272 times on the national water polo team, coach, lawyer

“I was born and bred in Budapest. My first images of the city are Hűvösvölgy and Váci Street, because we lived in Hűvösvölgy, and the other end of the #56 bus line was at Vörösmarty Square, in front of the Gerbeaud coffee house. So I got to know the 2nd district and the Downtown area.”

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Facts about Hungary Location Hungary is located more or less in the centre of Europe, in the Carpathian Basin. It is bordered by Austria from the West, Slovakia from the North, the Ukraine from the North-East, Romania from the East and Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia from the South.

tourism

road travel

Hungary has a wealth of values that makes it a popular tourist destination world-wide. Its main tourist attractions are Budapest, Lake Balaton and its surroundings and the Danube Bend. The thermal water resources which are of internationally outstanding importance are one of the country’s most special features. After Iceland, Hungary has the second largest surface thermal water resources in the world. There are medicinal hot water springs in all regions of the country which feed numerous spas. Budapest is the only capital in the world to boast spas.

The largest part of Hungary’s passenger and freight transportation is done on public roads. Hungary has 1100 km of motorways. Toll charges must be paid in the form of motorway vignettes.

international airports Budapest-Ferihegy Airport Debrecen International Airport Győr-Pér Airport Pécs-Pogány Airport Sármellék International Airport

rail travel In Hungary, rail transport is the second most important transportation sector after road transport. The Infrastructure Business Unit of the Hungarian State Railways Private Limited Company (MÁV Zrt.) manages a significant part of Hungary’s railway infrastructure, except for the suburban railways and most narrow gauge railways, which are operated by Budapest Transport Limited (BKV Zrt.). The biggest railway stations are located in Budapest: the Western Railway Station, the Eastern Railway Station and the Southern Railway Station.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Capital Budapest Form of government republic Official language Hungarian Foundation of the Hungarian State 31 st December 1000 or 1 st January 1001 Accession to the EU 1 st May 2004 Territory 93 036 km² Population according to the 2009 census 10 020 000 Currency Hungarian forint (HUF) Major religious denominations Roman Catholic, Reformed, Protestant and Jewish Time zone CET (UTC+1) Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2) Internet TLD .hu International Vehicle Registration Code H International calling code +36

phone numbers Ambulance ..................................................................................................... 104 Police ............................................................................................................... 107 Fire service ..................................................................................................... 105 General enquiries ......................................................................................... 197 Domestic directory enquiries................................................................... 198 International directory enquiries............................................................ 199 Tourist Police (0-24)................................................................ +36-1-438-8080 24-hour pharmacy near Oktogon (Teréz krt 41.)..................+36-1-311-4439

public holidays

climate

1 st January New Year’s Day 15th March Memorial Day of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence against the Habsburg Monarchy Easter Monday Pentacost Monday 1 st May Whitsun Monday 20th August Day of the Foundation of the Hungarian State and St. Stephen’s day 23rd October Hungary commemorates the unsuccessful revolution against the Soviet communist regime in 1956 1 st November All Saints’ Day 25th-26th December Christmas

Hungary is between three climatic regions; its weather is affected by Eastern humid continental, Western oceanic and Southern-Southeastern Mediterranean influences. Average temperature in the winter: -10 to -4 °C In the summer: +25 to +35 °C

Public transport services operate on a different schedule than on weekdays so it’s best to check the timetables before your departure. Cafés, restaurants, smaller shops, and spas are open in places visited by tourists.

major rivers Danube: Hungarian stretch 417 km. Tisza: Hungarian stretch 584.9 km.

major lakes Lake Balaton, Lake Tisza, Lake Fertő – a lake divided between Austria and Hungary, Hungarian part: 75 km²- and Lake Velence.

page

History

Highlights of Hungarian history Attila, the hun Attila was the last and most powerful Emperor of the European Huns. In Western culture and tradition Attila is still known as “the whip of God” whose name has become entwined with barbarism and cruelty. This monarch, born in 406 A.D., ruled one of the largest empires of his age from 434 to his death. His empire stretched from Central Europe to the Black Sea and from the Danube to the Baltic Sea. He was a dreaded enemy of the Eastern as well as the Western Roman Empire.

matthias, the just Matthias Hunyadi (Kolozsvár, 23rd February 1443 – Vienna, 6th April 1490) was king of Hungary. He was known as Matthias Corvinus, Matthias the Just, and officially Matthias I, though colloquially, he was simply referred to as King Matthias (Mátyás király in Hungarian). In Latin and German, his name was Matthias Corvinus, and his name is signed as Matthias Rex. He was the ruler of Hungary between 1458 and 1490, (counter-) king of the Czechs from 1469 and prince of Austria from 1486. He was traditionally considered one of the greatest Hungarian kings, and his character has been commemorated in many folk tales and legends. During his rule, his courts in Buda and in Visegrád became centres of European Renaissance. His world-famous library containing the “Corvinas” boasted around 2000-2500 books.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

elizabeth, hungarian queen – sisi Elizabeth Amalie Eugenie, popularly called Sisi (Munich, 24th December 1837 – Genf, 10th September 1898) was empress of Austria, queen of Hungary, and wife of Franz Joseph. She was one of the most beautiful women of the period. Thanks to her personality and her attachment to Hungarian people she made great efforts – applying diplomatic tools as well as her feminine charms - to grant favours to Hungarians at the court in Vienna. She is still one of the most popular historical figures in Hungary. Generally she is seen as a tragic character struggling for freedom. She is remembered in street names, names of institutions and works of art: novels, films and plays. Pesterzsébet – one of the districts of Budapest – was also named after her, with this choice of name also being approved by the royal family. The lookout tower standing on János Hill, the highest point of Budapest also bears Sisi’s name.

saint stephen i, founder of the hungarian state

King (St.) Stephen I, (originally called Vajk; approx. 975, Esztergom – 15 th August 1038, Székesfehérvár or Esztergom-Szentkirály) was the first Christian king of Hungary. He subdued the Hungarian tribes of the Carpathian Basin partly by force and partly with peaceful methods, and suppressed the emerging riots. During his rule, he unified the Hungarian tribes and created a Christian Hungarian state expanding over the whole of the Carpathian Basin. His laws were the first in the thousand-year history of Hungarian legislation. He organised the Hungarian Christian Church and early academic life in Hungary is also attributable to him. On 20th August each year, Hungarians celebrate the canonization of Saint Stephen I.

the 1956 revolution The 1956 revolution – one of the most significant events of 20th century Hungarian history - was the uprising of Hungarian people against Stalinist dictatorship and their war of freedom against Soviet occupation. It began on the 23rd October 1956 as a peaceful demonstration starting off from the universities and ended in Csepel on the 11th November when the resistance of the armed revolutionaries was crushed. From January 1957 the participants of the revolution were imprisoned in great numbers and many were executed. In the decades following the suppression of the revolution, it was prohibited to talk about this period and it was officially regarded as a counter-revolution. Since the 23rd October 1989 two events have been celebrated on this day: the outbreak of the revolution in 1956 and the declaration of the Hungarian Republic in 1989.

page

History

Did you know that they are from hungary?

Famous Hungarians ernô rubik architect, toy designer, inventor, inventor of the Budapest, 13 July 1944 -

Rubik’s Cube

Several logic games are associated with his name, above all, the Magic Cube, which abroad became known as the Rubik’s Cube. Since its appearance in 1975, it has achieved unrivalled international popularity. The Magic Cube itself was actually designed as a tool suitable for the illustration of spatial movement. Later it turned out to be highly amusing as a toy as well. Other well known toys of his include Magic Domino, Sudoku Cube, and Rubik’s Clock, as well as the Rubik sphere released in 2009 under the name Rubik’s 360.

victor vasarely painter P écs, 9 April

1908 - Paris, 15 M arch 1997

Vasarely was born in Pécs in 1908 under the name Gyôzô Vásárhelyi. His childhood and youth were not spent in a manner at all customary of great painters. After completing secondary school, he turned toward medicine. However, under the influence of anatomy lessons, the creative compulsion in him was awakened, and he began private studies. Later he joined the Sándor Bortnyik led creative group better known as Bauhaus. When he emigrated to France in 1930, he already knew nearly everything about the field of abstract art. During these years, he was a painter and graphic artist. Around 1950, he embarked on the path of optical and kinetic examinations. Initially, he placed drawings prepared on various transparent materials on top of one another, followed by dual moving mechanisms prepared in white and black. He is considered the most significant representative of optical painting, otherwise known as “Op-art”.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

ferenc liszt composer, pianist

Doborja, 22 October 1811 – Bayreuth, 31 July 1886 Born in 1811, Ferenc Liszt was an extraordinary talented pianist, who, by the age of nine performed publicly in Sopron and Bratislava. Soon after, with the support of generous patrons, he was able to continue his studies as a student of Czerny and Salieri. In 1822, he debuted in the Austrian capital where, among others, Beethoven noticed him. This is where his first work appeared in print, and his career rose ascended continuously until his death in 1886.

lászló józsef bíró

ferenc puskás

inventor of the ballpoint pen

footballer, coach, captain of the

B udapest, 29 September 1899 – B uenos Aires, 24 November 1985 László Bíró designed the first ballpoint pen in Budapest in the 1930’s. He realised that the ink used for printing newspapers dried more quickly, and the paper remained dry and smudge free. As this viscous ink was not fluid, he fitted a tiny ball into the pen which led the ink to the pen tip. As the pen moved along the paper, the ball rotated, picking up the ink and leaving it on the paper. From 1940, after his emigration to Argentina, he experimented on his own, and his invention was patented in Argentina on 10 June 1943. The new writing tool – under the name Biro pen – spread quickly throughout the entire world. In English speaking countries to this day, it is commonly referred to as “Biro” or “Biro pen”. In Orwell’s works, it is referred to exclusively under this name.

imre kertész Nobel prize winning writer, literary translator B udapest, 9 November 1929 Of Jewish origin, Imre Kertész was deported to Auschwitz in 1944, and from there to Buchenwald where he was liberated in 1945. In 1975, his first novel Sorstalanság was published which is based on his experiences at Auschwitz and Buchenwald. From the 1980’s, more and more of his books have been translated into foreign languages, while abroad, more and more editions of his books are published and translated into many languages. He has become a popular and increasingly well known and recognised writer, especially in German speaking countries. Finally in 2002, his works published in German brought him the greatest recognition a writer can receive, the Nobel prize.

G olden Team B udapest, 1 April 1927 – B udapest, 17 November 2006 Ferenc Puskás is considered the greatest Hungarian football player of all time. Numerous great figures of the sport, for example Cruyff, Beckenbauer, and Di Stéfano held him in high esteem. Between 1945 and 1956 he played in 85 national team matches and scored 84 goals. He was a member and captain of the 1952 Olympic gold medal and 1954 World Championship silver medal Hungarian team. In 1956, he defected to Spain, and played successfully in the world-famous Real Madrid team over the course of an entire decade. He also played several times on the Spanish national team. On October 23, 1963 he also received a place in the Rest of the World team against England. He occupies a place among the greatest strikers not only in Hungary, but on an international level as well.

page

Sightseeing

Festivals 20th birthday of the Buda Castle Wine Festival Organised for the 20th time this past autumn, the annual Buda Castle Wine Festival is one of the most prestigious wine events in Central Europe where numerous professional and entertaining programmes are built around wine, this cultic product. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors meet the latest products and the producers of our wine industry and, equally important, learn about the basics of civilised wine consumption. The Buda Castle Wine Festival regularly has a foreign guest of honour and this is also the event where the winners of the big wine competitions organised at the time of the festival are announced. The well-known objective of the event is to present the best wines from Hungary and from various other parts of the world to the visitors. Consumers can personally meet winemakers to have a comparative basis for wine purchases and learn about new efforts and trends of the profession. In addition to wine, the Buda Castle Wine Festival always offers a wide selection of music and delicious dishes. Last year 200 viticulturists from 15 countries attended the event and close to 60 quality and entertaining cultural events guaranteed the right atmosphere. Guests could attend lectures of the “Wine University” or learn the basics of wine criticism. In addition, a charity wine auction, a harvest procession and a photo exhibition awaited those who attended the festival.

A Festival of museums The May Festival of Museums, which brings the community of Hungarian museums together, was first organised by the National Museum in 1996, with the intention of building a tradition. It is a festival held on a mid-May weekend at which Hungarian museums wish to use the opportunity of the limelight, a festival where they are all present to draw the public attention to the much-needed measures required to preserve national art treasures and cultural heritage. Of course, the May Festival combines both the values of past eras and modern spirit and creativity. The organisers of the festival would like to show that visiting museums and learning about cultural heritage is a form of entertainment first and foremost. This wide-ranging festival, which is unique in Europe, now has a dedicated and regular audience. In the National Museum’s garden, there are stage shows basically non-stop throughout the festival, and dozens of craftsmen offer their products. Also, the organisers present the ‘Museum of the Year’ and ‘The Most Visitor-Friendly Museum of the Year’ awards at the festival.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

A “Europe-sized” Cultural Festival The Budapest Spring Festival, the biggest and most important cultural event of the year, is well-known in every country worldwide. It will be held this year in the last two weeks of March in 50 to 60 locations in Budapest. The Festival will have around 200 programmes for domestic and foreign guests. In addition to classical and popular music performances, the Festival will also offer theatre shows, films, open-air programmes and other events typical at such festivals. This fantastic series of events, which was limited to Budapest when the first was held decades ago, has now become a nationwide festival and a lot of Hungarian towns hold a Spring Festival of their own. The Budapest Spring Festival was given the European Culture Award in 2005. In 2010, the Festival had 40 locations in Budapest and offered various intriguing programmes. The organisers have promised that everyone will find a programme to their taste as this large-scale festival will offer a perfect mixture of classic and modern art events.

The “island” This year will be the nineteenth year of the Sziget (Island) Festival, which is now one of the most important “all-styles” popular music festivals in Europe. It has been named after its location, the Óbuda Island of the Danube. Originally it was a gathering for students called the “Student Island”, but it has grown way beyond this size. In the first year it had 43,000 visitors while last year it had almost 400,000, a third of which were foreigners. It is scheduled for mid-August every year and it is in principle one week long. Due to the immense success, a Day 0 was added a few years ago and now it even has a Day -1. Both Hungarian stars and well-known international bands and performers love visiting the Island and playing there. There are additional side-projects to enhance the cultural profile of the festival. The Island has a cinema, several theatres and art events, and there is also a so-called “Civil Sziget” where NGOs can show the public what they do and the visitors can even get involved in their activities. The festival offers 1000 programmes and 60 locations to students and young adults from Europe and beyond. Mangalica Fesztivál February 5-7. Budapesti Tavaszi Fesztivál March 18.-April 3. Budapesti Tavaszi Bor és Jazzfesztivál April 3-5. Nemzetközi Titanic Filmfesztivál April 7-17. Budapest Nemzetközi Könyvfesztivál April 14-17. Budapest Táncfesztivál April 20-29. Budapesti Pálinkafesztivál May 5-8 Múzeumok Majálisa May 14-15. Duna Karnevál Nemzetközi Multikulturális Fesztivál June 10-19 BudaFest Nyári Zenei Fesztivál July 6-17. Sziget Fesztivál August 8-15. Zsidó nyári fesztivál August 30.-September 6. SzeptEmber Feszt September 3-5. Budavári Borfesztivál September 7-11. Budavári Pálinka- és Kolbászfesztivál October 6-9.

gastronomy culture/music gastronomy/music culture/movie culture/book culture/dance gastronomy culture culture/music culture/music culture/music culture/music/gastronomy music/gastronomy gastronomy gastronomy

page

Classical buildings

museum of applied arts From an architectural point of view, the last decade of the 19th century was a great, if not the greatest periods of the development of Budapest. 1896 was a year when several magnificent buildings, even avenues were built, including the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest. Established in 1872, this was Europe’s third applied arts museum after its sister institutions in London and Vienna. Ödön Lechner, the architect of this prominent Art Nouveau building, drew inspiration from Eastern, Western and Hungarian folk art. The ornamental ceramic tiles covering the exterior and interior of the building were manufactured by the world-famous Zsolnay plant. The Art Nouveau collection, contemporary Hungarian works, and the works of art from the treasury of the richest noble family, the Esterházys, are the highlights of the museum’s exhibitions.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

New york in budapest The New York Palace is one of the most characteristic and impressive buildings of Budapest’s Grand Boulevard. Even though around 3 million Hungarians immigrated to the USA at the time it was built, it was not named in honour of the great American city, but after the insurance company that commissioned it. The four-storey-high, eclectic palace was opened in 1894 along with its ground floor cafe, which became part of Hungarian cultural history owing to the literary and art tables and editorial offices that sprung up there in the early 1900s. As rumour has it, on the opening day, the keys of this truly pre-war Pest cafe were thrown into the river by a group of bohemians to keep the cafe open day and night. The building was purchased by the Italian Boscolo group in 2001. It was turned into a luxury hotel, which, along with the cafe restored to its former glory, opened in 2006.

the opera house In addition to Vigadó and the National Museum, the Opera House, the temple of Hungarian opera, dating back exactly 333 years, is the most prominent 19thcentury monument building in Budapest. The neo-Renaissance building that blends Renaissance and Baroque motifs in perfect harmony was built in the style of French opera instead of the widespread popular German style. The bulk of its frescos were painted by the great masters of history Károly Lotz, Bertalan Székely and Mór Than. Although each storey in the horseshoe-shaped, three-storey-high auditorium has a different design, the overall effect is perfect. The 1200-seat auditorium is also used for organising gala nights and presentations, the stage, banquet halls and salons for dinners and standing receptions.

vigadó concert hall Although Pest and Buda were two seperate units in terms of administration until 1872, technically they formed just one city. But even before the unification, Vigadó Concert Hall was considered the number one classical music facility and entertainment centre of our capital. Its predecessor was destroyed by the Austrian army’s cannon fire during the revolution of 1948-49, because the building housed the first independent House of Representatives. The new Vigadó, inaugurated in 1865, was built in the architectural style of Romanticism fused with unique Oriental motifs and caused quite a sensation at the time. It narrowly escaped destruction during World War I, and the restored Vigadó was finally reopened in 1980. It has a nearly 1000seat concert hall and a 220-seat theatre hall, and regularly hosts exhibitions and receptions.

page

Sightseeing

Modern buildings

A 21st century bank headquarters The headquarters of ING investment bank was built in 2004, right next to Városliget and opposite the famous time wheel and the former Felvonulási tér. It is certainly not your everyday office building. The headquarters that became a tourist attraction overnight was designed by Dutch architect Erick Van Egeraat, earning him a Budapest Award. Because of its stone, steel and glass exterior, surrounded by chrome-plated strips, and its outward tilting, concave and fragmanted facade, it matches the surrounding villas both in design and proportion. As the architect put it, it recalls the richness and complexity of historic facades in Budapest in the context of deconstructionism. It is also a great sight at night, when the lights hidden in the walls lend a luminous halo to the building.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

CET by the danube Prominent buildings in a European metropolis also need to have a spiritual quality. At the same time, a quarter located right by the Danube and close to the city centre is normally designed in cooperation by economists, historic preservation, tourism and marketing specialists. CET was conceived as a reflection of the CentralEuropean mindset and creativity. The building was created by linking two historic monument warehouse buildings together along a complex consisting of old mills, public slaughterhouses and Nagycsarnok on the Danube bank in Pest. The 20-metre-wide area is covered by a 160-metre-long steel and glass structure. In the building, there is a 1000-square metre event hall, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. CET has two meanings, it is an acronym of Central European Time, and a synonym in Hungarian for whale.

Palace of arts Millennium City Centre is part of the Danube bank project that also features on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is where one of Europe’s new cultural centers, the Palace of Arts is located. The spiritual predecessor of this mixed-function complex is the Vigadó Concert Hall in Pest, built some 130 years earlier, because they both feature the most varied artistic genres imaginable in one place. This architecturally extraordinary complex houses three facilities: the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Ludwig Museum and Fesztivál Theatre. Its unique design and 21 st technology makes it an ideal venue for even the grandest and high-standard performance, as demonstrated by the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence, also known as the Academy Award of architecture, which it won in 2006.

The temple of thalia With its entrance looming over an artificial pond, the National Theatre brings to mind a ship rocking gently on the waves. The interior of the theatre and its surroundings are also full of symbolic motifs. The National Theatre is not just a building, but a complex dedicated to theatre in every detail, with the surrounding statue park and buildings all a homage to great figures of Hungarian theatre and film. It extends beyond the boundaries of the traditional concept of theatrical architecture, where all the other genres of art are represented.

page

Sightseeing

Churches Dohány street synagogue The building for modern-time Jews of Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe (and the second largest one worldwide). This Romantic style building mixed with Byzantine and Moorish elements has 1492 seats for men and 1472 for women. At the time of its construction, its powerful oriental features, the colourful air bricks and the interior cast iron structure were considered new. The Dohány Street Synagogue is the only one in the world with a cemetary in its courtyard - due to the consequences of WWII. Next to the cemetery, a Holocaust Memorial Park was established where anyone can have the names of their deceased relatives inscribed on the monument, the metal leaves of the weeping willow. The synagogue also plays an active part in Budapest’s cultural life: it is a venue for classical concerts and different festivals.

Matthias Church Up in the castle, the Buda Castle Church of Our Lady is mostly known both in Hungary and abroad as Matthias Church. Its history is closely related to the history of the former residence of Hungarian kings, the Buda castle. According to reports, its foundations were laid by the founder of the state, King Saint Stephen, but the first material evidence dates back to 1247. Throughout history, it was continuously built and extended, and partly rebuilt after the Turkish occupation and the siege of 1944. This was where the last Hungarian kings were crowned, but today its role is simpler: it is the place of serious religious life, but also concerts and weddings. During the day, it is open for the tourists. From among the rich collection of the church, many objects can be viewed in exhibitions, including the museum of stonework remains, religious relics, coronation relics and goldsmith masterpieces of the treasury.

Saint stephen’s basilica In 1845, Hungary’s most famous architect of the time József Hild, was commissioned to design a huge domed church to match the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome or Les Invalides in Paris. Six years later, the foundation stone ways laid and the construction of the neo-classical building that Hild had envisaged began. The 96 metre tall dome of Budapest’s largest church can be seen from almost every spot of the city. The neo-classical building guards one of the most important relics of Hungarians: the mummified fist of King Saint Stephen, the so-called Holy Right Hand. The church, which was built in 59 years after starting in 1846, stands on an area of 86 × 55 metres: its inner dimensions have an impressive effect on visitors - its total capacity is 8,500 people. Its statues and paintings are masterpieces of the most eminent Hungarian artists of the time.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Romantic places On top of budapest At 527 metre, János Hill is the highest point in Budapest and a favourite walking spot even back in the 19th century. The most famous person to visit this spot was Queen Elizabeth, wife of Emperor Franz-Josef, in 1882. The Queen was so popular among Hungarians that they named the look-out tower, inaguarated in 1910, after her. In sunny weather, a walk from Normafa to here offers a splendid view, or you can also enjoy the panorama from one of the many terraces of the still smart-looking tower. From the 23.5 m high tower, renovated 5 years ago, you can even see the mountains that are some 77 kilometers away. Whether it’s an engagement ring or just a kiss, a bottle of Champagne in the cafe in the tower top cafe can turn it into an unforgettable memory for any woman.

Füvészkert If it wasn’t for Ferenc Molnár’s famous novel, The Boys of Pál Street, which was even turned into a movie in the US, not even locals would know about Füvészkert, this gem hidden deep in the heart of the city. Like a small oasis, the Botanical Garden of Eötvös Lóránd University, located in the inner city, offers a romantic treat for couples. The garden, designed as an English park, has been registered as a national nature reserve since 1960. Hiding among the palm houses and rock gardens, under the centuries-old maidenhair trees and evergreen ornamental trees you can enjoy the sweet scent of flowers and the explosion of colours. In addition, the squirrel reservation in Orczy Garden is just a couple of minutes’ walk from here.

the kissing hall Even though millions of people visit Margitsziget, and enjoy the panorama from up high not many people can boast of having seen the city and the bustle down below on the island from the water tower in Margitsziget, from this truly unique perspective. Margitsziget is a favourite meeting spot and hideout for lovers. From early spring to late fall, people can enjoy the intoxicating atmosphere and walk the hidden paths and clearings formed by the surrounding flora. The water tower is just a couple of steps from here. The top level is called the Kissing Hall after stolen kisses exchanged here by lovers. According to some modern-age superstition, whoever kisses his or her sweetheart standing within the blue circle on the floor will have a lasting relationship. Of course there is no guarantee, but one thing is certain: the place does have a romantic appeal for couples.

page

Sightseeing

Baths Even the romans came here to get well Budapest has an abundance of thermal springs along the geological fault-lines of the river Danube and even the Romans used to build thermal spas within the limits of the modern city. Out of the several spectacular thermal baths of Budapest, perhaps the most beautiiful is Rudas built around aTurkish spa founded in the 15th centry. The centre of the 450-year-old building is an octagonal bathing pool with a dome of 10 m in diameter above supported by 8 columns. This is the famous “apron spa”, which the ladies can visit on co-ed days and in swimsuits only. The water of the hot springs feeding the spa is a recommended cure for a number of painful illnesses including joint diseases, inflammation, protruded disc, neuralgia and calcipenic osteopathy. Rudas Spa now has a daytime hospital with a complete physiotherapeutic department.

Pools in the colonnade In 1934, Budapest earned the title “spa city”. Three years later, Gellért Thermal Baths became the headquarters of the International Balneological Society on the assumption “there can be no other city better suited for this”. The Art Nouveau Gellért Bath (and the hotel) opened in 1918. Between the two world wars, an indoor and an outdoor whirlpool were added. Its water is recommended for arthritis, spinal and disc problems, as well as for asthma or vascular diseases. Gellért, considered the most beautiful bath in Budapest and a favourite with foreign visitors, stayed open even during World War II even though the female section was nearly completely destroyed by a shell. The lido part is coeducational, the spa, however, has separate sections for men and women which, traditionally, can only be visited wearing aprons.

6,000 m 3 medicinal water per hour If it had not been for Vilmos Zsigmondy, a young Hungarian mining engineer specialising in artesian aquifers, we would not have Széchenyi Bath, one of Europe’s biggest spa complexes, built in 1913. Its water is supplied by Szent István well No. 2, which opened in 1938. A lido section was added to it in 1927. In the late 20th century, the pools were equipped with filtration and circulation equipment, and several modern spa services were introduced. The interior is decorated with various artworks including paintings and statues in the traditions of the area it was built in. Its water is recommended for arthritis as well as treatment after orthopaedic surgeries or accidents. The composition of the water is so similar to that of the Nile, that the hippopotamus pool in the nearby zoo is also supplied from here.

page

Sightseeing

Must See Memento Park The socialist era ended two decades ago and although the political parties will, for a long time not stop making references to the past, the man in the street - at least those who lived before 1989 - are beginning to forget. People do not visit the Statue Park located at the edge of Budapest for the pure pleasure of consternation, as is the case with the museum of Terror, but rather with a “Wow, d’ya remember this one?” attitude. Since under these mostly communist statues collected from all around the city and put here, most people used to play hide and seek in public parks in their childhood, or walked hand in hand with their love in their teen ages rather than looking upon them with fear. This “museum” is now a memento, but in 30 years’ time there won’t be a soul to tell the reason for gathering them here.

The Hungarian Soho If there exists such a thing as the Hungarian Soho, then it must be Ráday Street. In this street (and now also in its surroundings), only limitedly accessible by car, visitors can find a chain of cafés, bars, beer houses, shops, and art galleries among the terraces. But this fancy environment does not only offer an array of gastronomic delights (Hungary’s one and only restaurant awarded with a Michelin star can be found here), but also several festivals and artistic events for those who are interested in culture and who want to spend their free time in a nice environment. As always, various shops and service providers have settled near the bars and restaurants: from fancy-leather goods makers to furniture shops, and from haridressing salons to gyms. And what is best: no matter if you come here in the morning or the evening, it is always swarming with people.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

A Moving Lookout

The Zoo

Clark Ádám Square is a nice place on its own, with the lions of the Chain Bridge designed by Clark, the statue by Miklós Borsos standing in the middle of the square representing Hungary’s Zero kilometre stone (a reference point from which all road distances to Budapest are measured), and with the nice carriages of the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular climbing up the hill, but the sight when looking down from the climbing funicular is simply gorgeous. When built in 1870 it was not meant to be a sight, but just a practical means of transport; nevertheless, this is now the shortest way to the Buda castle. There were several plans to replace the funicular damaged during WWII, the craziest being the nightmare when in 1962 people wanted to build an escalator in its place. Finally, it was renovated in 1986. The steam engine was of course replaced by an electric one, and now a 95 m long railway with an inclination of 48 percent leads up to the palace of the Buda castle.

Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the whole world - it has been operating since 1866. In this old environment, there are more than 700 species of animals from the tropics, the temperate zone and the frigid zone, but visitors can also find more than two thousand botanical species in its neat parks and the Palm house. When it was founded, the stock of animals was obtained from several sources - most of them were received as a present: offered by country people and nobles, but even the emperors of that time, Franz Joseph and her spouse, Queen Elizabeth sent some rare animals from the Schönbrunn collection. During WWII, stray US bombs destroyed a part of the zoo, and the animals that survived were eaten by the starving population during the siege of Budapest. It was rebuilt in 1950 and has been developing ever since.

A Different World Not many European cities can take pride in such a large flee market as the one in Budapest. Although the second hand market nicknamed “Ecseri” by the locals is far away from the city centre, those who love the atmosphere of flee-markets will not be disappointed. When you enter through the gate, you arrive in a different world: a realm of antiques and treasures for a bargain price. As far as the eye can see, there is a commotion of “almost new” objects, and often kitchy or useless things. Are there any real treasures to be found here? For collectors, definitely! If you are lucky you can make a lucrative deal, but the lords of the market are hardened traders who generally know what their goods are worth. And should you find nothing interesting to buy, amongst the old books, worn-down toys and charcoal irons, you can have a warm lángos or a piece of strudel accompanied with a glass of hot wine.

page

History

Hungaricum Evergreens

Spooky history class Only a few of the residents of Budapest know about the network of tunnels and cellars approx. 10 km in length under the castle hill. For a while, it was even believed to be an urban legend that there had been a hospital under the Castle of Buda. The Hospital in the Rock was used as a bomb-shelter and a complex medical institution and even saw some military action. In 1956 the place was used as a hospital for the freedom fighters. Later it became a prison hospital and was listed as one of the atomic-bomb shelters during the Cold War. Most probably due to the underground environment, the exhibition at the Hospital in the Rock portraying some of the grim periods of the 20th century with contemporary objects and wax figures creates an unusually sad and spooky atmosphere.

Visiting the country in the cellar Wine and cellar: these two are inseparable in Hungarian gastronomy and viniculture because the optimum solution for aging wine in Hungary is to use cellars carved underground, often in rocks. To Hungarians, “authentic” wine drinking often means consuming the alcohol while in the cellar. Not far from the centre of Budapest, near Heroes’ Square, there is Borkápolna, a 500 m 2 wine tasting cellar remodelled from an old chapel. Here you can find close to 1100 different kinds of wine from all wine growing regions of the country. For tourists, probably the most interesting section of the offering is a selection of 45 wine-growers of the Tokaj region.

A bit of nostalgia Some 30 years ago Hungary was mocked as “the happiest barracks” of the Eastern Bloc, perhaps because we had some more liberties than other socialist countries. We had already heard of Levi’s jeans and Adidas shoes but only a select few had access to them. Our wise leaders decided to cut through the Gordian knot and Hungary began to produce jeans, sports shoes and similar products copying their Western counterparts. Generations had worn Tisza shoes, which could not have been too bad in terms of quality as the brand reappeared after the regime change. The latest customers of this brand now include the younger generation and not only those who feel nostalgic when they see the decade-old logo of the letter “T”.

In our ancestors’ style Budapest has a number of places to offer the tranquility of parks and large green areas. However, the best spot for the classic parkland experience is Margaret Island because of its beauty and its special services. One of these services is the one-of-a-kind, romantic and funny “bringóhintó”. Even though it looks like it’s from the beginning of the 20th century, it has been operating only for 25 years. The name comes from the combination of the Hungarian words for bicycle and carriage, which also explains its intended use: families and smaller groups of people ride this vehicle because cars are excluded from the island. So you are all set to relax and have a good time. Even though some electric powered units are also available, this “bringóhintó” is rented without a driver so it also gives you the chance to get some light physical exercise.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Unique wine “The wine of kings, the king of wines” – goes the saying. There is probably no place on earth where Tokaji aszú is unknown. This one-of-a-kind dessert wine is produced from the dry and normal grapes grown only under the climate of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region. The wine is made using centuries-old technology with late harvesting of the grapes being the key step. Legend has it that this practice originates in the 17th century when the harvest was often postponed to November due to frequent wars. The dried (“aszú”) grapes are hand-picked and their quantity determines how many butt (“puttony”) the wine has. The real greatness of Tokaji aszú is that with (or despite of?) its high sugar content it has high (and good quality) acidic and extract content so it can display the greatness and uniqueness of the terroir, yet it retains its fruity and fresh taste for years.

Hungaricum Classics The perfect bitters The Zwack bitters were first produced in 1790 from a secret recipe of one of the family’s ancestors who worked as a physician to Emperor Joseph of Habsburg. The story goes that the drink was named Unicum because upon tasting it, the Emperor exclaimed: “Dist ein Unicum”. Today Unicum is Hungary’s most popular distilled alcoholic beverage and is virtually available in any restaurant. In the 19th century, in recognition of the stomach healing power of the drink, the Red Cross permitted the family to use the international logo on the bottles. That is from where the modern trademark, the golden cross on red background evolved. Unicum conquered Europe and is now expanding overseas: in 2010 a number of Internet ad campaigns have appeared on U.S. websites.

Eternal beauty A synonym for timeless beauty, Herendi porcelain has been produced in one of the world’s largest porcelain manufacturers for almost two centuries. Real fine porcelain types like Herendi embody the harmony of the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. Depending on the type of paint and the golden layers applied, these handmade products are baked in the furnace three or four times, yet it is the talent of the design artists, jiggers and painters that allowed Herendi to collect 24 grand prizes and gold medals at world exhibitions between 1851 and 1937. The technology of painting has barely changed since the manufacture was founded: the compositions made up of flower motifs, leaves and fruit are applied after priming, hatching and shading to emphasise the interplay of light and shadow. The tableware sets originating from the various periods of the 20th century are now typically sold for EUR 3000-5000.

The lace of Halas Lace, as we know it today, began to conquer the world during the Italian Renaissance but only a few centuries later, in the first quarter of the 20th century, Hungarian lace was already competing against those of Venice and Brussels. The works of art from Halas have won numerous awards worldwide. Prestigious and famous people were presented with Halas lace upon their visits to Hungary including King Umberto, Charles IV of Habsburg, Alice Roosevelt, Queen Julianne of the Netherlands, Pope John Paul II and Princess Hitachi of Japan. Halas lace has become an integral part of Hungarian applied art. Even today the workshop spends close to 5000 man-hours to create each unique cloth approx. 50–60 cm in diameter.

page

Gastronomy

Food A powerful taste Lecsó [le-tsho] A great Hungarian classic. It means so much more to us than the ratatouille, which is also made from stewed vegetables, to the French. Its basic version is the simplest dish in the whole world, made by adding fresh pod pepper and tomatoes to onions fried in grease, and a few more things. There are a thousand ways to do it, but in the end, each version has the unmistakeable lecsó taste. Hungarians traditionally cook it with eggs or rice, often with smoked bacon, sausages or anything else to taste. In gastronomy, it is usually used as an ingredient or served as a side dish.

The lightest mixed drink Fröccs [froe-tsh] Spritzer is a culinary innovation and a product of the merger of Austrian and Hungarian cultures from the time of the dual monarchy. It would not be a great stretch to call it a Hungaricum, since soda water was invented around 1826 by a Hungarian man, Ányos Jedlik. As a cuvet made from wine and soda water, it is to Hungarians what the light frizzante are to sophisticated sparkling wine cultures. On hot summer days it is not only a refreshing and light drink, but a perfect accompaniment to meals. This combination of wine with higher acid content and carbonated water effectively improves digestion after high-fat meals. The great spritzer – a harmonious blend of 2dl wine and 1dl soda water – is considered the spritzer par excellence but due to the diversity of tastes (and perhaps the creativity of bartenders) they can be mixed in a dozen or so proportions.

An exquisite delicacy Kürtőskalács [kuer-toesh ka-lats] If you are somewhere frequented by tourists and holiday makers, and you sense an irresistable smell, see people tearing off strips from a pastry roll with dark brown crust and stuffing them into their mouths, you can be sure what they are having is the famous chimney cake. This Transylvanian dessert is the most sophisticated of all rustic delicacies, which ordinary people could only afford to have on special days. The dough made from flour, milk, eggs and yeast is rolled and cut into 2cmwide ribbons. The ribbons are then wound around a thick wooden spit, coated with egg white and fat, then rolled in sugar. That is how it gets its shiny, crispy crust when baked over a charcoal fire.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Everyone’s favourite Palacsinta [pa-la-tsin-ta] If there is a dish that everyone likes, it is pancakes. Pancakes are made from a sweet or salty batter of flour, eggs and milk, which is then fried on both sides in a pan. A Hungarian housewife shares the first 5-10 pancakes between her impatiently waiting family, spreads the rest with different fillings, rolls them up or sometimes – more typically seen in restaurants – folds them into four, or turns them into a layered cake. What makes our pancake different from other similar dishes is that it is made particularly thin, with very little fat. We usually have it for desert, but it also has a salty version filled mostly with minced meat and served with a sour cream topping.

A spoonful of history Gulyásleves [ghu-yash le-vesh] Goulash is a universally known word, and our number one Hungarian specialty, even if most of the time the food sold under the name goulash abroad mostly resembles what we call stew (pörkölt). The name originates from the Hungarian gulyás (herdsman), and according to many, it is the finest delicacy in the whole world. It is no coincidence that an era in Hungarian history, which, although by no means easy, was envied by our neighbours because of the many privileges we enjoyed, was called “goulash communism”. What is the soup made of? Beef cut into 2-3cm cubes, browned for a few minutes with onions salted in fat, potatos, turnips and carrots, tomatoes, pod pepper and a lot of red pepper (also a Hungaricum). According to old folk, it is ready when the soup is half liquid and half everything else.

Töki pompos [thoe-ki pom-posh] In bygone days, it was the pizza of rural gastronomy. The origin of its name is unknown even to most Hungarians. Invented a few hundred years ago, töki pompos was also made from leftover bread dough just like lángos. It has been revived recently, featuring mostly at gastrofests. The dough is rolled flat, about 1-2cm thick, then baked in the oven in a baking tin. When half-baked, it is covered with a mix of sour cream and garlic, and sprinkled with onions, bacon and grated cheese. Its rustic appearance, irresistible smell makes it a favourite on-the-go food choice at many cultural and gastro events.

Whose Rudi is it anyway? Túró Rudi [thu-ro ru-dy] This sweet cottage cheese dessert, invented in 1968, could have become the greatest triumph of socialist product development, if the developers (and approvers) had known more about market economy. Unfortunately, nobody thought about patenting it. As a result, instead of becoming a number-one product in the cold milk slice segment, the concept was stolen and after the privatisation, imitation Rudis begin to pop up all over Europe. The original version is a chocolate or cocoa mass coated, cylinder-shaped, sweet-sour dessert. Today it is produced in various forms and flavours. What now? There is no need to be concerned about the future of Túró Rudi, particularly since it turned out to have a fan page even in Japan.

Indulgence for health Mangalicakolbász [Man-ga-litsa khol-bas] At the beginning of the 19th century, a new lard-type pig became widely bred in Hungary – the small, fragile mangalitsa, which has curly hair like woodchips. After disappearing for 40 years, they made a comeback about a decade ago. With the worldwide fame of the universally known Pick and Hertz salami, Csaba and Gyula sausages were made by the mangalitsa. Its high grease content is finely and evenly distributed in the meat, making it ideal for juicy and delicious roasts, steaks, salamis, sausages and cured ham. Furthermore, the flesh of mangalitsa that was reared in the open is easier to digest, has less cholesterol and contains vital unsaturated fatty acids. No wonder that mangalitsa features on the menu of the best restaurants.

page

Gastronomy

Hungary: Vine-Country In Vino Veritas

In general, Hungary’s climate is dry continental while Southern Hungary is characterised by Mediterranean features. On account of this diversity, the various wine regions deviate substantially from one another, even in the case of geographical proximity. In Hungary today there are 22 registered wine regions. Among these, three can be found in the Great Plain, fifteen in Transdanubia, and four in Northern Hungary. In terms of territory size, these regions vary tremendously. The two smallest, Mór and Somló are under 1,000 hectares whereas the largest, Kunság sprawls over 25,600 hectares. The size of most of the regions ranges on average from 1,000-5,000 hectares.

Budai zöld (Buda green) True Hungarian variety. It gets its name from the old Buda hills. True, these territories have since been occupied by the city. Presently associated with the Badacsony wine region.

Csabagyöngye Briskly fruity, discretely muscatel, soft wine with real grape flavours. Moderate alcohol content.

Cserszegi fűszeres A Hungarian wine variety created through the cross-breeding of Irsai Olivér and Red Traminer. Found in the wine regions of Csongrád, Hajos-Baja, Kunság, Etyek-Buda, Balatonfelvidék, and Balatonmelléke. Uniquely spicy bouquet, rich in alcohol and acid.

Ezerfű – Fürtike A Hungarian wine variety born of the cross-breeding of Hárslevelű and Red Traminer. Straw yellow in colour, bearing traces of flower in its aroma. Rich in alcohol, a pleasant summer wine.

Ezerjó – Budai fehér (Buda white) A variety of Hungarian origin. Found in the wine regions of Mór, Kunság, and Ászár-Neszmély.

A not overly aromatic, greenish white wine. Dry, firm, and a bit acidic. A simple wine high in alcohol content with strong acids. Unique and especially popular in the Mór wine region.

Furmint In Hungary found primarily in the wine regions of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Somló, Mecsekalja, and Balatonfüred-Csopak. Its aroma early on is reminiscent of ripe apple, and later of honey and walnut after maturation in wooden barrels. Rich in extract, fiery in character, sourly acidic. A wine that keeps well. In better vintages a wine of outstanding quality, aszú.

Hárslevelű We can come across it in the wine regions of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Mátraalja, Eger, and Villány-Siklós. A variety of Hungarian origin. Greenish-yellow in colour, a full-bodied wine. Mildly spicy in flavour, its acids are elegant, its aftertaste a bit caustic. In the course of several years of maturation, it can be of outstanding quality.

Juhfark A specialty of the Somló, Balatonfüred-Csopak, and Etyek-Buda wine regions. A manly wine. Straw yellow, with a unique, special aroma. Decisive in flavour, special, and acidic. Fine capability for maturation.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Hungarian Wine R egions Kéknyelű Ancient variety of Hungarian origin, specialty of the Badacsony wine region. A pale green, light coloured wine. Subtle, decisive aroma and flavour.

Királyleányka Hungaricum. Found in the wine regions of Etyek-Buda, Balatonboglár, Pannonhalma-Sokoróaljai, and Tolna. Aroma and flavour reminiscent of mildly muscatel wines. Full-bodied, capable of maturation, quality wine.

Kadarka Its best known production site is Szekszárd, but it can also be found in the wine regions of Hajós-Baja, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Kunság, as well as Congrád. A red wine not rich in tannin, this is why its colour is paler, but its acids are robust.

Egri bikavér Wine produced from the finest grape varieties in the Eger wine region, now subjected to serious quality control and prepared according to strict rules, has become a real Hungaricum. The dry bikavér, under the influence of several years of maturation in a barrel, has become a refined, elegant, and grandiose drink where exciting spicy flavours, a world of flavours characteristic of acids and blended wine varieties are mixed.

n Sopron n Pannonhalmai-Sokoróalja n Aszár-Neszmély n Zala n Balatonmellék n Balatonfüred-Csopak n Badacsony

n Dél-balaton n Tolnai n Szekszárd n Mecsekalja n Villány n Kunsági n Hajós-Baja

n Csongrádi n Mátraalja n Eger n Bükkalja n Tokaj-Hegyalja

page

Gastronomy

Pálinka

Pálinka production in Hungary has been steadily growing for the past three years. Pálinka has become fashionable – in the good sense – as more and more people began to take an epicurean attitude to pálinka. We came to appreciate it so much so that pálinka now enjoys a higher status in the restaurant industry than whiskey.

Although many disapprove, since September 2010, it is legal to make pálinka at home in a quantity of 100 litres (for 46 degrees proof spirit). There are few things and no drinks more typical Hungarian than pálinka. In 2002, the European Union also recognised Hungary’s exclusive right to call purely fruit-based distilled beverages pálinka. In other words, pálinka is now officially what the grappa is to the Italian or cognac or calvados to the French. Comically (or tragicomically?), we cannot demonstrate the superiority of our pálinkas, since we, as Hungarians, are the only ones who are allowed to make it. Nevertheless, at international spirit competitions, which do exist, Hungarian pálinkas are doing very well. No wonder that the finest pálinkas – and let’s not forget that modern gourmet pálinka making is less than two decades old – are priced over 100 Euros per litre.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

But what is pálinka? According to the requirements of the Hungarian Food Codex, only a product made from fermented substances through distillation, using fruit or grape pomace as its base, can be called pálinka. It must be 100% fruit, in other words, no artificial flavours or potable alcohol may be used for its production. In addition, it must be at least 37.5 degrees proof spirit. To avoid confusion, it should be noted that all pálinkas are spirits, but not all spirits are pálinka. If you would like to taste a truly special pálinka, you should try products falling under protected designation of origin. They are made from the unique quality fruits of a given region, retain their scent and taste, and are produced using a Hungarian two-way distillation technique, also known as “kisüsti” distillation:  Szatmári Plum Pálinka  Kecskeméti Apricot pálinka  Békési Plum pálinka (from red plums harvested in the valley of the Körös rivers)  Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka  Gönczi Apricot Pálinka  Ú jfehértói Sour Cherry Pálinka (‘Újfehértói fürtös’ and ‘Debreceni bőtermő’ types)  Göcseji Pear pálinka (from late fruiting pears)  Pannonhalmi pomace pálinka (Irsai Olivér, zenit, rajnai rizling, cserszegi fűszeres)

a bit of the pálinka story The spread of pálinkas in Hungary is closely linked to the royal family in the 14th century. A similar drink called aqua vitae, or aqua vitae reginae Hungarie (the water of life of the Hungarian queen) was used to treat the arthritis of Queen Elizabeth, wife of King Charles Robert. Based on records from that era, the word ‘pálinka’ was first used in writing around 1630. At that time, beer breweries and pálinka distilleries were working together. Distillation was a feudal privilege; therefore distillation by peasants was restricted. Pálinka distillation was subject to many regulations. It was prohibited to use corn for distilling pálinka or firewood for the process, or to distil pálinka at the time of church service. The small plants, spirit, pálinka and liquor factories that sprang up beginning in 1799 led to the central regulation of pálinka distillation. In 1836, the feudal privilege of distilling pálinka was enacted. Next, a tax on pálinka was introduced, and beginning in 1850, making spirits became a state monopoly. In 1982, there were as many as 815 distilleries in the country.

Farmers doing hard physical work did not necessarily drink pálinka to induce intoxication. 80 or 100 years ago, knocking back a shot of pálinka was a good way to get going in the morning. A bigger dose was in order for celebrations or consolation. In the period following World War II, making pálinka at home was a common activity. During those days, pálinka was often made from poor quality raw material, under uncontrolled circumstances and in an attempt to circumvent authorities. Today, we have state-of-the art pálinka distilleries in our fruit growing regions, producing premium quality pálinka. The recently established Knights of the Hungarian Pálinka Order are responsible for organising the annual Pálinka Festival in Budapest. We have come to learn to appreciate the finest brands of our national drink. Specialists are now trained at pálinka academies sponsored by producers. Even though pálinka is not particularly ideal for cocktails, today there are several pálinka cocktail mixer contests. After all, if some of the finest cognacs can be used to make cocktails, why exclude pálinka? On top of that, several restaurants now offer pálinka dinners or tasting nights featuring quality pálinka.

how to taste pálinka?  Pálinka is not to be drunk chilled. It gradually releases its fruity flavour when it’s around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Serve it too cold, and the aromas get trapped. Too warm, and the scents disappear and the drink loses its bite.  A genuine pálinka glass is shaped like a tulip, letting the scents mill around in the bowl part. Of course, you need to have your glass only half full for that. Swirl around the pálinka in the glass with careful, circular movements.  Take it in tiny sips; that is when the pure fruity flavour is released. After each swallow, take a deep breath to feel the fruity flavour all the way down your gullet.  You can tell just from a whiff if it is genuine pálinka, or just an artificially flavoured spirit you are having. If you smell a fruity scent, that is a sure sign that it is real pálinka. Or, if you want to make absolutely sure, you can do a “dry test”: smell the empty glass. If you can still feel the fruity scent, you can be sure it’s pálinka, because artificial aroma escapes with alcohol right away.  G ood pálinka is homogenous and clear, though not always. The fruit bed in “ágyas” (pálinka matured on a fruit bed) and matured pálinkas can change the colour of the liquid. Matured pálinka can also have a pale yellow or even a dark yellow colour.

page

The Buda Castle District

A Historic Sight in Buda M any attractions

and a wonderful panoramic view at one place When strolling around one of the most beautiful parts of Budapest, forget historical sites for a minute, and just follow your nose. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong!

TOUR I. The Buda Castle District

page

The Buda Castle District

A Historic Sight in Buda M any attractions

and a wonderful panoramic view at one place

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

MacBook 

www.apple.hu

You can approach Buda Castle from various different directions. The most spectacular way is from the Danube side. You pass through an ornamented gate to the palace, which once served as a royal residence, with the statue of a turul bird of ancient Hungarian myth over the gate, holding a sword of valour in its talons. You can then descend to the square in front of the main building via an ornate flight of steps. The palace buildings are used as a cultural centre today; they house the Hungarian National Gallery, which contains national art treasures. In front of the gallery you can see the bronze equestrian statue of the hero of the battle against the Turks in the 17th century. The royal palace buildings also house the Budapest Historical Museum, with an exhibition of the history of the city. The National Széchenyi Library, which contains a collection of all Hungarian publications, including the famous Corvina Codex of King Matthias, was also relocated here from its original site in the National Museum. Sándor Palace is the office of the President of the Republic of Hungary, where foreign heads of state, arriving in Hungary, are received. Behind all these historic scenes and settings, however, an active local lifestyle is enjoyed. Not only by year-round visitors attracted to the cultural centre, but also because the Buda Castle area is full of ancient meandering streets with historic residential buildings still inhabited today, as well as several public and scientific institutions. The place is therefore ideal to stroll around in, have a coffee or shop; you’ll bump into the must-see sights anyway! You can count on enjoying special events at weekends between spring and autumn. The ’Street of Handi-crafts’ festival is held below the castle-palace area on Hungary’s national holiday, 20th August. This is an event at which tents are put up by handicraft artists, from all corners of the country, to display and offer their products for sale. Naturally, you may also eat and drink there to your heart’s content! There is also a separate festival dedicated to the deservedly famous wines of Hungary. The festival is organised on the same site, and displays classical and new wines from all the Hungarian wine districts. Although not an easy task, it is well worth tasting all the wines. You cannot avoid the marvellous panoramic view which opens up before you from the Buda Castle area. You can also enjoy the view of the Danube and the Pest side of the river opposite, if you take a blue city bus to Dísz tér. Alternatively, you may want to take the funicular railway, near the Tunnel, up to the Buda Castle area. For a few minutes, while the car ascends, you will have a breathtaking view of Budapest. Sportier people walk up the gently rising meandering road and look back at the city behind and below them. The most popular lookout point in the castle district is the Fishermen’s Bastion, built in the Neo-Roman style, where people continually take pictures of each other, with Parliament in the background. Matthias

Church, where King Matthias’ wedding was held and which witnessed the coronation of Kings Charles Robert, Francis Joseph and Charles IV, acquired its Neo-Gothic form in 1896. Its history is shown in a museum in the church. Due to its excellent acoustics, concerts often take place there. The Hilton Hotel, next to it, is an excellent example of how a modern building can be successfully fitted into an ancient district, creatively encompassing the remains of the old city wall. You can continue your walk from Szentháromság tér (Holy Trinity Square) towards the medieval trading centre of the castle district, or towards the Baroque Palace, built on the medieval foundations of the City Hall of Buda, opposite which you can find small shops and the Ruszwurm Café, with its Empire-style furniture and its famously delicious cakes. There is an interesting tradition concerning the equestrian statue of General András Hadik which stands close by; the noblest parts of this soldier hero’s horse shine brightly, since students resident in the former University of Technology dormitory, housed in the castle, firmly believed that by giving the manhood of the horse a massage they would pass their exams. The tradition lives on to this day, even though the engineering students make their pilgrimage from a distance, since the dormitory has been moved from the castle buildings. No matter which street you take in this idyllic spot, you will find fascinating details, such as medieval stone seats set in niches in the courtyards of historic buildings built in Baroque and Copf styles. In Úri utca, in a wing of the manytimes reconstructed building of what was originally the Clarisse cloister, and where later the sub-exchange of the first machine-driven automatic telephone exchange was housed, the Telephonia Museum is to be found, with exhibits on the history of the telephone. Here you can also find Tivadar Puskás’s first, manually operated telephone exchange. The locals like sitting on benches in Tóth Árpád sétány. At the end of this walk, a row of cannons appears. The Museum of Military History is located here, featuring an impressive collection of firearms, originating from before the Turkish wars up to the 20th century. The museum also contains uniform, flag, map and coin collections. A separate exhibition portrays the events of the 1956 revolution. Invisible from ground level, there is an enormous tunnel system that stretches to Buda Castle. For more adventurous visitors, walks are organised through this underground maze, one section of which contains a wax museum.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bastion (detail)

page

The Buda Castle District

1052 Budapest, Fashion Street, Deรกk Ferenc utca 23. www.furla.com

page

The Buda Castle District

Hilton Budapest Lobby Bar

The impressive Lobby Bar with views towards the Dominican Courtyard and the Parliament invites guests to enjoy all day specialty coffees, devilishly good cakes, fresh juices, innovative light meals, Hilton Classics and a wide selection of Hungarian wines and spirits.

1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1-3. Phone +36 1 889 6600 E-mail: info.budapest@hilton.com www.iconrestaurant.hu

Cafe M iro

From spring to summer our open terrace is a perfect place to relax. Our kitchen represents a new gastronomical trend and our menu offers the very best of international cuisine. In addition to traditional aromas, our café serves specialty coffee and tea blends. Our very own cake shop has a wide selection of desserts to offer. I. district, Buda Castle Úri Street 30. Phone: +36 (1) 201-5573 email: var@cafemiro.hu www.cafemiro.hu/var Statue of the founder of the state

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Buildings in the Buda Castle district

page

The Buda Castle District

Buildings in the Buda Castle district

LUXURY BUDAPEST

what do you like in budapest? ”I like the Castle district the best. My school years, my high school years took place in the Toldy Gimnazium (in the Castle), and I got very attached to it. Obviously, the parties on Hess András Square also contributed to my attachment to the area.” Gábor Csapó

Halászbástya Restaurant

Enjoy the breathtaking view of Budapest from the magical Fishermen’s Bastion. The magnificent rooms, the enchanting panoramic view and the high level of service is arguably the perfect choice for grand moments in life. Halászbástya Restaurant represents a harmonic unity of tradition and stateof-the-art technology. Fine dining above the city.

Statue of Genera András Hadik

Halászbástya Restaurant 1014 Budapest, Budai Vár, Halászbástya +36 1 201 6935 info@ halaszbastya.eu www.halaszbastya.eu

page

gellért hill and its surroundings

Favourite site for outings A breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes

At the Buda end of Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge), in an area replete with curative hot-water springs, baths were first built during the Árpád Dynasty, as well as at the time of the Turkish occupation. Today, the area houses the Rudas and a bit farther away in Fő utca, the Király fürdő is located.

TOUR II. Gellért Hill and its surroundings

what is it that you like especially about budapest? ”Definitely its geography. I always treasure the view of the Buda hills rising above the Danube. This is a unique aspect of this city.” Andy Vajna

page

gellért hill and its surroundings

Favourite site for outings A breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Man accessory  www.zegna.hu

The renowned Gellért Hotel and Baths were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, and its Art Nouveau effervescent bath has been the setting of numerous feature films. Among the celebrities who have stayed at the hotel are Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, who honeymooned there, Richard Nixon, former President of the United States and Sviatoslav Richter, the world-famous pianist. The hill, a nature-conservation area, rises in the centre of Buda and was named after Bishop Gellért (Gerald), who lived at the court of the fi rst Christian king of Hungary, St. Stephen I, and was tutor to the king’s son. St. Gellért fell victim to pagan rebels in 1046, and, according to legend, he was rolled down the hill in a spiked barrel. His statue, holding a cross over the city, is located among the cliffs opposite Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). Opposite the Gellért Hotel, there is a chapel in a hollowed-out cavern in the hillside, built by monks of the Pauline Order. The chapel was restored after a decade’s closure and is now open again. Other, later legends also surround the hill. In the 17th century, folklore had it that it was the chief meeting place of a witches’ coven, probably because the rites of heathen cults were really held in the area. Gellért-hegy is a favourite site for outings among residents and tourists alike. You can reach the flat ridge behind the Citadel, the fortress easily visible from the city, via a road that starts from the nowadays densely-built-up east-southeast side of the hill, where the 120 square metre commemorative park has been laid out, with a playground and page statues. Thus you can reach the hilltop by this route or by passing the open-air swimming-pool at the side of the Gellért Hotel, and then trudging through an area of villas. In this way you can see a famous artists’ house which stands on the corner of Kelenhegyi utca and Mányoki utca. The house is a splendid example of Art Nouveau, successfully combining style with function. The studio flats inside were home to several generations of renowned painters, graphic artists and sculptors, József RipplRónay (1861–1927) and Béla Czóbel (1883–1976) among others, and artists still live and work in the building today. If you go in the direction of Sánc utca, you can see Budapest’s largest underground water reservoir (twice a week, for two hours, the public is admitted to the facility inside the hill). You can also pass Philosophers’ Park on the way, the spiritual tranquillity of which was created by Nándor Wagner (1922–1997). The group of statues, representing the world religions, include Abraham, Ekhnaton, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Lao-tse and are placed on five points of an arc, whereas the figures of St. Francis of Assisi, Bodhidharma and Gandhi are positioned on the sides of an equilateral triangle, adjacent to the circle. According to Budapest folklore, the statue was originally intended to commemorate the son of Miklós Horthy, one-time governor of Hungary (1868–1957), who died in a plane crash.

The female figure was to have held a propeller, not a palm branch. However, this is refuted by the facts. Kisfaludy Stróbl (1884-1975) really did produce a memorial to Horthy junior, which was altogether another work, and stands today over Stróbl’s grave. Successful under every political regime, was Stróbl asked to execute the statue of liberty by Marshal Voroshilov, Stalin’s righthand man. The legend probably reflects society’s rejection of any official Soviet monument. This feeling was further strengthened in June 1992 when Tamás Szentjóby, an avant-garde artist, on the first anniversary of the final withdrawal of the Soviet army, covered the statue with a white sheet, so that the Statue of the Spirit of Liberty, rising over the city, would represent the ghost of communism floating away and disappearing for good. The Citadel was built on the top of the hill, where an ancient Turkish fort once stood, on the orders of General Haynau, who, after suppressing the 1848 revolution, wanted to intimidate the city with cannons. The 220 metre long, 60 metre wide, 4 metre high construction, with its 60 cannons, did not, however, meet the requirements of warfare of the time. After reconciliation with the Habsburgs in 1867, the Hungarians demanded the Citadel be demolished, but the garrison troops remained in place until 1897, when the main gate was symbolically broken. Today, in an atmosphere of history, it functions as a tourist centre with a hotel, restaurant and café. A waxwork museum is housed in an open three-floor World War II bunker and wartime events are featured in a photo exhibition. The so-called Monarchy court hosts handicraft fairs and various cultural programmes. The emblematic statue of liberty, visible from most parts of the city, is a 14 metre high woman holding a palm branch above her head. The composition, erected as a memorial of the liberation of the country, was completed in 1947. The huge figure of a Soviet soldier holding a flag, however, which stood on the lower level of the monument, was removed after the change of regime and taken to the Tétény Statue Park, which features a collection of political statues from the Communist era. From a height of 140 metres, a breathtaking panorama opens before your eyes. In clear weather, almost the whole city is visible from this spot. The Danube lies at your feet, with its busy bridges, and with numerous and seemingly tiny church spires and roofs in the distance. One can spot landmarks which help identify the locations of earlier walks. Put aside the guide books, and let the experience speak for itself. It’s not surprising, however, that sometimes one can’t even find a niche, among all the tourists clicking their cameras, from where to take in this unique and breathtaking panorama.

Riverbank

page

gellért hill and its surroundings

Gellért bath

Gellért tér

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

gellért hill and its surroundings

Szabadság-híd and Fôvám tér

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Resting on Gellért-Hegy

C itadella P R anorama

estaurant

Citadel is a famous diamond of the World Heritage and a distinguished tourist sight of Budapest. On the top of Gellér Hill, way above the city, it is not only the breathtaking panorama that delights the human eye: this citadel is also home to one of the icons of Hungarian gastronomy. The excellent kitchen of Panorama Restaurant invites you to an unforgettable culinary advantage throughout the regions of the Carpathian Basin and those of Hungary. Made from the very best ingredients, these specialities let you experience the tastes of old times using 21st century technology. Unsurpassable experience. Address: 1118 Budapest, Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány Telephone: +36 1 209 0698 E-mail address: gastro-top@citadellarestaurant.com www.citadella.hu Picnic on Gellért-Hegy

page

Erzsébet híd

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Coffee on the terrace

Kecskeméti utca, Kálvin tér, R áday utca

Let’s start our walk at one of the oldest and at the same time busiest points of the city, Ferenciek square: we are at a traffic junction, the stops of the buses arriving in Pest from Elizabeth Bridge, the ones going towards Buda and the number 3 metro line are all here.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

TOUR III. Downtown District

page

Kecskeméti utca, kálvin tér, Ráday utca

what do you like about budapest? „The beautiful buildings and boulevards for a start - it’s hard to find a street in the centre of the city that isn’t of historical and cultural interest in some way. And it’s so important to keep looking up: above the row of shops you can find spectacular facades and rooftops that could have come from fairytales. I like the liveliness, too. There is always something new and different happening and the cultural choice is extremely wide.” Greg Dorey

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Coffee on the terrace

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Woman accessory 

Kecskeméti utca, Kálvin tér, R áday utca

www.valentino.com

The first thing that attracts our eyes on the corner of Petőfi Sándor street is Párisi Court, the five-storey palace covered in ceramic tiles, originally built as a building of the Downtown Bank. The ceramic tiles of the eclectic secession style building combining gothic, Byzantine and arabesque elements were made by the Zsolnay factory. Small shops operate in its glass covered passage. The only royal rental palace of Budapest was opposite: renovations are under way in the interior spaces of the monumental historical block built for Franz Joseph and neglected for decades. In the hall we can see the sometimes original etched door glasses or the recently restored colored glass insets made by the outstanding artist of the era, Miksa Róth. On the ground floor of the 4-storey house bank offices and smaller shops can be found. In front of the baroque church of the Franciscans, built at the beginning of the 18th century, the classicist statue of the Well of the Nereidas is one of the most popular meeting points in the city center. Mostly students gather here as not only the university library but several university faculties are also in the neighborhood. This becomes instantly apparent judging by the traffic of the many cafés of Kecskeméti street. As spring arrives, the sidewalk becomes full of tables and chairs, and rich social life is present both during the day and at night and as we approach Kálvin square and then Ráday street it gets even more intense. Centrál Café is on the corner of Irányi street which was one of the most famous representatives of café culture of the early 20th century. It is well known that newspapers were not only read in the cafés but written and edited too, and this has not changed. The room on the Károlyi Mihály street side bears the name of the notable Nyugat (West) journal whose journalists regularly gathered here. Today their shadow images decorate the walls. Centrál is still frequented by many, and newspapers are still being edited here. The building on the corner is the recently renovated Ybl Palace, its cast iron structure elegant stairs and inner court with a restaurant are worth a look. Walking along Károlyi Mihály Street we can find the classicist one-storey city palace of former Hungarian prime minister Count Mihály Károlyi’s family with the family coat of arms on its façade. Currently it houses the collections, exhibitions and research rooms of the Petőfi Literary Museum, with a public restaurant and café in the garden and a bookshop on the street front. Behind it is the Károlyi garden: the precious green area in the downtown tries to somewhat compensate for the neighborhood’s need for nature with a playground and dog walking area. In Egyetem square next to the grand building of the University of Law is

the two towered baroque university church built in the 18th century by the Paulans. Take a look at the soft curves and richly structured façade, the hand-carved oak gate wings and one of the most beautiful works of the Hungarian baroque: the pulpit and the carved cabinet of the vestry. Leaving behind the eclectic, romantic buildings, small shops, cafés of Kecskeméti street and passing the ruins of the city wall from the middle ages we get to a busy area again, Kálvin square featuring the reformed church which gave its name to the square. Museum road runs into the crowded square, and the Hungarian National Museum designed by Mihály Pollack is here. It is an outstanding work of Hungarian classicism with students traditionally hanging out on its stairs and in the garden. The Museum garden is a key spot in Ferenc Molnár’s world famous novel The Paul Street Boys. Several movie adaptations have been made from the story still timely about the adolescent heroes of the Józsefváros ground. Besides the Hungarian version there has been an American- Hungarian co-production and then recently an Italian adaptation which – due to the supposed taste of today’s viewers – considerably differs from the story it was based upon. The neighborhood of Museum Road considered as the street of secondhand bookshops has a youthful character. The shops and cafés at the beginning of Baross street lead to the Szabó Ervin Library housed in the neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace and cater for the needs of the 21st century. Walking on we get to Mikszáth square, a popular place with the Budapest youth. In the neighbouring streets we may find numerous venues of alternative culture: cafés, galleries, record shops. Leaving Kálvin Square for Ráday Street, we can see it is a street of arts and gastronomy, a real resting place. There are nice little shops here, offering works of fashion designers and jewellers. In the limited car traffic we can discover the many tea houses, cafés and galleries and find the one that best suits our mood. The cobble-stoned walking street entices us with its shop windows, colorful chairs, giant parasols and neon lights in the summer, and offers culinary adventures in the winter. We can find Spanish restaurants, Italian trattorias, Parisian cafés real Southern-Slavic bistros, Persian cuisine with water pipes, an English tea house, a Danish sandwich place and classic Hungarian confectioneries. However, those searching for that retro vibe may find the legacy of the happy 70s with the “decadent” sputnik chandelier, factory clock from the GDR and Carilbon Wurlitzer. We can find a lot of shops to please our eyes: a form-oriented shop offering multifunctional design, a classic one selling wrought iron furniture, bold amateur shops and of course contemporary art

page

Praying on the church

galleries. Cultural events are frequent here in which the restaurants and cafés are also involved – housing exhibitions, events, book shows. Its atmosphere may remind you of the Mitte district in Berlin or the Marais district in Paris. A few minutes’ walk from here and we are at Kultiplex, one of the most frequented alternative clubs. Walking on and crossing the ring road we arrive at yet another cultural zone. Another one of the cultural institutions of Ferencváros can be found here: Trafó, the house of contemporary arts housed in the former building of a transformer house built in the industrial secession style. Within the building we can enjoy mainly contemporary dance, theatre and music and it’s also an international

meeting point where the visitors often occupy the lovely street corner, when the weather is nice. Tűzraktér, a cultural centre, has recently been awarded by Pro Urbe Budapest is an independent cultural centre, the building of which used to be a factory producing medical equipment. Creative youth brought about the venue to house theatre plays, concerts and other artistic experiments. Not far from here in Páva street we can find the Holocaust Memorial Center which remembers the 600 thousand Hungarian victims of the holocaust with permanent and seasonal exhibitions and programs. Its exciting group of buildings includes an almost 100-year-old synagogue which is part of the exhibition space.

A gate in Rรกday street

1052 Budapest, Fashion Street, Deรกk Ferenc utca 23. www.furla.com

page

along the Danube by boat and tram

The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

Most of the spectacular sights of Budapest are to be seen from the banks of the Danube, or from the Danube itself. Let’s take off on a sightseeing tour – by tram! The ever-popular yellow trams have routes along both banks. Tram number 2 runs along the Pest side with its windows offering splendid views of the Buda side. Alternatively, if we board tram number 19 on the Buda side, we can enjoy the view of Pest. One can board a boat on the Pest side at the Belgrád Rakpart (quay) below Vigadó tér (square) and Hotel Intercontinental. It’s important to check schedules, however, since they vary from season to season.

TOUR IV. Along the Danube by boat and tram

page

along the Danube by boat and tram

The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Woman Jeans 

www.gasjeans.hu

Let’s start our tour in Pest by getting on tram 2 at the Jászai Mari tér terminal. We are at the Pest bridge end of Margit híd (Margaret bridge), at one end of Nagykörút (The Great ring road). Looking over at the Buda side we can see Rózsadomb (Hill of the Roses), one of the city’s most exclusive residential areas, with the church towers of the impressive Buda Castle acropolis also visible above, to the left. The tram now turns away from the river for a moment to pass the eastern façade of the Parliament building. Then, returning to the riverside, we can see the lovely buildings in Batthyány tér with the Matthias Church high above, across the river. The tram then inches its way under Széchenyi Lánchíd (the Chain Bridge), the city’s oldest stone bridge. On Count István Széchenyi’s initiative, and based on Tierney William Clark’s plans, it was built by Adam Clark. The difficulties of construction were not alleviated by the 1848 War of Independence, then while under way – it was even hit by a cannon ball but still managed to open for traffic in 1849. A year later, the lion statues guarding each end of the bridge were installed and immediately provoked heated public debate: it appeared that the lions didn’t have tongues, and that the builder had therefore committed suicide. It later turned out they did have tongues but only visible from above, and that the builder lived on. One can still see people closely examining the lions to satisfy themselves of the truth of the matter. The tram continues its journey along the Danube bank passing a row of hotels. It’s perhaps worth getting off here to sit for a while on the so-called Buchwald chairs on the promenade, reproduced as examples of the period. There are also numerous eateries in the area, although in fine weather it’s hard to find a table on the restaurant and café terraces. Across the river, Buda Castle and the National Gallery are at their most beautiful from here, as we watch the funicular railway climbing the steep hillside to reach them. Also here, by the promenade railings, is the famous statue of the Little Princess, by László Marton. Most visitors stand here to get their photos taken. Occasionally, the photographer also captures a shot of tram 2 in the background, the very tram we have just ridden. In Vigadó tér, stands the Vigadó building (often translated as ‘Place of Merriment’), designed in the romantic style by Frigyes Feszl to replace the ‘Redout’, that used to stand here. In 1865, the year of its opening, the Hungarian composer, Liszt Ferenc (Franz Liszt) appeared here on the opening night of his oratorio, The Legend of Saint Elizabeth. The Vigadó is still a popular venue for concerts and other cultural events, and is home to a gallery, as well. The row of exclusive hotels ends at Március 15. tér. Here stands the Statue of Sándor Petőfi, the poet of the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848, with the Greek Orthodox Church behind him. The Belvárosi Plébániatemplom (inner city Paish Church), the oldest building in Pest, built with stone from nearby Contra-Aquincum, stands opposite the

Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge) pier. The original Romanesque church built on this spot was succeeded by a Gothic church that was partially destroyed in the period of Turkish rule. Nineteen of the old pews as well as the Gothic chancel may still be seen. It gained its present Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century. Erzsébet híd, originally built in 1903, was, for twenty years, the chain bridge with the longest span in the world. It was paved with wooden blocks and those crossing had to pay a toll of 2 ‘krajcár’, the small change of the period. It was blown up, together with all the other bridges in Budapest, by retreating German forces during World War II. While the other bridges were rebuilt immediately after the war, the modern suspension bridge, designed to be the successor of Erzsébet híd, was not opened until the sixties. Trams ran along the bridge until 1973. On the Buda side you can now see the towers of Gellérthegy (Gellért Hill), but watch out because we need to get off at the next stop, Szabadság-híd (Freedom Bridge)! This bridge was originally named after the Habsburg emperor Franz Joseph, who attended the inauguration ceremony, and is said to have inserted a silver rivet bearing his initials with his own hands. Before crossing the bridge, it really is worth popping into the Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall) to do a spot of souvenir shopping, and perhaps sample the lunch counters in the gallery, the best deal in town! Walking across the bridge one arrives at the Gellért Medicinal Baths and Spa Hotel, in front of which you can take tram 19 going northbound, back along the river, to Batthyány tér. The tram passes the cliffs of Gellért Hill and the Rudas Medicinal Bath, with its architecture reminiscent of Turkish times. You can see the statue of Empress Sissi in the small park under the Elizabeth bridge. The large green area, only partially visible from the tram, used to be a district of vineyards, with little streets winding their way among small village houses and bars. Now a recreation area, romantic Tabán park is a popular venue for open-air concerts. The only square left from the old Tabán neighbourhood was named after a late Baroque building, the Szarvas- ház (Deer House), originally built in the 18th century and then rebuilt in the 19 th century, after a fire. The parish church of Saint Catherine used to stand here as well. Now let’s glance over to the other side of the Danube, where we can see the entire row of hotels and Vigadó tér. If we turn back quickly, we can see the beautiful but dilapidated Varkert (Castle Garden) Bazaar, neo-renaissance in style and designed by Miklós Ybl. Arriving at Széchenyi Lánchíd (the Chain Bridge), we look left at the Tunnel, carved into the hill, which connects the Viziváros area with Krisztinaváros. There is a wide-spread belief that the tunnel was built so that the Chain Bridge could be slid into it in inclement weather! If we now look over to the Pest side at the end of the bridge, we can see Roosevelt tér with its impressive Academy of Sciences and the famous Jugend Stil (art nouveau) Gresham building.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

what is your favorite place in budapest and why? ”The banks of the Danube. Any view from either side. Sadly, although I often feel like doing so, I haven’t really had the time to take walks along the promenades, yet.” Andy Vajna

page

along the Danube by boat and tram

Celebration of the founding of the state of Hungary

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

along the Danube by boat and tram

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Women accessory 

The Little Queeny – statue by László Márton www.burberry.com

The tram now passes the popular bicycle path, that runs along the Danube embankment. If we can take our eyes off the river for a moment, to the left we can see the remarkable brick-built Calvinist church in a square which once served as a market in the Middle Ages. The church was designed by Samu Pecz who designed the Market Hall in Fővám square. Tram 19 terminates at Batthány tér, where we can enjoy the architecture we saw at the start of our tram trips, at close quarters. From here, there is also a superb view of the Parliament buildings, designed in a unique Byzantine Gothic style. Kossuth híd (Bridge) was built in 1945 to substitute the bridges destroyed in the war, and to be a symbol of the reconstruction of Budapest. The bridge, demolished in 1960, connected Batthyány Square, a busy junction since Roman times, to the Parliament building on the opposite bank of the Danube. Today one can only see a memorial plaque, located where the bridge met the Buda river bank. However, a temporary pontoon bridge was built

at this location in 2003, to be a venue for cultural events celebrating Hungary’s access to the European Union. If you want to view Budapest by boat, they leave from the quay at Vigadó tér and it’s well worth booking a daytime as well as an evening trip. During the day, the boat ride takes passengers between the two parts of the city, Pest and Buda amid numerous sights. Multi-lingual audio commentaries are available. Passing the great Parliament buildings, one can enjoy the panorama of Margitsziget (island) and the beauty of the Castle District, the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Citadella. On the southbound part of the trip, you can see the National Theatre and the Palace of Arts appearing on the east bank. On the way back, one sees the universities, the Market Hall and some of Budapest’s luxury hotels. At night, the same route offers a totally different experience, with a splendid show of light presenting the city in all its unique beauty.

Jewish memorial

Luxury watch and jeweLLery “RiverRide attraction

1052 Budapest, Párizsi u. 3. tel.: +36 1 318 2156 www.barakadiamond.hu

page

A cultural walk

The new face of Riverbank A cultural walk

The area between Petőfi híd (Bridge) and Lágymányosi híd (Bridge), in the southern part of Budapest is a rapidly developing zone. On the Buda side, the campus of the University of Technology and the University of Sciences has been created, and nearby lies the Info Park, where the head offices of several global information technology and telecommunications companies are located.

TOUR V. A cultural walk

page

A cultural walk

The new face of Riverbank A cultural walk

On the Pest side, the first units of a new cultural centre have been established, and in the surrounding area residential buildings and a new congress centre are being constructed. Here, at the foot of Lágymányosi Bridge, stands the new National Theatre, built just a few years ago and one of the most debated buildings of the past few years. Its critics view the Neo-Eclectic block, surrounded by a huge park, as post-modern trash resembling an ornamental ship. The path leading to the main entrance is lined with statues of actors and actresses, outstanding in the history of the National Theatre, with some depicted in their most famous roles. On the Danube side of the theatre, there is a stone pyramid, or ziggurat, an amalgam of the spirits of several ancient cultures. As one ascends the spiralling inner path, seven small rooms appear, suitable for exhibitions and theatrical events. Reaching the top, one finds oneself opposite the university campus, and one can view the other side of the river from an interesting, new angle. Behind this is the recently completed National Palace of Arts, which houses three cultural institutions. One, the Ludwig Museum, moved here from Buda Castle, has a significant collection of contemporary art. Its functional, spacious, well-lit exhibition rooms overlook the Danube; on the third floor, you can see the permanent exhibition,

Hungarian National Theatre

whereas temporary exhibitions and events are organized on the first floor. From spring to autumn, the museum’s café opens out onto a terrace overlooking the Danube. At vernissages, the crowd swarms not only out onto the terrace but also onto the stairs leading to it. On an ordinary weekday, the visitor, after viewing the museum’s exhibits, can relax, looking out over the river again to see the Buda Hills, from a different angle. The Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, a huge world-class venue, with excellent acoustics for Hungary’s very active concert scene, has opened in the building, and, with its rehearsal and service rooms, has become the home of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by world-famous pianist and conductor, Zoltán Kocsis. Of course, guest orchestras and choirs perform here on a regular basis. The eastern part of the building houses the National Dance Theatre, where international dance performances, chamber operas, concerts, as well as jazz events are held. One hundred years ago, there were several factories in the vicinity. Today, in these old industrial buildings, clubs and galleries have set up shop. These unique locations are also suitable for building openplan, atmospheric private apartments, known as ’lofts’, very popular in Budapest over the past decade.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Palace of Arts

page

Margitsziget

Almost no one goes to Margitsziget (Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island) alone. Some go with their families, some with their lovers, and some take the dog for a walk. If you see people all alone, they are probably jogging or running to the swimming pool, baths or tennis courts with their swim suits or tennis racquets in their bags. The island, with a length of 2.5 kilometers, is the preferred jogging, sporting and leisure area. It has been a spa since 1929, owing to its mineral springs. High quality wellness services are available at its elegant hotels.

Green spot in the heart of the City M argitsziget

TOUR VI. M argitsziget

in which season do you find budapest the most beautiful and why? â&#x20AC;?Spring, when the cherry and apple blossom is out. Or summer, when the strong sunlight brings out the architectural delights. No, perhaps autumn, as the trees turn lovely colours. On reflection, winter when Budapest is covered in a coat of clean, fresh snow and the Christmas markets are in full flow.â&#x20AC;? Greg Dorey

page

Margitsziget

www.cesare-paciotti.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Women accessory

Green spot in the heart of the City



M argitsziget

The island was originally called the Island of Rabbits, because of the brown hares which inhabited the place in the 11th century, but its present name derives from the canonized daughter of Béla IV, who lived in a convent there until her death. Monks lived on the island until the 12th century and then it became the scene of constant battles after the Turks invaded Hungary. A military arsenal and hospital were established here after the Turkish invaders had been ousted. The island was always of strategic importance, since a pontoon bridge could easily be constructed between the two banks of the bridgeless river Danube. In the 18th century, József Nádor (‘Palatine’) gained possession of the island and had a manor house, garden and a dance hall built with aristocratic guests arriving by boat. At that time, a horse-drawn railway operated on the island, replaced by buses in 1928. Today, visitors can take the bus here from Nyugati Pályaudvar (Western Railway Station), or either walk from Árpád híd (Bridge), or take the regular boat service. In 1867, mineral waters as hot as 43 degrees Centigrade suddenly gushed out of an artesian well and so development plans for an island spa were proposed, and then assigned to Miklós Ybl, a reputed architect of the age. Mineral baths, several villas, the Kisszálló (Tiny Hotel), the neo-Renaissance building of the still-operating Nagy szálló (Grand Hotel) as well as a waterfall, created among carefully placed rocks, were all finished by the year 1873. A unique ’side-bridge’, connected the island to Margit híd (Bridge) in 1900, itself constructed in 1876. From this location, a covered promenade leads to a restaurant at the lower end of the island. The history of Margitsziget horticulture has been extraordinary. The very first signs of Hungarian horticulture, the Dominicans’ monastery garden, equipped with water pipes, can be traced back to the middle of the 13th century. Many types of rose from all over the known world were planted in the rose garden at that time. The island’s main walking and jogging path, with a length of 6 kilometres, was constructed in the 1920’s. The remnants of the Franciscan church, built by Minorite monks, should also be mentioned. The oldest church on Margitsziget, however, is a Premons tratensian chapel, in which chapel walls dating back to the 11th century have been discovered. Wandering along the island’s paths, lined with peaceful groves, we find an array of statues depicting prominent characters from the world of Hungarian arts, as well as an intimate rock garden and musical fountain. Its water-driven mechanism causes a melody to sound at each hour, and a golden statue of Neptune on the cupola revolves around the structure once a day. The fountain was destroyed in the last war and was restored in the 1980’s.

The zoo facing the Pest side of the Danube offers a whole host of domestic, wild and exotic animals behind see-through fences. Children ride ponies here during the summer. Margitsziget is, at the same time, an oasis for dogs and their owners in Budapest. The water tower, built in 1911, was the first ferro-concrete structure in Hungary, and today is an industrial memorial used for exhibitions. In 1938, the Outdoor Stage was erected here, the highest, warmest and most protected spot on the island, where musicals are performed in the summer season. The competition swimming pool, recently expanded for the European Swimming Championships, was built in 1930. The facility was designed by Alfréd Hajós, architect, after whom the building complex was later named. At the same time, Hajós was the Olympic swimming champion in the Athens Games of 1896, and the very first Hungarian Olympic athlete. This sportsman, who also took an active part in Hungarian soccer, worked as an architect in the Ignác Alpár and Ödön Lechner studios and then continued his career on his own. The designs of numerous sports centres all over the country are linked to his name. His most famous work is the Bauhaus building located on the corner of Andrássy út (boulevard) and Munkácsy Mihály utca (street) in central Pest. The islands’s Palatinus beach offers seasonal entertainment. The baths were built in 1921 and feature a 70,000 square metre lawn. Crowds of children and adults, on extremely hot days, enjoy the coolness of the swimming baths, especially the wave baths, supplied from the thermal springs of Margitsziget. The grand lawn is not only used for peaceful family picnics or impromptu badminton contests, but frequently hosts pop music concerts that attract the general public. The Nagyszálló (Grand Hotel), designed by Miklós Ybl, can be found nearby, its shady terrace dominated by a leisurely atmosphere in which simply every one has to have at least one ice-cream. The neighbouring Thermal Hotel, built much later, provides a wide range of medicinal services. Apart from those demanding comfortable and high quality holidays, with a wide range of wellness services, in elegant surroundings, the hotel is also visited by those suffering from locomotor disorders who need the beneficial effects of mineral waters and the medical treatments related to them. The great thing about Margitsziget is that it is a beautiful and quiet place located right in the heart of the city. Anyone needing a noisy atmosphere instead, can plunge into the pool of sparkling metropolitan city life within minutes!

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

TOUR VII. Andrássy út and its surroundings

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Andrássy út (boulevard) has been called the „champs Elysée of Hungary”. A Budapest highlight, it features splendid palaces and a compelling variety of shops, coffee houses and eateries, so much so that property developers keep a weather eye open for special deals here. Guess, Louis Vuitton, Nespresso and Ermenegildo Zegna all have shops here. What’s more, Gucci and Burberry are also said to have set their sights on Andrássy út, soon to become the shopping street for luxury goods in Budapest and meeting point for prestigious companies.

Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

page

Andrássy út and its surroundings

Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Women accessory 

www.dior.com

The layout of this imposing 2.5 kilometre avenue, which stretches from Deák tér (square) to the City Park, is a good example of conscious late 19th century city planning. Beneath it, the first electric underground railway in Europe was built in 1896. The cream colour and brown tiles decorating each station were manufactured by the Zsolnay Manufacturing Company. A few of the underground’s original carriages are on display at the Underground Museum, located in the Deák tér underpass. The permanent photo exhibitions in each station depict the history of formerly famous buildings located in the vicinity. Pieces of the largest collection of Tokaji Aszú in Hungary are on display (and on sale) in a frame shop in Anker köz. The primarily neo-Renaissance buildings of Andrássy út reflect the essential architectural eclecticism and historicism that is Budapest. They hide numerous exciting details. Number 3, housing the Postal Museum, for example, features frescos by Károly Lotz, and is well worth a visit. Taking a short walk up from Deák tér, on the left we find the Opera House, designed by the leading architect of his age, Miklós Ybl. The building surely competes with its archeotypes in Paris and Vienna. Its interior frescos, sculptures and grandiose interiors provide a venue for the music that plays such an outstanding role in Budapest life. Countless world-famous artists have performed here - from Anja Silja to Nesterenko. Richter gave a concert here and the composer Gustave Mahler was its artistic director for many years. ‘Bluebeard’s Castle’, ‘The Wooden Prince’ and ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’, world famous masterpieces by Béla Bartók (1881–1945), premièred here, and have been performed regularly ever since. Béla Bartók’s masterpieces were not always so well received. The “Miraculous Mandarin” created a scandal after its first performance in Cologne, and Konrad Adenauer, the mayor at that time, banned the ballet. The Opera House’s dramatic interiors play host to the annual Opera Ball, at which Gina Lollobrigida, Catherine Deneuve, and Ornella Muti have been among the traditionally-invited official guests. Classical musical instrument workshops and intimate coffee bars are situated in neighbouring Hajós utca, recently converted into a pedestrian precinct. Steven Spielberg shot the feature film ‘Munich’ in the summer of 2005, in the immediate vicinity of the Opera House.’ The Drechsler Palace, opposite, used to be a coffee-house, and it will soon be turned into a luxury hotel. Its side street leads to the Új Színház (‘New Theatre’), a building originally designed in 1909 as a nightclub, featuring Béla Lajta’s art déco designs and only later becoming a theatre. Moving up Andrássy út, coffee-houses abound: the Három Holló (‘The Three Crows’) was opened at a former hang-out of Endre Ady’s, a poet who had

significant impact on Hungarian literary life, at the beginning of the 20th century; Művész (‘The Actor’), with its mirrored hall and the favourite meeting point of contemporary actors from neighbouring theatres, is located on the other side of the street. Approaching Nagymező utca, in other words the ‘Broadway of Pest’, we can see how this street of theatres evolved from the former nightclub quarter. The still lively Moulin Rouge has endured from the music hall revue époque, typical of the beginning of the last century, and opposite there is a three-storied nightclub called Arizona, which prospered between the two World Wars. A 1988 Italo-Hungarian film, ‘Miss Arizona’ by Pál Sándor, starring Hanna Schygulla and Marcello Mastroianni, depicted the history of the club. Currently the building houses the Photographic Museum, with exhibits on show in the studio of Manó Mai, a former photographer. It is worth taking a little time to visit this museum. It is not only its particular atmosphere that fascinates, but also the world-famous Hungarian photographers’ works exhibited here (Kertész, Capa, Brassai etc.). The museum bookshop sells many exquisite collections of photographs. Facing the Arizona is the Operetta Theatre, successor to the famous Somossy Music Hall which brought such success to the AustroHungarian Imperial musical genre. The cast travelled the whole world to perform the iconic ‘Csárdás Queen’. Apart from the classic masterpieces of Ferenc Lehár and Imre Kálmán, more modern musicals still attract the audiences of today - ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Rudolph’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ ‘Mozart’ and even the klezmer musical ‘Menyasszonytánc’ (‘Dance with the Bride’). The Thália Theatre is also located in this street, whilst at the other end the Radnóti and Tivoli Theatres are to be found. The Ernst Museum can also be found there, its black marble seats in a secessionist-style interior designed by Ödön Lechner. Continuing our walk up Andrássy út, at the next corner on the left we find the statue of Mór Jókai, the great novelist of the 19th century and also the square named after him. On the right we can see Liszt Ferenc tér and the composer’s statue. On the corner, one of the best bookshops of the city used to house the Japán Café, frequented by famous writers and artists. This is the city’s most fashionable and lively entertainment district and the favourite meeting point of Budapest youth and visitors, where restaurants and clubs are full all year round. The hustle and bustle of the street may well remind one of Paris, with its hard-to-find free tables placed along the square in the summer. There is a generous variety of restaurants and cafés from traditional Hungarian, Italian and French to international fusion with a famous patisserie where you can select a scrumptious dessert. At Christmas time, small wooden kiosks join the array of restaurants to sell traditional handmade goods and gifts during the daytime. The most famous building in the square is the Conservatory of Music, with its seated statue of Ferenc Liszt by Lajos Stróbl on the façade. The splendid auditorium inside this secession style building should not be missed.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Building front of Kodรกly kรถrรถnd

page

Max Mara was established in 1951 presenting a camel coloured overcoat and a geranium red suit. The founder was Achille Maramotti who devoted himself entirely to the family passion of dressmaking. The first collection with essential and accurate characteristics already showed the special features found in the next productions: clean cuts and rigorous lines, models inspired by the brilliant French style fashionable in those days, reinvented with a typically Italian taste. Many other collections followed this first one: success was immediate and continued in time to the point that in the following years, at the end of the sixties when London became the capital of ideas and fashion Achille Maramotti was once again one of the first to capture the creative ferment and to transfer it to his newly conceived collection, Sportmax,

Max Mara 1061 Andrássy út 21 www.mmbudapest.hu +36-1 413 07 17 info@mmbudapest.hu

addressed to young women who wanted to differentiate their look. Today Max Mara offers various collections, countless identities from which to choose based on the common features of quality, style, and respect for personality which the company of Reggio Emilia consistently offers in all its products. Max Mara inaugurated its new Flagship Store in Budapest in September 2010 : more than 300 sqm. of selling area, arranged through two levels at № 21 Andrassy ùt, side by side with the most famous fashion griffes. The new boutique presents all lines (MaxMara Mainline, Sportmax, Studio, ’S MaxMara, Sportmax Code and Weekend) including the Bridal Collection.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Max Mara

Shapes, colours, fabrics and yarns: more than 55 years of ideas and desires turned into reality

page

Andrássy út and its surroundings

The Opera house

Callas

We propose wide assortment of home-made breakfast pastries and dessert specialties created by our own master confectioner. The café is the sole Central-eastern Europe distributor of the French, exclusive Mariage Fréres’ tea selection. The guests may choose from tea specialty with a ten flavor and ornament box packings (30 pieces) are buyable as a gift. Callas Cafe & Restaurant 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. +36 1 354 0954 www.callascafe.hu

We now arrive at Oktogon where the Nagykörút (Great ring road) crosses our path. Oktogon is a popular and busy meeting point featuring a number of clubs and restaurants. The octagonal square pulsates at all times of the day. From here, Király and Paulay Streets, running parallel to Andrássy út, offer a magical atmosphere of the early 20th century with different styles of busy cafés and restaurants. The first Israelian Cultural Institute of the world opened in 2010 in Paulay Ede street. The Institute highlights each segment of the colorful mosaic-culture and welcomes visitors with concerts, exhibitions and films. Next we find the Old Music Conservatory, built in neoRenaissance style, on the corner of Vörösmarty utca, followed by the Puppet Theatre and Academy of Fine Arts. The Lukács Confectionery Store, a relative of Gerbeaud and Művész, is located in the bank building opposite. From Kodály Körönd (Circle), named after the composer and music educator who used to live here, the street becomes more and more a boulevard. Elegant mansions house embassies, museums (the East-Asian Museum) and restaurants. For example, in Kogart, on the ground

floor of the journalists’ club, we can view contemporary works of art whilst dining in a splendid restaurant. Reaching Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square), we find the Hungarian Millenium Memorial, built in 1896. The chiefs of the seven Hungarian tribes ride beneath the figure of archangel Gabriel who stands on a Corinthian column. The bronze equestrian figures of these great Hungarian kings are placed between crescent-shaped rows of columns, behind the sculpture. The square is bordered by the Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts) on the left, which exhibits important ancient artifacts as well as more modern European paintings and holds large-scale temporary exhibitions, and by the Műcsarnok (Art Gallery) on the right, which features contemporary art. Not far from these classical buildings stands one of the most significant and disputed new buildings of the past few years, the ING Bank headquarters, built to 21 st century requirements and designed by Dutchman and star architect, Erick van Egeraat, with a team of Hungarian architects. If we keep on walking, we arrive at Városliget (Central City Park).

LUXURY BUDAPEST LUXURY BUDAPEST page

FREY WILLE Art jewellery

FREY WILLE creates modern and beautiful jewellery, with a focus on artistic design and a honed jewel-enamel-technique. An impulsive team of artists, designers, goldsmith and enamellists design and meticulously construct collections full of emotions and philosophical values. Precious pieces of jewellery are lovingly crafted, communicating a special attitude of life, unique in material and individually wearable. FREY WILLE believes in taking interest in the studies and

NIXE Inspired by sensuality, elegance and quiet extravagance, the new „Nixe” collection is a celebration of female mystery. Ethereal oystergreys, muted silvers, and glossy liquid blacks hedonistically writhe amongst mirrored motifs of majestic gold and platinum. Elegance is achieved through subtle use of tones, and through delicate, feminine lines. The „Nixe” collection is majestic and quietly sophisticated, reminiscent of dark winter nights and silent snowfall.

principles of people; exploring emotion and dedicating time to capturing these complex and delicate feelings in pieces of jewellery. This is the FREY WILLE philosophy we all feel. We each experience an array of emotions every day. Employing over 450 employees worldwide, it is this common understanding of humanism, and the way we channel our cherished ideology through fine jewellery, which connects us together.

11061 Bp., Andrássy út 43. 1052 Bp., Régiposta utca 19. 1185 Bp., Ferihegy 2B terminál

+36-1 413 0174 +36-1 318 7665 +36-1 296 5422

page 89 89

page

Andrássy út and its surroundings

Stairhouse of the ”Posta” Múzeum

Typical villa-house on Andrássy út

LUXURY BUDAPEST

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Cosmetics  www.laprairie.hu

page

AndrĂĄssy Ăşt and its surroundings

Luxury watch and jeweLLery 1052 Budapest, Pรกrizsi u. 3. tel.: +36 1 318 2156 www.barakadiamond.hu

Hublot TV on: www.hublot.com

page

AndrĂĄssy Ăşt and its surroundings

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. Tel.: +36 1 266 0747 www.furever.hu

shopping GUIDE

Luxury and the city Andrássy shopping guide

Király utca

 FIDJI COUTUREE

Liszt Ferenc Tér

FREY WILLE 

SCHOEFFEL 

Paulay Ede utca

Oktogon

Teréz körút

 VERTU

 APPLE

 ALBERTO GUERDIANI

Király utca

Oktogon

Andrássy út

SALAMANDER 

D&G 

GOLD 

 BURBERRY VERTU 

 LOUIS VUITTON

 GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE

 FRANCK MÜLLER  CALLAS GUCCI 

 HERENDI

MAX MARA 

 NIKE

 GAS JEANS ZILLI 

 LEVI’S ZSIDRÓ 

MARCO BICEGO 

 OMEGA

Magyar Állami Operaház

ADIDAS  Hegedű utca WOLFORD 

öz

ROBERTO CAVALLI 

Ede utca

Zsidró Hajszalon 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 17. +36-1 342-7366 info@zsidro.net M-Fr: 8:00-21:00 Sa: 9:00-14:00

Omega 1065 Budapest, Andrássy út 18. +36-1 312-6449 www.kzm.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-13:00

Nagymező utca

Deák Ferenc tér

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA 

-Z sy jc

BLUE SILVER 

Paulay

lin

út

Andrássy út

ARMANI  Káldy Gyula utc a PELOTE 

 TAG HEUER

 GUESS

Bajcsy Zsilinszky út

Zilli 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. M-Fr: 9:00-19:00 Sa: 9:00-18:00

Nespresso 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36-1 322-0722 www.nespresso.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00

Guess 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 4. +36-1 414-1111 www.guess.com M-Sa: 10:00-20:00

Carl Zeiss 1061 Budapest, Ansdrássy út 6. www.zeiss.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Wolford 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41. +36-1 342-1576 www.wolford.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Nike 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16. +36-1 354-0004 www.nike.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00

Gucci 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. +36-1 328-0971 www.gucci.com M-Fr: 10:00-20:00 Sa: 10:00-19:00

Callas 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. +36-1 354-0954 www.callascafe.hu M-S: 10:00-24:00

Vertu 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 31. +36-1 413-1096 www.vertu.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Max mara 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 21. +36-1 413-0717 www.mmbudapest.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Gold 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. +36-30 324-8004 M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00 S: 11:00-18:00

Caprice 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36-1 321-2057 www.caprice.co.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00

SchOEffel 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 43. +36-1 202-2255 www.schoeffelgyongy.hu M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Marco Bicego 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36-1 414-1111 www.marcobicego.hu M-Sa: 10:00-20:00

Gas Jeans 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14. +36-30 382-1782 www.gasjeans.hu M-Fr: 9:30-20:00 Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-19:00

Burberry 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36-1 302-0628 www.burberry.com M-Fr: 10:00-20:00 Sa: 1100-18:00

Salamander 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. +36-1 434-5551 www.salamander.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Th: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00

Louis Vuitton 1065 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36-1 373-0487 www.louisvuitton.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00

Frey Wille 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 43. +36-1 413-0174 www.frey-wille.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-16:00

CAPRICE 

Apple 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 36. +36-1 453-3939 www.apple.hu M-Fr: 10:00-20:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00 Blue silver 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. +36-1 266-0747 www.bluesilver.hu M-S: 9:00-21:00

Roberto Cavalli 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. +36-1 413-0063 www.robertocavalli.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Levi’s Strauss 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36-1 411-0446 www.eu.levi.com M-Sa: 10:00-19:00

Fidji Couture - dior 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 40–42. +36-1 318-2565 www.dior.com M-Fr: 10:00-20:00 Sa-S: 11:00-18:00

NESPRESSO 

Armani 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9. +36-1 550-0300 www.fashionandcafe.hu M-S: 9:30-19:30

Franck Muller 1061 Bp., Andrássy út 20. +36-1 301-4940 www.franckmuller.hu M-Fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-13:00

Ermenegildo Zegna Budapest 1061, Andrássy út 15. +36-1 328-0117 www.zegna.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa-S: 11:00-18:00

Vásári Pál utca

Alberto Guardiani 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 34. +36-1 354-0054 www.albertoguardiani.it M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Pelote 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. +36-1 411-1615 www.pelote.com shop@pelote.hu M-Sa: 10:00-19:00 Th: 10:00-20:00

Herendi 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16. +36-1 374-0006 www.herend.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

d&G 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. +36-1 235-0504 www.dolcegabbana.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-19:00 S: 11:00-18:00

Adidas 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. +36-1 239-1363 www.adidas.com M-Fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa-S: 10:00-15:00

page

Every world-class city has a street of which it is particularly – and deservedly – proud, a street that exudes glamour, and that draws in passers-by with its stylish shops. In Budapest, the mustsee street is Andrássy Avenue for its aristocratic elegance and top of the line luxuries. And be sure not to miss out on Luxury and the City…

page

shopping GUIDE

Roberto cavalli The first Roberto Cavalli Boutique in Central-Europe offers the world-famous Italian fashion designer, Roberto Cavalli’s Womenswear and Menswear collections as well as a wide range of shoes, bags and other accessories in a luminous and sparkling space of 260 square metres. 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. (M1 ’Opera’ station) Address Telephone number +361 413-0063 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00, Saturday: 10:00-18:00

Franck Muller

Gas jeans

Since 1986, launching his first wristwatch with a tourbillon, Franck Muller has been known as one of the most creative watchmakers of the industry, furthermore entitled as the „Master of Complications”. The first Central European Franck Muller Boutique was opened at Budapest, where the lovers of luxury timepieces could find a wide selection of the Swiss manufacture’s creations.

The company was started in the early 1970s in Chiuppano near Vicenza in the heart of northeast Italy as a result of the passion and creativity of Claudio Grotto. Since 1984 Grotto Spa has designed, manufactured and distributed a total look of high-quality denim apparel, shoes and accessories for men and women and children under the GAS label. GAS is a premium jeanswear brand with an international feel fuelled by the idea of fashionable - yet functional and practical - clothes for intelligent, discerning and cosmopolitan people who look to clothing to express their own personality for every occasion.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. Telephone number +36 1 301 4940 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00, Saturday: 10:00-18:00

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14. Telephone number +36 1 382-1782 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-19:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

guess

Max Mara The MaxMara Flagship Store on Andrássy Avenue opened its doors in Fall 2010. The boutique features all collections of the Italian Fashion House including the Bridal Collection and presents these in 300 sqm on two levels. Having been realized after the latest shop concept of the luxury brand, the store stands out not only with a great choice of garments but a captivating interior design as well.

Known for its European styling, upscale image and glamorous collections, GUESS is one of the most widely recognizable apparel companies across the globe with an innovative style that dresses and accessorizes the world with fashion-forward clothing, handbags, watches, footwear and more. Focused more on the image of the brand rather than specific products, the advertising strategy of GUESS is to express an attitude and lifestyle rather than a trend in the market. Creating images of edge, glamour and attitude is my mission, and the GUESS customer understands that. When people think about GUESS, they think about “GUESS Girls” such as Claudia Schiffer, Carrè Otis, Eva Herzigova, Laetitia Casta, Carla Bruni, and Naomi Campbell. “’The GUESS Girl’ has to be unknown and has to embody the spirit and sexiness of the brand”

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 21. Telephone number +36 1 413-0717 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-19:00

Levi’s The Premium store which is located at Andrassy street, in the world-heritage site area of Budapest, offers such specialities, like the Made & Crafted® and Levi’s Vintage Clothing® lines parts of Levi’s® XX Premium collection. These are exclusively available in the Andrassy Premium Store in the CentralEastern-European region. Beside this, seasonal and limited collections of internationally honoured designers like Damien Hirst, Jean Paul Gaultier, House of Holland can also be found.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. Telephone number +36 1 411-0446 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-19:00

page

100

page

shopping GUIDE

D&g

Wolford

The D&G mono brand boutique was opened in December 2009 and it was the first one - after the Milan store to represent the newest D&G Design Concept. The 400sqm shop area is designed to create a new atmosphere which could represent the ultimate style and soul of D&G: a contemporary, sophisticated and elegant ambience which could showcase the collections quality while offering the customers an unforgettable buying experience. All the D&G Women’s and Men’s Collections - Apparel, Accessories, Beachwear, Underwear and Eyewear- as well as D&G Time, D&G Jewels and D&G Fragrances are present in the store.

The Wolford brand represents BEAUTY and CULTURE in the world. QUALITY and CREATIVITY are the guiding principles of our daily activities - in the service of the women of this world. We pay homage to women - by creating products for them that add innovation and fashion aesthetics to their lives - through a tailored and personal service and open dialogue. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41. Telephone number +36-1 342-1576 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00-18:00

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. Telephone number +36-1 305 0504 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-19:00 Sunday: 11:00-18:00

GolD The GOLD luxury shoes store represents such world-famous brands as Jimmy Choo, Sergio Rossi, Casadei and Pura López. The shop area is designed to be in perfect harmony with the luxury quality of the brands. The alternation of matt and sheen surfaces in ivory, beige and gold creates a refined and elegant atmosphere. The GOLD boutique offers a very feminine and sophisticated selection of shoes and bags from the collections of the designer brands. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 33. Telephone number +361 324-8004 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-19:00 Sunday: 11:00-18:00

102

page

shopping GUIDE

adidas The one and only adidas Originals Store in Hungary – the best place to get the latest streetwear and fashion products of the well-known 3-stripes brand. The venue on Andrássy street was not accidentally chosen as this store offers not only the well-known 3-stripes tees and Superstars, but also the modern, fashion line of adidas Originals. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. Telephone number +36-1 239 1361 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-15:00

Marco Bicego Natural luxury for everyday. Hand-made jewels by Marco Bicego, they are unique, but wearable enough to cheer up a modern woman’s day. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. Telephone number +36-1 414-1111 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00

DIOR Fidji Couture is a unique multibrand store which offers the complete collections of the french luxury fashion houses of Christian Dior and Lanvin for woman and man. The selection includes RTW, bags, shoes and jewels as well. Fidji Couture has 2 shops. The bigger one placed at Andrássy street, it has 2 floors and 500 nm. The other one is in Haris köz which has also 2 floors and 200 nm. Both boutiques have the atmosphere of the sophisticated elegant world of fashion where the customer can enjoy shopping. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 40–42. Telephone number +36-1 318-2565 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00 Saturday-Sunday: 11:00-18:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

salamander Salamander offers shoes and accessories of high quality from the latest trends. Popular fashion labels like Hugo Boss, Peter Kaiser, Lloyd and others guarantee you can find the right choice. A friendly staff is waiting for you in a pleasant atmosphere. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. Telephone number +36-1 434-5551 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00 Thursday 10:00-19:00 Saturday 10:00-14:00

Schoeffel Every day is like a new gift waiting to be unwrapped: with curiosity, with delight, with a sense of fascination. With the wonderful feeling of not being alone but of having something that touches the heart. With its beauty, its elegance, its carefree laughter. Amazing cultured pearl necklaces, Couture and Classical jewellery collections. Pure luxury. Since 1921.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 43. Telephone number +36-1 202 2255 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-18:00

albeRto guardiani More than 60 years experience in shoes with a glance to the future. Perfect balance between tradition and innovation. In the plant, which is situated in the heart of Marche’s shoes production area, both technology and hand-crafted experience coexist to offer highly valuable products. Dynamism, commitment, design stylistic choices: these are known all over the world. “Niche markets in the world” has been the strategy of the Alberto Guardiani brand. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 34. Telephone number +36-1 354-0054 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday 10:00-18:00

page

103

104

page

shopping GUIDE

Tothbori Each of the TOTHBORI collections brings the exciting synergy of re-interpreted classical elegance and the modern, urban world of shapes. The collections give life to the everyday collection of clothes of the elegant woman. The emphasising of the womanly shape characterises the TOTHBORI style, the accentuation of womanly attributes such as the waist and the shoulders. The objective is not only to create the stylish toilet but to achieve its harmony with the lady bearing it and by that, to create the final harmonic image. Address 1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 25. nearby the Hungarian State Opera house Telephone number +36 1 354 1588 Opening hours Monday–Friday: 11.00-19.00 Saturday: 11.00-16.00 Sunday: closed

Furever

gucci Located in the prestigious Andrássy Avenue, the most beautiful avenue of Budapest, the Gucci Budapest store. which opened in September 2008, includes a series of monumental arches and a historical fountain from 1882, creating a unique blend of luxury and historical spirit. Entering the shop, one is immediately struck by the luxurious vision of the Gucci universe - a light, warm and intimate aesthetic that fuses classic elements with a modern spirit. The store houses men’s and women’s collections of ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jewellery, small leather goods and gift items. Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. Telephone number +36 1 322-0971 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00 Saturday 10:00-19:00

Fashion. Home. Design. The newest luxury fur shop of Csányi Fur Ltd. is characterized by these three words. Opened its doors on Andrássy út 3 in the beautiful Saxlehner Palace. Mink and other noble furs, leather jackets and accessories for men and women. We implement a unique vision, whether it be for fashion, home furnishings or additions. Bedspreads, carpets, pillows, all that fur and leather. The fur is eternal. Furever. Address H-1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. Telephone number + 36 1 266 0747 Opening hours Monday to Sunday 9:00-21:00

THOMAS SABO SHOP BUDAPEST 1052 Budapest Krist贸f T茅r 6, Phone +36 - 1 - 3 28 05 57

106

page

shopping GUIDE

Top Women’s Fashion 2

1. Harry Winston watch www.barakadiamond.hu 2. Gucci Bag www.gucci.com 3. Varga Design Web leaf www.vargadesign.hu 4. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess www.esteelauder.com 5. Nina Ricci Ricci Rici www.ninaricci.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Top men’s Fashion

1. Porsche Design Travel Pack Driver’s Selection www.porsche-design.com 2. Prada fragrance www.prada.com 3. Vertu Constellation www.vertu.com 4. Apple iPad www.istyle.hu www.apple.com 5. Frank Muller Conquistador www.frankmuller.com

page

107

108

page

Andrássy út and its surroundings

to which unmissable places would you take guests? ”The banks of the Danube, the area around the Opera House, and Andrássy út all the way to Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square). I also love Margit Sziget (Margaret’s Island) and I always take my guests to Szentendre for lunch.” Andy Vajna

The Opera House

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

109

110

page

Vรกrosliget

TOUR VIII.

Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

Visitors to Budapest often visit Hősök tere (Heroes Square), which lies on the edge of the largest city park. This leafy green area was originally called Városerdő (City Forest). However, József Palatine (1776–1847) had the trees, originally planted here as a gesture to society, cut down to provide fire-wood for the poor, thus changing the landscape from a forest into a mere copse.

Városliget

112

page

Városliget

Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City Városliget

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Fashion Interior 

www.furever.hu

Its current appearance was created during the Hungarian millennium celebrations in 1896. Városliget was a favourite entertainment centre at the time. A direct road from the city centre was constructed (later called Andrássy út) and the park was expanded to house new facilities. Since then it has become a popular leisure area and offers playgrounds, tennis courts, walking and cycling routes and also plays host to some important cultural institutions. The artificial lake offers boating in summer and becomes an ice-rink in winter. The skating pavilion was designed by Ödön Lechner in eclectic style, whilst the bridge over the lake, finished for the millennium celebrations, was designed by Flóris Korb and Alajos Giergl. The Vajdahunyad vár (Castle) complex was designed by Ignác Alpár and was constructed at the same time. The sculpture of the nameless chronicler of King Béla III, ’Anonymous’, stands at the entrance. Strollers often take a short rest here for a cup of coffee, or a glass of good wine. An invitation to tender was published on the occasion of the Hungarian millennium celebration for the creation of a building complex that would depict the thousand year-long history of Hungarian architecture in three dimensions – an early theme park, in fact. The historical building complex, comprising of 21 mainly wooden sections, depicted all the various Hungarian styles of architecture up to that time. The most popular was the model of Vajdahunyad Castle in Transylvania, named after the original fortress. To represent the Roman style, the Church of Ják was built, a precise replica of the 13th century Benedictine abbey at Ják, near the western border of the country. This spectacular complex, built to meet tender specifications, was so successful, that it was later made permanent in stone. Today, it houses the Museum of Agriculture. In 1913, the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths, built in the neo-Baroque style, were opened to the public, water being supplied from one of the hottest natural springs in Europe. The beautifully restored building is, in itself, a spectacular sight. In 1866, the first zoo in Hungary was opened in Városliget, to which the emperor, Ferenc József (Franz Josef) presented rare fauna from his own collection at Schönbrunn. A decade later, it was reconstructed to the designs of leading architects, including Károly Kós. The aviary, the deer park, the Palm House,

the Aquarium, the large and small rock-faces, the grotto cinema and the music pavilion were added at the same time. In 1912, when reopened, it was one of the most modern zoos in Europe. The beautifully restored Palm House, the glass dome of which was destroyed in World War II, contains tropical flora and fauna such as tiny monkeys, rare reptiles and exotic birds in a carefully contrived rain-forest climate and is a very popular attraction. An intimate coffee bar was built into the building’s crescentshaped hall. A minaret-style tower was reconstructed a few years ago next to the wonderful arabesque elephant house, from which we can enjoy the spectacular panorama of Városliget. The amusement park, situated nearby, has been in operation since 1909. The famous Ősbudavár (Ancient Buda Castle), later demolished, was considered its predecessor and featured individual attractions, tented booths, and strolling actors. The attractions of the former Angolpark (English Park) were also clustered in the same location. Today, its specialities are the protected carousel and wooden roller coaster. The year-round Metropolitan Circus, presenting everchanging programmes, stands next door. The nearby Hungarian Museum of Transport’s unique collection of model railways and ships, vintage and classic cars and motorbikes, and horsedrawn vehicles, was founded upon transport exhibits from the 1896 Hungarian millennium Exhibition building which was destroyed in World War II. Of course, the parks and the promenades of this huge green area make it an attractive spot for family outings, walking the dog or feeding the ducks. It’s really worth going to any of the restaurants around the lake, particularly to prestigious Gundel’s, restored to its former glory, which has enhanced the reputation of Hungarian cuisine for one and a half centuries. The former Industrial Hall, centre-piece of the Millennium Exhibition, with its promenade, garden and fountain, hosted important events after the Millennium celebrations, from Motor-car to Confectionery shows, and even a military aircraft exhibit, until it was burnt down in the Second World War and had to be razed. It was reconstructed soon after, and housed the Budapest International Fair, organized annually until moved from the park. Thereafter, the largest youth leisure centre in Budapest, the Petőfi Hall, was built in 1985, to host concerts, family and children’s events, exhibitions and conferences. The locals, however, prefer to visit the outdoor flea market here on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as the myriad of goods on sale, and the lively atmosphere, make it a pleasantly intriguing experience.

Borkรกpolna

1071 Budapest, Damjanich utca 52. Tel./Fax: 06 - 1 - 343 - 5258 Cell: 06 - 30 - 941 - 2838 www.borkapolna.hu E-mail: info@borkapolna.hu Castle of Vajdahunyad

114

page

VĂĄrosliget

MĹącsarnok

Luxury watch and jeweLLery 1052 Budapest, Párizsi u. 3. tel.: +36 1 318 2156 www.barakadiamond.hu

116

page

Városliget

IF YOU HAVE VISITORS FROM ABROAD WHICH SIGHTS DO YOU SHOW THEM? „I take them up into the Buda Hills by the Cogwheel Railway and then the Children’s Railway for a walk up to the Erzsébet Kilátó (lookout tower), then back down by chairlift for a good lunch. If they can come in August and are fans of rock music, I take or send them to the wonderful Sziget Festival. (Again, I advise them to read our consular advice first - ukinhungary.fco.gov.uk/en/ help-for-british-nationals - don’t leave your passport in a tent, for instance. But what a great atmosphere!) ” Greg Dorey

Boating

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

117

118

page

LUXURY BUDAPEST

The largest modern shopping centre in Hungary ArĂŠna P laza, Budapest

Arena Plaza is the largest, most modern and only regional shopping centre in Hungary, just a five minute walk from the Eastern Railway Station. It is unique in Hungary in more than one respect â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its size, the wide range of international brands and the high quality of leisure services it offers.

page

119

120

page

The largest modern shopping centre in Hungary Aréna P laza, Budapest There’s a lot to discover

The 66,000 square metre Arena Plaza, surrounded by 40,000 square metres of parkland, is built on the site of an old horse trotting race arena. With 2,800 free parking spaces it offers the biggest free car park in Budapest. The shopping centre has nearly 200 stores including major international brands only recently introduced to the Hungarian market, such as Peek & Cloppenburg, Zara, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Oysho and Gant. For many of them, this was their first Hungarian store. The centre also boasts almost 30 restaurants, cafes and confectionary shops including popular fast food and restaurant chains like Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and Hungary’s first Häagen Daz and Tchibo stores. In addition, the centre is also host to Budapest’s largest Tesco store at over 11,000 square metres, as well as Cinema City, the biggest multiplex movie complex in Central Eastern Europe and the only IMAX cinema in Hungary. Arena Plaza’s most attractive features are its bright and lofty space and stylish modern design. Shops and restaurants are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Top 10

Arena P laza Luxury brands GANT Guess Hilfiger Denim Lacoste Marc O’Polo Marlboro Classics Peek & Cloppenburg Salamander Samsonite Swarovski

The ultimate shopping experience

With an impressive choice of international and Hungarian brands, excellent restaurants, entertainment and free parking, Arena Plaza is the most exciting and attractive leisure centre in Hungary. It has a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Hungary, with lots of major international brands under one roof.

Cinema City

With 23 screens, Cinema City is the largest movie theatre complex in both Hungary and Central Eastern Europe. The 400-seat IMAX theatre has the largest screen in the region for viewing short nature films and the most recent feature films in perfect stereophonic and stereoscopic 3D. The cinema’s 32 and 40 seat VIP theatres show new releases every week, and provide excellent food and drink, as well as comfortable leather armchairs to enhance the experience. These five theatres also provide closed viewings and are ideal for exclusive corporate product presentations, professional meetings, press conferences, friendly gatherings or birthday parties. Movie goers can also enjoy the experience offered by 17 multiplex theatres with 82 to 378 seats, cutting edge screening technology including Dolby Digital 3D, and comfortable seats. They are ideal venues for private viewings and presentations.

Hungary’s first electronic gift card

In its short life, Arena Plaza has introduced many new retail and marketing innovations to Hungary, which have been rapidly copied by every other centre. For shoppers, the Arena Plaza Gift Card is probably the most significant. This stylish and classy-looking electronic card can be used in all the stores in the shopping centre which have a MasterCard terminal. The card can be loaded with any value from HUF 2750 to 335,000 and used throughout the centre. Card holders may check their balance any time on the shopping centre’s website, by calling Arena Plaza’s call centre, or on the spot at the centre’s information desk.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9. +36-1 880-7010 www.arenaplaza.hu Opening Hours Shops Monday-Saturday 10-21 Sunday 10-19 Restaurants, Café Monday-Saturday 10-22 Sunday 10-20

page

121

122

page

Non stop meeting point

Date under the clock Non stop meeting point

Every big city has places that are always crowded and lively. Nyugati tér (Square) is one of the city’s major meeting points. It is always crowded, in winter and in summer during the day and at night, particularly under the clock above the terraced area, that takes you from the underpass to street level. Aging gallants clutching flowers, teenagers ready to party, grandparents with grandchildren, in other words all kinds of people, mingle here. From this point, one may head up Nagykörút (Great Ringroad), BajcsyZsilinszky út (Avenue) or Váci út (do not confuse it with Váci utca, a narrow shopping street parallel to, and not far from the Pest bank of the Danube). The terminals of buses going to Óbuda, Rózsadomb, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) are also located here, and more distant destinations may be reached by trains departing from the railway station opposite.

TOUR IX. Non stop meeting point

124

page

Non stop meeting point

Date under the clock Non stop meeting point

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Cake 

www.dunapark-kavehaz.hu

The famous French engineers of the Eiffel company constructed Nyugati (Western Railway Station), in the Lipótváros district, which is a spectacular building still, with its grandiose and very elegant cast-iron and glass hall. This was the terminal of the very first railway line in Hungary, built between Pest and Vác in 1846, at the same time as the gigantic Nagykörút construction programme. At that time, the famous Hotel that stood nearby was demolished. One hundred years later, the name was inherited by a huge mall, the Westend City Center, in Váci út. This building was designed to be the new downtown of Budapest. Visitors are greeted by a waterfall 20 metres high as they enter the ’roofed city’. With trees, flowers and sculptures, the 7.4 acre roof garden assures the visitor a welcome place to rest. Half of the mall’s 400 stores are fashion shops, where nearly every famous brand is sold. The multiplex cinema comprises of 14 viewing theatres equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Shoppers can choose from more than 30 restaurants and coffee-bars, from simple take-aways to very fashionable eateries. The designers intentionally named the various ’streets’ and ’squares’ of this Temple of Consumption after famous figures from Hungarian history and culture. At the far end of the building, protruding out into Váci út, you will find a curious and colourful building, one of the most exciting in the city – in other words, the reborn Lehel tér Market. The stall holders and shoppers, who disliked the old ship-shaped building, prefer the new functional one. It’s no use denying that the 21st century successor to the former, rather crude market area on the boundary of Újlipótváros, nowadays boasts grandiose office buildings, and an ever-changing network of shops and has ceased to be a working-class district, but, with a positive shift in wealth, is now a middle-class one. The buildings recall post-modern deconstruction blended with classic Soviet-Russian avant-garde features, done in the colours of the city’s tricolor flag – red, yellow and blue. However, both merchants and customers gradually moved into the dynamically-styled multi-storey building and slowly everything found its place, from pickles to fresh fruit. A post office and a Land Register branch office are to be found in the gallery, near the various stores, and, more importantly, excellent coffee is served here!

The border of Lipótváros leads immediately to the Újlipótváros district, site of former flourmills, timber yards and small industrial factories. Large apartment blocks were built in the area in the 1910’s such as the 3 Palatinus apartment blocks, on the banks of the Danube. However, it was not until the end of the 1920’s that the planned construction of this city district was carried out. It was designed to meet the needs of the middle classes, with good road connections to the adjacent downtown area. Szent István Park (St. Stephen’s Park), built to bring nature back to the area after it was eradicated by dense building development, was placed right next to existing eclectic houses. Reflecting folk secessionist elements, it became the district’s central square, designed in the spirit of classical modernism, inspired by the Bauhaus movement. The best materials available were used in construction thus providing harmonious surroundings to the park. The 1 to 3 room apartments in the individually designed buildings, with covered stairways and diffused lighting are comfortable, and already enjoyed central heating by the 1930’s. These economically planned, people-oriented and sometimes furnished apartments suggested a modern life-style very different to the generous but pointless empty spaces of the early period of the last century, mostly built for prestige purposes. In many cases, terraces, roof gardens and penthouses with direct views on to the River Danube and facing Margitsziget were erected on building tops. The new city district, pleasing from both the aesthetic and the practical points of view justly became fashionable again. Apartment houses in the Újlipótváros district have enjoyed exclusivity ever since. The stores in the neighbourhood mainly serve the locals, but galleries and fashion boutiques have opened in neighbouring streets. More and more top quality restaurants and coffee bars house hangers-out as well as serving passers-by. If one becomes exhausted strolling around the environs of Szent István Park, a trolley bus will take one along friendly Pozsonyi utca, at the end of which one finds the Pest-end of Margit híd. In December 1949, the first electric trolley bus, number 70, was introduced in Budapest to pay tribute to Stalin on his 70th birthday. That is why all trolley bus numbers start with the number 7!

75%

25%

Christy Turlington wears Appassionata Collection - robertocoin.com

100%

JOIN US TO SUPPORT CAREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WORK TO HELP EMPOWER WOMEN WORLDWIDE.

Westend City Center

126

page

Non stop meeting point

1055 Bp., Szent Istvรกn krt. 17. +36 30 677 77 05 +36 1 2 695 111 www.spaziocaffe.hu Facebook: Spazio Caffe ManueL

Opening: april 2011

LUXURY BUDAPEST

What is it that makes budapest special for you? is it more special than other big cities of the world? ”Well, mainly the fact that I was born here! Hungarian is my mother tongue. I feel at home here. Lot’s of new memories have been added to the old ones, in recent years. All these things mean it’s good to be back.” Andy Vajna

Eiffel Park

page

127

128

page

Ă&#x201C;buda

TOUR X. Óbuda

Jumping in time Óbuda

You can explore one of the most interesting and colourful parts of the city by starting from the Buda-end of Margit híd (Margaret Bridge). Let’s start our walk at Frankel Leó utca, at the bottom of Rózsadomb (Hill of the Roses), and make our way up the steep but romantic Mecset utca – the unique atmosphere is worth the effort. You can find the octagonally domed turbe (Turkish for tomb) of Gül Baba (Father of Roses) who arrived in Hungary with the Turkish Conquerors. Although we are still not very high up, the view is wonderful!

130

page

Óbuda

Jumping in time Óbuda

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Man Accessory 

www.www.panerai.com

Returning to the main road, you can see Lukács fürdő (Baths) which uses the natural hot springs which surface in this part of the city. A yard full of planetrees leads to the old pool, mellowed with time, not only a paradise for those seeking recuperation, but also once frequented by Budapest’s intellectuals. The nearby building, Császár fürdő (Emperor’s Baths), does not reveal its Turkish origins today. Swimmers and water polo players (Hungary’s national Olympic-winning sport) regularly train in the neighbouring Komjáthy Swimming Baths. Óbuda, renowned for its cosy pubs, was once an independent town and its history goes back even further than that of historic Buda. In several public areas you may ponder over monuments and relics of this Pannonian outpost of the Roman Empire. In Zsigmond tér, you can walk among stones from the Roman Period, and among the ruins of nearby Aquincum, you can see the remains of an entire ancient Roman city, and visit the fine collection of artefacts in its museum. There are also other Roman remains such as a hippodrome and an amphitheatre that also bear witness to the incredibly developed civilization of the 1st and 2nd centuries. Don’t miss the Hercules villa, open to visitors, or the bath museum in the Flórián tér underpass. Óbuda was a royal seat much earlier than Buda. Later, it was considered the realm of queens, since the wives of Hungarian monarchs liked to live in the area. This was no accident, since the surroundings abound in peaceful natural beauty, an ideal spot today to escape the asphalt jungle. At Újlak templom, a shopping district has formed around the reconstructed market place. You can buy food, enjoy the windows of numerous small shops, and take your ease in the cafés and restaurants, close by. You can find ’Old’ Sipos restaurant, famous for fish, especially its fish soup, which has an excellent reputation. It is called ’Old’ because another restaurant later opened here in Óbuda, with the same name, in Fő tér (Main Square). Incidentally, it is worth mentioning that having passed by the market place you might enjoy a rural trip: a path leads up to Fenyőgyöngye through the forest, and from here, there is another path to Hármashatár-hegy. Back to Óbuda and its 18th-19th-century village atmosphere, with beautifully restored onestorey houses. This was once a wine-growing area, hence its well-known local pub culture, and each house used to sell wine from its own vineyard. Many small houses have been demolished to make room for newer buildings, but some still exist, evoking this ancient yet multicultural world. In the first half of the 18th century, the Zichy family, the local landowners, invited Catholic wine-growers from south Germany to an area mainly inhabited by Hungarian Calvinists, and one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. After the settlement’s market town past, industrial plants invaded the area. The Gold berger textile factory, now an industrial monument, was already in operation by the 18th century, spinning silk, and the Óbuda Shipyard was established in 1840. The majority of the inhabitants were lower-middle class. When you get to the recently renovated Fő tér, you will find Kassák Museum in the former Baroque palace of the Zichy family. It’s worth taking a look inside as. Lajos Kassák was a leading member of the Hungarian avant-garde, and internationally acknowledged in the 20th century, both as a poet and artist. In the wing of the palace, you can also visit the museum of Hungarian-born Victor Vasarelly,

the father of op-art. In the street which meanders behind the Városháza (City Hall), you can visit the permanent exhibition of Imre Varga, a famous sculptor. The statue of a man with an umbrella at the end of the street is his work. Another of the buildings in the square houses Zsigmond Kun’s ethnographic collection. Fő tér also plays host to many events. Don’t miss the nearby Kiscelli Museum, formed from the cloister of the Trinitarians, a Catholic monastic order founded in 1198 by St John of Matha, who settled here in the first half of the 18th century. The cloister and church, a popular place of pilgrimage, were later taken over by the state, functioning as an old soldiers’ home, a military hospital and a tool warehouse. In 1911, Miksa Schmidt, a Viennese furniture manufacturer with extensive connections to Budapest and owner of factories here, bought the building and later left it to the capital in his will, with the stipulation that a museum be established in it. The Baroque building complex on Kiscell hegy still houses the Metropolitan Gallery, Budapest’s collection of art. At first relating to the history of the city, later, with a growing collection and more space, owing to the purchase of the neighbouring palace – it grew to become a remarkable collection of 19 th and 20th century Hungarian art. In the exhibition area that spectacularly uses the former church’s interior, superb exhibitions are also occasionally held. An unusual occurrence happened recently: an exhibition of Hermann Nitsch’s work of art, an artist considered to be the naughty boy of contemporary Austrian art, was held. The show featured provocative works, not uncommon for him, and in this, a formerly sacred space. It generated a hot debate in the media, and as a result of this public clash between the objecting ’philistines’ and autonomous art-lovers (as well as the exhibition’s organizers) many more visitors attended the exhibition than previously expected. For a fun time, Görzenál, Europe’s biggest roller-skating and recreational park is to be found in the green-belt along the Danube, opposite Margitsziget. You can not only roller-skate, but you can also try various other sports from wallclimbing to street ball and BMX. There is a vantage point on top of the 12 metre high wall, climbable from all four sides, from which a ramp leads down to the other end of the park. On the 4m × 2.5m trampoline, you can practice the acrobatic skills of snowboarding and mogul skiing. If you arrive with no roller-skates, do not worry, you can hire them in any size on the spot. If you have not tried roller-skating before, it is high time you started, as courses are offered for beginners. It would not be fair to leave out Hajógyári Sziget (Shipbuilding Island), whose enormous green sward hosts the Sziget Festival, organised every August for the past 10 years. The festival, evoking the traditions of Woodstock, with its international star performers and numerous cultural programmes, has become one of the most remarkable and largest events of its kind in Europe.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

131

132

page

Óbuda

Kiscelli múzeum

Lukács bath

Colors of Ă&#x201C;buda

134

page

Óbuda

Római part

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

135

136

page

Lipótváros

In the core of the City Lipótváros

Budapest’s government, official and banking centre is located in the heart of the city and its name commemorates the reign of Emperor Lipót II. Despite the presence of many public institutions, it also acts as a residential area, and the sight of elegantly dressed young people rushing to business dinners is not uncommon.

TOUR XI. Lip贸tv谩ros

138

page

Lipótváros

In the core of the City Lipótváros

www.montblanc.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Manager accessory 

Occasionally, all at once, university students appear from time to time among the predominantly classicist and romantic style buildings. Within the framework of the “Heart of Budapest” programme, the newest and perhaps the most beautiful pedestrian street of the Hungarian capital between Kálvin tér and Szabadság tér has been recently completed. A majestic building on the corner of Nádor utca, designed by József Hild, has been refurbished with great ingenuity, becoming the seat of the Central European University (CEU), established by György Soros, the Hungarian entrepreneur who lives in the USA. It is worth popping into the lobby just to see how the well-thought through renovation of a protected historical building was successfully achieved. The new modern spaces clearly connect seamlessly with the original conception of the designer. The ideal starting point for this little tour is Deák tér (square), where a 20th century edifice, the former long-distance bus terminus (since relocated to an outer part of the city) houses the Design Terminal in the immediate vicinity of Gödör. A youth entertainment centre that put on cultural events, now removed to the new Hungarian National Theatre site, was originally designed to be built here. The underground car park and the foundations of the intended theatre remain. The freed-up space, popularly known as ‘the national pit’, with its cultural centre and pleasant park is popular among the residents of Budapest. On summer evenings, the relaxing terrace conveys a friendly, Mediterranean atmosphere. In the adjacent park in Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square), apart from the alley and the playground, the Danubius Well, designed by Miklós Ybl, is to be found. The ornamental well, featuring Danubius at the top, and female figurines representing the rivers Tisza, Dráva and Száva below the water taps, has enjoyed an uncertain career. Originally it was meant to be erected in Ferenciek tér. However, after its completion, it was erected in Kálvin tér, from where it was slowly squeezed out by traffic and then badly damaged during World War II. One of its figurines, which remained intact, can be seen in the courtyard of 9 Kálvin tér. Finally, the re-carved copy of the well was erected in 1959 in its current spot in Erzsébet tér, then named Engels tér. Proceeding down Hercegprímás utca, one reaches the Basilica, Budapest’s largest and Hungary’s second biggest church, whose archetype was St Peter’s in Rome. Miklós Ybl, continuing the work of the designer József Hild, gave a Neo-Renaissance feel to the building. The Sacred Right Hand, a relic of St Stephen, king of Hungary between 1000 and 1038, is kept here and is the centre-piece of a celebratory procession that takes place on Hungary’s national day, 20th August. The visitor is rewarded with spectacular views of the city from the dome. Under the attractive cathedral square, a new large-capacity underground car park seeks to alleviate parking problems. On both sides of the square, and in the surrounding streets, numerous restaurants with excellent cuisines and elegant and cosy cafés await passers-by. It’s also worth going round the small galleries in the area to get a clear impression of contemporary Hungarian applied arts and design. You can even buy individual pieces made by goldsmiths, potters and glass makers. If you are curious to see the work of young Hungarian fashion designers, you can also find their salons close by.

In the vicinity of the monumental structures of Szabadság tér (the late Exchange Palace was home to the Hungarian national television until 2010), there is a small green area at the entrance to an underground car park in the centre of the square where you can find a café with a pleasant ambience and a terrace in summertime. Behind the square, in Hold utca, take a look at the Post Office Savings Bank, one of the most famous buildings in the Art Nouveau style, by Ödön Lechner. The window-ledges and majolica roof ornaments of this beautiful example of Hungarian Art Nouveau were made by Zsolnay. Legend has it that when his students asked Lechner why he took such meticulous care in decorating a roof that could not be seen from the street, the master replied, ‘Well, the birds can see it.’ The monumental Neo-Gothic Parliament building in Kossuth tér, designed by Imre Steindl, was based on a model of proposed new parliament buildings for London. Interestingly, it was built with a Byzantine dome in contrast to the model, and furthermore it features broad ornamented stairs, again not characteristic of the Gothic style. The enormous fresco on the ceiling of the staircase is the work of Károly Lotz. In the famous Munkácsy room, you can see a painting by the great Hungarian artist the room was named after; its subject is the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin. The sacred Hungarian crown jewels are also kept here. The Hungarian Parliament meets in this stately building, and there is a library in one of the wings. In the 96 metre high building, constructed between 1885 and 1902, there are 10 courtyards, 29 staircases, and one can enter through 27 gates. Europe’s first central heating system was installed here. The Parliament building offers guided tours for visitor groups. Opposite Parliament, stands the Ministry of Agriculture, and next to that, on the site of a former manor house, the exhibitions of the Museum of Ethnography can be viewed. Spend a little time in nearby Falk Miksa utca, but if you do, don’t be surprised if the whole day is over before you know it because you will certainly want to stop at every shop window! Here, there is a concentration of Budapest art and antique trade. Galleries and antique shops alternate and while some offer enormous ranges of art, others specialise in one particular style of furniture. The fun spreads into Balassi Bálint utca, which runs parallel, and even continues into Szent István körút (St Stephen’s ring road). It is not by chance that leading auctioneers also operate from this area. As we leave Kossuth tér for Szent István körút, we can see how the 19th century noble multi-storey buildings shape the current eclectic character of Falk Miksa utca. In the shadow of intricate iron gates and renaissance capitals we stumble upon antique and modern treasures. As in many European cities, the innumerable auction houses, galleries and exhibition rooms all mount widely varied exhibitions. The range of objects is intimidating, be it furniture, paintings or sculptures. Two auction houses in Falk Miksa utca are market leaders - the Kieselbach Gallery and the Mű-Terem Gallery. Tamás Kieselbach opened his gallery in 1994 while the Mű-Terem Gallery was established in 1997 moving to its current location in February 2001.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Falk Miksa utca

Erzsébet tér (Gödör)

page

139

140

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

if you could adopt a building in budapest, wich would be it and why? ”There are a lot of buildings on Andrássy Avenue that I would like to adopt. But of course what I’d really adopt would be a whole street: Dárda street from the Castle district. That’s very dear to me.” Gábor Csapó

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

141

142

page

Arts

Contemporary Art

acb gallery

inda gallery

The gallery was founded in 2003 by Gábor Pados, owner of one of Hungary’s most significant and progressive private art collections. The group of works known under the name of the Irokéz Collection has a special quality: it is the only private contemporary art collection thus far to have been shown both at the Műcsarnok (Kuntsthalle) and the Hungarian National Gallery – the country’s most prestigious exhibition venues.

Over the years since the turn of the millennium, the development of contemporary Hungarian art trade has taken an increasingly clearly defined direction, and the dynamic growth of the art market has provided galleries with a growing opportunity to follow this direction. From the time of its foundation four years ago, it strove to follow in the footsteps of the best galleries, taking a markedly independent approach.

Address 1068 Budapest, Király utca 76.  Telephone number +36 1 413 7608, +36 1 413 7609  E-mail address acbinfo@acbgaleria.hu  Website address www.acbgaleria.hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 14:00-18:00, Saturday-Sunday-Monday Closed

Address 1061 Budapest, Király utca 34. II/4.  Telephone number +36 1 413 1960, +36 70 316 4472, +36 20 513 4093  E-mail address info@indagaleria.hu  Website address www. indagaleria.hu  Opening hours  TuesdayFriday 14:00-18:00, or by appointment

Erika deák gallery

kisterem gallery

The Erika Deák Gallery, founded at the end of the 1990s has, since its very beginnings, taken its place among Budapest’s leading art galleries. Its orientation towards international integration, its exacting selection of works from the Hungarian art scene, its efforts to build up of a circle of collectors loyal to the gallery – these factors have significantly contributed to its success.

Kisterem’s name – Hungarian for “small space” – says it all: a gallery with a relatively small, white cube type exhibition room which, in the four years since it was founded, has already carved out a place for itself in Hungarian and international art circles.

Address 1061 Budapest, Mozsár utca 1.  Telephone number +36 1 201 3740  Appointment 06 70 360 2253  E-mail address info@deakgaleria.hu  Website address www. deakgaleria.hu  Opening hours WednesdayFriday 12:00-18:00, Saturday 11:00-16:00

Address 1053 Budapest, Képíró utca 5.  Telephone number +36 1 267 0522  E-mail address kisterem@kisterem.hu  Website address www.kisterem.hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 14:00-18:00, or by appointment

LUXURY BUDAPEST

knoll gallery

nextart gallery

The Knoll Gallery was the first foreign-owned private art gallery in the region (and the only one in Hungary so far). Since the mid-eighties, Hans Knoll has been following Hungarian art. In 1988 he set up an office in Budapest, followed one year later by a gallery. For more than 20 years, he has played an important role as an intermediary between the eastern and western art scenes. Since the fall of the iron curtain, he has been one of the main coordinators of the increasingly lively interest from the west in Hungarian art.

The name of NextArt Gallery suggests that it represents the younger generation of contemporary Hungarian art. It focuses mainly on painting, providing a specialized selection of quality artworks made by upcoming Hungarian artists using a wide range of techniques from street art to traditional oil on canvas.

Address of Gallery 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 10  Telephone number +36 1 267 3842  E-mail address knollgaleria.hu.inter.net  Website address www. knollgalerie.at  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 14:00 18:30, Saturday 11:00-14:00, Sunday-Monday Closed

Address 1054 Budapest, Aulich utca 4-6.  Telephone number 06 1 302 7882; 06 30 857 8310  E-mail address info@nextartgaleria.hu  Website address www.nextartgaleria.hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 12:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00, Sunday-Monday Closed

várfok gallery

videospace gallery

Budapest’s most prestigious and best-known contemporary gallery will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. Since the end of the communist era, the Várfok (founded by Károly Szalóky) has grown together with the Hungarian art market, and has remained its flagship and one of its most active participants.

Eike Berg, at the end of the 1990s, with two other artists, Hajnal Németh and Gyula Várnai, started the Videospace project – the predecessor of today’s Videospace Gallery. Later, the project was continued by Eike alone, and in 2006 he found a stable venue and a new format for the increasingly mature program, opening the Videospace Gallery in one of Budapest’s culture streets, next to the Goethe Institute and the Café Eckermann. Since 2008, Videospace has aspired to widen this narrow segment of the Hungarian art market with its quality and its sensitivity towards new art trends.

Address 1012 Budapest, Várfok u. 14  Telephone number +36 1 213 5155, +36 30 562 2772  E-mail address galeria@varfok-galeria. hu  Website address www.varfok-galeria. hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Saturday 11:0018:00, Sunday-Monday Closed

Address 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 56.  Telephone number +36 30 870 1414  E-mail address y@videospace. c3.hu  Website address http://videospace.c3.hu  Opening hours Wednesday-Friday 14:00-18:00 Saturday 11:00-15:00

viltin gallery

vintage gallery

VILTIN is a gallery with an eye for new trends in contemporary art, young artists and fresh visions. For years, Krisztina Dián (formerly involved in business) had been planning to open a gallery. Finally, in the fall of 2008 she and artist Tibor Iski Kocsis, established the VILTIN Gallery: a venue for well known, prominent Hungarian contemporary artists. Despite having been launched in the midst of the financial crisis, the long and careful planning phase of the VILTIN gallery has paid off, making it a successful enterprise that has met with a favourable response on the artistic scene.

Up until the 1990s, there was no tradition of trade in photography on the Hungarian art market. This was completely changed by the appearance of the Vintage Gallery on the Budapest art scene in 1996. Attila Pőcze opened his gallery with only one, moderately sized exhibition room next to a quiet, romantic downtown park, the Károly-kert, in a milieu that brings back the legendary, long past, bourgeois life of the capital.

Address 1054 Budapest, Széchenyi u. 3.  Telephone number +36 1 787 5866  E-mail address hello@ viltin.hu, info@viltin.hu  Website address www. viltin.hu  opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 12:00-18:00, Saturday: 11:00-17:00, or by appointment

Address 1053 Budapest, Magyar u. 26  Telephone number +36 1 337 0584, +36 20 913 6291  E-mail address galeria@vintage.hu  Website address www.vintage.hu  Opening hours Tuesday-Friday 14:00-18:00

page

143

144

page

Arts

Art

It stands to reason that a visitor to Budapest is curious about local specialities, and whose interest is piqued by world-famous Hungarian paprika and wines, may also find Hungarian art worth sampling. Having gained some insight into the various periods of Hungarian art upon viewing the treasures of the Hungarian National Gallery, it would surely be worthwhile getting an introduction to the world of contemporary Hungarian art. Why not visit the Várfok Gallery when descending from the Buda Castle District to Bécsikapu tér? It was one of the first privately established and successfully run galleries, and offers the works of contemporary Hungarian artists – András Koncz, Imre Bukta, László Fehér, Gábor Gerhes, Balázs Kicsiny, István Nádler, Gábor Roskó and János Szirtes among others. Whilst exploring Andrássy út, and having spent time relaxing in one of the cafés in Liszt Ferenc tér, why not visit Deák Erika’s Gallery in Jókai tér, the square opposite, in which you will also find an up-to-date contemporary exhibition. Alternatively, Vintage Gallery in Magyar utca, within easy reach of Kálvin tér, not only features significant Hungarian modern artists (Endre Bálint, Dezső Korniss, Lili Ország, József Jakovits) as well as important contemporary artists (Imre Bak, Balázs Beöthy, Péter Donáth, Ágnes Eperjesi, Gábor Gerhes), but also displays the works of leading Hungarian photographers. Some museums have been dedicated to a few renowned twentieth-century Hungarian artists in their own lifetimes. For example, in the annex of Zichy Palace in Buda you can enjoy works by Victor Vasarelly, the father

of op-art, presented by the artist himself. Indeed, one street away, you can also view the works of Imre Varga, a contemporary sculptor, still active today. One of the most important contemporary collections in Budapest is housed in the Ludwig Museum, in the National Palace of Arts, where, apart from the current temporary exhibition, there is a considerable Hungarian art collection on permanent display. In the art trade district, clustered around Falk Miksa utca, contemporary art has found its ideal niche. For instance, Pintér Sonja’s Contemporary Gallery was established with contributions from artists such as Albert Kováts, Károly Schmal or Péter Türk. Due to its incredibly picturesque environment, and the traditions of its art colony, Szentendre is well worth a visit, and is within easy reach of Budapest, by HÉV suburban train from Batthyány tér or by boat. You can find genuine classics of twentieth century Hungarian art here. A memorial museum has been dedicated to the artist couple Margit Anna and Imre Ámos. Then there is the Jenô Barcsay Collection, the Béla Czóbel Museum, the Lajos Vajda Memorial Museum and the Margit Kovács Museum which features a famous ceramics artist. Szentendre is also home to the Erdész Gallery, which predominantly specialises in the work of classical modern artists such as Hugó Scheiber, Armand Schönberger and Lajos Tihanyi, but also actively deals with contemporary art (László Fehér, Menyhért Tóth, András Wahorn, and István Zámbó). One can also find pieces of applied art ( jewellery, and glass) here. An outing to Gödöllő can also offer an out of the ordinary experience. It is not only worth visiting the Baroque Grassalkovich Palace, but also the museum that exhibits the works of the one-time Gödöllő art colony, considered to be a significant centre of Hungarian applied art. This group of artists was the only organised Hungarian community focusing on Art Nouveau at the beginning of the twentieth century.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

page

145

146

page

Váci utca and the great market

Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the Great M arket hall Let us start our walk from a point that offers a superb panorama of the River Danube and Buda Castle, Roosevelt tér, a former dock at the foot of the bridge, where boats arriving in Pest were unloaded in the 19th century. The neo-Renaissance palace of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the centre of Hungarian scientific life since the middle of the 19th century, also stands here, too. The secessionist-style Gresham Palace, a new luxury hotel today, was built in 1907 by a London-based insurance company of the same name. The corner block, which used to be a bank, is not much older, and is today called Tonet Palace.

TOUR XII. Vรกci utca and the Great Market hall

148

page

Váci utca and the great market

Tradition and glamour Lipótváros

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Jewellery  www.vargadesign.hu

Let us now attempt to turn our backs on the attractive Danube Promenade and start at Vörösmarty tér. There we find ourselves trapped in a mire of serious temptation, for the famous Gerbaud confectioner’s is to be found here. Even people spending only one day in Budapest go in for a cup of coffee and a piece of delicious cake. If the weather is fine, let us first gaze at the prestigious interior of the confectioner’s, select the most delicious piece of cake from the generous assortment under the counter, and take a seat on the terrace, from where – just as from a theatre seat – we may watch life pass by in this, one of the busiest squares in the city. Not only visitors but masses of Budapesters rush or stroll around here, since this is the place from which the Hungarian Millennium underground goes to Városliget (Central City Park). The sculpture of Mihály Vörösmarty (1800–1855), the famous 19th Hungarian poet, made of Carrara marble, stands in the central green part of the square. City visitors take a well-earned rest on the monument’s steps in summer, whilst Budapest pigeons frequently pay tribute to the poet’s marble head. Various festivals and events take place in this square; a celebration of contemporary Hungarian literature, Book Week, is traditionally held here at the beginning of June, where the ever-increasing number of local publishing houses set up their tents and booths. In addition, cultural events are frequently held on the temporary stage installed in front of the lion-decorated well, and serpentine queues lead up to authors of the latest best sellers, who just keep on dedicating their books. An international wine and champagne festival is held here, and the square turns into a Christmas fair in Advent: aromatic gingerbread and gifts and handicraft products are sold around a huge decorated Christmas tree. Where the first portraitist offers to draw your likeness, Váci utca starts – a pedestrian zone all the way to Fővám tér, with Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall) at the very end. (Please do not confuse Váci utca with Váci út which lies some way away.) Promenading goes back a long way, and was a fad that started at the beginning of the 18th century. Elegant ladies in their richly decorated bonnets tripped along in front of spectacular shop-windows carrying bonbon boxes, and rapt gentlemen, canes in hand, browsed through the novelties of the luxury stores. The custom of walking along the promenades of that time has today slightly changed due to the evolution of other social behaviour. Those who take their time today are usually visitors, the locals tend to make a beeline for their destinations. The first section of Váci utca, stretching to Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge), is a shopping street, where world fashion brands mingle with small boutiques, coffee bars and restaurants, one after the another. If we turn into Kristóf tér, we can take a seat in any restaurant, or coffee house around the little Fish-Monger Girl’s well. Szent Szervita tér is also worth a visit. Beyond the 18th century church with its statue of the Virgin Mary stands the House of Invalids (today the Metropolitan City Hall). Among the buildings around the square, the former Szénási House at number 2, with its glass and marble- covered façade, should be mentioned. Here, a multi-storey fashion and clothing store was opened in 1908, a strong rival to the textile shops in the neighborhood. The former Török bank headquarters at number 3, was built in 1905. The mosaic picture covering its façade was produced by Miksa Róth, the most famous glass painter of his age, and depicts

the ’Apotheosis of Hungária’. Rózsavölgyi House at number 5 was designed by Béla Lajta, and triumphantly mixes modern functionality with national style; coloured and geometric majolica stripes run along the white enamel of the brick-panelled façade above the huge windows of the lower storey. The book and music shop on the ground floor has been active since 1911. Before we go back to the crowds in Váci utca, through the Régiposta utca (Old Post Office Street), let us take a look at the shop on the corner of Szent Szervita tér. The ‘Brammer’, named after the former owner, is one of the city’s most popular luxury textile shops, and the protected antique interior has been fully preserved. Among these classical historic buildings, we should pause for a minute in front of Thonet House at number 11. Decorated with beautiful majolica motifs, it is a masterpiece of early secessionstyle, and designed by Ödön Lechner. Do take a look at the Philanthia flower shop, active here for more then 100 years, and see its original secessionist interior. Today, a modern office block stands on the spot of the former Kedves espresso bar. At the beginning of the 1950’s, city-dwellers used to sit on the terrace and listen to the virtuoso performances of György Cziffra (1921–1994), a world-famous Hungarian pianist who later moved to France. We could take a cup of coffee in the coffee bar of the hotel that fortunately fits in with the scene, despite its postmodern building front, before we continue on towards Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). In the underpass, we walk past the blow-up photos of György Klösz that depict Budapest at the end of the 19th century, and then continue on our way to the southern part of Váci utca. Those who are interested in the masterpieces of Hungarian craftsmen and fashion designers will certainly slow down a bit at this point. While walking past the antique shops, fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants, don’t forget to take a look at the New City Hall, the other masterpiece of Imre Steindl, designer of the Parliament Building. The interiors have been restored with the utmost care. The decorated stairway and session hall are spectacular. Turning in the direction of Szerb utca, at the end of this street, we may view the Serbian church, standing in an idyllic and romantic garden, just around the corner of Veres Pálné utca. The church retains the memories of the Serbian community which settled here long ago, and has been active ever since. Finally, we arrive at Fővám tér, where Nagycsarnok (Great Market Hall), located in the heart of downtown Pest is the great attraction (apart, of course, from the panorama of the River Danube beyond the Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge). The iron-structured Hall was designed by Samu Petz, and reflects the work of the Eiffel studios, Paris, who designed the fabulous Nyugati (Western Railway Station). The architecture of the Great Market Hall is not the be all and end all of the building. A huge selection of typical Hungarian food and drink is sold here among the paprika and strings of garlic. Famous foreign guests shop here, as well as all the locals. After buying small gifts to take home, why not visit the stand-up lunch counters in the gallery – the best cheap lunch in town!

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Cyrano

By the brioche across the eggs unto the páté de foie gras. Divine breakfast in Cyrano!

Address: 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7–8. Telephone: +36 1 266 3096 E-mail address cyrano@citynet.hu www.cyranorestaurant.info

Gerlóczy

Gerlóczy Café was chosen the Best Café in Hungary in 2008. It’s huge terrace under a big elm tree is a real urban shelter even in wintertime. Breakfast in Gerlóczy is said to be one of the best in town. According to Timeout Budapest Gerlóczy has the fanciest but cheap lunch in Budapest in 2010. Friday is Fishday!

Gerlóczy CAFÉ and Rooms de Lux 1052 Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 1. +36 1 501 4000 www.gerloczy.hu Párizsi Udvar

page

149

150

page

Vรกci utca and the great market

The central market hall

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Varga Design Fashion street

Goldsmith Miklós Varga has been creating unique pieces of jewellery in silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls, for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured in his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces, made in the special ’cobweb technique’, are internationally patented. The Hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewellery exhibitions several times and has become supplier to a number of royal families around the world. The Varga Jewellery-House is located in downtown Budapest at 6. Haris köz, opening onto Váci street.

Varga Design Jewellery 1052 Budapest, haris köz 6. Phone: +36 1 318 4089 www.vargadesign.hu Made in Hungary

page

151

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8. Kempinski Hotel Fashion Street • 1052 Budapest, Párizsi u. 6/A. • Mobil: + 36 70 318 4324 • www.chrisand.hu

Furla

Furla has become the synonym for high-quality, as well as sensible, functional, yet stylish handbags and accessories all over the world, with over 1000 points of sales across Europe, Asia and America. We can encounter the most elegant shopping streets of Milan, New York or Paris, the clean lines of FURLA, with its bags, wallets, sunglasses and shoes. Scarves, jewellery, shoes and of course those legendary FURLA purses! They are all destined to convey the attitude: refined taste involves everything, the elegant woman is keen on every detail. The style and attitude of FURLA is to convey an affordable luxury. It was one of the first companies, which both in the creation of its promotional image, and visual layout concept of its stores followed a novelty type of concept: they have been offering a wide selection of a range of luxury accessories to its target customers.

You can find the FURLA store in Budapest in Fashion Street Address: 1052 Budapest, Deรกk Ferenc u. 23. www.furla.com Tel.: +36-1 328-0851

155

156

page

Palazzo Dorottya One of the prettiest buildings in Budapest was recently renovated and reopened in Dorottya utca under a new name, ‘Palazzo Dorottya’. The original neo-classicist building, the Wurm House, was built between 1821 and 1924 and it was named after a proud tradesman, József Wurm, who is a typical example of the bourgeoisie of Pest during the ‘Reform Age’ as his strong will and mindset of a businessman made both his family and the culture of the city richer. The palace was designed by none other than Mihály Pollack, one of the best architects of the time, who also designed the Sándor Palace and the German Theatre of Pest. The building included a number of shops and a café even back then, and the café was state-ofthe-art at that time. Over the past 200 years, the palace hosted a bank and a foreign trade company among other institutions and in 2006 it was acquired by the Florencebased RDM group. The new owners thought that the traditional mixed functions of the building can be used for making life in the city centre more vivid and colourful, just like 200 years ago. The investor, the architects and the monument preservation authorities worked together in rare harmony to shape the building. On the top level of the underground garage, the 17th century wall of a salt house is put on display behind glass walls. Reinforced pillars were used from the ground floor to the top floor to stabilise the ageing structures of the bearing walls. Inside the building, the suspended corridors were removed and the wooden floor structures were replaced by reinforced concrete. Also, the central hall with a glass ceiling once occupying the

entire garden was restored completely to its original form. The 2000 square metre area is used by the Italian deparment store Coin-OVS Industry. This means that a single, formidable internal space remained with only a glass-walled entrance area separated from it in the main entrance hall. However, this does not spoil the sight of the building. The shopping area, completed in 2009, has become the first retail unit in Budapest of the Italian Gruppo Coin chain, the market leader company on the Italian retail clothing market. Besides its own clothing brands and the Coin Casa home decoration brand sells also a number of premium brands such as Armani Jeans, Class by Roberto Cavalli, Liu Jo, Richmond, Elisabetta Franchi by Celyn b., Custo, Desigual and Pennyblack. The owners’ clear aim is to introduce the new “Made in Italy” style shopping in Hungary and to make it popular. In the Dorottya Palace Hungarian shoppers can shop in the atmosphere of a large Italian store that offers the most prestigious brands and seasonal novelties of Italian fashion. Palazzo Dorottya is located in the very centre of Budapest, in the business quarter between the Chain Bridge and Váci utca. The building offers 100 luxurious flats, 2000 square metres of offices and 2500 square metres of retail space. There are also 100 parking spaces on four levels. Palazzo Dorottya has high prestige value due to its outstanding quality compared to other mixed-use property development projects. The design of the residential units is one of the most innovative solutions. The conversion of the palace had a positive effect on its environment also. The Dorottya Gallery, a neighbouring building, was recently reopened and two new entertainment units were opened in the street, which had grown a bit too quiet lately.

Coin Address 1051 Budapest, Dorottya Palace, Dorottya u. 6. Telephone +36-1 327-0389 Opening hours Monday to Sunday 10:00am - 8:00pm

page

157

158

page

shopping GUIDE

Estée lauder The Estée Lauder brand is the signature brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Founded in 1946, this technologically advanced, innovative company has gained a worldwide reputation for elegance, luxury and superior quality. Our products come with a promise to uphold the finest standards of excellence. Through extensive research and stringent product evaluation, we are pleased to bring you skincare, makeup, fragrance products and facial skincare treatment that are both gentle and highly effective. Address 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 12. Telephone number +36-1 266-7829

varga design Miklós Varga Hungarian goldsmith-artist has been creating unique pieces of jewellery of silver, gold, platinum and Tahitian pearls for almost 40 years. All pieces manufactured is his workshop are handcrafted. His masterpieces made in the special “cobweb technique” are inter nationally patented. The Hungarian master has been awarded outstanding prizes at international jewelry exhibitions several times and has become supplier of a number of royal families around the world. The Varga Jewelry-House is located in downtown Budapest at 6 Haris köz, opening from Váci street. Address 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6. Telephone number +36-1 318-4089

coin One of the prettiest buildings in Budapest was recently renovated and reopened in Dorottya utca under a new name, ‘Palazzo Dorottya’. The shopping area, completed in 2009, has become the first retail unit in Budapest of the Italian Gruppo Coin chain, which sells clothing and home furnishing goods. Gruppo Coin is the market leader company group on the Italian retail clothing market. It sells its own private brands, Coin and OVS Industry and also a number of premium brands such as Armani Jeans, Class by Roberto Cavalli, Liu Jo, Richmond, Elisabetta Franchi by Celyn b., Custo, Desigual and Pennyblack. The owners’ clear aim is to introduce the new “Made in Italy” style shopping in Hungary and to make it popular. In the Dorottya Palace Hungarian shoppers can shop in the atmosphere of a large Italian store that offers the most prestigious brands and seasonal novelties of Italian fashion. Address 1054 Budapest, Dorottya Palace district 5, Dorottya u.6. Telephone +36-1 327-0389 Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 9:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 8:00pm

LUXURY BUDAPEST

swarovski The Swarovski Company was founded in the late 19th Century when Daniel Swarovski invented an automatic cutting machine for crystal, and in 1895 he established a crystal cutting factory in Austria. The birthplace of the factory was Wattens, which was chosen because local hydroelectricity made the energyintensive process involved more costeffective. A friendly staff is waiting for you in a pleasant atmosphere. Address 1052 Budapest, Váci u. 11/a Ground Floor Telephone number +36-1 411-0983 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00 Saturday 10:00-18:00 Sunday 11:00-17:00

salamander

BARAKA

Salamander offers shoes and accessories of high quality from the latest trends. Popular fashion labels like Hugo Boss, Peter Kaiser, Lloyd and others guarantee, you can find the right choice. A friendly staff is waiting for you in a pleasant atmosphere.

The exclusive shop of the BARAKA Luxury Watch and Jewellery, where the most divine pieces of the world’s most famous brands can be found, is the only retailer in Hungary of the luxury brands servicing the elite world-wide, such as Boucheron, Bvlgari, Mikimoto and Roberto Coin along with Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Girard Perregaux, Harry Winston, Hublot, Parmigiani, Roger Dubuis and Ulysse Nardin. Besides the thoughtful service and gorgeous surroundings to satisfy customers to the fullest, the shop possess an exclusive watch service distinguished by the watchmaker educated in the factories of these world famous brands.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. Telephone number +36-1 434-5551 Opening hours Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00 Thursday 10:00-19:00 Saturday 10:00-14:00

Address 1052 Budapest, Párizsi utca 3. Telephone number + 36-1 318-2156

page

159

160

page

shopping GUIDE

Stephen Webster Stephen Webster, Hollywood’s favourite designer extraordinaire, has created a unique, hand-made Silver Collection, which can be enjoyed by all. Join us to see why the Hollywood Stars make Stephen Webster, their designer of choice. Anik Jewellery Adress 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 19-21 Telephone +36-1 266-3264 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Furla Furla has become the synonym for high-quality, as well as sensible, functional, yet stylish handbags and accessories all over the world, over 1000 points of sales across Europe, Asia and America. Scarves, jewellery, shoes and of course those legendary FURLA purses! They are all destined to convey the attitude: refined taste involves everything, the elegant woman is keen on every detail. You can find the FURLA store in Budapest in Fashion Street. Adress Telephone

1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc u. 23. +36-1 328-0851

Clinique Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector For the first time, a prestige cosmetics brand offers prescription strength effectiveness for evening skin tone in a skin care product. Introducing Clinique’s NEW Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. This new treatment serum effectively helps fade the appearance of dark spots, age spots and discolourations due to aging, years of accumulated sun damage, environmental assaults, and past acne scarring, to reveal a more uniformly radiant complexion. Clinical tests have proven the performance of Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector to be comparable to a leading prescription ingredient at 4, 8 and 12 weeks for evening skin tone. A verified 53% improvement in skin tone after using Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector for 12 weeks. Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free. NonAcnegenic. Dermatologist Tested. Ophthalmologist Tested. Clinique Store Adress 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 8. Telephone +36-1 266-7828

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Enchanted collection The Enchanted Collection by Anik Come with us and experience a world of Magic - live your dream with the Enchanted Collection by Anik! The unique, handcrafted enamel collection, is only available at Anik stores in Budapest and Vienna. Anik Jewellery Adress 1052 Budapest, Váci utca 19-21 Telephone +36-1 266-3264 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 19:00

Lacoste

Nomination COMPOSABLE BRACELET: The invention and the innovation that started it all, Nomination’s modular or ‘composable’ stainless steel bracelet is comprised of a series of links that can be filled with different decorative designs to communicate everything from initials and astrological signs to special interests, passions, memories and emotions. With over 4000 link designs available, Nomination has created an icon-based language - and a powerful communicative relationship with its wearers. Over the years, the composable bracelet has evolved into a global style statement sported by an international array of celebrities, rock stars, rap stars, sports personalities and trendsetters, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. Anik Jewellery Adress 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 16 Telephone +36-1 267-2305 Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 19:00

TIMES SQUARE BRIGHTENS UP BLACK WINTER WARDROBES ‘Times Square is the simple desire to work with bright winter colours’, Christophe Lemaire says. ‘The colours are quite primary but reworked. Shades of fuchsia, saffron yellow, bright purple and bright green on a black background. There are colour blocks and multicolour stripes on black’. Adress 1052 Budapest, Deák F. utca 21. Telephone +36-1 266-9792

page

161

162

page

Buda and the R贸zsadomb

The heart of Buda Buda and the R贸zsadomb

Tram number 6 terminates at Moszkva t茅r, the biggest and most crowded traffic junction in Buda. Here, there is a superb new entertainment and shopping complex with a cultural centre laid out on the site of the former Ganz Electricity Works. This exhibition and event centre and its surrounding park, accessible through four entrances, were created by retaining the old building complex and then remodelling it. In the park, young landscape gardeners have created a place in which to relax, and to encourage creativity. There are broad green areas, trees, a pond, an open-air stage and a fairy-tale playground for the little ones. Theatrical performances are held in these new spaces and the Te谩trum is one of the main viewing and event venues for the traditional Hungarian Film Festival, which takes place at the beginning of every year.

TOUR XIII. Buda

and the R贸zsadomb

164

page

Buda and the Rózsadomb

The heart of Buda Buda and the Rózsadomb

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Manager accessory  www.blackberry.com

A few steps away, you can spot the twin buildings of Mammut Plaza, where, apart from dozens of restaurants and cafés, you can find bank branches, fashion shops, bookshops and two multiplex cinemas. The twin shopping mall buildings were designed to form one unit with the modernised two-storey Fény utca market, one of the most popular in Buda. Walking as far as Margit körút (ring road), especially on the odd numbers side, you can catch sight of residential buildings built in the Bauhaus style. They are among the most successful pieces of 20th century architecture. One such is the Átrium cinema, a protected building awaiting refurbishment, which, when finished in the mid-1930s, represented the most modern architecture of the time, with cutting-edge projection equipment and technology. Mechwart liget (alley) makes a nice change from the busy street. Continuing further, a Franciscan church and monastery interrupt the almost continuous row of buildings, and at the corner of Rómer Flóris utca you can again study an interesting piece of architecture. The house at number 15-17 was originally built as the offices of the Weiss Manfréd Works Pension Fund. Its rounded, streamlined shapes and elliptical staircase make it one of the most modern works of art of the period. Residential Bauhaus buildings, in the classically modern style of the era between the two world wars, are concentrated in a few areas such as Szent István Park in Újlipótváros, the streets behind Kossuth utca in Lipótváros, Nyáry Pál utca in the inner city, some of the buildings in Fejér György utca, some of the villas along Pasaréti út – and, of course there are, a few scattered throughout the city.

Now, instead of taking Török utca and Frankel Leó utca – part of our Óbuda tour – we go along the southern side of Frankel Leó utca towards Margit híd (Margaret Bridge), and continue our walk along Fô utca (Main street). Here, we can see Király Fürdő, one of the most beautiful examples of historic buildings from Turkish times. The light passing through the coloured windows adds to the special atmosphere of the steam baths, which still operate today. The most beautiful part of the building, completed with parts in Baroque and Classical styles, is the domed hall which features an octagonal pool. Batthyány tér is a few minutes’ walk along Fő utca. In the old days, it was the site of national fairs, a hugely busy port and the terminus of post chaises, but today it is just another traffic junction. Buses start from here to Óbuda and the exclusive Rózsadomb area. The first Métro station on the Buda side is here, and you can catch the suburban train (HÉV) from another part of the station, which takes you via Óbuda, Római Fürdô (Roman Baths), and Pomáz to Szentendre, one of the most beautiful and romantic small towns in the Danube Bend area, famous for its lively art life. Batthyány tér is distinguished by the stunning view of the Danube and Parliament buildings across the river on one hand, and by the old buildings on the other. Hikisch House, built in the Copf style, stands below today’s street level and “putti”, representing the four seasons, can be seen on its façade. The Fehér Kereszt Inn was built in the Rococo style. Allegedly, in the old days, Casanova himself stayed here which is why the current nightclub is named after him. However, it is true to say that Emperor Joseph II was a guest of the house, several times. The square also features St Anna’s church, the 1805 masterpiece of Hungarian Baroque architecture.

166

page

Buda and the R贸zsadomb

Millen谩ris Park

Mammut Shopping Center

Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday and Sunday: 12 am - 24 pm Thursday – Saturday: 12 am - 01 pm Budapest, II. Lövőház u. 2 – 6. Mammut I. Shopping Mall 3. oor Telefon /Reservation: +36 70 -331-8666 www.primerestaurant.hu

168

page

Lord of the ring

Path of Tram № 6 L ord of the Rings

Tram № 6 is part of Budapest’s history. Even songs have been composed about it. The caterpillar-like vehicle with a length of 54 metres (that’s 70 yards!) is quite extraordinary, not only because of its looks, but because of its scheduled route. It travels around the entire multi-segment Nagykörút (Grand Ringroad), and takes you from one point of the River Danube to another one.

TOUR XIV. Lord of the Rings

170

page

Lord of the rings

Path of Tram № 6 L ord of the Rings

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Hungarian food 

www.bockbisztro.hu

Long ago, a city moat stretched along the route of today’s Nagykörút. In the 19th century, the designers of Budapest (well on its way to becoming a large city) dreamed about excavating a canal along this route. They believed that steps being taken to channel and control the river after the great flood of 1838, provided an excellent opportunity to increase boat traffic, support trade, improve Pest’s climate (it was dusty and windy then) and beautify the city at the same time. A gigantic plan comprising 12 canal bridges and 48 ports was already at an advanced phase, and enthusiastic contractors had already prepared their calculations, when loud dissenting voices poured cold water on such ambitious dreams, out of touch with practical realities. Eventually, the project was thrown out, but not because of its unachievable aims but for financial reasons. As a consequence, we can’t board a boat on water here, but a boat on rails, the tram. Nagykörút construction started in 1872 to connect the centre to the then suburban areas. It followed the pattern of the famous Ringstrasse in Vienna that symbolically evoked the atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, at the turn of the last century. A main sewer was dug underneath it, and handed over to the municipality in 1896. In contrast with Andrássy út, with its elegant upper-middle class ambience, built in the same period, middle-class citizens tended to live in the blocks along the ringroad. At first, undecorated houses, and ordinary and less prestigious shops met the needs of the locals. Each segment of the ringroad was named after Habsburg nobility. Why not take a tram from the Pest-end of Petőfi híd, and see the slightly differing scenes of everyday life, along each segment? Where the Ferenc körút (Ringroad) starts, you will see the trades – modest craftsmen and merchants. (Ráday utca, famous for its restaurants and galleries is close-by, incidentally.) In Ferencváros (Francis city district), large-scale construction is in progress behind the ringroad to create new and up-to-date housing. In the next segment, József körút, which crosses Üllői út, we see the fabulous Zsolnay majolica-covered dome of the secessionist-style Museum of Applied Arts building, designed by Ödön Lechner. The former Maria Theresa block (later Kilián) was a military headquarters and lies opposite. It had a role in the 1956 revolution as significant as that of the Corvin köz, located on the other side of the cross roads, which was the most important headquarters of the armed forces. Today, the Corvin Cinema is situated in the crescent-shaped building complex that was used as a refuge during the street-fighting. One of the latest shopping centres of Budapest opened here. As the tram moves on, we pass the Rákóczi tér market hall and then arrive at the large crossroads of Blaha Lujza tér from where you can see the massive Keleti (Eastern Railway Station) to the right. The National Theatre stood here once, being demolished in the 1960’s. A clock, used by the Budapesters as a favourite meeting point, once stood here, as well.

Across the junction, the recently-restored and quite incredibly ornate New York Palace, now a luxury hotel owned by Italians, comes into view. On its ground floor, it houses the New York Café, one of the most famous and beautiful in Budapest, (if not the world!), where famous composers and artists enjoyed a vivid life of culture and superb coffee for decades. At this point, we head for Erzsébet körút, where shop signs and windows may be seen in every building. These are not the sophisticated portals of the shops in Andrássy út, but better quality shops are nevertheless to be found alongside restaurants, coffee bars, confectionery shops and one of the most popular theatres in the city, where the great musicals of the world are regularly performed. At Király utca where the Teréz körút starts, you can disembark from the tram and stroll along Király utca, the main road of the old Jewish quarter, once a milieu of tiny old grocery stores, that has become the fashionable centre of home interior and design shops. The local council is making efforts to modernize the area but retain its old feel and historic atmosphere. Thus the zigzagging backstreets and the buildings in Dob utca and Wesselényi utca still preserve the ancient atmosphere of the old Jewish quarter. There is an orthodox synagogue in Kazinczy utca, while the neo-synagogue in Sebestyén Rumbach utca is being reconstructed. The largest and perhaps most spectacular neo-synagogue in Europe is to be found in Dohány utca, the precursor of European synagogue design. It houses a Jewish Museum full of valuable ornamental religious vessels. This district of the city was used as a ghetto, where the vast majority of the city’s Jewish community was cooped up during the Holocaust. Prior to the construction of the Madách Building, one of the most famous in this formerly Jewish district, the Orczy House stood, just around the corner of Király utca leading into Károly körút. The Orczy House was a full-scale town with its own quadrangles and coffee houses. Several accounts of its pulsating and vivid life still exist today. If we re-embark the tram, we can head for the Teréz körút and reach a crossroads at Andrássy út called Oktogon. Passing by the busy main entrance of Nyugati (Western Railway Station), a fabulously elegant iron and glass product of the French Eiffel studios, we move towards the last segment of the Grand Ringroad, Szent István körút. The Vígszínház (Comedy Theatre), built by the famous theatre design team of the imperial age, Fellner and Helmer, stands here. The backstreets lead to the particular atmosphere of Újlipótváros. We may now head in one of two directions at this final tram stop – one way to the world of Miksa Falk utca with its galleries and art trade, the other to the residential area of Újlipótváros. The tram itself, however, keeps going to the middle of Margit híd (Margaret Bridge) and stops there. You may want to stay on, and take a walk on Margitsziget (Margaret Island).

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Vígszinház

M- inyon -

bar cafe dance dinner

Confectionery for Adults Cosmopolitan design, elegant service, bistro cuisine, coctails, leather bar stools and squashy sofas. On weekdays, enjoy the gastronomic delights and light DJ sets. From Thursday on, all-night buzz and party until the morning. Serious entertainment experts

www.minyonbar.hu 1061 Budapest, Király utca 8. Telefon: +36-1 878 2016 e-mail: minyon@minyonbar.hu Constant updates on Facebook Synagouge

page

171

172

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

LUXURY BUDAPEST

The New Gourmet Metropolis Top 10 Restaurants

This is what the definitive German gourmet magazine Gourmetreise called Budapest in its Summer edition. A few years ago, Hungary saw the first stirrings of a gastro revolution, which involved getting rid of the goulashand-stew image, but, more importantly, introducing modern and premium-quality restaurant cuisine and discovering the best Hungarian foodstuffs available. The result: In 2010, Costes in Budapest was the first Hungarian restaurant to receive a Michelin star, as well as a 17-point ranking from Gault Millau. At the same time, Budapest was awarded 4 Bib Gourmand ratings by Michelin and altogether 12 chef’s hats by Gault Millau.

Alabárdos Étterem

1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2.  www.alabardos.hu

Arany Kaviár Étterem

1015 Budapest, Ostrom utca 19.  www.aranykaviar.hu

babel

Delicate Étterem

1056 Budapest, Szarka u. 1.  www.babeldelicate.hu

Bock Bisztro

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43-49.  www.bockbistro.hu

Café 57 R estaurant

1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57.  www.cafe57.hu

C ostes Étterem

1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4  www.costes.hu

Gundel Étterem

1146 Budapest, Állatkerti út 2.  www.gundel.hu

Nobu Budapest

1051 Budapest, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Erzsébet tér 7-8.  www.noburestaurants.com

R estaurant Cyrano 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7. www.cyranorestaurant.info

Ristorante Fausto’s

1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2.  www.fausto.hu

page

173

174

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant Guide A

H I

A38 Hajó 1113 Budapest, at the foot of Petőfi bridge, Buda side Alabárdos Étterem 1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2. Arany Kaviár Restaurant 1015 Budapest, Ostrom u. 15. Aranyszarvas Vendéglő 1013 Budapest, Szarvas tér 1. Arcade Bistro 1126 Budapest, Kiss J. alt. u. 38. Babel Delicate Restaurant 1055 Budapest, Szarka u. 1. Baraka Restaurant & Lounge 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 111. Biarritz Restaurant & Café 1055 Budapest, Kossuth tér 18. Bock Bistro 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49. Boom and Brass Bar & Restaurant 1054 Budapest, Vigadó u. 4-6. Boscolo – New York Café 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11. Café 57 Restaurant 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57. Café Kör 1051 Budapest, Sas u. 17. Café Pierrot 1014 Budapest, Fortuna u. 14. Callas Bar & Café 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. Chez Daniel Restaurant 1063 Budapest, Szív u. 32. Citadella Panoráma Étterem 1118 Budapest, Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány Costes Restaurant 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4. Cyrano Restaurant & Café 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7-8. Déryné Bistro 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3. Dunapark Restaurant & Café 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi u. 38. Fausto’s Restaurant 1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2. Goa Café 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 8. Gundel 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti út 2. Halászbástya Étterem 1014 Budapest, Budai Vár, Halászbástya ICON the restaurant 1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1-3.

International Hungarian Russian International International International International International Hungarian International Italian International International Hungarian International French Hungarian International International International International Italian Asian Hungarian Hungarian International

+36 1 464 3946 +36 1 356 0851 +36 1 201 6737 +36 1 375 6451 +36 1 225 1969 +36 1 338 2143 +36 1 483 1355 +36 1 311 4413 +36 1 321 0340 +36 1 877 7788 +36 1 886 6111 +36 1 325 6078 +36 1 311 0053 +36 1 375 6971 +36 1 354 0954 +36 1 302 4039 +36 1 209 0698 +36 1 219 0697 +36 1 266 4747 +36 1 225 1407 +36 1 786 1009 +36 1 877 6210 +36 30 589 1813 +36 1 302 2570 +36 1 468 4040 or +36 30 603 2480 +36 1 201 6935 +36 1 889 6757

Every day 11am-12pm restaurant@a38.hu closed on Sunday www.a38.hu Monday-Friday 7pm-11pm alabardos@t-online.hu Saturday 12am-4pm, 7pm-11pm www.alabardos.hu Every day 12am-12pm reservation@aranykaviar.hu www.aranykaviar.hu Every day 12am-11pm bisztro@aranyszarvas.hu www.aranyszarvas.hu Monday-Saturday 12am-11pm, arcadebistro@arcadebistro.hu Sunday 12am-4pm www.arcadebistro.hu Tuesday-Saturday 12am-4pm, info@babeldelicate.hu 6pm-12pm www.babeldelicate.hu closed on Monday, Sunday Every day 12am-11pm info@barakarestaurant.hu www.barakarestaurant.hu Monday-Friday 9am -8pm etterem@biarritz.hu Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm www.biarritz.hu Monday-Saturday 12am-12pm, bockbistro@t-online.hu closed on Sunday www.bockbisztro.hu Every day 11am-1am info@boombrass.hu www.boombrass.com Every day 9am-12pm info@newyorkpalace.hu www.newyorkpalace.hu Every day 8am-12pm cafe57@t-online.hu www.cafe57.hu Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm cafekor@hotmail.com www.cafekor.com Every day 11am-12pm info@pierrot.hu www.pierrot.hu Every day 10am-12pm info@callasetterem.hu www.callascafe.hu Every day 11am–3pm restaurant@chezdaniel.hu and 7pm–11pm www.chezdaniel.hu Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm gastro-top@citadellarestaurant.com Sunday 11:00-18:00 www.citadella.hu Wednesday-Sunday 12am-3:30pm, info@costes.hu 6:310 pm-12pm www.costes.hu Monday-Tuesday Closed Every day 8am-12pm cyrano@citynet.hu www.cyranorestaurant.info Monday-Sunday 7:30am-1am; foglalas@cafederyne.hu www.cafederyne.hu Monday-Friday 8am-12pm info@dunapark-kavehaz.hu Saturday 10am-12pm, www.dunapark-kavehaz.hu Sunday 10am-10pm Monday-Friday 12am-3pm, info@fausto.hu 7pm–11pm, www.fausto.hu Saturday 6pm-11pm, closed on Sunday Every day 12am-12pm café@goaworld.hu www. goaworld.hu/cafe2.htm Monday-Sunday 12am-4pm, info@gundel.hu 6:30pm-12pm www.gundel.hu Sunday brunch 11:30am-3pm Every day 12am – 12pm info@halaszbastya.eu www.halaszbastya.eu Monday-Sunday all day info.budapest@hilton.com www.iconetterem.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Indigó Restaurant 1066 Budapest, Jókai u. 13. Kéhli Restaurant 1036 Budapest, Mókus u. 22. Kiskakukk 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 12. Kogart Café & Restaurant 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 112. Klassz 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41. Kyoto 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 7-8. Le Bourbon 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10. Mini Restaurant & Bar 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3. Múzeum Café and Restaurant 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 12. Náncsi Néni’s Restaurant 1029 Budapest, Ördögárok út 80. Nobu Budapest 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8. Onyx Restaurant 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8. Pampas Argentinian Steakhouse 1056 Budapest, Vámház krt. 6. Paris-Budapest Café, Sofitel 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 2. Pata Negra 1091 Budapest, Kálvin tér 8. Paulaner Beerhouse 1123 Budapest, Alkotás u. 53. MOM Park I. Peppers! Mediterranean Grill 1052 Budapest, Apáczai-Csere János u. 4. Porcellino Grasso 1024 Budapest, Ady Endre u. 19. Prime Steak House 1024 Budapest, Lövőház u. 2-6. Restaurant Philippe Le Belge 1136 Budapest, Balzac u. 35. Rickshaw 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49. Ristorante Giardino 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Indian +36 1 428 2187 Every day 12am-11pm Hungarian +36 1 250 4241 or Every day 12am-12pm +36 1 368 0613 Hungarian +36 1 450 0829 Every day 12am-12pm International +36 1 354 3820 Every day 11am-10:30pm International No reservation Monday-Saturday 11.30am-11pm via phone Sunday 11.30am-6.00pm Asian Every day 12am-12pm +36 1 801 9862 French + 36 1 429 5770 Every day 6.30am-11.30pm International +36 1 225 3794 Monday-Sunday 12am-3am Hungarian +36 1 267 0375 Monday-Saturday 12am-12pm closed on Sundays Hungarian +36 1 397 2742 Monday-Sunday12am-11pm, Asian +36 1 429 4242 Restaurant: Every day 12am-23:45pm Lounge Bar: Every day 12am-02am International +36 1 429 9023 Tuesday-Saturday 12am-3pm and 6pm-11 Argentin +36 1 411 1750 Every day 12am-0.30am International +36 1 235 5600/797 Every day Bar 8am-12pm Restaurant 12am-11pm Spanish +36 1 215 5616 Monday–Sunday: 11am–12pm, International +36 70 377 1000 Monday-Wednesday 11:30am-12pm Thursday-Saturday 11:30am-1am Sunday 11:30 am-11pm Mediterranean +36 1 737 7377 Every day 6:30am-11pm Italian +36 1 886 7880 Every day 12am-12pm International +36 70 331 8666 Monday-Wednesday and Sunday 12am-24pm Thursday-Saturday 12am-01am Belgian +36 1 350 0411 Tuesday-Sunday 12am-3pm and 6pm-10pm closed on Monday Asian +36 1 479 4855 Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-11pm International +36-1-429 3990 Every day 6pm-11:30pm

indigo1@invitel.hu www.indigo-restaurant.hu postmaster@kehli.t-online.hu www.kehli.hu info@kiskakukk.hu www.kiskakukk.hu etterem@kogart.hu www.kogart.hu www.klassz.eu kyotoetterem@kyotoetterem.hu www.kyotoetterem.hu lebourbon.budapest@lemeridien.com www.lemeridienbudapest.com/lebourbon foglalas@cafederyne.hu www.theminibar.hu info@muzeumkavehaz.hu www.muzeumkavehaz.hu asztalfoglalas@nancsineni.hu www.nancsineni.hu reservation@noburestaurant.hu www.noburestaurants.com pmonyx@onyxrestaurant.hu www.onyxrestaurant.hu info@steak.hu www.steak.hu info@parisbudapestcafe.hu www.parisbudapestcafe.hu patanegra@patanegra.hu www.patanegra.hu info@paulanersorhaz.hu www.paulanersorhaz.hu

Robinson Restaurant 1146 Budapest, Városligeti tó, sziget Rosenstein 1087 Budapest, Mosonyi utca 3. Spoon Café & Lounge 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér 3. (on the riverside) Symbol – Italian Fusion Restaurant 1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56. TG Italiano 1051 Budapest, Október 6. u. 8. Trattoria Pomo D’Oro 1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 9.

International Hungarian International Italian Italian Italian

robinson@t-online.hu www.robinsonrestaurant.hu rosenstein@t-email.hu www.rosenstein.hu spoon@spooncafe.hu www.spooncafe.hu info@symbolbudapest.hu www.symbolbudapest.hu tomgeorge@tomgeorge.hu www.tomgeorge.hu pomodoro@tvnet.hu www.pomodorobudapest.com

+36 1 422 0222 Monday-Sunday 12am-5pm, 6pm-12pm +36 1 333 3492 Monday-Saturday 12am-11pm, closed on Sundays +36 1 411 0933 Every day 12am-12pm +36 1 333 5656 Monday-Friday 7.30am-12pm Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-12pm +36 1 266 3525 Monday-Sunday 12am-24pm +36 1 302 6473 Every day 12am-12pm

info@peppers.hu www.peppers.hu porcellino@porcellino.hu www.porcellino.hu info@primerestaurant.hu www.primerestaurant.hu info@philippe.hu www.philippe.hu

page

I K

L M

O P

cuisine@corinthia.hu www.corinthia.hu hotelcorvinus@kempinski.com www.kempinski-budapest.com

175

176

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Sunday Brunch Bistro Jardin Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8. +36 1 429 3990 www.kempinski.com/budapest József Virág 150 Every Sunday 12:00–16:00 Champagne, house wine Yes Hungarian and international

Icon Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1–3. +36 1 889 6757 www.iconetterem.hu István Juhász 240 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Champagne, beer, wine Yes Hungarian and international, vegetarian and wellness food

Intercontinental Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere J. u. 12–14. +36 1 327 6392 www.budapest.intercontinental.com István Schilling 220 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Champagne Yes Very rich self-service buffet

LUXURY BUDAPEST

La Brasserie Royale Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43–49. +36 1 479 4850, +36 1 479 4800 www.corinthia.com Vincent Astier 170 + 56 Every Sunday from 12:00–16:00 Champane, house wine, beer. Special kid corner with handycraft activities, games, child supervision, with diverse programs. International

Le Bourbon Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Name of chef Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9. +36 1 429 5770 www.lemeridienbudapest.com Laurent Vandenameele 60+60 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00, with live jazz music Sparkling wine, red & white wine Yes French, International

Peppers! Address Telephone number for reservations Website address Number of seating places Sunday Brunch timing The price includes the following beverages Kids corner with toys and different activities Cuisine

1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János utca + 36 1 737 7377 www.peppers.hu 200 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Unlimited champagne, beer and house wine consumption Kids’ corner with supervision Mediterranean

page

177

178

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

boom&brass bar & restaurant boom & bar & r e s t a u r a n t brass

This restaurant is located in downtown Budapest, on Vörösmarty square where can be found portrait artists and many events. The square is connected the Danube korzó with the Váci utca, which is a spectacular place for social walks. Enjoy the pulsing atmosphere and have a nice cocktail on our comfortable sofas, before you taste creative dishes

from our chef, Juhasz Sándor. Among the main courses everyone finds what is fit for them: from fish to poultry ending up with steak or fresh homemade pastries. During the week our DJ play nice jazz and funky music, and at the weekend the Bango Budapest Band entertain our guests with authentic gypsy and jazz music.

Address 1051 Bp., Vigadó u. 4-6. Telephone number +36 1 877-7788 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 877 7788 E-mail address info@boombrass.hu Website address www.boombrass.com Opening hours 11.00-01.00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Robinson Restaurant Built on top of the island in the middle of Lake Városligeti and located in the neighbourhood of Heroes’ Square, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery right in the heart of the Hungarian capital, our restaurant offers a unique spectacle. A mediterranean environment, family atmosphere and live Latin guitar music in the evening

await our guests. The terrace offers a wonderful view of the lake in the summer and the fireplace provides warmth while eating your dinner in the winter. Our restaurant has a capacity of 70 seats in the winter and an additional 130 on the terrace in the summer. We offer the perfect venue for romantic dinners and business lunches alike.

Address 1146 Budapest, Városligeti tó, sziget Telephone number +36 1 422 0222 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 422 0222 E-mail address robinson@t-online.hu Website address www.robinsonrestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, 18:00–24:00

page

179

180

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Alabárdos

“Service is the only possibility to distinguish ourselves from the competition.” ( Jonathan Tisch). The restaurant is housed in a gothic building of the Buda Castle District, in a small street just across from Matthias Church. The venue is extraordinary in its nature with its 400 years old arched

hallway, thick Medieval walls, a gothic garden, and 4 levels of historic cellar underneath. According to local and foreign experts of gastronomy, Alabárdos belongs among the leading restaurants of Hungary. Working exclusively with ingredients from Hungary and preparing dishes based on high-class recipes of the last century, the restaurant has re-written the meaning of the modern Hungarian cuisine.

Address 1014 Budapest, Országház u. 2. Telephone number +36 1 356 0851 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 356 0851 E-mail address alabardos@t-online.hu Website address www.alabardos.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday 19:00–23:00 Saturday 12:00–16:00, 19:00–23:00 Sunday Closed

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Aranyszarvas

True to our credo, Aranyszarvas forges a unique fusion of the most sophisticated techniques of Hungarian and international cuisine, thus allowing for continuous improvement. As a result of seamless teamwork, there are no unnecessary formalities or bells and whistles, as we

know no compromise. We create perfection for our guests from quality Hungarian raw materials using modern kitchen technology applied at a level that is nothing short of art. We offer the finest wines to accompany a sumptuous gastro excursion in a setting that is quiet, elegant, and refined in its gratification.

Address 1013 Budapest, Szarvas tér 1. Telephone number +36 1 375 6451 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 375 6451 E-mail address bisztro@aranyszarvas.hu Website address www.aranyszarvas.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–23:00

page

181

182

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Arcade Bistro

GUESTS and FOOD are always at the centre of our focus. Arcade Bistro is devoted to high quality gastronomy. We would like to provide a gourmet kitchen that meets high standards, where quality food and wines have at least a just as important role as thoughtful and friendly service affecting the atmosphere of the restaurant. The basis of our cuisine is innovation and experimentation: creating a harmony of

tastes based on the creative ideas of our chef, László Fazekas. Our daily changing offers give exciting culinary experience to our guests from the simplest dishes to real culinary masterpieces, making the restaurant a perfect place for business lunches as well. Arcade Bistro was awarded the Michelin Bib Goumand in spring 2010 and an honorable mention (15 points) from Gault Millau Austria 2011.

Address 1126 Budapest, Kiss János Alt. u. 38. Telephone number +36 1 225 1969 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 225 1969 E-mail address arcadebistro@arcadebistro.hu Website address www.arcadebistro.hu Opening hours Monday–Saturday lunch 12:00–15:30, dinner 18:30–23:00 Sunday 12:00–16:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

babel

babel: a professional calling of hospitality. Actualizing all the expectations our guests don’t even dare to hope for anymore was the dual dream of the restaurant’s owner-chef István Pesti. Our guests are always our first priority. A cosmopolitan yet family-like spirit is what you will find in our restaurant. Fine quality, fresh raw materials and a pleasant atmosphere is what we dreamed of and then created! At lunchtime you can dine a lacarte within 30 minutes with your sweetheart, friend or business partner. For dinner we offer you a gastronomic journey into a world

of flavours and cultures. You can choose from our international and Hungarian contemporary menus, which we offer in five or seven course options, so you can experience all the more in one night! To accompany the food we offer 14 types of champagne and 150 different wines, from which 60% is a selection of foreign wines that we have collected to introduce the widest spectrum of grape types and wine makers. Don’t forget that at the end of the day, all that remains are your memories and the beautiful moments.

Address 1056 Budapest, Szarka u. 1. Telephone number +36 1 338 2143 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 338 2143 E-mail address info@babeldelicate.hu Website address www.babeldelicate.hu Opening hours Tuesday–Saturday 12–16, 18–24 Monday–Sunday Closed

page

183

184

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Baraka Restaurant & Lounge

Baraka is a culinary destination for food lovers looking for casual elegant dining. Our cuisine is French with Asian flares. Chef Norbert Biró creates inspiring dishes that attract all the senses. Our a la carte menu is seasonal, and a degustation is a great way to explore the array of flavours, allowing the diner to pair some of the best Hungarian

wines with each course. Owner David Seboek makes mouth watering bread and creates the esquisite desserts. We are located on the historical Andrássy street, close to Heroes Square. We have a beautiful garden to dine under the stars in the summer months, while private dining is also available for up to 14 people.

Address 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 111. Telephone number +36 1 483 1355 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 483 1355 E-mail address barakabp@gmail.com Website address www.barakarestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Búsuló Juhász

No more than 5 minutes from the city centre, and located on the side of Gellért Hill, Búsuló Juhász Restaurant has been a frequently preferred dining place for both the residents of Budapest, and foreigners visiting our country since 1937. Its four-level terrace, the grand room and the private room all command a splendid view of Buda and the hills of Buda. Following the tradition of the past decades, the menu offers Hungarian dishes prepared according to traditional recipes, in addition to international meals. It is a real speciality that most of our meals are made in a wood-burning earthenware oven during the summer.

With our dishes we serve carefully selected hand-crafted wines, and homemade special bread. The enjoyment of these excellent dishes and wines is complemented by the evergreen melodies performed by our own band every evening. If you would like to leave the everyday rush behind and enjoy the pleasures of life, visit Búsuló Juhász Restaurant. Experience the elegance, the renewal and tradition, which we can simply call the real flavour of life.

Address 1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi u. 58. Telephone number +36 1 209 1649 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 209 1649 E-mail address info@busulojuhasz.hu Website address www.busulojuhasz.hu Opening hours Every day 12:00 - 24:00

page

185

186

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Cafe 57 Restaurant

The restaurant represents elegant minimalism. Our kitchen is not specialized in any one nation’s cuisine or trend. We offer everything from Hungarian to Asian dishes, with lots of novelties in our chef’s recommendations and from among the choice of wines. From June 2010 we also serve breakfast from the city’s largest selection breakfast menu. Our

dishes are prepared from high quality ingredients; we offer homemade bread that is served hot. We organize wine dinners every month, each of them a special culinary delight. To accompany our lavish dishes, we offer the most suitable companion from our large selection of wines and drinks and always have something special to offer to our gourmand customers.

Address 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57. Telephone number +36 1 325 6078 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 325 6078 E-mail address cafe57@t-online.hu Website address www.cafe57.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 8:00–24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Callas Café & Restaurant

Achievable luxury and elegance. The antique café was reborn in 2006, in art deco style based on the designs of the legendary architect David Collins. On the menu, alongside international culinary specialties, one can also find traditional Hungarian dishes, such as Goulash soup, Veal paprika stew, Filet of

beef Budapest or Goose liver steak. We recommend a wide assortment of home-made dessert specialties created by the Callas Café’s master confectioner. The wine list and selection introduces Hungary’s preeminent wine regions and cellars. The Blue Danube Orchestra plays classical and salon music every day between 8.00-12.00 p.m.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. Telephone number +36 1 354 0954 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 354 0954 E-mail address callascafe@gmail.com Website address www.callascafe.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 10.00-24.00

page

187

188

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Cascade

Minimalism, constructivism, modernism, possibly Bauhaus. These styles come to the minds of those beholding our restaurant. Pleasant, inviting, eternally young, cheerful. These are perhaps the most important attributes, as the aim was to create a building into which those passing by would like to enter. We are delighted to have succeeded. As we are that, over the years,

the restaurant’s events have gained renown, in which for example, a jazz evening is fused with prevailing CASCADE specialties, the smiles of familiar faces, and a high level of wine consumption. The cuisine is topical: it serves exciting, fresh novelties and a good few tried and true “good as they are” Hungarian and international dishes. But not in any old way.

Address 1125 Budapest, Szarvas Gábor út 8. Telephone number +36 1 392 0007, +36 30 227 2233 E-mail address info@cascade.hu Website address www.cascade.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Centrál

“Let’s meet at the Central” is a sentence that has rung out for more than 120 years among members of the Hungarian intelligentsia, writers, poets, artists and businesspeople alike. This downtown café, whose aim is to bring back the traditions of the great cafés of the times of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, is an independent establishment which has become a must for visitors to the

capital as well as for locals. Spacious and with a unique ambiance, the café is divided by transparent walls and exudes a calm, pre-war atmosphere. The establishment is air-conditioned and welcomes customers with refreshing coffee, iced drinks and culinary specialties. A classic café atmosphere paired with highlights of Hungarian and international cuisine.

Address 1053 Budapest, Károlyi Mihály utca 9. Telephone number +36 1 266 2110 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 266 2110 E-mail address info@centralkavehaz.hu Website address www.centralkavehaz.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 08.00-24.00

page

189

190

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Citadella Panorama Restaurant

Restaurant invites you to an unforgettable culinary advantage throughout the regions of the Carpathian Basin and those of Hungary. Made from the very best ingredients, these specialities let you experience the tastes of old times using 21st century technology. Unsurpassable experience.

Address 1118 Budapest, Gellérthegy, Citadella sétány Telephone number +36 1 209 0698 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 209 0698 E-mail address gastro-top@citadellarestaurant.com Website address www.citadella.hu Opening hours Monday-Saturday 11:00-23:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Chez Daniel

The French born chef, Daniel Labrosse had worked in several of Europe’s top restaurants before meeting his Hungarian wife Krisztina in France. They settled in Hungary and in November 1995 together they opened their own restaurant ‘Chez Daniel’ in the 6th district, known as the ’Heart’ of Budapest. ‘Chez Daniel’ has a

family atmosphere. The restaurant’s two indoor dining rooms are especially welcoming in the winter, while The Provencal terrace in the walled garden offers a southern atmosphere. In the heat of the summer it is an oasis, providing a bit of heaven away from the bustle of city life.

Address 1063 Budapest, Szív utca 32. Telephone number +36 1 311 6670 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 302 4039 E-mail address restaurant@chezdaniel.hu Website address www.chezdaniel.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–15:00; 19:00–23:00

page

191

192

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Costes

Following a six-month break the kitchen of Costes Restaurant is headed again by the Portuguese chef, Miguel Rocha Vieira. Though the place won nearly all of the professional awards in 2010 it is not complacent and aims even higher.

International cuisine with a touch of Hungarian gastronomy, outstanding quality and great service in a modern design and atmosphere. The tasty menus are a must to all with a highly refined palate!

Address 1092 Budapest, Rรกday u. 4. Telephone number +36 1 219-0696 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 219-0696 E-mail address info@costes.hu Website address www.costes.hu Opening hours Wednesday- Sunday 12:00-15:30, 18:30-24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Cyrano

Cyrano restaurant and café welcomes guests from the early morning hours in the very heart of Budapest. We strive for perfection in every detail, from the highest quality ingredients and the impressive modern interior with a touch of luxury to quality service for guests. Our selection of meals includes those flirting with the latest

international trends as well as the favourites of our chef, who only works with fresh ingredients. With its international cuisine and spacious, attractive terrace in the summer, our elegant restaurant is an ideal place to stop for a rest after taking a walk in the city, or to have a business meeting.

Address 1052 Budapest, Kristóf tér 7–8. Telephone number +36 1 266 3096 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 266 4747 E-mail address cyrano@citynet.hu Website address www.cyranorestaurant.info Opening hours Monday–Sunday 8:00–24:00

page

193

194

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Dunapark

Our café evokes the atmosphere of the 1930s while meeting the standards of the 21 st century. Dunapark Restaurant and Café has been serving aficionados of culinary delights since 1938. In a wonderful Bauhaus building, accompanied by attentive service, our customers can choose every morning from among our fresh pastries and unique breakfast

selection, and at noon from the a la carte menu, which is embellished daily and weekly by an ever-expanding business lunch. Accompanied by live piano music every night, our customers can drift among Hungarian, Mediterranean, and Far East dishes, taste our deservedly famous cakes and pastries, or smoke a cigar in the cigar corner.

Address 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 38. Telephone number + 36 1 786 1009 Telephone number for reservation +36 70 772 2244 E-mail address info@dunaparkkavehaz.hu Website address www.dunaparkkavehaz.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday 8:00–24:00 Saturday 10:00–24:00 Sunday 10:00–22:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Ristorante Fausto’s

Restaurant Fausto’s welcomes guests with special Mediterranean and international dishes and a wide selection of Italian wines. The preparation and serving of a set of dishes is the result of group work. Our secret is love and respect for our work. We would like to convey good taste,

harmony and sensation through our dishes. Our kitchen works only with the highest quality and carefully selected fresh ingredients to make Italian meals. Content and will are the two principles you can find in every single dish we prepare and serve.

Address 1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2. Telephone number +36 1 877 6210 / +36 30 589 1813 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 877 6210 / +36 30 589 1813 E-mail address faustos@fausto.hu Website address www.fausto.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 Saturday 18:00–23:00 Sunday Closed

page

195

196

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ristorante Giardino

On an evening or late fine dining on the city’s most chic pedestrian street, Ristorante Giardino serves Mediterranean cuisine with Hungarian highlights, complete with an exclusive wine and prosecco list. Ristorante Giardino has received the Seven Stars and Stripes Award for its menu and exemplary service.

Address 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8. Telephone number +36 1 429 3990 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 429 3990 E-mail address concierge.corvinus@kempinski.com Website address www.kempinski.com/budapest Opening hours Every day 18:00–23:30

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Gundel

Wherever in the world Hungarian gastronomy is mentioned, the name Gundel has a familiar ring for everyone. The lovely Gundel in the City Park offers you a wonderful amalgam of traditional Hungarian cuisine and refined international grand cuisine, a fine selection of wines and live gypsy music nightly.

It has an extensive menu, including its famed, walnut-stuffed Gundel palacsinta (pancake), authentic Hungarian goose liver and fragrant Tokaj Aszu dessert wine. As well as its main fine dining restaurant and bar, Gundel boasts some exquisite fin de steele meeting, banqueting, garden and ballroom for galas, lunches and dinners.

Address 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti út 2. Telephone number +36 1 468 4040 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 889 8100 / +36 30 603 2480 E-mail address info@gundel.hu Website address www.gundel.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–16:00, 18:30–24:00 Sunday Brunch 11:30–15:00

page

197

198

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Halászbástya Restaurant

A jewel of the Buda Castle District, Fishermen’s Bastion (Halászbástya) no longer serves as a means of protection - if not for the breathtaking view of Budapest. The freshly remodelled Halászbástya Restaurant is a classically elegant venue for dining out. The magnificent rooms, the enchanting panoramic view and the high level service is arguably the perfect choice for grand moments in life. Past revived:

the impressively furnished historic atmosphere makes each minute special. The beautiful circle view is most impressive on the less formal Terrace, seating 250. At this breezy, shady location local specialities are served, but light, classical dishes of the international cuisine are also offered. The fast service and the beautiful open-air location make even a coffee a true experience.

Address 1014 Budapest, Budai Vár, Halászbástya Telephone number +36 1 201 6935 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 201 6935 E-mail address info@halaszbastya.eu Website address www.halaszbastya.eu Opening hours Every day 12:00 – 24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Icon

Innovation and tradition meet at Hilton Budapest’s Icon Restaurant. Modern and elegant, the stunning new Icon Restaurant embraces the future and yet pays homage to the history of the Royal Castle District. Icon has introduced warm, fresh and contemporary décor throughout to create a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere.

Icon is ideal for getting a taste of a culinary experience or to host a special event in the private dining room. Featuring an upscale 250-seat restaurant with a private salon and 16 panoramic windows guests of Icon can choose from a distinctive Hilton Breakfast to an extraordinary a la carte lunch and dinner menu as well as a sumptuous Sunday brunch.

Address 1014 Budapest, Hess András tér 1–3. Telephone number +36 1 889 6757 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 889 6757 E-mail address info.budapest@hilton.com Website address www.iconrestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday all day

page

199

200

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Kéhli

In the spring of 1899, the hard-working Kéhli family opened their small restaurant and managed it so well that Mama Kéhli became a living legend. This old house, surrounded by similar buildings, is like a

little piece of the history of Old Buda thanks to novelist Gyula Krúdy. We cordially welcome those who desire a dance party with music in addition to the usual delights of Hungarian middle-class cuisine.

Address 1036 Budapest, Mókus u. 22. Telephone number +36 1 250 4241 / +36 1 368 0613 Telephone number for reservation + 36 1 368 0613 E-mail address postmaster@kehli.t-online.hu Website address www.kehli.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Le Bourbon

Le Bourbon restaurant is undoubtedly one of the signatures of Le Meridien hotel. Our name sets a standard for French cuisine in the city. French executive chef Laurent Vandenameele is among the few who received a prestigious gastronomic prize on the recommendation of the Hungarian Bocuse d’Or Academy. Those who come to our Sunday Brunch and try the amazing selection of the buffet then chose a Royal

chocolate cake at the end, will certainly understand why it is called Le Bourbon. You won’t be disappointed either if you pop in just for a quick bistro lunch during the day. For Friday evenings we recommend our themed event the Hungarian Night, where the local delicacies, gypsy music and Hungarian folklore dance show offer an unforgettable evening especially for foreign guests.

Address 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9–10. Telephone number +36 1 429 5770 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 429 5770 Website address www.lemeridienbudapest.com Opening hours Monday–Sunday 6:30–22:30

page

201

202

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Nobu

Nobu Budapest is the first Central-European member of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s worldwide dining empire where traditional Japanese techniques are redefined by South American flavors. The restaurant welcomes guests with 80 seats including a private room and the sushi

bar while the Nobu Lounge Bar accommodates guests with separate menu card and a wide Nobu Signature Cocktail selection. Nobu Budapest is conveniently located in the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in the very heart of Budapest.

Address 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8. Telephone number +36 1 429 4242 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 429 4242 E-mail address reservation@noburestaurant.hu, budapest@noburestaurant.hu Website address www.noburestaurants.com Opening hours Restaurant: Every day 12:00-23:45, Lounge Bar: Every day 12:00-02:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Mátyás Pince

The Mátyás Pince Restaurant was named after the king of the Hungarians, Matthias. In the historical environment of Matthias Cellar you can enjoy true Hungarian hospitality that is famous for its heartiness, excellent foods and wines. It is not without avail that our restaurant enjoys popularity all around the world because we look

forward to our guests with traditional Hungarian flavours, the noble juices of the Hungarian wine-growing regions and live gipsy music by the world-famous Déki Lakatos Sándor and his orchestra every evening. The air-conditioned halls of the restaurant ensure excellent places for banquets, family and business occasions.

Address 1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 7. Telephone number +36 1 266 8008 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 266 8008 E-mail address info@matyaspince.hu Website address www.matyaspince.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–24:00

page

203

204

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Múzeum Café

Múzeum Café and Restaurant is among the best traditional restaurants in Hungary, and has been operating in Pest’s historical downtown since 1885. Due to its past and traditions it represents the lasting values of Hungarian gastronomy, facilitated through the latest technology. Our menu offers subtly modernized delicacies from Hungarian and international cuisines, with a professional selection of national wines – and pálinkas. Our interior spaces are decorated with ceiling frescos by Károly Lotz and with

the porcelain tiles of the world-famous Zsolnay factory in Pécs. The atmosphere of dinners is augmented by the music of piano artist Dániel Albert. Parking is free for our guests for the time of the meal. Our specialties – goose liver varieties. For many decades now, goose liver has been an essential part of our menu selection, and our frequent guests visit us especially for our gourmet goose liver specialties. The virtually endless varieties of goose liver dishes in our repertoire are much enjoyed here.

Address 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 12. Telephone number +36 1 267 0375 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 267 0375 E-mail address info@muzeumkavehaz.hu Website address www.muzeumkavehaz.hu Opening hours Monday–Saturday 12:00–24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Mix Club-Bar-Restaurant

Every innovative and unknown novelty in the world: MIX Restaurant will bring it for you.Our renowned executive chef is Nicolas Rafael Delgado, who has won the first Michelin star for Hungary. The MIX gastronomy unifies Argentien, Spanish, French, south-American flavours with Hungarian features.The restaurant and bar form an environment where both the style and atmosphere breaks the rules of traditions. In

the Bar International and Hungarian performers present live music of the 21 st century. The MIX Club represents the highest visual and sound technologies and raise MIX beyond the best club of Budapest.A special VJ provides an unforgettable visual experience that is assisted by the 50m 2 Led walls and high-technology lasers. All together it means: MIX brings closer the world quality to the people!

Address 1062 Budapest. TerĂŠz krt. 55-57. Telephone number +36 1 301 0528 Telephone number for reservation +36 20 361 3445 E-mail address reservation@mix3.hu Website address www.mix3.hu Opening hours Monday- Thursday 11:00-01:00, Friday-Saturday 11:00-05:00, Sunday Closed

page

205

206

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Paris Budapest Restaurant

Paris Budapest Restaurant offers a fusion of French and Hungarian cuisine prepared in a show kitchen installed amidst the guests, thus moving them closer to both the cooking process and the kitchen staff. The exceptional wine list has been conceived to allow guests to express their passion for the wines of both France and Hungary. The works of

art associated with the restaurant are photographs linking the two cities, Paris and Budapest, in a purposely jumbled fashion. The photographs by the Parisian photographer, Gilles Trillard, well-known for his work for all the big interior decoration magazines, mingle with those of Zoltán Szabó, famous in Hungary for his exhibitions and photographic work.

Address 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 2. Telephone number +36 1 235 5600 / 797 Telephone number for reservation ++36 1 235 5600 / 797 E-mail address reservation@parisbudapest.hu Website address www.parisbudapest.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Paulaner Beerhouse

The Paulaner Beerhouse, with its real Bavarian beer and cuisine, brings the atmosphere of legendary beer festivals within reach. In recent years, lovers of the Bavarian feeling have become regular customers, as they know that crispy brown pork trotters, delicious sausages, and pretzels as a beer snack go with beer prepared according to the original Paulaner recipe. The beerhouse nestled at the foot

of the Buda hills is not a mere canteen, restaurant, or club. Paulaner Beerhouse provides an intimate and easygoing environment for personal get-togethers. Our separate rooms serve as venues for weddings, birthdays, company Christmas parties, team-building parties, “get over it” parties, and celebrations. Live sport TV on screen (EuroSport, Sport1, Sport2, DigiSport etc.)

Address 1123 Budapest, Alkotás út 53. MOM PARK 1. emelet Telephone number for reservation +36 70 377 1000 E-mail address info@paulanersorhaz.hu, paulanermompark@gmail.com Website address www.paulanersorhaz.hu Opening hours Monday–Tuesday–Wednesday 11:30–24:00, Thursday–Friday–Saturday 11:30–01:00, Sunday 11:30–23:00

page

207

208

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Peppers! Mediterranean Grill

The Marriott’s Peppers! Mediterranean Grill welcomes those who long for a stylish restaurant experience amidst a vibrant atmosphere. Peppers! offers its guests a beautiful view of the Danube, unique even by Budapest standards, an open grill kitchen, and spectacular dishes. We always purchase fresh, first-grade raw materials from the

farmers of Hungarian and Mediterranean regions. The excellent quality of our food is combined with favourable prices. Watch as our outstanding chefs prepare unique culinary creations from the finest ingredients, and after dinner enjoy a relaxing drink in the AQVA Lounge Bar.

Address 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 4. Telephone number +36 1 737 7377 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 737 7377 E-mail address info@peppers.hu Website address www.peppers.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 6:30–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Pesti Lámpás

One of Budapest’s most distinguished buildings, the Ybl Palota (“Ybl Palace”) is home to the Pesti Lámpás Restaurant & Café, where the worlds of traditional Hungarian cuisine and modern gastronomy meet. Our handmade style kitchen fuses modern technologies with tradition while highlighting the quality ingredients of Hungarian small producers.

In the bustle of the downtown, amidst the pleasant atmosphere of the atrium-covered terrace complete with water fountain which emanates peace and harmony, culture, in the form of permanent exhibitions, also plays a prominent role. Thus our restaurant is a popular meeting place for the intellectuals and artists of Budapest.

Address 1053 Budapest, Károlyi Mihály utca 12. Telephone number +36 1 266 5482 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 266 9566 E-mail address reservation@pestilampas.hu Website address www.pestilampas.hu Opening hours Monday–Friday 10:00–24:00 Saturday 12:00–24:00 Sunday Closed

page

209

210

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Prime Steak & Wine The word prime - which we defi ne as perfection - serves to demonstrate the philosophy guiding our restaurant; that is, to offer perfection in all areas of catering. Our mission is to provide an outstanding dining experience for our guests with exceptional foods, fantastic wines, and attentive service—all in an elegant environment. Our motto: “Guests may only be dazzled by creative dishes which are simple in

nature and prepared to technological perfection, paired with exemplary service.” Prime Restaurant provide a truly culinary experience. Whether it is a romantic dinner for two, an important business meeting or a convivial discussion among friends, Prime restaurant brings the event to fruition. This is the place where cosmopolitan elegance and relaxed comfort meet; and where unmatched fl avors and truly “cool” milieu go hand in hand.

Address 1024 Budapest, Lövőház u. 2 - 6 Mammut I. Shopping Mall 3th fl oor Telephone number +36 70 331 8666 Telephone number for reservations +36 70 331 8666 E-mail address info@primerestaurant.hu Website address www.primerestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday-Wednesday and Sunday 12 am - 24 pm. Thursday-Saturday: 12 am – 01 pm

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Trattoria Pomo D’Oro

A drop of Italy in the very heart of Budapest! A friendly, Mediterranean atmosphere and unforgettable Italian flavours … Dolce Vita! Shipments of fresh fruits of the sea arrive from Italy twice a week from which Rosario, our chef, prepares

lavish dishes. Our selection includes Brazino, Orata, turbot, scallops, black and pod razor, lobster and sea crayfish. All our pasta dishes and intoxicating Italian desserts are handmade. We welcome our patrons with regularly renewed and seasonal daily specials.

Address 1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 9. Telephone number +36 1 302 6473 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 302 6473 E-mail address info@pomodorobudapest.com Website address www.pomodoro.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–24:00

page

211

212

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Rickshaw

The Corinthia Hotel Budapest Rickshaw offers world class quality and fantastic gastronomic experiences reminiscent of the Far East in downtown Budapest. Our new head chef Yang Zhi Jun dazzles the restaurant’s customers with traditional Chinese flavours prepared exclusively with quality ingredients

meeting the highest expectations. Several dishes on our new menu are a unique experience guaranteed to delight the palate. The environment, evocative of the enchanting atmosphere of the Far East, endows lovers of Asian cuisine with an unrivalled, five-star culinary journey not to be missed.

Address Corinthia Hotel Budapest, 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43–49. Telephone number +36 1 479 4855 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 479 4855 E-mail address cuisine@corinthia.hu Website address www.corinthia.com Opening hours Tuesday–Saturday 18:00–23:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Rosenstein

Our family establishment first opened its doors in 1996, and is located behind the Keleti (Eastern) railway station, on Mosonyi street. At that time, it seemed like a crazy idea. No one except us had any faith in its success, but the four decades I had spent in the traditional restaurant industry were my guarantee. We try to be ahead of our times: a new generation of restaurant-goers has come

of age, and people are increasingly demanding. My son Robert is in charge of modernization, but we work together to make sure that all of our dishes are “Rosenstein-ish”. We have never been an exclusively Jewish restaurant – our cuisine includes everything that’s good. We’ve done a lot to revamp the place in the meantime, but we stick to our home-style, intimate, family atmosphere.

Address 1087 Budapest, Mosonyi utca 3. Telephone number +36 1 333 3492 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 333 3492 E-mail address rosenstein@t-email.hu Website address www.rosenstein.hu Opening hours Monday–Saturday 12:00–23:00

page

213

214

page

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Symbol Budapest

For those who feel hunger for pleasant, relaxing and heavenly tastes, Symbol is the perfect place, providing solutions for different requests from all our guests and from this, becoming a famous and beloved place. The complex offers an unmatched combination of gastronomy,

entertainment and culture like no other place in Hungary. Here you can find 7 units that are spatially separated, yet harmonize in design. The 2900 m 2 , three storey building lines up state of the art technical and design elements.

Address 1036 Budapest, BĂŠcsi Ăşt 56. Telephone number +36 1 333 5656 Telephone number for reservation +36 1 333 5656 E-mail address info@symbolbudapest.hu Website address www.symbolbudapest.hu Opening hours Monday-Friday 7:30-24:00 Saturday-Sunday 11:30-24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Városfal Restaurant

Once a shooting club for the citizens of Pest, this historic building from 1826 is located on Széna tér, in the very heart of Buda, at the footsteps of Buda Castle and is now home to a restaurant offering delicious meals in a pleasant and soothing environment. Our

guests can select from the specialties of the Hungarian and various international cuisines as well as from quality Hungarian wines. Our backyard functions as an ice rink in the winter and as a huge, covered beer garden in the summer.

Address 1027 Budapest, Bakfark Bálint u. 2. Telephone number +36 70 31 13 000 Telephone number for reservation +36 70 31 13 000 E-mail address info@varosfal.hu Website address www.varosfal.hu Opening hours Every day 11:00-23:00, Summer 11:00-02:00

Városfal Vendéglõ

V V

page

215

216

page

nightlife

Bustling nightlife

‘Budapest nightlife’ and the ‘Pest cabaret’ are legendary forms of entertainment and for a hundred years they have been the showcase of the daily life and mood of a nation that likes to have fun and of people that can smile whenever they want and are big-hearted (sometimes to an unhealthy degree). During the first half of the 20th century, a large part of the masterpieces of Hungarian literature were created in the cafés of Budapest and during the ‘20s and ‘30s Budapest clubs and variety shows were thought to be as superb as the ones in Paris. 20 years after the fall of communism the once sparkling Budapest nightlife is starting to “recover”. The citizens of Budapest love to go out during the weekend, sometimes even during the week. It is easy to find a good place among the wide selection of cool jazz clubs, open-air music clubs and elegant cafés. The city has no dedicated entertainment quarter, but there are two areas with a high density of entertainment units: the one at Liszt Ferenc tér is elegant while the places in Ráday utca are perhaps a bit more casual. There are places for you even if you want to have fun till dawn as

in general there are no restrictions on the opening hours of places playing music. This means that the majority of clubs, bars and discos are open until late, sometimes even until the morning. Nightlife in Budapest is colourful, friendly and caters for all tastes. For instance, the elderly can enjoy a night out in operetta and musical theatres and around these places. Those enjoying “alternative” culture can spend time in the so called “ruin pubs”. Ruin pubs are a special invention of Budapest; these are established in the yards of old and soon-to-be-demolished blocks of flats and are usually run for a year or two before the building is actually torn down. There is an increasing number of gay-friendly entertainment units, typically bars and discos. Some of them have regular “open days” when non-gay couples are welcome.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

LUXURY BUDAPEST’s TOP SELECTION

Fragrance  www.marcjacobs.com

page

217

218

page

Nightlife

Symbol

Symbol Budapest offers endless fun for those who favour the latest and most trendy hits and quality live music. Here you can find everything from piano music, live band until DJ. We are waiting for you with 2 beautiful places (Live Music Club and Symbol Garden) with tasteful cocktails and excellent service. 1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56. +36 1 333 5656 info@symbolbudapest.hu www.symbolbudapest.hu

Club93

The repertoire of our climate controlled restaurant consists of Italian type pasta and typical Hungarian dishes. All our wines come from the best selections of Hungarian cellars. Between April and October a terrace framed with green plants welcomes those planning to spend a pleasant afternoon or evening with us.

Budapest VIII. Vas u. 2. Phone: +36 30 630-7093 club93@club93pizza.hu www.club93.hu

Ötkert

Ötkert is a brand new garden near Four Season’s Hotel, in the heart of Pest. Ötkert has menus and ala carte also, and good parties starting from Wednesday. On Fridays and Saturday it is even impossible to get in, there is such a long row at the entrance, so table reservation or early arrival is recommended.

1051 Budapest, Zrínyi u. 4 Table reservation: +36-70 330-8652

AlterEgo

AlterEgo is the premier gay club in Budapest! Enjoy one of the best parties, best music and the best mixed crowd in town! Showtime the hottest and most funny drag queens on stage. Open Friday and Saturday (+ holidays) from 22:00 till late.

Budapest VI., Dessewffy u. 33 Phone: +36-70 345-4302 www.alteregoclub.hu

Moulin Rouge

The most traditional, attractive, prestigious, famous and one of the most popular disco clubs and restaurants just in the heart of Budapest Centre, in Nagymező utca (Street), that is also known as Budapest Broadway! Open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 11:00 p.m. to 05:00 a.m. Low, usual Hungarian prices! Address: Budapest, VI. District, Nagymező utca (Street) 17. More information: +36 30 434 99 95 www.moulinrouge.hu

M arilyn Club

The Marilyn Table Dancing Club is located close to the city centre of Budapest, near Ráday utca (street) and Váci utca (street). This 300 m 2 table dancing bar with an intimate athmosphere, is a 2-floor place of entertainment and open from 9 pm to 4 am. Relax and enjoy some 35 really beautiful table dancers of Budapest on 3 dance stages, who continously entertain the visitors. VIII. district Baross utca 4. Phone: +36-1/338-42-43 Marilyn Table Dance Bar marilybar.com

Restaurant Boat on the Danube

Every metropolis has a few restaurants where breathtaking experience is not only caused by the creativity of the chef but also by the spectacular view of the city right from your table. One such restaurant is Columbus Boat anchored in the very heart of Budapest, between Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge, the section of the Danube bank offering the most beautiful panorama of the city. During the winter the large glass windows of the Santa Maria Hall, and during the rest of the year the panorama terraces offer a close look at the largest European river with the centuries old Buda Castle on the other side of the water.

The left side of the boat has a pub type restaurant with delicious Hungarian and international dishes made by the ambitious cook, R贸bert Tobai, author of a number of cookbooks and star of various television shows on gastronomy. The unique environment offers much more than just culinary pleasures: on Friday nights there are vibrant salsa parties and for the rest of the week Columbus Club welcomes renowned Hungarian and foreign jazz musicians. The event hall with its glass walls is a perfect location for various events, weddings, balls as well as company and family get-togethers.

Address: Telephone: Opening hours:

Budapest, Vigad贸 t茅r, pier no. 4 www.columbuspub.hu +36 (1) 266-9013 every day 12:00-24:00

page

219

220

page

Sightseeing

What do the stones of Budapest reveal? A competent tourguide can tell many exciting, entertaining and informative stories about the city. And there is a lot to tell – Budapest has a history dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. The defensive post our capital held on the edge of Europe also left its marks on our capital. After defending its Western neighbours from the hordes of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, it was forced to capitulate and suffer long-term Ottoman occupation. From the 19th century on, many of Budapest’s attractions show Austrian and French influence. However, the majority of buildings that

make Budapest one of Europe’s most beautiful cities were built in the last third of 19th and the first third of the 20th centuries during the great upheaval and in the wake of the cataclysm of the first world war. In the past 25 years, architecture has been about the triumph of modern architecture and the restoration of traditional values. Saxa loquuntur – “Stones talk”, and their messages are waiting to be deciphered. You do not even need a tour guide, just hop on a bus and discover all the mysteries of Budapest.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Luxlimo Hungary Luxury Limousine Service

Airport transfer service, hotel and restaurant transfers, sightseeing in Budapest and in country towns (by request also with a guide). Tours, theatre visits, dinners or lunches with sightseeing in Budapest from a limousine. VIP passenger transport using limousines for groups of up to 40.

Address: H-1106 Budapest, KeresztĂşri Ăşt 120. Phone: +36 20 923 1118, +36 20 353 8476 www.luxuslimuzin.hu

page

221

222

page

SEE BUDAPEST THE MOST EXCITING WAY

Budapest is the first city on the Continent where you can enjoy the unique experience of sightseeing aboard an exceptional amphibious coach. RiverRide is a special sightseeing coach, outfitted with two anchors, a horn, 160 metres of rope, life vests under each of the 45 seats; it is propelled by a jet engine and its driver is a licensed skipper...or, conversely, it is a boat that rolls along on six wheels, can slow down using disk brakes, features backup and break lights and its captain has a bus driver’s license. First, enjoy the sights of Budapest from the comfortable seats of RiverRide, as we drive through busy streets; then experience the unforgettable moment when with a big splash our coach plunges into the Danube and sails downriver with you while

we pass the breathtaking World Heritage sites of this magnificent city. Following the water adventure, RiverRide climbs ashore, and you’ll find yourself once again in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Seeing Budapest from our RiverRide is a unique experience because you can enjoy the best of both worlds: visit important sights up-close and also see the big picture from the Danube without ever having to leave your seat. Our guide will explain what you see in both English and German. The quality assurance audit is carried out by TÜV Rheinland and Lloyds Register and safety is supervised by National Transport Authority of Hungary. RiverRide operates every day throughout the year; four times a day during the high season, and three times daily between November and March.

Office H-1052 Budapest, 5th district, Akadémia Str. 1. Departure Roosevelt Square 7/8 For booking please contact: Telephone: +36 1 33 22 555  Fax: +36 1 30 22 768 E-mail: info@riverride.com For group booking (more than 10 people) please contact: Telephone: +36 1 35 43 939  Fax: +36 1 30 22 768 E-mail: info@riverride.com

Seeing the exquisite beauties of Budapest in style

With a little exaggeration, basically every second European has already tried the London hackney carriages, many people have tried the horse and carriage services in the large cities around Europe and the rickshaws in Asia and thousands of people rent limousines around the world. In Budapest, those looking for unique experiences can hire limousines made in the ‘20s. These limousines have been converted manually and now they are equipped with a 21st-century engine, chassis and brakes. This service is only available in Prague and in Budapest, but in Prague it is limited to the summer months. The inside of the limousines is furnished luxuriously and there are all the “props” necessary: the driver wears a uniform and driver’s glasses typical of the era, and the taxicab is equipped with a mechanical “flagged” taximeter. These help create the illusion of a time travel back to the “swinging twen-

For more information please visit www.historylimousine.com If you would like to order a limousine, please contact Meseautó Limousine Kft. Telephone number: +36 70 772 5300, +36 30 725 4210

ties” with the comfort and safety of a modern car. The drivers speak two or more foreign languages and are excellent guides. However, they also know when they should be quiet. And during the ninety-minute-long tour there is soft music (swing, of course) in the taxicab. These reinvented cars from the past can be ordered with English, German, French and Spanish guides. If requested, they can pick up guests from hotels, but there are permanent spots at Erzsébet tér and at the Castle Hill Funicular where they wait for customers. The limousines can transport seven people (in addition to the driver) and they can be ordered for taking passengers to and picking them up from the airport or for exclusive events. The service is available in all seasons. When the weather turns worse in autumn, these wonder cars get a cover, and in the winter they are heated (including the seat cushions) to make sure the ride is comfortable.

page

223

224

page

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF BUDAPEST AND THE DANUBE BEND ON BOARD MAHARTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOATS The wide selection of sailing options provided by MAHART PassNave Ltd. offer the perfect opportunity for Hungarian and foreign tourists ready to recharge themselves on the river Danube. With a number of programmes in the capital and the rides to discover the beauties of the Danube Bend, MAHART guarantees perfect relaxation for passengers trying to get some rest.

If you only have a few hours to spend riding a boat on the Danube, our Evening cruise with music and dance is an excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking lights of Budapest by night. Live music and buffet catering creates an atmosphere to serve as the foundation for an unforgettable evening. Tasty Hungarian meals, fine wines and pleasant music awakens the desire in guests to enjoy the beauties and atmosphere of our capital a little longer and, if an opportunity presents itself, return to this place which they will never be able to forget. During its pleasant and comfortable one-hour ride, our Duna Corso sightseeing cruise guides you from Margaret Bridge to Lágymányos Bridge and in 11 languages introduces you to the sights of the city along the river bank. The unique feature of the ride is that it covers this distance 10-13 times a day, so it is really a perfect opportunity for those who would like to see the lights of Budapest by night. If you prefer something less usual, our Wine Boat offers a good alternative. During the 3-hour ride you get to taste the famous wines of Hungary as part of a romantic, candle-lit, four-course dinner. The view of Budapest by night really creates the perfect opportunity to combine good Hungarian wines, intimate atmosphere and a tasty dinner. Those ready to embark on longer voyages, MAHART PassNave has a range of boats to show you the exceptionally beautiful regions of Hungary. Pleasure trips by river boats and hydrofoils can take you to the beautiful Danube Bend, to the popular tourist destinations: Szentendre, Vác, Visegrád and Esztergom. The hydrofoil rides between Budapest, Visegrád, Bratislava and Vienna are quite popular among passengers and offer a unique experience for all who wish to discover these cities in an unusual manner. The Sólyom class hydrofoils that resemble aircraft on water were refurbished in the spring of 2010 and provide 21st century comfort for passengers in a climate controlled, non-smoking environment with a modern audio system, an exclusive bar in the back section

Vigadó Square Ship Station Address 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér Telephone number +36-1-318-1223 +36-1-484-4013 Email address sales@mahartpassnave.hu Website address www.mahart.info

and a five-person VIP cabin equipped with a minibar. The route can be monitored via LCD monitors and GPS navigation systems, and passengers receive visual and audio information about the sights along the river in Hungarian, English and German. Boat rental, so-called charter boats represent an important part of passenger traffic of MAHART PassNave Ltd. All vessels of the fleet (event boats, pleasure trip boats and hydrofoils) may be rented to accommodate the needs of passengers to the maximum and the employees of our company offer all possible help to ensure that our guests indeed return home with pleasant and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

page

225

226

page

Dream Cars Collection More than 70 cars!!! You must see this! It’s not a dream It’s real! Are you into beautiful cars? Does your heart jump a beat each time you see particularly nice oldies from the decades after WW2? If the answer to the above questions is yes, you should definitely not miss the Dream Car Museum. The cellar of Hungary’s first champaign factory, where cellarmen would handle bottles of champaign manufactured according to the so-called “méthode traditionelle” for a century, now houses more then seventy wonderful old timers from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. Whether small or large, these nicely restored veteran cars are a sheer pleasure to watch. Car lovers

What young people under 30 can only know from films, becomes tangible reality in the Dream Car Museum. Would you care to try our vehicles? You can make a choice and get all necessary information by visiting Telephone number: +36 1 203 1746

and collectors now have the opportunity to rent or even to buy them. In addition, the old timers offer an ideal setting for parties. The cellar also serves as an event hall, with a 300 HP Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan from 1957, a flame-red Ford Mustang from 1965 or the elegant 1976 Rolls Royce Corniche and co. as the setting. The exhibits often get the opportunity to hit the road, when rented for weddings, sightseeing tours, bachelor(ette) parties, film shootings as well as for a wide variety of individual ideas.

PRIVATE BOAT RIDE ON THE DANUBE By Motor Boat or Yacht See Budapest from the Danube with your family and friends. Take a different view of our capital and the surrounding region on one of our boat rides.

P rogrammes  Szentendre round trip  Visegrádi boat ride  Esztergom tour  Active programmes for the lovers of water sports (water ski, tube...)  One of a kind business and personal events You can rent one of our boats that best suits the specific event and your needs.

O ur fleet  Bow rider till 19 feet (5 person)  Cruiser till 28 feet (7 person)  Cruiser till 35 feet (9 person)  Luxury yacht 52 feet (11 person) Our water taxi boats can be viewed at the harbour by appointment.

Wiking Yacht Club www.vizitaxi.hu www.wiking.hu +36 (20) 466-7929 info@vizitaxi.hu

page

227

228

page

Golf

The history of Golf in Hungary

The premicre of golf in Hungary was organised by NOB-member (Inter national Olympic Committee) Count Géza Andrássy, at the racecourse, in 1902. The first golf course was built in Tátralomnic (1908–1909), and the first tournament took place there, in 1909. The course’s builder was Dezső Lauber, a construction engineer and a well-known Hungarian all-round sportsman. Lauber was the secretary of MOB (Hungarian Olympic Committee) between 1906 and 1915, and he was Hungarian golf champion many times. The Budapest Golf Club was founded in 1910, and was later renamed the Hungarian Golf Club. Unfortunately, golf too became the subject of political discrimination in Hungary, being considered an undesirable sport between 1952 and 1970. Agricultural engineer Dr Ferenc Gáti tried to accomplish the almost impossible after returning from a project abroad in 1974 – he started to organize the rebirth of Hungarian golf. In 1979, he founded the Blue Danube Golf Club, and started to build a course at Kisoroszi. Between 1982 and 1989 golf was a division of the Field Hockey Association! Conditions were right for founding the Hungarian Golf Association by 1989. Since then, the first indoor Golfissimo Indoor Golf centre of Budapest opened after a number of other golf clubs with outdoor golf courses. The Junior National Team was formed in 2003. Team members have justified their training at international competitions, and 15 year-old Benjámin Palanszki participated in the Austrian BC-CA Open, a stage of the European Tour, as an amateur. The Senior Golfers’ Association, formed in 1995, plays an important role in Hungarian golf. Apart from collecting Hungarian golfers together,

and organizing tournaments and championships, it participates in surrounding countries’ tournaments and organizes and participates in the German-Hungarian inter-country Team Championship as well as in the Monarchy Cup. The Association is a member of the European Senior Union, and this a regular participant in the European Senior Championship, and in the Masters’ Champion ship for the over-seventies. The courses – recognizing the importance of teaching – employ highly-trained professionals from abroad. They teach talented young golfers, and help introduce golf to more people. The Professional Hungarian Golf Association – founded in 2003, and integrated into the Country Association – produces the teachers and the professional golfers of the future. It was vitally important to the development of Hungarian golf that a stage of the Ladies’ European Tour series be organized, at the Old Lake Golf Club course in Tata, in July 2004. The OTP Bank Ladies’ Central European Open is the leading professional ladies’ competition in Central and Eastern Europe.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

18-hole golf courses Birdland Golf & Country Club 9740 Bükfürdő, Golf u. 4. Telephone: (06 94) 358 060 Fax: (06 94) 359 000 E-mail: info@birdland.hu Website: www.birdland.hu

Pannonia Golf & Country Club 8087 Alcsútdoboz-Máriavölgy Telephone: (06 22) 594 200 Fax: (06 22) 594 205 E-mail: info@golfclub.hu Website: www.pannonia-golf.hu

Boya Eagles Golf & Country Club 4287 Vámospércs, Boya Dőlő 17. Telephone: (0630) 830 0627 E-mail: info@boya-eagles-golf.hu Website: www.boya-eagles-golf.hu

Pólus Palace Golf and Country Club 2132 Göd, Kádár u. 49. Telephone: (06 27) 530 570, (06 30) 400 56 11 Fax: (06 27) 530 510 E-mail: golf@poluspalace.hu Website: www.poluspalace.hu

European Lakes Golf & Country Club 7532 Hencse, Kossuth L. u.1-3. Telephone: (06 82) 481 245 Fax: (06 82) 481 248 E-mail: info@europeanlakes.com Website: www.europeanlakes.com

Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club 8242 Balatonudvari Telephone: (36 87) 549 200 Fax: (36 87) 449 024 E-mail: royal@balatongolf.hu Website: www.balatongolf.hu

Old Lake Golf Club 2890 Tata, Remeteségpuszta Pf. 127. Telephone: (06 34) 587 620 Fax: (06 34) 587 621 E-mail: club@oldlakegolf.com Website: www.oldlakegolf.com

Hungarian Golf Federation 1146 Budapest, Istvánmezei út 1–3. Phone/Fax: (+36-1) 460 6859, (+36-1) 460 6860 E-mail: hungolf@hungolf.hu www.hungolf.hu

page

229

230

page

budapest map

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Prime Numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance Break-down service (Automobile club) Central emergency number Fire service Police TRAVELLING Airport Ferihegy 1 Ferihegy 2A Ferihegy 2B Flight information Information Lost and found Minibus service Seat reservations (MALÉV) Railway stations Déli pályaudvar Keleti pályaudvar Nyugati pályaudvar International information Car rental Alamo Autorent Budapest Avis Budget Eurent Europcar Fox Auto Hertz Taxi Buda Taxi Budapest Taxi City Taxi Fôtaxi Rádió Taxi Tele5 Taxi Volán Taxi Sightseeing Cityrama Program Centrum Limousines Deluxe Limousine Service Limo-King Magyarország Limousine Service Hungary Partylimuzin MEDICAL SERVICES Medical attendance (24 hours) Falck SOS Hungary Dentist (24 hours) SOS Dental Service Chemists on night duty Déli Gyógyszertár, XII., Alkotás u. 1/B. Teréz Patika, VI., Teréz krt. 41.

104 188 112 105 107

+36 1 296 5965 +36 1 296 7217 +36 1 295 3480 +36 1 296 7000 +36 1 296 9696 +36 1 296 5449 +36 1 296 8555 +36 1 296 5959 +36 1 375 6593 +36 1 413 4610 +36 1 349 8503 +36 1 461 5500 +36 1 477 1080 +36 30 226 6900 +36 1 318 4685 +36 1 214 0420 +36 1 421 8300 +36 1 328 6464 +36 1 382 9002 +36 1 296 0992 +36 1 233 3333 +36 1 433 3333 +36 1 211 1111 +36 1 222 2222 +36 1 377 7777 +36 1 555 5555 +36 1 433 3322 +36 1 302 4382 +36 1 317 7767 +36 20 923 1118 +36 1 788 0138 +36 1 220 6120 +36 30 546 7720

+36 1 200 0100 +36 1 267 9602 +36 1 355 4691 +36 1 311 4439

CULTURE Theatre ticket offices Ticket Express Customer service Reservations over the phone

+36 1 312 0000 +36 30 303 0999

FINANCIAL SERVICES Lost/stolen credit cards Amex Diners Club Visa

+36 1 235 4349 +36 40 248 424 +36 80 017 682

BANKS ÁÉB Budapest Bank CIB Bank Citibank Credigen Erste Bank Eximbank FHB Bank HVB Bank ING Bank Inter-Európa Bank KDB Bank K&H MKB Bank MFB OTP Change bureaux Exclusive Change Western Union Embassies Australia Austria Belgium China Canada Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Great Britain Greece India Ireland Italy Japan Korea Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Poland Portugal Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Ukraine United States Yugoslavia

Xll., Királyhágó tér 8–9. VI., Benczúr utca 16. II., Kapás u. 11–15. VI., Benczúr u. 17. II., Ganz utca 12–14. XII., Arató utca 22/B. V., Dorottya u. 3. VI., Rózsa u. 61. XII., Határôr u. 37. VI., Lendvay u. 12. XI., Kelenhegyi u. 16/A VI., Lendvay utca 27. I., Úri utca 64–66. V., Harmincad utca 6. VI., Szegfû u. 3. II., Búzavirág u. 14. V., Szabadság tér 7–9. XIV., Stefánia u. 95. XII., Zalai u. 7. VI., Andrássy u. 109. Wien, Austria V., Kálmán I. u. 1. Wien, Austria XI., Gyula u. 6. VI., Városligeti fasor 16. II., Rómer Flóris u. 58. XIV., Thököly út 72. VI., Bajza utca 35. XIV., Stefánia út 22. II., Cseppkô utca 68. II., Gárdonyi G. u. 17. VI., Eötvös u. 11/B XIV., Ajtósi Dürer sor 27/A XIV., Stefánia út 107. II., Füge u. 5–7. XIV., Stefania út 77. V., Szabadság tér 12. VII., Dózsa György út 92/B.

bp10 Editorial Office

+36 1 462 7979 +36 40 477 777 +36 40 242 242 +36 40 248 424 +36 1 453 5244 +36 40 222 222 +36 1 374 9100 +36 1 452 9100 +36 1 325 3200 +36 40 464 464 +36 40 373 333 +36 40 532 532 +36 1 300 0000 +36 1 373 3333 +36 40 555 555 +36 1 366 6388 +36 1 238 7312 +36 40 464 646 +36 1 457 9777 +36 1 479 7010 +36 1 457 9960 +36 1 413 2400 +36 1 392 3360 +36 1 249 2215 +36 1 266 6045 +36 1 351 0539 +36 1 487 9000 +36 1 354 2570 +36 1 279 2500 +36 1 374 1100 +36 1 488 3500 +36 1 266 2888 +36 1 413 2600 +36 1 325 7742 +36 1 302 9600 +36 1 384 6058 +36 1 396 3100 +36 1 351 1179 +43 1 403 3112 +36 1 475 1100 +43 1 478 2142 +36 1 209 0494 +36 1 342 5566 +36 1 316 2645 +36 1 352 0251 +36 1 302 5230 +36 1 251 1700 +36 1 325 9202 +36 1 392 0999 +36 1 342 9992 +36 1 460 6020 +36 1 460 7040 +36 1 336 6300 +36 1 422 4120 +36 1 475 4400 +36 1 322 9838

+36 1 398 0345

page

231

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2011

Shopping Dining Sightseeing Arts Nightlife

BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL’S BUDAPEST SPECIAL EDITION 2011

Fourth edition, 2011 Editor Tamás Ipacs Photos Attila Dubniczki, Árpád Pintér Advertising Dóra Horváth, Tamás Laczikó, Lilla Sike Circulation circulation@bbj.hu Publisher Tamás Botka Product director Vanda Taletovics-Vedres Executive director Anna Vásárhelyi 1022 Budapest, Alsó Törökvész út 9.  Tel: (+36 1) 398 0344  Fax: (+36 1) 398 0345 ISSN 2060-940X Circulation 15,000 Printing Absolut Print Kft.

If you like this book, you can order your own copy online at www.luxurybudapest.hu. The book weighs 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg), so it could make your luggage heavy, but if you order it, it will arrive to your home as soon as you do.

P ublished by A bsolut M edia Kft. Office 1026 Budapest, Alsó Törökvész út 9. Hungary Phone + 36 1 398 0344 www.amedia.hu  www.bbj.hu Ask for your tailor-made corporate issue: www.luxurybudapest.hu

Luxury Budapest is a registered trademark. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. © Business Media Services LLC. All rights reserved.

S h o p p i n g

D i n i n g

S i g h t s e e i n g

A r t s

LUXURY

N i g h t l i f e

BUDAPEST 2011

F ine Selection The Budapest Business Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budapest special edition 2011

4990 Ft