BRIEF HISTORY OF HUNGARY
Arrival of The Hungarians by Árpád Feszty (1894)
St. Stephen Statue
Wax Statue of King Matthias at Madame Tusseauds
The Tripartite Division of Hungary
The Battle of Mohács by Bertalan Székely (1866)
Habsburg Empire and Reform Era
Conquest of the Carpathian Basin and State Foundation (895–1000)
n Around 895: Hungarian tribes arrive in the Carpathian Basin under the leadership of Árpád.
n 907: The Battle of Pozsony secures the Hungarians' place in the Carpathian Basin.
n 1000: King Stephen I (Saint Stephen) is crowned; Christianity is adopted, marking the foundation of the Hungarian state.
Medieval Kingdom of Hungary (1000–1526)
n 1222: The Golden Bull is issued by King Andrew II, establishing noble rights.
n 1241–1242: The Mongol invasion devastates Hungary, decimating its population
n 1308–1342: King Charles I (Charles Robert) introduces economic reforms, initiating
Hungary's golden age.
n 1458–1490: The reign of King Matthias Corvinus, known for Renaissance culture and centralized royal power.
The Tripartite Division of Hungary (1526–1699)
n 1526: The Battle of Mohács ends in a decisive defeat against the Ottoman Empire; Hungary is divided into Habsburg, Ottoman, and Transylvanian territories.
n 1541: Buda falls under Ottoman control.
n 1699: The Treaty of Karlowitz ends Ottoman rule; Hungary becomes part of the Habsburg Empire.
Habsburg Empire and Reform Era (1700–1848)
n 1703–1711: Rákóczi's War of Independence against Habsburg rule fails.
n 1825: Beginning of the Reform Era, led by István Széchenyi, bringing about major progress in economy and political thought.
n 1848–1849: Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, led by figures such as Lajos Kossuth and Sándor Petőfi, gets suppressed by the Habsburgs.
Area: 93,035 sqkm
Dimensions: 525 km (east-west), 250 km (north-south)
Population: (2024) 9,584,627
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF or Ft)
Time zone: CET
International dialling code: +36
Internet code: .hu
Major rivers: Tisza (597 km), Danube (417 km)
Major lakes: Balaton (592 sqkm), Fertő (315 sqkm)
MAIN TOWNS BY POPULATION (2024)
Budapest (capital): 1,686,222
Debrecen: 201,704
Szeged: 157,930
Miskolc: 143,502
Pécs: 140,330
Győr: 130,191
Nyíregyháza: 115,359
Kecskemét: 109,450
Székesfehérvár: 96,024
Hungarian Freedom Fighter on the Cover of Time Magazine (1957)
Compromise and the Dual Monarchy (1867–1918)
n 1867: The Austro-Hungarian Compromise establishes the Dual Monarchy, ushering in an era of rapid economic progress across the country.
n 1914–1918: World War I; Hungary is on the losing side.
Treaty of Trianon and the Horthy Era (1920–1945)
n 1920: The Treaty of Trianon; Hungary loses two-thirds of its territory.
n 1938–1944: Territorial revisions before and during World War II.
n 1944-1945: German occupation, followed by Soviet liberation.
Soviet Occupation and Communist Rule (1945–1989)
n 1949: The Hungarian People's Republic is declared, modeled after the Soviet Union.
n 1956: The Hungarian Revolution against Soviet oppression leads to the fall of dictator
Population 9,584,627
Budapest 1,686,222
EU Accession (2004)
Mátyás Rákosi, but ultimately gets crushed by USSR forces.
n 1989: The communist system crumbles, transition to democracy.
Modern Hungary (1990–Present)
n 1990: Establishment of the democratic Republic of Hungary, free elections are held.
n 1990: The Budapest Stock Exchange Opens, marking a significant step in the transition to market capitalism.
n 1999: Hungary joins NATO, strengthening its role in international defense and diplomacy.
n 2004: Hungary joins the European Union.
n 2007: Hungary enters the Schengen Area.
n 2011: A new constitution is adopted, replacing the 1949 communist-era constitution.
The Trianon Partition of Hungary After WWI
Captain Ostapenko Statue (1951)
NOVELTIES IN BUDAPEST
HOUSE OF MUSIC, HUNGARY
BUDAPART NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
The BudaPart project continues to reshape Budapest's southern waterfront with its modern lakeside neighborhood. Combining residential, office, and leisure spaces, this ambitious development features contemporary architecture, green areas, and vibrant community hubs, setting a new standard for urban living in the city.
MOL CAMPUS – BUDAPEST’S FIRST SKYSCRAPER
One of Budapest’s most celebrated cultural additions, the House of Music, Hungary is an architectural masterpiece by Japanese designer Sou Fujimoto. This striking building in City Park offers interactive musical exhibitions, live performances, and education programs, quickly becoming a favorite cultural destination for locals and visitors alike.
The MOL Campus, headquarters of Hungary’s largest energy company, is a state-of-the-art skyscraper and a symbol of innovation. Designed by Foster + Partners, this striking 120-metre-tall tower in southern Buda features cutting-edge green technology and offers breathtaking panoramic views from its public observation deck. It’s both a modern architectural marvel and a centre for corporate sustainability.
CALENDAR
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN HUNGARY IN 2025:
January 1 (Wednesday): New Year’s Day
March 15 (Saturday): Revolution Day
April 18 (Friday): Good Friday
April 21 (Monday): Easter Monday
May 1 (Thursday): Labour Day
June 9 (Monday): Whit Monday
August 20 (Wednesday): Saint Stephen’s Day
October 23 (Thursday): Republic Day
November 1 (Saturday): All Saints’ Day
December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day
December 26 (Friday): Boxing Day
Note: Public holidays may lead to closures of businesses and public institutions; plan accordingly.
BARTÓK SPRING INTERNATIONAL ARTS WEEKS
BUSÓJÁRÁS
Set in the town of Mohács, about 210 km south of Budapest, Busójárás is a six-day carnival whose roots lie in ancient end-of-winter rituals. Men in frightening masks and sheepskin cloaks parade around town, some arriving in rowboats along the Danube. A giant bonfire is set up in the main square, and everywhere you can find live music and stalls offering grilled food and local crafts.
February 27 – March 4
Launched in 2021 to commemorate the 140 th anniversary of composer Béla Bartók’s birth, this festival has become a cornerstone of Hungary’s cultural scene. It offers a rich program of concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, and film screenings, featuring both Hungarian and international artists.
April 4 – 13
PARLIAMENT BUILDING
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
GRESHAM PALACE
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture and one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. Designed by Imre Steindl and completed in 1904, its intricate façade, towering spires, and majestic dome dominate the Pest side of the Danube. Inside, visitors can admire its grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, and the Holy Crown of Hungary, making it an iconic symbol of the nation.
The Gresham Palace, an Art Nouveau masterpiece completed in 1906, now serves as the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace, a pinnacle of luxury and architectural splendor. Located by the River Danube, adjacent to Széchenyi Square and the iconic Chain Bridge, this historic building boasts intricate ironwork, stunning stained glass, and exquisite mosaics, all meticulously restored during its transformation into a world-class hotel. With its timeless elegance and rich history, Gresham Palace continues to captivate visitors as one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks.
BUDA CASTLE
Perched on Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Hungary’s royal history. Originally built in the 13th century and expanded over centuries, the castle’s Baroque design reflects its 18th-century reconstruction. The complex now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, blending historical grandeur with cultural significance.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION
The Fisherman’s Bastion, designed by Frigyes Schulek, is a fairytale-like Neo-Romanesque structure on Castle Hill. Built between 1895 and 1902, it features seven turrets symbolizing the seven Magyar tribes who founded Hungary. Its terraces offer breathtaking views of the Danube and Pest, while its whimsical design has become a favorite photo spot for tourists.
MOL CAMPUS
MODERN ARCHITECTURE
ING HEADQUARTERS
The ING headquarters in Budapest, located at 84/b Dózsa György út in the city's 6th district, stands as a remarkable example of contemporary architecture. Designed by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat, this striking building was completed in 2004 to serve as the flagship location for ING Bank. Its modernist style harmoniously blends innovative design with the historic character of its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the proportions and aesthetics of nearby villas. The structure's unique façade, characterized by stone, steel, and glass materials with outward-leaning, concave, and fragmented elements, creates a visually dynamic interplay that reflects its sophisticated urban setting.
The MOL Campus is Budapest's newest skyscraper and a symbol of sustainability and modernity. Designed by the internationally renowned Foster + Partners, this 120-metre-high tower features sleek, futuristic architecture with energy-efficient solutions. The building serves as the headquarters of Hungary’s leading energy company and includes a public observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
HOUSE OF MUSIC, HUNGARY
Located in City Park, this award-winning structure designed by Sou Fujimoto stands out with its flowing, organic forms and glass walls that merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Opened in 2022, the House of Music is a hub for music enthusiasts, offering interactive exhibitions and live performances in an architecturally stunning setting.
DISCOVERING THE BEST OF HUNGARIAN WINES
Hungary’s wine regions are as diverse as its history, offering unique experiences for wine enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike. From rolling vineyards to historic cellars, these regions showcase the best of Hungarian viticulture.
TOKAJ
Hungary’s most renowned wine region, Tokaj, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its golden dessert wines, particularly Tokaji Aszú. The volcanic soils and centuries-old cellars create the perfect environment for producing sweet, complex wines. Visitors can explore charming villages, sample wines directly from historic barrels, and enjoy the breathtaking views of this iconic landscape.
VILLÁNY
Known as the "Bordeaux of Hungary," Villány is celebrated for its robust reds, especially Cabernet Franc. This southern region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, which contributes to its rich, full-bodied wines. Luxury travelers can tour boutique wineries, indulge in gourmet wine-pairing dinners, and relax in upscale vineyard resorts.
GASTRO METROPOLIS
COMFORTABLE LUXURY IN FUSION GASTRONOMY
Located in the stunning Matild Palace, Spago by Wolfgang Puck Budapest brings the celebrity chef’s innovative cuisine to Europe for the first time. Designed by MKV Design London, the restaurant exudes a refined yet inviting atmosphere, blending marble, brass, wood, and leather elements. Wolfgang Puck envisions Spago as a “neighbourhood restaurant,” offering a touch of luxury while ensuring locals feel at home.
The menu features Puck’s signature California classics, such as smoked salmon pizza with caviar, alongside locally inspired dishes infused with American, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors. Guests can also enjoy a variety of handcrafted cocktails and classic aperitifs. Led by Hungarian chef István Szántó, who has cooked at the 94th Academy Awards, and head sommelier Imre Rácz, the team of the Michelin-recommended restaurant ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
THE CITY OF CULTURE: BUDAPEST'S ARTISTIC SOUL
Budapest is Central Europe’s capital of culture, brimming with artistic diversity and historical depth. Whether you are looking for a high-end night out with a breathtaking theatrical performance, or modern thrills in terms of contemporary music or arts, you will certainly find it here. Its vibrant arts scene is woven into the city’s fabric, from its grand opera house and iconic theatres to cutting-edge modern venues and seasonal festivals that draw audiences from around the world.
SPAS & SPORT A
Guide to Bathing, Playing, and Spectating in Hungary
Hungary is not only celebrated for its cultural landmarks but also for its rich offerings in sports, spas, and recreation. Budapest, the heart of the nation's spa culture, has roots in Roman times, as reflected in the city's ancient name, Aquincum, which pays homage to its healing waters. These traditions were later enriched by Ottoman influences, shaping Budapest into a hub of European bathhouse culture. Iconic spas like Széchenyi and Rudas have become must-visit destinations, offering relaxation and wellness while serving as family-friendly lidos for all-day enjoyment. Across the city, a variety of spas, day spas, and luxury hotels provide treatments, therapies, and massages for visitors seeking rejuvenation. Hungary's connection to water extends beyond relaxation to a legacy in water sports. This tradition began in 1896 with Alfréd Hajós, a legendary swimmer, architect, and Hungary's first national football team captain, who earned two Olympic gold medals. On land, the country achieved another sporting milestone in 1986 when Mogyoród, just 20 km from Budapest, hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Eastern Bloc. Today, the Hungarian Grand Prix is a premier annual event, attracting thousands of motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. In 2025, Hungary is set to celebrate another milestone in its sporting history, with MotoGP set to return to the country after decades.
DISCOVERING A CITY OF COUNTLESS CULTURAL THRILLS
Budapest, often called the "The Pearl of the Danube," is a city where history, culture, and innovation seamlessly intertwine. Nestled on the banks of the Danube River, this vibrant capital offers visitors a treasure trove of experiences, from breathtaking architecture to buzzing nightlife, with a dash of traditional Hungarian charm. Whether you're drawn to its historic landmarks, soothing thermal baths, or lively markets, Budapest is a city that promises to captivate at every turn. The city's story begins with the Danube, a river that divides Budapest into its two iconic parts: Buda and Pest. On one side lies Buda, with its rolling hills and historic Castle District, and on the other, Pest, the flat expanse filled with grand boulevards, eclectic architecture, and modern energy. Exploring both sides is essential to fully grasp the city's charm. One of Budapest's most striking features is its architectural diversity. The Hungarian Parliament Building, an awe-inspiring Neo-Gothic masterpiece, sits proudly on the banks of the Danube, rivaling any iconic structure in Europe. A short walk from here takes you to St. Stephen's Basilica, a majestic church named after Hungary's first king, offering panoramic views of the city from its dome. Andrássy út, Budapest's grandest boulevard, is lined with elegant facades, theatres, and luxury boutiques, leading to Heroes' Square, where statues of Hungary's most revered leaders stand as a tribute to the nation’s storied past. From its historic landmarks and thermal baths to its culinary delights and vibrant cultural scene, Budapest is a city that delights and surprises at every turn. It is a destination where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, offering visitors countless thrills and unforgettable memories.
A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY IN
THE CASTLE DISTRICT
he Castle District, perched atop Castle Hill, is one of Budapest's most enchanting neighborhoods. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating blend of medieval charm, Baroque elegance, and stunning vistas of the Danube. As the historical heart of Buda, it offers visitors an immersive journey through Hungary's rich past while boasting some of the most picturesque scenery in the city.
Dominating the district is Buda Castle, a sprawling palace complex that has witnessed centuries of Hungarian history. Originally century as a fortress against Mongol invasions, the castle has been rebuilt and expanded many times, reflecting Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, which showcases a vast collection of Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to century, and the Budapest History Museum, where visitors can delve into the city's storied past.
A short walk from the castle takes you to the Matthias Church
BEYOND BUDAPEST
Hungary’s countryside is a rich mosaic of history, culture, and natural wonders. From serene lakes and charming towns to iconic castles and renowned wine regions, the country offers experiences that captivate every traveler. Beyond Budapest, these destinations provide a deeper understanding of Hungary’s heritage and lifestyle. Here are some highlights:
Published by Business Publishing Services Kft., 1075 Budapest, Madách Imre út 13–14., Hungary, ISSN 2060-940X
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