Luxury Budapest 2013

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 2013

ted n Pate

Miklós Varga Hungarian goldsmithartist has been creating unique pieces of jewelry 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 JewelryHouse is located in downtown Budapest at 6 Haris köz, opening from Váci street.

Varga Design Jewelry-House 1052 Budapest, Haris köz 6.

Telephone: +36-1 318-4089 www.vargadesign.hu

Budapest 2013

I have the pleasure to welcome you in 2013 to Budapest, a city with an abundance of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Along with the marvellous world heritage panorama, the sights evoking the ages of history, the large-scale of cultural, arts and scientific programs of international character, the popular sports and recreational facilities, it is also the residents’ hospitality that makes your journey unforgettable.

Colourful cultural programs from traditional theatrical plays, classical concerts, operas to the most modern music events, festivals and alternative performances offer amusement to people of all ages and interests.

You can taste the dishes and drinks both of the popular Hungarian and international cuisine in about a thousand restaurants, atmospheric coffeehouses and unique ruin pubs.

Budapest is the only capital in the world which has thermal baths; the historic and elegant spas provide a true one-of-a-kind experience.

Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, awaits you with its thousand wonders in 2013!

IstvĂĄn TarlĂłs Mayor of Budapest

Each Lange watch is one-of-a-kind.

Just like the people who craft it.

No two ! watches are one hundred per cent identical. That’s

because nothing can replace the human hand in the manufacture of

in their very own personal way. The result is a one-of-a-kind master-

an A. Lange & SÜhne. Only Lange’s master watchmakers are capable

of perfectly harmonising the interaction of all components. And only

For instance from Marquise in Budapest. www.lange-soehne.com

Budapest – Kempinski Hotel ¡ T: +36 1 266 1298 ¡ M: +36 30 660 9385 ¡ www.marquisekft.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST 2013

SHoPPIng DInIng SIgHTSEEIng ARTS nIgHTLIfE

Contents HISToRY facts about Hungary Higlights of Hungarian history famous Hungarians Hungaricum Classics Hungaricum Evergreens

12 16 20 44 46

SIgHTSEEIng festivals Classical buildings Modern buildings Churces Romantic places Baths Must see

24 26 28 32 34 36 42

gASTRonoMY Markets Hungary: Vine Country Pálinka

48 50 54

SHoPPIng Luxury in the City

118

ARTS Contemporary art Art

158 160

DInIng The new gourmet Metropolis – Top Restaurants Restaurant guide - list Sunday Brunch Resturant guide

ToUR I. A historic sight in Buda The Buda Castle District

58

ToUR II. Favorite sites for outdoors gellért Hill and its surroundings

70

ToUR III. Coffee on a Terrace Kecskeméti utca, Ráday utca, Kálvin tér

80

ToUR IV. The City of bridges Along the Danube by boat and tram

88

ToUR V. The new face of riverbank A cultural walk

96

ToUR VI. An Eden in the Margaret Island Margitsziget

100

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

104

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

126

172 184 186 184

ToUR IX. If buildings could tell a story non-stop meeting point

134

nIgHTLIfE Bustling nightlife

ToUR X. Path of Tram No 6 Lord of the ring

138

196

oUTSIDE of BUDAPEST Sights in and outside of Budapest

206

ToUR XI. Travelling in time Óbuda

142

SPoRT golf Baseball Cricket Polo

209 212 211 213

ToUR XII. In the heart of the City Lipótváros

148

214 215

ToUR XIII. Tradition and glamour Váci utca and the great Market Hall

162

Info Budapest map Essential numbers

ToUR XIV. The heart of Buda Buda and the Rózsadomb

168

„ZONA KNOWS EVERYTHING THAT A 21ST CENTURY CONTEMPORARY HAUTE CUISINE, TREND-SENSITIVE COSMOPOLITAN WINE BISTRO NEEDS TO KNOW.” – DINING GUIDE –

OPENING HOURS TUE–WED 12:00-24:00 • THU–SAT 12:00-02:00 1013 BUDAPEST, LÁNCHÍD UTCA 7-9. RESERVATIONS 0036 30 422 5981 HELLO@ZONABUDAPEST.COM WWW.ZONABUDAPEST.COM

About Budapest jonATHAn KnoTT British AmBAssAdor “There’s a magic to Budapest. All visitors feel it, whether they’re here for the baths or the boardrooms. I’ve fallen in love with the city: the bustling narrow streets of old Pest and leafy, tranquil, picturesque Buda. All my guests agree: it’s a difficult place to visit just once.”

ERIKA MIKLÓSA soPrAno “What I like most about Budapest are the bridges, especially Szabadság bridge.

When, during my career, I moved up from the country, I lived next to the bottom of the bridge and was fascinated by the view. Again and again I’m bedazzled by Budapest’s vibra nt night-life, clubs, theatres and high-quality cultural programs.

Returning home from performances abroad I always find that Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.”

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.”

robertocoin.com Christy Turlington wears Primavera Collection

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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-Liszt ferenc International 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 Form of government Official language Foundation of the Hungarian State Accession to the EU Territory Population according to the 2009 census Currency Major religious denominations Time zone Summer (DST) Internet TLD International Vehicle Registration Code International calling code

Budapest republic Hungarian 31 st December 1000 or 1 st january 1001 1 st May 2004 93 036 km² 10 020 000 Hungarian forint (HUf) Roman Catholic, Reformed, Protestant and jewish CET (UTC+1) CEST (UTC+2) .hu H +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 1 st January 15th March Easter Monday 1 st May Whitsun Monday 20th August 23rd October 1 st November 25th-26th December

new Year’s Day Memorial Day of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence against the Habsburg Monarchy Pentacost Monday Day of the foundation of the Hungarian State and St. Stephen’s day Hungary commemorates the unsuccessful revolution against the Soviet communist regime in 1956 All Saints’ Day Christmas

Public transport services operate on a different schedule than on weekdays so timetables must be checked before your departure. Cafés, restaurants, smaller shops, and spas are open in places visited by tourists.

CLIMATE 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

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.

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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.

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.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

THE MAgYAR ConqUEST There are only a few written records available to remember the various steps of the conquest of the Carpathian Basin, making it rather difficult to reconstruct what really happened. This is why there are two completely different theories about the Magyar Conquest. The most generally accepted view is that the Hungarian (“Magyar”) tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin in one single step. Research by László gyula, however, provides evidence for the theory of “dual conquest”, according to which a finno-Ugric group of people populated the area around 670 and later in the 9th century joined by another people mostly of Turkish origin led by Árpád. The two groups of people then mixed to form the Hungarian people as the historian explained.

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.

ELIZABETH,

HUngARIAn qUEEn – SISSI Elizabeth Amalie Eugenie, popularly called Sissi (Munich, 24 th 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.

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Leave the city to explore the pretty town of Gödöllô, 30 km northeast of the city and visit Royal Palace, where the much loved Queen Elizabeth, known as ‘Sisi’ spent much of her time. This fabulous Baroque Palace has been lovely restored to its former glory and is well worth visiting.

• Exhibitions • Concerts, theatre performances • A romantic park • Full service program organisation • Events in a historical location (either a gala dinner for two or a conference up to 500 people) Phone +36 28 420 588 • informacio@kiralyikastely.hu • www.kiralyikastely.hu

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HISToRY

did you know thAt they Are from hungAry?

famous Hungarians 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”.

fEREnC PUSKÁS footBAller, coAch, cAPtAin of the

g olden teAm B udAPest, 1 APril 1927 – B udAPest, 17 novemBer 2006 ferenc erenc Puskás is considered the greatest Hungarian football player of all time. numerous umerous 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 lympic 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 ctober 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 also only in Hungary, but on an international level.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

ERnô RUBIK Architect,toydesigner,inventor,inventorofthe ruBik’s cuBe BudAPest, 13 July 1944 -

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 also turned out to be highly amusing as a toy. 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.

fEREnC LISZT comPoser, PiAnist

doBorJA, 22 octoBer 1811 – BAyreuth, 31 July 1886 Born in 1811, ferenc Liszt was an extraordinarily 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 ascended continuously until his death in 1886.

ALBERT SZEnT-gYöRgYI noBel Prize winning PhysiciAn And Biochemist B udAPest, sePtemBer 16, 1893 – octoBer 22, 1986 A nobel and Kossuth prize winner Hungarian physician and biochemist known for isolating vitamin C in the 1930s. He discovered that the vitamin found in the adrenal cortex can be reproduced from the seasoning paprika of Szeged and used to cure scorbute. He conducted successful research to uncover the protein chemical background of the mechanical muscle motion. He devoted the last two decades of his life to cancer research. He was also a distinguished writer and his book entitled “Mad Monkey” (“Őrült majom” in Hungarian) is considered as one of the most significant antiwar pieces of work.

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omorovicza BudAPest

the city of heAling sPrings The omorovicza story begins over 2,000 years ago, when the curative properties of Hungary’s healing waters were discovered and the fi rst baths were built in Budapest. The mineral-rich healing waters of Budapest have been prized for their healing powers ever since. Here the earth’s crust is thinner, so waters absorb beneficial minerals more ef ectively as they journey to the surface. With over one hundred thermal springs famed for their curative powers, Budapest has more bath than any other city – it was named the International Spa* City in the 1920s.In the 1800’s, the omorovicza family built the beautiful Racz Spa on the site of a medieval healing spring, renowned for the curative properties of its water. Some two hundred years later, founders Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de omorovicza met in the beautiful city of Budapest. Relaxing at the Racz Spa and other

Omorovicza Budapest Andrassy út 2.

1061 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 321 7461 info@omorovicza.com

ancient thermal baths, the couple were amazed by the ef ect the mineral rich healing waters had on their skin and saw their potential to be harnessed in a skincare range.

P ure ingredients from the bed of Lake Heviz to the peak of the Andes Mountains, we’ve travelled the globe to source its finest natural ingredients. At the heart of each omorovicza product is a potent combination of Hungary’s mineral-rich healing waters and our patented Hydro Mineral Transference™ delivery system. Each product is fragranced with natural scents crafted just for omorovicza in grasse, the heart of the perfume industry. omorovicza uses high-performance, naturally derived alternatives to commonly used synthetics, ensuring the omorovicza experience is one of total luxury and maximum efficacy.

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SIgHTSEEIng

festivals

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. The organisers also present the ‘Museum of the Year’ and ‘The Most Visitor-friendly Museum of the Year’ awards at the festival.

nATIonAL gALLoP Have you ever heard of an event when the most beautiful and largest squares of a city are covered with sand to organise horse races and shows? In Budapest, even this could happen: the first such event was organised in 2008, and now there is one each summer. There is a race between villages and towns, and there is also a race in which Hungarian celebrities clash. Sometimes quite literally, but fortunately not during every celebrity race. This three-day event is combined with a fair and various programmes for children every year.

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 many Hungarian towns hold a Spring festival of their own.

The Budapest Spring festival was given the European Culture Award in 2005. In 2013, 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 21th year of the Sziget (Island) festival, which is now one of the most important “all-styles” popular music festivals in Europe.

It was 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.

BUDA CASTLE WInE fESTIVAL organised for the 22nd time, 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.

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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 worldfamous 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.

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 café, 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 open ing day, the keys of this truly pre-war Pest café were thrown into the river by a group of Bohemians to keep the café 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 café restored to its former glory, opened in 2006.

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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 1848-49, 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.

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.

SZAMoS goURMET PALACE The famous Hungarian family-owned company, “Szamos Marcipán” opened its new pride the Szamos gourmet Palace at Vörösmarty Square, in the heart of Budapest.

It offers breakfast every day from 8.30. In our offer, the choice is ample from croissants to omelettes, and prices are favourable. our real “gourmet” dessert on a plate: the traditional Hungarian cream-filled pastry with strawberry and caramel sauce. our lunch, which alternates every day, contains a soup and two main courses. for dinner or supper choose from our salads, baguettes or taste the Chef's offer, a cup of goulash soup.

The Chocolate Manufacturing operation there can be visited every day, and also hosts the Szamos Chocolate School, of which you can find details on our website www.csokoladeiskola.hu.

Address: 1. Váci Street, Budapest V. - Váci Commercial Building (entrance from the Deák ferenc Street) Telephone: +36 30 570 5973 Opening hours: every day 8:30h–21:00h

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Modern buildings 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 other genres of art are represented.

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 centres, 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.

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.

1061 Budapest, AndrĂĄssy Ăşt 12. www.baldinini.it

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MARgARET BRIDgE 1876 was an important year in the history of the city: it was the day when Margaret Bridge was opened. Some parts of this Bridge were quite similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is no coincidence as it was constructed on the basis of the plans of Ernest goüin, a french architect.

It was blown up by retreating german troops during the Second World War. A pontoon bridge was set up in its place after the war, which was fondly called “Manci” by the citizens of Budapest. The bridge was rebuilt by 1948 and its renovation was completed a few months ago. During its recent renovation, the columns and chandeliers installed were very similar in style to those used in 1876.

Industrial projects

LIBERTY BRIDgE, BUDAPEST

AWARD-WInnIng fLooDLIgHT

It was closed from traffic for 21 months, but it was worth the wait as the renovation also meant a unique floodlight that deserves worldwide fame. only a few citizens of Budapest know that recently this bridge, which may be the most beautiful one of the city, won a prestigious international award. The Auroralia Award is given each year to the city with the most beautiful and economical public lighting. And the 800 LED floodlights of the bridge are both spectacular and saves energy (and EUR 100,000 per year for the city). The exquisite beauty of the bridge during the night is just as amazing as that of the Chain Bridge’s. It would be hard to decide which is more breath-taking at night.

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Churches

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 was 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. The top of the Basilica offers a breathtaking view of the city. Those enjoying challenges can reach the lookout point by climbing 364 stairs; the reward is a 360° view of the city. However, visitors can also get up to the dome by lift. The Basilica is one of the trendiest wedding sites in the city.

The Basilica also has a unique series of organ concerts on Mondays, during which performers can play an organ that is the biggest and has the most beautiful sound in Budapest.

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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 other festivals. The Heroes’ Temple is part of the synagogue complex. It was built in 1931 to commemorate the 10,000 jewish soldiers who died in World War I. Today it is used as a site for religious services on weekdays. There is also a smaller exhibition of jewish history and liturgical objects.

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 only 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, and also concerts and weddings. During the day, it is open for 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.

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Romantic places 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.

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.

on ToP of BUDAPEST At 527 metres, jános Hill is the highest point in Budapest and a favourite walking spot even back in the 19 th century. The most famous person to visit this spot was queen Elizabeth, wife of Emperor franzjosef, 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 kilometres away. Whether it’s an engagement ring or just a kiss, a bottle of Champagne in the tower top café can turn it into an unforgettable memory for any woman.

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Baths

RUDAS BATHS AnD SWIMMIng PooL The development of this thermal bath dates back before the reign of King Matthias Corvinus, although at that time there was only a hospital at the place. It was the Turks who started to build mosques and baths here after the capture of Buda in 1541. The construction of the Rudas Baths between 1566 and 1572 began under Pasha Sokoli Mustafa. The idea behind the “ilija” type baths is that they are operated by utilising the water of thermal springs, and the central spot is occupied by an octagonal pool. The eight-column solution used in these Baths is unique. Above the columns, there is a dome with lighting holes. The Baths had a large entrance hall even in their original form where the guests could change, have some tea and smoke pipes. Before the modernisation of the building, some archaeological work was carried out and a large number of archaeological finds unearthed, including medieval items. The Baths also have a steam cabin, a sauna, a swimming pool and it offers various additional services of a high standard. The Baths have three different types of drinkable medicinal water that can be used to treat various illnesses. The tradition of the “apron spa” is still honoured, when only men may enter the baths. for this reason, Tuesdays are reserved for the ladies and only the weekends are co-ed days. one of the most popular programs is the “night bathing” between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on fridays and Saturdays. The thermal section of the pool has a water of 42°C.

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SZéCHEnYI BATHS – ITS CEnTEnnIAL IS THIS YEAR! Széchenyi Baths is the largest bath complex in Europe and the first medicinal bath of Pest. Its pool halls remind guests of the bathing culture of the Romans, its baths are greek in style, while the plunge pools and saunas are typical Scandinavian solutions. The predecessor of the baths was the “Artézi Baths” in the City Park, established in 1881. The water was initially supplied to the baths from a well built by mining engineer Vilmos Zsigmondy. The Széchenyi Baths were opened in 1913. The second well named after Saint Stephen of Hungary provided 6000 cubic metres of 77°C thermal water per day from a depth of 1256 metres. Entering the eclectic building through the southern gate, visitors arrive in a large Baroque style dome hall decorated with a magnificent glass mosaic.

The Baths have 10 saunas, 3 outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools for those who want to be cured or simply relax. There are new services to make relaxation even more complete such as a neck massage device, a lazy river or chess that can be played in the pool. The drinking well’s water is medicinal water containing calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulphate, alkalis, and a significant amount of fluoride. The medicinal water is recommended for those suffering from degenerative diseases to the joints, and for supplementary treatment to chronic and semi-acute arthritis and for orthopaedic and accident treatments.

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THE gELLéRT BATH The springs that burst to the surface at the foot of the gellért Hill created muddy holes and basins, whose healing powers were considered legendary. In the 13th century, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary bathed the doomed lepers here but even in later centuries the spring was believed to cure papulous and atrophic diseases. The bath, with a muddy bed and no building, was aptly named “Sárosfürdő” (Muddy Baths). By the 1800s, a shabby-looking building was erected and there were already a number of different pools. The construction of the gellért Baths in their current form started in 1911. In 1918, it was opened under the name Saint gellért Thermal Baths and Hotel. Those crossing the nearby bridge are usually amazed by the late Secessionist Baroque dome of the building. The gellért Baths are a favourite destination for tourists: monarchs, princes, counts and the cream of the intelligentsia. The Baths offer complex medicinal bath treatment such as mud masks, hotair bath, weight bath, sparkling bath, salt chamber, an inhalatorium and other services.

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LUKÁCS MEDICInAL BATH In the 12th century, the order of Saint john had a hospital and bath at the current location of the Császár and Lukács Baths. However, during the Turkish occupation, the building was used as a gunpowder and grain mill because its hot bubbling water allowed it to be run during the winter. The remains of the gunpowder mill are used as the foundation of one of the pools today. The period of reconstruction started in 1884. At the turn of the 19th century, hot and warm baths were available for those seeking cures. The sections for men and women were separated by a plank-fence; now only the names of the pools reflect that they were once not co-ed. Tourists seeking cures from all over the world visit the baths; some of them had marble plaques placed on the walls of the baths’ courtyard as a token of their gratitude.

The services were modernised according to the demand of the guests, and the outdoor pools were renovated. The Baths have been providing complex medicinal bath services since 1979, and its “sauna world” and “sauna seance” services are extremely popular. just to name a few of those: salt crystals sauna, aromatherapy steam cabin, igloo, tepidarium and plunge pool with added crushed ice. To provide a more complete service to guests, a wellness section, a sauna world, a fitness centre and a playhouse have been built, and the Baths offer some truly unique services such as Turkish massage. There is also a drinking hall for those who like to consume medicinal water.

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www.arkadbudapest.hu

DISCOVER IT !

OPENING 20TH MARCH

2013

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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 years 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. www.mementopark.hu

HoUSE of TERRoR MUSEUM The neo-Renaissance building located under Andrássy út 60 has housed a special exhibition designed to present the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century for over ten years. The building is a standing memento to the communist state and relates the suffering of the victims of the system through original photos and films. In the course of twelve years, between 1944 and 1956, hundreds of people perished here, which explains why the building has never been lived in since. Its walls are plastered with the portraits of the victims, and its sides are lined with burning candles.

Budapest, Andrássy út 60., www.terrorhaza.hu

HoLoCAUST MEMoRIAL CEnTRE The Center is a combination of a museum and an exhibition featuring the most state-of-the-art and interactive technology currently available. You can learn about the Hungarian and Romani Holocaust through the stories of individual families captured on film. The museum was established mainly for educational purposes and to help cope with the past. Starting with the events of 1938, the exhibition gradually progresses through the bloody years of history, which knew nothing of human rights and dignity. It also addresses the questions of liberation and making the responsible people accountable for their crimes with the help of various documents.

1094 Budapest, Páva u. 39.

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A MoVIng LooKoUT 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 as a view, 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 The Budapest Zoo and Botanical gardens, first opened in 1866, is one of the oldest zoos in the world and it is the most popular cultural site of the country. The Zoo hosts eight thousand specimens of a thousand species (from elephants through gorillas and penguins to tropical butterflies) and thousands of various plants, including some animals rarely seen in zoos in Hungary or even in Europe such as echidnas, wombats and Komodo dragons. In the beginning, country aristocrats, noblemen and monarchs donated animals to the zoo, including, for instance, franz joseph and Elizabeth, who sent a few rare specimens to the Budapest Zoo from their own zoo in the Schönbrunn Palace. During World War II, the majority of the buildings were destroyed and the surviving animals ate each other to survive during the occupation of Budapest. The Zoo was rebuilt in 1950 and has been constantly modernised ever since. The century-old buildings are protected monuments and they are basically works of art; also, the colourful sights and events of the Zoo bring the wonders of nature and the living world closer to people. It is possible to feed some of the smaller animals. But beware, this program is extremely addictive. The Zoo, located in the City Park, is open to the public on each day of the year. www.zoobudapest.hu

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ToKAj 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 appeared on U.S. websites.

EMBRoIDERY ART: THE MATYo The Matyo area is located in the northern part of Hungary. The region consists of three settlements, Mezökövesd (the centre) and two villages. The Matyo area is united and distinguished from the other settlements of the region by the colourful costumes, famous folklore art and lives tightly interwoven with traditions of the inhabitants. Mezökövesd earned its nationwide reputation based on its unique costumes and free-hand embroidery style. The rich and colourful motives were designed and sketched by so-called "writing" (i.e. drawing) women, who wove the various flowers of their gardens into their clothing.

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.

King Power UNICO GMT. UNICO movement, a complication with a world time indicator, 72-hour power reserve, manufactured in-house by Hublot.

Case in ceramic. Black rubber bracelet.

LUXURY WATCH AND JEWELLERY 1052 Budapest, Pรกrizsi u. 3. Tel.: +36 1 318 2156 www.barakadiamond.hu

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twitter.com/hublot t

facebook.com/hublot

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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.

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.

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HEREnDI PoRCELAIn The foundations of Herendi porcelain’s well-deserved fame was laid by Mór fischer with his products of flowery decoration and simple lining. In 1842, it was given the title “porcelain workshop with the privilege of the Emperor and King” and earned the right to use the coat of arms of Hungary. As Herendi won prizes at a number of exhibitions, it moved on from simple household products to higher quality products, i.e. replicas of the previous century’s works. Herendi focused on satisfying the demand of aristocrats who wanted to replace some missing items of the sets they had inherited from their ancestors. Their customers included Count Károlyné Esterházy and also the Batthyány, Károlyi, Zichy and Széchenyi families. Herendi products were present at the 1851 great Exhibition in London, where it enjoyed immense success and started to build its worldwide fame. That was when queen Victoria ordered her famous set decorated with flowers and butterflies, which is still sold today under the name “queen Victoria”. Most well-known rulers of the 19th and the 20th centuries ordered Herendi products, but the celebrities and royalty of the 21st century still buy them or get them as gifts of recognition, for instance Prince William and Kate (for their wedding), Pope Benedict XVI, Emperor Akihito of japan and Lewis Hamilton.

ZSoLnAY PoRCELAIn Zsolnay porcelain has a history of more than 150 years. It is a symbol of tradition, uniqueness and constant reinvention of both the technology and the artwork of the products. Until the late 1880s, its decoration was predominantly Hungarian and Persian style, which made the porcelain famous and widely recognized both in Hungary and at an international level. At the turn of the century, the image was changed and the focus of production shifted from ornamental pieces to architectural ceramics, which meant that in addition to the greatest artist of the era the best architects were also involved in the design work.

The manufacturing of porcelain items for tableware only started after World War I. The character of porcelain is defined by its primary colour, ivory, and also the unique richness of colours no other material can provide. for the development of the porcelain glazing technology, Zsolnay was awarded the french order of the Legion of Honour. Its most special product is the Zsolnay eosin, whose glazing technology is globally unique. The third most important product category is pyrogranite ceramics that were mainly used for the ornamentation of Secessionist buildings. In Budapest, pyrogranite ceramics were used with the following buildings: Matthias Church, Museum of Applied Arts, the gellért Bath, Parliament and the geological Institute.

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Markets goZSDU BAZAAR – goUBA In 2013 gozsdu Bazaar will take place for the fourth year in a row at the most atmospheric house with a passageway in the city, gozsdu udvar, which consists of seven buildings and six yards. just like the street markets of other bustling cities, it creates a unique bazaar atmosphere in the heart of the city. gouba is where Hungarian designers, craftsman and handcraft artists, antique dealers offer their unique and valuable goods every Sunday between 10 am and 7 pm. You can also buy fresh snacks including natural flavour potato crisps, bio fruit juice, home-made marmalade, drink syrups, cheese, pálinka and sweets like chimney cake or home-made bonbons. (from the end of March until the end of october)

www.soosandrea.com

SZIMPLA KERT MARKET Buying health food has long traditions in Szimpla kert. If you miss the market on Sunday, you can still encounter the innovative ideas of the pub all year round, such as the organic carrots, which are sold in the evening hours as a specialty. The primary producers’ market is open every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. It is worth a trip to try food, vegetables and fruit straight from the growers. The program is complete with open-air steak houses featuring the specialties of the regions and culinary demonstrations. (Kazinczy utca) www.szimpla.hu

WAMP It is a real curiosity in Budapest. Those who are receptive to unique articles, art and youthful designs should not miss out on WAMP one Sunday a month. You can buy everything from earrings to redesigned jewellry, from kids’ clothes to designer pieces. The most creative interior decoration products as well as the best of food and drink are also available. Each month, you can find the most illustrious figures of gastronomy there with home-made honey, Mangalitsa bacon, special muffins, organic wine and many more.

The event always has a great ambience – feels a bit like visiting a bustling art colony.

Whatever you buy here, whether it’s a pendant made from the Enter key of a keyboard or an old badge of honour, you can be sure you will not encounter it anywhere else because it’s so unique. With its big, roomy space, marvellous food and beautiful pieces it’s an absolute must.

1051 Budapest, Váci utca 1. www.wamp.hu

THE FINEST GARMENT FOR MEN IN THE WORLD

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Hungary: Wine-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.

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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 mature, 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

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Stylish wine bars In Hungary, we often say that “in wine there is the truth”. In the past, everybody used to know this saying, but two years ago wine and wine consumption were somewhat redefined in Budapest. four or five years ago, the drinking and the culture of this heavenly drink made of grape suddenly became trendy. Wine tasting tours in the country and professional events were launched and a small group of fans started to follow where the world of winemakers was heading, and also what the novelties and technology were in the industry. Restaurants started to have wine nights focusing on red and white wines, wineries presented the wines they had bottled during the previous autumn and what their new wine tasted like. Hotel after hotel hosted wine tasting and gourmet events where the main theme was the wine. And then, two years ago, the wine world basically erupted. The urban development schemes included a number of ideas, but the essence of the plans was that the square in front of the Basilica should be turned into a real Italian-style piazza or pedestrian street. And the common thing was wine.

DIVIno This place has become a legend. It is part of the common history of young winemakers. In Hungary, wine used to be made and bottled by serious and qualified men and winemaking required prudence, and wine tasting in the past was an elegant and old-fashioned event. Back then, the children of famous Hungarian winemakers like figula, gere and Kamocsay used to run around the barrels, and some of them later learnt the profession in the best schools of france or California. A new generation of winemakers emerged whose approach was fresher, bolder and cheekier than their fathers’. And these young men joined forces and started an association.

They are known as “juniborászok” (“junior Winemakers”), their association is called junibor Egyesület (“Young Wine Association”), so it is safe to say that they are the young generation.

They followed the traditional path of visiting exhibition after exhibition and wine tasting after wine tasting, but they soon realized that they needed a place of their own. So they opened DiVino two years ago, where the common language is wine, opposite the Basilica, at the most beautiful spot in town. Here, we can taste the latest and most successful wines of junibor members in a magnificent environment, even while sitting on the edge of the fountain or walking around in the Christmas fair, which is also held near the Basilica. This is a meeting point for winemakers and wine lovers, and they have “consultation hours” every Wednesday. A lot of “first” wines are presented here from a lot of wine regions, including Mór (the most popular one among junior winemakers), Mád or Villány. on the terrace of DiVino, we can discuss the affairs of the world while sipping a glass of Duzsi rosé wine, and tourists from various corners of the world can meet each other and test the products of our wine culture. DiVino is the place in Budapest that made wine drinking truly trendy and a fashionable option for going out. The slogan here is: you can relax and take it easy here even in a suit! In front of the Basilica

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DoBLo “We taste all kinds of wines, some are tasty, some not so much. Sometimes we find intriguing ones and we add them to our wine list or we invite young, not particularly well-known winemakers who used to be marketing professionals but then escaped from the city, or winemakers from winemaker families with generations of tradition. Some of these winemakers will become our suppliers.

It is not uncommon that some of the winemakers who we discover make it and become suppliers of larger wholesalers, and through them they are added to the wine list of the most prestigious restaurants and clubs.” That’s how this place, one of the Meccas of Hungarian winemakers, describes itself. It is a meeting point and a date venue, and it is a place where they really know what the difference is between a schiller and a rosé. (for those who don’t know: schiller is somewhere between a red wine and a rosé; it is full-bodied and harsh, but not as heavy as the Bikavér, for instance.) Dob utca 20.

InnIo After DiVino’s success, new bars focusing on wine sprang up all over Budapest. Innio also paid attention to its food selection in addition to its excellent offer of quality Hungarian wines. The interior designed is very authentic, it feels as though you are in a spacious wine cellar. It is in október 6. utca, a three-minute walk from the Basilica, and it has weekly events, wine tasting parties and extraordinary Djs.

EgYKETTŐ fRöCCSLIgET éS BoRBISZTRÓ This place will celebrate its first birthday this summer. It is located in the Ybl Palace, one of the most breathtaking buildings of Budapest. It was built in 1869 based on the designs of Miklós Ybl. It is ideal for romantic dates with some spitzer (a combination of wine and soda water, a favourite drink in Hungary), as the design of the place and the indoor fountain create a magnificent atmosphere for a great evening. Those who consider it important should know that dogs are allowed in both the restaurant section and the outdoor area. They are not just tolerated, they are warmly welcome. Károlyi Mihály utca 12.

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gASTRonoMY

Pálinka

Pálinka production in Hungary has been steadily growing for the past four 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.

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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  Újfehértói 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.

 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. 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.  good 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.

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Discover Budapest Discover Budapest, with its sister brands Absolute Tours and Yellow Zebra Bikes and Segways offers a high quality, non-traditional approach to getting to know Budapest with a wide range of personal and interactive tours on a variety of themes to suit all interests. Today it’s one of the prime names on the Hungarian and Budapest tourism market with one of the oldest city sightseeing tours in the city.

Ben frieday, the founder and owner first came to Hungary from Portland, oregon as a student in Szeged, in the south of the country, in 1994.

After finishing his studies and toing and froing between the US and Europe for a few years, he took a traineeship in a marketing company here.

“I found myself in love with Budapest as it never gets boring here. It’s an exciting place to live, it’s always changing and developing and I love that we also have such an interesting mix of east and west”.

Soon after he realised that the corporate 9-5 world wasn’t for him and decided to open Budapest’s first walking tour company in 1999. The idea came to him during a trip to Berlin, “I found myself on a walking tour for the first time and I enjoyed

it so much that I decided to look into doing it in Budapest. At the time nothing on the market even came close to offering this type of tour service”.

Within a couple of years the company added a bike rental and bike tour segment, Yellow Zebra, and the Absolute Tours also expanded from one walk trying to cover everything to a variety of tours on more specific themes.

“I wanted to allow guests to experience the city more like a local does and understand what makes this place so special. I wanted the guests to see the city, the culture and the country for themselves, but it became apparent that it was impossible to do everything in one city tour.

We still offer our All In one Absolute Walking

Tour that gives guests a great introduction to the city and covers all of the main sights but, for example, we created our Hammer and Sickle Tour which focuses heavily on Hungary’s modern history and also gives visitors a deep understanding about what it was like to live in Budapest during communism for those who are looking for an in-depth experience of that time in Hungary’s history.

I also thought a lot about the particulars that make this a special place to me personally and what I wanted to share with others. I’m a huge fan of Hungarian cuisine and wine and heard that a lot of our guests struggled to find non-touristy restaurants that served them a real Hungarian goulash soup or a quality local wine, so we started our Hungaro-gastro tour to show them just that.

Since then we’ve also added an evening dinner, drink and nightlife tour so that we can show off Budapest’s unique nightlife after a delicious meal and a few classic Hungarian spirit tasters!”

Looking forward to the future, the company aims to grow by adding more creative niche tours to its portfolio and working with individuals or private groups to create personalised tours that cater specifically to their needs and desires.

And Ben’s hope for the future of the city? “I hope and really believe that Budapest is a city people fall in love with and will come back to, like they would visit Paris, Rome or London again in their lifetime - to experience them again and see the changes and growth. for me, Budapest and Hungary have a certain charm that no other city or country have, one just needs to find it!”

The thematic tours have also gained worldwide recognition with write-ups in the new York Times and recommendations in guidebooks as renowned as Rick Steve’s, frommers and Lonely Planet, among others.

After the Discover Budapest Tour Center was created to house an independent travel centre offering free advice on activities for the whole city and further afield, an internet cafe, and a foreign language bookstore as well as the Yellow Zebra bike rental, the company also branched out and started the first Segway tours in the city. “Visitors are becoming more and more interested in trying out Segways a new experience and a fun part of their time in Budapest.

As you can cover a lot of ground, they’re also a great way to get orientated in the city in a short space of time with very little effort.” Yellow Zebra Segways are also often booked for company fun days and private tours for visiting groups attending anything as varied as conferences to weddings.

Since 2005 Discover Budapest has been focussing on providing its quality, niche tours for 4 and 5 star hotel guests who like to experience cities in a nontraditional sightseeing way. They work only with the best professional guides in the city, who are all experts in their field and have a passion for the city that they want to share with others.

n Private Segway and bike tours to suit your needs. n High-end KTM bike rental. Hotel pick-up and drop off service available. n Daily scheduled Segway and bike tours. n Private tours arranged, tailored specifically for your interests. n Daily scheduled walking tours covering a wide variety of themes.

for more information please ask at your concierge, have a look at our ratings on TripAdvisor or take a look at our website. www.discoverbudapest.com

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

ToUR I.

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 can’t go wrong!

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

ToUR I.

A Historic Sight in Buda

fabulous attractions and a stunning view all at the saMe place LUXURY BUDAPEST’s ToP To SELECTIon

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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

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

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Palinka and Sausage festival in the Buda Castle

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

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Matthias Church

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THE BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT

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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 many-times reconstructed building of what was originally the Clarisse cloister, and where later the sub-exchange of the first machinedriven 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.

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gellért hill and its surroundings

TOUR II.

Favourite site for outdoor programmes A breathtaking panorama opens in front of 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.

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gELLéRT HILL AnD ITS SURRoUnDIngS

ToUR II.

favourite site for walks a breathtaking panoraMa opens in front of your eyes

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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 worldfamous 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 Rippl-Rónay (1861–1927) and

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gELLéRT HILL AnD ITS SURRoUnDIngS

gellért bath

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The atrium of the gellért Bath

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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, Stróbl was asked to execute the statue of liberty by Marshal Voroshilov, Stalin’s right-hand 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.

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Kecskeméti utca, kálvin tér, Ráday utca

TOUR III.

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.

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KECSKEMéTI UTCA, KÁLVIn TéR, RÁDAY UTCA

ToUR III.

Coffee on the terrace

kecskeMéti utca, kálvin tér, r áday utca 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 glass or the recently restored coloured 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 classical statue of the Well of the nereidas is one of the most popular meeting points in the city centre. 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 in 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 classical 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 about the adolescent heroes of the józsefváros yard.

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 neighbourhood 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

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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 cobblestoned walking street entices us with its shop windows, colourful 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 many 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 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 Centre 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-yearold synagogue which is part of the exhibition space.

Budapest’s one and only classic grand café!

Centrál Café, with its 125 years, is one of the most important cultural and gastronomical meeting points in Budapest. It features a regal interior, an excellent kitchen and the classic mood of a grand café from the early 1900s.

Have breakfast, lunch or dinner at us, or just drop in for a coffee, cake or a fine glass of wine. Enjoy life at us just like our regulars, the greatest artists of the past century!

Coffee, Cuisine, Culture 1053 Budapest Károlyi u. 9. Tel: +36-1-266-2110 www.centralkavehaz.hu • info@centralkavehaz.hu

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KECSKEMéTI UTCA, KÁLVIn TéR, RÁDAY UTCA

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ToUR IV.

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.

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ToUR IV.

The City of bridges

along the danube by boat and traM

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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 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 did not 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 for 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

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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 Parish 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 longest spanning chain bridge 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

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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 (Liberty 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

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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 Szarvasház (Deer House), originally built in the 18th century and then rebuilt in the 19th 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 Széchenyi tér with its impressive Academy of Sciences and the famous jugend Stil (art nouveau) gresham building.

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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 (Kossuth 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 (Margit Island) and the beauty of the Castle District, the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, the fishermen’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.

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A cultural walk

TOUR V.

The new face of the riverbank A cultural walk

The area between Petőfi híd (bridge) and II. Rákóczi Ferenc 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.

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A CULTURAL WALK

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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 II. Rákóczi ferenc 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.

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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, 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.

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Margitsziget

Almost no one goes to Margitsziget (Margaret 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 kilometres, 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.

TOUR VI.

An Eden in the heart of Margaret Island

M argitsziget

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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 ’sidebridge’, 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,

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MARgITSZIgET

ToUR VI.

An Eden in the heart of the City

M argitsziget

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 pools and 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 pools, 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!

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RUnnIng Running is quite a fashionable sport in Hungary. In addition to frequent running competitions, marathons, half marathons and jogging along the river Danube are also popular.

Margaret Island is what sports fans favour the most with its 4.5 km long track. There is a running track around the entire island to protect the knees. Czakó street is very popular on the Buda side with a panoramic view of the city from the castle district.

Many run as well as ride their bicycles along the bank of the Danube.

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AnDRÁSSY ÚT AnD ITS SURRoUnDIngS

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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.

TOUR VII.

Boulevard of history and fashion Andrássy út and its surroundings

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AnDRÁSSY ÚT AnD ITS SURRoUnDIngS

ToUR VII.

Boulevard of history and fashion andrássy út and its surroundings

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 former 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

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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 Austro-Hungarian 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

Step into the internationally well known hairstylist’s, Péter gábor w’s, exclusive hair salon. for a couple of hours leave behind the big city’s buzz and indulge in the magic.

Sophisticated elegance signs the beautifully styled Parisian interior, which is the main idea in Péter gábor Sáfárik’s professional credo. on Andrássy Avenue, within Stern Palace’s tarnished and elegant walls, you shall receive luxury services and special treatments. Confidence and calm professionalism marks Péter gábor Sáfárik’s character which will draw out the best in you.

“I would love to give back something to the city, to the people, to create an atmosphere of a metropolis that is worthy to Budapest…

I believe in natural beauty and that everyone could have beautiful hair.”

Péter gábor Sáfárik

Stern Palota, Andrássy út 10, 1061 Budapest Reservation requested Call +36 1 269 4444 Spoken languages English, german www.safarik.hu

Budapest operetta and Musical Theatre artistic director: kero®

A sitting statue of Emmerich Kálmán, Hungary’s most famous operetta composer faces the more than 100 year old building designed by the famous Viennese architect – duo fellner and Helmer.

Between 1999 and 2001 it was completely refurbished.

The most modern European stage technology was built in and the beautiful original decoration was regained along with the balcony row.

Today the theatre has 901 seats in an air-conditioned auditorium.

The former objects which remained in the building lamp statues and columns keeping the row of boxes - are in perfect harmony with the new colourful glass windows, the mirrors, the period furniture of the buffet and the wooden floor.

The auditorium is lit by a hundred-year old chandelier. The row of boxes, the golden stuccos, the walls dressed in velvet and the allegorical statuettes decorating the entrance elevate your theatre evening into a real feast.

With 600 annual shows and almost 500 thousand spectators, this theatre is the most popular one in Hungary today. „There are several music venues in each city, where you can listen to good music, but operetta has only one address: Nagymező street 17, Budapest” – wrote the journal frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about Hungarian operetta’s passionate and fiery temper, its virtuoso dances and enchanting visuals which are well-known and acknowledged throughout the world. The theatre's repertoire contains the most popular musical shows as

well. Pieces by Emmerich Kálmán, franz Lehár, Sylvester Levay, Claude-Michel Schönberg and several others are on stage here.

The creative teams of the theatre plays a vital part in staging these works in co-production with the theatres of Saint Petersburg, Bucharest, Yekaterinburg, Prague, Salzburg and Erfurt and its company regularly presents shows in several countries in Europe and Asia. The theatre won the exclusive rights to play the Disney-musical The Beauty and the Beast in germany, Switzerland and Austria and organizing the Lehár and Lévay Singing Competitions and the Emmerich Kálmán International operetta-Musical Conductor Competition.

The theatre was granted a SuperBrand status in 2012.

Repertoire Shows are subtitled – operettas in german, musicals in English.

emmerich k álmán: the gyPsy P rincess

g erArd P resgurvic: romeo And Juliet

emmerich k álmán: c ountess m AritzA

A lAn m enken: the BeAuty And the BeAst

frAnz l ehár: gyPsy l ove

szAkcsi l AkAtos BélA: A m idsummer’s night dreAm

operetta operetta operetta

PAul á BrAhám: victoriA And her hussAr operetta

AlBert szirmAi: m ike the m AgnAte operetta

Jávori ferenc fegyA: wedding dAnce klezmer-operetta

tolcsvAy lászló: Józsiás, the devil-slAyer rock-operetta

musical musical

worldmusical

sylvester l évAy: r eBeccA musical

clAude-m ichel schönBerg: m iss sAigon

musical

sylvester l évAy: elisABeth musical

dAve stewArt-g len BAllArd -B ruce Joel ruBin: g host musical

Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre 1065 Budapest, nagymező utca 17.

Ticket sales: +36 1 312 4866 ticket@operett.hu www.operett.hu or ask your concierge

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Typical villa-house on Andrássy út

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’s ToP SELECTIon

Men's accessories 

www.zegna.com

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 mansion 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.

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 colourful mosaic-culture and welcomes visitors with concerts, exhibitions and films.

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 crescentshaped 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 21st century requirements and designed by Dutchman and star architect, Erick van Egeraat, with a team of Hungarian architects.

next we find the old Music Conservatory, built in neo-Renaissance style, on the corner of Vörösmarty

If we keep on walking, we arrive at Városliget (Central City Park).

Callas Café & Restaurant

Varga Design

on Budapest's finest street, next to the opera can be found the art déco-style coffee house which was reborn on the basis of the plans of David Collins, the legendary interior designer.

The delicacies of its own patisserie and the choice dishes of its menu tempt guests in for breakfast and lunch.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Phone +36 1 354 0954 Web www.callascafe.hu E-mail callascafe@gmail.com Facebook www.facebook.com/callascafe

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 many 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

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freyWILLe fREYWILLE creates artistic precious fire enamel jewellery and luxury accessories. A limited production in a manufactory at the original address in the center of Vienna, where the company was founded in 1951, guarantees the highest quality standards in design and fabrication. fREYWILLE always puts the creative work center stage: The original fREYWILLE style – a brand new style of enamel ornamentation and high quality fire enameling techniques – was created in the 1980‘s by a team of young designers, goldsmiths and experts of fine enameling. Every single collection is based on ideas of European and humanistic philosophy, fundamentally immaterial and emotional. fREYWILLE currently operates 100 boutiques worldwide with more than 550 employees spreading the fREYWILLE spirit in 35 countries covering four continents.

Address 1061 Andrássy út 43.

Telephone +36 1 413 0174 Address 1052 Régiposta utca 19.

Telephone +36 1 318 7665 Address 1185 Liszt ferenc Airport 2 – SkyCourt Telephone +36 1 296 5422 Website address www.freywille.com

WATCHMAKIng HISToRY Photo: Dániel Végel

Coming from a watchmaking family and inspired by the work and craftsmanship of their father Sava Petrovic, both sons Petar and nikola wanted to continue their family tradition.

They did this by discovering the Swiss horology at it birthplace, Vallée de joux, the home of the many Swiss watch factories, like Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Patek Philippe & Co., Vacheron Constantin, and jaeger-LeCoultre.

Two brothers had the exceptional opportunity to pursue their professional education at the ‘’Ecole Technique Vallee de joux”, the oldest and most prestigious watchmaking school in the world. Since 1901, this institution provides exceptional knowledge for very few students, through a very demanding theoretical and practical program taught by highly experienced professors.

What mostly distinguishes this watchmaking school from any other is the special 3 yearlong project of production of one’s own marine clock. namely, every watchmaking student learns the craft and implements it by making more than 300 components of this unique timepiece. This long

and challenging project requires lots of patience, a very meticulous approach, and a thorough understanding of the Swiss watchmaking tradition. once having all the parts executed, the students assemble and regulate the watch to meet the highest criteria of Swiss precision.

This project unique to the “Ecole Technique de la Vallee de joux” is inspired by historical values of the Swiss watchmaking, and each example is personalized with the name of the watchmaker, and the number that is archived in the school records.

Having graduated from the Watchmaking School, both Petrovic brothers had the privilege to continue their career at RoLEX, the leader of the industry, known for its obsession for perfection. This important step was an extraordinary experience, which allowed them to discover the exceptional craftsmanship behind this symbol of Swiss excellence dating from 1906.

Today both brothers are totally dedicated to Rolex brand, and represent with their father the brand image in Hungary and Serbia.

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VERTU V

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 31.

Telephone number +36 1 413 1096 Opening hours Monday-friday 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 10:00-17:00 Sunday: closed

Vertu is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of luxury mobile phones. Created to complement the discerning customer’s lifestyle, Vertu offers tailored, luxury services in combination with the finest in design, engineering and manufacture. With three distinct collections, - Signature, Ascent and Constellation - Vertu uses innovations in manufacturing technology with traditional technology with traditional craftsmanship, assembling each phone at the company’s headquarters in England. Vertu is available in over 500 stores, including over 70 Vertu boutiques, in 66 countries worldwide.

Unlike mainstream products, Vertu phones are renowned for using premium materials such as stainless steel, titanium, leather and crystal sapphire screens, rendering their devices both highly tactile and extremely durable.

The luxurious and handcrafted hardware is accompanied by a range of uniquely curated services, providing Vertu owners with instant, personalised news, information and assistance wherever they may be in the world.

The Vertu Boutique is situated in the heart of Budapest, on the breath-taking Andrássy street, where people not only can have access to the newest models of the luxury mobile phones or can test them but full repair service is also provided. With a glass of champagne in hand, everyone can enjoy the luxury atmosphere and have their lives „beautifully arranged”.

LA PERLA A fine jewellery box, like the ones that used to present the creations of Ada Masotti, the founder of LA PERLA, the boutique in the heart of Budapest serves as a real treasury for sophisticated women sighing for luxurious and delicate lingerie. opened in 2012 next to the impressive Hungarian State opera House as the first salon dedicated to the art of Italian sensitivity, the LA PERLA Boutique holds the innovative, worldwide leader brands’ womens’ lines: LA PERLA, Studio and Villa Toscana.

The interior of the store reflects the same elegance and creativity as the excep tional garments – underwear, nightwear, beachwear and hosiery – and provides a perfect environment for a veritable special treat.

Address 1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 7.

Telephone number +36 1 302 8882 Opening hours Monday – friday: 10.00-19.00 Saturday: 11.00-18.00

HUBLoT Hublot was created in 1980. During this era, it was the first Swiss watch luxury brand to fuse precious metals with less conventional materials such as natural rubber. This creative concept, known as the "Art of fusion", combined with an original design in the shape of a porthole ("hublot" in french), led to a veritable revolution in the watchmaking industry.

When jean-Claude Biver took over control of the brand in 2004, he gave it tremendous momentum, leading to impressive growth. With the launch of the Big Bang, the multiple award winning chronograph with a contemporary and elegant design, the brand started achieving records, awards and success.

The Hublot store in Budapest opened on Andrássy út 16 in january, 2012 in the exclusive vicinity of already present luxury brands satisfying customer needs and discretion. The boutique offers the clients a wide range of assortment for men and women as well from the collections: Big Bang, Classic fusion and King Power. It’s worth to mention the store’s extraordinary interior design which on one hand matches with the company’s philosophy and on the other hand the environment gives everyone the possibility to have a good time, to get more familiar with the brand and to make a selection.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16.

Telephone number +36 (1) 269 0148 Opening hours Monday-friday: riday: 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 11:00-18:00 Sunday: closed

LUXURY BUDAPEST

S.T. Dupont Budapest Boutique, the new jewelry Box of Andrássy Avenue The boutique located at 3 Andrássy Avenue represents 140 years of french handcrafted excellence. S.T. Dupont’s legendary luxury items are entirely hand crafted in its workshops in france ever since the foundation of the company by Simon Tissot Dupont in 1872. for 140 years, the gold- and silver-smiths, lacquer craftsmen and luggage-makers of the french brand applied their expertise and talent in making luxury products that combine perfection, quality and technology and has been the chosen, preferred suppliers of the world’s elite.

The Budapest boutique has brought the entire S.T. Dupont universe of luxury products to the Hungarian capital, including lighters, leather goods, writing instruments, accessories and last but not least legendary limited editions.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. Telephone +36 1 7200 108 Opening hours Monday-friday: 10:00-19:00, Saturday: 11:00-18:00, Sunday: closed

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Luxury and the city andrássy shopping guide

Franck Müller 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20. +36 1 301 4940 www.franckmuller.hu M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00 Frey Wille 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 43. +36 1 413 0175 www.frey-wille.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-16:00 Gas Jeans 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14. +36 30 382 1782 www.gasjeans.hu M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-19:00 Glamour Boutique 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 35. +36 1 322 1046 M-fr: 10:00-20:00 Gold Store 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 www.goldstore.hu Gucci 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 23. +36 1 322 0971 www.gucci.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

Herendi 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16. +36 1 374 0006 www.herend.com M-fr: 10:00-18:00, Sa: 10:00-14:00

Zilli 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36 1 267 4448 www.zilli.fr M-fr: 11:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-16:00

Király utca

 STAN AHUJA

Oktogon

Teréz körút

Hegedű utca

Paulay Ede utca

Oktogon Liszt Ferenc Tér

WOLFORD 

FREY WILLE 

ADIDAS 

Andrássy út

SALAMANDER 

 ALBERTO GUERDIANI

Király utca

D&G 

GUCCI 

GOLD 

 FRANCK MÜLLER

 HERENDI

 GAS JEANS ZILLI 

BOGGI MILANO 

COCCINELLE 

MARCO BICEGO 

 OMEGA

CAPSULA 

SINÉQUANONE 

Magyar Állami Operaház

GLAMOUR BOUTIQUE 

öz

ARMANI  Káldy Gyula utc a REPLAY 

 WOLFORD

 GUESS

 TAG HEUER

rk

Wolford 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 6. +36 1 342 1576 www.wolford.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00 Su: 10:00-15:00

Nagymező utca

Deák Ferenc tér

Ede utca

IL BACIO DE STILE  MAX MARA 

ke

S.T. DUPONT 

sy

An

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA 

Paulay

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si lin

sz

ky

út

Andrássy út

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

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

Langiotti 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 26. +36 1 332 2197 www.langiotti.com

Bajcsy Zsilinszky út

Vertu 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 31. +36 1 413 1096 www.vertu.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00, Sa: 10:00-17:00

Replay 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 11. www.replay.it

Il Bacio de Stile (opening this year) 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 19. www.ilbaciodistile.hu

Ermenegildo Zegna 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 5. +36 1 266 1794 www.zegna.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-17:00

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

 BURBERRY

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

Tag Heuer 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 2. +36 1 269 4199 www. tagheuer.hu M-fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 10:00-13:00

Pelote 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. +36 1 411 1615 www.pelote.hu M: 10:00-16:00, Tu-We: 10:00-19:00 Th: 10:00-20:00, fr: 10:00-19:00, Sa: 10:00-17:00

Guess 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 4. +36 1 354 0565 www.guess.com M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-18:00

Coccinelle 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. www.coccinelle.com

Naracamicie 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 20 298 1412 www.naracamicie.hu M-Sa: 10:00-20:00 S: 10:00-17:00

 LANGIOTTI

Capsula 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9. +36 (1) 550-0600 www.capsula.hu

S.T. Dupont 1061 Budapest,Andrássy út 3. +36 1 7200 108 www.st-dupont.hu M-fr: 10:00-19:00, Sa: 11:00-18:00, S: closed

VERTU 

Caprice 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 27. +36 (1) 321-2057 www.caprice.co.hu 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

CAPRICE 

Burberry 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36 1 302 0628 www.burberry.com M-fr: 10:00-18:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

Stan Ahuja 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 38. +36 1 354 0195 www.stanahuja.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-16:00

 LOUIS VUITTON

Boggi Milano 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 15. www.boggi.it M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-18:00

Marco Bicego 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13. +36 1 328 0117 www.marcobicego.hu M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 10:00-14:00

NESPRESSO 

Armani 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 9. +36 1 550 0300 www.fashioncompany.hu M-Sa: 10:30-19:30

Sinéquanone 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 7. +36 30 227 1612 www. sinequanone.hu

NARACAMICIE 

Alberto Guardiani 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 34. +36 1 354 0054 www.albertoguardiani.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sat: 10:00-18:00

Louis Vuitton 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24. +36 1 373 0487 www.louisvuitton.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa: 11:00-18:00

Vásári Pál utca

Adidas 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 37. +36 1 239 1361 www.adidas.com M-fr: 10:00-19:00 Sa-S: 12:00-17:00

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Baldinini

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 12.

Telephone number +36 1 269 3526 Opening hours Monday-friday 10:30-19:30, Saturday 10:00-18:00 Web www.baldinini.it

Baldinini dates from 1910, when the family, of which gimmi Baldinini represents the third generation, took its first steps in footwear, making bespoke shoes entirely by hand. Today those craft skills are still as important as ever and are interwoven with creative expertise inspired by world culture.

Baldinini has always been an example of a Made in Italy of high-level brand; the craftsmanship shows the quality of its products around the world, becoming one of the top brands in the footwear industry. The special Italian flair and fine

tooling of each detail are visible in every Baldinini shoe. The Baldinini style has attracted even the most demanding customers – both women and men – including well-known aristocrats and stars of the stage and screen.

Situated on Andrassy Avenue, Baldinini store is perfectly located in the heart of the famous and well-known shopping district of Budapest, near the opera House. Baldinini boutique presents collections which also include leather jackets, handbags and accessories.

Limited edition,

by S.T.Dupont Ever since it was established, S.T.Dupont has been creating unique products from precious materials. Royalty, statesmen and celebrities have all flocked to S.T.Dupont since 1872 to order customised travel cases or personalised objects. Today, S.T.Dupont is still adept at transforming even the most challenging ideas and concepts into reality and satisfying the most exacting of demands, by uniting a consummate craftsman’s touch with technology and precious metals - to create legendary limited edition collections.

In recognition of this excellence, S.T.Dupont was awarded the EPV (Living Heritage Companies) seal of quality by the french Ministry of Economy, finance and Industry. This official commendation pays tribute to the House's unique savoir-faire.

The style of engraving on the Paris 1872 limited edition is inspired by the garnier opera House. Simon Tissot-Dupont was the official photographer of this architectural masterpiece commissioned by napoleon III, before becoming trunk-maker to the élite of the day.

Address 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 3. Telephone +36 1 7200 108 Opening hours Monday-friday: 10:00-19:00, Saturday: 11:00-18:00, Sunday: closed

LUXURY BUDAPEST

T he Weekend by Ma x Mara brand was born from the need to dress customers in ever y moment of their day with practical and functional garments.

A c o ll e c t i o n d e d i c a t e d t o r e a l , a c t i v e a n d d y n a m i c w o m e n w h o f o ll o w t h e f a s h i o n w i t h p e r s o n a li t y and discretion satisf ying their need for feminit y and st yle.

A Weekend by Ma x Mara márk a válaszként születet t arra a z igényre, hogy a vásárlók a nap minden percében prak tikus é s f u n k c i o n á li s r u h á t h o r d h a s s a n a k .

A kollekció olyan iga z án ak tív és dinamik us nőket céloz meg, akik egyedien és körültekintően követik a divatot, é s m i n d v é g i g i g y e k e z n e k n ő i e s e k é s s t í l u s o s a k m a r a d n i.

10 51 B u d a p e s t , D o r o t t y a u t c a 3 . | Te l . : (+3 6 1) 9 5 2 18 4 6 e-mail: info@weekendbudapest.hu Nyitva tartás / Opening Hours Hét fő / Monday — Szomb at / S at urday: 10.0 0 –19.0 0 V a s á r n a p / S u n d a y : 11.0 0 –18 .0 0

MM_Weekend_LuxuryBudapest2.indd 2

ZILLI

2/7/13 9:51 AM

ZILLI’s savoir-faire is synonymous with highly advanced techniques, an expertise that perpetuates traditional craftsmanship whilst moving with the times. Some of the most exceptional leathers and fabrics come to life in the hands of our craftsmen. The result is embroidery on leather or silk, fabric inserts and other exquisite finishes, all created entirely by hand. ZILLI works mainly with ultra-fine calfskin and lambskin suede, but also with exotic animal skins such as peccary, python, and crocodile, all requiring specific expertise.

In our “atelier” in Lyon, our craftsmen are continually developing new techniques. When carefully worked and softened, crocodile leathers drape almost as beautifully as fabrics. Chinchilla cashmere combines a glossy finish with a unique feeling of softness. The 7-pleat tie is protected by a patent.

ZILLI 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 13.

Tel. +36 1 267 4448

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Open: a.m. 10 - p.m. 10 Closed on Sundays Excluzive, fashionable style and cozy bistro character.

Two levels, 300m2 on 3 different roles hall we receive our guests.

1082 Budapest, Baross u.4. at Kalvin Square Tel: +361/338-4243

oMoRoVICZA BUDAPEST

Omorovicza Budapest Andrassy út 2.

1061 Budapest, Hungary +36 1 321 7461 info@omorovicza.com

the city of healing springs The omorovicza story begins over 2,000 years ago, when the curative properties of Hungary’s healing waters were discovered and the fi rst baths were built in Budapest. The mineral-rich healing waters of Budapest have been prized for their healing powers ever since. Here the earth’s crust is thinner, so waters absorb beneficial minerals more ef ectively as they journey to the surface. With over one hundred thermal springs famed for their curative powers, Budapest has more bath than any other

city – it was named the International Spa* City in the 1920s.In the 1800’s, the omorovicza family built the beautiful Racz Spa on the site of a medieval healing spring, renowned for the curative properties of its water. Some two hundred years later, founders Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de omorovicza met in the beautiful city of Budapest. Relaxing at the Racz Spa and other ancient thermal baths, the couple were amazed by the ef ect the mineral rich healing waters had on their skin and saw their potential to be harnessed in a skincare range.

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Top Women’s fashion ashion 1

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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.

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.

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ToUR VIII.

Boating and Ice-Skating in the centre of the City

városliget

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 which was destroyed in World War II, contains tropical flora and fauna such as tiny monkeys, rare reptiles and exotic birds in a carefully controlled 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 ever-changing 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 horse-drawn vehicles, was founded upon transport exhibits from the 1896

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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.

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non SToP MEETIng PLACE

ToUR IX.

If buildings could tell a story non stop Meeting place

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Every big city has places that are always crowded and lively. nyugati tér (square) is one of the city’s major meeting places. 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), Bajcsy-Zsilinszky 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.

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 Centre, 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 stateof-the-art technology. Shoppers can choose from more

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ToUR IX.

If buildings could tell a story non stoP meeting PlAce

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 multistorey 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

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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 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!

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Lord of the ring

TOUR X.

Path of Tram â„– 6 L ord of the Rings

Several luxury hotels, fancy restaurants, museums and shopping malls can be found by the route of tram 4-6, so if you choose this kind of sightseeing, it makes great sense to interrupt your journey and take a look around the tram stops.

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ToUR X.

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 multisegment nagykörút (grand Ringroad), and takes you from one point of the River Danube to another one.

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 AustroHungarian 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 uppermiddle 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), largescale 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 place, 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

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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 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).

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ToUR XI.

Travelling 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!

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ToUR XI.

Travelling in time

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Óbuda

Kiscelli museum

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 olympicwinning 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

are abound in peaceful natural beauty, an ideal spot today to escape the asphalt jungle. At Újlak templom (church), 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. from here, we go back to Óbuda and its 18th-19thcentury village atmosphere, with beautifully restored one-storey 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

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already in operation by the 18th century, spinning silk, and the Óbuda Shipyard was established in 1840. The majority of the inhabitants were lowermiddle 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 19th 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 rollerskating 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 wall-climbing 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 21 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.

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Colours of Óbuda

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Lipótváros

TOUR XII.

In the heart of the City

Belváros-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.

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occasionally, all at once, university students appear from time to time among the predominantly classical 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 Akvárium.

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

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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

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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.

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ferrari Budapest

The official dealer in Hungary, ferrari Budapest opened its new showroom in downtown Budapest, in the, facing towards the gorgeous Szabadság square. The exclusive environment grants the new place the title of the most exceptional ferrari salon in Europe.

The 250 square meter showroom complies with the new corporate identity of ferrari S.p.A.,

enhancing the worldwide strength and heritage of the brand by presenting a unique place for ferrari owners. The showroom exhibits the recent range of ferrari models, welcoming its clientele with a comfortable lounge and a decent atelier for configuration of the cars of dreams.

The newly refurbished after-sales and service department is located in the Váci út.

Ferrari Budapest Ferrari Budapest Showroom 1054 Szabadság tér 7. n +36 1 666 4112 n infoferrari@warm-up.hu www.ferrari.hu

Ferrari Budapest Service 1138 Váci út 175. n +36 1 666 4100 n infoferrari@warm-up.hu www.ferrari.hu

Massage & Cosmetics Salon

Coffee shop

Conference Rooms Fitness Center

Hairdresser

Real estate agency

Premium offices with panoramic view DHL Courier service

Bank branch & ATM

Nokia Care Service

Tailor

Prominent Cafeteria AVIS Car tenant mix Tichy Dry Cleaner rental company

Underground garage BANK CENTER is a landmark building on Szabadság tér (Liberty Square), in the heart of Budapest with 32,000 square metres of office and retail space. The office building offers a prestigious location and high quality services to both its tenants and to visitors from the local business community. In addition, the upper floor offices enjoy a stunning panorama of the building of the Hungarian Parliament, the St. Stephen Basilica as well as the Citadel and the Royal Castle on the Buda hillside. The building provides a pleasant work environment for the office staff and clients of approximately 50 companies and organisations. The building also benefits from being very close to a number of illustrious shopping streets that have been pedestrianized to a very high standard.

Bank Center Budapest, 1054 Szabadság tér 7. +36-1 302-9010 anett.eles@bankcenter.hu www.bankcenter.hu

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Contemporary Art

KALMAn MAKLARY fInE ARTS The Kálmán Makláry fine Arts gallery is dedicated to the artists of the Post-War School of Paris, especially the Abstract and Surrealist movements with artists like judit Reigl, Simon Hantai, françois fiedler and Alfred Reth. The gallery works with museums and art collectors and develops with them long-term relationships of trust.

Exhibitor: TEfAf - Maastricht, Biennale des Antiquaires, Art Paris, BRAfA, Salon du Collectionneur, Art Cologne Member: S.n.A. (Syndicat national des Antiquaires) Address 1055 Budapest, falk Miksa u. 10.  Telephone +36 1 374 0774  Website address www.kalmanmaklaryfinearts.com

InDA gALLERY The Inda gallery is a contemporary for-profit art gallery founded five years ago. Its scope of activities is defined by the young and middle-aged artists who depict the modern tendencies of representational art in their work.

Primarily, the artists are selected based on quality, and also their conceptual, thematic and technical connection with contemporary art tendencies.

Artists represented: AKA, Czene Márta, Csontó Lajos, fáskerti Zsófia, ferenczy Zsolt, jovián györgy, Keller Diána, Koronczi Endre, Martin Henrik, Kamen Stoyanov, Kopasz Tamás, Sándor Krisztián, Somody Péter, Szabó Ábel, Szabó Ádám, Szemző Zsófia, Agnes von Uray (Szépfalvi Ágnes) Address 1061 Budapest, Király utca 34. II. 4.  Telephone number +36 70 316 4472 +36 20 513 4093  E-mail address info@indagaleria.hu  Website address www.indagaleria.hu  Opening hours Tuesday– friday: 14:00–18:00

ERDéSZ gALLERY

KISTEREM gALLERY

The gallery was founded in 1992 by László Erdész and E. Ilosvai Magdolna as a family company in the heart of Szentendre. In this gallery built three-storey building, art from 1920’s avantgarde artist (László Moholy-nagy, Lajos Kassák) across the European School (Lajos Vajda, Endre Bálint) and many Photographers (André Kertész) up to nowdays contemporary artists (István Regős, László Taubert, Tamás Dobos) are traded. on the ground floor the finest selection of Hungarian masters of jewellery design are on offer. The gallery regularly exhibits at art fairs like Art Cologne, Art Paris, Art Basel, Budapset Art fair and Art Market.

Kisterem gallery had started operating when the market within Hungary became more open to collecting all kinds of art forms, not only traditional ones, with the possibility of showing and selling various types of media works eg.: installation, videos, and not only by Hungarian, but also by international artists.

Alongside the gallery program with very recent artworks by young artists Kisterem shows occasionally surviving pieces of the Hungarian avant-garde underground art-scene of the 70s and the 80s that were hardly accessible at the time for a broader public.

Address 2000 Szentendre, Bercsényi u. 4.  Telephone number +36 26 317 925  E-mail address art@galleryerdesz.hu  Website address www.galleryerdesz.hu  Opening hours Tuesday–Sunday 10:00-18:00, or by appointment

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 14:0018:00, or by appointment

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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

Contemporary art galleries acb Kortárs Művészeti Galéria 1068 Budapest, Király utca 76. +36 1 413 7608, +36 1 413 7609 www.acbgaleria.hu Erdész Gallery 2000 Szentendre, Bercsényi út 4. +36 26 317 925 www.galleryerdesz.hu Deák Erika Galéria 1061 Budapest, Mozsár utca 1. +36 1 201 3740, +36 70 360 2253 www.deakgaleria.hu DOVIN 1052 Budapest, galamb utca 6. +36 1 318 3659, +36 30 566 2754 www.dovin.hu Faur Zsófi Galéria 1114 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 25. +36 1 209 3635, +36 20 934 4727 www.raday-galeria.hu Inda Galéria 1061 Budapest, Király utca 34. II. 4. +36 70 316 4472, +36 20 513 4093 www.indagaleria.hu Kalman Maklary Fine Arts 1055 Budapest, falk Miksa u. 10. +36 1 374 0774 www.kalmanmaklaryfinearts.com kArton 1054 Budapest, Alkotmány u. 18. +36 1 472 0000 www.karton.hu Kisterem Galéria 1053 Budapest, Képíró utca 5. +36 1 267 0522 www.kisterem.hu Knoll Galéria 1061 Budapest, Liszt ferenc tér 10. +36 1 267 3842 www.knollgaleria.hu MissionArt Galéria Budapest 1055 Budapest, falk Miksa u. 30. +36 1 302 8587 www.missionart.hu Molnár Ani Galéria 1088 Budapest, Bródy Sándor u. 22. +36 1 327 0095 www.molnaranigaleria.hu Galeria Neon 1065 Budapest, nagymező utca 47. +36 20 922 6437 www.galerianeon.hu Várfok Galéria 1012 Budapest, Várfok u. 11. +36 1 213 5155, +36 1 489 3920, +36 30 562 2772 www.varfok-galeria.hu VILTIN Galéria 1054 Budapest, Széchenyi u. 3. +36 1 787 5866 www.viltin.hu VINTAGE GALÉRIA 1053 Budapest, Magyar utca 26. +36 1 337 0584, +36 20 913 6291 www.vintage.hu

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Váci utca and the great market hall

TOUR XIII.

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.

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ToUR XIII.

Tradition and glamour váci utca and the great M arket hall The great Market Hall

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, cof-

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fee 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

furla has become the synonym for high-quality, as well as sensible, functional, yet stylish handbags and accessories all over the world, over 1500 points of sales.

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

FURLA Address fashion Street 1052 Budapest, Deák ferenc u. 23.

Phone +36 1 328 0851 Web www.furla.com

involves everything, the elegant woman is keen on every detail.

The style and attitude of fURLA is conveying 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.

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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!

CHRISAND Fur Salons on Fashion Street and in the Gresham Palace.

The CHRISAnD fur Salons feature selected unique fur clothing created by designers popular all over Europe. The salon opened in the heart if Budapest in 2005. If you're looking for noble furs such as mink, trimmed mink, persian, or fox, this is the place to go. And if it's further elegance and luxury you seek, you won't be disappointed. Slip into a chinchilla fur coat to experience utmost sensual delight, since chinchilla is the softest and finest fur ever. The royal lynx gives its wearer radiant effeminacy and joy, which words cannot describe.

The sable fur, which is also a status symbol, represents pure and sleek elegance. The collection features subtle and extravagant models and colors alike, from the classic lines to the latest trends – all available in different sizes and lengths, according to your taste and needs. But the salon is not only for ladies – gentlemen will also find a wide selection of mink, nutria, pelt and leather coats. If you need accessories only, such as fur hats, stoles, and collars, the only place to go is CHRISAnD – because you deserve it.

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Phone/fax: +36 1 429 3473 Mobile +36 70 318 4324 www.chrisand.hu

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ToUR XIV.

The heart of Buda buda and the rÓzsadoMb

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Tram number 6 terminates at Széll Kálmán tér, 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 Teátrum is one of the main viewing and event venues for the traditional Hungarian film festival, which takes place at the beginning of every year.

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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.

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RESTAURAnT gUIDE

LUXURY BUDAPEST

The new gourmet Metropolis top restaurants

We have been witnessing the renewal of Hungarian gastronomy for the past years. nowadays, this process typically involves rediscovery of roots, commitment to quality ingredients and an increased emphasis on regional characteristics. We now have a flourishing professional scene on which actors pay attention to seasons, ingredients, modern technology, what fits the cuisine concerned and guests. That is how onyx became the second restaurant in Hungary to be awarded a Michelin star in 2011.

AlABárdos r estAurAnt

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

ArAny kAviár r estAurAnt

1015 Budapest, ostrom u. 15.  www.aranykaviar.hu

Bock Bistro

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.  www.bockbisztro.hu

c ostes r estAurAnt

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

egykettő musicAl BistroPuB

1053 Budapest, Károlyi Mihály u. 12.  www.egyketto.eu

ristorAnte fAusto’s

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

knrdy r estAurAnt

1051 Budapest, október 6. utca 15.  www.knrdy.com

noBu BudAPest

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

onyx r estAurAnt

1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8.  www.onyxrestaurant.hu

P ierrot r estAurAnt

1014 Budapest, fortuna utca 14.  www.pierrot.hu

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Costes Restaurant The Chef of Costes Restaurant, Miguel Rocha Vieira, is forever inspired by several international and Hungarian recognisable effects. Using only the best ingredients available, he and his team make sure that the guests enjoy only the finest food compositions. The atmosphere is elegant, yet free and easy. A fine dining restaurant with stylish design, great service and an extensive wine list.

Address of restaurant: 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4.

Telephone number: +36 1 219 0696 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 219 0696 E-mail address: info@costes.hu Website address: www.costes.hu Name of owner: gerendai Károly Name of chef: Miguel Rocha Vieira Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday: 18:30-24:00 Number of seating places: 45 Year of Establishment: 2008

fausto’s Restaurant

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18

2011

2012

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 care are the two principles you can find in every single dish we prepare and serve.

Telephone number: +36 30 589 1813 Telephone number for reservations: +36 30 589 1813 E-mail address: faustos@fausto.hu Website address: www.fausto.hu Name of manager: Maul gergely Name of chef: giorgio Chavicchiolo Name of executive chef: fausto Di Vora Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00, Saturday: 18:00–23:00, Sunday: Closed Number of seating places: 50 Year of establishment: 1997

Chrisand

Fur & leather Kempinski Hotel Fashion street side 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet square 7–8.

Open every day 10–19.

Phone/fax: +36 1 429 3473 Mobile +36 70 318 4324 www.chrisand.hu

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Arany Kaviár Restaurant

Arany Kaviár Restaurant is very special thanks to its rusticly elegant interior and the unique courses made from quality ingredients. The backbone of our menu is made up of dishes from the classic Czarist cuisine following traditional Russian and french recipes.

The regularly renewed five-course Tasting and eightcourse gourmet menus are offered for gastronomylovers and have become more popular recently.

In addition to the food selection, we place special emphasis on compiling a prominent drink and wine supply. With the professional experiences we have gained so far, we recently created our own brand Arany Kaviár gourmet Selection. We supervise each phase, from breeding the fish to processing the roe and smoking the fish. our main goal is to create real gourmet delicacies, true to the restaurant’s traditions.

Address of restaurant: 1015 Budapest, ostrom u. 19.

Telephone number: +36 1 201 6737, +36 30 685 600, Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 356 0851 E-mail address: reservation@aranykaviar.hu Website address: www.aranykaviar.hu Name of manager: Molnár Attila Name of chef: nyíri Szása Name of Sous-chef: Balázs ferenc Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 19:00–23:00, Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 Type of cuisine: Russian Number of seating places: 45 + 28 Year of Establishment: 1964

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Alabárdos Restaurant

The most famous restaurant of the Buda Castle district and, according to the Hungarian and international trade press, one of Hungary’s leading restaurants. We use exclusively Hungarian ingredients, and our dishes, prepared according to the bourgeois recipes of the past century, place new Hungarian cuisine in another dimension. We are ready to welcome our demanding customers with a constantly updated wine list enabling us to contribute to wine culture through our superior selection of wines. We select the best wines at wine competitions and wine tastings, thus we are constantly able to rejuvenate our quality selection. Every night, soft live guitar music accompanies candlelight dinners.

Address of restaurant: 1014 Budapest, országház u. 2.

Telephone number: +36 1 356 0851 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 356 0851 E-mail address: alabardos@t-online.hu Website address: www.alabardos.hu Name of manager: Andrusch Péter Name of chef: Bicsár Attila Opening hours: Monday–friday: 19:00–23:00, Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 Type of cuisine: Hungarian Number of seating places: 45 + 25 Year of Establishment: 1964

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KnRDY Restaurant

Those who have never tried rib eye at KnRDY restaurant do not know what good meat is. The standard and quality that we can experience abroad is now available in Budapest, in the city. KnRDY American Steakhouse and Bar brings new York to Budapest. We can choose from the world’s best steaks, which are prepared the way a real steak ought to be prepared. The restaurant’s wine and cocktail selection is also unrivalled. The kitchen’s international staff and the owner, Zoltán Konrády guarantee the best quality and the highest level of service. It is good to know the meats on the menu are available in Hungary’s first luxury butchers, Konrády foods, which is situated at Mom Park.

Address of restaurant: 1051 Budapest, október 6. utca 15.

Telephone number: +36 1 788 1685 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 788 1685 E-mail address: info@knrdy.com Website address: www.knrdy.com Name of manager: Hermann Ágnes Name of sous-chef: Calum Mcfadzean, Name of executive chef: Mark Turton Opening hours: Monday- Sunday: 8:00-01:00 Number of seating places: 40 Type of cuisine: American Steakhouse Year of establishment: 2012

LUXURY BUDAPEST

nobu Restaurant

Enjoy and explore nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s new Style japanese cuisine in the first Central-European member of nobu’s worldwide dining empire, where traditional japanese techniques are redefined by South American flavours. nobu Budapest welcomes guests with 80 seats including a private room and the sushi bar, while the nobu Lounge Bar accommodates guests with a separate menu card and a wide nobu Signature Cocktail selection.

Address of restaurant: 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7–8.

Telephone number: +36 1 429 4242 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 429 4242 E-mail address: reservation@noburestaurant.hu, Website address: www.noburestaurants.com Name of manager: Halász györgy Name of Sous-Chef: Pósa géza, Name of Chef: Iwata Michio Name of Executive chef: Schreiner gábor Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: Restaurant: 12:00–01:00 Lunch: 12:00–15:30, Dinner: 18:00–23:45, Lounge: 12:00–01:00 Type of cuisine: new Style japanese cuisine redefined

by South American flavours Number of seating places: 80 + 50 Year of Establishment: 2010

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Rosenstein Restaurant

We opened the Rosenstein family restaurant because the tiny dinerwhere our private enterprise had started from proved to be too small. The guests would have liked to sit down and have a chat with each other and with me, I, however, would not have liked to open a stiff restaurant, putting people off with its elegance. That was why we insisted on a cosy little restaurant still maintaining a high standard. In the meantime, we have improved its looks in many ways but we did not want to change its homely atmosphere. I feel at home in traditional catering being aware at the same time that one has to keep up with the times since a new generation of guests has grown up and people have become more and more demanding. I entrust my son, Robi with the modernization, however, we both make sure that each of our dishes – wherever its idea comes from – should have the ‘Rosenstein style’. We have never been an exclusively jewish restaurant, everything fits into our cuisine.

Anyway, ‘everything is kosher, that tastes good,’ my grandmother used to say. So in our family restaurant we have committed ourselves no to one single trend but to our guests being satisfied. I am inspired by our guests’ daily satisfaction. I would not like to be recognized after my death. I wish to make a mark on today, on the momentary art of cuisine.

Address of restaurant: 1087 Budapest, Mosonyi u. 3.

Telephone number: +36 1 333 3492 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 333 3492 E-mail address: rosenstein@t-email.hu Website address: www.rosenstein.hu Name of manager: Rosenstein Róbert Name of chef: Rosenstein Tibor Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 12:00–23:00 Type of cuisine: Hungarian Number of seating places: 120

Egykettő

Musical bistropub Begin your evening from your favourite local hangout!

Wine Bistro, Beer House & Spritzer Lounge in Ybl Palace in downtown.

Cool your day in the heart of the city! All those are invited to the Ybl Palace who attracted by the atmosphere and the excitement of ruin pubs, but want something more demanding, simply something more.

Then onetwo will be their favourite place! Because of the Hungarian handcraft wines, beers and spritzers, the modern Hungarian gastronomy, and the quality dimension of the electronic music of nowadays. The place is cosy, and comfortable at a covered courtyard of an old house, the interior was renewed and renovated to create harmony between old and the new and the contemporary object culture makes it colourful and unique. It's the perfect place for you if you like spending your time in a bistropub, where quality, with easiness, freshness and clarity will be offered. The onetwo is a starting place, where you can warm up and relax before a party night.

The first spring of the night can reach here the party people!

Address of restaurant: 1053 Budapest, Károlyi Mihály u. 12.

Telephone number: +36 1 882 7480 E-mail address: info@egyketto.eu Website address: www.egyketto.eu Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 12:00–24:00 Number of seating places: Bistro: 70, Garden: 120

Promotion

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LUXURY BUDAPEST

onyx Restaurant

A rendezvous with tradition and evolution in the heart of Budapest. Since its opening in 2007, the onyx Restaurant has been committed to quality and progress. At our Hungarian owned restaurant where we work with a house-trained team, the emphasis is on quality domestic ingredients and the appropriate Hungarian wine selection. The chef couple Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll offer a gastronomic journey which showcases international flavours and the renewed Hungarian cuisine. Proof that we are on the right track is the acknowledgement of the gaultMillau restaurant guide and being awarded a Michelin Star in 2011.

Address of restaurant: 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8.

Telephone number: +36 30 508 0622 Telephone number for reservations: +36 30 508 0622 E-mail address: onyx@onyxrestaurant.hu, Website address: www.onyxrestaurant.hu Name of owner: Pintér Katalin, Hamvas Zoltán Name of manager: Csahók Ibolya, Sallya Balázs Name of chef: Széll Tamás Name of executive chef: Szulló Szabina Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday: 12:00–14:30, 18:30–23:00, Saturday: 18:30–23:00 Number of seating places: 58 Year of establishment: 2007

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Bock Bistro Pest Restaurant

‘‘no one has gone broke just because he tried to please his guests.”

The most important principles of hospitality are today the same as they have always been; to produce excellent dishes at high quality, serve them with style and temper. greetings from our corporate chef: Lajos Bíró, executive chef: Viktor Varju and head chefs: Richard Domján & Zoltan Danó.

Address of restaurant: 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43–49.

Telephone number: +36 1 321 0340 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 321 0340 E-mail address: info@bockbisztro.hu Website address: www.bockbisztro.hu www.facebook.com/bockbisztro Name of manager: Erki jános Name of chef: Danó Zoltán Name of Sous chef: Szalkai Pál, juhász Tamás, Szalkai Mátyás Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 12:00–24:00, Closed on Sundays and Holidays Number of seating places: 40 – 50 Year of Establishment: 2004

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Pierrot Restaurant

Pierrot is a refined yet comfortable and relaxed, friendly restaurant run by our several generation restauranteur family. We are located in a 13th century old bakery house and have been here for three decades.

We have featured in the Michelin Red guide since 2005.

Address of restaurant: 1014 Budapest, fortuna utca 14.

Telephone number: +36 1 375 6971 Telephone number for reservations: +36 1 375 6971 E-mail address: info@pierrot.hu Website address: www.pierrot.hu Name of manager: Váradi Zsolt, Kőrösi norbert Name of chef: Kovács Árpád chef / Litauszki Zsolt creative chef Name of Sous-chef: fésüs Zoltán Opening hours: Monday–Sunday: 12:00–24:00 Type of cuisine: Kitchen of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy updated to the 21st century Number of seating places: 70 + 30 Year of Establishment: 1982

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Restaurant guide A

B

C

D

A38 Hajó 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 Bistro 1013 Budapest, Szarvas tér 1.

Araz Restaurant 1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42-44.

Arcade Bistro 1126 Budapest, Kiss j. alt. u. 38.

Baldaszti's Kitchen 1013 Budapest, Lánchíd utca 7-9.

Baraka Restaurant & Lounge 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 111.

Biarritz Restaurant & Café 1055 Budapest, Kossuth tér 18.

Bock Bistro 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

Bock Bistro Buda 1125 Budapest, Szarvas gábor utca 8.

Boom and Brass Bar & Restaurant 1054 Budapest, Vigadó u. 4-6.

Boscolo – New York Café 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11.

Brasserie and Atrium Restaurants 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

Café 57 Restaurant 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 57.

Café Kör 1051 Budapest, Sas u. 17.

Café Pierrot 1014 Budapest, fortuna u. 14.

Callas Café & Restaurant 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Chez Daniel Restaurant 1063 Budapest, Szív u. 32.

Columbus Restaurant 1051 Budapest, Vigadó tér, pier no. 4.

Corso Restaurant 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere jános u. 12–14.

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.

International

+36 1 464 3946

Hungarian

+36 1 356 0851

Russian

+36 1 201 6737

International

+36 1 375 6451

International

+36 1 815 1100

International

+36 1 225 1969

International

+36 30 422 5981

International

+36 1 483 1355

International

+36 1 311 4413

Hungarian

+36 1 321 0340

Hungarian

+36 1 376 6044

International

+36 1 877 7788

International

+36 1 886 6111

International

+36 1 479 4850

International

+36 1 325 6078

International

+36 1 311 0053

Hungarian

+36 1 375 6971

International

+36 1 354 0954

french

+36 1 302 4039

Hungarian

+36 1 266 9013

International

+36 1 327 6392

International

+36 1 219 0696

International

+36 1 266 4747

International

+36 1 225 1407

International

+36 1 786 1009

Every day 11am-12pm closed on Sunday Monday-friday 7pm-11pm Saturday 12pm-3 pm, 7 pm-11pm Every day 12am-3pm, 6pm-0am

restaurant@a38.hu1113 www.a38.hu alabardos@t-online.hu www.alabardos.hu reservation@aranykaviar.hu www.aranykaviar.hu Every day 12am-11pm bisztro@aranyszarvas.hu www.aranyszarvas.hu Every day 7am-11pm, araz@araz.hu www.araz.hu Monday-Saturday 12am-3.30pm, arcadebistro@arcadebistro.hu Dinner: 6.30am-11pm, Sunday closed www.arcadebistro.hu Tuesday-Wednesday 12am-00am bistro@baldasztis.com Kitchen 12am-3pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm www.baldasztis.com Thursday-Saturday 12am-02am hello@zonabudapest.com Kitchen 12am-3pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm Monday-Saturday info@barakarestaurant.hu 12am-3pm, 6pm-11pm www.barakarestaurant.hu Monday-friday 9am -8pm etterem@biarritz.hu Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm www.biarritz.hu Monday-Saturday 12am-00am, info@bockbisztro.hu closed on Sunday www.bockbisztro.hu Wednesday-Sunday 12am-11pm info@bockbisztrobuda.hu www.bockbisztrobuda.hu Every day 11am-1am info@boombrass.hu www.boombrass.com Every day 9am-12pm info@newyorkpalace.hu www.newyorkpalace.hu Every day 6.30am-11pm cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com www.corinthia.com Every day 8am-12pm cafe57@cafe57.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 callascafe@gmail.com www.callascafe.hu Every day 12am–3pm and 7pm–11pm restaurant@chezdaniel.hu www.chezdaniel.hu Every day 12am–00am res@columbuspub.hu www.columbuspub.hu Every day 6:30am–11pm corso.restaurant@ihg.com www.budapest. intercontinental.com Wednesday-Sunday 6:30pm-0am, info@costes.hu 6:30 pm-12pm, Monday-Tuesday Closed www.costes.hu Every day 8am-0am cyrano@citynet.hu www.cyranorestaurant.info Monday-Thursday 7:30am-0:00am, foglalas@cafederyne.hu friday 7:30am-1am, www.cafederyne.hu Saturday 9am-1am, Derynegroups@gmail.com Sunday 9am-23:30pm, Monday-friday 8am-11pm info@dunapark-kavehaz.hu Saturday 10am-11pm, www.dunapark-kavehaz.hu Sunday 10am-10pm www.dunaparkkavehaz.com

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Fausto’s Restaurant Italian 1064 Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 2.

Fuji japanese 1025 Budapest, Csatárka utca 54.

Gerlóczy Café & Restaurant International 1052 Budapest, gerlóczy u. 1.

Gundel Hungarian 1146 Budapest, gundel Károly út 4.

Halászbástya Hungarian 1014 Budapest, Budai Vár, Halászbástya Kéhli Restaurant Hungarian 1036 Budapest, Mókus u. 22.

Kiskakukk Hungarian 1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 12.

Kogart Café & Restaurant International 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 112.

Klassz International 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 41.

Kyoto Asian 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 7-8.

Le Bourbon french 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10.

Mák bistro Hungarian 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó ferenc u. 4.

Mátyás Pince Hungarian 1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 7.

Mini Bistro & Bar International 1013 Budapest, Krisztina tér 3.

Náncsi Néni’s Restaurant Hungarian 1029 Budapest, ördögárok út 80.

Nobu Restaurant Asian 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Onyx Restaurant International 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8. (entrance: Harmincad utca) Pampas Argentinian Steakhouse Argentinian 1056 Budapest, Vámház krt. 6.

Paris-Budapest Café, Sofitel International 1051 Budapest, Roosevelt tér 2.

Pata Negra Spanish 1091 Budapest, Kálvin tér 8.

Pastrami Restaurant & Café International 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 93-99.

Peppers! Mediterranean Grill Mediterranean 1052 Budapest, Apáczai-Csere jános u. 4.

Porcellino Grasso Italian 1024 Budapest, Ady Endre u. 19.

Restaurant Philippe Le Belge Belgian 1136 Budapest, Balzac u. 35.

Rickshaw Asian 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

Ristorante Giardino International 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Robinson International 1146 Budapest, Városligeti-tó, island Rosenstein Hungarian 1087 Budapest, Mosonyi utca 3.

Spoon Café & Lounge International 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér 3. (on the riverside) Symbol – Italian Fusion Restaurant Italian 1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56.

Trattoria Pomo D’Oro Italian 1051 Budapest, Arany jános u. 9.

Zóna Wine Bistro

+36 1 877 6210 +36 30 589 1813 +36 1 325 7111 or +36 30 393 3000 +36 1 501 4000 +36 1 468 4040 or +36 30 603 2480 +36 1 201 6935 +36 1 250 4241 or +36 1 368 0613 +36 1 450 0829 +36 1 354 3830 no reservation via phone +36 1 801 9862 + 36 1 429 5770 +36 30 723 9383 +36 1 266 8008 +36 1 225 3794 +36 1 397 2742 +36 1 429 4242 +36 30 508 0622 +36 1 411 1750 +36 1 235 5600/797 +36 1 215 5616 +36 1 430 1731 +36 1 737 7377 +36 1 886 7880 +36 30 944 6173 +36 1 479 4855 +36 1 429 3990 +36 1 422 0222 +36 30 663 6871 +36 1 333 3492 +36 1 411 0933 +36 1 333 5656 +36 1 302 6473 +36 30 422 5981

Monday-friday 12am-3pm, 7pm–11pm, info@fausto.hu Saturday 6pm-11pm, closed on Sunday www.fausto.hu Monday-Sunday 12am-23pm restaurant@fujirestaurant.hu www.fujirestaurant.hu Every day 7am-11pm info@gerloczy.hu www.gerloczy,hu Monday-Sunday 12am-0am info@gundel.hu Sunday brunch 11:30am-3pm www.gundel.hu Monday-Sunday 12am-0am info@halaszbastya.eu www.halaszbastya.eu Every day 12am-12pm postmaster@kehli.t-online.hu www.kehli.hu Every day 12am-12pm info@kiskakukk.hu www.kiskakukk.hu Working days 10am-6pm etterem@kogart.hu www.kogart.hu Monday-Saturday 11.30am-11pm www.klasszetterem.hu Sunday 11.30am-11pm www.klassz.eu Every day 12am-12pm kyotoetterem@kyotoetterem.hu www.kyotoetterem.hu Every day 6.30am-10.30pm www.lebourbonrestaurant.com Sunday Brunch 12am-3pm concierge.budapest@lemeridien.com Tuesday-Saturday 12am-3pm info@makbistro.hu 6pm-0am www.makbistro.hu Every day 11.00am-24am info@matyaspince.hu www.matyaspince.eu Monday-Sunday 12am-3am foglalas@cafederyne.hu www.theminibar.hu Monday-Sunday12am-11pm, asztalfoglalas@nancsineni.hu www.nancsineni.hu Restaurant: 12am-3pm, 6pm-11:45pm reservation@noburestaurant.hu Lounge Bar: 12am-1am www.noburestaurants.com Tuesday-friday 12am-2:30pm, onyx@onyxrestaurant.hu 6:30pm-11pm, Saturday 6:30pm-11pm www.onyxrestaurant.hu Every day 12am-0.30am info@steak.hu www.steak.hu Every day Bar 8am-12pm info@parisbudapestcafe.hu Restaurant 12am-11pm www.parisbudapestcafe.hu Monday–Sunday: 11am–12pm, patanegra@patanegra.hu www.patanegra.hu Every day 8am–11pm pastrami@pastrami.hu www.pastrami.hu Every day 6:30am-11pm reservations@peppers www.peppers.hu Every day 12am-12pm porcellino@porcellino.hu www.porcellino.hu Tuesday-Sunday 12am-3pm info@philippe.hu and 6pm-10pm, closed on Monday www.philippe.hu Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-11pm cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com www.corinthia.hu Every day 6pm-11:30pm concierge.corvinus@kempinski.com www.kempinski-budapest.com Every day 11:00am-17:00pm, robinson@t-online.hu 18:00pm-23:00pm www.robinsonrestaurant.hu Monday-Saturday 12am-11pm, rosenstein@t-email.hu closed on Sundays www.rosenstein.hu Every day 12am-12pm spoon@spooncafe.hu www.spooncafe.hu Monday-friday 7.30am-12pm info@symbolbudapest.hu Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-12pm www.symbolbudapest.hu Every day 12am-12pm pomodoro@tvnet.hu www.pomodorobudapest.com Thuesday–Saturday 12pm–2am hello@zonabudapest.com www.zonabudapest.com

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Sunday Brunch Brasserie and Atrium Restaurants 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 www.corinthia.com/budapest joel Khalil 170 + 56 Every Sunday from 12:00–16:00 Sparkling wine, house wine, beer, Special kids corner with handcraft activities, games, child supervision, diverse programs.

International

Corso Restaurant 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 jános u. 12–14. +36 1 327 6392 www.budapest.intercontinental.com Ulf Burbach 250 Every Sunday 12:00–16:00 Champagne, beer, wine, mineral water, juices Yes Very rich self-service buffet

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 9–10. +36 1 429 5770 www.lebourbonrestaurant.com Laurent Vandenameele 60+60 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00, with live jazz music Sparkling wine, red & white wine, water, coffee and tea Children's favourite kids' corner with supervision french, International

Peppers! Mediterranean grill 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 4. + 36 1 737 7377 www.peppers.hu 200 Every Sunday 12:00–15:00 Beer and house wine, sparkling wine Kids’ corner with supervision Mediterranean

in- and out- patient services and obstetrics located in the heart of budapest 24 hour hotline service

Address: 1051 Budapest, SzĂŠchenyi square 7/8.(Roosevelt square 7/8.)

Information: 06 (1) 377 6737 www.drrose.hu

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Le Bourbon Le Bourbon restaurant is undoubtedly one of the signatures of Le Meridien hotel, a Michelin recommended restaurant with french executive chef.

Come in for a Sunday Brunch and try the amazing selection of the buffet, then chose a Royal Chocolate cake at the end, a unique gastronomical experience. Chef Laurent’s other recommendation for you is to discover our weekly bistro lunch between Monday and friday.

A highlight of Saturday night is 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.

Please visit www.lebourbonrestaurant.com to find the menus.

Address of restaurant 1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10.

Telephone number +36 1 429 5770 E-mail address robert.boros@lemeridien.com Website address www.lebourbonrestaurant.com Opening hours Monday–Sunday 6:30–22:30, Number of seating places 60 + 60

fuji

Traditional japanese Restaurant Tradition and quality for 22 years! for over 22 years, fuji has been Hungary’s first and only real traditional japanese restaurant with a japanese chef! Authentic japanese cuisine is offered using only special quality raw materials daily that preserve and raise the natural flavour of traditional japanese food. To achieve a fantastic culinary experience fuji Restaurant uses only fresh seasonal ingredients from the purest sea.

It is a basic criteria to use fresh ingredients at all times. Besides the well-known Sushi and Sashimi it is important for us to show that hot dishes belong to the traditional japanese food culture as well. We serve numerous specialties to experience what hot food choices japanese cuisine has to offer. During weekdays 3 course lunch meals are offered from HUf 1990!! We look forward to having you experience our restaurant. The Teppanyaki corner, Sushi and Sashimi bar are comfortable and suitable for European and American guests as well. Delivery and Party services are available for private or corporate events.

Name of chef Miyazaki Emiko Name of executive chef Usuda Masato Address of restaurant 1025 Budapest, Csatárka u. 54.

Telephone number +36 1 325 7111, +36 30 393 3000 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 325 7111 E-mail address restaurant@fujirestaurant.hu; info@fuji.hu Website address: www.fujirestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 12:00–23:00 Number of seating places 75

Awards: 2008 | 2009 2010 | 2011:

Best of Budapest award

2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011:

In the top 50 Hungarian restaurant 2011:

The Best Top Asian Restaurant award in Hungary

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Columbus

Restaurant Boat on the Danube

Every metropolis has a few restaurants where breathtaking experiences 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 Elisabeth 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 port 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, pop, blues 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 Budapest, Vigad贸 t茅r, pier no. 4 Website address www.columbuspub.hu E-mail: res@columbuspub.hu Telephone +36 1 266 9013 Name of chef R贸bert Tobai Opening hours every day 12:00-24:00

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RESTAURAnT gUIDE

Halászbástya Restaurant

The Halászbástya Restaurant is not just a restaurant, but an atmosphere, an expression of feeling which is much more complicated to describe than to try out and become a party to the miracle...

Thanks to the elegant, neo-Romanesque styled internal space and the well-trained hospitability team the Halászbástya Restaurant impress their guests with not only its beauty but warm atmosphere as well. Margareta Terrace is the uppermost terrace of the Restaurant with gorgeous panorama.

We offer hot drinks in winter time and ice-cold refreshers during the summer heat, while the Danube Terrace, - which is in line with the Danube -, we offer hot and cold dishes from spring to autumn. An excellent venue with wonderful panorama of Budapest and intimate live music provides an unforgettable experience for our guests.

The gastronomic style of The Halászbástya Restaurant: innovative kitchen. We regard it as a challenge to participate in revive the most beautiful tradition of the Hungarian kitchen, and familiarize our typical flavours with our visitors. We paid especial respect to set up our wine selection highlighted Hungarian wines from reputed regions and offer prominent wines from abroad as well. our sommeliers guide through more than 150 sort of list and recommendations help our guests to choose the best for excellent courses, their mood and gusto.

Address of restaurant: 1014 Budapest, Budai Vár, Halászbástya-északi Híradástorony Telephone number: +36 1 201 6935 E-mail address: info@halaszbastya.eu, Website address: www.halaszbastya.eu Name of executive chef: Hammer Zoltán Opening hours: Monday- Sunday: 12:00-24:00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Robinson

Timeless kitchen 1989 Robinson restaurant opened in 1989 on the small island of gastronomy at Városligeti Lake, a few minutes on foot from Heroes' Square (Hősök tere). over the past decades it earned popularity among the citizens of the capital as well as the expatriate community of Budapest. numerous great celebrities - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Robert Redford, David Copperfield and Larry Hagman to name but a few - have tasted the delicacies

prepared in the kitchen of the Robinson.

The environment of the restaurant is no less hospitable. The Museum of fine Arts, the Budapest Zoological and Botanical gardens, the Amusement Park of Budapest, the great Circus and several other landmarks are located in Városliget.

Mediterranean environment, homely atmosphere, live Latin guitar music and an excellent kitchen guarantee a memorable evening spent here.

Upside: Steak & Pasta Down: Bourgeois Kitchen Address of restaurant 1146 Budapest, Városligeti-tó, sziget Telephone number +36 1 422 0222 Telephone number for reservations +36 30 663 6871 E-mail address robinson@t-online.hu Website address www.robinsonrestaurant.hu Opening hours Monday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, 18:00–23:00 Number of seating places 65+terrace

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RESTAURAnT gUIDE

Mátyás Pince Restaurant

Mátyás Pince Restaurant, one of the restaurants in Budapest with a very rich past, which has been waiting for its Hungarian and foreign guests expecting high standard since 1904. The restaurant renewed by the expectations of 21th century but preserve the historical values. We are waiting our guests with free programs, like gypsy music every evening, folk dance performance on Wednesday and Thursday and live operetta show on friday.

In our Menu in addition to the essential classics you can also find old dishes made from domestic ingredients forgotten long ago as well as special courses of the present Hungarian cuisine. You can find diverse selection of Hungarian wines, but do not forget to taste the specialty of the 300-yearold "pálinka" manufactory of gyula. Reminiscent of the historic interior and magical, modern cuisine, that is why the restaurant is and will be inimitable forever.

Address of restaurant 1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 7.

Telephone number +36 1 266 8008 Email address info@matyaspince.hu Website address www.matyaspince.eu Name of chef: Szepesi jános Opening hours 11.00-24.00

LUXURY BUDAPEST

MÁK bistro Callas Café Restaurant

& Restaurant

MÁK BISTRo has mastered the art of food, serving outstanding creations in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that has been luring foodies from all walks of life. MÁK’s chef Kata Tálas finds inspiration in the rich culinary traditions of Hungary as well as the flare of french bistro fare and the tastes and textures of Asian cuisine. She uses only the finest, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are innovative and highly creative, though not too fussy, but utterly irresistible.

Address of restaurant: 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó ferenc utca 4.

Telephone number: +36 30 723 9383 Telephone number for reservations: +36 30 723 9383 E-mail address: info@makbistro.hu, Website address: www.makbistro.hu Name of manager: Deli jános, Name of chef: Tálas Kata Name of Sous-chef: Mizsei jános Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 18:00–0:00 Type of cuisine: 21st century bistro cuisinea Number of seating places: 45-50 Year of Establishment: 2010

on Budapest's finest street, right next to the State opera, Callas Café & Restaurant represents an attractive venue for cocktail before going to theatre, or for supper after opera performance, where guests are entertained with live salon music. The Blue Danube Concert and Salon Music orchestra conjure up a pleasant atmosphere with classical pieces, operetta and Broadway musicals. The art déco-style classic coffee house, which opened in its present form in 2006, was reborn on the basis of the plans of David Collins, the world-famous interior designer.

Address of restaurant 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 20.

Telephone number +36 1 354 0954 Telephone number for reservations +36 1 354 0954 Website address www.callascafe.hu Email address callascafe@gmail.com Facebook www.facebook.com/callascafe Opening hours Monday-Sunday 10:00-24:00 Number of seating places 110 + 30 Year of Establishment 2006

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BUDA AnD THE RĂ“ZSADoMB

Education

Budapest is home to a number of premium level institutions of higher education. Students from many different countries come to study in Hungary and experience this exceptionally high quality learning environment. Three of them are especially important: Acquincum Institute of Technology and two more, which we are going to discuss below.

AIT-BUDAPEST Tailored to the needs of north American computer sciense and software engineering undergraduates in their sophomore through senior years, the Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT) in Budapest, Hungary, offers a study abroad program in English that bridges the gap between the world of academia and business. AIT offers an inspiring academic program with small classes that emphasize interactivity and creativity. Classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors.

US students study together with Hungarian students from a prestigious technical university. A diverse range of extracurricular activities are offered for exploring the historic heritage and contemporary cultural life of Budapest and the region. Several Hungarian software companies are offering 2-3 month summer R & D software engineering internship positions for AIT students. The AIT campus is located on a picturesque bank of the Danube River, in a state-of-the-art industrial science park. AIT operates on 14- week terms in Spring and fall semesters and one 4- week in the Summer. www.ait-budapest.com

InTERnATIonAL BUSInESS SCHooL

CEU/ Daniel VĂŠgel

founded in 1991, IBS is a state-accredited private university in the heart of Europe, offering comprehensive study programmes on two campuses: in Budapest and in Vienna. All its BSc and MSc programmes are delivered in English and lead to the degree of The University of Buckingham that is accepted and appreciated world-wide and opens doors for a successful career in business. www.ibs-b.hu

CEnTRAL EURoPEAn UnIVERSITY Central European University (CEU) is a U.S. and Hungarian-accredited graduate institution in Budapest with students and faculty from over 100 countries. Dedicated to socially and morally responsible inquiry, CEU is a source of support for building open and democratic societies. Its programs focus on the social sciences, humanities, business, and law. www.ceu.hu

Š2011 Harry Winston, Inc. harrywinston.com

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

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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.

Fine Dining on Smartphones Download Your App for Smartphones and Tablets

Download this app to discover the gourmet metropolis Budapest!

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nIgHTLIfE

orfeum SMoKY nIgHTS In oRfEUM In orfeum, a world long forgotten has resurfaced, a world where film noir becomes reality, where it is still in style to party, do serious business or fall in love. orfeum is like travelling back in time to the cabaret world of the 1920s and 1930s, when everybody wore a striped suit and Warren Beatty could easily walk in or we could even see Marilyn Monroe wearing a fur coat.

This is the place where the celebrities of the literary and theatre world go out, where it is not a surprise if they sing a chanson or dance an unforgettable dance. Its soft armchairs and coffee and drink specialities bring back the atmosphere of the old cafĂŠs, while its stage reminds us of the cabarets of the past. orfeum has a magnificent interior design and it offers varied food, unique programs, theatre and music nights, club concerts and variety shows: all in all, a unique atmosphere. And also singers with the smokiest voice in Hungary.

1073 Budapest, ErzsĂŠbet krt. 43-49. www.orfeumclub.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

La Bodeguita Del Medio PASSIonATE ATMoSPHERE In LA BoDEgUITA DEL MEDIo Looking for a piece of Cuba in downtown Budapest? genuine Caribbean atmosphere awaits those, who love dancing, partying and a vivid nightlife in La Bodeguita del Medio in Budapest’s District 7. The Cuban restaurant turns into a club after 10pm, with live music, beautiful salsa dancers, Caribbean dishes and colorful cocktails, guaranteeing a memorable night out. In addition to the special dishes, they also serve mojitos made of original ingredients; legend has it that mojitos were indeed first mixed in La Bodeguita Del Medio in Havanna. It is no surprise that is was the favourite place of Ernest Hemingway and Brigitte Bardot. In the garden, there is a 20-metre-long bar and a barbecue place, all signs of a good time during the summer. You can leave the city without actually leaving it.

1074 Budapest, Dob utca 57. FĂŠszek Klub

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nIgHTLIfE

Budapest Bár MoDERn gYPSY MUSIC SCoRED foR 2013, THE REAL PARTY MUSIC Budapest Bár was initially a music band. It was a bold initiative in 2007 when Róbert farkas began his most interesting and original musical experiment of the past few years by inviting some of the cult figures of the Hungarian rock scene to join his band. Members include an “over the hill” rock musician, a jazz singer and the queen of alternative music. And together they are a whole. originally they joined forces only for one album, but they still do concerts in theatres, festivals and other events and enjoy immense success. They create their own versions of film soundtracks, chansons, dance-songs and other famous melodies with gracefully tuned gypsy music. Well-known tunes have been reinvented and long lost musical treasures have been rediscovered by the band. And now they have a place of their own. Budapest Bár in a Budapest bar called Budapest Bár. www.budapestbar.hu

Photo: Sándor Makofka

LUXURY BUDAPEST

House of horror ESCAPE RooM Besides music-oriented entertainment establishments, team building, logical thinking based 'game caves' are also gaining ground. An adrenaline rush is inevitable taking one of these static jurneys through solving riddles, codes, number-locks and puzzles, to finding the ultimate solution and essentialy the way out.

The soon to be open Escape Room is unique game cave, for it boasts 4 different rooms with 4 different themes - jungle, Horror, Retro and Beach. The design is beautiful, placing great emphasis on visuals and 3D effects. finding which tool or other object should be used to solve puzzles is not an easy task, for the rooms hold a wide array of props and gadgets - but the clock is ticking! During games, events in all the rooms are constantly monitored by staff via cameras placed descreetly out of sight. frightening people is not the goal here, rather the sense of running out of time while figuring out puzzles to get out is responsible for the excitement. If you find the key that opens the door, you're safe.

The experience is unique and one you will never forget - the only question is: Do you have what it takes to do it?

1064 Budapest, Izabella utca 81. www.escaperoom.hu

SZoBAfogSÁg (HoUSE ARREST) Szobafogság (house arrest in English) is an escape type game where participants have one hour to get out of the room. This is not simply about finding the key; it is actually an adventure that follows a carefully crafted storyline.

Room 1 – The murder scene – The serial killer himself invites the best crime scene investigators of the city (the players) to his flat only to lure them into a trap. Missing persons, mysterious clues, locked closets with belongings from previous victims... and this is just the beginning. If the players are crafty enough, they not only get out of the room but, as a bonus, can locate the whereabouts of the girl last kidnapped by the murderer. To be more exact, the serial killer offers them a deal: if they get out, they can save the girl...

Room 2 – The party chief’s room – This time you play the role of an agent tasked with the job to prevent the assassination attempt on the party chief’s life. The general staff, however, is not satisfied with that. They have no information about the group behind the assassin and, therefore, want evidence against the conspirators. If you succeed, you are free to leave.

1063 Budapest, Szinyei Merse utca 15. www.szobafogsag.hu

HoRRoR THEATRE There is a cellar in the heart of Budapest whose walls enclose the screams of a century. Built during the pre-World War one era, the basement of the house saw through the bloodiest massacres of history. If you are bold enough, you can face your fears right there. A labyrinth covering an area of 500 sq m, ice cold walls and the chilling thought that you are not alone. Special light and sound effects, live crowd artists and 30 minutes of adrenaline rush is what awaits you in the House of Horror Budapest. This is no child’s play because nightmare is guaranteed for those who visit us in Lázár Street.

1065 Budapest, Lázár utca 7.

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SIgHTSEEIng

Sightseeing in a different way Budapest has an endless supply of places worth visiting with new aspects to explore each and every day due to the city’s colourful events and newly opened places. To make it even more enjoyable, you can take your sightseeing tour in a special vehicle.

LUXURY on 4 WHEELS The limousine fleet of dream cars like Lincoln, Mercedes, Hummer H2, Rolls Royce, Pink Lincoln navigator and Pink Cadillac convertible provides a selection wide enough to allow everyone to pick the car that suits his or her mood, style or occasion. In addition to offering a comfortable way of visiting the sights of the Hungarian capital, these cars can make a wedding, a wedding proposal, a bachelor party, a birthday, a wedding anniversary or even a date really special. Each air-conditioned limousine features not only an on-board television, a minibar and subdued lighting but also a polite driver who opens the door for you, serves the champagne and receives driving directions from passengers over the on-board phone system. In addition, you can request an entertaining, live programme.

HoP on HoP off The sightseeing cruise on the Danube offers a unique perspective of the sights of the city including the Parliament building, Margaret Island, the Buda Castle District, Matthias Church, the Citadel and gellĂŠrt Hill. This new Hop on Hop off service allows passengers to hop off at any stop to explore any of the sights along the route on foot.The audio tour guide introduces the city in English and german but private tours are available in other languages as well.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

See Budapest the most exciting way

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.

Budapest is one of the few cities in the world 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.

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  Bowrider 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.

Office H-1054 Budapest, 5 th district, Akadémia u. 1.

Departure 5 th district, Széchenyi tér 7/8 (ex. Roosevelt Sq.) For booking please contact: Telephone: +36 1 332 2555 Fax: +36 1 302 2768 E-mail: info@riverride.com For group booking (more than 15 people) please contact: Telephone: +36 1 354 3939  Fax: +36 1 302 2768 E-mail: info@riverride.com

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

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AD

Discover the beauty of Budapest and the Danube bend on board Mahart’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 Rákóczi 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.

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 and Vienna are quite popular among passengers and offer a unique experience for all who wish to

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

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 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.

Wherever you go in the World, your first-class mobility partner is Sixt.

(You can enjoy our discounted rates in Hungary if you book your car at www.sixt.hu/AbsolutMedia)

The picture is only illustration.

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oUTSIDE of BUDAPEST

Sights in and outside of Budapest

Although a tourist can easily spend weeks enjoying the sights and programs the capital city alone offers, it is absolutely worth to visit some of the smaller towns around Budapest.

“Etyekwood” and the Royal Palace gödöllő are only half an hour away from the city.

g ödöllő not only the largest Baroque palace in Hungary, but the second largest collection of agricultural machinery and the first “World Peace gong” of Europe are also located in the town. It is quite relaxing to take a walk in the phenomenal parks and gardens of the town or to visit the statues of saints or the “World Tree”. The events organised by the town focus on key events of town history. for instance, the “Baroque Weekend” commemorates Maria Theresa's royal visit to the town. There are various thematic walks and paths set in accordance with the interests of tourists.

Since 2011 the Royal Waiting Hall at the gödöllő railway station has been opened showing its original look.

LUXURY BUDAPEST

etyek This small community now has worldwide fame ever since a producer, Andrew g. Vajna and a businessman, Sándor Demján decided to build the Korda Studios here. Both Angelina jolie and her husband, Brad Pitt shot films here in “Etyekwood”. The majority of the film The Pillars of the Earth (adapted from Ken follett’s book of the same name) was also made here. It is recommended to take a walk in Etyek as there are some age-old houses with porches very similar to those our ancestors used. It is also a great idea to relax in the wineries after the long walk in the village and try a glass of their savoury wine. Theme wine and gastro tours are also worth trying. The hillsides full of vineyards, surrounded by some 30 wine cellars and old adobe houses give an unforgettable experience. The village which deserved the name ‘vineyard of Budapest’ is only a 15-minute drive from the capital city.

l ázár equestriAn PArk The estate of the Lázár brothers is in the vicinity of the gödöllő Castle. The two brothers are worldfamous in carriage driving, and their estate effectively combines the atmosphere of Hungarian villages and the equestrian environment. (Domonyvölgy is so breathtaking that it is worth it to take a few hours’ walk, perhaps around the lake, to check it out) In addition to the equestrian exhibition that brings alive the traditions of horse riding in Hungary, there are also some truly special programs such as a real carriage driving race or the entertaining “Puszta” olympic games. The place also attracts the fans of equestrianism as there are horses available for sale. www.lazarlovaspark.hu

Rókusfalvy Cellar and Wine Terrace can seat up to 150 people who can enjoy the breathtaking panorama while tasting quality wines. It is an ideal venue for wine tasting and any other event.

A private chauffeur service is also offered for preferential fares for a safe and relaxing journey home. pince.rokusfalvypince.hu

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oUTSIDE of BUDAPEST

Szentendre

Even though Szentendre, the jewel of the Danube Band, is situated just a few kilometres from Budapest, it feels like a completely different world. The tiny, colourful houses, winding back alleys with nooks and crannies, mysterious little streets that open onto the Danube exude a Mediterranean atmosphere, which explains why the city has become a hotspot of art. Those who dislike crowded tourist attractions will find the romantic feel of the city an unforgettable experience.

The Serbs who settled in the 17th century had left a lasting impression on the history and culture of the place, though it took on its final appearance in the 19th century. Szentendre is the city of arts and museums. With 14 protected historical monuments, 17 museums, galleries, many little shops and restaurants offering the specialties of the city’s mixed population, Szentendre is a real magnet for visitors. The Serbian church and museum housing artifacts from the history of the orthodox Church is one of the city’s most interesting attractions. The Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum features the life’s work of the ceramic artist. The Szántó Memorial House commemorates the victims of the Holocaust of the city and is also the smallest jewish prayer house in the world. To this day, the city continues to be an important art colony with many contemporary art exhibitions. There are also a number of special museums like the one exclusively showcasing Christmas decorations or sweets. Tourists from within Hungary also visit the place, mostly for the delicious ice cream or lángos (flat, round pancakes from bread dough) sold here. If you try lángos, be sure to have lots of cheese and sour cream and top and take a lot of paper napkins with it. It is an oily but unforgettable delicacy.

SKAnZEn The aim of founding the Szentendre open Air Museum was to present folk architecture, interior decoration, farming and way of life in the Hungarian language area from the 2nd half of the 18th century to the 1st half of the 20th century, through original and authentic objects, relocated houses arranged in old settlement patters. Within the units buildings are fitted into the traditional system of peasant households, supplemented by sacred, communal and outbuildings which used to be integral parts of traditional villages. Dwellings and farm-buildings represent the typical houses and outbuildings having evolved historically in each region. The village museum has the longest museum railway in Europe (more than 2km lenght). www.skanzen.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Playing golf

18-HoLE goLf CoURSES BIRDLAnD goLf & CoUnTRY CLUB 9740 Bükfürdő, golf u. 4.

Telephone: +36 94 815 787 E-mail: golf@greenfieldhotel.net Website: www.birdland-resort.com BoYA EAgLES goLf & CoUnTRY CLUB 4287 Vámospércs, Boya Dőlő 17.

Telephone: +36 30 408 7271 E-mail: info@boya-eagles-golf.hu Website: www.boya-eagles-golf.hu EURoPEAn LAKES goLf & CoUnTRY CLUB 7532 Hencse, Kossuth L. u. 1–3.

Telephone: +36 82 481 245 fax: +36 82 481 248 E-mail: info@europeanlakes.com Website: www.europeanlakes.com oLD LAKE goLf CLUB 2890 Tata, Remeteségpuszta Pf. 127.

Telephone: +36 34 587 620 fax: +36 34 587 621 E-mail: club@oldlakegolf.com Website: www.oldlakegolf.com

The premiere of golf in Hungary was organised by noB-member (International 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 the 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 is a regular participant in the European Senior Championship, and in the Masters’ Championship 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.

PAnnonIA goLf & CoUnTRY CLUB 8087 Alcsútdoboz-Máriavölgy Telephone: +36 22 594 200 fax: +36 22 594 205 E-mail: info@golfclub.hu Website: www.pannonia-golf.hu PÓLUS PALACE goLf AnD CoUnTRY CLUB 2132 göd, Kádár u. 49.

Telephone: +36 27 332 864 fax: +36 27 332 864 E-mail: golf@poluspalace.hu Website: www.poluspalace.hu 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

HUNGARIAN GOLF FEDERATION 2024 Kisoroszi, Golfút 1.

Telephone: +36 26 592 020 Fax: +36 26 592 019 E-mail: recepcio@magyargolfclub.hu Website: www.magyargolfclub.hu

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Outside of budapest

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 19 th century on, many of Budapest’s attractions show Austrian and French influences. However, the majority of buildings that

make Budapest one of Europe’s most beautiful cities were built in the last third of 19 th and the first part of the 20 th 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

Cricket in Hungary This popular British ball game is characterised by complex rules and the fundamental role of fair play. The first cricket club in Hungary was founded in 2003 in Miskolc, followed by the establishment of the Hungarian Cricket Association in 2007. In 2010, Hungary’s first cricket course was completed in Sződliget, where the Hungarian national team won the EuroT20 championship. Construction of the second course is in progress in Iszkaszentgyörgy, and it will hopefully bring similar victories for Hungary. hungary4cricket.com

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SPoRT

Baseball in Hungary The United State’s favourite sport is played daily in over 120 countries by nearly 100 million official players. It is also immensely popular with children around the world, who play it in empty spaces between blocks or simple soccer fields with cheap gear.

The Hungarian Baseball and Softball federation was founded twenty years ago.

Today, the adult championship is played in three leagues with more than 20 teams. from 2012, the kid’s championship will be arranged in close cooperation with Little League Baseball in three age groups. As part of a large-scale project, the federation is planning to expand its network of contacts to both expats residing in Hungary, and Hungarian communities in the USA in 2012. Their mission is to get as many children involved in the sport as possible and to provide them with opportunities to participate in high school and college study programs and training camps.

More information: www.baseball.hu Chairman of the Federation: dr. Attila Vámos +36 20 943 4678 attila.vamos@baseball.hu

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Polo in Hungary Although polo was first invented over two thousand years ago by nomad warriors, it is only recently that it has become really popular all over the world. In Hungary, polo was introduced by Count géza Andrássy in the 1880s. Memorable wins include the victory of the Hungarian national team in the 1936 Berlin olympics where they beat the german team, considered to be Europe’s best, 16-

6. furthermore, the team of the most successful officer’s club, Honvéd Polo Club won the European championship in 1938. At the time, outstanding players included Count István Bethlen and Miklós Horthy jr. Today, there are several polo clubs in Hungary. The popularity of the sport is partly due to the events associated with the games. www.magyarpoloclub.hu

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BUDAPEST MAP

LUXURY BUDAPEST

shoPPing m Alls in BudAPest

the aQuinCuM hotel

1 ARÉNA PLAZA Website www.arenaplaza.hu Telephone +36 1 880 7010

7 MOM PARK Website www.mompark.hu Telephone +36 1 487 5500

2 ÁRKÁD BUDAPEST Website www.arkadbudapest.hu Telephone +36 1 433 1400

8 RóZSAKERT BEVÁSÁRLóKöZPONT Website www.rozsakert.hu Telephone +36 1 391 5998

3 DUNA PLAZA Website www.dunaplaza.hu Telephone +36 1 456 1666

9 VÁCI 1 Website www.vaci1.hu Telephone +36 1 880 7200

4 HEGYVIDÉK KöZPONT Website www.hegyvidekkozpont.hu Telephone +36 1 951 0578

10 WESTEND CITY CENTER Website www.westend.hu Telephone +36 1 238 7777

5 IL BACIO DI STILE Website www.ilbaciodistile.hu Address Andrássy út 19.

11 ANDRÁSSY úT Avenue of Luxury fashion boutiques

6 MAMMUT Website www.mammut.hu Telephone +36 1 345 8020

12 FASHION STREET Website www.fashionstreet.hu Telephone +36 1 484 1356

3

8

hilton Westend MaMaison andrássy

10 6 st. george residenCe

hotel president

hilton Budapest

iBerostar grand hotel

sofitel Chain Bridge interContinental Budapest Budapest Marriott

4

7

Corinthia hotel

1

11 Queen's Court hotel

9 12

le Meridien Budapest keMpinski hotel Corvinus Buddha-Bar hotel

2 BosColo neW york palaCe

LUXURY BUDAPEST

Essential numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance Break-down service (Automobile club) Central emergency number fire service Police TRAVELLING Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport Terminal 2A Terminal 2B SkyCourt flight information Information Lost and found Airportshuttle(minibus service) Seat reservations Railway stations Déli pályaudvar Keleti pályaudvar nyugati pályaudvar International information Car rental Autorent Avis Budget Ciao Europcar fox Auto Hertz Titan World Wide Taxi A-taxi Budapest Taxi City Taxi főtaxi Rádió Taxi Taxi 2000 Taxi4 Taxi Plus Tele5 Taxi 6x6 Taxi Sightseeing Cityrama EUrama Program Centrum Limousines frank Auto Limuzin Limousine Service Hungary Limo-King Magyarország StarLimo Hungary

104 188 112 105 107

+36 1 296 8108 +36 1 295 3480 +36 1 296 6421 +36 1 296 7000 +36 1 296 9696 +36 1 296 5966 +36 1 296 8555 +36 1 296 5959 +36 1 375 6593 +36 1 413 4610 +36 1 349 8503 +36 40 494 949 +36 70 550 9588 +36 1 318 4240 +36 1 214 0420 +36 30 943 6531 +36 1 421 8333 +36 1 382 9000 +36 1 296 0999 +36 20 992 2137 +36 1 302 0431 +36 20 934 4267 +36 1 433 3333 +36 1 211 1111 +36 1 222 2222 +36 1 777 7777 +36 1 200 0000 +36 1 444 4444 +36 1 333 3336 +36 1 855 5555 +36 1 266 6666 +36 1 302 4382 +36 1 327 6690 +36 1 317 7767 +36 20 319 3138 +36 20 319 3138 +36 1 220 6120 +36 1 788 0138 +36 20 433 8042

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.

+36 1 355 4691 +36 1 311 4439

CULTURE Theatre ticket offices Ticket Express Customer service Ticket Portal

+36 30 303 0999 +36 1 302 2942

+36 1 200 0100 +36 1 267 9602

FINANCIAL SERVICES Lost/stolen credit cards Amex Visa BANKS AXA Budapest Bank CIB Bank Citibank Credigen Deutsche Bank Erste Bank fHB Bank Ing Bank KDB Bank K&H Bank MKB Bank oTP Bank Raiffeisen Bank UniCredit Bank Volksbank bureaux Exclusive Change Western Union EMBASSIES Australia 1126 Budapest, Királyhágó tér 8–9.

Austria 1068 Budapest, Benczúr u. 16.

Arab Republic of Egypt 1016 Budapest, Bérc u. 16.

Belgium 1027 Budapest, Kapás u. 11–15.

Bulgaria 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 115.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1026 Budapest, Pasaréti u. 48.

China 1068 Budapest, Benczúr u. 15.

Canada 1121 Budapest, Zugligeti út 51–53.

Croatia 1065 Budapest, Munkácsy Mihály utca 15.

Cyprus 1051 Budapest, Dorottya u. 3.

Czech Republic 1064 Budapest, Rózsa u. 61.

Denmark 1122 Budapest, Határőr út 37.

Estonia 1062 Budapest, Lendvay u. 12.

Finland 1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 16/A France 1062 Budapest, Lendvay u. 27.

Federal Republic of Germany 1014 Budapest, Úri utca 64–66.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1051 Budapest, Harmincad u. 6.

Greece 1063 Budapest, Szegfű u. 3.

India 1025 Budapest, Búzavirág u. 14.

Ireland 1944 Budapest, Szabadság tér 7.

Italy 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 95.

Japan 1125 Budapest, Zalai út 7.

Korea 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 109.

Lithuania 1054 Budapest, Kálmán Imre u. 1.

Malta 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 100.

Poland 1068 Budapest, Városligeti fasor 16.

Portugal 1126 Budapest, Alkotás u. 53.

Romania 1146 Budapest, Thököly út 72.

Russian Federation 1062 Budapest, Bajza u. 35.

Serbia and Montenegro 1068 Budapest, Dózsa györgy út 92/b.

Slovakia 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 22–24.

Slovenia 1025 Budapest, Cseppkő u. 68.

South Africa 1026 Budapest, gárdonyi g. utca 17.

Spain 1027 Budapest,Kapás u. 11–15.

Sweden 1027 Budapest, Kapás utca 6–12.

Switzerland 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 107.

The Netherlands 1022 Budapest, füge utca 5–7.

Kingdom of Norway 1051 Budapest, ostrom u. 13.

Tunisia 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 24/A. Turkey 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 123.

Ukraine 1143 Budapest, Stefánia út 77.

United States 1054 Budapest, Szabadság tér 12.

+36 1 235 4349 +36 40 333 666 +36 40 303 030 +36 40 477 777 +36 40 242 242 +36 40 248 424 +36 1 453 5111 +36 1 301 3700 +36 40 222 222 +36 40 344 344 +36 40 464 464 +36 40 532 532 +36 1 328 9000 +36 1 373 3333 +36 40 366 666 +36 40 484 848 +36 40 504 050 +36 40 414 243 +36 1 267 0578 +36 80 463 676 +36 1 457 9777 +36 1 479 7010 +36 1 381 0475 +36 1 457 9960 +36 1 322 0824 +36 1 212 0106 +36 1 413 2400 +36 1 392 3360 +36 1 354 1315 +36 1 266 1330 +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 1 301 4960 +36 1 460 6200 +36 1 398 3100 +36 1 351 1179 +36 1 475 1100 +36 1 354 3613 +36 1 413 8200 +36 1 201 7617 +36 1 384 0271 +36 1 332 4748 +36 1 322 9838 +36 1 460 9011 +36 1 438 5600 +36 1 392 0999 +36 1 202 4006 +36 1 460 6020 +36 1 460 7040 +36 1 336 6300 +36 1 212 9400 +36 1 336 1616 +36 1 344 5025 +36 1 422 4120 +36 1 475 4400

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LUXURY CITIES 2013

SHoPPIng DInIng SIgHTSEEIng ARTS nIgHTLIfE l uxury B udAPest 2013 is A Premium lifestyle PuBlicAtion By A Bsolut m ediA z rt. c ontinuously uPdAted, PuBlished once or more A yeAr. AvAilABle everywhere in fine hotels. www.luxury- cities.com sixth edition, 2013 © CEO Balázs Román Publishing Director Ágnes Balla Advertising Dóra Horváth, Ágnes Mihály Editor Patrícia Szabó Proofreading Ian jedlica Design & Layout Absolut Design Studio Group Art Director Attila Dubniczki Photo Production by Absolut Media Print Production Absolut Print Kft. Circulation 10 000 copies International Publisher Luxury Cities Media fZ LLC Middle East.

CEO & Managing Director Thomas Botka for international inquiries please contact publisher@luxury-cities.com ISSn 2060-940X All photos used in this publication are by Absolut Media, Attila Dubniczki, Balázs Herceg, Árpád Pintér, Zsolt Szigetváry, Vexton Kft., Shutterstock unless otherwise credited.

Luxury Budapest 2013 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. All content in this publication is the property of Absolut Media Zrt. and its suppliers or licensors or contributors and is protected by the Hungary and International copyright laws. © Absolut Media Zrt. All rights reserved.

P uBlished By A Bsolut m ediA z rt.

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