THE TRAVELLER'S
BUDA PEST
DESTINATIONS ISSUE
04 | JUNE 2023
A COMPREHENSIVE 2-DAY ITINERARY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TOURISM OFFICE OF BUDAPEST
BRITISH AIRWAYS COMPANION VOUCHER \\ GASTRONOMY + MANY MORE
EDITOR'S NOTES
ELEVATE YOURSELF Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, is a destination that captivates travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. From exploring the historic Castle District and iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building and Chain Bridge, to indulging in the city's famous thermal baths and savoring delicious Hungarian cuisine, Budapest offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. With a well-connected public transportation system and a reputation for safety, navigating the city and immersing oneself in its charm is made easy. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a captivating European city, Budapest promises an unforgettable travel adventure. Ez az! Enjoy an enriching travel in BUDAPEST! RODRIGO MANAGING EDITOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02
Editor's Notes
08
Where to stay
04
Intro
10
Itinerary
05
Best time to go
14
Coffee Break
06
The basics
19
Gastronomy
07
Getting around
79
Feature
BUDAPEST (BOO-DAHPESHT) IS EASTERN EUROPE'S GRANDEST GEM.
BEST TIME TO GO
best ? o g o t e tim
As Hungary's capital, and a favourite destination for weekenders and festival-goers, Budapest is famed for offering something to suit all tastes. A hotchpotch of classical and grungy, ancient and modern, historical and contemporary—you will, beyond any doubt, fall head over heels for this city. Best time to visit: Spring (Late March-May) or Autumn (Late September-October) for pleasant weather and lower prices. Avoid August as it is the most crowded and the most expensive. December for Christmas Markets.
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THE BASICS
Currency: Hungarian Forint (Ft) Language: Hungarian Budapest Franz Liszt Airport (BUD) is the main international hub of Budapest. BUS 200E is the Airport shuttle that will take you to Kobanya-Kispest metro station in 30min. Fare: One way 350Ft While BUS 100E connects the airport directly to Deák Ferenc tér central metro station in 35min. Fare: One way 900Ft
pullers are walkable. And the city’s public transit system is also very efficient and convenient, albeit a tad run-down. Fare: Buy the BUDAPEST CARD 48 hours for €33. Check their website for more details here Card Perks: Unlimited use of all Public Transport, Free 2h guided tours for Buda and Pest, Free entrance to 7 main attractions, Discounted rates and entrance fees (over 60partners) Helpful Phrases Thank you : Köszönöm (ko-so-nom) Hello : Szia (si-ya) Yes : Igen (ee-gen) No : Nem Excuse me : Elnézést (el-neh-zesht) Cheers! : Egészségére (eh-ge-shey-ged-reh)
GETTING AROUND
Getting around: Most of Budapest’s crowd-
HOTEL H-1054 Kálmán Imre
BUDAPEST Hotel Parlament is located in a prime location in the centre of Budapest and
utca 19. hotel@parlamenthotel.hu
WHERE TO STAY
PARLAMENT
has been welcoming guests since 2006. It is not far from several popular destinations including walking distance from The Houses of Parliament, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the banks of the River Danube. It is quite an interesting and quirky hotel with artdeco style, comfortable rooms and modern feel. The first thing you notice as you make your way is the interesting and quirky features of the art decor style fittings, with bright colours and gentle surprising curves, and mezzanine floor overlooking the restaurant/bar area. You can see all this before going into the elevator. The double bed was very comfortable and gave us a wonderfully pleasant good night’s sleep. Around the room there were wall to ceiling windows with white drapes and blackout curtains adding that sense of extra space. There was a comfortable sofa and a small table with chairs which was a convenient for watching TV or to have a small snack of fruit from the fresh fruit bowl provided with the room.
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The hotel has a 24 hour concierge with staff who speak multiple languages. Our experience was that the staff were friendly, polite and really helpful if you had any questions about visiting any sites or locations. Near to the reception desk is the business area – which we found quite handy as we needed to print some tickets and passes for our trips. There is also a conference room available for hire for business purposes. For relaxation purposes – there is the wellness centre. Here we found the hotel jacuzzi area with Swedish Sauna. A plus about this was that there was free unlimited access available between 6am and 10pm.
#2DAYSIN BUDAPEST ITINERARY
A comprehensive travel itinerary
BUDA CASTLE
Do’s & Dont’s
Hungarian Palace
Do: Visit at least 1 Bathhouse; Go to the Ruin
Complex Let’s start with some staple Budapest.
Don’t: Exchange money at
Sitting on the southern part of the
the ‘orange’ offices;
Castle Hill—the nucleus of the city’s
Withdraw from Euronet
history—is Buda Castle. Built in the
ATMs
1200s, the castle has undergone many changes and had been rebuilt
So here are the amazing things you can do and see for
History Museum, as well as the National Széchenyi Library, and seasonal festivals.
Pubs; Eat Lángos; Drink homemade Pálinka
National Gallery, Budapest
multiple times, with the dome as its last add-on in the 1960s.
2 days in Budapest. Nowadays, the palace serves as
Go around the complex and be overwhelmed by 8 centuries of history confined in its walls. By Buda Castle Bus or a sporty hike up the river banks, are the 2 ways to reach Castle Hill.
Budapest’s cultural heart, where you can visit the Hungarian
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FISHERMAN’S BASTION For a Faux Medieval Castle
Entrance Fee: Lower parts are FREE. Upper towers 1000Ft and FREE admission from 8pm-9am.
The Fisherman’s Bastion is part of the famous Buda Castle, and prominent for its 7 turrets and
Opening hours: Open Daily.
spires. Don’t be fooled by its medieval look, as this part was only built in the late 19th century. And
Extra: St. Michael Chapel is a hidden chapel under
the main reason why tourists flock this Bastion is
the Bastion where you can watch a 3D show
because of its regal views as well as the plentiful
about Hungary’s history.
photo ops one could take. Tip: Use your Budapest Card for a 10% discount.
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SHOES ON THE DANUBE For a Moving Memorial
After fancying the features of the Chain Bridge, saunter northwards just before the Parliament Building, and you’ll notice about 60 pairs of iron shoes. These shoes—trails of different styles and sizes—were sculpted in memory of WWII victims shot into the Danube. The tribute is one of many across Europe, constantly reminding us that war only brings death and suffering.
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THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 13 / ISSUE 04
SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE The First Permanent Link of Buda and Pest
Head down after taking hundreds of photos at the castle grounds, then cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach the bank of the Danube on the Pest side. Named after Count István Széchenyi who proposed its construction after getting stuck on Pest despite his urgent wish to go to Vienna. In addition to its main purpose, the Chain Bridge has its fair share of history—its destruction in 1945 being the most notable one.
EXPLORE THE WORLD 2 DAYS AT A TIME
Regardless of its masculine structure (stone and suspension), the bridge is of elegant and sophisticated design. When you cross it, delight in all its small details, the Danube flowing underneath you, and the gorgeous panoramic view of Buda and Pest. Tip: Take the Funicular for remarkable vistas on your way down to Chain Bridge.
www.thetravellersdestinations.com
JUNE 2023
COFFEE BREAK
CAFE PARISI LOTZ HALL For a Fanciful Coffee Break Recover from the melancholic memorial and the vastness of the Hungarian Parliament by sitting in Budapest's most sumptuous café. Situated in an old Casino turned Art Nouveau Department Store, Café Párisi has such a pristine setting you’ll feel like royalty enjoying high tea.
CAFE PARISI LOTZ HALL For a Fanciful Coffee Break Where else would you go for this plush experience? Their menu, served on special porcelains, offers everything you need for a cozy yet opulent coffee break. Take all the time you need here, ogle at the chandeliers, mirrors, and paintings while munching on your chosen cake. Business hours: 9am-9pm. Open Daily. Price: 1900-2500Ft
THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 16 / ISSUE 04
HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT FOR NEO-GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
Walk a bit more towards the North and you’ll notice an imposing, symmetrical structure to your right. This is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. When the 3 cities united to form the present Budapest, the Hungarian Diet wanted a new building to express the sovereignty of the city as well as the nation. The Parliament Building’s main façade look out onto Danube, creating a stately image. Not only is it magnificent on the outside but also its interiors boast of equally grand designs and decor. You could spend hours appreciating every single furnishing, but don’t dawdle too long as you still have plenty to see and do!
JUNE 2023
SZÉCHENYI THERMAL BATH With
15
thermal
baths
rich
in
calcium,
magnesium, and other minerals, coupled with
The Largest Medicinal Bath in
temperatures reaching 40°C, this particular place
Europe
has been an all-time favorite of visitors. It is indeed
Move on to your next stop for further pampering. Thanks to more than a hundred thermal springs in Budapest, its early occupants (the Romans and the Turkish) dimmed it wise to make proper use of these bath waters. Széchenyi is one such bath, the biggest and the most complicated among all its counterparts.
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a water wonderland, good for your health and joints. Do: Bring your own swimwear; Play Chess on the water Business hours: 6am-10pm. Open Daily. Price: Check here JUNE 2023
IPARMŰVÉSZETI MÚZEUM The World’s 3rd Oldest Applied Arts Museum
It’s safe to say that Budapest is an architecture-haven. You’ve had a sampling of several styles on your first day ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical. As for your 2nd day, you’ll be visiting the most extravagant Hungarian Art Nouveau building. Built in the 1890s, with designs influenced by both western and eastern culture, the architect was able to create an impressive structure like no other. Tip: Pay close attention to the porcelain roof tiles as they were manufactured by the same company providing tableware to Café Párisi. By METRO: 1) Take M3; 2) Alight at CORVIN-NEGYED station; 3) Follow ÜLLŐI ÚT street westward.
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happy me, happy food! For Hungarian Folk Food and Culture
Budapest Október 6. utca 16 1051 +36 1 796 3285
GASTRONOMY
urban betyar
Urban Betyar For Hungarian Folk Food and Culture
Food and tradition come together at Urban Betyár, a restaurant, museum and event venue in the heart of the city centre. In their endeavor to present Hungarian food in the most mouthwatering way, the place’ focal point is the dishes’ presentation. It is ambitious since Hungarian food is closely associated with the rustic, countryside. But you’ll see, once inside the space is definitely inviting and feels modern, adorned with unique fixtures. You can definitely expect to be treated with famous Hungarian dishes with a refined twist. By METRO: From the Applied Science Museum, Take M3; Alight at ARANY JÁNOS UTCA station; Follow ARANY JÁNOS street westward; Turn LEFT on OKTÓBER 6 street.
THE TRAVELLERS DESTINATIONS PAGE 11 / ISSUE 01
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY HUNGARIAN ART IN ALL GENRES Lodged in Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery showcases local artwork from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. While the collection mainly features paintings, there are also a number of sculptures on display. The Gallery could be another excuse for you to go back to Castle Hill, and a chance to retake some photos for your Instagram ;)
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SZIMPLA KERT For the Grungiest Bar Ever
Szimpla’s aesthetic is out of this world. The owners literally saved a ruined factory building from demolition and kept it as is. So when you
Located in the Jewish Quarter, with an obscure
use the loo, you’ll wonder if you’re in the right
entrance especially hard to locate in the dark,
place since everything is in a state of decrepitude.
Szimpla Kert is the king of ruin pubs. Its popularity
You could spend years reading the graffiti
led to numerous new ruin pubs popping up in
covering every centimeter of its walls. You could
Budapest. Originally started to offer cheap drinks
spend eons wondering what could the original
in a somewhat relaxed vibe, Szimpla has grown as
object a piece of ‘decoration’, or furniture have
a top tourist destination, drawing in a young
been—a bathtub being the easiest one to guess.
crowd. Business hours: 12pm-4am. Open Daily
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RODRIGO MONZON The American Express British Airways Travel Companion Voucher is a highly coveted perk that sets the card apart as a top choice for frequent travelers. This valuable benefit allows cardholders to bring a companion on a reward flight, paying only the taxes and fees. It opens up a world of possibilities for creating unforgettable travel experiences with loved ones. With the Travel Companion Voucher, cardholders can double the value of their Avios points by utilizing the voucher for a companion's ticket. This means that when redeeming Avios points for a flight, the cardholder can bring along a companion without using additional points. It's a fantastic way to make the most of your rewards and share the joy of travel with someone special. The voucher is valid for two years from the date of
issue, providing ample time to plan and book your next adventure. It can be used on British Airways operated flights, including both economy and business class, making it flexible and adaptable to your travel preferences. This means you can enjoy the luxury of premium cabins or explore new destinations together in economy class, all while maximizing your rewards. The American Express British Airways Travel Companion Voucher opens up a world of travel possibilities and ensures that you can create lasting memories with your travel partner. Whether you're jetting off on a romantic getaway or embarking on a family vacation, this perk adds incredible value to your travel experience. It's just one of the many reasons why the American Express British Airways card is a favorite among frequent travelers who seek convenience, flexibility, and unforgettable adventures. What are you waiting for? Click here to join!
FEATURE STORY
AMERICAN EXPRESS BRITISH AIRWAYS TRAVEL COMPANION VOUCHER: UNLOCKING BOUNDLESS TRAVEL POSSIBILITIES
MEET THE Rodrigo Monzon Managing Editor
Eunice Pabines Writer, Photographer
Clover Ngo Photographer
Adam Meakin Writer
TEAM
THE TRAVELLER'S DESTINATIONS A
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SYDNEY X MELBOURNE JULY 2023
a holiday magazine that contains dozens of very interesting tourist destinations for you to visit on holidays or weekends with your family
