presents
spring / summer 2016
LANDMARKS & FESTIVALS
NIGHTLIFE & DINING
AND MORE INSIDE…
Go With Mojo When warm weather arrives in Budapest, MOJO flows throughout the city – and this spring and summer you can experience it everywhere. Visit some of the cityscape’s most iconic monuments for stunning skyline views; see our suggestions on page 4. Dine in the sunshine at terrific terrace restaurants found all around downtown; check out page 10 for our guide. And when you’re ready for a night (or day) out on the town, read our recommendations for open-air drinking destinations on page 22. Your MOJO can lead you to discover all this and much more!
4 10 18 22 28 32 34 38 40
Landmark Views Terrace Time A World of Street Food Hot Days, Cool Nights Sun-splashed Spas In the Zone at Balaton Festival Calendar Transit Basics Hungarian Phrases
This magazine is brought to you by:
If you like what you read in MOJO, check us out every day!
A ll th at m at te r s in B u da p e st, o n lin e .
instagram.com/welovebudapest facebook/welovebudapest.en
Editorial Director: Regina Papp Editor in Chief: Nick Robertson Associate Editor: Petra Berende Graphic Design: Milán Prischetzky Photo Editor: Norbert Juhász Cover Photo: László Balkányi Photography: László Balkányi,
MOJOMAG is produced by We Love Publishing Kft., Budapest, HU Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. (info@welovebudapest.com)
Tamás Kőrösi, Norbert Juhász
All rights reserved
Sales: New Wave Media Kft. (sales@nwm.co.hu), Nikolett Szatmári
MUSE DAVID GUETTA
BASTILLE SIGUR RÓS THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS
THE LUMINEERS SUM 41 PAROV STELAR BAND NICKY ROMERO
YEARS & YEARS M83 CHVRCHES
RÓISÍN MURPHY BLOC PARTY MO/
BRING ME THE HORIZON BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE AND MANY MORE... STAY TUNED! FACEBOOK.COM/SZIGETFESTIVAL | SZIGETFESTIVAL.COM TWITTER.COM/SZIGETFESTIVAL
WELCOME TO BP
Landmark Views
The skyline of Budapest is instantly recognizable thanks to its unique monuments that dominate the cityscape, but several of these iconic structures also provide incredible vantage points that offer sweeping panoramas to their visitors.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Rising high above downtown Budapest, the city’s most central church enchants visitors with its twin bell towers, celestial stained-glass windows, and stately dome – and for those seeking a bird’seye view over the buzzing metropolitan vibe from the middle of it all, there is no better place to visit than the circular balcony that encompasses the dome, accessible via a spiral staircase or an elevator. From this lofty perspective, visitors can spot distant attractions like the Parliament House and the Buda Castle – but it is more fun to wave at the crowds walking almost directly below on nearby Andrássy Avenue and Szent István Square.
Chain Bridge Connecting Buda and Pest since 1849, this
statuesque span was the first permanent bridge to cross the Danube, and immediately after its completion the Chain Bridge became a major Budapest attraction with its iconic lion sculptures and stupendous steel-link suspension system held up by stone arches. When walking across this antique structure, stop at the very center to enjoy nice perspectives over the city’s two sides, bisected by the flowing river – from the northern edge, views include the Matthias Church’s soaring steeple and the Parliament House, while the southern walkway provides sweeping vistas of the Danube Promenade and Gellért Hill.
▼ Citadel Gellért Hill soars dramatically above the
Buda waterfront, and at its peak the colossal Citadel (built by the occupying Hapsburg Empire in 1854 to prevent another Hungarian revolution, and enhanced with the Liberation Monument by the Soviets soon after World War II) is one of Budapest’s prime panoramic hotspots, boasting breathtaking views over the Buda Hills and Pest’s urban landscape while granting an uninterrupted line of sight over the curving Danube and the Elizabeth Bridge. The walk up to this monument is a semi-intense nature hike, so it’s worth taking scenic breaks at any of the many vista points found along the paths leading uphill.
05 40
Erzsébet Lookout Tower As the tallest point of
Budapest, rising 527 meters toward the sky, forested János Hill is a beloved destination for the city’s casual hikers, fresh-air fiends, and anyone seeking a quick getaway from the bustling metropolitan scene. To most easily access the summit’s widespread vistas over the Hungarian capital in every direction, a chairlift provides panoramic rides to sightseers all year long, and from there it’s a quick climb to the century-old Erzsébet Lookout Tower at the very peak, from whence you can admire the city at scale-model size; in clear conditions, the visibility can stretch as far as the High Tatra Mountains to the north.
06 40
▼
Fishermen’s Bastion
This fairy-tale belvedere is the centerpiece of Castle Hill, with its carefully sculpted stairways, parapets, and ramparts built not for defense, but to provide a charming lookout point over much of Buda and almost all of Pest. Now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fishermen’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s postcard superstars – its romantic nooks offer pictureperfect panoramas for sightseeing couples, while its seven graceful towers symbolize the seven Hungarian chieftains who originally led the Magyars to settle in this land. Anyone who wants an even higher viewpoint can scale the steeple of nearby Matthias Church for heavenly city scenery.
funicular Ascend to the Buda Castle plateau in style, gliding upwards amid sprawling sights and rhythmic rattles while riding in the old-fashioned cabins of the second funicular ever built. With its vintage vibe providing a scenic sight that vertically spans the steep side of a historic hill, this gracefully constructed conveyance is comprised of counterbalanced wooden cars that provide a panoramic link between riverfront Clark Ádám Square at the Buda side of the Chain Bridge and the lofty Castle District. During the upward journey, passengers enjoy direct views over the fastflowing Danube before the rooftops of Pest gradually spread out before them.
07
40
THE BIGGEST FESTIVAL ON THE FUTURE IN CENTRAL EUROPE G ET YOUR TI C KET N OW ! www. brain bar budape st . h u
3 – 4 J UN E , 201 6 BUDAPEST, HUN GARY
FESTIVALS
CINEMA
FOOD FAIRS FINE DINING Your up-to-date English-language NIGHTCLUBS BICYCLING COFFEEHOUSES source for insider Budapest info CHECK IT OUT! LANDMARKS EXHIBITS
DESIGN MUSEUMS HOTELS HISTORY WINE BARS AND SO MUCH MORE…
szputnyik shop d 20 VII. BUDAPEST, DOHÁNY U. 20. (2 mins fromt the Great Synagogue) MON-SAT: 10:00-20:00
„Szputnyik shop is a fashion concept that was created by mixing the old and the new, the vintage romantic and the provocative modern style.”
#SZPUTNYIKSHOP
SZPUTNYIKSHOP
szputnyik shop k 22 VI. KIRÁLY U. 22. (Káldy u. 1.) The entrance is in Káldy street, in front of Gozsdu Udvar MON-SAT: 11:00-21:00
SHOP ONLINE: WWW.SZPUTNYIKSHOP.HU
OUTDOOR DINING
Terrace Time
City life moves outside during the warmer months in Budapest, and to fuel all of the alfresco activity, many appealing restaurants welcome guests with spacious terraces for open-air meals – here are some especially tempting outdoor dining destinations.
▲
LARUS Beside a wide-open park
and a tiny vineyard, the terrace of this fine-dining destination in central Buda is an enchanting place for international delicacies like venison sirloin or pan-fried duck breast with port wine sauce. Budapest 1124, Csörsz u. 18/B; larusetterem.hu
▼
PÚDER With wild murals and multicolored
bulbs, the interior design of this offbeat venue is a feast for the senses – but the sidewalk seating area is also a fascinating setting, providing one of Budapest’s best places for people-watching. Budapest 1092, Ráday u. 8; puderbar.hu
JARDINETTE Removed from the hubbub of downtown life, this enchanted garden restaurant is tucked amid the Buda Hills, providing a serenely elegant setting for alfresco meals of Hungarian specialties prepared with French flair. Budapest 1112, Németvölgyi u. 136; jardinette.hu
CORSO Panoramic riverfront views surround this sleekly elegant eatery on Pest’s Danube Promenade, where lushly growing herbs surround the terrace to provide fresh seasonings for world-class dishes. Budapest 1052, Apáczai Csere János u. 12-14; facebook/InterContinentalBudapest
TERMINÁL In a beautiful Bauhaus building that was once Budapest’s central bus station, this creatively stylish restaurant has a huge shaded terrace perfect for watching the downtown bustle while savoring BBQ specialties. Budapest 1051, Erzsébet tér 11; terminalrestaurant.hu
BALTAZÁR Filling a cobblestoned plaza of Castle Hill with rustic wooden tables and wicker chairs, this quaintly cool eatery is a charming place to enjoy hearty Hungarian cuisine made with top-quality regional ingredients. Budapest 1014, Országház u. 31; baltazarbudapest.com
▲
CAFFÉ TORINO On the broad sidewalk beside the Hungarian National Museum’s leafy gardens, diners devour reasonably priced authentic Italian dishes like pasta, paninis, bruschetta, and tiramisu, all prepared by an expert in Tuscan gastronomy. Budapest 1088, Bródy Sándor u. 17
KÉT SZERECSEN Found alongside the theaters of “Budapest’s Broadway”, this casually elegant earth-toned eatery has many welcoming outdoor tables lined by lush foliage, making this a splendid city-center oasis for meals or drinks. Budapest 1065, Nagymező u. 14; ketszerecsen.com
40
11
CAFÉ SMÚZ Blending a flower shop, a café, and a wine bar into one incredibly charming spot, this is an ideal spot for breakfasts or light meals – especially at the sidewalk tables with a panorama of the Parliament House. Budapest 1055, Kossuth Lajos tér 18; smuz.viragneked.hu
KOLLÁZS On the ground floor of the Gresham Palace – an Art Nouveau landmark that houses Budapest’s Four Seasons Hotel – enjoy gourmet dishes on the terrace with views encompassing St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Budapest 1051, Széchenyi tér 5-6; kollazs.hu
PETRUS Delight in delicious bistro cuisine
40
12
at this hidden gem with sidewalk seating beside a tree-shaded park in urban Pest, where quality dishes include lamb sausage with Dijon sauce and beef tenderloin with homemade pasta. Budapest 1094, Ferenc tér 2-3; petrusrestaurant.hu
DÉRYNÉ With its history stretching back
over 100 years, this classic bistro is bustling from morning to midnight with countless regulars; after sunset, the ever-tempting terrace tables are lit by strings of brilliant bulbs. Budapest 1013; Krisztina tér 3; bistroderyne.com
ELYSÉE Once upon a time, this
bistro by the Parliament House was a classic Budapest coffeehouse – and now it is revived with modern style to again serve fine Hungarian meals in the spacious interior or out on the scenic patio. Budapest 1055, Kossuth Lajos tér 13-15; elysee.hu
▲
MAJORKA All during summertime, the tree-shaded
tables of this cherished Buda hangout are crowded with locals day and night, chatting and feasting on great burgers and seasonal lunch specials while sipping cool cocktails. Budapest 1026, Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 16; majorka.hu ◄
CSENDES TÁRS Romantic vibes
flow at this picturesque corner of central Pest’s flower-laden Károlyikert parkland, where guests dine at pinwheel-topped tables for sunshiny breakfasts and lunches, or to share candlelit dinners. Budapest 1053, Magyar u. 18; csend.es/CsendesTars
40
13
GUNDEL This historic restaurant
in City Park is famous for its oldworld interior, but the recently renovated terrace is a timeless haven for leisurely brunches enveloped by beautifully maintained flower gardens and live music. Budapest 1146, Gundel Károly út 4; gundel.hu
GERLÓCZY CAFÉ Summoning the spirit
of a Parisian brasserie with its charming sidewalk-seating area that occupies a hidden downtown plaza, this is a popular spot for breakfasts on sunny mornings, lazy lunches, and early-evening dates. Budapest 1052, Gerlóczy u. 1; gerloczy.hu
ZONA Boasting a selection of over 200
40
14
Hungarian and international wines, this deluxe eatery is a cool destination for cosmopolitan international cuisine, savored by local foodies on the bijou patio overlooking the Chain Bridge. Budapest 1013, Lánchíd u. 7-9; zonabudapest.com
KONYHA At the nexus of urban Pest’s creative core, this laid-back eatery serves as a community center complete with art displays and great music; the sunshiny sidewalk seating is a favorite lunch spot for the city’s visionaries. Budapest 1075, Madách út 8; konyhabudapest.com ▼
TERASZ A panoramic square on the
downtown Pest riverfront serves as a culinary playground of picnic tables, ping-pong, and beanbag chairs, where guests enjoy grilled specialties like pork burgers or rib-eye sandwiches. Budapest 1052, Március 15. tér 2; facebook.com/terasz.M15
VÁROSLIGET CAFÉ In the heart of City Park overlooking grandiose Vajdahunyad Castle, this romantic retreat serves high-quality traditional Magyar meals (like paprika chicken with curd-cheese pasta) on the elevated patio. Budapest 1146, Olof Palme sétány 5; varosligetcafe.hu
40
15
Your sightseeing break spot With thin-crust handmade pizzas And fresh al dente pastas
4 Oktogon Square www.madeinpasta.hu Mon-Sun 10am-10pm
PAStA MAnufActurer And Street fOOd Kitchen
GASTRO TO GO
A World of Street Food
From savory Vietnamese soup to spicy Mexican tacos to succulent Italian pizza, many international types of delicious street food are available in Budapest – here are some premier eateries selling global goodies to go.
FUNKY PHO
Steamy bowls of Vietnam’s iconic pho soup warm Hungarian hearts at this award-winning hotspot hidden on a side street one block away from downtown Andrássy Avenue. Budapest 1066, Mozsár u. 7; funkypho.com
ZING BURGER
America’s most popular handheld feast is cooked with quality at the urban headquarters of this easygoing eatery, or by their fleet of food trucks. Budapest 1068, Király u. 60; facebook.com/zingburger
▼
KARAVÁN
Varied vendors sell tempting international treats amid this outdoor collective of flavorful food trucks, offering assorted global delicacies in one place. Budapest 1075, Kazinczy u. 18; streetfoodkaravan.hu
40
18
◄
BUDDOG
After working in a five-star hotel kitchen, a Hungarian chef launched this fine food truck featuring frankfurters topped with delicacies like pesto and eggplant cream. Budapest 1092, Ráday u. 10-12; buddog.hu
EL RAPIDO
In the heart of downtown’s party district, this tiny taqueria grills Mexican specialties late into every night, all accompanied by a huge assortment of tequilas. Budapest 1075, Kazinczy u. 10; elrapido.hu ▼
BORS
A pair of pro chefs escaped the finedining scene to open this miniature eatery, serving excellent grilled sandwiches and international soups for cheap. Budapest 1075, Kazinczy u. 10; facebook.com/BorsGasztroBar
1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 48., Tel.: +36 1 321 6672 1042 Budapest, Petőfi u. 35., Tel.: +36 1 272 0292
WWW.SUGARSHOP.HU, WEBSHOP.SUGARSHOP. HU
▲
TÖLTŐ
Sausages are a Hungarian specialty, and at this tiny eatery they’re made with haute-cuisine flair, stuffed and topped with worldly ingredients like daikon radishes. Budapest 1077, Wesselényi u. 31; tolto.net
BELVÁROSI PIAC
With its name meaning “Downtown Market”, this historic city-center emporium houses diverse streetfood stands operated by worldclass Magyar chefs. Budapest 1054, Hold u. 13; facebook.com/belvarosipiac
KOLBICE
Inspired by ice cream, this local chain reinvented the serving style of sausages (“kolbász” in Hungarian) by stuffing luscious links in bread cones. Budapest 1075, Dohány u. 5/A; facebook.com/kolbicedohanystr
◄
PIZZA ME
Savor authentic Italian slices topped with great ingredients at multiple locations of this popular pizzeria, all open late every night to satisfy sloshed celebrants. Budapest 1061, Király u. 20; pizzame.hu
40
20
Do you want to have a break during your busy day? Visit us in �e heart of Buda to enjoy our coffee, sandwich and cake selection.
It’s your decision to have a low price breakfast menu at our terrace or simply grab a take away chai latte!
o o rget t D o n ’t fu r co u po n ! o y b r ing
Visit us :
4street Coffee
Móricz Zsigmond Square
www.4street.hu +3619514052
mon-fri 7:00 am -8:00 pm sat-sun 10:00 am -7:00 pm
NIGHTLIFE
Hot Days, Cool Nights
During springtime and summertime across Budapest, plenty of bars and clubs offer spacious outdoor areas that welcome guests day and night – check out these diverse hotspots that are equally fun under sunlight or starlight.
ÉLESZTŐHÁZ Hungary’s best craft
beers flow from the taps of this brickwalled bastion of laid-back lounging, a complex featuring playfully decorated indoor chambers along with a tree-shaded courtyard, and even a beer-themed hostel. Budapest 1094, Tűzoltó u. 22; elesztohaz.hu
SZIMPLA KERT Vintage lamps and inter-
national party people light up the night every day of the week at this pioneering ruin pub with an offbeat local spirit, while the rear courtyard is a nice place for meeting friends in the afternoon. Budapest 1075, Kazinczy u. 14; szimpla.hu
▼
FRÖCCSTERASZ In the middle of Budapest’s most central park, friends gather day and night within a two-story structure that once was the city’s main bus station, now serving as an openair hotspot for bubbly spritzers. Budapest 1051, Erzsébet tér; facebook.com/froccsterasz
AKVÁRIUM KLUB Surrounded by people chatting on the huge outdoor stairs and nearby lawns, this huge city-center venue hosts innovative international bands and top local DJs, to the delight of big crowds in the underground hall. Budapest 1051, Erzsébet tér 14; akvariumklub.hu
▲
CORVIN CLUB On the highest floor of a communist-era department store, the indoor disco of this party place is popular year-round, but the huge rooftop bar is one of the city’s most popular sites for late nights in warmer months. Budapest 1085, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2; corvinteto.hu ◄
FOGAS HÁZ This all-purpose ruin pub
opens well before sunset in summertime, attracting cool clients for conversations in the courtyard before everyone gets grooving late into the night; don’t miss the Lärm electronica club upstairs. Budapest 1073, Akácfa u. 51; fogashaz.hu
HOLDUDVAR Margaret Island, sunlight, moonlight–
these settings surround revelers day and night at this favored hangout for locals and in-the-know city visitors, dating back to a century ago and still a cherished oasis today. Budapest 1138, Margaret Island; holduvdar.net
23
40
A38 SHIP Step aboard this
permanently docked barge on the Buda riverfront, converted into a pleasure ship that rocks almost every day and night with shows by diverse musical talents, while the deck-top bars provide panoramic vistas. Budapest 1117, by Petőfi Bridge; a38.hu
DÜRER KERT This concert venue near City
Park attracts a headbanger crowd with hardcore bands from around the world on multiple stages inside and out, but during the day the garden bar is a relaxed spot for conversations. Budapest 1146, Ajtósi Dürer sor 19-21; durerkert.com
BUDAPEST PARK With a spirit like a miniature music festival, this big summer concert venue welcomes world-famous bands onstage – arrive a little early before the shows to enjoy drinks at one of the bars while watching the sunset. Budapest 1095, Soroksári út 60; budapestpark.hu
▲
40
24
BÁLNA TERRACE Whether it’s noon or mid-
night, the sweeping riverfront views are equally impressive from the recently renovated downtownPest promenade that sets the scene for this openair bar, specializing in huge cocktails. Budapest 1093, Fővám tér 11-12; balnabudapest.hu
GARZONKERT Hidden in the tree-shaded courtyard of an old urban palace by a lively downtown plaza, this locally beloved hangout is splendid for chilling out with delicious food and strong drinks day and night. Budapest 1088, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 3; facebook.com/GarzonKert ÖTKERT Just a short stroll away from the Basilica, enjoy Hungary’s good life at this diversely delightful destination, including a restaurant serving great lunches on the sidewalk terrace and a courtyard dance floor with a retractable roof. Budapest 1051, Zrínyi u. 4; otkert.hu
25
▼
360 BAR High times are guaranteed at this heavenly locale perched atop one of Budapest’s tallest city-center buildings, with an amazing skyline panorama in every direction – an ideal place for lunches, brunches, dinner, and drinks. Budapest 1061, Andrássy út 39; 360bar.hu
40
Meat Boutique is the “best place to be” for meat lovers. Located on the riverbank at Buda side, below the Caste District, in the vicinity of Chain Bridge. This bistro style restaurant offers a wide range of fresh, juicy and delicious meats such as poultry, pork or beef. The view is stunning and the river Danube flows next to your feet. A staggering variety of dishes are available, from deli cold cuts all the way to pork hock, goulash, csevapcsicsa, different kinds of starters, salads, burgers, desserts and kids meal as well.
https://www.facebook.com/MeatBoutiqueBudapest/ http://meatboutique.hu
THERMAL BATHS
SunSplashed Spas No matter what the weather brings, many of Budapest’s historic thermal baths and pool complexes welcome everyone to submerge in Hungary’s world-renowned mineral waters, with expansive outdoor and indoor facilities illuminated by direct sunshine orhuge windows.
40
▲
29
Gellért Thermal Bath ◄
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Europe’s biggest spa complex is one of the city’s most photographed hotspots, both because of its massive outdoor and indoor pools of steaming thermal waters, and because of the extraordinary neo-Baroque edifice that contains them. Uniquely in Budapest, the open-air swimming pools are accessible all year long here, but naturally the balmy conditions of spring and summer draw more sunbathers to lounge amid naturally litstatues – but the building’s internal facilities include several pools of varied temperaturesilluminated by giant arched windows. Budapest 1146, Állatkerti körút 9-11 (in City Park); szechenyibath.hu
Art Nouveau splendor envelops soakers everywhere at this fancifully beautiful thermal-bath complex, attached to its namesake grand hotel that towers beside the Danube River and the Liberty Bridge. Open throughout the year, the elegant interior spa facilities are surrounded by gleaming ceramic artworks and intricate stained-glass windows, sending brilliant beams into the muscle-melting indoor pools – and all throughout the summertime, the sumptuous outdoor area is a family favorite for its spacious hillside sun decks and the gigantic wave pool. Budapest 1118, Kelenhegyi út 4; gellertbath.hu
▲
Dandár Bath
As a reasonably priced aquatic complex tucked within downtown Budapest, this freshly renewed bath – housed in an Art Deco red-brick building – is a longtime favorite among locals. Here guests plunge into curvaceous indoor pools lit by oversized windows throughout the year, while alfresco soaking is savored during summertime in an urban oasis of two new outdoor pools surrounded by lush lawns. Along with the healing dips, visitors enjoy a sauna, steam chamber, and varied treatment services like massages and pedicures, all available for low rates. Budapest 1095, Dandár u. 5-7; en.dandarfurdo.hu
▼
Rudas Thermal Bath
Built at the base of Gellért Hill in the mid-1500s during Hungary’s era under Turkish occupation, this monumental hammam features centuries-old stone-walled indoor pools, but after recent modernization works, a newly-built rooftop hot tub welcomes guests outside for panoramic soaks on the Buda riverfront. However, the most magical vision at this wellness mecca occurs inside when sunrays shine through the colorful round windows that perforate the dome above the oldest octagonal pool, creating beams of vibrant hues to sparkle in the healing waters. Budapest 1013, Döbrentei tér 9; en.rudasfurdo.hu
31 40
◄
Veli Bej Bath
Like Rudas Bath, this hidden spa was also built during Hungary’s period under Ottoman rule, and while its structure reflects a centuries-long history, a complete refurbishment in recent years transformed this into a modern wellness retreat near the city center. Illuminated by sunbeams shining through the central dome’s small round windows, the bath’s mineral-rich waters are perfect for a soothing half-day getaway – and while this rejuvenating refuge doesn’t offer outdoor facilities, the open-air pools of Lukács Thermal Bath await right next door. Budapest 1023, Árpád Fejedelem útja 7; irgalmas.hu/veli-bej-furdo
LAKE BALATON
In the Zone at Balaton
Enjoy fast times and lazy days around “The Hungarian Sea”
Hungary’s most popular vacation destination is Lake Balaton, where generations of Magyars cherish diverse outdoorsy attractions that welcome visitors for recreation and relaxation along its 236-kilometer-long coastline. Nicknamed “The Hungarian Sea”, Central Europe’s biggest lake is an action-packed place during the hottest months, buzzing with sporty activities like sailing, windsurfing, and cycling – but Lake Balaton is equally appealing for lazy-day pursuits like sunbathing and people-watching. Whether sipping wine in sunshine on the north shore’s volcanic hills or making a splash by moonlight at a wild south-coast music festival, you’ll find that Lake Balaton truly offers something for everyone – check out WeLoveBalaton.hu for comprehensive English-language info about events, accommodations, and travel tips for the entire Lake Balaton region.
40
33
Travel from Budapest to Lake Balaton BY TRAIN: Direct rail service is offered daily to several Lake Balaton destinations from Buda’s Déli Station (at Buda’s M2 metro terminus). Trains from Budapest to Siófok (full one-way fare: 2,375 HUF) depart at 7:35am, 9:35am, 11:35am, 1:35pm, 3:35pm, 5:35pm, and 7:35pm, while direct trains from Budapest to Balatonfüred (full one-way fare: 2,725 HUF) and Badacsony (full one-way fare: 3,395 HUF) depart at 8am and 6pm. From Friday through Sunday, people under 26 can receive a 33% discount, while students with proper ID can receive a 50% discount anytime. Certain trains allow passengers to bring bicycles with them for a small charge. Check www.mav-start.hu for English timetable info.
BY BUS: Hungary’s nationwide Volánbusz bus service offers daily service between Budapest and Balatonfüred, Siófok, and Keszthely from Pest’s Népliget Station (at the M3 metro Népliget stop) – however, with frequent stops along the way, this can be a time-consuming means of travel. Bus service is more useful for reaching smaller towns around Lake Balaton from bigger communities with train stops. See www.volanbusz.hu for English details. BY CAR: The easiest way to drive to Lake Balaton is to take motorway M7 west of Buda (don’t forget to purchase a “matrica” highway permit from a gas station before getting on the motorway), which goes directly to Balaton’s south shore; if traveling to a north-shore destination, make sure to exit the M7 at the juncture with main road 71 and turn right. Be aware that traffic jams between Budapest and Lake Balaton commonly occur in both directions during summertime.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Festival Calendar
Many exciting events spice up life in Hungary’s capital, like national holidays, food fairs, art displays, music extravaganzas, and so much more – here are some hot happenings in the city this spring and summer.
Budapest100
16-17 April, multiple locations Get a closer view of Budapest’s grand century-old buildings through thematic guided tours, fascinating photo exhibitions, and spine-tingling attic expeditions when many of the city’s most notable edifices open their doors to welcome architecture aficionados. budapest100.hu ▼
Budapest Spring Festival 8-24 April, multiple locations
Local and international talents of many artistic genres present diverse performances, including classical and folk-music concerts, theatrical productions, and exhibits at many prominent venues citywide, including the Hungarian State Opera House and the Palace of Arts. btf.hu/events
HYPERSPACE Electronic Music Festival 23 April, Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center
Top DJs blast booming beats across the city for this one-night festival, with headliners including Ben Klock and Felix Kröcher from Germany, Marco Bailey from Belgium, Rebekah from UK, Budai from Hungary, and many other prominent electronica virtuosos. hyperspace.co.hu
▼
Gourmet Festival 12-15 May, Millenáris Park
Sample delights from Hungary’s top restaurants at one location, and try the best of local cuisine at this flavorful festival featuring plenty of regional specialties, excellent wineries, and fine confectioneries from Budapest and across the countryside. sziget.hu/gourmetfestival
Budapest Summer Festival
from June through August, multiple locations Summer days bring a great variety of alfresco live performances to the city, including concerts, circus shows, opera productions, and much more, held at the grand amphitheaters of the city’s sprawling open spaces of Margaret Island and Városmajor Park. eng.szabadter.hu
35 40
Brain Bar Budapest 3-4 June, Akvárium Klub
Night of the Museums 25 June, multiple locations
Visit many Budapest exhibitions in one night with an all-inclusive ticket providing access to all participating museums, and enjoy diverse artistic programs organized for this cultural feast. The theme of this year’s event is “Heroes, explorers, and innovators”. muzej.hu
The relationship between technology and humanity gets intense at this pioneering Central European gathering of international innovators, aiming to predict the future by sharing perspectives through varied lectures, roundtable discussions, and free-flowing conversations. brainbarbudapest.hu
Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 22-24 July, Hungaroring
Budapest hosts one of the world’s biggest motor-sports events – the annual Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix – at the Hungaroring racecourse located just outside of the city, welcoming the world’s fastest drivers to rev up their engines and race for champagne-soaked glory. gpticketshop.hu
Red Bull Air Race World Championship 16-17 July, over the Danube in downtown Budapest
Sziget Festival
10-17 August, Óbuda Island One of Europe’s biggest music festivals brings global groovers together for a weeklong party, presenting international superstars – this year including Muse, Bastille, and David Guetta – and acclaimed local performers of all genres, along with countless other attractions. szigetfestival.com
Visitors from all over the world flock to the Danube banks to witness the world’s best pilots compete in a high-speed and low-altitude race of extreme maneuverability, flying under and around obstacles like the Chain Bridge. A breathtaking spectacle like no other. redbullairrace.com
Holiday: Saint Stephen’s Day observance 20 August, honored nationally
Every August 20th, Hungary honors its founding king with a national holiday of festivities and fireworks. These celebrations light up the night all across the country, but Budapest hosts the nation’s biggest St. Stephen’s Day blowout with concerts, kids’ activities, and more. augusztus20.kormany.hu
36
40
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Basics
An excellent public-transportation network covers most of Budapest, featuring metro lines, trams, buses, trolleybuses, commuter trains, ferryboats, and even a chairlift. The city’s public-transportation provider is called BKK (bkk.hu/en), featuring customer-service points with English-speaking staff to help with route information, purchasing tickets and passes, or other transit-related matters. Customer-service point locations include: ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Deák Ferenc Square underpass Keleti Train Station underpass Budapest Airport Terminals 2A and 2B Móricz Zsigmond Square Ferenciek Square underpass Déli Railway Station
Additionally, many public-transport stops feature modern BKK machines with multilingual information for purchasing almost every type of ticket or pass with cash or bank cards. BKK also offers a free journey-planning app that provides schedules and maps on your phone or tablet.
RIDE WITH UBER
NIGHT BUSES
The popular transportation-network app Uber (uber.com) is operational in Budapest – however, like in many countries, this company is facing legality issues in Hungary, so check the site before using their services.
TAXIS
Every taxi company in Budapest has a flat rate. The basic fee is 450 HUF + 280 HUF/km + a 70 HUF/ minute waiting fee. To avoid overcharging, order taxis by phone.
call a taxi +36 1 211 1111 +36 1 222 2222 Taxi4: +36 1 444 4444 City Taxi:
Fő Taxi:
TICKETS AND PASSES
Many types of public-transportation passes for varied time periods are available. Individual tickets (valid for a single one-way ride on any bus, tram, trolleybus, or metro from one terminus to the other or any part thereof) or passes can be used throughout the entire network within Budapest city limits. View bkk.hu/en/prices for complete English-language information about tickets and passes.
MOL BUBI PUBLIC BIKESHARING SYSTEM
Metros and trams run until about midnight and restart at about 5am (except for tram 6, which runs 24/7). A comprehensive system of night buses operates from stops marked with the black-and-white owl symbol. Night bus numbers have three digits from 900 to 999.
Budapest now offers a short-term public bike-rental system with nearly 100 docking stations citywide, providing round-the-clock access to the green two-wheelers. To begin a ride, customers must pay an access fee and a usage fee: the access fee for 24 hours is 500 forints, or 1,000 forints for 72 hours; the usage fee for 30 minutes is free of charge. Tickets can be purchased with bank cards from the touchscreen terminals located at the docking stations, on MOL Bubi’s website, or by using the MOL Bubi mobile app. Visit molbubi.bkk.hu for English-language info.
fines and Ticket inspectors Ticket inspectors patrol the entire BKK system, often checking passes at metro entrances, and sometimes working undercover to do random spot checks on other vehicles. If you are caught without a valid ticket or pass, you must pay a fine (8,000 HUF); you can pay later, but the fine increases to 16,000 HUF, with the inspector taking your ID info and issuing a bill. (If you refuse to provide an ID, the inspector can request police backup.) Fines can be paid or contested at the BKK office at Budapest 1072, Akácfa u. 22. Log onto bkk.hu/en/fines for more details.
TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT To reach Terminal 2 of the Budapest Airport by public transport, take the M3 metro line to the Kőbánya-Kispest terminus, and transfer to airport bus 200E to Terminal 2. Late at night, bus 200E (from 11pm-1am) and bus 900 (from 1am-4am) operates between Terminal 2 and the South Pest bus garage, and from there passengers can transfer to night buses 950 or 950A heading downtown.
Hungarian Phrases Phrase BASIC
Szia/Sziasztok Jó reggelt/napot/estét Hogy vagy? Köszönöm jól/nem jól Mi a neved? A nevem… Beszélsz angolul? Nem beszélek magyarul Nem értem/Nem tudom Igen/Nem Szívesen/Elnézést Sajnálom/Köszönöm Hol a WC? balra/jobbra/egyenesen itt/ott Van egy cigid? Szeretlek Puszi RESTAURANTS AND SERVICES
Szeretnék… Kérek egy pálinkát / bort / sört! Egészségedre! Jó étvágyat! Mennyibe kerül? Egy jegyet kérek Elfogadnak bankkártyát? ESSENTIALS
Segítség! Mentők/Tűzoltók /Rendőrség Bejárat/Kijárat Nyitva/Zárva Információ Tilos Mosdó Férfiak/Nők hétfő/kedd/szerda/csütörtök/ péntek/szombat/vasárnap egy/kettő/három/négy/öt/hat/ hét/nyolc/kilenc/tíz
Phonetics
English translation
see-yah/see-yah-stawk yoh reg-gelt/nah-pot/esh-tet hoj-dj vah-dj keu-seu-neum yohl/nem yohl mi aw ne-ved aw ne-vem bass-eh-l-ss on-goh-lool nem bass-eh-lack ma-ja-rule nem eyr-tem/nem tu-dom ee-gen/nem see-ve-shen/el-ney-zeysht shoy-na-lawm/keu-seu-neum hol aw vey-tsey bawl-ra/yawbb-ra/e-dye-ne-shen iht/oht vahn eh-dj cig-eed sare-at-lack poos-ee
"hi" or "bye" (singular/plural) Good morning/afternoon/evening How are you? Fine, thank you/not well What's your name? My name is... Do you speak English? I don't speak Hungarian I don't understand/I don't know Yes/No You're welcome/Excuse me Sorry/Thank you Where is the toilet? left/right/straight ahead here/there Do you have a cigarette? I love you Kiss on the cheek
se-ret-nayk keh-rack eh-dj pah-lin-cat/bore-t/short ag-eh-sheg-ad-reh yoh-eht-vah-djot men'-nyi-be ke-rewl eh-dj yej-et keh-rack al-fo-gad-nak bonk-kaar-tyot
I would like to/a I would like a pálinka/wine/beer Cheers! Enjoy your meal! How much does it cost? I would like a ticket Do you take credit cards?
shay-geet-sheyg mehn-teuk/teuyz-ol-tok /rend-or-sheyg beh-yah-raht/kih-yah-raht nyit-va/zar-va in-for-ma-tsio tih-losh mo-shdo feyr-fih-yak/neuk hayt-feu/kedd/ser-daw/chew-teur-teuk/ pehn-tek/sawm-bawt/va-shaar-nawp edj/ket-tow/har-om/nedj/ut/hot/ hay-t/nyoltz/kee-lenz/teez
Help! Ambulance/Fire-brigade /Police Entrance/Exit Open/Closed Information Prohibited Toilets Men/Women Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday one/two/three/four/five/six/ seven/eight/nine/ten