What does Budapest look like? In a word or two: exciting, surprising. With a rich history, beautiful skyline and awesome nightlife, Budapest is a great destination to suit all travel tastes. Ancient history and recent past, charm and elegance come together to make up Hungary’s capital, home of two million people.
The city is divided in two by the Danube, The flat east bank is Pest, vibrant and lively, with its museums rich in cultural and historical treasures, extraordinary Secessionist architecture, its majestic Parliament building considered as one of the most magnificent in the world, its entirely renovated Jewish Quarter and the elegant 19th-century mansions that today contain the shops, bars and cafés.
The hilly west bank is Buda that radiates calmness and peace with Ottoman-era thermal baths and the cobbled medieval quarter with its royal palace and multi-coloured Matthias Church.
Some fall in love with Budapest at first sight, others will only become devotees after a longer stay, but no-one denies that it is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world.
Come and discover Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube”!
Climate
Budapest has a mild continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with low overall humidity levels but frequent rain showers, while the winter is cold and snowy. July and August are the hottest months.
Currency
The official national currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF) which is convertible. The exchange rates applied in Budapest banks, official exchange offices and hotels may vary.
1 EUR = approx. 360 HUF but it varies on daily basis.
Passport and / or visa
A valid ID or Passport is required for entry into Hungary for participants from the European Union. For participants from other countries, a valid Passport is required. Participants from some countries may require a Visa for entry to Hungary. Please check with your local Hungarian Consulate or Embassy or access the website of the Hungarian Consular Service at http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/en
Time Difference
Hungary is in the Central European Time Zone (GMT+1).
Daylight saving time: runs between the end of March and the end of October (CET+1/GMT+2).