Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Hungary / Budapest
 |  | Fact File : Budapest |
|
| | | Budapest | | Did you know?
Some 20% of Hungary's population live in Budapest.
Language
Hungarian
Visas
None required for UK citizens.
Getting there
Budapest Ferihegy airport has flights to and from 30 European cities as well as the USA. There are regular flights from London.
Flying time from London
Three hours
Getting around
The transport system is ageing but highly efficient. All three metro lines are good. Blue buses, yellow trams and red trolley buses will take you wherever else you want to go. Take buses for destinations off the beaten track, trains to major destinations. Summer passenger ferries on the Danube and Lake Balaton.
Currency
The forint (Ft), divided into 100 filler.
Costs
Bottle of beer 30p-40p, roll of 36 exposure film £3.50, moderate restaurant meal £5-£7, litre of petrol 70p, short taxi ride £1.50. Prices will vary.
Weather
Hungarian summers are long and warm, if a little wet at the outset and temperatures range from 10C-26C (50F-80F). Spring is glorious, as is autumn in the hilly regions outside the city. In winter time the temperature drops to -6C-10C (20F-50F).
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT in winter, two hours in summer.
International dialling code from the UK
00 36 1
Voltage
220V, 50Hz AC
Opening hours
Banks are usually open 8am-3/4pm Monday-Thursday, to 1pm on Fridays, but hours can vary. Supermarkets and grocery stores generally open 7am-7pm, also numerous 24-hour convenience stores. Other shops normally open 10am-6pm, half-day Saturdays. Museums are usually closed on Mondays.
Health - Before you go
No innoculations needed.
Health - When you are there
Take mosquito repellent if you're going near a lake or river - otherwise you'll be eaten alive. A sign on a closed pharmacy door will detail the nearest 24-hour one. First-aid and ambulance services are free for UK citizens, but you have to pay for follow-up treatment, so make sure you are insured for this.
Warnings
Beware pickpockets and car thieves/burglars. Crime is increasing dramatically in Hungary, although Budapest is still safer than many Western cities.
Emergency
Police, 107 Ambulance, 104 Fire, 105. British Embassy, V Harmincad utca 6. Tel: 266 2888.
Customs
Win the favour of barmen by enthusing wildly about Hungary's brilliant football team of the 1950s.
Pets
You'll have no problem taking Fido to Hungary, but he'll have to go through quarantine when he returns to the UK.
Tipping
Hungarians tip everybody from toilet attendants to doctors - 10-15% is fine. If a restaurant has a service charge on the bill then leave a modest tip. Don't leave your tip on the table - rude and stupid to a Hungarian. Avoid tipping only if you want to make a concerted protest about the service.
Tourist office
Hungarian National Tourist Office, 46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL. Tel: 020 7823 1055.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Budapest |
|
| |  | | Holiday Apartment Egry
Queit Holiday Apartment in the Center of Budapest, Hungary, with online reservation possibility.
|  | | Nice apartment in the Heart of Budapest
Nice, furnished 2 roomed apartment in Budapest City Center with good public transportation
|  | | Boulevard Apartment Budapest
Up to 6 persons, in 2 bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom. Newly renovated and equipped. Located in the heart of the city by the Great Synagogue and
|  | | Luxury Downtown Apartment
Delightful downtown apartment, furnished with antiques, by the Parliament and the Danube. LCD TV, DVD, internet access and fully equipped kitchen.
|  | | Residence Astoria
Located in a historical building in a very quiet street at Astoria with a beautiful view to the synagoge. Moderly furnished, comfortable for up to 7 people. Has air-conditioning and fireplace!
|
Holiday Rentals in Budapest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
