On which river is the capital of Hungary. Which country is Budapest in

Modern Budapest is the settlements of Buda, Obuda and Pest, once united at the end of the 19th century. Budapest stretches on the banks of the deep Danube, dividing the capital of Hungary into western Buda and flat Pest. This is how a pearl arose on the bank of a full-flowing river - the capital, incomparable with any other European city in its beauty and splendor of architecture. Opposite parts of the capital surprise tourists with their beauty - the streets of old Buda differ sharply from the avenues.

More than two million people live in the metropolis today. The bulk of the population of Budapest is Hungarian by nationality, most of whom are adherents of the Catholic faith, there are a large number of Protestants and Orthodox.

Most Hungarians outside their country live in the United States - one and a half million people. Hungary is home to about nine and a half million Hungarians. This accounts for ninety three percent of the country's population.

Megapolis

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, on the one hand, and the country's major metropolis, on the other. Of the nearly ten million population of this small state, almost twenty percent live in the capital. In terms of population, the city of Budapest is in eighth place in the European Union. Residents of Budapest have been migrating recently, moving from the bustling center of the metropolis to the remote rural areas of the country. Information about the population of Budapest is constantly changing.

Time in Budapest: minus two hours from Moscow time.

Modern metropolis

Budapest is the leading political, economic and cultural center of the country. It lies on the banks of the Danube River: two-thirds is occupied by Pest, and one-third by Buda. The city stretches twenty-five kilometers from north to south and twenty-nine from east to west. The lowest point of the metropolis is the Danube, the highest point of the city is Mount Gellert.

Half of the country's industry and the lion's share of foreign trade are concentrated in Budapest. Historically, all the country's railways originate from Budapest. Seven highways of national importance also begin here.

Budapest is also the largest tourist destination in the country. Many monuments of the city are included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

The unique appearance of the Hungarian capital is largely due to the territory in which it is located. The full-flowing Danube, through which many bridges of unique beauty have been built, divides the capital of Hungary into two large parts. On the one hand, there is mountain Buda, recognizable by tourists for its medieval buildings (Royal Palace, white towers. Panoramic windows of the palace offer a beautiful view of the immense Danube and another part of the metropolis - Pest, which today has become the center of the cultural, financial and political life of the Hungarian capital.

The city has about three hundred bus routes, thirty-four tram and sixteen trolleybus routes. The city has three metro lines, including the oldest in Europe.

Population density

The population of Budapest is over one and a half million people. This is more than twenty percent of the population of Hungary.

The population density in the metropolis is just over three and a half thousand per square kilometer. In Hungary, the population density is only one hundred and eight people per square kilometer. Where is the largest population, Hungary or Budapest? Due to such density, it seems that there are more people in Budapest, at least per square meter for sure!

National composition

Population of Budapest by ethnic composition: 91.2% - Hungarians, 1% - Germans, 0.8% - Roma, Slovaks - 0.3%.

It is interesting that everything that the Hungarians hear is accepted by them as truth. Many people believe that even if the Hungarians say outright nonsense, they will carefully write it down and execute it, while the Germans, for example, think over every word and love to criticize.

Hungarians are quite friendly people, quickly making contact with strangers and tourists. Already at the second meeting, the Hungarians can easily invite you home or invite you to their birthday. They always turn to "you", using a bunch of informal words when talking, even with strangers.

Hungarians are very polite and tolerant.

The population of the capital is divided by religion into followers of the Roman Catholic faith (45.5%), Calvinists (12.6%), Lutherans (2.6%), Greek Catholics (1.6%), Jews (0.5%) ), atheists (19.5%).

National language

Hungarian is the main language in Budapest. It is completely incomprehensible to tourists from our country. Hungarian is perhaps the only modern major language in European countries that is not of Indo-European origin.

This language belongs to the Finno-Ugric family, within which it, together with the Mansi and Khanty languages, forms the Ugric group. In Europe, Finnish and Estonian can be considered remotely similar.

According to polls, 22% of the inhabitants of the capital of Hungary know English, 16% - German, 4% - Russian, 3.2% - French.

Most residents of Budapest speak only one language - their native language. Those who have tried to study it know how difficult it is to learn. However, the use of any Slavic, English and German will not make communication with the indigenous people any easier - the Hungarian dialect is quite unique, difficult to understand by ear and requires a long painstaking study for several months.

It is the language barrier that makes life difficult and sometimes impossible for emigrants in Hungary. Without fluency in the official language, it is difficult to find a job, go to supermarkets, and solve household problems. English and German know little only in recreation areas, largely due to the fact that these foreign languages \u200b\u200bare taught at school as additional lessons. The inhabitants of Budapest do not know the Slavic languages \u200b\u200band are offended if they are addressed to them. Almost no Hungarian knows them well enough.

The character of Budapest

The city determines the character of its inhabitants. Budapest people are very friendly, cordial and hospitable people. They are open to everything new. At the same time, Budapest residents are careful about their history.

Tourists visiting the capital of Hungary note the cheerful and perky nature of the local population. They really amaze guests with their positive attitude and cheerfulness. At the same time, Budapest residents are distinguished by high spirituality. From an early age, they pay attention to the careful preservation of the traditions of their ancestors.

Budapest people are very welcoming. They quickly win over tourists. One of the surprising facts is that locals welcome even strangers on public transport. It is customary to greet everyone here. If the eyes of two unfamiliar Hungarians are crossed, they will certainly greet each other. For some time tourists have to get used to the fact that they will have to say hello to the indigenous people everywhere. Greeting in men consists in a strong, warm and one-time handshake, a hug is possible only with relatives, and it is often accompanied by a kissing on the cheeks. Shaking hands is found not only among male residents, but also among women who do it softer, but longer. Women in Budapest introduce themselves to men, thereby expressing their respect, although it is preferable for each other to be represented by a common acquaintance of Budapest. It is worth noting that personal acquaintance, according to the rules of local etiquette, is allowed only in urgent need, although it takes place under extreme circumstances. During acquaintance, it is customary to report first the surname, then the first name.

The population of modern Budapest is very romantic. People treat each other and their city with tenderness and care. This is the real reason that Budapest is full of charm. The capital of Hungary is called the city of music and dance. Various national holidays and festivals take place in Budapest to continue the year.

It should be noted that another hallmark of the population of Budapest is a passionate love for dancing. It is not for nothing that the townspeople spend their leisure time attending dance schools, because they are especially partial to this art form.

A fun pastime is, in principle, a character trait that distinguishes the indigenous population of the country and Budapest in particular. People love to spend their leisure time in dance schools. Although for residents of rural areas such entertainment seems to be unique, since they have much less opportunities for such active recreation than townspeople. It is not difficult for an ordinary tourist to find himself at a noisy Hungarian dance festival by chance.

Climate

As you know, the climate (the number of sunny days per year, the proximity of the sea) shapes the character of the local population. The location of Budapest is very favorable. The climate of the capital of Hungary is quite mild. Extremely low or high temperatures are rare in the city on the Danube River; winters are short and not cold, while summers, on the contrary, are very hot.

Interests of the residents of Budapest

The center of Budapest is already so filled with tourists that the residents themselves do not always feel comfortable in their city. Because of tourists, sometimes the answer to the question of where the population is more, in Hungary or in Budapest, is ambiguous. There are always a lot of guests in Budapest.

Here is an example of places that are loved by the local population of the modern city of Budapest:

• The population that lives in Budapest has its own way of soaking in the waters of the springs. First, Budapest residents bask in a tank of warm water, then go into a hotter bath, then go to the steam room, and from there, after a short shower, jump into cool water. The bathhouse is open to men on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The bathhouse is open for women only on Tuesday. Hungarian representatives of the fair sex try to visit the bathhouse every Tuesday and chat with each other here. On weekends, both men and women can visit the bathhouse. On Saturday, the baths are open until four in the morning, which once again underlines their popularity among the population of the city of Budapest.
• Own Borozó and Söröző. In Borozó, wine is poured for relatively little money, in Söröző - beer. Tourists usually bypass these establishments. The regulars of these establishments are the local population of Budapest. The range of such establishments is small. What should a tourist drink? First, the palinks. This is a kind of Hungarian fruit brandy. Secondly, "Bitter Unicum".
• Butter Brothers bakery. It is located near the market in the center of Budapest. The population loves this place for excellent coffee, silence, homemade cakes and delicacies.
• Lehel Market. There are few people in Lehel and the range of Hungarian products is huge. Tourists should not walk around the market.
• Cafe-club Lumen. A small club gathers the population of Budapest on the Miksat Kalman square. All avant-garde and jazz lovers come here. As we noted above, the capital of Hungary is a city of dance and music!
• Bock Bisztro. In your favorite restaurant in Budapest, you should definitely try goose liver sushi and other tricky dishes of the chef, who in his ideas relies solely on traditional Hungarian cuisine.
• Franz Liszt Academy of Music. On Sundays in the lunch area, tourists should take an English-speaking guide through the Academy of Music and learn a lot about the composer's work. The most amazing thing in Franz Liszt's life is that, being Hungarian, he never learned his native language and never spoke it. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Frankfurt. Franz Liszt's Liebestraum # 3 has long been used as a ringtone in Nokia phones. The composer had a long hand covering almost two octaves. This is an incredible Hungarian.
• The mountains.

The mountains

On weekends on the hills of Buda, you can meet many couples with children. In sunny weather, Budapest residents walk in the mountains, have picnics, and walk their dogs. In the mountains of Budapest, you can walk along planned routes of varying difficulty, ride a bicycle, ride a railroad or go up to the observation deck on a lift.

The most famous mountain in Buda is Norma. The name of the mountain was given by Bellini's opera; in the 19th century, an aria from the opera of the same name was sung under an old beech. There are several cafes on the mountain where you can have a tasty snack and drink decent coffee. Here you can change to the railway and get to the observation tower, and then go down from it.

Local kitchen

So what does the local population of Budapest like to cook and eat?

• Goulash. Nowhere is goulash so delicious as in Budapest.
• Libamay. This is a foie gras-type goose liver. Libamai is served both cold and hot. Delicate, airy and melting in the mouth.
• Duck. Budapest people know game and poultry. Duck is cooked perfectly in Budapest. If a tourist orders fried duck breast or leg, he will not fail. Perfectly cooked duck, properly roasted, crispy and juicy - that's class!
• Chicken paprikash. Chicken with paprika, stewed in thick sour cream sauce. Served with small dumplings. The dish is simple but iconic.
• Halasle - fish soup with paprika and tomato sauce. Baked trout is also very popular in Budapest. If you like fish from rivers, it's worth a try.
• All kinds of sausages and sausages. They are sold at street stalls.
• Langos is a typically Hungarian fast food. A yeast cake, fried in oil, and on top of some kind of filling, most often grated cheese. Tasty, satisfying, cheap and cheerful.
• Krimmesh. Traditional Hungarian cake. Two or three layers of puff pastry, and between them a thick, thick layer of custard.
• Dobosh and Esterhazy cakes.
• Shomloy dumplings. Pieces of biscuit with custard, cream and sweet syrup. The dessert is reminiscent of tiramisu.
• Chestnut puree used to prepare various desserts. It is often found in the menus of cafes and restaurants in the autumn, during the chestnut season.

Special ingredients and the Hungarian way of cooking make Hungarian dishes hearty and spicy. The main ingredient is paprika powder, which gives a unique taste and orange color to local dishes. Do not mistakenly think that red pepper dishes are too hot. For the most part, sweet paprika is added to stews, goulash, chicken with paprika, and hot peppers are usually served separately.

So, Budapest people know how and love to cook both game and fish! They can treat the guest with hearty goulash, liver melting in the mouth, fried chicken. Their table is full of food and the doors are open for guests.

Notable residents of Budapest

Budapest is home to many famous people:

• Actress Shari Gabor was born in Budapest on February 6, 1917. She got her name in honor of the Hungarian actress Shari Fedak. In 1936, she won the Miss Hungary pageant, but was disqualified for being underage. A year later, she went to play at the Vienna Theater.
• Carinti Frides was born on June 25, 1887 in Budapest. He is a Hungarian writer, one of the most popular authors in the country in the first decades of the last century.
• John was born on December 28, 1903 in Budapest. He is a Hungarian-American mathematician of Jewish origin. He made important contributions to physics, logic, functional analysis, computer science, and other branches of science.
• was a famous American illusionist, hypnotist. He was born on March 24, 1874 and became famous for exposing charlatans and complex tricks with escapes and liberation.
• Theodore Hardin is known as Hardin or under the pseudonym Dash, the younger brother of Harry Houdini. Born March 4, 1876.

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is one of the main places among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its appearance harmoniously combines Gothic, Venetian, Byzantine and modern building elements.

Budapest is located in the central region of Hungary, on the two banks of the majestic Danube. Until 1873, the city included three separate settlements: Buda, Pest and Obuda. After the unification of the settlements into one large city, it was decided to give it a name, combining parts of the names of these points. It is interesting that in the word "Budapest" both parts are of Slavic origin: "buda" is translated as a building, a house, and "pest" is a stove, a hearth.

The city is inhabited mainly by Hungarians (over 90%), about 1% of the inhabitants are Germans, almost 0.8% of the population are Roma, and the rest of the inhabitants belong to other nationalities. The confessional composition of Budapest is quite variegated. The majority of people (about 63%) consider themselves to be in different directions of Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy). Almost 20% of the city's population consider themselves atheists. The rest of the inhabitants are adherents of other beliefs.

Modern Budapest is a major cultural, scientific and industrial center of Hungary. The main educational institutions of the country are located here. It also houses over 170 exhibition halls, museums and theaters.

The main sectors of the economy of Budapest are mechanical engineering and metalworking. In addition, the city has well-developed textile, clothing, light, food and chemical industries. It is in Budapest that the main office of such a large pharmaceutical company as Gedeon Richter is located.

The world-wide fame of the capital of Hungary was brought by the famous mineral springs, of which there are more than 80 in the city. It is interesting that Budapest is the only capital in the world that has received the official status of a resort. In this city, both young people and the elderly will find entertainment to their liking. Budapest is perfect for families and children.

Climate and weather

The weather conditions in Budapest are due to the moderate continental climate. This area is characterized by short and very mild winters with average daily temperatures of -5 ° C. Sometimes at this time the thermometer drops to -15 ° C.

Summer in Budapest is long and hot enough. The warmest month is called July, when during the day the thermometer rises to +30 ° С, and night air temperatures rarely drop below +18 ° С.

Atmospheric precipitation in Budapest rarely falls, mainly in spring and autumn. Their annual number does not exceed 600 mm.

Most tourists prefer to visit Budapest between April and October. The optimal air temperature and lack of precipitation allow you to focus on relaxation and sightseeing of the unique sights of the Hungarian capital.

Nature

Beautiful Budapest enchants foreign tourists not only with its magnificent sights, numerous mineral springs, but also incredibly beautiful nature. The capital of Hungary is located in the lowland, which is surrounded on all sides by the Alps, the Carpathians and the South Slavic mountain ranges. Budapest is located in a tectonic fault, which leads to the presence of many famous thermal springs. There are about 80 mineral springs in the Hungarian capital.

The majestic Danube crosses Budapest from north to south, and at the same time divides the city into two parts: Pestand hilly I will... Interestingly, there are seven beautiful islands on the river within the city.

sights

Of course, the main attraction not only of Budapest, but of the whole country, is the Parliament building, erected at the end of the 19th century. The neo-Gothic style of construction has become a kind of symbol of the Hungarian capital.

Not far from this most recognizable building in Budapest is the largest temple in the Hungarian capital - St. Stephen's Basilica, also built at the end of the 19th century.

In the Buda Hills, pay attention to the famous mountain Gellert, Cathedral Matyusha, Buddha Fortress and Fisherman's Bastion. The most interesting for tourists is the church Matyusha, which is named after the first king of Hungary, crowned here in 1458.

One of the most remarkable buildings in western Budapest is the Royal Palace, built in the 13th century. Today it houses the Museum of History and the National Art Gallery.

The bridge is considered the symbol of Budapest. Count Széchenyi. Locals also call it Lion or Chain. This bridge is a replica of London Bridge Hammersmith.

While in the capital of Hungary, you must visit one of the most stunning avenues in the entire world - Andrássy... This street was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredibly beautiful unified architectural ensemble. The main building of the avenue Andrássyis undoubtedly considered the Opera House, which is one of the best in all of Europe. The city park is located nearby "Varoshleget". Here, during his reign, the Hungarian king Mattloved to hunt hares and foxes. Today the park is the most favorite recreation place for local residents and guests of the capital.

There are a large number of museums and galleries on the territory of Budapest. The most visited tourists are the Hungarian National Museum and the Aquincum Museum. The latter contains interesting exhibits (sculptures, sarcophagi, coins, jewelry and other items) related to the culture of the ancient Roman city, which was once located on the territory of modern Budapest.

Food

In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, along with the national one, almost all the cuisines of the world are presented. The most famous restaurants in the city - "Gundel" and "Zhebro". The first is one of the ten best restaurants in the world. Opened almost 120 years ago, this establishment today faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the 19th century. Here you can taste world-famous Hungarian dishes: goulash, paprikash, perkelt, cabbage rolls, halasle, pancakes a la Gundel, served with nut filling with chocolate sauce and rum. Interestingly, Hungarian goulash is a soup, and the usual dish called “goulash” in Hungary is called “perkelt”.

The most high-profile event in the life of the Hungarian capital is rightfully considered the Formula 1 Grand Prix stage taking place in August. This event gathers a huge number of people.

Budapest's bustling and fun nightlife is reminiscent of the fun in other European capitals, such as Amsterdam. The city has a huge number of nightclubs, bars and discos. Almost all clubs are open until the morning and gather a huge number of people.

Purchases

Many tourists, coming to Budapest, tend to buy dozens of cute souvenirs for their family and friends. The most popular shopping centers and souvenir shops among foreign tourists are WestEnd City Center, Duna Plaza, Auchan, Mammut, Tesco. In the large city market, you can buy a variety of goodies ranging from spices to Hungarian wines. Here you can buy the famous Tokay wine and Unicum balsam.

Most often, foreigners buy Hungarian porcelain, crystal, ceramics, national clothes, marzipan figurines, textiles with unique handmade embroidery, as well as wines and spices.

On the central streets of the Hungarian capital, you can find a huge number of jewelry and antiques shops. The most popular are items made of silver and gold.

Almost all shops in Budapest are open from 10:00 to 18:00. And on Saturday, the working day is reduced to 13:00. On Sunday only the doors of especially large shopping centers and supermarkets are open. Calculations are made in Hungarian forints. Many shops also carry out non-cash payments.

Transport

The transport system of Budapest is well developed. Public transport is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro. In the Hungarian capital, there are as many as three metro lines, about 200 bus routes, 14 trolleybus and 34 tram lines. Tickets for all of these types of transport cost about 0.55 €. Interestingly, Budapest's tram routes are recognized as the busiest in the world. And the Budapest metro is considered the oldest on the entire continent.

A large international airport named after F. Liszt is located near Budapest. The Hungarian capital is connected by air with major cities of the country and neighboring countries.

By rail, Budapest is connected to major cities not only in Hungary, but throughout Europe. There are three railway stations in the city. The cost of tickets for suburban trains does not exceed 5-10 €, and for interregional trains - 20 €.

There is also a children's railway in Budapest. Its first terminal station is connected to one of the tram lines, and to the second is a cogwheel railway. The latter is another attraction of Budapest. It differs from the conventional railway by the presence of a rack between the traditional rails, which allows additional communication with the rolling stock. In Budapest, this road leads to the summits of the Buda Hills.

In addition to the cogwheel railway, there are several other special modes of transport in the Hungarian capital, namely the cable car and the funicular. The cable car can be used to climb and descend from Mount Janos. Tickets for it cost about 3 €.

The funicular of the Buda Castle is especially popular with foreigners. During a trip along it, tourists can observe the amazing natural landscapes of Budapest. Tickets for this vehicle cost approximately € 3 for adults and € 1.5 for children.

The Danube is considered one of the main waterways of Western Europe. Therefore, river transport is well developed in the capital of Hungary. In Budapest, you can take an unforgettable trip on the river trams and pleasure boats.

Among other things, in Budapest you can take a taxi. On average, taxi drivers charge 1.2 € for a landing and almost 1 € for each kilometer. By the way, you can also rent a car. To do this, you must have an international driver's license, passport, driving experience for at least one year. The driver must be over 21 years old. It should be noted that the quality of roads in Budapest deserves the highest praise. An excellent asphalt surface is present on almost all city streets, even far from the center. Traffic in the Hungarian capital is right-hand. Drivers in Budapest adhere to a rather aggressive driving style, so a foreigner needs to be extremely careful.

Communication

The communication and telecommunication system in Budapest has been intensively developed, especially after Hungary's accession to the European Union. Throughout the capital, there are multiple payphones that operate on coins or T-Com calling cards sold at any major retail outlet. For an international call, you will have to pay about 0.8 € per minute.

If your trip to Budapest promises to be long, then it makes sense to purchase a SIM card from local mobile operators. Here several operators provide communication of GSM 900/1800 standards at once: T-Mobile, Vodafone and Telenor... One minute of conversation on a cell phone will cost only 0.15 €. By the way, all of these operators support roaming of the world's largest mobile companies. The same operators offer residents and guests of the Hungarian capital to use mobile Internet services. Depending on the volume of the selected traffic, the cost of this type of communication is approximately 10 € per month.

On the territory of Budapest, there is a huge number of internet cafes with Wi-Fi. It should be noted that such internet can be found in large shopping and entertainment centers, as well as in restaurants and hotels. Sometimes Internet access can be paid (about 2 € per hour). The usual connection costs much less - about 0.7 € per hour of work.

Safety

Budapest is considered one of the safest capitals in the European Union. The overall crime rate is quite low here. However, as in any other large city, you should not lose your vigilance in crowded places where there is a huge possibility of pickpocketing. It is better not to take especially large sums of money, valuables with you on excursions, but to leave them in the safes of the hotel or hotel.

The sanitary conditions in Budapest are quite favorable. There are no dangerous tropical infectious diseases here. However, the quality of tap water, despite the implementation of treatment measures, is extremely unsatisfactory. Experts recommend using bottled water or boiling it before drinking. When buying fresh fruits or vegetables in stores or markets, be sure to rinse them.

Business climate

All Hungary, and Budapest in particular, is a great place to do business. State authorities promote the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the city. To attract foreign investment to the capital of Hungary, the reporting and accounting system was significantly simplified, a low tax burden was introduced, and a number of laws were adopted that regulate the relationship of foreign enterprises. Such changes in the country's legislation could not go unnoticed. Numerous investors flocked to Budapest with a huge number of business proposals. The Hungarian capital is recognized as the best city in Europe for the registration of offshore companies.

Tourism is considered the most popular sector of the city's economy. Most foreign businessmen opt for this particular field of activity. The excellent location of the city, mild climate, urban areas rich in thermal springs, favorable legislation - all this attracts hundreds of investors from all over the world to Budapest.

The property

The real estate market in Budapest is one of the most stable in the whole of Central Europe. The desire to purchase living space here is due to several factors. Firstly, the capital of Hungary is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In addition, urban infrastructure and transport are well developed here. Secondly, real estate prices in Budapest are much lower than in the capitals of neighboring countries. The cost of apartments in the Hungarian capital ranges from 1300 € to 2300 € per square meter. Elite housing will cost a little more (about 2500-4000 €). The most expensive area of \u200b\u200bthe Hungarian capital is Pest, as the commercial and financial center of the city. Here, an apartment with an area of \u200b\u200bno more than 40 m 2 will cost about 70,000 €.

A large number of foreigners who come to Budapest for a long time prefer to rent a separate living space. As a rule, apartments in the city center, located next to the metro line, are especially popular. Today prices for rental housing (one-room apartment) fluctuate around 200-350 € per month in the city center, and no more than 200 € in a residential area of \u200b\u200bBudapest.

For the safest vacation in Budapest, you must adhere to some rules of conduct in the capital of Hungary. Any foreigner who comes to Budapest must respect the local population and its traditions. When communicating with residents of the Hungarian capital, it is not customary to talk about personal topics (about family, work, health, salary, etc.). Nor can we discuss the way of life of the Hungarians and their Slavic neighbors.

Foreign visitors to Budapest need to be careful about their belongings in crowded places and in transport. There is no need to brag about large sums of money, expensive jewelry and valuable items on the street. You should not walk along the night streets of Budapest in districts remote from the center, especially alone. It is worth exchanging foreign currency only at state exchange offices.

When purchasing souvenirs for your relatives, it should be borne in mind that, in accordance with Hungarian legislation, export without paying an additional duty is allowed for 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages, 5 liters of beer and 500 grams of tobacco. It is allowed to export various spices and seasonings without any restrictions. For the unhindered export abroad of things and items of historical and cultural value, jewelry and antiques, you must issue an appropriate permit in the store.

Budapest - the capital of Hungary and the largest city in the country Budapest is home to approximately one fifth of the entire population of Hungary (about 2.2 million people). About half of the residents are Catholics, one third are Protestants. The lowest point of the city is the Danube (97 m above sea level), and the highest is Mount Janos (529 m above sea level). Budapest is divided into 23 districts and covers an area of \u200b\u200b525.6 square kilometers. The area of \u200b\u200bpest (351 square kilometers) is much larger than Buda (174 square kilometers). 182 square km of urban area is occupied by residential buildings, 45 square km. there are industrial facilities, water area - 30 square km, fields, forests and meadows occupy 67 square km. The length, average width and depth of the Danube within the city, respectively: 28 km, 40 m, and 5-6 m. The Danube waters within the capital are washed by several islands: in the north - about. Szentendre, in the south - a group of small islands, including Margaret Island - a favorite resting place for townspeople, and in the extreme south - Csepel Island. The Danube banks are connected by 8 bridges.

History of Budapest
It is difficult to determine the date of birth of the city. Perhaps, the Celtic fortress (oppidum), which was built on Gellert Hill and on the Fortress Hill, should be taken as a starting point? Or maybe the city was founded by those Celts who discovered a thermal spring on the site of the current bath of Romai and even gave a name to their settlement? On the Pest side, the first traces of settlements were left by the Romans; for protection from the barbarians, they built the city of Kontrakvink (square 15 March). Or maybe the year of foundation should be considered 1259, when the chronicle first mentions three settlements together: Buda (Vetus Buda), New Buda (Nova Buda) and Pest (Castrum Pest), which now constitute the core of the metropolis?

Budapest consists of three historically formed parts - Pest, Buda and Obuda, united in one city in January 1872. On the site of Buda and Obuda, which, like Pest, were first mentioned in 1148, there was a settlement of Celts in antiquity, and then in the 1st-4th centuries. Roman settlement of Aquincum. By the time the Hungarians appeared (about 895), Slavic settlements existed on the territory of Pest. During the 11th and 13th centuries, Pest was a significant trade center. In 1241 Buda, Obuda and Pest were destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars. In 1242 Buda became the capital, and from 1350 - the residence of the Hungarian kings. In 1541-1686 Buda, Obuda and Pest were under the rule of the Turks, and from the beginning of the 18th century under the rule of the Habsburgs. During the revolution of 1848-1949, the population of Buda and Pest played a significant role. In 1867, after the formation of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Budapest became the capital of Hungary. After World War II, in 1949, its suburbs were included in Budapest: Csepel, Ujpest, Kispest, Budafok, etc.

On January 1, 1950, 7 cities and 16 settlements were annexed to Budapest, and the number of districts at once increased from 10 to 22. Now the area of \u200b\u200bthe city is 525 square meters. km, of which one third falls on the share of hilly Buda, and two thirds - on the share of "flat" Pest. In 23 districts of the city, as of 2003, there are almost 1.72 million people. Half of the country's industry and the bulk of foreign trade are concentrated here. All the highest government bodies are located in Budapest, from here all railway lines and seven of the eight highways of national importance begin. Throughout the centuries, the history of the city is inextricably linked with the history of the country. After the Hungarians found their homeland, around 900, one of the princely tribes settled on the territory of what is now Obuda and the island of Csepel (Obuda es Csepel-sziget). However, during the Arpad dynasty, the capital was in Esztergom and Szekesfehervar. After the Tatar invasion (1241), King Bela IV began to build a fortress on the present Fortress Hill (1255). Later, the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos was erected and a medieval city was built. During the reign of Sigismund (1387-1437), Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, Buda became an important European city. Under Matyash Hunyadi (Hunyadi Matyas 1458-1490), a monarch who loved science and art, the city became even richer. After his death, the splendor of the royal court faded, and with it the city fell into decay. In 1541 Buda was occupied by the Turks for 150 years. In 1686, after several unsuccessful attempts, the Turks were expelled both from Buda and from all over the country. At the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, many baroque palaces, churches and residential buildings that have survived to this day were built in Pest and Buda.

In the 19th century, the development of the economy received an impetus. On the initiative of Jozsef, Viceroy of the King of Hungary, the Commission for the Decoration of the City was created, as a result of which work was carried out to improve the city on a modern (for that time) basis. The construction of a truly modern city - at least on the Pest side - was "facilitated" by the Danube. The flood on March 15, 1838 destroyed about five hundred buildings, on the site of which new city blocks were built. In 1866 a tram line was laid from the Inner City to Ujpest. In 1874, a gear-driven tram was launched, the third mountain tram in the world operating on this principle. In 1888, a tram was already running from the Western Railway Station to Kiraly utca Street, and the first subway on the European continent was built by 1896, to celebrate the millennium of the Hungarians finding their homeland. In 1920, a peace treaty was concluded in Trianon, according to which the territory of the country was reduced, and Budapest grew as a result.

As a result of the rapid development of culture and art, as well as thanks to the increasing popularity of medicinal baths, the city has taken its rightful place among the European capitals.

Sights. Guided tour of Budapest

It is best to start your acquaintance with the city with the openwork bridges of the Danube embankment, each of which is a wonderful piece of architecture. The oldest bridge is Lanchid ("Chain Bridge"), which was built in 1849. Also a good starting point for city tours is the central square of the capital, which bears the name of the Holy Trinity. In the middle of the square is the Holy Trinity Monument, erected in memory of the victims of the plague in the early 18th century. The main decoration of the square is the famous Matyash temple (1247), which became the wedding place and burial vault of many Hungarian kings. One of the main attractions of the Buda Fortress, the Fisherman's Bastion ("Halasbashtya"), is located next to it. Its viewing platforms offer a magnificent view of the Danube and Pest. In this part of the city it is also interesting to visit the Church of St. Anna and the mausoleum of Gul-Baba Turbe (1543-1548), the tomb of a Turkish dervish revered as a saint. In the southern part of the Fortress Mountain rises the massive ensemble of the Royal Palace (built in 1790 on the site of the palace destroyed by the Turks during the capture of Buda in 1686), which today houses several museums. The most popular of these is the National Gallery ("Namzeti Gallery"). Almost under the entire territory of the Fortress District, there is a whole system of natural caves, converted in the Middle Ages into wine cellars and fortifications. The beautiful chapel of St. Michael, the tower of the Church of Mary Magdalene, the unique Museum-Pharmacy "Golden Eagle", the Hungarian Museum of Trade and Hospitality, the Israelite Chapel, the Telephone Museum, the Museum of Music History and many interesting galleries are also located here.

St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the main attractions and the largest church in the city, with a capacity of 8,500 people. Consecrated in 1905. The Holy Hand, the relics of the right hand of the first Hungarian king Istvan, is kept here. The right tower houses the largest bell in the country - its weight is 9 tons. The Nagyteten Palace Museum of the Saraz-Rudnyanski family is a fine example of Baroque architecture (18th century). Parliament (1885-1904) - one of the largest currently operating parliament buildings in the world - in a building with an area of \u200b\u200babout 17.7 thousand square meters. m., there are 691 rooms, steam heating was also installed here for the first time. The style of the building is extremely unusual - there is eclecticism, and a mixture of neo-Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The Hungarian crown and coronation regalia are kept here.
At the very top of Mount Gellert (235 m.), The Citadel (1850) was erected with a 40-meter Freedom Monument at its walls, and at the foot of the mountain there is one of the most famous Hungarian baths - "Rudas", built on a source of healing thermal water, which was known throughout Europe already during the reign of the Arpad dynasty. In addition to one of the most distinctive hotels in Budapest, the complex also includes an outdoor pool surrounded by a park, as well as an original pool with foamy water and an opening roof. The former Citadel barracks now house a restaurant, a brasserie and an espresso cafe.

In the Varosliget Park (City Grove) there is the Széchenyi Bath (1913) with a beach - the largest hydropathic establishment in Europe, next to which in 1896 an ensemble of 21 buildings was built, demonstrating Hungarian architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque - "Vaidahunyad" fortress. Opposite the fortress, on an area of \u200b\u200b13.5 hectares, one of the oldest zoos in the world (opened in 1866) and the Botanical Garden are located, in which there are more than 4 thousand species of animals and about 10 thousand species of plants, all of which contain in conditions as close as possible to their native environment. Nearby there is a 31 m high minaret that serves as an observation platform. In the neighborhood of the zoo is the "Merry Park" - the Hungarian "Disneyland".
There are also the Transport Museum, the Capital Circus and the Petofi Hall, which houses the Aeronautics Museum. The western border of Varoshliget goes to Heroes' Square, in the center of which stands the Hungarian Millennium Monument. It was built by 1896 for the holiday, but at the beginning of the century some of its sculptures were replaced. The center of the ensemble is a 36-meter column with a winged statue of the Archangel Gabriel at the top and statues of the leaders of seven Hungarian tribes who came to the territory of present-day Hungary in 896. On both sides of the column there is a semicircular colonnade with bronze statues of prominent figures of Hungarian history. On the left, on Heroes' Square, stands the building of the Museum of Fine Arts.

Between the Arpad and Margit bridges there is the Margaret island - another attraction of the capital. Its length is 2.5 km, and the greatest width is 500 m. It is a favorite resting place for Budapest citizens and guests of the capital. There are two high-class hotels on the island, many restaurants and cafes, the Palatinus beach, and here you can stroll through the charming Japanese garden, near which there is a summer theater, where annual summer theater festivals are held. Here are the ruins of a Franciscan cathedral, a female Dominican monastery, the Church of St. Michael, an old water tower, a "musical well" that plays every hour, and a sports center.

Parallel to Margaret Island, on the western bank of the Danube, is the most ancient district of the capital - Obuda ("Old Buda"), which to a much greater extent retained its old appearance - small houses in the Baroque and late Rococo style, narrow shady streets with small taverns and restaurants. Thoroughly protected monuments, such as the Main Square ("Föther") or the remains of the buildings of the ancient Roman settlement of Aquinca - "Aquincum" with an excellent museum, which stands next to the ruins of the civil city of the Romans, remind of the past. But the most interesting is the amphitheater of the military city near the museum - one of the largest amphitheaters in the Roman provinces.

Among the main museums in the capital, the National Historical Museum of Hungary, the Hungarian Art Museum and the Hungarian National Museum of Natural History, as well as the palace complex with a Gothic-style temple in Buda and the Parish Church in Belvaros - the oldest building in Pest (even metric records from 1688 have been preserved here) g.). During the era of Turkish rule, the church remained the only Christian church in the capital - all the rest were destroyed or rebuilt. Pedestrian street Vaci is another tourist center of the capital, there are many shops with folk and modern clothes, as well as many shops selling "national Hungarian treasure" - goose pate, salami, Tokaj wine, Unicum liqueur, cherry palinka, marzipan figurines and street vendors with souvenirs.

Budapest is a resort city

The fact that the capital of Hungary is at the same time a place of relaxation, and a resort, and a place for treatment makes Budapest a unique city in the whole world. In the bowels of the earth under the city, there is a sloping dolomite layer, in the cavities of which thermal medicinal waters are collected. In the Budai part of the city, they lie right at a depth of 1000 meters. The fault line of the dolomite layer stretches along the Danube channel from north to south for 10 kilometers, outside the city. Thermal springs with a water temperature of 24 - 75 ° C are formed along the fault, the total water content of which reaches 70 million liters of water per day. The Celts have already paid attention to this feature of this territory. Later, the Romans built a real resort city here with a dozen baths. On the basis of archaeological excavations, it was possible to establish that the Romans even knew the source, which was located on a small island, located once in the north of the island of Margaret. Later, during the regulation of the Danube channel in 1867, this islet disappeared.

The Hungarians also began to use medicinal springs. Already in the written monuments of 1178, it is written about the high, developed balneological culture of this area. In the XVI century. during the Turkish rule, there was a flourishing of baths and pools, completely uncharacteristic at that time for Western Europe. During the reign of the Turkish pashas, \u200b\u200b9 new baths were built, and many of the previously existing ones were rebuilt. The baths, built in Pest, disappeared without a trace, information about them came down to us exclusively from written monuments.

In most of the baths you can find pools with warm water of different temperatures, steam baths and saunas. The baths have clinics with specialists - balneologists. The thermal waters contain large amounts of limestone, sulfur, magnesium and radium. They are suitable for the treatment of rheumatic, cardiovascular, gynecological and other diseases. Patients can be treated with water and water procedures. Healing thermal springs today feed 12 medicinal baths.

Thermal waters collecting in cavities along the fracture of the dolomite layer form three large groups of springs. Research has shown that they are all related. This was noticed when one of the sources was shut off, and as a result, the water content of the other sources also decreased significantly.

The high culture of the baths was written not only by Hungarian historians, but also by foreign travelers, ambassadors and scientists in their travel notes, they also spoke with admiration for this unique city boundary.

Entertainment
Amadeus Restaurant
After a 4-year hiatus, the famous Amadeus restaurant has reopened in Budapest. All dishes here look delicious, smell attractive, and their taste will surpass your wildest expectations!
Located in the city center, the restaurant "Amadeus" offers the best dishes of Hungarian national cuisine as well as fresh seafood dishes prepared according to the unique recipes of Milos, the restaurant owner and artist. Milos was also involved in the design of the restaurant, the interior turned out to be really stylish and fashionable. A large selection of wines from the best Hungarian producers, pleasant live music. If we talk about the combination of all factors: convenient location, comfort, tranquility and friendliness, a varied menu and reasonable prices, then Amadeus is a truly unique place, be sure to visit it!
Amadeus etterem
V. Apaczai Csere Janos utca 13
1052 Budapest
Phone: 266 5419
Working hours: 18.00 - 02.00

Nosztalgia Restaurant
New trendy restaurant in the city is always an event. Moreover, Budapest has long accommodated, though not a large number of elite restaurants, but in this case, as they say, the quality is preferable.
One of the newcomers to the city's restaurant industry is Nosztalgia Restaurant, located in the very center of the city on the site of a Russian cuisine restaurant that has sunk into oblivion. A new restaurant, these are new rules, a new interior and a new cuisine, however, the owners of Nosztalgia decided not to neglect the Russian client, who for a long time got used to a cozy place in the very center of the city and decided to leave several Russian dishes on the menu. These include jellied meat and, of course, Siberian dumplings, as well as some types of snacks. It is also worth mentioning the ensemble, which plays "live" music every evening and whose repertoire contains quite a few good-hearted Russian-Soviet works. Music sounds here every day from 19:00, and you can indulge in dancing, be it waltz or tango, from 22:00.
Nosztalgia Etterem
V. Oktober 6 utca 5
1051 Budapest
Phone: 317 2987, 318 9000
Fax: 266 3310m Email: [email protected]
http://www.nosztalgiaetterem.hu
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 12.00-24.00
Saturday 18.00-24.00

See also:

The importance of Budapest for Hungary can hardly be overestimated. This city is home to two million people, that is, about one fifth of the country's population. It is the center of political power, finance, culture, an important transport hub. Starting your walk around the city from the Castle Hill, you will understand why Budapest was named “the pearl of the Danube”. Majestic buildings and long, curving bridges look especially beautiful in the glare of the fireworks. Castle Hill (Varhegy) is the most prominent point of the Buda area with its old mansions and a huge palace overlooking the Water City. Buda and Pest are teeming with attractions including museums and galleries, restaurants and bars, and various entertainment venues.

There are many nightclubs here, but many of the townspeople get up early and return home by 22.00, resting at lunchtime in pastry shops and bars. You can plunge into Budapest life in the thermal baths (gyogyfurdo). With a regular ticket, you can spend three hours in the pools, saunas and steam rooms (gozfurdo), and for an additional fee, such pleasures as mud baths (iszapfurdo) and massage (masszazs) are available. Each of the 23 districts (keruletek) of Budapest is indicated on maps, street signs and addresses with Roman numerals: for example, the number V stands for Belvaros in Pest and I stands for the Castle district in Buda.

The city has three main stations, connected by metro lines to the central Deak ter station in Belvaros, the center of the Pest district. The majority of international trains arrive at Keleti station, including from Vienna, Bucharest, Zagreb and, as well as domestic trains from and. Trains come to Nyugati station from Bratislava, and to Deeli station there is only one train from (from Westbahnhof station), one from and domestic trains from and from Lake Balaton. From Ferihegy Airport (named after Liszt Ferenc), a minibus will take you to your place of residence (orders for travel are accepted in the terminal building). Taxis are quite expensive, so it's best to pre-order.

The central bus station is located in Nepliget (blue metro line 3), and buses serving international and Danube routes come here. The Stadion bus station (red metro line) serves the routes of the East Danube zone, and the Arpadhid bus station (blue metro line) serves the Danube bend. Hovercraft from Vienna dock on the Belvaros quay. The best source of information is the hospitable Turinform bureau (daily 8.00-20.00), which is located at the Deak ter metro station at Suto 2 street, behind the large yellow building of the Lutheran church. Other branches of Turinform operate on Liszt Ferenc ter (daily 9.00-19.00) and in the castle area on Szentharomsag ter (daily 9.00-21.00).

Similar organizations are Vista Tourist Center, on Paulay Ede 7 (Monday-Friday 9.00-20.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00-18.00) and Budapest Tourist at the metro station opposite Nyugati Station (Monday-Friday 9.00-16.00). Current events are published in Budapest In Your Pocket, which can be found in hotel lounges and bookstores. At travel agencies, hotels and at the main metro stations, you can buy a Budapest card (for two and three days) for unlimited travel on public transport, visits to museums and various discounts. You can get maps for free from the travel agency, but it is better to purchase the atlas of Budapest from newsagents, bookstores or Tourinform offices.

There are three metro lines in the city (daily 4.30-23.15), crossing at the Deak ter station. You can hardly get lost if you learn to recognize the following inscriptions: bejarat (entrance), kijarat (exit), vonal (line) and fele (towards ...). The basic ticket for € 0.60 (or € 0.70 if you buy it on the bus) is valid for travel on the same metro line or for one trip by bus, trolleybus, tram and HEV commuter train within the city limits. In the metro, you can also buy a ticket for a trip of 0.50 cents for a trip with three stops and a combined ticket for a transfer to another metro line. Tickets are also sold at street kiosks, which must be punched at the entrance to the metro station or to the bus, trolleybus and tram.

Downstairs at the escalators are often on duty with controllers who check tickets and, if necessary, charge a fine. Buses (busz) with red numbers do not stop at all stops, but those marked with a red letter "E" go non-stop from the departure station to the final one. They all run approximately every ten minutes, as do trams (villamos) and trolley buses (trolibusz). Night transport (marked with the black letter "E") runs at intervals from thirty minutes to an hour. You can buy a card (price 5 and 10 euros for one and three days) or a book of ten or twenty tickets - do not tear them off, as they are valid only in the form of a book. Taxis such as Fotaxi and Citytaxi operate in the city. Taxis can be caught on the streets, but it's cheaper to order a car by phone.

Accommodation in Budapest

Hotel accommodation is not cheap (payment is usually accepted in euros). When in town, contact Vista Visitor Center, Paulay Ede 7. You can reserve a place in the hostel at the Hungarian Association of Youth Hostels at Keleti Station. Private housing in a business center costs from 25 to 50 euros per day or more during peak season.

Groups of tourists can rent apartments or apartments at prices ranging from 40 to 60 euros during peak season. The best areas are considered to be V, VI, VII in Pest and the castle area in Buda. The apartments can be reserved at IBUSZ, Ferenciek tere 10 (Monday-Friday 8.15-17.00) and To-Ma Travel Agency, Oktober street 6 22.

• Hostels in Budapest

1). Hostel Aquarium - A clean and fun place with kitchen, laundry and free internet. Young, welcoming staff. Located 10 minutes walk from Keleti train station. A place in a dormitory room costs 10 euros. There is a double room. Location: Alsoerdosor 12;

2). Back Pack Guesthouse Hostel - A charming establishment with a shady garden located just 20 minutes walk from the center. It provides information about the city and organizes treks to the mountains and caves. Tram 49 or bus 7 to the Tetenyi ut stop in Buda. Place in a shared bedroom 7-10 euros. There are rooms for two. Location: Takasz Menyhert street 33;

3). Hostel Best - Former apartment 5 minutes walk from Nyugati Station. Places in dorms and rooms are offered. Location: Podmaniczky street 27, 1st floor;

4). Mellow Mood Hostel - A hospitable establishment located in the city center with 270 beds (there are rooms for two, six and eight). A place in a dormitory room costs 12 euros. Location: Becsi street 2;

5). Museum Guest House Hostel - Located behind the National Museum, next to the central bars and cafes. Three clean bedrooms with seven to eight beds on the floor. Free internet access. Location: Mikszath Kalman ter 4, 1st floor;

6). Hostel Red Bus - A clean, quiet establishment with no special amenities, but in the very center. At Red Bus Books next door, you can swap books. Accommodation is offered in dorms and rooms. Location: Semmelweis street 14;

7). Hostel Yellow Submarine - A compact, cozy place with cheap dorms and a bustling shared kitchen. 10 minutes walk from Nyugati. Accommodation is offered in dorms and rooms. Location: Terez korut 56.

• Hotels and pensions in Budapest

1). Hotel Villa Abel Panzio - Fantastic villa built in 1913 with art nouveau decor, located in a quiet street half an hour walk from Belvaros. There are only ten rooms here, so you need to book them in advance. Cash discount. Location: Abel Jeno street 9;

2). Maria and Istvan Hotel - Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, shower and toilet. Location: Ferenc korut 39;

3). Pension Medosz - A comfortable establishment located in an ugly building, but in a convenient location (near Oktogon). Location: Jokai ter 9.

• Camping in Budapest

1). Camping Csilleberc - Spacious well equipped campsite with bungalows nearby. Not far from the last stop of bus 21 (from Moszkva ter). Open all year round. Location: Konkoly Thege M. ut 21;

2). Camping Romai - Huge space near the road to Romaifurdo (25 minutes by HEV). Possibility to use the nearby pool is included. Open all year round. Location: Szentendrei ut 189.

Attractions in Budapest

The overall appearance of the city is determined by the Danube River: Pest is located on the eastern plain, while Buda descends along the western bank. The historical center of Buda is the Castle Hill with the royal palace. The commercial center of the city (Belvaros) is located in Pest. The construction of the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest in 1849 led to the rapid growth and unification of the city in 1873.

• Western part of the capital - Buda

Buda with its palace buildings, ancient spiers and huge statues among the rocky hills looks very romantic from the side of the embankment. The Castle Hill is easily accessible via the Chain Bridge, opened in 1849 - it was the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest. From the lively Clark Adam ter square on the west side, you can climb to the Castle Hill by the 19th century funicular - Siklo (daily 7.30-22.00, ascent 2 euros, descent - 1.80 euros). You can also take the metro to Moszkva ter station, and from there take the Varbusz bus.

By noon, the Szentharomsag ter in the center of the area is filled with tourists, onlookers and souvenir sellers. The backdrop of all this bustle is the bizarre asymmetric Matthias Church (Monday-Saturday 9.00-17.00, Sunday 13.00-17.00). This magnificent temple in the medieval spirit was erected in the 19th century on the remains of a building from the 13th century, which survived a hundred and fifty years of Turkish rule (during which it was turned into a mosque) and the siege of 1686, which ended with the expulsion of the Ottomans.

Next to the church stands the equestrian statue of King Stephen, who forced his subjects to convert to Catholicism, thereby introducing the country to Western European culture. The Fisherman's Bastion, or Halaszbastya (daily mid-March - October 8.30-23.00), is a white rampart with galleries and seven turrets overlooking the Parliament.

Medieval architecture is characteristic of Orszaghaz Street, in the northern part of which is located the pseudo-Gothic tower of Mary Magdalene, which houses an art gallery, dominates the Kapisztran ter square. South of Szentharomsag ter, the street widens as it approaches the Buda Palace. Fortifications and living quarters built by Belaya III after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century were replaced by even more luxurious palace buildings.

The last reconstruction was undertaken after the destruction of the Second World War. The central part of the palace (wings B, C and D) houses the National Gallery (Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-16.00 / 18.00), where works of Hungarian art are kept. Gothic stone carvings, medieval altars and colorful murals fill the ground floor, while 19th-century paintings are featured at the top. On the far side of the Lion's Courtyard in Wing E is the Budapest History Museum (10.00-16.00 / 18.00 daily).

Finds from the prehistoric period are displayed on the top floor, while other relics are displayed below, in the marble rooms of the Renaissance. The Water City (Vizivaros) - narrow streets between Castle Hill and the river north of the Chain Bridge - was once a poor quarter of fishermen and artisans. Today it is an area of \u200b\u200bsecluded mansions, accessed by stepped alleys from the main street of Fo.

To the north are the Kiray baths with four copper domes (men's days - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 9.00 to 20.00, women's days - Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7.00 to 18.00). To the south of the Water City rises Mount Gellert (Gellerthegy), which is crowned with the Liberation monument left over from the Soviet era, and the Citadel, a small fortress erected by the Habsburgs after the revolutionary events of 1848-1849. Now in the fort, where several exhibits are kept, there is a hostel, as well as a new bar with a terrace and an expensive restaurant.

Along the southern slope of the mountain, past the Jubilee Park, the path leads to the Gellert Baths (next to the hotel of the same name). The most famous city baths were built in 1913. The majestic lobby continues with the main pool (Monday-Friday 6.00-19.00, Saturday and Sunday 6.00-17.00 / 19.00). Visiting only the thermal baths (which close earlier on weekends) is cheaper, but it's worth seeing this entire stunning complex.

To the north, near the Erzhebet Bridge, there are the Rudas men's baths (Monday-Friday 6.00-19.00, Saturday and Sunday 6.00-13.00) - Turkish baths, the interior of which has changed little since 1556. The ironically nostalgic park of communist sculpture (Szobor-park, daily from 10.00 to sunset) is located on the same bank. The monumental statues of Marx, Engels and Lenin are worth seeing here. This is area XXII, where there is a direct bus from Deak ter (daily July-August 10.00, 11.00, 15.00, 16.00; March-June, September-October 11.00 and 15.00, November-February 11.00, 7-9 euros round trip).

• Eastern part of the capital - Pest

Pest is the busier and busier part of the city. Its architecture and layout mainly date back to the end of the 19th century, when there was extensive construction of boulevards, public buildings and residential buildings (the millennium was celebrated in 1896). In the cosmopolitan Belvaros, foreign speech is often heard, and there are shops where you can buy the latest fashion items. The main square of Pest, Vorosmarty ter, is filled with street artists, illusionists, violinists, and many cafes.

Particularly famous is the Gerbeaud café-pastry shop, a favorite of the late 19th century high society. The most chic shopping street in Budapest - Vaci leads from the square to the southern part of the city parallel to the river. Past the Teatro Pest, where Liszt made his debut with a concert at the age of 12, crowds of tourists rush to the Ferenciek tere. Here is the Parizsi udvar ("Parisian gallery"), a house decorated with arabesques and stained-glass windows that houses the café-pastry shop and the IBUSZ travel agency.

Vaci Street leads to the Main Market building, where garlands of paprika and garlic hang over the counters. To the north of Vorosmarty ter square rises the dome of St. Stephen's Basilica, from which a beautiful view opens up (dome: April-October, daily 10.00-16.00 / 18.00). On St. Stephen's Day, August 20, a solemn procession is organized (the mummified hand of the saint can be seen in the chapel of the cathedral).

A little further north, over the Danube, is the massive dome of the Parliament, a huge 19th century building. In 1999, the old coronation regalia were transferred from the National Museum to the Parliament. It was believed that the crown, scepter and orb belonged to King Stephen himself, but it is now recognized that the regalia are a combination of two crowns of Stephen's successors.

However, it is a symbol of Hungarian statehood. Daily excursions to the Parliament are organized (10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 18.00, free for EU citizens, for other tourists - tickets are sold at gate X at the middle of the eastern facade). To the east of the basilica is Andrassy ut avenue, 2.5 kilometers long, built up with majestic buildings with gilding and colonnades (house number 22 - the Opera building).

The shops and sidewalk cafes on Andrassy ut retain their 1890s style. House number 60 houses the Museum of Terror (Tuesday-Friday 10.00-18.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00-19.30), which displays exhibits related to Stalin, the Nazis, the Holocaust, as well as the 1956 uprising. The center of the avenue is Heroes' Square (Hosok tere) with a monument in honor of the millennium of the Magyar state.

In the center of the square rises a column with a height of 36 meters, and around the base of the column there are equestrian statues of Arpad and six other leaders of the Magyar tribes. Along the colonnade there are statues of fourteen heroes of Hungarian history, from King Stephen to Lajos Kossuth.

Here on the square is the Museum of Fine Arts (Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00, admission is free), where you can see Egyptian funerary relics, ancient Greek and Roman ceramics, paintings and drawings by European masters of the XIII-XX centuries, including works by Durer, El Greco , Velazquez and Bronzino. Behind the museum is the Budapest Zoo (daily 9.00-16.00 / 19.00), where the palm greenhouse and elephant house are worth visiting.

Opposite the zoo you will see the yellow neo-Baroque walls of the Széchenyi baths (baths) (daily 6.00-19.00) - one of the largest thermal springs in the complex. As in the Gellert Baths, you will be refunded part of the money paid for the ticket if you spend less than the specified time here. Let's return to the center of Belvarosh.

At the corner of Wesselenyi and Dohany Streets, there is a spectacular building of the main synagogue (Monday-Thursday 10.00-15.00, Friday and Sunday 10.00-14.00; 4 euros for the entrance to the synagogue and the Jewish Museum), a monument of Byzantine-Moorish architecture. The magnificent interior of the synagogue is decorated with a golden geometric ornament and organ, which was once played by Liszt and Saint-Saens.

In the National Jewish Museum located here, medieval exhibits side by side with an exhibition in memory of the Holocaust and an exposition dedicated to modern Jewish culture. Behind the synagogue is the Jewish quarter of Pest. In recent years, the small Jewish community that survived the Holocaust has taken on a more prominent position.

On Dob Street at 22 there is a kosher coffee shop Frohlich, at number 31 there is a wig workshop, and at number 35 there is a kosher butcher's shop. All of the above sights can be visited on time.

Food and drink in Budapest

Hungarian cuisine is presented alongside international cuisine in Budapest restaurants. By European standards, the prices here are quite reasonable. Pastry shops (cukraszdas) serve coffee and sweets, restaurants offer a full lunch or dinner, and snacks in a bar or pub. This classification is somewhat arbitrary, since all restaurants serve alcoholic beverages, all bars offer food, and cafes offer both, plus coffee and cake.

• Restaurants in Budapest

1). Abszint Restaurant - Provencal cuisine at reasonable prices. You can try Bulgarian absinthe. Location: Andrassy ut 34;

2). AI-Amir Restaurant “Serving great salads and hummus, this Syrian restaurant is a vegetarian paradise. No alcohol. Location: Kiraly 17 street;

3). Art Alhambra Restaurant - Lush interiors, great tapas, exhibitions and Moroccan teas will help you unwind. Location: Jokai ter 3;

4). Kor Restaurant - A popular establishment next to the basilica. Excellent cuisine, excellent wines, delicacies. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sundays. Location: Sas street 17;

5). Govinda Restaurant - This oasis of peace of mind near Roosevelt ter offers Indian, vegetarian dishes and salads. Location: Vigyazo Ferenc street 4;

6). Gundel Restaurant - An institution proud of its traditions is distinguished by high prices. However, on Sundays, brunch costs 20 euros. Book tables in advance. Closed on Sunday evenings. Location: Allatkerti ut 2;

7). Restaurant Kadar etkezde - Here you can taste homemade Jewish cuisine in the old quarter. It is recommended to try the beef boiled in fruit sauce. Closed on Sundays. Location: Klauzal ter 9;

8). Markus Vendeglo Restaurant - A hospitable inexpensive Hungarian restaurant near Moszkva ter. Location: Lovohaz street 17;

9). Menza Restaurant - This retro establishment offers excellent Hungarian cuisine at very reasonable prices. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter;

10). Papageno Restaurant - A small cozy establishment specializing in French and Italian cuisine. Closed on Sundays. Location: Semmelweis street 19.

• Confectionery and coffee shops in Budapest

1). Agi Retes Confectionery - The best retes (strudel) in town. Not far from Moszkva ter. Location: Retek street 9;

2). Angelika Confectionery - The former monastery has been turned into a modern institution with techno music and a noisy terrace, but older people from among the locals still come here. Location: Batthyany ter 7;

3). Cafe Central - The old coffee house has revived its former glory. The extensive menu includes both cheap and very expensive dishes. Location: Karolyi Mihaly street 9;

4). Cafe Eckermann - Large cups of coffee next to the Goethe-Institut. Closed on Sundays. Location: Andrassy ut 24;

5). Frohlich confectionery - The Kosher Patisserie is located a five-minute walk from the synagogue on Dohany Street. They offer delicious flodni - apple pie with nuts and poppy seeds. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Location: Dob street 22;

6). Cafe-confectionery Gerbeaud - Magnificent establishment in the center of Pest. Coffee with a piece of cake will cost you about 4 euros. Equally good cakes are available at Kis Gerbeaud around the corner. Location: Vorosmarty ter 7;

7). Muvesz Cafe “This old coffee house has a lot less tourists than Gerbaud and is also cheaper here. Location: Andrassy ut 29;

8). Confectionery Muzeum Cukraszda - A welcoming establishment next to the National Museum, where fresh pastries are offered in the morning. Location: Muzeum korut 10;

9). Ruszwurm Confectionery - Excellent cakes are served in bulk. Location: Szentharomsag street 7.

• Fast food and eateries in Budapest

1). Restaurant Buddha - Here you can have a snack and Thai noodles and coffee with a baguette. Location: Terez korut 46;

2). Duran Sandwich establishment - A coffee bar and a sandwich bar is a rather unusual combination for Budapest. Closed on Sundays. Location: Oktober street 6;

3). Place Falafel Faloda - The best falafel place. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Location: Paulay Ede street 53;

4). Karma establishment - A beautifully decorated place with great tapas. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

5). Marie Kristensen Sandwich establishment - Nice sandwich bar located behind Kalvin ter. Closed on Sundays. Location: Raday street 7;

6). Szahara establishment - Clean, cozy establishment with a Middle Eastern menu. No smoking. Location: Jozsef korut 82.

• Bars and pubs in Budapest

1). Bambi Bar - Wonderful socialist bar serving breakfasts, snacks, cakes and alcoholic drinks. Location: Bem ter;

2). Miro Bar - A trendy bar in the castle area. Live music is often played here. Location: Uri street 30;

3). Castro establishment - A lively place, popular with students. Internet access is provided. Location: Raday street 35;

4). Darshan Udvar Bar - The largest bar in a growing complex of cafes, bars and shops, located in a courtyard with hippie oriental décor. Good food, foreign music and leisurely service. Location: Krudy Gyula street 7;

5). Eklektika Bar - Pretentious gay bar with 1960s style furnishings. The menu includes pasta and salads. It hosts art exhibitions and hosts ladies-only nights on the second Saturday of every month. Location: Semmelweis street 21;

6). Gusto's Bar - The tiny bar by the Margaret Bridge in Buda offers the best tiramisu in town. Closed on Sundays. Location: Frankel Leo ut 12;

7). Szimpla Bar - The spirit of grunge reigns here. Outdoor evenings are organized during the summer months. Location: Kertesz street 48;

8). Vian Bar - One of the best bars in the square. Friendly atmosphere, fast service. Location: Liszt Ferenc ter 11;

9). Zold Pardon Bar - Large outdoor bar with live music located in the university quarter, popular with students. Opening hours: May-October. Trams 4 and 6. Location: at the Petofi Bridge in Buda.

Entertainment and nightlife in Budapest

Alternative and folk music is performed in the Petofi center in Varoshliget, in the Almashi cultural center (at: Almassy ter 6), at the former Trafo transformer station in Pest, Liliom street 41 and Fono in Buda, Sztregova street 3. There, as a rule , events dedicated to contemporary dance are held. Tickets for classical and pop concerts can be purchased at Ticket Express at Andrassy ut 18, for rock and jazz at Publika, Karoly korut 9.

New clubs are constantly opening and the number of floating dance floors is growing (see city posters and advertisements or the "Konnyu" section of the free magazine Pesti Est). There are many cheap student clubs and in the thermal baths, Cinetrip organizes steam room parties. Annual cultural events include the Budapest Spring Festival (two weeks in March or April) and Autumn Music Weeks (late September to late October).

During the summer season, concerts of classical and popular music take place, and the highlight of the season is the Sziget festival, which features rock and pop stars. On St. Stephen's Day (August 20), a folk craft fair is located in the area around the Royal Palace, and in the evening people watch fireworks from the city's embankments.

• Nightlife bars and clubs in Budapest

1). Angyal night club - The first gay club in Budapest. It looks like an airport lounge, but with an unusual audience. On Saturday men only. Closed Monday through Wednesday. Location: Szovetseg street 33;

2). Buddha Beach Night Bar - This bar, where wealthy young people gather, is one of the few places where you can dance in the open air almost until morning. The kitchen is decent here, so it makes sense to reserve a table. Opening hours: March-October. Location: Kozraktar street 9-11;

3). Capella night bar - Gay people, jungle music and a lot of kitsch. Location: Belgrad rakpart 23;

4). Cha Cha Cha night bar - Despite the rather strange location, the establishment attracts a lot of people. Closed on Sundays. Location: Kalvin ter (metro station);

5). Suss Fel Nap Night Club - Lively youth club. Location: Honved street 40;

6). Trocadero night bar - A place with excellent Latino music at Nyugati Station. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Location: Szent Istvan korut 15;

7). West Balkan Night Club - An excellent club with an upbeat atmosphere and two dance floors - open and closed. Opening hours: May-September. Location: Kisfaludy street 16.

• Budapest on Hungary map

In contact with

The capital of Hungary - Budapest - the famous "pearl of the Danube". A powerful river divides the city in half. The bridge across it was erected only in the nineteenth century. The construction connected the Hungarian capital Buda and the cities of Obuda and Pest.

general information

The capital of Hungary is the main political, commercial, cultural, transport and industrial center of the country. The city is home to approximately two million two hundred thousand people (this is a fifth of all Hungary). In terms of area, Budapest ranks sixth among all EU countries. It is the only city that lies on both sides of the Danube. The two regions, separated by the river, differ significantly from each other structurally.

Buda

This part of the city is small in area, ancient, mesmerizing with its beauty. It enchants with cobblestone streets, small colorful houses, a combination of neoclassical and medieval architecture. Buda is built on gentle hills in the western part of the Danube. One of the main attractions - Fortress Hill - a narrow, flat and long hill, located in a ring of perfectly preserved buildings in the Baroque, Renaissance or Gothic style. It is crowned with a magnificent Royal Palace.

Pest

This part of the capital is located on flat lands. Business life is concentrated here. There are many large shopping malls in Pest, built on wide avenues. The Neo-Gothic Parliament Building is the most famous in the city. From a distance it resembles the English Parliament, only without the legendary Big Ben.

Geographical position

The capital of Hungary - Budapest - is located in the low-lying Carpathian basin. It is surrounded by the Alps, Carpathians and South Slavic mountain ranges. The highest point of the city is Yanosha. Its height is 527 meters. According to geotectonic data, the settlement is located in a fault zone. This explains the presence of many thermal springs, thanks to which the city has gained fame as a wonderful resort.

A look into the past

The lands on which the capital of Hungary - Budapest is currently located - began to be populated more than one thousand years ago. It is established that from the third century BC. here lived the tribes of the Celts. Shortly before the onset of our era, the territory became part of the Roman Empire. Hungarians settled in these lands at the end of the ninth century. In the XIII century. Buda received the status of the main city of the country. The ancient capital of Hungary found itself in distress in 1541 after the Turkish takeover. The city gradually fell into decay, the number of its inhabitants decreased. The settlement was liberated in 1686.

The eighteenth century was marked by the beginning of large-scale development. Many new districts have appeared in the capital. The unification of Buda, Obuda and Pest took place in 1873. Seven years later, a new city concept was developed, according to which new highways were laid and a triple boulevard ring was organized near the avenue.

Due to the fighting during the Second World War, the capital was seriously damaged. However, after the end of the war, many buildings were restored.

In 1950, the suburbs were annexed to the central part of the city. This is how Big Budapest was formed. The metro appeared in the capital in the 1960s.

Transport system

The city of Budapest has an extensive public transport network. It includes twenty nine tram lines, fourteen trolleybus lines and one hundred eighty bus lines. In addition, it includes a cog railway and three subway lines. Public transport starts at half past four in the morning and ends at eleven in the evening.

Islands

There are seven islands within the capital. These are Chepel, Hayodyari siget, Margit, Palotai, Harosh-siget, Nepsiget and Molnar-syget.

Let's dwell in more detail on Margaret Island. It was named in this way in honor of the daughter of King Bela the Fourth, Margarita (in Hungarian her name sounds like "Margit"). The island is 2.5 km long and has an area of \u200b\u200b0.965 sq. km. Most of this facility is occupied by a park and numerous recreational facilities. Its territory is equipped with bike paths, a fitness center and other areas for entertainment. In the thirteenth century, a Dominican monastery was built on the island. The aforementioned Margarita asceticised in it. Later, Fr. Margit fell into desolation. The period of oblivion ended only in the eighteenth century. A palace was built on the island, and the empty land was planted with beautiful flowers and rare species of trees.

Weather

The climate in the capital is temperate continental. Winters are generally mild and short. In summer, the temperature is high, but the sweltering heat is rare.

"Air gate"

Ferihegy International Airport began operating in 1950. Eleven years after its opening, the length of the runway was increased from 2500 to 3010 meters. The airport is equipped with three passenger terminals. In 2011, it was named after F. Liszt.

sights

The capital of Hungary is a very popular tourist destination. There are many beautiful monuments in Budapest, erected both centuries ago and today. The architecture of the city is of particular interest, reflecting all the variety of styles.

Buda Palace

It is located in the old part of the city. For the first time this palace became the residence of the king in the thirteenth century, and successfully carried out the functions assigned to it for another seven hundred years. It was home to such kings as Lajos the Great, Charles the Third and Matthias the First. Currently, the palace is home to many museums.

Buda maze

The capital of Hungary is famous for another unusual place. This is a natural labyrinth located under the palace described above. There are no other such natural catacombs anywhere on the planet.

The length of the labyrinth is 1 kilometer 200 meters. Its depth is sixteen meters. Fascinating excursions are held on the territory of these catacombs every day (except Saturday and Sunday). The exhibition presented in the labyrinth highlights the history of Hungary from antiquity to the present day. The traditional end of each excursion is a buffet.

Parliament

The Hungarian cities of Pest, Obuda and Buda were united in 1873. Seven years after this landmark event, members of the State Assembly decided to build a parliament building. This was supposed to highlight the sovereignty of the Hungarian nation. The winner in the announced competition was the architect I. Steindl. Some ideas of his rivals were implemented in the buildings of the Ethnographic Museum and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Work on the iconic structure began in 1885. Eleven years later, the first meeting of the State Assembly was held within its walls. The construction was fully completed only in 1906. The building was erected in an eclectic style. In addition, you can see the features of the Renaissance, Neo-Gothic and Baroque.

Heroes Square

This square is one of the main in the capital. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nearby is the City Park. The Millennium Memorial was erected in the center of the square. It is a composition with the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in the ninth century, as well as with other prominent historical figures who played an important role in the development of the state.

Freedom Square

This is one of the most imposing squares in the capital. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings - the Hungarian National Bank, the American Embassy and the television center. In the northern part of the square, you can see a monument to Soviet soldiers.

Vaci street

This is the heart of the capital. This street is pedestrianized. It originates from pl. Vörösmarty, runs along the Danube and abuts the square. Feuvam and the picturesque market. There are many shops on Váci, which is why the street is so popular with tourists and local fashionistas. She is known not only for her boutiques. In this area you can see unique architectural monuments. The facades of many buildings are decorated with mosaics and intricate cast-iron decorations. Vaci is called the center of not only shopping, but also entertainment. On a street several hundred meters long, there are elite restaurants and budget cafes, as well as hotels of different levels.

Andrássy Avenue

Its construction began in 1870. Some say that this avenue is somewhat reminiscent of the notorious Champs Elysees. At the end of each summer, it becomes the site of the famous Budapest Parade.

More about the state

Hungary is a country located in the center of Europe. Ten million people live on its territory. The total area is ninety-three thousand square kilometers. Hungary is one hundred and eighth in the world in terms of territory and eighty-ninth in terms of population. The language endowed with the status of the state is Hungarian.

The country consists of twenty administrative-territorial units. She has no outlet to the sea. Hungary on the world map borders on Serbia, Ukraine, Croatia, Romania, Austria and Slovenia.

The prevailing religion is Catholicism. More than fifty percent of the country's residents are its adherents. Currently, Hungary (Budapest is the capital) is considered a country with a dynamically developing economy. Since 1955 it has been a NATO member.

History of Hungary

Until the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Arpads ruled the country. Then they were replaced by the dynasties of Anjou, Jagiellons, as well as non-dynastic monarchs. In 1687 the state became part of the Habsburg possessions. 1848-1849 marked by a national revolution. Its leader was Lajos Kossuth. The uprising was suppressed only with the help of the Russian expeditionary corps. It was commanded by General Paskevich. Still, in 1867, Franz Joseph made a compromise with the country's elite. The result was the transformation of the Austrian Empire into a dual state. The history of Austria-Hungary entered a new channel. The country formed a legislative body - the State Assembly, which consisted of two chambers - Deputies and Peers.

Charles of Austria - the last Hungarian king - ascended the throne in 1916 under the name of Charles the Fourth. His removal from power took place two years later. The ruler died in absolute oblivion in 1922. It is noteworthy that in 2004, at the initiative of the Catholic Church, he was canonized.

The result of the democratic uprisings that swept the country after the First World War was the collapse of the Austrian monarchy. The following states were formed on its lands: Czechoslovakia, Austria, the Kingdom of Slovenes, Serbs and Croats, as well as Hungary. There are four more independent countries on the world map.

On November 16, 1918, Hungary acquired the status of a people's republic, but it was soon lost. This happened as a result of a monarchical rebellion. 08/06/1919 the republic fell. The monarchy was restored, but the king could not be identified. The head of state was appointed regent Miklos Horthy.

In 1938 Hungary entered into an alliance with Hitler's Germany. Thanks to this, the country map was replenished with the following territories: Transcarpathia and part of Czechoslovakia. Two years later, Transylvania was also included in the state. After Hungary was occupied by the troops of the anti-Hitler coalition, the regent hastily left the country. The State Assembly was convened in the autumn of 1945. In 1946, its representatives adopted a law on the state form. According to this document, Hungary (the map is presented in the article) acquired the status of a republic. Accordingly, the head of the country was henceforth the president, who was elected by the State Assembly.

Features of economic development

Hungary (see photo in the article) is a country with a rapidly developing economy. Most of the market transformations in it are almost complete. As for the advantages of the established system, they are as follows: at present, the country is open for foreign investment, an effective taxation system is organized in it, and bureaucratization has been reduced to the minimum possible. In addition, Hungary is distinguished by developed industrial production (this is especially observed in modernized enterprises), declining inflation and fully convertible currency (since 2001). When listing the weaknesses of the current economic system, they first mention the gap in internal development, in which the eastern rural areas do not have adequate funding. The difference in incomes of the population is still high. Not enough energy is being produced. Money laundering is not well controlled.

The main partner of the country in foreign trade is Germany, which provides more than twenty-five percent of Hungary's trade.

Army

A significant reduction and reform of the country's armed forces was carried out after the end of the Cold War. Today they are formed from two branches - the Air Force and the Ground Forces. The latter are also known as Honvedseg (Homeland Defenders Corps).

Hungary (Budapest is the country's capital) began to be guided by new standards in the organization of the army and weapons after joining NATO. In 2004, the transition from universal conscription to a professional army was made.

State symbols

The flag of Hungary is a rectangular cloth. It consists of three identical horizontal stripes of red, white and green. The ratio of length to width is 3: 2. Why is the Hungarian flag painted in these colors? This is explained as follows: red is a symbol of the blood of patriots shed in the battles for the country's independence; white - a symbol of the nobility and morality of the Hungarian people; green reflects hope for a prosperous future for the country.

The coat of arms of Hungary is a shield divided into two parts (on the left - red and white stripes, on the right - the patriarchal cross resting on a golden crown, which stands on a green mountain with three peaks). He is crowned with the crown of St. Stefan.

The most remarkable settlements of the country

The map of Hungary with cities, which you can see below, gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe territorial division of the country. The largest area is near the capital - Budapest, the smallest - near the town of Palzach with its 1114 inhabitants. The largest village, Solymar, is home to ten thousand people, while the smallest is only twenty.

The eastern capital of the country is called Debrecen. It regularly hosts a variety of events, including poetry festivals, jazz days, international choir competitions and stunning flower carnivals.

The small Orthodox town of Szentendre is especially popular among museum lovers. It has a special charm thanks to its pretty streets and beautifully decorated houses. An unforgettable experience will be left by numerous pastry shops, from which the dizzying aroma of fresh pastries can be heard.

Once the city of Vysehrad was the capital of the state. At present, only ruins remain of it. By a mystical coincidence, only the Tower of Solomon survived, which for a long time was the place of imprisonment of the notorious Count Dracula. The town is located forty kilometers from the capital.

Natural attractions

Hungary (photos are presented in the article) is an incredibly beautiful country. And it is famous not only for its architectural monuments, museums, monuments, etc. There are many natural attractions on its territory. Let's talk about some of them in more detail.

Balaton

This lake is the largest in Central Europe. There are thermal and mineral springs on its coast. The reservoir is navigable, it is home to more than twenty species of fish. A special service has been organized to care for the numerous swans living in these places.

National Park on the Balaton Upland

It is located north of about. Balaton. The park was founded in 1997. It features a volcanic landscape. This area is mountainous, where you can see extinct volcanoes, and empty geysers, and lava outcrops, which are remembered for their bizarre shapes. In the western meadow of Shashdi, you can see a relict plant of the Ice Age - powdery primrose. It is not found anywhere else in Hungary.

Heviz

This thermal lake is located near the town of the same name. Its area is forty seven and a half thousand square kilometers. The water in this lake is rich in ammonium, potassium, calcium, sodium, fluorides, chlorides, iodides, bromides, carbonate peroxide, sulfates, sulfides, metaboric acid and dissolved oxygen. Not surprisingly, this place is popular with those looking to improve their health.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Many cities in Hungary are famous for their unique sights of particular cultural, historical and architectural value. And not only in the capital there is something to see.

Hollokyo

This village is a one-of-a-kind open-air ethnographic museum. It is noteworthy that people still live in it. The entire population of Hollokyo, which is more than four hundred people, is sensitive to the preservation of folk traditions and the way of life of their ancestors. Most of the buildings in the village are adobe houses with ornate carvings on verandas. Local residents are actively engaged in pottery, traditional embroidery, wood carving. A visit to this place leaves an indelible impression, especially among the residents of megalopolises.

Aggtelek caves

They are located in the National Park. The most famous and largest is Baradla. Its length is twenty-six kilometers.

Slovak Karst

This mountain range is located on the border of two states - Slovakia and Hungary. Since 1973 it has been protected as a special form of relief. The surrounding area has the status of a biosphere reserve. The massif consists of limestone and dolomite. It is covered with hornbeam and oak forests.

Conclusion

Hungary is a country with a long and complex history. Its capital, Budapest, has an interesting origin. The main city of the state was formed through the merger of several settlements. The Danube, as if cutting Budapest in half, is a kind of border between the two parts of the capital, contrasting from a historical and geographical point of view. The map of Hungary with cities presented in the article reflects this feature of the city.