City layout
Actually you can explore two cities in one, Budapest is made up of Buda and Pest, with the Danube flowing between them. Buda is built on a hill, on the Western bank of the river and it forms the historical part of the city. Pest stands on a plain and it’s more businesslike with its shops and boulevards. You can walk between the two connected, but still very different parts of the city on magnificent bridges. The city consists of 23 district.
Budapest is hot
Literally, since Budapest has more thermal springs than any other capital city in the world. An amazing 70 million liters of thermal water rises to the surface daily. The hot springs have given birth to dozens of medicinal baths and to a bathing culture dating back to Roman times.
Budapest is home to the third largest Parliament building in the world
The Parliament Building covers an area of 18,000 sq meters, it has 691 rooms. There are 90 statues on the façade and 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of 23-carat gold was used to decorate the interior. Building begun in 1885 and the Neo-Gothic palace was completed in 1902.
Budapest has the oldest subway-line in mainland Europe
After London, Budapest has the oldest underground train system in Europe. The line opened in 1896 in the year when Hungary celebrated its 1000th anniversary, hence the name Millennium Underground. It’s still in use as subway M1 and it connects the city center with the City Park.
Budapest is home to the second largest synagogue in the world
And to the largest synagogue in Europe. It was built in Neo-Moorish style.
Budapest is big on art and culture
There are more than 40 theaters and over 100 museums and galleries in the city. Many concerts, festivals and events are held year-round, not to mention performances at the famous Opera House, which is considered to be among the best opera houses in the world.
The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world
The Budapest Zoo opened its doors in 1865 and in addition to the animals it features a number of noteworthy Art Nouveau buildings and structures, like the Elephant House, the Palm House and the main entrance.
Budapest is home to one of the largest music festivals in the world.
Around 400,000 people from all over the world flock to the Sziget Festival every August. The week-long celebration of music is named after the Shipyard Island (Hajógyári sziget) where the festival is held.
Budapest is the biggest city in Hungary, 20% of Hungary’s population lives in Budapest. So, every 5th person in Hungary is a ‘Budapester’.
Budapest was not always the capital of Hungary. Until the 13th century Esztergom was the capital. The birth and coronation place of St. Stephen the first king of Hungary. After the Mongolian invasion King Béla IV moved the Royal Seat to Buda, seeking protection. Today’s Budapest was formed in 1873 through the joining of three cities: Buda, Pest and Óbuda (Old Buda).
Budapest Nightlife
Budapest has a vibrant nightlife with many clubs and discos all over the city. There are a few hotspots for party and nightlife activities such as the “Party Island” or of course the city center. You also can find a lot of spots with bars and cafes where you can spend the night and go out to dance and drink such as Gozsu Udvar, Liszt Ferenc Square, Király street or Raday street to only name a few.
Gozsdu Udvar
Also located in the Jewish district is Gozsdu Udvar, a newly renovated alley in between buildings that have bars and clubs all along the way on left and right. These days it is hard to even get through Gozsdu Udvar because of the amount of people hitting the place late evenings and at night. You can find here classy restaurants, trendy bars as well as pubs and clubs.
Ráday Street
Ráday street is situated between Kalvin tér and the Nagykörut not far from tourist hostpots such the Grand Market Hall or Vaci Street. Along the road you find many restaurants and bars to have a dinner and some drinks. Almost all places offer to sit outside on the street so that in summer time Ráday street is crowded and lively. However there are only a few clubs located directly at Ráday street but from there you can go by public transport to other places full of clus such as the Jewish Quarter and the Gozsdu Udvar.
Liszt Ferenc Tér
Liszt ferenc tér is an all time classic for sipping cocktails, a glass of wine or beer with a great dinner and a good chat with friends. The places around Liszt Ferenc tér are changing frequently so whenever you go there you will find a new spot to try out among the other approximately 20 bars and restaurants. Due to its very central location, on Andássy avenue near Oktogon, you have all the possibilities on your side to make the night yours and going into clubs and other bars. By public transport you will reach nearly any nightlife destination on Pest side within minutes.
Budapest Downtown Clubs
The nightlife in Budapest spreads from far North to South and from West to East, so if you visit Budapest as a tourist or as a business traveler you might prefer some clubs in downtown Budapest not too far away from your hotel. As you might have read already above there are many populated areas also in downtown but let me point out a few clubs that are worth visiting in the city center.
Streetfood in Budapest
Street food has been the buzzword in the Hungarian culinary world in recent years. Do not expect hot dog carts on every corner however, what we mean by modern street food is traditionally simple or fast food prepared to high standards using quality ingredients offered at budget prices, often in a cool designer setting.