Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, its extensive World Heritage Sites includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. Other highlights include a total of 80 geothermal springs, the world's largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Most of Budapest's famous sights are concentrated on Castle Hill on the Buda side, in downtown Pest and along the riverside walkways. The main sights on Castle Hill are the Royal Palace, the National Gallery, the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. In downtown Pest the main sights are the Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum and the Eötvös Lorand University.

Budapest is also known for its many hot and thermal springs. Budapest has 118 hot springs that supply the city's many bathhouses and spas with warm therapeutic spring water. Such was the reputation of its springs that in 1934, the Budapest was declared the "City of Springs."

Things to See & Do

* Castle Hill sights
* Downtown Pest
* Museums
* Buda Hill Labyrinth
* Budapest State Opera House

General Information

Cruise Season - March to Dec
Currency - Forint (HUF)
Language - Hungarian
Land Area - 525.16 km²
Population - 21,721,556 approx.
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 36

Port Location - The River port in Budapest called the Wiking dock, is located on the Buda side of the Danube. It is approximately 5 kms from the city centre.

Travel Links - Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport formerly, and colloquially referred to Ferihegy; is the country's largest airport, located about 16 km (10 miles) southeast of the city center. MALEV, the Hungarian national flag carrier is operates direct flights between Budapest and major European cities and some countries of the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. Hungarian discount airline Wizz Air operates flights between Budapest and 21 European cities. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines operate direct flights between Budapest and New York City. Many discount airlines also operate service to/from Budapest.

Bus and train connections are also available to and from Budapest.