a simple guide to: budapest pest

summer 2016

Szia Pest is the eastern side of Budapest. Being divided by the Danube River, Pest is mostly flat while Buda is very hilly. In Pest, you will find attractions representing the time period of Hungarian history from the Hungarian invasion of Europe to World War II. In Pest, you will find many coffee shops that are great for a morning coffee and diverse variations of food choices for dinner time. The pubs are known as ruin pubs, where partygoers will be dancing inside put-together, abandoned warehouses or garages. During your time in Pest, spend the day exploring the history and the night checking out the unique nightlife.

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a simple guide of: Attractions Food & Drinks Nightlife Shopping Events & Holidays

1

St. Stephen’s Basilica Szent István tér 1

This Roman Catholic basilica is named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (975-1038), and is currently the third largest church in Hungary. It is said that King Stephen’s right hand is housed in the Basilica’s reliquary.

House of Terror Andrássy út 60

2

This museum contains exhibits that relate to the Fascist and Communist regimes in Hungary during the 20th century. It is also a memorial to those victims detained, interrogated, tortured or killed during these regimes. Opened in 2002, this museum is a member of the ‘Platform of European Memory and Conscience.’

3

Shoes on the Danube Antall József rkp.

This monument is to honor the Jews who were killed by Fascist Arrow Cross militiamen. During World War II, the victims were ordered to take off their shoes, and were then shot at the edge of water so their bodies would fall in the river. The shoes represent those left behind by the victims.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath Állatkerti krt. 9-11

4

This bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. The water here is supplied by two thermal springs with temperatures of 74 C and 77 C. The baths are believed to help some medical conditions such as degenerative joint illnesses and orthopaedic post-treatments.

5

Vajdahunyad Castle Vajdahunyad vár

Located in City Park, this castle was built in 1896 as a part of the Millennial Exhibition (celebrating the 1000 years of Hungary since the conquest of Carpathian Basin in 895). The castle was built to resemble different landmark buildings from various times of the Kingdom of Hungary, including a castle that stands in Transylvania, Romania, today.

Heroes’ Square Hősök tere

6

This square is noted for its complex statue, featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, among other important national leaders. The square is located at the end of Andrassy Avenue and next to City Park. Here you will find the Museum of Fine Arts and the Mucsarnok.

7

Escape the room

In Budapest, there are about 60 escape the room games scattered throughout the city. These games require teams to escape the room they are put in by using objects and solving puzzles. This is a fun activity for groups of 2-6 people.

City Park Kós Károly stny

8

City Park is a public park located near the center of the city. This 302-acre park features the Vajdahunyad Castle, Szechenyi Baths, and Heroes’ Square.

9

Timewheel Olof Palme stny. 3

Located in City Park, this is one of the world’s largest hourglasses. It is made of granite, steel, and glass, and weighs 60 tons. On New Year’s Eve, the sand runs out and the Timewheel is then turned over to count the length of the next year.

Dohany Street Synagogue Dohány u. 2

10

This is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Built between 1854 and 1859, this synagogue has 3000 seats. Inside, you can visit the courtyard where there is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The Jewish museum here was built on the site of Theodore Herzl’s house of birth.

11

Parliament Building Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3

This is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. Being one of Europe’s oldest legislative buildings, it is also the largest building in Hungary and the tallest building in Budapest.

Museum of Applied Arts Üllői út 33-37

12

This is the third-oldest applied arts museum in the world. Built between 1893 and 1896, the building is of Hindu, Mogul, and Islamic designs.

13

Hungarian National Museum Múzeum krt. 14-16

This museum, founded in 1802, iis the national museum of history, art, and archaeology. Items inside are from areas that are not currently part of Hungary, but once were, like Transylvania. You can view history from 40,000 BC until present day, including the downfall of Communism to what Hungary is today.

The Chain Bridge Széchenyi Lánchíd

14

This famous suspension bridge connects Buda to Pest - it was the first permanent bridge that spanned the Danube, built in 1849. At the time of construction, it was considered one of the modern world’s engineering wonders. It is 375 meters long, with the longest span being 202 meters.

15

Budapest Zoo Állatkerti krt. 6-12

As the oldest zoo in Hungary and one of the oldest in the world, the Budapest Zoo (opened in 1866) has 1072 animal species. Some special animals that you can see here include a Komodo dragon and a wombat.

Belvarosi Piac Hold u. 13

16

This downtown market brings a traditional countryside market vibe to the center of Budapest. Here you will find 100 square meters of farmers market stands that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and authentic Hungarian specialties.

17

New York Cafe Erzsébet krt. 9-11

Located inside the Boscolo Budapest Hotel, the cafe was a longtime center for Hungarian literature and poetry. It opened in 1894, but was rebuilt in 2006. The cafe has great options for any meal of the day, although it can be a bit pricey.

Book Cafe Andrássy út 39

18

Located on Andrassy Avenue in the heart of downtown Budapest, characterized by a luxurious interior and bookish vibes, this cafe is definitely worth a visit if you love books and adore old-world splendour.

19

Zam Zam Dohány u. 68

Budapest has many Kebab and falafel places, as they are considered street food. Zam Zam is one of the more popular locations, located right near Blaha Lujza ter, a busy metro and bus station. If you wander the streets of Budapest, you will be sure to find other kebab places as well.

Gelarto Rosa Szent István tér 3

20

Budapest has many gelato places, but none compare to this. Not only can you get exotic flavors, like chili chocolate or olive oil, they craft your gelato into a the shape of a rose.

21

Bonnie Restro Ferenciek tere 5

This casual comic-book themed restaurant has a fun open-air environment and delicious food. Its central location in Ferenciek tere also makes for a great people-watching spot.

Cafe Frei Váci u. 74

22

This coffee shop features coffee selections from around the world. The menu is a map of the world, showing the locations of where the coffee beans are from. If you go, you must try the tobacco coffee, along with a pastry on the side.

23

Street Bistro Kecskeméti u. 3

Street Bistro has an extensive selection of burgers, sandwiches, and pastas - all crafted in streetfood style. This casual outdoor eatery is located along a strip of restaurants, making for a lively environment.

Kuglof Piarista köz 1

24

Kuglof offers a variety of excellent meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as affordable prices. It is located near the Erzsebet Bridge, making for nice views and an attractive outdoor seating area.

25

Kiosk (Terasz) Március 15. tér 4

Kiosk is a restaurant located with a view of the Danube that has an outdoor bar adjacent to it called Terasz. This is a great spot for lunch, an after-work drink, or a weekend brunch. Head outside for some drinks and food along the water. There are even bean bags and lawn chairs to enjoy the grassy area.

Le Petit Bistrot Hajós u. 26/b

26

A local cafe that offers home-made sandwiches, pastries and beverage. Stop by for a cozy and cute atmosphere, friendly service and a great meal!

27

For Sale Pub Vámház krt. 2

Come to this pub to try the best goulash soup, a classic Hungarian dish! Here you'll be given paper to draw on and pins to hang up your pictures among the thousands of others covering the ceilings and walls.

Coffea Arabica Bethlen Gábor u. 6

28

This modern coffee shop offers 5 different sizes of coffee to go, as well as a selection of delectable pastries and sit-down meals both inside and on their outdoor patio.

29

Costa Coffee Kecskeméti u. 8

This chain coffee house has locations throughout the city. The menu features items from an espresso, to an iced coffee, to a mocha topped off with whipped cream. Add a pastry on the side or even a sandwich. Costa offers a great space to do work or read a book.

Kertem (City park) Olof Palme stny. 1

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Kertem is an outdoor bar that also features a food truck with unique burgers. The burgers are flat and large in diameter, served on a pita style bun. Enjoy cheap beers from the retro bar, which is lined with vinyl records.

31

Pad Thai Wok Bar Papnövelde u. 10

This chain Thai restaurant has a systematic menu that allows you to perfect your pad thai order as you would like. Enjoy nice outdoor seating and complement your pad thai with fresh tea or a beer.

Gringos Amigos Anker köz 2-4

32

This chain mexican restaurant was recently voted Budapest’s best street food restaurant. With their authentic tortillas, you can enjoy anything from a burrito to tacos or a nacho platter as you custom-order at the counter. Try the ghost chili salsa if you like spicy!

33

Hummus Bar Address

This chain restaurant features Middle Eastern food - including anything from a Shawarma pita to a plate of hummus and pita bread to dip in. Recently, Hummus Bar has received an award for the best exotic cheap eats.

Andrassy út

34

Walk down Andrassy, one of the main roads in Budapest, to find endless shops, restaurants, cafes and bars!

35

Vaci Road

This is a very touristy shopping area - take care to not get taken advantage of by increased prices or hidden charges at restaurants. But if you are looking for some souvenirs or lots of gelato options all in one spot, this area is for you.

Central Market Hall Vámház krt. 1-3

36

On the first floor of the market, you'll find fresh produce, meats, cheeses and alcohol. Go upstairs for souvenir shops and small stands with Hungarian cuisines.

37

Szputnyik Dohány u. 20

This vintage fashion shop has all kinds of stylish clothing and accessories for today’s hipsters, all at fairly affordable prices.

Retrock Vintage Designer Store Anker köz 2

38

More on the expensive side, Retrock is a vintage shop inspired by Budapest fashion. If you’re lucky and take your time browsing, you may find some unique pieces for less money.

39

Arena Plaza Kerepesi út 9 11

This mall is great for stores such as H&M, Zara, and more. Here you will find movie theaters and a large food court as well.

Fashion Street Deak Ferenc Ter to Vorosmarty Ter

40

Located in downtown Budapest, surrounded by exclusive shops, architecture masterpieces, and luxury hotels, this place has lifted Budapest to a status of a central European shopping center.

41

Grandio Party Hostel Nagy Diófa u. 8

Although a hostel, this place is a great outdoor bar. It has a ruin bar feel with the recycled furniture it uses. Drinks are relatively cheap and it is a great place to meet young adult travelers from all around the world.

360 Bar Andrássy út 39

42

This bar features a full view of the Budapest skyline. Right on Andrassy, enjoy a nice beer or mixed drink at candle lit tables with a view of the entire city.

43

Trapez Imre u. 2

This laid-back bar is a great place for anyone wanting to watch sports, play foosball, and drink with friends. The drinks list goes on and on (at cheap prices, too), in addition to the large selection of food and friendly bartenders.

Instant Nagymező u. 38

44

Instant is the biggest ruin bar in Budapest. It has 26 rooms, 7 bars, 2 gardens, and 7 stages. Here, you can enjoy anything from nightclub dancing to hanging out and having a relaxed night at the bar. This is a must go-to while in Budapest for a great night out.

45

Szimpla Kert Kazinczy u. 14

At one time rated the #3 bar in the world, this ruin bar is a must while in Budapest. There are a few different bars that serve wine, cocktails and beers. Each room has its own character, with one room even having stadium theater seating with a black and white movie playing.

Fogasház Akácfa u. 51

46

Another ruin bar, Fogashaz is known for its karaoke. The karaoke is so popular that you can barely hear the performers over the voices of all the partygoers. If you want a more relaxed setting, enjoy sitting in their courtyard around high or low tables and enjoy time with friends.

47

Corvin Club Blaha Lujza tér 1-2

This ruin pub is more of a club. Once you enter, you walk right into their club atmosphere. Go to the room for a much more relaxed atmosphere and a decent view of the skyline.

Red Ruin Irányi u. 25

48

Red Ruin is a cheap bar with a satiristic Communism theme - the entire place has decorations based on famous Communist dictators. Enjoy a discount with your student ID!

49

Fozdefest Beer Festival City Park

During the second weekend of June, enjoy Hungary's greatest craft-beer festival! Pay a small price for a cup, to go around and taste and vote on the best beers.

Euro 2016 Viewing Parties

50

When big sporting events are on, like the Euro 2016 tournament, most bars will host viewing parties. Find one of these locations and show your Hungary pride.

a simple guide