Budapest is a city of differences and contrasts. East and West clash more stridently here than they do in the other perennially popular culture-border town of Prague.

And that's not the only dichotomy that Hungary's capital displays. Its entire social make up is divided into two. On one side cosmopolitan and posh Buda, looking down from the lofty heights of its hills; on the other schizophrenic and scruffy Pest, blithely enjoying itself, oblivious to the twitching curtains of the neighbours across the way. And running between the two is the magnificent Danube. Europe's greatest river and immortalised in the music of Johan Strauss. This truly is a city with character.

It's worked hard to preserve this character. Although only designated a single entity in 1873, for centuries the twin towns on the banks of the Danube together occupied one of the most strategically important sites in Europe. Straddling the river, the main route of communication across a continent, the cities were at the heart of not just Hungary's, but Europe's political, commercial and ideological life. Thus, the city found itself constantly invaded, subjugated and pulled by East and West. It's only recently, after the thawing of the Cold War that Budapest has been able to truly celebrate its uniqueness and remarkable cultural heritage.

And now Budapest really has it all. The city has grasped the opportunities of capitalism with the enthusiasm of a child who after years with its nose pressed up against the glass of the sweetshop window has suddenly discovered the door. But Budapest gives as much as it receives, it has carefully welcomed Western tourists and managed to retain a genuine hospitality, pride and affection that has been replaced by commercial shrewdness elsewhere in Eastern Europe.

So whoever you are, feel welcome to enjoy one of the richest architectural and cultural treasure troves in the world.

Since May, 2004, many of Budapest's public museums are free to enter. This includes the permanent collections of the Museum of Applied Art, the Transport Museum, Ludwig Museum, Hungarian National Gallery, Hungarian National Museum, Museum of Ethnography, Hungarian Agricultural Museum and the Semmelweis Museum.

For more information and the opportunity to book sightseeing tours online, visit the link below:

Hotels

Parliament Building

One of the largest state buildings in Europe, this neo-Gothic fantasy was completed in 1902 and remains one of Budapest's most dominant structures.

The magnificent façade facing the river stretches for a quarter of a kilometre, while the vast central dome that rises above serves as a landmark for locals and visitors alike. Since the downfall of Communism the building is once again serving its original purpose as the seat of Hungarian democracy but it's still possible to visit and explore this fascinating building. When parliament isn't sitting you can even visit the members' gallery benches.

The resplendent Hungarian crown jewels are also on show, under permanent ceremonial guard. Open: daily. Admission: HUF2000. Tours are given at various times in various languages during the day. Tel: +36 (06)1-441-4904. Metro: Kossuth ter.

Castle District

The Castle District is well worth a visit, providing visitors with fantastic panoramic views of the city and Parliament buildings. You can either take the Funicular train or walk the stairs to the top of the hill. One of the most striking sights are the series of ramparts facing the river, Fisherman’s Bastion, named after the traditional defenders of this stretch of the walls. In fact the Bastion bears testament to representative of the seven original Magyar tribes that established the nation.

In the heart of the Castle District is the Matthias Church, one of the city’s most popular tourist draws. An attractive church in a Romanesque style it is easily recognisable by its patterned roof and elaborate main spire. The church has been in existence for over 700 years but was stripped during the Turkish occupation to serve as a mosque. It was restored to its original splendour in the late 1800's by the architect Frigyes Schulek. The cobbled streets in between the church and royal palace are lined with attractive medieval houses some of which are now craft shops and cafés.

Fisherman's Bastion admission: HUF300, adults; HUF150, children. Tel: +36 (06)1-489-0717. Matthias Church admission: HUF600.

City Park

Located at the end of the elegant Andrassy Boulevard is the City Park with its emblematic Heroes Square. The striking 118 foot high column commemorating the 1896 celebration of the Magyar Conquest of Hungary can be seen clearly on your approach.

Facing the square from the west is the impressive Museum of Fine Arts and from the east is the Art Gallery. Once in the park there’s plenty to do and probably one of the best places in the city to take young children. The park offers a colourful play area, zoo and grand circus and plenty of parkland to amuse yourselves on one of the city’s warmer days.

It is also home to Szechenyi Spa baths and the attractive Sham castle, Vajdahunyadi, a copy of an original medieval dwelling in Romania.

St Stephen's Church (Bazilika)

One of Budapest's most celebrated landmarks and the largest church in the country, St Stephen's took over 50 years to build, finally completed in 1906.

The views from the tower are among the most impressive in the city. It's well worth paying the extra and making the trip to the top if you visit. Hungarian Catholicism's most holy relic, the preserved right hand of St Stephen (the first Christian king of Hungary) can be found in the chapel. It's perhaps not the prettiest tourist attraction in the world but it's certainly among the most fascinatingly macabre.

Entry to the church is free although entry to the tower costs HUF500 per person. Metro: Arany Janos utca.

Royal Palace: Hungarian National Gallery

Housed in the magnificent Buda Palace, the national collection of art and sculpture features some excellent examples of Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Although little-known outside their native land, artists such as Mihaly Munkacsy and Karoly Lotz produced some impressive works. Spread over four floors there are displays on everything from altars and religious iconography of the Middle Ages to medals and coin collections from the 20th century. National Gallery open: Tue-Sun 10h00-18h00 (May-Nov); 10h00-16h00 (rest of the year). Admission: free for permanent exhibitions.

Contained elsewhere in the palace is the National Historic Museum, which traces the history of the city and the palace in particular. The catalogue of conflict it has endured goes some way in explaining the palace's fascinating mixture of architectural styles. Don't forget to admire the building as much as the exhibits. Historical Museum open: Mon & Wed-Sun 10h00-16h00 (Nov-Feb); 10h00-18h00 (Mar-May & Sep-Oct); daily 10h00-18h00 (May-Sep). Admission: HUF800, adults; HUF400, children. Tel: +36 (06)1-201-9082 . Metro: Castle Hill.

Jewish Budapest

Budapest has long been home to a large Jewish community and their story is an inspiring one of survival. The Dohány Street Synagogue within the City Park is Europe's largest synagogue and contains the Jewish Museum.

Located at the Eastern end of the Kobanya district, the city's main Jewish cemetery is still in use today and contains the graves of around half a million people. Most visitors come here to enjoy the peace and solace among the graves, which are well maintained. However it's also very much a focus of reflection on Jewish and Hungarian hardships over the centuries and particularly through the 20th century. The country's main Holocaust monument is sited here, commemorating the estimated 600,000 Hungarian Jews who lost their lives during the war. Certainly a poignant place.

Margaret Island

To enjoy a quiet stroll in beautiful surroundings head to the public park on Margaret Island.

The city hasn't encroached on this wooded enclave and it remains a focus of leisure time activity for the locals as much as visitors. Gardens, thermal pools and even an open-air theatre, in season, to ease your time away. Long and narrow, the island is connected to both Buda and Pest by bridges and is a peaceful refuge from Budapest's busy streets. About 2.5km long, there is one road on the island, and the only one open to a public bus meaning you can wander at your leisure, untroubled by traffic. The ruins of the 13th-century church and monastery that used to stand here are also well worth exploring. St Margaret herself is buried within the ruins - a marble plaque marks the spot. The bell tower of the monastery contains the oldest bell in Budapest - dating from the 15th century and still ringing. Bus: 26 from Nyugati station, or tram: 4 or 6.

Gellert Hill

Towering 750 feet above the Danube, Gellert Hill affords easily the best views of Budapest. It's a good idea to make this your first stop on arrival in the city as the major attractions can all be easily spotted, enabling the visitor to get a feel for the city away from the hectic maze of streets and people.

Named after the martyr who was instrumental in the conversion of the Magyars to Christianity, a statue on the top of the hill is said to mark the location of his martyrdom (he was thrown down the slopes in a nailed barrel). The hill also boasts one of the few remaining Socialist memorials in Hungary, the imposing Liberation Monument, and the magnificent Citadella, built by the ubiquitous Habsburg clan. The summit can be reached on bus 27 from Moricz Zsigmond station or on foot.

Roman Ruins

A short trip out of the town centre are the ruins of Aquincum which are all that remain of the former Roman capital of the province of Pannonia. Although the ruin complex is spread over some distance, the two main attractions, the Amphitheatre and the Civilian Town, are close together and are easy to see in one stroke.

The Aquincum Museum houses Roman coins, jewellery and pottery recovered from the site. Open: 15 Apr-31 Oct. Admission: HUF800. No charge for access to the ruins. (Guided tours cost HUF5000.) Tel: +36 (06)1-250-1650. To get to the site take the HEV suburban railroad from Batthyany ter to Aquincum.

Thermal Baths

An important Hungarian cultural institution, thermal baths remain popular today and there are several impressive bath houses to choose from in the city. The city's first baths were established in Roman times and then expanded under Turkish occupation. The neoclassical architecture of some of the older establishments is well worth seeing even if the idea of a thermal bath doesn't appeal.

The Szechenyi Spa Baths located in the city park is the place to watch chess enthusiasts who congregate around the stone boards and is one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe. Open to men and women, 06h00-19h00 (May-Sept); 06h00-17h00 (Oct-Apr). Admission: HUF1300-2300.

The Gellért Spa Baths are one of the most popular baths probably due to its wealth of original Art Nouveau stained glass windows, mosaics and sculptures. Open to men and women, 06h00-19h00 (Mon-Fri); 06h00-17h00 (Sat-Sun, May-Sept). Admission: HUF3100.

The Kiraly is particularly atmospheric. Fo Utca 82-84. Open to men and women on alternate days. Admission: HUF1200. Tel: +36 (06)1-202-3688.

Ludwig Museum

The Ludwig Museum is the only collection of contemporary art in the country holding an impressive array of national and international pieces, including several works by Picasso and a significant collection of 1960’s pop art. Works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Roy Lichenstein lead the way in the American Pop Art display.

On the third floor you will find pieces by national artists such as Krisztián Frey and György Jovánovics and a selection of interesting conceptual art pieces. There is always lots going on at the Museum with events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year especially with its close ties to the Palace of Arts, the main music venue in the city. The museum also does alot to encourage and promote local talent and even holds evenings where artists can talk about their current work and latest exhibitions.

Komor Marcell u. 1. Tel: +36 (06)1-555-3444. Admission: free. This is a charge for temporary exhibitions. Open: Tue-Sun 10h00-18h00.

Budapest has a tremendous range of world-class cultural entertainment on offer, and a growing number of more modern distractions as well. The city is quite simply endlessly entertaining... and the beauty of the venues alone can often warrant the admission.

Music and Opera

With its rich musical heritage and a passionate music-loving public, Budapest offers an excellent choice of venues and concerts throughout most of the year.

A quite remarkable range of orchestras and music companies are permanently located in the city. Most prominent among these are the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic, the Budapest Symphony Orchestra and the Hungarian Chamber Orchestra. All offer international standard performances in various theatres and opera houses across the city.

Among the most impressive venues are:

Zeneakademia (Franz Liszt Academy of Music) Liszt Ferenc ter 8 Tel: +36 (06)1-342-0179

Magyar Allami Operahaz (Hungarian State Opera House) Andrassy ut 22 Tel: +36 (06)1-353-0170

There is a range of smaller venues as well that consistently offer excellent amateur and professional performances from both travelling and domestic companies. The best place to obtain classical concert tickets for all performances is the Publika Ticket Office at Karoly Krt 9, Tel: +36 (06)1-322-2010.

The main venue for rock and pop concerts is Petofi Csarnok at Zichy Mihaly ut 14, Tel: +36 (06)1-363-3730, while Matav Zenehaz at Pava utca 10-12, Tel: +36 (06)1-215-5770 plays host to some excellent jazz concerts.

Fat Mo's V. Ny?ry P?l u. 11 Tel: +36 (06)1-267-3199

Fat Mo's a 1920's themed speakeasy hosts live local jazz and blues bands nightly. New Orleans and Mexican snacks are also served.

National Concert Hall Komor Marcell u. 1 Tel: +36 (06)1-555-3001

The newly built National Concert Hall (Palace of Arts) is now the city's main music venue hosting a wide range of acts from classical to jazz and blues and pop and rock music. Aspects of dance and the arts are also represented here with numerous events and exhibitions taking place.

Theatre

Budapest has long had an appreciation of all the arts, and the theatre scene is almost as extensive as the city's excellent music programme. There are a number of small theatres in both sides of the city, many of them beautiful Art Deco gilded palaces.

You should check local listings for details of performances but they range from musicals to Shakespeare and modern Hungarian plays. In festival time you'll find plenty of folkish performances and even some international groups in the city. Most plays are in Hungarian but you will find some foreign language theatre listed from time to time.

Merlin Theatre Gerloczy ut 4 Tel: +64 (06)1-318-9844

The theatre is Budapest's best-established venue for foreign-language performances. Classical and modern dramatic productions, including Shakespeare, are performed here in English and German, but other European languages have been represented in the past. You should check listings for details.

Nightlife

Since the downfall of Communism, Budapest has been partying hard and there is a growing number of clubs to choose from. The turnover is high and the circuit ever-moving but among the best currently are:

Kaméleon Club II Lövoh?z u 2-6 Tel: +36 (06)1-345-8358

Plays commercial house in a lavish setting.

Bahn Hof V?ci utca 1 Tel: +36 (06)1-302 4751

Bahn Hof is one of the most popular clubs in the city offering clubbers two rooms of rock and alternative and a funk/soul classics.

Fat Mo?s Music Club Nyary Pal U 11 Tel: +36 (06)1-267-3199 Restaurant, bar and live entertainment venue rolled into one. Sample live jazz soul and blues plus DJ sets in a relaxed informal atmosphere.

School Club ? Kozgaz F?v?m tér 8 Tel: +36 (06)1-215-4359

Student disco in the grounds of the University of Economics with a friendly fun atmosphere, cheap drinks and DJ?s playing to meet the demands of an eclectic audience.

Piaf Nagymez? utca 25 Tel: n/a

Bohemian style club (lots of red velvet) with jazz piano upstairs and 80?s disco in basement.

SOTE Klub Nagyvarad ter 4 Tel: +36 (06)1-215-2474

Student night, with lots of cheap drink and a flirty glammed up party crowd.

There are also a number of new bars popping up alongside international bars that stay open well into the small hours and usually have a dance floor of sorts. Check out the massive Australian Bar on M?ty?s Kir?ly to catch up with globe-trotting antipodeans and European tourists or the Avocado restaurant on V. Nyary Pal which has a club in the basement.

You should take care while in Budapest. Do not follow anyone who promises to show you a good club or bar, similar to Prague there are plenty of establishments you're better off not going into.

Weekly magazines such as Scene and Pesi Est are a good source for up to date nightlife information.

Cinema

Many of the Western style shopping malls that Budapest is so fond of comprise cinemas within them. European and American offerings may be dubbed into Hungarian, and you should look out for the word feliratos, which means the film is subtitled rather than dubbed.

Westend's "Megaplex" offers multiple screens and modern facilities, and you're likely to find English language international blockbuster movies on offer all the time. Westend City Center, Utca V?ci 1-3, Tel: +36 (06)1-336-5555. Muvesz at Terez krt 30, Tel: +36 (06)1-332-6726, often offers foreign (English) language movies.

Special Events

March

Budapest Spring Festival. For two weeks in mid-March, performances of everything from opera to ballet, and from classical music to drama, are held at all the major halls and theatres of Budapest. Simultaneously, temporary exhibitions open in many of Budapest's museums. Tickets are available at the Festival Ticket Service, V 1081 Raksczi zt 65, Tel: +36 (06)1-210-2795, and at individual venues.

June

A rich variety of open-air performances are given throughout Budapest from June to August. Highlights include opera and ballet at the Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre, folklore and dance at the Buda Park Theatre, musicals in Varosmajor Theatre, and classical music recitals in the Dominican Courtyard at the Hilton Hotel.

July-August

Budapest's largest church, St Stephen's Basilica, hosts organ concerts, from July to August of each year. The Matthias Church in the castle district likewise offers classical music performances over the summer months.

Summer Opera and Ballet Festival. This 10-day festival, which falls either in July or August, is the only chance to catch any performances at the wonderful Hungarian State Opera House during the summer season. Check listings for the exact programme.

International Palace Tournament, in Visegrad. Each summer on the second weekend in July, this town on the Danube Bend not too far from the capital hosts an authentic medieval festival, complete with duelling knights on horseback, minstrels music, and dance.

August

Sziget Festival - A seven day festival falling at the beginning of August. It's a celebration of all genres of music with venues dotted around the island of ?buda. For more information on the event and ticket prices, Tel: +36 (06)1-372-0650.

Formula One Grand Prix. The lucrative Grand Prix circus comes to town each August and hordes of race fans descend on Budapest as the world's finest drivers and manufacturers contest the Formula One championship at the Hungaroring.

St Stephen's Day. On August 20, Hungary's patron saint is celebrated with folk dancing and cultural events and a dramatic display of fireworks over the Danube.

September

Budapest's international wine fair is held on the first Tuesday in September. Hungarian wines go head-to-head with foreign stuff as connoisseurs and enthusiastic epicures sample wine and enjoy good food from all over the world.

September-October

Budapest Art Weeks. In celebration of the opening of the season, special classical music and dance performances are held for three weeks in all of the city's major halls. The festival's traditional start is September 25, the day of Bila Bartsk's death.

Contemporary Music Weeks. Held in conjunction with the Budapest Art Weeks, this three-week festival features performances of modern music in all the capital's major theatres and concert halls.

On Budapest's shopping streets, Western style superstores exist side by side with independent traditional retailers, while the many markets still thrive as areas of daily commerce and are of considerable interest to visitors. Prices compare well with Western Europe.

Take a note of these public holidays as stores and markets may close.

Where to Shop

Best Areas

Whilst Budapest isn’t top of the list as a European shopping destination there are areas of the city which will appeal to the more avid shopper. Vaci Utca in central Pest is the main shopping street in the city. Here you will find a mix of traditional shops and westernised chain stores.

If you need a fix of high street shopping then you should head to the West End Shopping Centre a gleaming edifice on Vaci Street. It has two floors full of well known high street stores such as Mango and Marks & Spencers, plus a few restaurants and cafés.

Prices are competitive although the closer you get to the Castle District the more touristy and pricey the stores are. You'll also find arts and crafts for sale around the castle but prices are higher and quality isn’t always what you might expect – choose wisely if shopping around here.

The streets to the north of the Parliament building, such as Falk Miksa are full of small antique shops and art galleries and make for a pleasant stroll. Small boutiques, especially toy shops selling beautifully crafted wooden toys can be found dotted around Dob Street. You will also find some interesting craft shops on Raday Street.

Markets

Budapest's markets are still integral to the city and the tourist will find loads of interesting items on offer, often leftovers from the Communist era. It's in the markets that you find some of the most vibrant local colour as well.

The city's most celebrated flea market is Ecseri Piac, offering bargains from Communist souvenirs to secondhand clothes. The market is always busy and colourful and is well worth a visit. Open Mon-Fri 08h00-16h00, Sat 08h00-15h00, Sun 08h00-13h00. Take the No.54 bus to the south-eastern suburbs. Nagykorosi ut 156.

Situated close to the Pest end of the Liberty Bridge, the grandiose building of the Central Market Hall (Kozponti Vasarcsarnok) is one of the focal points of Budapest. Built around the turn of the century, and housing three levels of stalls, the market stocks a vast range of fruit, vegetables, spices and meats. (Fovam ter). You'll also find an array of local handicrafts and if you’re going around Christmas, lots of hand made Christmas decorations.

A smaller but far more central version of the Ecseri flea market, Petofi Csarnok outdoor market is located in City Park and opens at weekends 07h00-14h00. Zichy Mihaly ut 14.

What to Buy

The most popular souvenirs for those visiting Budapest tend to be folk arts and craft objects and one of the best places for inexpensive gifts of this kind is the chain of Folkart shops (Nepmuveszeti Haziipar). These shops can be found throughout Budapest (the largest in the city is at Vaci utcar 14) and stock a good range of handmade goods including pottery, porcelain, pillowcases, dolls, traditional dresses and sheepskin vests.

The best porcelain comes from the town of Herend, and Herend Porcelain at Joszef Nador ter 11, is the main Budapest outlet of the world-renowned factory located in western Hungary. For authentic traditional clothing head to Vali Folklor Souvenir at Vaci utca 23 where clothes from Hungary and from Hungarian ethnic groups in other countries such as Romania can be found.

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Hungary has really opened up to antique dealers and the incredible bargains that could once be found are, for the most part, no longer available. However, items of interest are still very much in evidence at shops such as Relikvia (Fortuna utca 14), Nagyhazi Galeria (Balaton utca 8) and Kieselbach Galeria (Szent Istvan korut 5).

Hungary is still a good place to go for bargains on international fashion and footwear. Famous names are often far cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. The Fortuna Department store is an upscale enterprise with latest fashions from international designers and a good range of perfumes. The store is situated at Vaci utca 16 and is open on weekdays 10h00-19h00 and Sat 10h00-15h00.

Traditional Hungarian foods make good gifts. Salami (Pick Salami is generally considered to be the best) and paprika paste are well worth stocking up on and can be purchased at delicatessens and grocery stores. Fois Gras is both cheap and excellent quality - a good present for connoisseurs back home.

Wines originating from the Tokaj and Eger regions are good with the latter's Bull's Blood wine famous the world over. Prices are also very cheap by the standards of West European countries.

Opening Hours

Most stores are open Mon-Fri from 10h00-18h00 and on Saturday from 09h00 or 10h00-13h00. Most stores are closed on Sundays, except those in the central tourist areas.

Tax Refund

A 4,76% to 16,67% VAT is payable on most goods bought in Hungary. When returning from Hungary, tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought. The minimum purchase to qualify is HUF44,001.

To reclaim tax you need to request a VAT refund claim form, when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. The goods, refund request form, invoice and receipts must be presented to custom officials as you leave the country and the refund will be processed and sent to you. Cash refund offices are available at Budapest International Airport and at major border crossings.

Public transport within Budapest is safe, reliable and very cheap by European standards. A good bet for visitors to the city is the Budapest Tourist Card, which provides free travel on the public transport network as well as reduced admission to many attractions around the city. The card is available at metro stations and transport terminuses.

To and From the Airport

Ferihegy International Airport

Ferihegy Airport is located 20km south-east of Budapest. Access to the centre of town is relatively straightforward.

Public Transport

Blue Line Buses run from the airport to the city centre from 04h30 to 23h35. It's perhaps best avoided if you have a large amount of luggage as the bus is frequently crowded and space for luggage is minimal. Should you still want to take the bus it only costs a reasonable HUF185 (payable on board) and will take 40 minutes to the city.

Shuttle Bus

There is a very efficient Minibus service which runs from the airport to any address within the city, with fares costing around HUF3900 (return) for most central locations. Tickets can be purchased in the arrivals hall and you're notified as soon as a driver is available. With multiple drop-offs the journey could potentially take longer but it's a safe option. The service operates from 05h00 until the final flight of the day and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre. Tel: +36 (06)1-296-9696.

Taxis

Fixed taxi prices to the various districts of the city are advertised on a board in the arrival area. The cost to central areas is around HUF3500 with the journey usually taking around 25 minutes.

Public Transport

There are a variety of options for getting around Budapest and they're all cheap, safe and clean. The metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses operate 04h30-23h00 each day. Night services are available on the buses and trams.

The same tickets can be used on all forms of public transport with a single ticket journey (for 60 minutes) costing HUF230, a three-day pass HUF3100 and a seven-day pass HUF3600. These tickets are available at metro ticket windows, newspaper kiosks and automated machines in most metro stations. You must validate tickets on boarding and you must stamp a new ticket if you change lines. Alternatively you can pay for a ticket that allows one transfer for HUF380. Carnets of ten single tickets are available for HUF2050.

The Budapest Tourist Card gives free travel on the public transport network as well as reduced admission to many attractions around the city. It's available for either 48hrs or 72hrs (costing HUF6450 and HUF7950 respectively) from metro stations and other transport terminuses. Each card is valid for one adult and accompanying child under 14.

Trams, Buses and Trolleybuses

Budapest has an extensive network of buses, trams and ageing but pleasant streetcars. They combine to get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Trams and trolleybuses have conductors who will gather fares and check tickets, but it's advisable if planning to use a lot of transport that you purchase a travel card to cover all possible journeys rather than finding the change to buy a single for every journey. The bus network is the most extensive and covers the entire city - while trams tend to be more useful in Pest and limited in Buda. However, the bus network is also somewhat more complicated. If you're using public transport late at night trams become a lot more limited while the night bus network is quite good.

Metro

The Budapest metro is one of the oldest in the world but it has been recently renovated and is easy to use with regular trains serving nearly all the main areas of interest. There are three lines, which all intersect at De?k tér and effectively cover the majority of the city centre. Pick up a public transport map at any station on arrival.

Taxis

With such an efficient public transport system and most sights lying within easy walking distance you may find that you don't need to use taxis. However, if you do, it's best to telephone from your hotel and get an idea of the approximate fare before you get in.

The usual fare is around HUF200 per km. Some drivers will demand payment in hard currency from foreigners but otherwise are honest and well regulated. Licensed taxis should display a yellow traffic plate. When you get into a taxi insist that either the meter is switched on, or agree a price for the entire journey beforehand.

If phoning a cab some of the main firms include: City Taxi, Tel: +36 (06)1-222-2222; Radio Taxi, Tel: +36 (06)1-377-7777, Taxi 2000, Tel: +36 (06)1-200-0000.