Christmas Tram in Budapest

From 9 December 2011 to 6 January 2012 - except 24 and 31 December - the renovated heritage Ganz UV tram appears again. You can travel by the tram dressed in tens of thousands of Christmas LEDs on the line of 2A between Jaszai Mari ter and Boraros ter from Thursday to Sunday, From Monday to Wednesday, on the line of 61K between Móricz Zsigmond korter and Széll Kálmán tér. The tram can be used with a valid regular ticket.

Timetable:

Vienna Christmas Market

The Christmas Market on Vienna's City Hall Square is  from 12 November to 24 December 2012. The  Burgtheater and Vienna City Hall gives this Christmas market an unique charm The delicious taste of punch, traditional gingerbread, roasted almonds and honey give  everyone the Christmas feeling.

The Christmas market is open

• Monday to Thursday  from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.,
• Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.,
• 24 December until 5 p.m.

Sopron Tourist Attractions

Author: Komal

Location: On the Northern border of Hungary, near Lake Neusiedl

Language: Hungarian

Time Zone: UTC+1

Driving: Right Side

Attractions: Tuztorony, Loyalty Gate, Storno-House, Kecske Templom, Old Synagogue

Located on the Austrian Border, the small city of Sopron is admired for its old world charm. It is a bilingual city, with both Hungarian and German being prominent languages. The beautiful baroque-styled buildings that were built in the 1700s add a medieval charm to the ancient roman splendor of the city. Sopron receives majority of its business from Austria. Situated closer to Vienna (70km) in Austria and Bratislava (77km) in Slovakia than to Budapest (Hungary's Capital), the city nevertheless is still close to its Hungarian roots. In fact, it is so loyal to Hungary that it is often called Civitas Fidelissima (The Most Loyal Town). Sopron's German-speaking culture and heritage was highly suppressed during the Cold War, but is now fast resurging. The city is very close to the Iron Curtain, which was the symbol of European division up until 1991, when the Cold War ended. In the following lines, we would take you through brief tour of this city and tell you the most exciting places to see and things to do when you are in Sopron.

Places To See In Sopron

The Fire Tower (Tuztorony)

The number one attraction in Sopron is the Tuztorony. It is the emblem of Sopron. The building itself is unique, since its foundations are Roman, while the lower square base is from 14th century. The cylindrical center with the Tuscan arcade is from the Renaissance age. The upper part is a clock tower with a multi-storied onion dome which was added from 1681-82, following a massive fire in the city. This 222 ft high tower provides tourists wonderful view of the city.

The Loyalty Gate

To the south of the fire tower is the Loyalty Gate, presented to the town in 1921 by the government of Budapest. Sopron was part of the counties that were initially awarded to Austria in the Treaty of Saint Germain in 1919. However, after local unrest and a local referendum on December 14, 1921, with 65% voting for Hungary, Sopron (along with eight villages close by) was ceded to Hungary. The gate was presented to mark this occasion. Every year December 14 is a holiday to mark the occasion.

Storno-House (Museum)

Standing next to the tower is the Storno House, one of the finest palaces of the town. Built in the Middle Ages, the museum boasts of housing a diverse collection of collectibles. Right from the old porcelain artifacts, to ancient furniture, paintings, guild shops, traditional wood carving and ceramics relics, the museum is sure to leave you amazed and startled. However, it is not just the lavish interiors that are going to weave the magic. The museum flaunts of having Baroque exterior that dates back to the 18th century. The building also has a lovely courtyard that is formed from beautiful Renaissance arcades.

Kecske Templom (Goat's Church)

At the southern side of City Square is the Goat's Church or Mary Church (Kecske templom). The popular legend related to this temple is of a treasure, which was scraped out of the ground by a goat and was buried when the church was built. The church was built between 1280 and 1491. There is well preserved Gothic decoration on the church, while the facade and interior are in Late Baroque/Rococo style. Following the dissolution of the Franciscan order in 1787, the church was used as a barn, before it was passed on to the Benedictines.

Old Synagogue

One of the oldest synagogues in Europe, from 1300-20, it was the first house of prayer of the Jewish community in Sopron. Since non catholic houses of prayer were not allowed in the city; the synagogue was styled in such a manner that the actual prayer house was located in the interior, while the front side was used as shops. Under a high pyramid roof, the Old Synagogue consists of a large two-storied prayer hall, a prayer hall for women (joined to one other only by observation slits) and the ritual bath. The synagogue with both prayer halls was converted into residential houses and remained so, until after the Second World War, when it was restored.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/sopron-tourist-attractions-4355538.html

Budapest Airport Transfers

You can book your airport transfers in Budapest by Huncool Tours. No hidden costs. Our driver will wait for your at Budapest Airport with your name sign. You have to pay to the driver directly, no advance payment

Prices:

Budapest Airport and Budapest City

Passangers	Budapest Airport - City	City - Budapest Airport	City - City	City - City return way
1-4	22	20	16	14
5-6	35	33	22	20
7-8	40	38	35	33
9-12	62	58	40	38
13-14	75	71	57	53
15-16	80	76	70	66

Prices per car and per way in EUR

Passangers	Budapest - Hévíz and return	Budapest - Vienna and return	Budapest - Eger and return	Budapest - Debrecen and return	Budapest - Bratislava and return
1-4	150	160	100	150	140
5-6	180	220	130	220	200
7-8	200	280	160	220	250
9-12	240	350	240	310	300
13-14	280	400	240	310	440
15-16	300	500	410	440	390

Prices per car and per way in EUR

You can book your transfer online here: Budapest airport transfer

Christmas Traditions in Hungary

Some Hungarian Christmas Traditions

 

Christmas Candy - Szaloncukor

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Hungary. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve (it's Szenteste in Hungarian, meaning Holy Night) Familiy members get together in the afternoon on 24th December and decorate the Christmas tree. Grandparents or elder brothers and sisiters look after the little ones, so they won't see their presents placed under the tree.



Beigli

The fragrant fir is adorned with colourful paper decorations and a special Hungarian Christmas candy (szaloncukor) wrapped in shinny coloured papers.

Housewives cook traditional Hungarian Chrismas dishes in the kitchen. We usually have fish soup, stuffed cabbage, pastry rolls stuffed with poppy seed, walnut or chestnut stuffings (it's called bejgli in Hungarian) and makosguba (another pastry with poppy).

Family members exchange gifts in the evening on 24th December while listening to tradtitional Christmas songs. In Hungary baby Jesus brings the presents and sometimes the angels, not Santa. We celebrate the arrival of Santa on 6th December, St. Nicholas Day.



Stuffed cabbage



At midnight a lot of people go to the midnight mass. Organ music and pine scent fill the air in churches where people sing together classical Christmas songs.

Even non-religious people attend this mass beacuse of its festive and uplifting atmosphere. On the following two days relatives and friends visit it each other have traditional Christmas dishes and desserts.



Opening time, public transport and weather around Christmas in Hungary

Christmas Tree

Essential information about opening hours, public transport and weather at Christmas time in Hungary.

Opening Hours at Christmas in Budapest

Shops are open till evening the last three weekends before Christmas. Shops close around early afternoon on 24th December and open only on 27th December. Some larger shopping malls might stay open until early evening on 24th December. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day the most of shops, supermarkets are closed in Hungary. Many shops do not open between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Life gets back to normal after 1st January.

Restaurants are also closed on Christmas Eve (24th Decemeber), but most of them open on 25th-26th December. Several good restaurants open during Christmas.

Public Transport at Christmas in Budapest

Public transport vehicles run until around 15.00-16.00. After 16.00 night services carry passangers. On 25th-26th December vehicles run according to holiday schedule. Between 27th and 1st January, vehicles run less frequently than they do on usual weekdays. It's also holiday at schools, all public transport vehicles run according to schedules valid during school holidays.


Weather Around Christmas in Budapest


Several years ago there was always thick snow around Christmas. The first snowflakes fell usually at the end of November. The temperatures were around zero or below. Today it is hard to tell what will be the weather like around Christmas. The weather around Christmas is sometimes rather mild and dull, with some rain, and it's crispy and sunny with crystal blue sky at times. Last two years there was a little snow during Christmas holiday.

Programs at Christmas in Budapest

The world famous 100-member Gypsy Orchestra performs a concert on 30th December, at 6 pm in teh Budapest Congress Centre. They'll play both clasical and traditional folk music.



The whole city calms down for a couple of days. You can only hear the sound of Christmas concerts and Advent songs in Budapest's churches. After the hectic shopping it's a real realxation to listen to the organ works and contemplate about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. I recommend the Lights of Christmas Festival in Matthias Church on Castle Hill.

Merry Christmas!

Socio-cultural walking tour in Budapest

The tour shows a contrast of Budapest: fascinating down-town palace neighborhood and the true
lovely, poorer streets of our capital. With visiting the home of a gypsy family.

Feel the contrast, be a Budapest citizen for a walk.
Feel the contrast between the luxury palace district and the time-worn backstreets of the slummy district. We go into hidden backyards. We visit the home of a musician gipsy family.

More information and prices: Socio Cultural Walking Tour in Budapest

Christmas Fair in Budapest

Each year from the end of November to 24 December the traditional Christmas fair is organized in one of the finest central area of Budapest, in Vörösmarty Square. It is one of the finest event held out of the tourist season in Europe.

There is number of musical and cultural events during the fair. In the shop window of the Gerbeaud Café a special Advent Calendar can be seen with the works of 24 contemporary artists every day. You can buy only natural materials, handcrafted gifts, the quality and origin are checked buy a jury.

The Budapest Christmas market is a favorite of not only locals but also visitors, because very few tourists  miss out the Vörösmarty square. The freshly baked cakes, mulled wine, fried dough and the delicious smell of homemad dishes call the visitors eating or looking around from a long distance.

People interested in culture can find performances of classical music, Hungarian folk music and dance, children concerts in the northern part of the square.

In 2011 the christmas fair is open from 18th November to 30th December.

We have a Christmas Market Walking Tour from 24 November to 30 December on every Wednesday to Sunday. You can hear about the christmas traditions in Hungary, visit two christmas market places in Budapest, and you can taste wine and mull wine. The tour takes 2,5 hours. The price is 18 EUR/person. More information and booking: Chrismtas Market Tour Budapest

Budapest Shopping Centers - Malls of Budapest

The biggest shopping centers of Budapest:

1. WestEnd City Center

1062 Budapest, Váci út 1-3, Hungary

Phone : +36-1-238-7777

www.westend.hu

WestEnd City Center awaits its customers with over 400 shops located on 3 levels.

- 200 fashion shops with a selection of major brands;

- almost 70 shoe and leatherwear shops

- 50 watch and jewellery shops; gift shops

- 45 commercial points

- 40 restaurants and cafés

- a 14 screen cinema

- game arcades and casinos

- a 2,500m2 open air ice rink during the winter; flourishing roof gardens with playgrounds during the summer.

2. Mammut Shopping and Entertainment Centre

1024 Budapest Lövőház Street 2-6.

info: +36 1 345-8020, +36 1 345-8333

www.mammut.hu

Date of opening: 28 August 1998 (Mammut II: 28 September 2001)

Area: total area of 105 thousand square metres, including car parks, public areas, storage areas and offices. The total business area alone is 56 thousand square metres.

Number of stores: 330

Number of parking spaces: 1,200

Disabled access: Mammut I and Mammut II at the Lövőház Street entrance and the main entrance of Mammut II.

3.Arena Plaza

1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9

www.arenaplaza.hu

Arena Plaza has almost 200 stores,  including  many world famous  brands  such as  Peek & Cloppenburg, Zara, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Oysho or Gant - some of whom opened their first shops in the Arena Plaza.  And there are almost  30 restaurants  and cafés in the centre, including Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Burger King as well as Häagen Dazs and  Tchibo, who’ve opened their  very first Hungarian shop in Arena Plaza.

Here you’ll also find a Tesco hypermarket. And  Cinema City have opened  Central-East-Europe’s biggest multiplex cinema in the centre -  the only  IMAX cinema in Hungary.

Arena Plaza’s shops and restaurants are open from  10h  to 21h from Monday to Saturday and  from 10h to 19h on Sundays.

4. Corvin Plaza

1082 Budapest, Futó utca 37-45

www.corvinbevasarlokozpont.hu

The newest shopping center of Budapest with 100 shops.

5.Europeum

Blaha Lujza tér, Budapest

Opened: 14 April 2011

The brand new smaller shopping center in 3 floors (5300 m2) in the very city center on the Blaha Lujza Square.

6.Árkád Budapest

1106 Budapest, Örs Vezér square

www.arkadbudapest.hu

On three floors, the Mall caters to its discriminating customers by offering a close to 170 mix of specialty retailers and services.

The Center also offers restaurants, quick-lunch bars and coffee shops.

7.MOM Park Shopping Center

1123 Budapest  Alkotás u. 53.

www.mompark.hu

MOM Park is in the Buda side with 97 shops and a 9 rooms Palace Cinemas Cinema.

8.Duna Plaza

1138 Budapest, Váci út 178.

www.dunaplaza.hu

It is one of the oldest shopping centers of Budapest with 200 shops, restaurants and a Palace Cinemas Cinema

9.Allee Shopping Center

Október Huszonharmadika utca 8-10.  H-1117 Budapest

www.allee.hu

Allee has 47 000 square meters GLA including retail and entertainment functions, altogether 137 shops and service points, and additionally 7 000 square meter offices and a three-level parking house located underneath the centre with 1200 parking places.

10. Köki Terminál
Vak Bottyán u. 75. H-1191
www.kokiterminal.hu

The newest shopping mall in Budapest has opened on 14th October 2011. It has a very good location, at the end station of the Metro line nr. 3, Kőbánya-Kispest. Here is a train station and a bus station as well. This is the end stop of the airport bus, bus nr. 200. In 58.000 square meter, it has more than 200 shops and restaurant.

The István Zelnik Southeast Asian Gold Museum

A few weeks ago The István Zelnik Southeast Asian Gold Museum has opened its gates on the Andrassy Boulvard, in the city center.

The István Zelnik Southeast Asian Gold Museum provides a home for nearly a thousand artifacts from eleven of the states of  today’s Southeast Asia. Most of these objects are of gold and date from prehistoric times to the 20th century. The museum’s material is founded on the unique collection of Dr. István Zelnik, a former diplomat, now a businessman and art collector.

The Gold Museum presents the realms of culture and art in this colourful and multifaceted region. The museum halls lead the visitor across the eras of Southeast Asian art and its exceptional wealth.
The mainstays of the collection are the gold and silver artefacts from Cham, Khmer, Javanese and tribal cultures. . The collection of  religious objects, statues connected to Buddhism and Hinduism is also outs standing.

Representations connected to Buddhism can be found in all sections of the collection. Standing, sitting or walking Buddhas and the ‘thousand Buddha’ representations on the Buddha Wall are very important in the collection, but many articles of religious practice can also be seen, for example, a stupa-shaped reliquary, votive plates and ritual vessels.

Hindu deities - Indian influences have affected the region’s art significantly since the 5th century. In the Hindu religion Shiva plays a central role, which the collection reflects perfectly.

 

The multicoloured character of the civilisations in the area have been enriched by Southeast Asia’s own trade network, which existed alongside the Central Asian Silk Road, that is, the ‘Maritime Silk Route’, and it was similarly important. Trade on these routes is shown in a separate exhibition hall, where the many distinctive goods it distributed can be seen, including gemstones, silk, porcelain and precious metal objects that changed hands within the trade network.

The upstairs halls of the museum house groups of objects that offer a view of the Cham, Khmer and Javanese court cultures, as well as the refined art of smithying in the tribal cultures of the mainland and the archipelago, mainly through gold objects. There is also a separate hall here dedicated to the Shiva cult within Hinduism because of the particular importance it gained in Southeast Asia. The influence of Islam from around the 12th – 13th centuries can also be felt in various groups of objects.

In the Cham collection more of the so-called kosha—which were used to decorate or ‘dress’ linga (phallic symbols) in the cult of the god Shiva—can be seen, and in better condition, than in any other collection in the world. Cham statue jewellery: medals, rings, armlets, diadems and crowns also appear in matchless diversity. The collection of Cham silver statues is another uniquely rich source of iconographic plastic art, some of them have never been seen intact and in their full glory before. The inscribed Cham ritual vessels represent similar historic value and rarity. Secular jewellery forms a separate category in the museum that sometimes overlaps with that of statue jewellery.

The group of small sheets for ritual purposes, inscribed and decorated with figures or other representations, forms a subgroup within the Khmer collection. The Khmer jewellery compilation includes some outstandingly valuable and unique rarities, as does the group of small, everyday ritual objects such as small boxes, pots and storage vessels.

The collection of materials from tribal cultures presents some rarities never seen before, from human-shaped ritual objects likely to have been part of death or ancestral cults, through to the Bronze Age gold drum from the Dong Son Culture and death cult masks, and on to the series of medals (plates) from Taninbar. The tribal jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago is both spectacular and unusual.

In addition to tribal artworks, court art in the Southeast Asian Archipelago is also richly represented  in this collection.

Each and every one of the artefacts placed in the Hall of Treasures is a spiritual treasure in the deepest sense, whilst also guiding the visitor to an interpretation of the meaning of secular treasures.

A Tropical Statue Garden and an Asian Teahouse also await guests at the Gold Museum located on the museum axis of Andrássy Avenue (in the former Rauch Villa).

More information: Zelnik István Museum

Budapest, Andrássy út 100.

Open all year. Opening Hours:  Monday: 9am -6pm, Tuesday to Sunday: 9am -7 pm

How to get to Budapest city from the airport

If you landing at Budapest Airport (Liszt Ferenc Airport) terminal 2 (all regular flights, no discount flights):

1. Take bus number 200E as far as the end station: Kobanya-Kispest (Kőbánya-Kispest) metro station. There is a big construction here in 2011, everything is a little bit crazy here for us – local people – as well. Just follow the people. Take the metro line 3. If your destination requires you can change the metro lines at Deak Ferenc square: you can take line 2 and line 1 here. The main city center is at the Ferenciek square, Deak Ferenc square, Nyugati square – Nyugati railway station stops. You can buy tickets at the airport. You need at least two tickets. You can buy a ten- or twenty-ticket-package for a discount price.

2. Take the private shuttle bus line from the airport terminals to the city center directly. Orange bus with the board Budapest City. Departure in every 30 minutes from 5 am to 12 pm. Ticket price: 1400 HUF (5 EUR)/single journey. You can buy ticket on the bus. There is a lot of stops on the way. You can download the schedule from here: Airport Shuttle Bus

3. Sharing airport shuttle minibus service: minibuses for sharing direct transfer. You can find more information here: Airport Shuttle Minibus

4. Private taxi transfer: Prices from 22 EUR/car. More information and booking here:  Airport taxi transfer
5. By taxi: you can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Please, ask the price before taking this service for avoiding the heavy moments. There is only one taxi company in the airport with rights to waiting for clients at the taxi station of the terminals.

If you landing at Budapest Airport (Liszt Ferenc Airport) terminal 1 (discount flights and private planes only):

The same ways as above and:

By train: You can buy ticket at the aiport. Leave the building and you can see the pedestrian bridge on the other side of the parking. Through the bridge and down at the middle stairs you can reach the trains. Take the trains to Nyugati  Pu.station. There is a train to Nyugati station in every 10-15 minutes. Some trains go to Köbánya-Kispest, but you need the trains to Nyugati station. Watch the information boards. Avoid the trains to Debrecen, Szeged and other destinaitons, they come from Budapest and not go to the countryside. The only one good train line is with the Nyugati Pu. final station.

Wellness Weekend in Egerszalok

Last weekend my husband and me were a long wellness weekend in Egerszalok, the Hungarian Pamukkale.

Egerszalók is a small village 7 km from the famous wine city, Eger, at the foot of the Mátra Mountain. The most important sight is the thermal spring breaking out in the southern part of the village with the salthill created by the spring.

Until the summer of 2007 the village has a small nomad thermal bath with two open-air pools and without any buildings and infrastructure.  It was funny to arrive at the bath in bathrobe in the snowy winter. We just took the bathrope down and splashed into the steaming hot water. The best program of the bath was the night bath: it was opened till late night. A lot of friends from Budapest often took the 120 km long journey to Egerszalók after the work for  just splashing in the night.

And the changes had to come. In the beginning of the 2000 years the plans of the development were born.  The locals and the fans protested. The modern thermal bath with 17 pools (whirpools, thermal pools), the most of them are covered,  was opened in the summer of 2007. And everything was changed. Instead of the cheap night bath a more expensive entertainment bath was born. Nowadays the friend from Budapest  don’t travel to Egerszalók for a night bath, Egerszalók is a weekend program.

In the same time in the neighbouring village, Demjén, was built an other thermal bath with 5 outdoor pools and some slides. This bath use the same thermal spring like Egerszalók. Last year two covered pools were built. With the cheap prices and the open-air freedom it became the competion of the Egerszalók complex very soon. And it is open till 2 o’clock at night.

In the surroundings of the Egerszalók thermal bath some hotels were built in the last few years. In the village we can find guest houses and aparments for staying.

The newest hotel of Egerszalók is the Saliris Resort**** opened in 2010 is under the roofs of the thermal bath. The room prices include the free entrance to the thermal bath.

The Saliris Resort deliberately does not follow current fashion trends since here the natural environment is the key to everything: in the interior areas materials in earthy colours exude elegance. That is true for example of the Pakistani salt tiles that lend the bar and reception a special atmosphere, the Makassar ebony that gives the public areas their air of distinction and elegance and the handmade unique wallpapers.

The interior design of the hotel was guided by the principle that guests should be surrounded by premium-quality materials in the rooms too.

The Saliris Resort has 203 rooms: 190 standard rooms (of which 50 are connecting), 9 suites, 1 presidential suite and 3 disabled-accessible rooms. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen television providing access to almost 20 channels, telephone, internet connection, mini bar, safe, air heating-conditioning and coffee/tea-making facilities. All rooms have a terrace.

Room rates from 95 EUR/2 nights with halfboard

More information and booking: Saliris Resort Egerszalók

The hotel guests can use the bath from 7:00 to 22:00, however the bath guest can use it from 10 to 19 o’clock. So the hotel guests have some private hours in the bath.

During our weekend the best program was to go down to the bath after dinner and relaxing in the almost empty pools . We feeled like it was our private thermal bath.

We didn’t bath and relax only. We walked on the promenade built around the thermal bath and the salthills. The walk from the hotel to the salthill is cca 30 minutes, so it can be a good program before dinner. The walking route drives through a relaxing park with ponds, then next to the thermal bath and ended at the salthills and the thermal wells supplying the thermal bath and the neigbouring hotels ’ pools.

The thermal spring created a salt hill with the surface area of 1200 m2. With the development of the bath the salthill surface was increased to cca 1900m2. Now there are 3 hills. It is interesting to see the process of the nature salthill building from the pools of the bath.

Next time I will talk about the other attractions of the Egerszalók village, like the cave dwelling and the wine cellars.

National Galopp 2011 in Budapest - 14th - 18th September 2011

Bring your family with you!

Come to the celebration of Hungary’s cities and villages and celebrate the Hungarian traditions together with us.

Meet us at the ’Kitchen of Hungary’ and „Wine and Pálinka Pavilon” all the way from the Műcsarnok to the 1956 monument. Starting from Wednesday,14th of September to taste all the best Hungarian dishes and drinks. 

5 days, breathtaking programs:

Show jumping

Polo horse match

Special coach-driving race

Free horse riding

...and other spectacular riding programs every day

FINALLY ON THE 17TH AND 18TH OF September ON HEROES’ SQUARE THE HARDEST COMPETITION OF THE NATIONAL GALLOP WILL BEGIN.

Detailed program is here: National Galop

Caves in Budapest

Sights to be Seen – Caves Edition by Funzine

CASTLE CAVES (VÁRBARLANG)

Formed by the movement of thermal waters, and already in use over half a million years ago, the extensive cave system stretches nearly ten kilometers under the belly of Castle Hill. When the city was under Ottoman rule, the system was expanded for military purposes and it has proved useful many times throughout history, most notably during World War II, when thousands used it as a shelter – there is even an urban legend that post used to be delivered to families who were taking refuge in the caves during this period. Now you’re more likely to find tourists than postal staff roaming the caves, trying to cool off or soak up some moist, mineral-rich air. It’s is a great place for an only-in-Budapest afternoon of exploring.

Úri utca 9.

PÁLVÖLGYI CAVE

It is a lesser known fact that Budapest boasts approximately 200 caves, which were created by the same springs that supply the city’s medicinal thermal waters. The stunning and highly protected Pálvölgyi Cave was discovered in 1904, thanks to a hungry sheep under which the nearby quarry caved in. Famous for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, Pálvölgyi is Hungary’s second longest cave with its length exceeding 19 kilometers, 500 meters of which is open to the public (from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.). The temperature is around 10 degrees, so wrap up warm, leave your high heels at home and be prepared to climb ladders. To get there, take bus 65 at Kolosy tér and get off at Pálvölgyi Cseppkőbarlang.

Szépvölgyi út 162.

CAVE CHAPEL

Located on the side of Gellért Hill and accessible from Gellért tér (famous for its charming spa bath and hotel), this little chapel is actually built in a cave in the underbelly of the hill itself. The traditional church elements and the natural beauty of the rocks complement each other perfectly. Founded by Pauline monks in the 1920s, it only reopened in 1989 after having been closed for almost 50 years as part of an unsuccessful attempt by the Communist leadership to eliminate the Catholic Church (the Secret Police raided the chapel in 1951 and arrested the entire order sentencing the superior Ferenc Vezér to death!). Today, it can be visited by tourists, but be sure to check that it’s open on the day to save yourself a steep uphill walk. The tranquility of the tiny chapel makes it an ideal place for contemplation.

Gellért tér

SZEMLŐHEGY CAVE

A little sibling of Pálvölgy Cave, the gorgeous Szemlőhegy Cave inside the Buda Hills is well worth a visit for its spacious passages, dotted with dazzling pea grit formations (unique in Europe!), rock and crystal formations of various sizes. However, not only is the cave pleasing for your eyes but thanks to its cool, humid and wonderfully clear air, it does wonders for your health, particularly for your respiratory system! Presently, a 300m section of the 2km long cave passage is open to the public (Tue.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the tour takes about 40 minutes). And since it is a less challenging stroll than the one in Pálvölgy Cave, feel free to bring your little ones. English language guided tours are available, just make sure to book ahead.

Pusztaszeri út 35.

MOLNÁR JÁNOS CAVE

You don’t have to leave the city for a bit of an underground dive – just go the 2nd district to find the largest active thermal water cave system in the whole world. Named after the pharmacist who analyzed the chemical components of the water in the passages above ground level in 1856, the cave provides the thermal water for Lukács Thermal Bath. The average 20-23 °C temperature of the water (thanks to the combination of cold karstic and hot thermal water) would be ideal for a swim, but you need special permits for visiting and diving. Should you be a trained scuba diver, you might explore parts of the 62 m deep and 2.5 km long passages – though the exact parameters of the cave are still unknown. And it’s all just a few steps away from the Buda side of Margaret Bridge…

Frankel Leó út

FERENC HILL CAVE

The 5600 m long cave is considered the most exciting in the city for its intertwining, labyrinthine passageways. Like all the Buda caves, this was also formed on the tectonic plate borders. You need to make an appointment to visit the protected cave, but it’s worth it if you’re into narrow passageways and getting down and dirty. The cave is also used for a preventive and therapeutic alternative in the treatment of children with asthma. There are several routes to explore, the easiest one is recommended for five-year olds and motivated adults who aren’t familiar with the term ‘claustrophobia’. Entering through an iron trapdoor, you’ll get to see flat and smooth surfaces, stalagmites (very rare in the Buda caves), and a refreshing average temperature of 9.9°C.

Törökvész u. 70.

CAVE DWELLING MUSEUM

It might come as a surprise to many that in the middle of the 20th century over 1000 poverty-stricken people lived in 300 wretched cave-homes, hollowed out of limestone in Budafok. Living in a cave sounded a very romantic and cheap (costing only 400 forints) idea in the 19th century, but by the 20th, the reality of sometimes ten people living in a dark, dank hole with no electricity and filled with nasty smells hit home. Realizing the serious health risks, the communist government relocated the cave-dwellers – the last family moved out in 1967. Opened in 1971, this one-of-its-kind museum is the only cave that was left intact, storing its original furniture. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Veréb utca 2-4.

JÁNOS HILL GATEWAY

You can trust us to show you some hidden treasures of Budapest – now it’s a hole in the ground, boasting the title of “gateway”. You could easily walk past the János Hill Gateway, but if you follow the red signs leading to János Hill from Szépjuhászné, turn left at third junction and look to your right, you’ll find the entrance to the 17 meter-long tiny cave, the János Hill Gateway. The passage doesn’t require any climbing skills, it’s at least 1.5 m wide in all directions. It doesn’t offer a great selection of geological wonders, but towards the exit, the upper section of the cave forms a dome, with two smallish windows to the top of János Hill. How’s that for art (or, in this instance, architecture) imitating nature?

János-hegy

Join one of our caving tours in Budapest and Hungary: Caving tours

Aquaworld Waterpark - Budapest

One of the biggest indoor water theme parks in Europe offers unforgettable entertainment to visitors of every age throughout the year.

The adventure centre is covered by a giant dome, 5-storey high and of a diameter of 72 m. It is so big it could host comfortably a family of blue whales, the biggest animals on Earth.

The monumental replica Angkor temple surrounded by suspension bridges, towers and pools is a breath-taking sight. The world of the “serene statues” is a perfect counterpoint to the use of the most modern architectural and technical solutions, in line with the Aquaworld conception, to create a modern shrine of aquatic culture offering complex adventures to visitors.

Aquaworld is located on the northern outskirts of Budapest, at the Pest abutment of Megyeri Bridge, along the M0 ring, in a green area, yet close to the town centre. It has an outdoor car park with a capacity of more than 1000, easily accessible via the Aquaworld exit of the new Budapest M0 ring.

Prices and opening hours

Openig hours: every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cashier: from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swimming Pool: from 6 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. (only 2 saunas and the swimming pool can be used)

Sauna World: from 6 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Visitors are asked to leave the pools at 9. 30 p.m.

Prices from 16th June 2010 at Aquaworld

PRICES ON WEEKDAYS    in HUF	ADMISSON		DAILY TICKET	SWIMMING TICKET	SAUNA- WORLD	EVENING TICKET
Period of use	2 hours	minute  charge	All day 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.	6 a.m. - 9.30 a.m.	HUF/day	4.30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Adult	2 500	15	4 900	1 600	600	2 800
Student-Senior	1 900	15	3 900	1 200	600	2 100
Children 0-3 years	Free	Free	Free	-	-	-
Children 3-14 years	1 200	15	1 900	1 200	-	1 400

Ticket prices include VAT.

The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.

PRICES ON WEEKEND AND HOLIDAYS in HUF	ADMISSON		DAILY TICKET	SWIMMING TICKET	SAUNA- WORLD	EVENING TICKET
Period of use	2 hours	minute  charge	All day6 a.m. - 10 p.m.	6 a.m. -  9.30 a.m.	HUF/day	6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Adult	2 900	15	5 600	1 600	600	2 800
Student-Senior	2 200	15	4 300	1 200	600	2 100
Children 0-3 years	Free	Free	Free	-	-	-
Children 3-14 years	1 500	15	2 500	1 200	-	1 400

Ticket prices include VAT.

The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.

The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.

Further information and discounts

• Discount for groups: above 15 people 10% discount, available only in case of previous order.

• Discount for Újpest residents: 10% from the prices of the weekday tickets, available in case of valid address card.

• Discount for hotel guests: 50% from the prices of the tickets.

• Gift voucher can be bought on weekdays from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.

• Children under 14 are only allowed to stay in the Water Theme Park under the permanent supervision of their parents or an adult person.

• Children under 14 are not allowed to visit the Sauna World.

• Minute-based admission tickets include +10 minutes for changing.

• Towel rental: 300 HUF/piece, deposit: 2000 HUF/piece

• Bathrobe rental: 800 HU/piece, deposit: 5000 HUF/piece

• Deposit for the access authorized watch with chip card: 2000 HUF/person

• Safe deposit: 200 HUF/piece

• Cloakroom: 400 HUF/piece

Free shuttle bus runs every day between Heroes' Square and Aquaworld.

Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The free shuttle service departures from Heroes' Square (Budapest) from Art Gallery. The bus departures from Aquaworld and arrives to Heroes' Square (Budapest). Get off in front of Museum of Fine Arts.

From 11th June 2011

Departure

Heroes' Square-Art Gallery

9 a.m, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m, 8.30 p.m

Departue

Aquaworld

9.30 a.m, 10.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m

The discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers.

Guests use Aquaworld and its facilities at their own risk.

Further information: Aquaworld Waterpark Budapest