Frommer's Europe by Sherry Marker

Author:Sherry Marker [Marker, Sherry]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2012-10-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10: Hungary

by Ryan James

Having joined the European Union in 2004, the tourism infrastructure in Hungary has developed at a furious pace. Poised between East and West, both geographically and culturally, the country is at the center of the region’s rebirth.

Budapest

Hungary

Budapest

Budapest has a glorious history, having once rivaled its neighboring Vienna under the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The city’s rich past has been on an economic rollercoaster since, but don’t let this fool you. The Budapest of today, regardless of economic woes, buzzes with culture that rivals most European capitals. A vibrant young generation working side by side with the old guard has made the cultural scene top notch. While the political elite continue to argue about the past and infringe on the rights of the populace, the youth are concentrating on the future. They’re becoming multilingual and creating new art photography exhibitions, film festivals, and fashion shows. The scene they’re developing is vibrant and fun—if a bit secretive and cliquish. While it might take some time to enter into their world, it’s a pleasurable journey in the end.

Essentials

Getting There

By Plane Budapest is served by Ferenc Liszt International Airport (sometimes still known by its former name, Ferihegy) Terminal 2, located in the XVII district in southeastern Pest. Terminal 1 recently closed while Terminal 2 (which has a Terminal 2A and a Terminal 2B) serves both traditional and budget airlines. Between Terminals 2A and 2B is the new Sky Court, where you’ll find five levels of shops, restaurants, as well as security check-in. With Hungary’s entry into the Schengen zone, Terminal 2A is used exclusively for flights to Schengen countries, so you will pass through security, but not Passport Control. All other flights depart from 2B where there is Passport Control. There are several main information numbers: For airport information, call 1/296-9696; and for general information, call 1/296-7000. For ease of language, use the airport’s English-version website at www.bud.hu/english for flight information.

The airport exclusively contracts with Főtaxi services ( 1/222-2222). Fares are fixed rates per cab, not per person, and adhere to predestined zones within the city. Fares run from zones 1 to 4 and cost from 3,800 Ft to 6,500 Ft. These taxis are also metered, so if the fare is less than the zone rate, you pay the reduced fare. By law, all taxis must give you a paper receipt for your fare, but many don’t unless you request it.

Airport Shuttle (www.airportshuttle.hu; 1/296-8555) is a public service owned and operated by the Budapest Airport Authority. There is a clearly visible kiosk for the shuttle in each terminal. A round-trip ticket is less expensive than two one-way tickets. A round-trip fare for one person is 5,500 Ft and one-way is 3,200 Ft. For two or more traveling together, there is a discount: for two, a one-way trip is 4,790 Ft and 8,790 Ft for a round-trip. The fares are the same for both airports. To arrange your return to the airport from where you are staying, call the number above

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