"Hittin' the Biggies - One Day Walking Tour of the Most Important Sights"

Our Local Expert Says:

The so-called Champs Elysses of Budapest, perhaps the most glamorous address on the Pest side. Home to the Opera, Zenga, and Louis Vuitton.

Description:

No trip to Budapest is complete without a stroll down the historic Andrássy út or Andrássy Avenue. Often referred to as the Champ d'Illysees of Budapest, the avenue dates back to 1872, when it was created to span from Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square) to Városliget (City Park). When walking from the lower end, you will pass numerous buildings with eclectic Neo-renaissance facades. Many upscale designer boutiques have opened a shop on this tree-lined avenue, so you can window shop at Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli as well as others. For the 1896 Millennium celebration, the Yellow metro line was built. City officials at the time were concerned that too many horse and carriages would destroy the avenue. The Yellow metro is the first subway in continental Europe and only the second in the world after London. Once past Oktogon, the avenue expands into a boulevard where it is most obvious why it earned a World Heritage Site designation.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the classiest choices in the city. Pricey but worth every penny!

Description:

The Kogart Restaurant is one of the classiest choices in the city, located inside a beautifully modernized 19th century mansion below the Kogart Art Gallery. The walls are decorated by paintings and even the chair and table covers are a work of art, not to mention the exquisite cuisine comprising of modernized Hungarian standards.

Description:

The former splendor of Kodaly korond is still evident in the grime-covered decorative gilded paintwork and the wonderfully embellished turrets and roofs. People tend to argue over which is the most beautiful; everyone has their favourite. Each of these four buildings forms a quarter-circle segment. The legendary composer Zoltan Kodaly lived in a flat at No. 87-89, which is now a museum in his honour. For some reason, these pathetically crumbling buildings have yet to be renovated and are among the last on Andrassy ut to remain in such a shabby state.

Our Local Expert Says:

Modest but touching museum: a journey back in time!

Description:

This modest museum is located inside the former home of composer Ferenc Liszt, a four-room apartment in which he lived every winter for six years until his death in 1886. It provides an insight into the composer's life trough the preserved bedroom and office, dining room and sitting room with Liszt's original furniture and belongings. The rest of the building is the former Academy of Music, founded by the composer himself, having been moved since and now located on the far end of Ferenc Liszt Square, just off the Andrássy Avenue.

The museum displays several of the composer's pianos, including Beethoven's own piano, given to Liszt as a gift, a child's Bachmann piano and two Chickering & Sons grand pianos. Piano concerts are held here weekly on Saturdays at 11am, although the museum is closed much of July and August.

Further points of interest include the portraits of Liszt by the leading Austrian and Hungarian artists of the time, plus two busts by the Hungarian sculptor Alajos Stróbl.

Description:

This cool, mystic restaurant and bar is the perfect place to go eat, drink, and relax in downtown Pest. The atmosphere and décor is modern-Indian with deep reds and dark woods. The food is a mix of Indian, Asian, and modern international cuisine and the drinks are both traditional and tropical. Tandoori Chicken that has been seasoned all-night and slow-roasted served with naan bread is a Karma specialty and a favorite among customers. Choose from over 50 different teas and coffees and enjoy outdoor seating in the warmer months.

Description:

The Opera House is a visual delight at Andrássy út 22 with its Neo-renaissance architecture mixed with elements of Baroque. The architect, Miklós Ybl also designed the original Parliament building along with the St. Stephen's Basilica. It was Emperor Franz Joseph who funded and opened the Opera House in 1884.

Adorning the first level are statues of the Greek muses of the arts. There you may also recognize statues of Franz Liszt and Ferenc Erkel, the "Father of Hungarian Opera". Treat your senses by stepping into the lobby to see the fabulous frescoes. Though the interior is not so huge, only seating 1,261, the acoustics are considered the third best in the world. You may recognize the Opera House from the movie Munich. A Hollywood transformation turned the Opera House and all of the surrounding blocks into a Parisian venue for filming.

Description:

The monumental building of the St. Stephen's Basilica completed in 1905 after 50 years of construction is the largest Roman Catholic Church of the city, named after Hungary's first king St. Stephen who was later canonized for converting the once pagan nation to Catholicism. With such a lengthy construction period, the Basilica saw three consecutive architects explaining its architectural diversity; predominantly neo-Renaissance exterior with a hint of Classical, and an ornate neo-Baroque interior. The central dome being 96 meters high makes the Basilica the tallest building of the city, alongside the House of Parliament whose central dome also measures the same height. It is not just its size that makes the Basilica one of the most impressive religious building s of the country; the marble and golden interior with mosaics depicting biblical scenes and stain glass windows illustrating scenes from the life of Christ all contribute to its grandeur. One of its smaller chapels, the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand, houses something of interest for the morbidly curious: St. Stephen's mummified holy right hand. It is on exhibit in a golden shrine that needs illuminating by two 100ft coins. You may catch a glimpse this holy relic on August 20th, the feast day of St. Stephen, when it is carried around the city in procession in honor of the nation's first king.

Our Local Expert Says:

This bridge is closed to traffic weekends in summer and live bands play at both ends. Vendors peddle handmade wears and beer and goulash flow.

Description:

This spectacular bridge has an equally spectacular history. It's a great place from which to take in a panorama of the city (which becomes even more impressive at night). This was the very first bridge to link the two cities of Buda and Pest. The project was started in 1839 by designer William Tierney Clark and engineer Adam Clark, and it was completed in 1849. The bridge celebrated its 150th birthday recently with a huge open-air festival.

Our Local Expert Says:

Ironically, this was originally built to provide transport servants to and from work in the castle and thus a stigma was attached to its use; taken nowadays mainly by tourists. How times have changed!

Description:

The funicular is definitely the easiest way to get up to the top of Castle Hill. Built in 1870, the two cars travel up and down every day from morning until night. The carriages are lovingly maintained, and although modern, have an antique look and design. The stations are also interesting; check out the massive wheel, which operates the system at the top of the terminal. Please note that the funicular is closed for maintenance on Monday of every even-numbered week.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching night fall upon Pest is an unbelievable experience from here. The crooked little medieval streets bathed in warm yellow light also create and unmatchable atmosphere.

Description:

After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards. The medieval street network remains unaltered and although most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the war damage was severe) many retain their original features. You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery; note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

While in Budapest to film Munich, Steven Spielberg repeatedly dined here; apparently, he has excellent taste in food! Intimate space, reservations (several days beforehand at weekends) essential.

Description:

Cafe Kor first opened several years ago as a miniscule bar but has since occupied a more spacious premises near the Basilica. The warm orange walls and light brown wood give the impression of Mediterranean heat. This light, airy bistro is very popular with young ex-pats, students, and Hungarian yuppies seeking lighter fare (as opposed to the heavier European food present in the area). You'll find great salads, caviar and vodka, and their delicious carpaccio. Relax and enjoy.

Our Local Expert Says:

Upscale with a beautiful crowd: dress to impress and come party down at this divine institution. Noteworthy kitchen serves wonderful hot food until very, very late. Gay friendly.

Description:

Enjoy the rich Budapest nightlife with a visit to this favorite bar, restaurant, cabaret, dance and music joint that is open till the wee hours of the morning. As most places are closed on Wednesdays, it is rush hour for Moulin Rouge with free entry before 11p. The theatrical decor emanating a red and gold hue will transfer you to a different world of indulgence. With a well-defined dress code, this nightclub is a good place for sophisticated entertainment.

Our Local Expert Says:

A slice of Berlin in Budapest. Look for the crowds and follow them, then party in this deserted building under the stars. Run down and atmospheric, a visit here is a must for any visitor to the city, it doesn’t disappoint.

Description:

For cultural experiences, you cannot pass up Szimpla Kert. It is a beer garden, alternative culture Mecca. Located in an abandoned apartment courtyard that has not seen the wrecking ball, Szimpla Kert mixes junkyard aesthetics with such modernisms as Wi-Fi, a daytime cafe, and evenings of live music and indie film screenings. Dimly lit, couch-packed, with little open to the sky rooms off of the courtyard, it is a relaxing, pleasant place to unwind. Check your reality at the door. Open weekdays 10am to 2am and weekends noon to 2am.