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Toe-numbingly cold in winter and skin-blisteringly hot in summer, don't come to Budapest without taking proper account of the weather. You'll find a five day forecast on Budapest-life.com
Purchase a Budapest Card and, according to their motto, you will have "the whole city in your pocket". Metaphorically speaking of course. In concrete terms the Budapest Card allows you unlimited use of public transport and free or discounted entry into sixty top sites and museums, as well as discounts in several restaurants and spas. Purchase a 48hr card for 6450 forints, or 72hr card for 7950 forints. Available in tourist info points such as at the airport and Liszt Ferenc Square.
When in Budapest be sure to try Hungarian wine. Not as celebrated as French, Italian, or even New World vintages, the grape juice around these parts is nonetheless very tasty, and won't set you back more than a few hundred forints for a bottle. Makes a good souvenir.
If you're sharing a toast with Hungarians it's inadvisable to clink glasses. Legend has it that is what the Austrian soldiers did when they executed thirteen Hungarian generals (known as the 13 Martyrs of Arad), after the failed Hungarian uprising of 1848-49 against the Austrian Empire.
One common language glitch worth knowing about is that the word 'sajt' (pronounced 'shite') means nothing more offensive than 'cheese' in Hungarian... So no need to punch some poor guy's lights out if he offers you a sajtburger!
Coming for the Sziget Festival? Book your accommodation early - and check our map first to see if your hostel is anywhere near the action! For more Sziget tips and advice check out Budapest-life.com's feature length article on the event.
...And if you're not expecting to discover any decent Hungarian bands in Budapest think again! Korai Orom and Colorstar are two alternative dance/rock bands that can match the most credible names in your CD collection. Keep an eye out too for the zany goings of cult faves Satöbbi. | |
Above: A purple intruder
Below: ...A pink receiver 
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