Budapest Travel Tips

Budapest, the largest city and capital of Hungary is one of the great tourist destinations through-out Europe. With the city considered an important international hub, it is also the principal center for national activities of Hungary. Measuring 525 square kilometer in area within its city limit and home to almost 2 million residents, mostly of Jewish descent as of the latest 2009 population survey.

Aside from its very rich historical significance in Europe’s history, the city offers a satisfying view of its many architectures enough to attract and satisfy tourist – includes baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and secessionist building architecture.

The City tourism industry attracts 20 million visitors every year. Considered as a tourist gem, the city is famously known for its wealth of history and world heritage sites. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Only this year, Budapest ranked as the most livable city among Central and Eastern Europe cities with regards to quality of life. In 2008, the city ranked third (3^rd) out of 65 cities on MasterCard’s Emerging Markets index.

Here are some tips for better City navigation and transportation.

• If you travel by plane, be sure to double check your arrival and departure terminal, some terminals are 10 to 12 minutes ride apart, and it saves time knowing the correct terminal.
• Get a map, encircle the places you want to see and create a schedule. Ask locals for direction and suggestion, they are ready to help and guide you.
• Wait for a taxi at the designated taxi stands to get a fare rate, and pay only upon arriving at your aimed location – it is intended to get rid of  unjustified fare hikes on taxis. Do not entertain bids from drivers waiting around the station entrance.
• A minibus service is a better transportation mode during your visit, especially if you are traveling alone. It collects passenger with same route and cheaper.
• If you decide to take the train, don’t expect too much. Their facilities are very limited, difficult to access for people with disabilities and not so clean toilets.
• Orientation is not a big problem in Budapest. There are many landmarks like the Royal Castle or Citadella castle to help you find your way. The Danube River itself is the best reference point in orienting yourself.
• Many Budapest’s highlights are easy to approach walking. More pedestrian zones are added yearly and car drivers tend to respect pedestrians. Walking will save you a money and more possibility of good views along the way.
• Wear appropriate clothes, especially shoes on travel. Do not wear high-heeled shoes as there are many stone pavements in the city.
• Secure the latest transportation guidebooks and maps – preferably edited after September 2008. Transportation system and routes were changed and modified.

Although Budapest is a peaceful city and crime rate is relatively low in comparison to other European cities, don’t let your vigilance down. Always be safe while on Budapest. Here are some tips for your safety.

• Pick pocketing is the most common incident for a tourist. The important rule is never wear a backpack or purse on your back. Always put your wallet or money on the front pockets.
• Don’t show off your money and wear flashy jewelries, it will attract robbers.
• Don’t walk alone at night on districts 8^th and 9^th or Danko, Magdolna and Lujza streets – it is not particularly dangerous but these areas are shady or deserted.
• Keep a low profile or avoid public night transportation on weekends, you may come across aggressive drunk youngsters since it is a peak socializing time on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Eat only where locals eat and drink where locals go. It is compulsory in Hungary to put the menu cards outside the entrance of restaurants, if it is not the case do not enter.
• Exchange currencies in banks, they usually offer better rates and safer.
• Do not participate in Street gambling, they often lure tourist, and you may lose your money on tricks they played.
• Be sure to check your change, all 1,000ft notes should contain vertical silver strips; otherwise they are already invalid or fake.