Page 224 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Budapest

222  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Budapest was always famous for its hospitality, words and phrases is a good idea (see pp271–2).
and the Hungarians have been increasingly However, English and German are spoken in
emphasizing tourism as an important part all tourist offices and bigger hotels, and tourist
of the national economy. The biggest problem brochures and pamphlets are now published
in its development has been the formidable in several languages. Budapest is generally
barrier posed by the Hungarian language, safe, but it still has its share of pickpockets.
which hinders access to information. It is therefore wise to take care in the busy
Familiarizing yourself with a few Hungarian shopping centres and on public transport.

When to Go necessary, apply for a visa at their reservations. Official tourist
The best time to visit Budapest is local Hungarian embassy before information centres in Budapest,
between March and the end of travelling. Note that visas for other Budapestinfo, can be found at
June, and from the middle of Schengen countries are also valid a number of locations in the city.
August until October. July and for Hungary. For more information, General tourist info in a variety of
early August are generally hot, see the Hungarian Ministry of languages is provided by these
while the winter months can be Foreign Affairs website. centres. They also sell the Budapest
very cold. Card (see below) as well as sou-
Various festivals and cultural venirs, guide books and maps.
programmes take place Travel Safety Advice Brown tourist signs can be
throughout the year, the biggest Visitors can get up-to-date travel found at all important sights to help
events being the Spring and safety information from the visitors find their way around.
Autumn Festivals and the Sziget Foreign and Commonwealth
Festival (August). The end of the Office in the UK, the State
year is an enjoyable time, when Department in the US and the
visitors can experience the Department of Foreign Affairs
Christmas Fair and the New Year’s and Trade in Australia.
Eve street party (see pp62–5).
Tourist Information
Visas and Passports Prior to your arrival in Budapest
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, the US, it is worth getting in touch with Budapest Card
Canada, Australia and New your nearest Hungarian National
Zealand need only a valid passport Tourist Office, which can supply Budapest Card
to visit Hungary for up to 90 days. useful information and put you in The Budapest Card is
Visitors from any country in the touch with reputable tour operators. designed for tourists visiting
European Economic Area (EEA) Many agencies specialize in the city for two or three days.
and Switzerland can enter with organizing individual trips and It entitles a visitor to use most
just an ID card for a stay of up to tours to Hungary, including city transport – metro, bus,
90 days. Some EEA countries do Great Escapes, Kirker Holidays tram, trolley bus, Danube
not issue ID cards; citizens of these and Page & Moy. They can all public transport boats and
countries require a passport. provide you with detailed info hév – free of charge, as well as
All other visitors should check on itineraries and accommo- providing discounted or free
their visa requirements – and, if dation and help you to make entry to some museums. In
addition, you can also enjoy
two walking tours and visit
the zoo. It also entitles you
to a significant discount on
tickets to selected spas and
restaurants as well as many
cultural events.
The card costs 7,900 forints
for 48 hours and 9,900 forints
for 72 hours. Cards can be
purchased at tourist offices,
hotels, museums and most
large metro stations. Enclosed
with the card is information,
in four languages, which lists
One of several tourist information offices in Budapest where to use the card.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge illuminated at night, with the Parliament building behind

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