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Budapest - Cultural Capital

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Although overshadowed by its neighbor, Vienna, Budapest easily holds its own in terms of concerts, museums, architecture, and fine dining. This trip will give you a taste of everything this world-class city has to offer starting at the imposing Basilica, winding up Andrassy via the Postal Museum (don’t miss this, even if it sounds less than thrilling – the architecture here is simply stunning), Liszt Square, Hunyadi Square/Liszt’s museum, Koday’s home/museum, and up to the Hero’s Square. Day two takes in the “holy trinity” of buildings by the Parliament before heading up to the Castle District for a day of fun, views, and breathtaking architecture.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Budapest

Begin your tour at the St. Stephen’s Basilica. Hungary is around 65% Catholic and this is the largest cathedral in the country. It was in a state of disrepair until about 10 years ago when it was completely refurbished and is indeed worth visiting regardless of your religion. It is well-worth purchasing a separate ticket and visiting the rooftop of the basilica, particularly if the weather is good, as it gives you a panoramic bird’s eye view out over the entire city. Cross over to Andrassy and ring the bell of the Postal Museum. Even if you are not interested in the Hungarian postal service, the interior of this building should not be missed. It remains to this day a landmark building, even on Andrassy. And the Postal Museum is surprising good and interactive! You may, for example, try operating an early telegraph machine and other historical equipment. Continue up Andrassy past the Opera (we’ll be returning later), toward Liszt Ferenc Square. Over the last 12 years or so, this square has become a hotspot of chic bars and clubs (although many feel it to be pretentious and overpriced…) but until that time, it was just a quiet square filled with students going to and from the legendary Music Academy (corner of Kiraly St). This location originally housed a synagogue and has been home to the music academy for over 100 years. Additionally, the trials of many Hungarian Arrow Cross members (the Hungarian Nazi party) occurred here after the war. Concerts here today still offer world-class entertainment, particularly their piano series, and it is worth inquiring as to what concerts will be taking place during your visit. Walk up Kiraly to Hunyadi Square, a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination still in the early, early throes of gentrification. The market hall was erected in 1896 as part of the millennium celebration for the founding of the state of Hungary and, due to its proximity to the Jewish Quarter, was full of mainly Jewish merchants. Kosher goods were widely available here. An Orthodox synagogue was founded adjacent to the market hall so that the observant workers could pray before and after work. Unfortunately, today this synagogue is difficult to visit. Continue across the Square to Liszt’s Museum, the original site of the music academy and home to his pianos, archives, etc. This is a small museum but eminently worth visiting. Inquire as to upcoming piano concerts here, as well, as many claim the acoustic in their concert hall is superior to even the music academy. Continue walking up Andrassy to Zoltan Kodaly’s museum. Similar to the Liszt museum, this museum can be viewed in a short period of time but is well-worth visiting. Pictures mounted show Kodaly with a veritable who’s who of 20th century musicians and artists. Continue walking up Andrassy past several embassies *Hopp Ferenc*?? to the Hero’s Square. This square is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts (Szepmuveszeti), open until 10 PM on Thursdays, and the Arts Hall (Mucsarnok) on the other. The Szepmuveszeti has one of the finest collections of Egyptian art in the world. The Mucsarnok, the largest museum in the country, is unique in that is has no permanent exhibit. Occasionally, dance performances and concerts are held here as well, inquire upon visiting. That evening, dine and catch at concert at A38, a classy club/restaurant with superb food at reasonable prices and housed on a ship docked on the Buda side.

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St. Stephen's Basilica

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Location:

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Szent István Square 1
District V
1051 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 311 08 39

Postal Museum

Location:

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Hősök tere District XIV
1146 Budapest, Hungary

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Alkotmany utca
District V
1054 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 322 4098(Ministry of Tourism)

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Castle Hill
1014 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 322 4098 (Tourist Information)

Palace of Arts

Location:

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1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca
1095 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 555 3001

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