Budapest: The majestic capital of the Danube

Budapest is an architectural city, that characterized much of the cities of Eastern Europe under communism, it is the beautiful capital of Hungary. It supports numerous adjectives and definitions. With 1.7 million inhabitants in 2009, this city accommodates nearly one-fifth of the countries population. This figure rises to 2.4 million, if its metropolitan area is also included.

 

It is the result of the unification of Buda & Óbuda (on the right bank of the Danube) with pest (which is located to the left of the river, which occupies approximately two-thirds of the urban layout of the city) in 1873. Likewise, Budapest is divided into many districts nearly 23. Out of which, 16 are in Pest, 6 in Buda and 1 between the both, on the Island of Csepel.

 

 

When it comes to move up there, it should be borne in mind that Budapest has numerous communication routes by road, bridges and underground tunnels. Yes getting there by road can be tiring, since the distance between the border town of La Jonquera (in Girona) and the Hungarian capital is 1,772 km (the cost of the trip, in the event that takes place in private vehicles, is about 280 euros, including highway rates and fuel). Therefore, the most recommended option is to book flights to Budapest.

 

If you use this route, good to know that Budapest-Ferihegy international airport is located about 25 km southeast of the City Center. The price of the trip is 20 euros if you take taxi, and 6 euros if the tour is done by bus. In turn, it can also access the Center of the city by train from Terminal 1, and get off at Nyugati station. Budapest Nyugati Railway Station is the second major railway station in Hungary. It can be found in the Sixth district, on the edge of the Inner City.

 

 

Traveling is an easy task in Budapest, with public transport network, and includes buses, trams, a funicular railway and, of course, the metro. Built between 1893 and 1896, it holds the record of being the oldest in Europe and second worldwide (just above le London). In addition, it is part of the World Heritage since 2002.

 

In fact, the end of the iron curtain in the early 1990s revived the hotel business. Today, the traveler can find from luxury hotels to other cheaper accommodations, without forgetting the apartments and hostels.

 

 

Finally, it must be in your mind that, outside the main tourist points (where it is possible to find people who know English) the language used by the population of Budapest is Hungarian, a Slavic language of uraniumist origin. The official currency is the Hungarian forint, which is subdivided into 100 Fillér (1,000 Hungarian guilder are equal to 3.5 euros, approximately).