The two original cities of Buda, and Pest, which lie either side of the Danube make up the spectacular modern city.
History
The history of Hungary is one of being fought over for hundreds of years.
In spite of the destruction that has occured in the past that there are many interesting places to explore, many that have been restored several times.
Some of my favorites are:
- Dohany Street Synagogue
- Main Market Hall
- Matthias Church
- Hospital in the Rock
- Hungarian Parliament (from the outside)
Holocaust
In the last couple of years of World War II over 500,000 Jewish people were murdered in Hungary.
They are remembered with several memorials; including this shoe sculpture on the banks of the Danube.
Check the Offbeat Budapest website for more information on this and other poignant memorials.
Bars
Budapest has a big bar scene particularly around the old ‘Jewish Quarter’ with bars every few metres in that area.
One thing that I have never seen before, which are common in Budapest are ‘Ruin Bars’.
They are literally set up in partially ruined building with an eclectic range of furniture that looks as though it has been rescued from the dump.
The bar scene does mean that on weekends Budapest fills up with groups of men, and groups of women, from all over Europe on pre-wedding parties.
Money
The currency in Hungary is the ‘Forint’ written HUF.
While in Budapest; most transaction can be carried out with a bank or debit card.
At many, but not all businesses, euros can be used although the change will be in forint. (some businesses will take euro notes, but not coins)
