JMU Antwerp Presentation for Budapest

1. Budapest
Juventus:
Jackie Blaise, Erynn Stauder, Rachel Skowron, Stuart Walker, and Brandon Voss

2. Geography
Where is Budapest?
Budapest is the country of
Hungary’s capital city, which is
located in Central-Eastern Europe.
Population: 1.74 Million
Size: 203 Square Miles

3. The Danube River
Hungary is a landlocked
country, but having the
Danube river cut through
Budapest and having spa
baths that are built on
natural thermal waters still
make this capital a water-
based city.

4. History &
Background
The Tale of Two Cities
● Traces of the first settlement goes
back to the Stone Age
● Created in 1873 when the cities of
Buda, Obuda, and Pest merged
● It has switched in control many
times over with many disputes
being fought for its possession, in
a similar way to the possession of
Israel
● The first underground railroad of
Europe was in Budapest after WW2

5. ● The city was besieged by Soviet
Allied forces near the end of WW2,
providing a stepping stone to
capture Berlin
● There was a lot of destruction from
being a point of refuge to German
troops during the war
● The 60s saw a reconstruction
period of the areas that were
destroyed
● Political changes after WW2 saw
the iron curtain in the region being
removed
History &
Background
The Tale of Two Cities

6. Buildings and
Architecture
History…from the ground up
Aquincium Military
Amphitheatre
● Used for gladiator fights
and chariot racing
● Was able to hold 13,000
people
● Used in the Roman
Empire era when
gladiator combat was
common

7. St. Stephen's Basilica
● Roman catholic
basilica, named after
the first king of
Hungary
● Construction took
more than half a
century
● Holds the mummified
right hand of St.
Stephen himself
Buildings and
Architecture
History…from the ground up

8. Museum of Applied Arts
● Third oldest applied arts
museum, holding metalwork,
furniture, textiles, and glass
artwork
**Unfortunately this building is
undergoing major renovation and
can’t be visited
Buildings and
Architecture
History…from the ground up

9. Former Communist Party HQ
● If you’re dying to see proof
that this ideology had a
tangible grip of Europe, the
steps of the parties’ HQ is just
the spot
Buildings and
Architecture
History…from the ground up

10. Buda Castle
● Located in the ‘castle district’
● Housed many of the kings of
Budapest
● First completed in 1265 but
renovated in 1769
● Referred to as royal palace or
royal castle
Buildings and
Architecture
History…from the ground up

11. Law
Trying to keep you aware & safe!
● Carry your passport or a photo
ID at all times. If a form of
identification is requested,
photocopies are almost never
accepted
● Strict laws on possession and
drug use
● Begging and pickpocketing is
common, while violent crime is
very rare

12. Law
Trying to keep you aware & safe!
● For Women: Budapest is a safe
place for women. Just use
common sense
● For Men: men are more subject
to scams and dangers in
Budapest. Be aware of random
men and women approaching
you.

13. Social
What is their culture like?
● Official language: Hungarian
○ Most people will speak English
too.
● Has a different currency called
the Hungarian Forint
○ 1 Euro = 322.36 Forint
● Tipping is customary at 10%
○ Some places put it on bill so check
before you tip!
○ Always give directly to waiter, it’s
rude to leave it on the table.
● Public restrooms tend to lack
cleanliness
○ Recommendation: bring tissues
and hand sanitizer

14. Transportation
How should I get around?
**Downtown on the Pest side: there
are pedestrian precincts and
restrictions on traffic by Castle Hill,
so walking is the best method for
this area

15. Transportation
How should I get around?
If you use the metro: VALIDATE
YOUR TICKET! Undercover
conductors are known to give out
substantial fines, even if you have
the ticket.

16. Budapest Evening
Sightseeing Cruise
Only 9 Euros and includes a free
drink!
● Highest rated cruise on
Tripadvisor
● Book in advance
● Go earlier for the
sunset, or later to see
the lit up city.

17. Is the Budapest City Pass worth it?
24 hour pass for 22 euros.
● Free public transportation
● Free entry to museums and
Lukacs Baths
● Discounts on popular bath
entries.
It’s just not worth it:
● Public transportation is cheap,
about a euro for a metro ticket.
● Discount on popular baths are
only around 3 euros off.
● National Museum ticket is only
4-5 euros.
● Save your money for the ruin
bars!

18. Food
YUM!
What types of food should you
expect?
Where should you go?
What dishes you must try?

19. Food
● The origin of it comes
from Hungary’s main
ethnic group: the
Magyars
● It usually features:
meat, vegetables, fruits,
cheese, and bread
● The use of paprika is
prominent

20. Classic Dishes:
Goulash: a beef soup/stew with
potatoes, carrots, & paprika

21. Classic Dishes:
Lángos: deep-fried flat bread
with toppings, such as cheese,
sour cream, garlic sauce, meat
(sausage/bacon)

22. Classic Dishes:
Stuffed Cabbage Leaves:
pickled cooked cabbage stuffed
with rice, ground meat, and
spices → popular around the
holidays

23. Classic Dishes:
Dobos Torte: sponge cake
layered with a lot of chocolate
buttercream, topped with a layer
of caramel

24. Restaurants:
Hungarian dinner:
Hungarikum Bisztro
Budapest, Steindl Imre u. 13,
1051 Hungary

25. Restaurants:
Cheap option:
Local Korner
Semmelweis Street 17,
Budapest 1052, Hungary

26. Restaurants:
Brunch:
Lions Locker and Breakfast
Vasvari Pal utca 11., Budapest
1061, Hungary

27. Food Market
Center Market Hall:
3 floor market where you can buy
street food, fresh produce, spices,
sonveneuirs, clothing, & more
Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093
Hungary

28. Baths of Budapest
“The City of Spas”
● Hungary has a unique geological
location, as it sits on nearly 100
thermal springs that feed into the
famous baths
● Invented during the Roman Empire
with belief that soldiers wounds
would heal faster.
● Now in addition to health and
wellness services, baths are used
for saunas, enjoyment, and aqua
fitness programs.
● There are a variety of options when
attending the famous baths, and
temperatures range from hot
spring water to ice-cold pools.

29. Szechenyi
Baths
One of the largest public baths in Europe
● Recommended to prioritize
visiting the Szechenyi Baths
located in the City Park
● Largest and most popular
● The first thermal bath on the Pest
side of Budapest
● Several entrances-
○ Main entrance: Indoor thermal baths
○ Side entrance: Steam baths
○ Back entrance: Outdoor pools
● 18 pools, 10 saunas/steam
cabins to choose from inside and
outside

30. Szechenyi
Baths
Know before you go
● Recommended to book online
ahead of time
○ Tickets are 22 euros (can be paid
in Euros or Hungarian Forints
● Indoor facilities are open from
6am to 7pm, outdoor facilities
are open from 6am to 10pm
everyday
● Bring your own towel and a pair
of sandals for walking around
● Swimwear is required
● There is a cafe located inside
the facility

31. Hungarian
Parliament
Building
● One of the largest buildings in
Hungary, 3rd largest
Parliament building in the
world
● Located on the Pest side of the
Danube River
● 45 minute guided tour through
the session room, richly
decorated staircase, great
vaulted hall, and view of the
Hungarian Holy Crown and
Crown Jewels
● Tickets are 25 euros

32. Ruin Pubs
Szimpla
● In the early 2000s, Budapest
consisted of several crumbling
and abandoned buildings. In
2002, the idea of recreating
these buildings into unique
pubs evolved.
● Szimpla was the first “ruin
pub”, where movie screenings,
live music, markets, and
galleries are held
○ Popular nightlife for tourists
visiting Budapest

33. Things to Do:
Nightlife Edition
part ayyyy
Budapest is becoming more known
as a party scene, even comparing to
London or Germany.
Known for:
● Palinka: brandy
● Unicum: herbal liquor
○ National Beverage
● Many domestic beers & wines

34. Mazel Tov
● Good, relaxing place for drinks
and traditional appetizers
Instant
● Biggest ruin bar in Budapest
● Has more of a rave vibe
Racskert
● This is a relaxed ruin bar that
used to be a car park, so it has
cool graffiti with a festival vibe
● This is a locals favorite
because of cheaper prices and
music

35. Szechenyi Spa
Baths
● Pool Party all day and night
● Super fun atmosphere, but
pricey drinks
360 Bar
● 360-degree view over Budapest
● Has a VERY long list of wine
and cocktails. Also has good
food.
Gozsdu Passage
● More of a touristy bar, but has
karaoke!!!

36. Otkert Club
● More of a modern clubbing
experience, but in a 19th
century building
● Has themed nights and multiple
DJs playing per night
Boutiq’ Bar
● Underground cocktail bar that
gives off a speakeasy vibe
● Provides drinks in really cool
glasses (like science-beakers)

37. Recommended by
Other Students
~networking~
● The Central Market
○ has authentic Hungarian
food and items
● Boat tour on the Danube at night
○ Good for quick sightseeing
● PARLIAMENT BUILDING AT NIGHT
● Ruin Taverns are a must!
● Baths
● St. Stephens Bascilica
● Pest-side has great shopping
● Taking the funicular to either the
Buda Castle or Fisherman’s Bastion
● The Shoe Memorial on the Danube
● The Food Truck Alley
● Walking the bridge from Buda to Pest