Budapest is the capital city of Hungary located in Central-Eastern Europe along the Danube River. It has a population of over 1.7 million people and was formed in the 19th century by the merging of three cities - Buda, Obuda, and Pest. The city has a long and varied history, experiencing multiple occupations and periods of reconstruction. It is known for its thermal baths, which were first developed by the Romans, and now feature indoor and outdoor pools. Popular architectural landmarks include St. Stephen's Basilica, the Parliament Building, and Buda Castle. The local cuisine features dishes like goulash and stuffed cabbage rolls that prominently use paprika. Entertainment options include ruin pubs,

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