Visitor Info

 Facts about the Republic of Hungary:

• Location: East-Central Europe (borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraina, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia)
• Area: 93,030 square km
• Population: 10,300,000 (21 percent under 14 and 60 percent between 15-59)
• Form of government: Republic (parliamentary democracy - 4 year election periods)
• Capital: Budapest (2 million inhabitants)  
• Climate: Continental with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences
• Average temperatures: January -2C (28F), July 23C (73F), click here for the weather forecast  
• Currency: Hungarian Forint - HUF, click here for exchange rate  
• Local time: in the winter GMT+1 hour, in the summer GMT+2 hours (same as in Western Europe),   
• International country phone code: 36  About Hungary

About Hungary:

This small country is one of the great survivors of history: states and empires emerged, expanded or disintegrated and disappeared around it. Hungary and the Hungarian nation survived the devastation of the Tartars and Turks, Habsburgs and Russians in the Carpathian Basin. Visitors coming to Hungary can experience a particular organic link between the old and new, between history and the present day. While the traditions and culture are safeguarded, there is always a perceptive eye on what is new and different for the future.

Did you know?

…that one of the centres of the Renaissance was here in the 15th century?
…that the Hungarian statehood is more than 1,000 years old?
…that after 1945, the first armed revolution against Stalinism took place in Hungary?
…that the iron curtain was dismantled on the frontier of Hungary and Austria?

More tourist info on Hungary: www.hungary.com

About Budapest

Budapest is often called the "Pearl of the Danube", and it truly is a stunningly beautiful place. Geography, history and human creativity have all contributed to a city that simultaneously charms, amazes and fascinates. Budapest is full of diversity, and so is its history.

The population of Budapest is approximately 2 million and it is roughly 20% of the total population of Hungary. Aside from being the city, in which the parliament and other government buildings are located, Budapest is also the business centre of Hungary as well as its cultural heart.

Some interesting facts about Budapest:

• Although initially inhabited fifty thousand years ago, it has only had its present name for a mere 128 years. Prior to 1873, Óbuda, Buda and Pest were separate towns.
• Under its hills there is a system of caves with thermal waters gushing from 80 thermal springs which supply 12 spas with 70 million litres of water daily.
• It's monuments include 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatres, 400-year-old Turkish baths and unique Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings from the 19th century. The cityscape owes its uniform appearance to the elegant mansions erected in Eclectic style in the early 20th century.
• The transport system also has some interesting features. The first underground railway of Europe has been connecting the downtown with the City Park for over 100 years. In the Buda hills you will find the world's third hill railway and a narrow-gauge forest railway operated by children.
• Lovers of culture are spoilt for choice with 237 monuments, 223 museums and galleries, 35 theatres, 90 cinemas, 2 opera houses and 12 concert halls. Around 200 excursion destinations offer a wide variety of things to do. Throughout the 365 days of the year, travel agencies organise walks and sightseeing tours by coach and boat, tailored to individual requirements.

More tourist info on Budapest: www.budapest.com

Important phone numbers

• Ambulance: 104
• Police: 107
• Fire service: 105
• Central help number: 112
• General enquiries: 197
• Domestic enquiries: 198
• International enquiries: 199
• Auto club help number: 188
• Speaking clock: 180
• Tourist Police (0-24): 06-1-438-8080
• 24-hour medical assistance in English (Falck SOS Hungary): 06-1-2000-100
• 24- hour pharmacy: District 6, Teréz krt 41. (telephone: 06-1-311-4439) near Oktogon
• Airport Ferihegy - general (flight information) number: 06-1-296-7155
• Lost and found-terminal 2A: 06-1-296-8108, 06-1-296-7217
• Lost and fund-terminal 2B: 06-1-296-7690, 06-1-295-3480
• Airport Ferihegy Terminal 2A - information about arrivals: 06-1-296-8000
• Airport Ferihegy Terminal 2A - information about departures: 06-1-296-7000
• Airport Ferihegy Terminal 2B - information about arrivals: 06-1-296-5052
• Airport Ferihegy Terminal 2B - information about departures: 06-1-296-5883
• Information about local and international trains: MÁVDIREKT 06-1-371-9449