|
|
About Hungary
Click here to see a map of Hungary.Hungary has a central position and it is the ideal place to enter Eastern Europe. From picturesque Budapest, which has a lively arts, café and music scene, and is host to a range of cultural and sporting festivals to the plains, resort-lined lakes, historic towns, and medieval Castles & Palaces all make Hungary the ideal holiday destination. There are many historic towns in Hungary, including Eger, Gyor and Veszprém, which were rebuilt in the baroque style during the 18th century. Sopron and Koszeg are among the few towns with a strong medieval flavour. The greatest monuments of the Turkish period are in Pécs. Hungary's most famous castles are those that resisted the Turkish onslaught in Eger, Koszeg, Siklos and Szigetvar. Among Hungary's best palaces are the Esterhazy Palace at Fertod, the Festetics Palace at Keszthely and the Széchenyi Mansion at Nagycenk. The following museums are the most worth visiting, not just for what they contain but for how they display it: the Christian Museum in Esztergom, the Storno Collection in Sopron, the Zsolnay Museum and the Csontvary Museum in Pécs. Other great museums include the Ferenc Mora Museum in Szeged, the Imre Patko Collection in Sopron, and the Commerce and Catering Museum in Budapest.
|
Culture
The Hungarian culture is heavily based upon art and architecture, which are laced with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau influences. The country also has one of the finest folk traditions in Europe, producing excellent examples of embroidery, pottery, ceiling and wall painting. The Hungarians that practise religion are mostly either Roman Catholic, Calvinist or Lutheran. The country also has a small Greek Catholic and Orthodox population, and a thriving Jewish community in Budapest. Hungary has an abundance of fruits and vegetables available to eat. Basic Hungarian dishes commonly consist of fatty meat or overcooked fish, starch, and a garnish of pickles. Some examples of these dishes are pörkölt (stew), gulyás (a thickish beef soup); and halászlé (spicy fish soup). Good wine and beer is widely available.
|
Local_Currency
The currency in Hungary is the Forint (Ft).You can exchange cash and travellers' cheques up to 30,000 Ft at banks and travel agents, usually for a commission of 1% to 2%. Post offices almost always change cash, but rarely cheques. ATMs accepting credit and debit cards can be found throughout the country. Credit cards can be used in up-market restaurants, shops, hotels, car rental firms, travel agencies and petrol stations. Hungary is a very tip-conscious society and virtually everyone routinely tips waiters, hairdressers, taxi drivers and even doctors, dentists and petrol-station attendants about 10%. Not leaving a tip, or leaving a very small tip, is a strong signal that you were less than impressed with the service.
|
Transport
Transport in Hungary is reliable, efficient and relatively inexpensive. You are able to get a number of buses and trains, which service most areas. If you would prefer to hire your own car, there are international car-rental agency offices in Budapest, and there are many local companies throughout the country. The roads are good. Taxis are also plentiful and very reasonably priced.
|
Visa_Information
Citizens of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Asian countries and most European countries don't require visas. German and French citizens need only show their identity cards. Nationals of Australia require visas, which are valid for between 30 and 90 days. Visas may be purchased upon arrival.
|
|
