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Age restrictions
The legal age to drink alcohol in Hungary is 18; the same when it comes to buying cigarettes and other tobacco products. While it is legal to drive a car at 17, most car-rental companies only allow drivers aged 21 and above (age may vary depending on the category) to hire their vehicles (drivers under 25 may incur a young-driver surcharge).
Airport
The Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD; formerly Budapest Ferihegy; tel: 269-7000; www.bud.hu) is 38km (24 miles) east of the capital. Terminal 2A serves flights in the Schengen zone and Terminal 2B serves all non-Schengen destinations (until 2012 there used to be a Terminal 1, hence the names 2A and 2B). Both terminals are connected by the SkyCourt, a state-of-the art passenger hall. The airport has car-hire desks, bureaux de change, ATM machines and information offices, and the Wi-Fi internet is available free of charge. There is an observation terrace at the Terminal 2A departure hall.
It takes about 45 minutes to get from the airport to the centre of Budapest. The efficient MiniBud Airport Shuttle Service (tel: 1 550 0000; www.minibud.hu) is the best deal; it is a shared taxi that will deliver you to and collect you from any address in Budapest. A one-person single fare from the airport to the city centre costs HUF 4,400. Look for the prominent ‘MiniBud Shuttle Bus’ sign at the information desk. For the return journey, call 24 hours in advance to book. Your hotel will do this for you. There is also a public airport bus, No. 200E (BKK; www.bkk.hu). This is much cheaper (a one-way ticket is HUF 350, and HUF 450 when bought from the driver), and deposits passengers at the Kõbánya-Kispest metro station. There is also a new bus route 100E, that stops in Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák tér (HUF 900 a ticket).
Kozponti Antikvarium, the largest antique bookshop in Eastern Europe
Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications
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Budgeting
The currency in Hungary is the Hungarian forint (HUF; for more information, click here) – make sure to check the exchange rate before you travel, or download an app to calculate costs as you go. Visitors expecting the dirt-cheap Central Europe of the past may be in for a shock, as shops and many restaurants charge the same as Western European countries. One thing that does remain very inexpensive, however, is the highly efficient public-transport system.
Generally, a regular beer will cost you HUF 500–600 (approximately €2), whereas a glass of house wine will set you back HUF 500–900 (up to €3). A main course at a budget restaurant costs around HUF 1,500 (around €5), a moderately priced restaurant will see mains priced between HUF 3,000 and 6,000 (€10–20), with mains going above HUF 6,000 in a top gourmet restaurant. You can find a cheap hotel room for around HUF 9,000–18,000 (€30–60), but in general, a double room with taxes and breakfast will cost HUF 30,000–45,000 (€100–150), with luxury hotels going above HUF 75,000 (€250) a night.
A taxi from the airport to the city centre could easily cost between HUF 6,600 and 10,000 (around €20–35), depending on the exchange rate and distance. When it comes to public transport, a single-ride ticket (metro, tram, bus) will cost around HUF 350 (€1.15), a 24-hour ticket HUF 1,650 (just over €5), and a 72-hour ticket HUF 10,900 (about €35).
You can also opt for the Budapest Card (Budapest Kártya; www.budapest-card.com), which allows the holder 24, 48 or 72 hours’ travel and sightseeing. A booklet comes with the card, detailing all the services available. These include free travel on public transport; free admission to museums and baths; free walking tours; and discounts at restaurants, shops, on tickets for cultural programmes and many other attractions. The card costs HUF 4,500 (around €12–4) for 24 hours, HUF 7,500 for 48 hours (€25) and HUF 8,900 for 72 hours (around €30). It is available online (with a five percent discount), at the airport, Budapest tourist information points, hotels and main metro stations.
Budapest’s Children’s Railway
Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications
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Children
With its large zoo, outdoor spaces and child-friendly restaurants, Budapest is a good place for kids. You’ll find a number of playgrounds scattered around the city’s public spaces to keep the little ones entertained. Museums and monuments come with a children’s discount. Popular spots for families with kids include Margaret Island, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Children’s Railway.
Clothing
Dress is indistinguishable from that in any other European capital. Dress smartly in casinos and more upmarket restaurants.
Crime and safety
Budapest has a low rate of violent crime, but use your common sense, don’t take risks and be wary of pickpockets. Watch your belongings, especially on public transport or in crowded places. It’s wise to make photocopies of travel documents and keep them in a separate...
