HUNGARY - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 302

Base City: BUDAPEST
www.budapestinfo.hu
City Dialing Code: 1
Budapest's tree-lined boulevards and spacious public squares bordered by magni-
ficent buildings make it one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. Hungary wel-
comes more than 24 million visitors annually, the majority of whom pass through
Budapest, pausing to enjoy its special charm and atmosphere.
The city is actually a unification (in 1873) of three ancient towns: Óbuda with its
Celtic and Roman ruins, Buda with its gently rolling hills on the west bank, and the
community of Pest on the east bank. Buda stands on a terraced plateau and con-
tains relics of a Turkish occupation; Pest rises from a plain and is the site of the
Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Justice, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Na-
tional Museum. Buda and Pest are linked by six bridges over the Danube, including
the beautiful Stone Chain Bridge.
Budapest's origins date from about 10 B.C. when the Romans established the
colony of Aquincum on what is now Buda. The Vandals took it over from the Ro-
mans in A.D. 376, and, in turn, management changed hands frequently during inva-
sions by the Tartars and the Turks until armies under Austrian leadership liberated
what was left of the towns in 1686.
Some Roman ruins withstood the assaults and may be seen even today. You'll
find many reasons to enjoy Budapest, known as the “Pearl of the Danube.” Beyond
the panorama (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the healing waters of the springs,
and the hospitality of the people, there is much to see and do and just take in. You'll
be back.
Arriving by Air
Budapest's international airport, Ferihegy, has three terminals. Ferihegy 2A is
about 20 kilometers southeast of the city center, and Ferihegy 2B is 24 kilometers.
Terminal 1 serves low-cost carriers, terminal 2A handles flights for EU destinations,
and terminal 2B is for flights outside of the EU. Tel: [phone]; www.bud.hu .
Flight information: [phone].