Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Paying your respects to the permanent residents of
Kerepesi Cemetery
.
Explore: Southern Pest
From Blaha Lujza tér, named after a leading 19th-century stage actress and sheltering one of
the liveliest subways in the city (with hustlers, beggars, peasants selling their wares, musi-
cians and, of course, pickpockets), the Big Ring Rd runs through district VIII, also known as
Józsefváros (Joseph Town). The western side of Józsefváros transforms itself from a neigh-
bourhood of lovely 19th-century town houses and villas around the Little Ring Rd to a large
student quarter. East of the boulevard is the once rough-and-tumble district so poignantly
described in the Pressburger brothers'
Homage to the Eighth District,
and where much of
the fighting in October 1956 took place. The neighbourhood south of Üllői út is Ferencváros
(Francis Town), home to the city's most popular football team, Ferencvárosi Torna Club
(FTC), and many of its tough, green-and-white-clad supporters.
Both are ever-changing and developing areas of the city, with new shops, bars and res-
taurants popping up constantly. Some quarters feel less salubrious than other places in the
city, but it's full of interesting and alternative spots - try Mikszáth Kálmán tér, Tűzoltó utca
or Ráday utca.
Local Life
Market
It might attract tourists in droves, but the Nagycsarnok is always a hive of activ-
ity and a great place for one-stop shopping.
Museum
The cutting-edge Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art hosts excellent tem-
porary exhibitions.
Classical Music
The Béla Bartók National Concert Hall at the Palace of Arts is reputed
to have the best acoustics in Budapest.
Alfresco clubs
Two excellent venues here allow for some serious time with your hands in
the (open) air.
