Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Danube. (Reserve both several weeks
ahead.)
See the “Szentendre” section on p. 352.
Option 2 2 Days in Keszthely
Museum , institutions that celebrate two
of Hungary's most notable artists. The
Zsolnay Museum houses a vast col-
lection of vases, plates, cups, figurines, and
even ceramic paintings. Then check out the
hustle and bustle of the Pécsi Vásár
flea market, where you can find traditional
Hungarian wares. Head up on the hill for
dinner at the Bagolyvár Étterem , where
you can enjoy a fine Hungarian wine
before checking in at the fun, centrally
located Hotel Fönix .
The next morning, have a coffee and
cake at the Mecsek Cukrászda before
checking out Pécs' houses of worship, the
Pécs Cathedral , the Pécs Synagogue ,
and the largest standing Turkish struc-
ture, the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim.
See the Pécs section on p. 367.
Option 4 2 Days in Szeged
The southern Hungarian town of Szeged
gets a lot of traffic from Romanian and Ser-
bian visitors so it's a diverse city, with lots of
students. If you're in Hungary in the sum-
mer, come here for the Szeged Summer
Festival , which offers rock operas, clas-
sical music, ballet, and contemporary
dance. In July, Thealter is a sort of Euro-
pean “fringe festival” of alternative theater.
From Budapest, take the train from
Nyugati Station. Start off with a coffee and
pastry at the famous Virág Cukrászda.
Then learn about some local history at the
Móra Ferenc Museum. Take a walk on
the river's edge, then head back to Kárász
utca , the main walking street, which
is usually bustling with students. Have an
upscale dinner at Zodiákus or a more
casual, boisterous meal at HBH Bajor
Söröz ó . Try to get a room at the reason-
ably priced and clean Hotel Matrix, not
far from the center of town.
On your second day here, check out
the Polish Market (Lengyel Piac) on
the Southern edge of town and visit the
beautiful and historic Synagogue .
Then head for some hearty fish stew at
Kisk ó rösi Halászcsárda
&
Héviz
Keszthely and Héviz are tucked away in a
quiet corner of Hungary's very own little
“sea,” Lake Balaton, almost 200km (125
miles) from Budapest. The towns sit right
in a microclimate area, with warm sum-
mers, clear skies, and beautiful vistas and
hills.
From Budapest, take a 3-hour express
(gyors) train from Déli Station to
Keszthely. Then explore its Festetics
Mansion , Carriage Museum, or try
the puppet museum, the Babamúzeum.
After roaming around Keszthely, have a
traditional Hungarian meal, with a tradi-
tional Unicum, at the Margaréta
Étterem. At night, check out a show at
the Balaton Congress Center and Thea-
ter , and stay either in a “private room” or
at the Danubius Hotel Helikon.
The next day take a bus to Héviz, 8km
(5 miles) northeast of Keszthely, and head
straight to the Rogner Hotel and Spa
Therme . Take a dip in Europe's
largest thermal lake, nearby, for a dip, or
spend your whole day unwinding at the
hotel. Spa treatments include a selection
of health cures, sports, wellness, or even
medical treatment programs.
You might shorten this side trip by
heading straight to Héviz, then tour
Keszthely a bit and relax in the spa hotel
at night.
Option 3 2 Days in Pécs
The popular Pécs is the most culturally
vibrant Hungarian city outside of the
capital—warm and arid, with lots of
museums, galleries, and a large student
population.
Take an early morning Inter City train
from Budapest's Déli Station to Pécs, a
2 1 2 -hour ride. Visit the Tivadar Csont-
váry Museum
and the Victor Vasarely
.
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