5 Days in Hungary's Capital

Magaret Island

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Attraction | "A Tranquil Island in the Danube"

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Margaret Island in the Danube is situated between Margit hid to the south and Arpad hid to the north. A fertile spot which is two and a half kilometres long and up to 500 metres wide. The island has shady parks, good swimming pools, romantic ruins, pretty cafes and elegant hotels and restaurants; just the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city on a summer's day.Despite its urban setting, the island is an oasis of tranquility. Private cars are not allowed but there are other forms of transport you can hire to get around. At the northern end of the island at Bringovar (Bike Castle) you can choose from a fun selection of vehicles such as pedal cars, electric cars, four wheel ...Read More

Margaret Island in the Danube is situated between Margit hid to the south and Arpad hid to the north. A fertile spot which is two and a half kilometres long and up to 500 metres wide. The island has shady parks, good swimming pools, romantic ruins, pretty cafes and elegant hotels and restaurants; just the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city on a summer's day.

Despite its urban setting, the island is an oasis of tranquility. Private cars are not allowed but there are other forms of transport you can hire to get around. At the northern end of the island at Bringovar (Bike Castle) you can choose from a fun selection of vehicles such as pedal cars, electric cars, four wheel cycles, horse-drawn carriages and a tractor-train.

The Romans, the first to take advantage of the springs, established a park, a thermal bath and a fortress. Centuries later King Bela IV (1235-70) settled several religious orders here. These included a group of Dominican nuns, to whom he entrusted his beloved daughter, Margit (Margaret). The ruins and indeed the island's name date from that time.

Here, too, the Turkish pasha entrusted the ladies from his harem to eunuchs; this 'island of women' thus developed a legendary reputation in Christian Europe.'Palatin' archduke Joseph used the site for his summer residence, and had the botanical gardens laid out in 1796. His son Rudolph restored the Roman tradition of the thermal bath. After World War I, the island was declared a free public park.

Other attractions to visit on the island are the medieval ruins of the Franciscan Church and the Dominican nuns church and convent which are situated in a well tended park in the centre of the island. On the western side of the island, the Palatinus Thermal Baths have extensive open-air pools where nude sunbathing is allowed on the single-sex terraces. To the north, below the 57 metre high water tower, which you can ascend if you are not scared of heights, is the open air theatre which stages operas and concerts.

The Thermal Hotel, with therapeutic baths is open to the public and towers above the island's northeastern point: next door is a very stylish and elegant Grand Hotel. You can visit the luxurious cafes and restaurants even if you are a non-resident. After a coffee and a cream take an hour out to look at the picturesque and very attractive Japanese Water Garden which is close by. You can now drive to the hotels via the Arpad bridge.

To reach the the island take a Number 26 bus from Marx ter. If you are travelling by car, turn south midway across the Arpad hid bridge.

A pleasant and relaxing way to spend half a day walking on this tranquil island in the Danube. You could even finish the day off with a fine, hearty dinner at the luxurious Danube Grand Hotel. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 16, 2009

Magaret Island

Budapest, Hungary

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Memento Statue Park

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Attraction | "A Reminder of the Dark Days of Communism"

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What is a country to do with the symbols of a hated totalitarian regime when the oppressors are overthrown? Usually, it is not long before the statues and memorials that honour the regime are overturned and destroyed amid scenes of joyous celebration. Conversely, no matter how much a society wants to forget reminders of a horrible past, the obliteration of historic truths does not have a place in a modern democracy. This was the dilemma that Hungary faced when Soviet hegemony fell apart in the year of 1989.Budapest resolved this issue by establishing a statue park in the southwest of the city.The park opened in 1993 with 41 works that had previously occupied prominent positions in the city...Read More

What is a country to do with the symbols of a hated totalitarian regime when the oppressors are overthrown? Usually, it is not long before the statues and memorials that honour the regime are overturned and destroyed amid scenes of joyous celebration. Conversely, no matter how much a society wants to forget reminders of a horrible past, the obliteration of historic truths does not have a place in a modern democracy. This was the dilemma that Hungary faced when Soviet hegemony fell apart in the year of 1989.

Budapest resolved this issue by establishing a statue park in the southwest of the city.The park opened in 1993 with 41 works that had previously occupied prominent positions in the city. A niche at one side of a monumental psuedo-classical red-brick entrance to the park houses a statue of Lenin; on the other side is a Cubist style carving of Marx and Engels. Revolutionary music blares out of a ticket office from early morning until dusk. From the same office you can also buy drinks with such names as Molotov cocktails and kitsch items such as Marx T-shirts and Che Guevara socks, to cans of 'the last breath of socialism.'

Huge statues of pre- World war II Hungarian communists and assorted Soviet heroes are arranged in six groups. A fierce, flag waving soldier based on a call-to-arms poster issued by the communist government in 1919 typifies the chunky totalitarian style favoured by Soviet art lovers. The statue was moved from its former position at the foot of the Liberation monument on Gellerthegy. Less imposing but quite evocative is the monument depicting the 1919 Hungarian revolution leader Bela Kun urging a crowd of soldiers and workers on towards the dictatorship of the proletariat. Given the nature of Communist ideology, it's not surprising that some statues commemorate groups, such as Spanish Civil war martyrs, rather than individuals.

The statue park was always on my list of things I should see in Budapest but I was really disappointed with the whole affair. I enjoyed the short journey out of the city by bus but the fact that the park is just plonked in the middle of nowhere has no appeal whatsoever. It is quite exciting to see the heads of Lenin and Marx rising above the field from the coach window as you approach the park. Howevver, it seems to me that the authorities have just picked up the statues of old and deposited them in a dusty field with no thought or organisation. There is very little information regarding the statues and once you have walked around and taken a few photographs there is very little else to do except go to the toilet which are very basic but clean, or buy some postcards or a piece of kitsch. It would make economic sense to open a small cafe or at least a rest room where videos of these turbulent times could be shown so people could understand why the statues are detested by the people of Budapest.

The park is dusty and very flat with no protection at all so I can imagine in autumn and winter it will be very cold and windy walking around. The road leading away from the park leads on to a main road which is a bit hectic. People waiting for the bus sat on a the bank of the road as there was no specific bus stop or shelter.

If you are a quick viewer and find you have finished the tour of the park before the bus back to Budapest is due I suggest you turn left as you come out of the park and walk along the main road where you will come to a small village shop. Here you can buy soft drinks and other foodstuffs. They don't sell pre-packed sandwiches but if you buy a bread roll the assistant will make you a cheese or ham sandwich.

To visit the Statue Park you can catch a non-stop bus that leaves daily from Deak ter (Mar - Jun, Sep-Oct - 11am and 3pm).

July - August - 10am, 11 am, 3pm, 4pm; November -Feb, 11 am.

Ticket price includes admission and return trip (allow 1 hour and 45 minutes in total).

Alternatively, you can catch a No 7 red bus at Ferenciek ter to the Etele ter terminus and then go to stands 7 or 8 and catch a No 7 yellow bus towards Diosd -Erd.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 16, 2009

Memento Statue Park
Bathori utca, 22
Budapest, Hungary 1054
+36 1 424 7500

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Pampas Argentine Steakhouse

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Restaurant | "A Pampas Steak for Hungary People"

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I first came across this restaurant on our recent trip to Budapest. It was on one of those evenings when you walk around the city but can't make up your mind which restaurant to choose. We are terrible at choosing restaurants as we don't always like the same food and we are not very good at making decisions. We had passed by the restaurant every night as it is very close to the central market and main shopping street. The outside of the building isn't anything too grand in fact it has graffatti drawn all over the side wall as a lot of buildings do have in Budapest. I don't dislike graffatti but this wasn't a masterpiece - it only made the building look dowdier.Peering in through the window...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 5, 2008

Pampas Argentine Steakhouse
Vámház körút 6.
Budapest

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Mercure Budapest City Centre

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Hotel | "A Hotel in Budapest with a Funky Decor"

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On my last trip to Budapest I was very lucky to choose a hotel within walking distance of the centre and quite a few of the main attractions. The Mercure Budapest was formerly known as The Taverna and is located about two minutes walk away from the bank of the River Danube. We arrived by taxi from the airport which is roughly about 17 kilometres and as I paid the taxi driver I remember thinking that I really liked the fact that the front entrance which is quite grand was on a main road with tourists milling around. I much prefer this than being stuck away down a dark alleyway.I was impressed with the front entrance of the hotel with its glass windows shining through to the myriad of lights...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 17, 2009

Mercure Budapest City Centre
Vaci Utca 20
Budapest, Hungary 1052
(36)1-4853100

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Hungarian Parliament Building

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Attraction | "One of my Favourite and Most Beautiful Buildings in Budapest"

Parliament Building, Budapest Photo - Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary

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The Parliament Building in Budapest is one of my favourite buildings and one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Situated at the western end of Kossuth Lajos Ter ( the square named after the leader of the 1848 revolution, whose statue stands in the northern part of the square) this magnificent building sits in all its glory on the Pest side of the city, watching over the River Danube. The best views of the building are actually from the other side of the river. To find this building take Metro Line 2 and alight at Kossuth Lajos ter.When we visited last autumn small tents were erected in the grounds of the building and a group of demonstrators were walking around holding banners. ...Read More

The Parliament Building in Budapest is one of my favourite buildings and one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Situated at the western end of Kossuth Lajos Ter ( the square named after the leader of the 1848 revolution, whose statue stands in the northern part of the square) this magnificent building sits in all its glory on the Pest side of the city, watching over the River Danube. The best views of the building are actually from the other side of the river. To find this building take Metro Line 2 and alight at Kossuth Lajos ter.

When we visited last autumn small tents were erected in the grounds of the building and a group of demonstrators were walking around holding banners. I think students and people of the city were up in arms against the corruption of the governmental regime that was in office at the time. Luckily for us the demonstration was a peaceful one and we were allowed to go about our business in peace which was to view this mammoth piece of architecture.

Construction of the Parliament Building started in1885, and although the first session was held in 1896 -1,000 years after the Magyars occupied the country - the building was completed in 1902. Designed in neo-Gothic style and clearly influenced by London's Houses of Parliament (which seem quite small and humble in comparison), this huge building stretches 268 metres along the bank of the Danube, its 96 metre high dome towering above it. The impressive limestone facade facing the river, topped by 88 statues of kings, princes and hereditary leaders radiates wealth and grandeur.

The main entrance, decorated with lion statues, leads to the ceremonial stairway where Lotz's ceiling frescoes can be seen. Believe me, this is a wonderful sight. I just wanted to stand and stare for ages. The frescoes are so ornate and beautifully executed. On the landing is the bust of the building's designer, Imre Steindl. The fabulous staircase leads to the 27 metre high, 16-sided hall, whose pillars are adorned with statues of various Hungarian rulers. Another jaw-dropping experience and one I really recommend for any tourist visiting Budapest. You will not be disappointed at these beautiful sculptures.

Conducted tours are in English and available from Jul-Sep, Wed - Sun from 10am until 2pm. Oct-Jun - 10am only. Tickets have to bought from Gate X.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 14, 2009

Hungarian Parliament Building
Kossuth Lajos Ter, 1-3 District V
Budapest, Hungary 1055
+36 1 441 4904

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