The Railway in Budapest Run by Children
A little outside of the city of Budapest, on the Buda side of the river Danube there is a 11 kilometer long railway that runs through the woods of the hills. What makes the railway special is the fact that it is operated by children, which also gave it the nickname of the “greatest child toy in the world.” In all fairness and to be completely correct and legal one has to add that the children (all between the age of 10 and 14) are supervised by adult professionals. However, the engines are solely operated by adults.
The children who work there are of course there on a completely voluntary basis and aren’t being paid. Since the train operates from Tuesday to Sunday and the children will miss classes because of it, they are working 1 about ever two weeks. Their absence from school is excused as long as the kids maintain good grades in school and the participating in this project does not affect their school performance. All participants are required to complete a training, which ends with an exam.
The idea of having a railway operated by children emerged after World War 2 after a couple of examples were in place in Yugoslavia at the time, but later on at the opening of the railway it ended up being the Pioneers’ railway. After a few decades of operation and a couple of extensions the final change to a children’s railway came in 1990. Visitors can explore the history of the railway it its very own museum.
Nowadays the children’s railway organizes many activities. Children can celebrate their birthdays here and a special saloon carriage can be booked. In addition, there are different heritage trains for which rides can be booked, as well. The most popular one is the steam engine train, which will let you travel back in time.
On route it passes some interesting sites for visitors, such as Janos-hegy. At a height of 527 meters this is the highest point of Budapest. Erzsebet lookout is rather beautiful. Among other points of interest are Normafa, Budapest’s ski resort, a medieval monastery, and rather recent Challengeland, a park where you can participate in various challenging outdoor sports activities. Another interesting place is the game preserve, which will be entertaining for children in particular, as they can see game in its natural surroundings. Guided tours are also available.
For further information visit the official website.
Miss Moci
The children´s railway is a great adventure for the whole family. find great places to stay in Budapest and hop on the wagon!
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, the fortress of the men of the sea
Its one of the highest points of the city of Budapest, and its construction goes back to medieval times. It was the bastion from which the fishermen used to defend the city walls, making sure that no intruders got in. Today, its a viewpoint with a privileged view of the city, more specifically towards Pest and its majestic Parliament. A visit here is a must in your route around one of the most emblematic places on the hill of Buda.
The Fishermans Bastion has been enjoying some of the best views of the Danube for many decades. It was designed by Frigyes Schulek, finishing it in 1902 with a masterful reconstruction. Seven pointed towers rise at the top of Buda hill, symbolizing the seven Magyar tribes that entered Hungary in the 1st century AD. Schulek was able to combine neo-romanic elements with neo-gothic ones on a base of white stone. Although at its time it was a neuralgic point of the strategy and custody of the city, today, the Fishermans Bastion has a purely decorative function. There, youll find the best views of the city of Pest, without a shadow of a doubt. Also, its a luxury to have a coffee or something to eat there, since the views are amazing and its not too expensive.
Next to it, youll find its lifetime companion, the Matthias Church and the equestrian statue of Stephen I of Hungary. And close to it is the Royal Castle, which you can enter by going for a short walk around the hill, since the ideal thing is to get lost around the nearby streets. However, remember that long walks are ensured around here. Since Pest must be seen by bike, Buda must be seen by foot, and if you go walking in the afternoon, as well as seeing an amazing sunset, youll have to chance to see Pest lit up. Its pure magic to alk around this area with your partner and stop every now and then to take a few pictures of the most emblematic parts of Budapest. If you want to surprise someone, take them blindfolded to the top of the bastion. Once there, take it off. The visual shock is huge since the city will be at your feet.
Its a perfect plan to spend the entire day on Buda hill. Youll have the feeling that, at some point, youll come across a medieval knight or a cart pulled by horses like in the old days. However, paradoxically, it has become one of the most touristy areas thanks to its impressive panoramic views of, as I said, the Pearl of the Danube. Its a pleasure to see how the sun goes down behind the Parliament and the Chain Bridge that crosses to the city of Pest.
How to get there? Its recommended to take the M2 Metro line and get off at Moszkva tér, and from there get the bus to the castle. If not, take the cable-car that you can get from the Chain Bridge, which takes no more than 2 minutes to get to the top, where the height and the views are amazing.
DianaRPretel
Do you want to visit the city of Buda and the Fishermans Bastion? Do you want to enjoy a few days in a medieval city? You still havent been to the Pearl of the Danube? If you want to spend a few dreamy days here, book your accommodation in Budapest. This is a luxury thats much more accessible now thanks to the cheap flights there. Are you going to miss it?
Popular Arts Festival in Budapest
One of the most special summer events in Budapest is its Popular Arts Festival (Mesterségek Ünnepe). Every year, in the second fortnight in August, the city celebrates St Stephens Day, patron of Hungary, and over 800 craftsmen and artists gather to entertain the 80,000 attendants. This is an event you cannot miss if you like discovering new traditions and the popular culture of the places you travel to.
The festival will take place between the 17th and 20th of August, and what distinguishes it and makes it special is that those who attend dont just have to chance to observe the best craftsmen of the country doing their work and then buying their finished items but also because theyre invited to participate and learn. For example, they can make a musical instrument, ceramic, work with a blacksmith, make embroidery, egg painting, etc.
If you travel with your family to Budapest, youll enjoy it in a special way because many of the programmed activities are thought for kids: puppet theatres, storytellers, rag doll making, making paper by hand, felt crafts, dancing… all of which with the aim of transmitting popular trades and traditions to the youngest ones in the family.
In each edition, the festival revolves around a certain subject and this year the subject is traditional dresses, with workshops where you can discover how old clothes were designed, create your own clothes and seeing the techniques of how traditional clothes were made, which are still used to make modern clothes.
This is a varied and lively programme that will also have music and popular dances during the night. The artists will dress up in traditional clothes and they will dance to music from different countries every night. Not only folk will be the main protagonist, but jazz and music from around the world as well as electronic music will also be part of the programme.
Gastronomy is another of the main stars of the festival, and you can try typical food and drinks of Hungarian medieval cuisine, such as homemade sweets, jams, cheeses, etc.
On the last day, August 20th, coinciding with St. Stephens Day, it will be the turn of the so-called bread blessing ceremony in front of St. Matthias Church. Bread is consecrated by the craftsmen on Clark Adam Street, who go on a parade around the Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) up to St. Stephens Basilica, where they celebrate mass and the cardinal blesses the bread. They carry on with the so-called Sacred Han Procession and the afternoon is rounded off with fireworks to close the festival.
This festival takes place around Buda Castle, one of the most beautiful places in Budapest, especially at night, when its completely lit-up. An old royal residence, it has suffered numerous restorations since its construction in the 14th century and its location, on a hill, offers spectacular views of the city. Inside, you can visit the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
Elena Alvarez
To fully enjoy the Popular Arts Festival, book one of our apartments in Budapest in the old town. Youll be a stones throw from Buda Castle and you wont have to worry about timetables or transport.
Summer at Buda Castle
Buda Castle in Budapest is one of the most emblematic points of the city that, historically, was known as the Palace or the Royal Castle. This monument that has been constantly restored and remodeled had a very different aspect back in the 14th century, when it was the home of the Hungarian royal family, who used it as their residence.
Today, as well as having experimented considerable architectonic changes due to the huge amount of battles that it was involved in, its mainly a cultural landmark thats used as a museum and to hold art events.
The castle still preserves the walls that surrounded it and protected it and, together with two other nearby enclaves, it makes up one of the must visits for all tourists who arrive in Budapest.
The other two magical points that accompany the castle in its surroundings, as we said before, are the Chain Bridge and the Fishermans Bastion, without doubt two of the most spectacular views in Budapest.
To get to the castle, you can go up by foot or take a cable car that will make it easier for you and quicker to get up there, although perhaps the first option is best if one wants to see and feel the charm of the narrow streets and corners that are around the castle.
BUda Castle takes its name from certain historical events that took place during the Tartar invasions in the 13th century, when the Hungarian king decided to build a walled fortress which coincided with a location called Obuda, which didnt take long to grow and become a strategic, political and commercial hotspot.
In any case, and going back to the touristy points, we know that the castle is located 164ft above the Danube river, which guarantees us to enjoyment of some incredible views if we manage to get to the very top.
Another spot to highlight in this route or visit around Budapest is the Castle district, an area covered with mystical subterranean labyrinths that are even 6 miles long, atmospheres that bring us its most living history.
Many of the old buildings in this district were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, given that they constituted works of great value and general interest.
Once inside the castle, one must highlight the beauty of one of its patios, the Patio of the Palace Lions. By going into it, the first thing that we can see on our visit is the Matthias Fountain and, further on, the Horseherd statue.
Another detail that can be interesting to capture, to keep special memories of your trip to Budapest, can be the dome of the Royal Palace or Castle and, if its at night time, it can be of great beauty.
Budapest, as the Hungarian capital and having such a mild climate, with hot summer and colder and shorter winters, is a touristic destination with a lot to offer, because it holds many interesting places with great Renaissance, Baroque and classic influences.
Other places that are worthy of a visit for their great beauty are the Budapest Opera, the Basilica of St Stephen and Central Market.
emejota
If you wish to stay a few days in Budapest and visit Buda Castle, dont hesitate to find accommodation in Budapest so you can enjoy this magnificent experience at your own pace.
What to Bring to a Music Festival
Budapest has a charm that you should not fail to discover this summer. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is bisected by the river Danube. The Buda area is more residential but it’s also where you will find the huge castle of Buda, facing the famous Hungarian parliament building. From the castle, you will have a clear view of all of Budapest, a city that was efficiently developed city that was organized during the nineteenth century. It’s a pretty flat city, which means it’s great for getting around by bicycle without much effort. If you are fond of bicycles, you can ride a bike around using the city’s bike lanes in various areas. Traffic is not a problem in this city; the buses, trams and metro are also efficient modes of transportation.
The heat in Budapest can, however, be quite intense during the summer. Moreover, in August, and especially if you’re going to the famous Sziget music festival, you must go well prepared. What are some of the most important things to bring to music festivals? Here is a short list that of things you shouldn’t forget for your visit to the Sziget festival:
A hat: Whether a light straw hat or sportier style, you should always wear something to cover your head during the summer. The sun can cause uncomfortable headaches and it will slow you down. During a festival, it is important that you cover yourself a little bit to protect your skin from the sun during the hours youll be standing in front of the stage. You can also use a light, colorful scarf or cloth that suits your style.
Earplugs: Sometimes, these ear protectors are available at the music festivals, where there are often stands that sell them. Before going to a major concert, make sure to bring a pair of these, because when a festival is very large the volume is very high and can damage your ears. You can buy earplugs at any music store.
An additional T-shirt: Sometimes the number of people at a festival and the close quarters in tight spaces and jumping during songs will make you sweat a bit more than usual. If you think it’s necessary, take along an extra T-shirt to change into so that you can avoid any discomfort or smelling bad. You may even avoid catching a cold from the rapid changes in body temperature.
Water: Water is essential for any music festival. Some festivals allow you to bring a bottle of water but others may not. If not, you should definitely buy water at the festival. Always have a little extra money on hand to buy some water. A cool beer will cool you off but it can also dehydrate. For more information about Budapest, go to this link: http://www.budapest.com/
Alexa Ray
Rent apartments in Budapest and enjoy the best outdoor music. Spending time in Budapest this summer can be a wonderful experience if youre looking to relax and explore new urban spaces.
Budapest as a Couple
Finding the secrets to excite your partner is more than an adventure. It’s about the tastes and types of stimulation that excite us, finding out what we like best as well as what are partners like, that results in both curiosity and a number of experiments. When referring to stimulation, this could be something far from merely sexual or simply that we educate ourselves about precisely what is sexually stimulating. The media generally sells something too corporate and too artificial to be truly erotic. Tight, short dresses, high heels, uncovered skin, tight paints for men, shirts that reveal lots of skin and modern hair cuts all predispose us to think that sexy or erotic is a perfect combination of clothing, measurements and style. However, what is erotic and stimulating doesn’t have any particular characteristics. And if we are exploring the world of sexuality and stimulation, we are in for a surprise.
Without a doubt, Budapest is one of the sexiest cities in the world. The Hungarian women are famous for being among the most beautiful in the world. With style and sex appeal, the Hungarians don’t need to be afraid to gracefully show their natural beauty. Likewise, Hungarian men in Budapest maintain a modern and sleek style, which is most appropriate for a city that is increasingly becoming more cosmopolitan and modern.
Certainly, you don’t need to be a movie star to excite your partner and enjoy a regular and healthy sex life. It doesn’t matter what color, weight, measurement or sexual preference you have if you try to get to know your lover better and enjoy the intimate moments you share during a sexual encounter. A dinner of his or her favorite dishes, fruits and wine of high quality are the classic first step to an intense night. In Budapest, one can find many restaurants where you can good food and drinks at reasonable prices. If you are more daring, Budapest has a number of things to offer: gay discos, bars and clubs for swingers as well as respected strip tease clubs where you and your partner can wildly engage in your wildest secret fantasies. If you want something kinkier, there are also stores selling a variety of erotica in the Hungarian capital. Don’t be reluctant to inquire about your most secret fetishes.
Museums, open-air concerts, galleries, green spaces and traditional as well as modern architecture offer the perfect setting for a walk together and a conversation to stimulate both the intellect and the senses. Discover all of this with your partner amidst the beauty of the Danube in spring. Budapest may allow you to uncover fresh, new passions, stimulating your senses and your spirits along the city’s streets, plazas and lovely parks.
Alexa Ray
Rent apartments in Budapest and discover new pleasures for you and your partner. A trip to Budapest could be a sexy way to cross new frontiers in your sex life and your relationship.
Shopping and fashion in Budapest
Anyone who thinks that Paris, London, Milan and New York remain the only sources of international fashion today, little know about what is really happening in terms of fashion around the world. Of course, these cities continue to conglomerate much of the international fashion industry, many of the most important designers are strategically placed in them, but much more is happening in some other cities, such as in Budapest. Besides having a lot of independent designers, Budapest aroused the interest of the consumer market to fashion; “Made in Hungary” is present.
The future does not belong to the old dinosaurs, to the same markets. From the place of the margin, from the borders and out of the common patterns, at present, new and riskier models are being tried, new ways of dressing, different costumes, and riskier products at better prices by independent designers, sound much more interesting. The WAMP fair that takes place regularly in this city verifies this.
It is noteworthy that some of the most important and recognized brands are more established in Budapest, either in shopping malls in central areas of the city or intermingled with small shops in the historic center. Brands like Vapiano, United Colors of Benetton, Sisley, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, La Coste and Nanushka will be waiting for. All these brands are available in the ” Fashion Street ” on the remodeled Deák Ferenc Street.
Keep in mind, that style in Budapest at night is very important; both women and men, are risky, wearing trendy and sexy clothes, when it comes to conquering the nights of dancing and fun that the city offers. Do not be surprised that some residents actually spend time and money in the production of their daily clothing. Like in any big city, the style is considered long before romance.
Another essential place to find the best in fashion in Budapest is the shopping mall next to Blaha Lujza Square. Here you will find a greater variety of items in some very exclusive, small shops and recreational areas, as well as other services to spend an entire afternoon shopping.
While the most of the best in clothing, shoes and accessories can be found at the center of the city, exploring some nearby areas you will find interesting shops where there are plenty of unusual items and great prices. Like going hunting, its about going with the keen eye and explore everywhere. Never miss the deals at the beginning of the year, some weeks after Christmas holidays.
Alexa Ray
Get apartments in Budapest and explore its ancient and modern streets, filled with fashionable shops and curiosities. Going shopping is an adventure that requires a careful city exploration, Budapest awaits.
Translated by: Hans
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20th International Wine Festival in Budapest
The pleasures of wine are told from remote times. This pleasant drink has accompanied the whole world during millenniums and its a true traditional in a large part of the tables in the Western world. The relation of wine with culture are diverse and deep, as is its symbology that goes from the religious rituals to pagan and profane ones. It is, undoubtedly, the drink that blesses churches and turns into Christs blood, with the sacred elixir that encourages intoxication, poetical deliriums and sexual romance. And theres nothing more exciting that wine to increase the temperatures at the time of making love. Many of the well-known poets have sung odes to wine and its delicacies, the chaos that it provokes, its magical power and the inspiration that it produces.
Charles Baudelaire, father of modern poetry without a shadow of a doubt, is one of the main poets that made of wine a constant subject and from which many lessons can be learned. In his poetry, wine is a powerful narcotic that not only becomes the inciter of lust and passions, the blood of the lamb that spills and drinks to reach those Artificial Paradises that he talked about so much and he provoked with his harmonious and melancholic writings, but at the same time, in the voluptuous condition that, in the intoxication from wine, you can reach states of illumination and sacred pronunciation. Thats how wine provokes visions, brilliant ideas, even miraculous, and its the drink where dark and secret poetry reside.
Thats how the ancestral ceremonies to Baccus are a type of calling to the invocation of the unseen. The stupor that wine generates makes of the body a tame machinery for the gathering of imagination and dreams. And effectively, dreaming under the influences of wine becomes an experience that is blurred and filled with images of many colours. At the same time, wine incites lust and sexual desire in men and women, and is therefore the nocturnal drink that best favours romance. Imagine what it must be like to have some wine in Budapest and in the International Wine Festival. Certainly, a favourable moment for romance and to meet beautiful people who are open to adventure. This international festival takes place every year where thousands of exhibitors from around the world participate, as well as music, meetings and, above all, the animated participation of thousands of people searching for the perfect wine, the sweetest aroma that the mind can manage, romance and, who knows, maybe love too. For more information and the timetables of events of this festival on each day, visit this webpage: http://www.aborfesztival.hu/
Alexa Ray
What better than getting apartments in Budapest and be part of this international festival with the best wine and where you will surely find someone with who to share it with and spend a moment of sensuality, party and beauty in one of the most romantic cities in the whole of Europe.
Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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Budapest Castle
Do you want to know Budapest? Do you want a relaxing, fun and relaxing holiday? Then you took the right decision: Budapest is an exciting and incredible city. Here you can spend unforgettable moments with friends or family. If you want to spend a special holiday, full of new people to meet then youre in the right place.
Do you know what to see in Budapest? There are thousands of things that will attract your attention as soon as you reach the city. There are many places of great historical and cultural interest, restaurants, clubs and discos. But what immediately takes the attention is, undoubtedly, the castle of the city.
The Buda Castle, historic seat of the kings of Hungary, was even called Castillo Palacio Real. It was built on the south side of the hill near the old quarter of the Castle, (Várnegyed), famous for its baroque and medieval houses and public buildings of the nineteenth century. It is linked to Adam Clark Square and the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) by funicular.
The Hungarian castle is located near the Danube River. The lighting makes the castle especially beautiful at night and not to be missed. It was constructed on the hills of Buda, after the Mongolian invasion in 1241, while Buda was appointed the capital of Hungary. Since then the castle has been improved and expanded in different historical periods, especially after the attacks during independence wars and battles. There are many universities, schools, libraries and museums, many of them run by nuns.
In fact, nowadays the castle houses the Budapest History Museum, which is divided into four floors. This museum shows the history of Budapest since the end of communism. You can also see the bottom of the Royal Chapel, which was completely restored, and in the basement you can see some examples of the prisons of the era. The beauty of the gardens is wonderful: they are from the middle ages. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the castle. Even the towers are accessible, and you can see the Parliament building, the Danube, the streets surrounding the complex and, in the sunny days, the Statue of Liberty.
This wonderful place, a symbol of excellence in the Hungarian capital, was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a must on your travels to Budapest! Rent apartments in Budapest and enjoy a great and comfortable stay.
Budapest – The pearl of the Danube
Budapest is a lively city and starting with its busy airport it is a place of great emotion and beauty that attracts many tourists from all around the world. It has about two million inhabitants, and the main attraction points are all to be found in the centre.
Budapest was named “The Pearl of the Danube” because of its high buildings and of the magnificence of its numerous bridges.
It is divided in two parts by the Danube River: on one hand you will find the Buda side and on the other the Pest side. Buda is the old town, its buildings are all a little decadent, but it preserves a great charm. Pest is the new modern part, with its elegant streets, its shops and its fashionable cafés; everything looks like a big city from the beginning of the 20st century (around 1900). The best way to start your journey is to go to Buda taking the lovely funicular that goes up the hill to the neighborhood of the fortress, one of the most romantic districts of the capital. From this height you will enjoy a fantastic scenic view over the Danube and the whole city. A little further south is the Royal Palace, which includes the National Gallery where the major Hungarian pieces of art can be found.
Budapest is also known for its spas and its many hot springs, which date back to the Roman times. The most important one is in the Gellert Hotel, built in Liberty style, with its rooms covered with mosaics (symbol of the city). However, if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of a Turkish bath, we suggest you to go to the Kiraly baths, dating back from the mid 1500’s!
Another interesting itinerary includes the famous Pastry Shop Gerbeaud, furnished with original furniture from the eighteenth century. It is the oldest and most famous pastry shop in town. On a sunny day you must sit in the sunny terrace and enjoy the concerts and acts performed in the street.
Budapest has a lot of nightclubs, bars and clubs for all tastes: from the most characteristic such as pubs and taverns to quirky bistros where you can drink the best beers, or taste the delicious Hungarian cuisine. In addition, there are discos and nightclubs for house music lovers. You can for instance visit the Bahnhof, a large and popular disco for both locals and tourists.
Travel to Budapest! Rent Apartments in Budapest and visit all its monuments and great buildings. Your vacation is waiting for you!
