There are some who fall in love with the place after the first glimpse, there are others who become devotees of the city only after a long acquaintance, but of one thing all are agreed, this is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world.
The Broad Danube runs through the middle of this metropolis of two million, dividing hilly Buda from the Pest plain: the Danube panorama has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. To know why, you just have to see the Castle District and embankment at night, beautifully illuminated.
From among the sights of the city there are 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatres, 400-year-old Turkish baths, and turn-of-the-century and characteristically Hungarian Art Nouveau ("Secession”) buildings. Europe’s largest Parliament, the more than 100-year-old, 691-room neo-Gothic palace faces to the mirror of the Danube water. Lovers of culture will find their only difficulty choosing what to see. Visitors can choose from the wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
We hope that staying in Budapest will provide you an unforgettable remembrance.
The climate is continental. The coldest month is January (average temperature –1,3 degree C ), the warmest month is July (average temperature 23,2 degree C). At the time of the congress, it is the end of the summer in Hungary. Usually the weather is mild with daily temperatures between 15 and 22 degree Celsius. A little rain is always possible, so a raincoat is recommended.
Greenwich mean time + 1 hour.; U.S. (EAST) +6 hours
No immunisations are required.
In order to enter the country it is necessary to have a valid passport (for citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Spain, Switzerland and Slovenia a personal identity card is sufficient). If your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Hungary, then it is wise to arrange an entry visa before leaving home.
Because of the favourable geographical situation of the country, Hungary can be reached easily by any form of transport.
By air: 21 airlines operate flights arriving at the two terminals of Ferihegy International Airport.
By train: to two of Budapest's rail terminals: Keleti (Eastern) and Nyugati (Western) Railway Stations - there are nearly 50 scheduled international expresses. There are direct rail links between Budapest and the major capitals and cities of Europe.
From the airport – by Airport minibus or Budataxi – we will provide it in case you order on the registration form with the arrival and departure date.
In case of arriving by train – please get in contact with the Congress Secretariat in order to find the best solution (congress@motesz.hu)
Budapest has an excellent and affordable public transportation. Buses, trams, trolley buses and subways generally operate from 4.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
Hungary offers a stunning selection of programmes, and not only in the high season. Budapest has musical events every day of the year, while there is also a vigorous cultural life in all the major towns and cities. Major events are covered in the Event Calendar (published every year), while details of what's on during the month are available in Budapest Panorama and Programmes in Hungary. (Information: 36 1 317 9800)
There are plenty of evening entertainment spots in the capital and countryside: besides the bars with shows, discos, jazz clubs and dance houses there are more than 20 casinos throughout the country.
“The whole city in your pocket” is the motto of the Budapest Card, introduced by the Tourism Office of Budapest. The Card offers its holder more than a hundred services:
The services of the Card are detailed in a 100-page publication in Hungarian, English, German and Italian.
Price in 2001: HUF 2.800 for two days, HUF 3.400 for three days
Each Card is valid for one adult and one child up to 14 years of age
Available: on-site at the MOTESZ Travel Agency
Last updated on: 12. February 2002 by A.Bischoff