Cycle Tour Arnaud & Nicolas Summer road (Euro6)

Budapest /ˈbuːdəpɛst/ (Hungarian: [ˈbudɒpɛʃt]) is the capital and the largest city of Hungary, and one of the largest cities in the European Union. It is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre, sometimes described as the primate city of Hungary. In 2011, according to the census, Budapest had 1.74 million inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2.1 million due to suburbanisation. The Budapest Metropolitan Area is home to 3.3 million people. The city covers an area of 525 square kilometres (202.7 sq mi) within the city limits. Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with its unification on 17 November 1873 of Buda and Óbuda, on the west bank, with Pest, on the east bank.

The history of Budapest began with Aquincum, originally a Celtic settlement that became the Roman capital of Pannonia Inferior.Hungarians arrived in the territory in the 9th century. Their first settlement was pillaged by the Mongols in 1241–42. The re-established town became one of the centres of Renaissance humanist culture in the 15th century. Following the Battle of Mohács and nearly 150 years of Ottoman rule, the region entered a new age of prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Budapest became a global city after its unification in 1873. It also became the second capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great power that dissolved in 1918, following World War I. Budapest was the focal point of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, the Hungarian Republic of Councils of 1919, Operation Panzerfaust in 1944, the Battle of Budapest in 1945, and the Revolution of 1956.

Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest's extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. It has around 80 geothermal springs, the world's largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building. The city attracts about 4.3 million tourists a year, the 25th most popular city in the world, and the 6th in Europe, according to Euromonitor.

Main sights and tourism

The neo-Gothic Parliament, the biggest building in Hungary with its 268 metres (879 ft) length, containing amongst other things the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Saint Stephen's Basilica, where the Holy Right Hand of the founder of Hungary, King Saint Stephen is on display. The Hungarian cuisine and café culture: for example, Gerbeaud Café, and the Százéves, Biarritz, Fortuna, Alabárdos, Arany Szarvas, Kárpátia and the world famous Mátyás Pince Restaurants. There are Roman remains at the Aquincum Museum, and historic furniture at the Nagytétény Castle Museum, just 2 out of 223 museums in Budapest. Another historical museum is the House of Terror, hosted in the building that was the venue of the Nazi Headquarters. The Castle Hill, the River Danube embankments and the whole of Andrássy úthave been officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Castle Hill and the Castle District; there are three churches here, six museums, and a host of interesting buildings, streets and squares. The former Royal Palace is one of the symbols of Hungary – and has been the scene of battles and wars ever since the 13th century. Nowadays it houses two impressive museums and the National Széchenyi Library. The nearby Sándor Palace contains the offices and official residence of the President of Hungary. The seven-hundred year-old Matthias Church is one of the jewels of Budapest, it is in neo-Gothic style, decorated with coloured shingles and elegant pinnacles. Next to it is an equestrian statue of the first king of Hungary, King Saint Stephen, and behind that is the Fisherman's Bastion, built in 1905 by the architect Frigyes Schulek, the Fishermen's Bastions owes its name to the namesake corporation that during the Middle Ages was responsible of the defence of this part of ramparts, from where opens out a panoramic view of the whole city. Statues of the Turul, the mythical guardian bird of Hungary, can be found in both the Castle District and the Twelfth District.

In Pest, arguably the most important sight is Andrássy út. This Avenue is an elegant 2.5 km (2 mi) long tree-lined street that covers the distance from Deák Ferenc tér to the Heroes Square. On this Avenue overlook many important sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As far as Kodály körönd and Oktogon both sides are lined with large shops and flats built close together. Between there and Heroes' Square the houses are detached and altogether grander. Under the whole runs continental Europe's oldest Underground railway, most of whose stations retain their original appearance. Heroes' Square is dominated by the Millenary Monument, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front. To the sides are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle Budapest, and behind City Park opens out, with Vajdahunyad Castle. One of the jewels of Andrássy út is the Hungarian State Opera House. Statue Park, a theme park with striking statues of the Communist era, is located just outside the main city and is accessible by public transport.

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe, and the second largest active synagogue in the world. The synagogue is located in the Jewish district taking up several blocks in central Budapest bordered by Király utca, Wesselényi utca, Grand Boulevard and Bajcsy Zsilinszky road. It was built in moorish revival style in 1859 and has a capacity of 3000 people. Adjacent to it is a sculpture reproducing a weeping willow tree in steel to commemorate the Hungarian victims of the Holocaust. The city is also home to the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath) and the third largest Parliament building in the world, once the largest in the world. Other attractions are the bridges of the capital. Seven bridges provide crossings over the Danube, and from north to south are: the Árpád Bridge (built in 1950 at the north of Margaret Island); the Margaret Bridge (built in 1901, destroyed during the war by an explosion and then rebuilt in 1948); the Chain Bridge (built in 1849, destroyed during the II World War and the rebuilt in 1949); the Elisabeth Bridge (completed in 1903 and dedicated to the murdered Queen Elisabeth, it was destroyed by the Germans during the war and rebuilt in 1964); the Liberty Bridge (opened in 1896 and rebuilt in 1989 in Art Nouveau style); the Petőfi Bridge (completed in 1937, destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 1952); the Rákóczi Bridge (completed in 1995). Most remarkable for their beauty are the Margaret bridge, the Chain bridge and the Liberty bridge. The world's largest panorama photograph was created in (and of) Budapest in 2010.

Tourists visiting Budapest can receive free maps and information from the nonprofit Budapest Festival and Tourism Center at its info-points. The info centers also offer the Budapest Card which allows free public transit and discounts for several museums, restaurants and other places of interest. Cards are available for 24, 48 or 72-hour durations. The city is also well known for its ruin bars both day and night.

08:00 - 20:00 h every day

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Lunchtime: 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Szentendre (Serbian: Сентандреја, Croatian: Senandrija, Ancient Latin: Ulcisia Castra) is a small town on the Danube River, 19 kilometers north of

Understand

This charming little town, whose name means "Saint Andrew", is known for its well-preserved houses and churches, many built in a Balkan style as the area was originally settled by Serb refugees. Today the town's best-known inhabitants are artists and small galleries can be found on every street corner.

See

Don't worry too much if you miss the sights listed before: most of the fun of visiting Szentendre is wandering around the streets and visiting the little shops and galleries. Notice the almost intentional lack of straight lines, right angles and spotless surfaces: Everything is a bit crooked, slanted, or cracked resulting in an overall warm and cozy feeling. Try to take sneak peeks over fences, through cracks on gates or open doors for a glimpse of hidden treasure.

• Memorial Cross, Fő tér. Commemorates the town being spared from a plague epidemic in the region.
• ⊙ Blagovestenška Church (Blagovesztenszka-templom, Görögkeleti Templom, Serbian: Благовештенска црква), Görög utca, Fő tér (Next to Kovács Margit Collection'. Eastern side of the main square), ☎ +36 26 310554. 10.00-17.00 (2010). Contains intricate icons and rococo windows. Founded in 1752. The patron saint of the church is the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The east-west oriented church was built in baroque and rococo style. Mid-Tower shaped main facade divided into three stages by four pilasters. The main facade is richly decorated by columns, parapet balcony, oval and tiered arched windows. Front tower is 28 meters high. Above the stone frame, oak side entrance is in curved frame a St. Constantine and St. Helen's mural. In addition to the entrance located a red marble tomb with Greek inscription from 1759. The nave is covered three intermittent chest barrel vault, the stone choir is covered by Czech vault cap. The pictures of the iconostasis Zsivkovics Mihailo (1776-1824) Serbian painter (from Budapest) created between 1802-1804. Since the late 1920s, the regular rituals are no longer present in the church. The church now serves mostly as a museum. Pics about the church HUF200 (2010). 

Museums

• Hungarian Open-Air Museum (Skanzen, Szentendrei Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum), Sztaravodai út (NW three km. Bus hourly from early morning util around 22:00), ☎ +36 26 502500. Open: 15 Nov -14 Dec Sa-Su 10:00-16:00, Summer 24th Apr.-13th. Nov Opening hours: Tu-Su: 9:00-17:00.. Is easily reached by bus from the Szentendre HÉV (communal train) station. This is a huge tract of land to which ancient buildings have been moved from all parts of the country. Small farm villages, mostly with thatched roofs, now dot the landscape, along with barns, outbuildings and even churches. Many are furnished inside. Buy the English guide book, some of the attendants are very knowledgeable (and some not so) but few speak English. You could spend a whole day there (even several) and still have things left to see. There are many ongoing events offered, especially for families with children. Adult/Students (6-26 years of age) and seniors (62-70 years of age) HUF1800/900 (2014), Under 6 years and over 70 years free. - Parking fee HUF500 per bus or car per day. 
• ⊙ Ámos Imre - Anna Margit Collection (Ámos Anna Múzeum), Bogdányi u. 10-12. (Kigyo street corner), ☎ +36 20 7796659. There can be see some pictures of a local married couple. Located in the Paulovics House, that is a listed building. English, French, German guided tours by appointment HUF9000 per group max 35 pers.. 
• ⊙ Ars Amandi Panoptikum and Museum of Oldtimer bikes (Ars Amandi Panoptikum és Veterán Motormúzeum), Malom u. 4/a, ☎ +36 20 4315095. 1st April to 30th October, We-Su 14:00-18:00, From 1 Nov to 31 Mar CLOSED. HUF600/300. 
• ⊙ Barcsay Collection (Barcsay Jenő Festőművész Múzeuma), Dumtsa Jenő u. 10 (Next to Marzipan Museum), ☎ +36 26 310790. 1st April to 30th October, We-Su 14:00-18:00, From 1 Nov to 31 Mar CLOSED. Picture gallery located in Schartner family house. Twelve exhibit rooms. HUF600/300, English, French, German guided tours HUF9000 per group max 35 pers.. 
• ⊙ Marzipan Museum and Confectionery (Szabó - Szamos Marcipán Múzeum), Dumtsa Jenő u. 14. (Close to Barcsay Gallery), ☎ +36 26 311931. Open daily Winter: 09:00-19:00, Summer: 09:00-20:00. is a colorful exhibit made entirely out of marzipan. One room is dedicated entirely to Hungarian artifacts: the turul monument in Tatabánya, the parliament in Budapest, the Hungarian Royal Crown, and busts and pictures of various kings, queens, and other famous Magyars. There is also a large collection of cartoon characters to delight children, musical memorabilia (including a life-size Michael Jackson commemorating his first concert in Hungary), and even faux furniture and needlepoint. Afterward you can buy several custom-made candies in the shop. 
• ⊙ Memorial House of the painter Tibor Boromissza (Boromissza Tibor Festőművész Emlékháza), Dunakorzó 4. (Riverside), ☎ +36 26 311364. Sa, Su: 12:00-17:00 (?). Tibor Boromisza painter lived in this house from 1955 until his death to 1960. He is a founding member of the local Art Colony. Free.
• ⊙ Czóbel Museum (Czobel Béla Festőművész Múzeuma), Templom tér 1 (Behind St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish Church), ☎ +36 26 310790, +36 20 7796657 (mobil). open: 4 Jun - 30 Sep Wed-Su 14-18, Oct-Mar CLOSED. Located in the 'Art Mill'. Czóbel retrospective exhibition. Shows spanning seven decades work of artist. On the first room gives you a summary of the little-known graphic material of Czóbel. Some art historians titled to 'the picturesque drawing master'. Here is a love drawn what painted his wife Maria Mondok,-also an painting artist,- a dedicated picture from 1936. She was a muse to Czóbel, also model to some nude compositions. Another muse and model of Bela Czóbel was Mimi Kratochwill, an art historian, who later became one of the most important artists monographer. - Mini guided tours available, ask at cashdesk duration: 20-30min. - Guided tours by appointment (order: kozmuvelodes@femuz.hu, +36 26 920990) for max 35 persons, (English, French, German) HUF9000. Adult HUF1500, discounted HUF750 valid to all branch of Ferenczy Museum , english mini guided tour HUF3000 per group (max. ten person, only weekdays), Photo ticket HUF15000, Video ticket HUF25000. 
• ⊙ Kmetty Museum (Kmetty János Festőművész és Kerényi Jenő Szobrászművész Emlékmúzeuma), Fő tér 21. (Next to Korona Restaurant), ☎ +36 26 310790, +36 26 310244. Same as Czóbel Museum. Sculptures and painting from two local artists. Located on the south side of the main square in a 18th-century origin, former Dalmatian trading house building. Originally the street side of the building served as an sales point, while the residential area was on the back side of the courtyard area. The building was rebuilt in the 1850's. After it is turned to museum managed to restore the original spatial distribution. - Kmetty János (Miskolc, 1889, - Budapest, 1975) permanent exhibition presented by the artist's legacy, paintings collected during purchases, and works of art borrowed from public collections. The lagacy consist 275 piece among these are paintings (most value are from 1920's), oil paintings (1950's, 1960's), and graphics and atelier sketches, glass window designs and stained glass windows. - The lifework of sculptor Jeno Kerenyi (Budapest, 1908 - Budapest, 1975) representing by forty works, located in the vaulted cellar of the Middle Ages of building. Kerenyi was successful sculptor of the 1950's. Many works were set up in public spaces across the country. He won Grand Prix the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels. (the work title was: The Dancers). Same as Czóbel Museum. 
• ⊙ House of Folk Arts (Népművészetek Háza), Rákóczi utca 1 (Opposite to Town Hall), ☎ +36 26 310244. 1st Apr to 30th Oct, We-Su 14:00-18:00. Folk Arts collection of Pest county.Located in one of the oldest preserved rural character, charming building of Szentendre. The basement make unique this 18th century building, because it gives the impression this is a storey house. The stone-walled cellar contents clay plastered three rooms with foot thick beams, spun twigs. The ceiling of the basement is covered with the original 18th-century wide plank elements. Adult/reduced HUF1500/750 (multiplace ticket). 
• ⊙ Kovács Margit Ceramics Collection (Kovács Margit Múzeum), Hunyadi János u. 1 (Closed to Martinovics street, in same building as the Vajda Lajos Memorial Exhibition), ☎ +36 26 310244, +36 20 7796657. Daily 10.00-17.00. More than 300 works of Margit Kovács ceramic artist. Most of the objects figural compositions that reflect the belief of the artist's for human love Adult/reduced HUF1500/750 (multiplace ticket) ,English and German tours HUF3000 (20-30mins.).
• ⊙ Ferenczy Museum (Ferenczy Károly Múzeum), Kossuth Lajos utca 5 (Close Petőfi street corner), ☎ +36 26 310244. Tu-Su 10.00-18.00. The Hungarian master of plein air painting and a permanent exhibition of works of the artist's children HUF1500/750. 
• ⊙ Vajda Lajos Memorial Exhibition (Vajda Lajos Emlékkiállítás), Hunyadi utca 1 (Close to Martinovics street), ☎ +36 26 310244. Apr-Sept W-Su 10.00-14.00. Works of Lajos Vajda (1908, Zalaegerszeg - 1941, Budakeszi) was a Hungarian Painter. Its style is constructive surrealism, expressed by folk architecture, religional symbols and nonfigure coal drawings. He combined religious symbols, architectural and folk art motifs, abstract, figurative, and surrealistic elements. HUF1500/750. 
• ⊙ Music Box Museum (Muzsikáló Múzeum), Fő tér 1. (Futó street corner, entry via gift shop), ☎ +36 30 9311442. Sa-Su 10.00-17.00. Located in a monument house. On the ground and the first floor musical instruments can be seen in the last 200 years. Phonograph, gramafonok, flute player and musical clocks, pianos, barrel organs, whistle chests, huge musical maschines shown here. HUF800. 
• ⊙ Serbian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Art Collection (Szerb Egyházi Múzeum), Pátriárka utca 5 (Close to Alkotmány street), ☎ +36 26 312399. Tu-Su 10.00-16.00 (Jan- Feb Sa-Su 10.00-16.00). Hungarian Orthodox Church art beautiful artefacts: icons, Prayer- Gospel and books, goldsmith- and textile items, artistic wood carvings HuF600/300. 
• ⊙ Szentendre Gallery (Szentendrei Képtár), Fő tér 2-5 (Next to Blagovestenška Church), ☎ +36 26 310244. W-Su 10.00-17.00. Representative, temporary exhibitions HUF1500/750. 
• ⊙ Mészáros Dezső Sculpture Collection (Mészáros Dezső Szobortárlat), Dunakanyar körút (Close to Szent lászló road), ☎ +36 26 310244. 24h. An open air sculpture park. Limestone statues can be seen here. Free. 
• Roman Lapidarium Castrum