It is important to know the difference between Buda and Pest (pronounced ‘Pescht’). Until a few hundred years ago, they were separate cities. Buda is on the west side of the river, is a hilly, residential area that also is home to the Castle district. Pest is on the east side and contains the business district, the Jewish Quarter, and more affordable accommodations and fare.
>>>Lake Balaton is so big it's known as the "Magyar tenger" or the Hungarian Sea.
The lake is a favorite vacation destination for Hungarians -- the southern shore, and especially the city of Siófok, is something of a party spot.
The annual Balaton Sound summer music festival is held in the nearby town of Zamárdi.
>> The average exchange rate from Hungarian Forints (HUF) to euros (EUR). It sometimes goes up a little, it sometimes goes down a little. Always check the exchange rate before going into any exchange place to avoid losing money. Avoid paying with card. If you can take money out from the ATM and let your bank do the exchange rate as they're more likely to give you a better deal.
>>Hungary is like a slice of fairy bread where all the hundreds and thousands are little bubbling hot springs and baths. In Barcelona, aka. the City of Baths, there are 118 of these mineral pools, so packing your swimmers is a must.
>> While Budapest is actually a very walkable city, the vintage state of many of its trains and trams makes catching public transport more than just a convenience. The M1 line is the second-oldest underground railway in the world, and is probably the cutest little subway you’ll ever see
>> Clinking beer glasses is frowned upon
When the Hungarians lost the 1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence, Austrians executed 13 of the most senior Hungarian generals, and supposedly celebrated by drinking beer and clinking their mugs.
Hungarians vowed not to clink beer glasses for the next 150 years.
Although that period ended in 1999, the "ban" is still widely observed, especially among more elderly people.It's fine to clink wine and spirit glasses.
>>The language is hard, there’s no way around it. Do at least know a few basic words, thank you in particular…you don’t want to be a rude American after all!
Hello or Bye = Szia (sounds like “See Ya”)
Goodbye = Viszlát (sounds like “veeslat”)
Yes / No = Igen / Nem
How are you? = Hogy vagy?
Thank you = Köszönöm (sounds like “kozonom”)
Thank you very much = Köszönöm szépen
Good morning = Jó reggelt
Good afternoon = Jó napot
Good evening = Jó estét
Cheers! = Egészségédre!
You’re welcome = Szívesen
Sorry! / Excuse me! = (to apologize = Bocsánat!) (to gain attention = Elnézést!)
Goodbye = Viszlát (sounds like “veeslat”)
Yes / No = Igen / Nem
How are you? = Hogy vagy?
Thank you = Köszönöm (sounds like “kozonom”)
Thank you very much = Köszönöm szépen
Good morning = Jó reggelt
Good afternoon = Jó napot
Good evening = Jó estét
Cheers! = Egészségédre!
You’re welcome = Szívesen
Sorry! / Excuse me! = (to apologize = Bocsánat!) (to gain attention = Elnézést!)
>>Some situation for every backpacker, some taxi drivers will try to rip you off. Always take a note of the fare per kilometer otherwise then can try charge you an outrageous amount of money. Especially if you not too familiar with the exchange rate.
>>If you’re in a restaurant and don’t know what to order and can’t communicate, when all else fails, order paprikash.
Most Hungarians eat a heavy lunch and a lighter dinner. As a result, many local restaurants close at 3 or 4 (tourist areas excepting).
Most Hungarians eat a heavy lunch and a lighter dinner. As a result, many local restaurants close at 3 or 4 (tourist areas excepting).
Happy Travels
