Frommer's Budapest & the Best of Hungary [antikvár]

I, What's New in Budapest Hungary | ---I Budapest continues to attract many Europe-bound travelers, all while feeling the pinch in recent years from competition from the scenic coasts of Croatia and the price-friendly seaside of Bulgaria. Meanwhile, airlines are offering some incredibly low fares for European travelers. The nightlife here continues to thrive, and we suggest that you talk to as many Hungarians as you can about the latest fashionable beer gardens (they're difficult to list, as they appear and disappear in the blink of an eye). Since May 2004, Hungary has been a member of the European Union, although it is not expected to join the euro-zone until at least 2010. The new openness to the world that Hungary has experienced in recent years has benefited the young, who are now more mobile and have seen positive developments. The older generarions, meanwhile, were the losers of the transirion. Many pensioners lived better in Communist times, as they will not hesitate to tell you. PLANNING YOUR TRIP Just how much of Hungary you can see will depend on how many days you plan to stay. Many cross-European travelers have typically spent 2 or 3 days in Budapest. As you will see in this book, the tourism infrastructure, sights, restaurants, and hotels have all expanded their services and now offer more variety. There are more and different spas that each offer different kinds of services. Basically, the traveler now has many more options than just a few years ago, leaving room for longer and more leisurely stays. GETTING TO KNOW BUDAPEST The Palace of Art's National Concert Hall and Festival Theater—situated adjacent to the National Theater—are the latest performing arts venues in Budapest and are must-see venues for visitors to the capital. The theaters are situated in the Millennium City Center, which seems to grow every year. Plans for the arts complex include the development of a congress center, four- and five-star hotels, a spa, and even a casino. The main concert hall, however, is the finest modern classical music venue in Budapest and now hosts concerts from the most important orchestras from around the world. For more on the Palace of Art, see p. 205. The Budapest Visitors' Guide contains extensive details on concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events, and is available online at www.budapestsun.com, while the Budapest Times, also available online at www.budapesttimes.hu, is the newest entrant on the English-language printed weekly scene; www.ontheglobe.com, run by the author of these words, features a glimpse into the cultural life of Hungary and the world. Other useful Hungarian publications are listed on p. 36. WHERE TO STAY Located at the base of Gellért Hill in Buda, on the bank of the Danube, the Gellért (p. 150) is the most famous of the several thermal bath hotels in Budapest, known for its beautiful tiles and Turkish inspirarion. The