Shopping guide Budapest [antikvár]

If a person took a trip to Budapest a couple of years ago, he easily could have answered the question of what to buy in the "Paris of the East". Cuban cigars were available here for one tenth of the usual price. The goose iiver (fois gras) was almost free. Of course famous Hungárián salami, Tokaj wine and paprika would have to be added to the list. For the collector interesting old books, prints and records could readily be found. These items and more are still available in abundance. However, most of the tourists didn't know to come to Budapest to arrange their shopping. The aims of going to Budapest were mainly to have a cure in one of the many spas, to hunt, to ride and to arrange conterances. Even today many tourists are pleasantly surprised when they come to Budapest. They find a rich abundance of products and services available very reasonably priced. Even the picture of the streets is changing. Estéé Lauder, Pierre Cardin, Fotex, Shell, McDonalds, Sony, Philips, Canon and Minolta among others have opened shops in Budapest. Alsó, the new, freely elected democratic government (since May 1990) ensures Hungary a dominant role in trade and business between East and West. Already many priváté shops are springing up at a rapid pace. Budapest is truly the Paris of the East. This guide is meant for you, the traveller who looks for the charm of the Belle Epo-que, who longs for the atmosphere of the fin-du-siécle, who tries to catch the memories of the Monarchy and of the Art Nouveau in the Gerbeaud, easily one of the finest cafes in Europe. This book is dedicated to you in order that you remember Budapest as a vibrant metropolis offering much more than you ever ex-pected. Shopping Guide Budapest not only wants to help you arrange your accomodations and suggest restaurants, but it wants to be the first travel guide in Hungary that is able to answer all the questions that can arise while visiting Budapest. We have made all efforts to collect up to date information. Still the Editors cannot take responsibility for possible changes in addresses, telephone numbers and other data. The Welcome Shopping Guide will be updated and revised every year. The Editors will be thankful for every comment, suggestion and idea that can contribute to a comprehensive guide. This book lists information in alphabetical order. Included alsó are somé basic and important items we would like to indicate here.