Light, summer night programs in Budapest, jazz, dixiland, klezmer music, opera in August. The Summer Festival offers 100 or so special programs at such unique locations like the Outdoor Stage of Margaret Island, the Outdoor Stage of Városmajor, the Castle of Vajdahunyad, the Zoo- and Botanical Garden, the St. Stephen’s square – Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera House or the Cherubic Garden of Hilton…

LOCATIONS

Városmajor

A nearly 1000 seated stage in one of Buda’s popular park, built in the park of Városmajor. Here, on the stage of Városmajor presentments for children, musical and literal dramas, comedies and tragicomedies are shown, which mainly targets the local audience. Beside the guest presentments of the metropolitan theatres, the best programs of the provincial and out of border theatres are on the program. In 2009 we are to reissue two premiers, Novarina: Imaginary operett and Krúdy-Party Nagy Lajos: In my well managed gent age. Out from the further plays to present the Tóthék, Decameron, Csehov one act plays and the guest presentment of the Attila József theatre also seems to be interesting.

www.szabadter.hu

Margaret Island

The Outdoor Stage of Margaret Island is the only permanent outdoor stage of the country, which was built by the Art Relic of Water Tower having nearly 3000 space. This stage with unique capabilty allows the presentation of operetts, classical ballets and operas, and in the recent decades rock operas and musicals. Beside the local noted singers and musicians many world famous groups and performers appear here each year. More scenic megaproductions are to be shown at the Margaret Island Outdoor Stage in 2009 as well: Aida, Evita, Freddie Mercury reminiscent concert, and the Pirates of the Queen.

www.szabadter.hu

Buda Castle

In the heart of Budapest, in the open-air garden between the Ruined Church and Hotel Hilton the first presentments were kept in 2003. The Cherubic Garden has an exclusive panorama due to its parts, an elegant location to show the programs of BudaFest.

www.budafest.hu

St. Stephen’s square-Basilica

Its area from Lipótváros to the Saint Stephen’s circuit was linked to the City Centre in 1950. The V.th district, the City centre is the intellectual, political and cultural life and the tourism centre even today. The imposing square in front of the Basilica is the location of the festival since 2003. The building of the luminous Basilica can be seen in the background of the outdoor stage from the square providing more hundred seats. www.budafest.hu

State Operahouse

It is the central location of the BudaFest Summer Musical Festival, the capital’s most significant XIX.th Century monument, to which the BudaFest twits since its foundation. The ornate building was made by the plans of Miklós Ybl in 1875-1884 and this building is the life-work crown of the artist. The neo-renaissance building is decorated with the sculptures and paintings of Bertalan Székely, Mór Thán and Károly Lotz. It is considered among the nicest opera houses of the world. During the Austro-Hungary Monarchy it was named the Hungarian Royal Opera House. The sculptures of Ferenc Erkel and Ferenc Liszt are standing in front of the building, which were made by Alajos Stróbl.

www.budafest.hu

Castle of Vajdahunyad-Citypark

In the heart of Városliget, in a beautiful environment, in the embrace of impressive architecture the masterpieces of classical music literature will play this summer season too, just as the traditional Hungarian gypsy music, the swing and klezmer music’s beads. The concerts will enchant the visitors every Tuesday and Saturday starting at 20:30 in the evening.

www.vajdahunyad.hu

Zoo-Citypark

We organise the musical nights at two intimate locations, more often by the Palm house where the closeness of the lake and the luminous Palm house creates an exceptional atmosphere, and in the Japanese garden, which is partially the traditional location of the concerts, its special eastern spirit contributes to the pleasure. Our visitors may come into the garden starting at 7 o’clock before the presentments. They may delectate in the sunset by the lake, may visit the Aquarium and the Palm house. Visitors may have dinner even after the prsesentments, by candle light under the old trees in the Cave Restaurant. The confectionery terrace of the Palm house keeps opened with a magical view onto the lake. Following to this great introductory program the concert may begin. Everyone may choose from the right musical style during the summer. The best representatives of jazz, dixieland and klezmer music will play mainly but the lighter classical music will be included in the program.

www.zoobudapest.com

(source: www.budapestinfo.hu)

You don’t need to be in Budapest long to realise that you never know quite where you stand – and that’s not because of the street layout. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of a city that has been brought to its knees – and restored to its former glory – time and time again. Budapest is not just a city of stunning buildings – many of its museums serve to highlight a history that is proud and unfortunate in equal measure…

On the pages listed below you will find plenty of useful information about Budapest and Hungary. You will find all sorts of Travel guides, Travel tips and much more.

Arrival at Budapest

by plane www.bud.hu

AviART-Jet charter

by train www.mavstart.hu

http://english.budapest.hu/Engine.aspx

Transportation in Budapest

www.bkv.hu

public transportation in Budapest (BKV)
tickets and passes (BKV)

Budapest Card
taxis
parking in Budapest
Things to do in Budapest

Electricity

Hungary’s electricity network operates at 230 Volts. Plugs are the regulation continental type.

Opening hours

Shops: food shops are open from 7 am – 6 pm, clothes shops between 10 am – 6 pm Mon. to Sat. Most shopping centres are also open on Sun. Tesco is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Office hours: generally from 8am – 4 pm Mon. to Fri.
Post offices: Mon. – Fri: 8 am – 6 pm, Sat 8 am – 1 pm ( for details see Postal services section )
Banks: Mon – Thu: 8 am – 3 pm, Fri: 8 am – 1 pm.

Termal Baths

Gellert Spa Budapest

Kiraly Bath Budapest

Rudas Bath Budapest

Lukacs Bath Budapest

Szechenyi Spa Budapest

Please note, that the line-up is growing! Daily schedule is coming soon!

Main Stage
August 12. Wednesday
IAMX
Nouvelle Vague
Ska-P
Snow Patrol
Lily Allen
August 13. Thursday
Miss Platnum
The Ting Tings
Die Toten Hosen
Bloc Party
Fatboy Slim
August 14. Friday
Haydamaky
Primal Scream
Pendulum
The Prodigy
August 15. Saturday
The Subways
Editors
Klaxons
Manic Street Preachers
Placebo
August 16. Sunday
Disco Ensemble
Danko Jones
Maxïmo Park
The Offspring
Faith No More
World Music Main Stage
August 12. Wednesday
So Kalmery
Napra
Oi Va Voi
Calexico
August 13. Thursday
08001
Palya Bea
Életek éneke (”Az erdélyi Buena Vista”)
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club ®
August 14. Friday
Figli Di Madre Ignota
Csík Zenekar and guests
Zamballarana
Amadou & Mariam
August 15. Saturday
Speed Caravan
Woven Hand & Muzsikás
N&SK
Khaled
August 16. Sunday
Vieux Farka Touré
Besh o droM
Tiken Jah Fakoly
Broterhood of Brass: Boban Marković Orkestar + Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars

A38-WAN2 Stage
Blasted Mechanism
De Staat
La Troba Kung-Fú
Matatu
Miloopa
Muchachito Bombo Infierno
Squarepusher
Tricky
White Lies
Rock Stage
Backyard Babies
Brujeria
Donots
Expatriate
Gwar
Life of Agony
Turbonegro
Party Arena
Armin van Buuren
Birdy Nam Nam
Coldcut
Dillinja
Eric Prydz
Grooverider
Paul Oakenfold
Pete Tong
NEWS
La Fura dels Baus at Sziget Sziget Festival is one of the most colourful events on the European festival circuit, which – beside the great variety of musical programmes – tends to offer the cream of many other cultural genres as well. This year’s main attraction is a special performance composed exclusively for Sziget Festival by one of the world’s most prestigious spectacle theatre troupes with a huge fanbase (12-13-14-15-16th August).
Lilly Allen performing live at Sziget Get ready for our freshest and hottest confirmation: chart-topper tomboy, Lily Allen, having just released her second album, is performing live at Sziget Main Stage. Also on the bill this year, in an earlier afternoon slot at Main Stage is another lady, Balkani r’n'b Queen Miss Platnum.
Sziget – the most colourful, biggest and cheapest festival in Central Europe During this time of global financial crisis value for money becomes a higher priority. We have one foolproof tip for avid fans of music and youth culture: it will definitely be worth their while to come to Budapest from the 12th to the 17th of August when the Sziget Festival (which includes two warm-up days) will be welcoming visitors from across Europe.