Hungary perfect location for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions

With a population of nearly two million, the Hungarian capital has existed under this name for almost 150 years although it was originally three towns. The Danube, which flows through ten European countries, divides the city in two and Pest and Buda differ significantly from each other geographically.  

The city does not have one historic centre; sights are to be found in several districts. Due to the well developed and relatively inexpensive public transport system, it is very easy to travel round the city by subway, bus, trams, trolley buses and of course the yellow taxis. There are organized sightseeing tours for tourists. There are eight wide bridges across the Danube. Boats on the river travel numerous routes by day and in the evening. Several boats have rooms suitable for holding conferences. From spring to autumn a boat tour with dinner and entertainment is obligatory.

Easily accessible, excellent infrastructure

Compared to other cities, Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport is closer to the centre at under 30 km. There is a regular bus service, taxis and an Airport Shuttle Bus. They ferry passengers to railway stations in the centre, the Southern Railway Station in Buda, the Eastern and Western Railway Stations in Pest. The international bus station is in Pest at Népliget. All train and bus stations can be reached by subway.

The well-developed public highway network in Hungary means that the capital can be reached from any direction.

Most government institutions are in Pest. Travellers on short official and business trips are sure to find accommodation nearby. There are many thousands of hotel rooms in every category in Budapest. Many hotels are on the Danube embankment to take advantage of the view, many are around Parliament, along the Great Boulevard, in fact all over the city.

The Buda side is hilly with several natural sights. The hotels on this side include elegant, large business hotels as well as small guest houses. The Budapest Congress Centre is on this side too.

From international hotel chains to unique style boutique hotels

Some Budapest hotels belong to big international hotel chains with accepted world standards. There are also numerous, distinctive boutique hotels to provide variety. All the hotels are accessible on the internet for reservations. There are meeting or event spaces in all the 3-4-5 star hotels where clients will find the latest technology at their disposal.

The city is full of restaurants of all sizes and it is not difficult to order a good meal. There are also restaurants of various nationalities. Of special interest are the so-called ‘ruin pubs’ which provide favourite meeting places for young people. From time to time various restaurants also act as venues for performances or concerts. Some restaurants are suitable for meetings of various sizes, but especially for gastronomic or musical events.

Spa and culture: Turkish baths and rich selection of entertainment

The spa culture of Budapest makes life even more interesting for foreigners. There are numerous thermal springs under the city and these have swimming baths built on them. There is a wide choice, from Turkish baths to modern wellness centres. No visit to Budapest is complete without a visit to the baths. Besides the thermal water, all the services of a swimming pool are, of course, also available.

There is a spacious park in Pest called Városliget. On the edge of the park are two large museums  (the Fine Arts Museum and the Kunsthalle), which have permanent exhibitions as well as regular temporary, thematic exhibitions. This is also the location of the Zoo which offers visitors an unusual experience when used as a venue for events.

As a result of developments in the last few years, there are many sites for conferences and events. Palaces have been renovated and are special locations with their period furnishings. Several buildings are only open for events. Theatres and museums have joined MICE events service and can be hired for receptions, gala evenings with entertainment and concerts.

A rich cultural life is important for all travellers. Entertainment is provided by theatres, concert halls, musical centres, alternative places of entertainment and numerous festivals. It is worth enquiring about programmes and reservations ahead of time, but hotels will also help to get tickets.