Budapest the amazing city
Budapest, the capital of Hungary was formed in 1873 when 3 separate townships, Buda, Pest and Ó buda were united. Since then it has grown into a real metropolis with 23 districts, which give home to about two million people. The city is divided into two parts by the Danube River: Buda, with its many hills is located on one side and the flatter Pest is on the other side.
The Buda Castle with the Danube Panorama and Anrdrássy Avenue with its glamorous residential palaces are part of the World Heritage. The view of this city, which can be seen from its bridges, the surrounding hills an also from the sides of the Danube, is fascinating.

Deák Square is a big junction point in Budapest where our three subway lines interconnect. From here you can easily reach the major tourist attractions such as the Heroes Square and the Parliament, and the southern and northern parts of the city as well. There is a dense network of buses, yellow trams and red trolley buses which also help you get around the city.
You can find detailed city maps at every subway station and there are several directional signs, placed along walkways and streets, which show you how to get to Budapest's major sights and points of interest.
For more information please visit:www.budapestinfo.hu or www.budapest.hu

Tourist information
Tourinform offices can be found in many parts of Hungary. To find out the locations of these information offices in Budapest go to   www.budapestinfo.hu

Currency
The official currency of Hungary is the Forint. (HUF) Currency-conversions exclusively can be done in banks and official foreign exchange outlets.

Credit cards
In shops, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels the most accepted credit cards are: AMEX, Diners Club, Euro/MasterCard, and Visa. The hotel accepts for paying only the following credit card types: AMEX, Euro/Master Card, Visa

Safety
In Budapest just like any other city in the world you have to be mindful of your bag and wallet. In every restaurant in Budapest, it is obligatory for restaurants indicate the prices of the food and beverage, and the price of guest rooms must be visible at the reception desk of the hotels, and tariffs in the cabs must be clearly indicated. In the restaurants the invoice does not usually include tips, and the average amount to tip is 10% of the total bill.

Public holidays
March 15th - National Day March 15th, marks the outbreak of the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence, from which modern parliamentarianism in Hungary can be dated.
August 20th - Constitution Day - the feast of St. Stephen, founder of the Hungarian state.
October 23rd - is the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1956 revolution. Also remembers the day of the proclamation of the Republic of Hungary, in 1989.
During these holidays all shops and banks are closed, however restaurants and clubs are open, and there are feasts and cultural events throughout the city.

Weather
http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/index.html
http://weather.yahoo.com